Royal Diner – Washington NJ

Luckily you’ve got Mod Betty to clue you into the hidden diner in Washington, lest you get distracted by the shiny one in the middle of town. Sure you could eat there, but instead, visit the Royal Diner just up the road. Tucked beneath a red shingle roof and a barrier of white siding is an actual vintage diner. Originally established as Hills Diner in the late 1930s, this O’Mahony built diner replaced that earlier dining car in the late 1940s/early 1950s.

Open 7 days a week, the Royal is big on breakfast and lunch offerings as well as charm. Sunburst stainless appears everywhere, and the vintage paintings in the menu cases above the counter add a colorful cheer to the simple diner interior.

I was sold on the diner as a return destination when on my first visit I confided in the waitress that I could not decide whether to get the sausage patties or links with breakfast. She blew my mind and won my heart when she said, “well, why don’t you get one of each?” My mind reeled - can I even do that?! She brought me one of each and it was one of the best breakfasts ever because of that extra thought.

While this may not be a place where average out of towners travel to dine, Retro Roadmappers know that the best places to go are often hidden in plain sight - or under a red shingle roof - like the Royal Diner.

I overheard a regular claim he felt “Finer than a frog hair” / a total keeper saying!

Prices are affordable so bring cash and tip heavy

Make sure to see the vintage diner photograph displayed in the dining area