You might be able to count on several hands the number of New Jerseyans who've never been to a diner at some point in their lives. The Diner Capital of the World, New Jersey is home to about 600 diners, some glittering and gargantuan, others compact and cozy.

Here we pay tribute to the state's greatest old-school diners, those time-warp wonders all stainless-steel-shiny, with vintage swivel stools, booths and menus that haven't been updated in years. Newer, fancy diners can't qualify as old-school; most of the diners on this list date to the '50s and '60s, if not before. All are packed with atmosphere, tradition and history.

We did similar lists for old-school restaurants and old-school pizzerias, and the same standards apply here. This is not a list of the state's best diners for food, but its best old-school diners. Again, it's more about look, atmosphere, tradition and history. We've included several diners that are now other types of restaurants, but are unmistakably diners. You can change the name, but you can't erase a diner's heart and soul.

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30. Manville Diner, Manville

There are certainly better-known diners in Somerset County — the Time to Eat Diner in Bridgewater and Somerset Diner among them. But for old-school charm, the Manville Diner tops the field. A diner has been on-site since 1939. It was once known as the Midtown Diner. The narrow, barrel-roofed diner is not for the claustrophobic; keep feet and elbows tucked close to your table. Recommended: the Greek salad and burgers.

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FRIDAY SPECIALS 🍽️ ☕ Morning 👉 Pumpkin spice pancakes with whipped cream & cinnamon sugar 👉 Bacon, ham & cheese omelette... Posted by Blairstown diner on Friday, October 18, 2019

29. Blairstown Diner, Blairstown

The red-trimmed Blairstown Diner can be seen in "Friday the 13th,'' which accounts for regulars showing up every Friday the 13th to celebrate this classic "slice'' — sorry! — of Americana. You can buy coffee mugs that read, "Great Food and Killer Service.'' Eggs, burgers, wraps, chicken, steak and other dishes dot the menu. If you haven't eaten in days, order the Big Deputy — egg, bacon, ham, peppers, onions & cheddar cheese on a hard roll.

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Peter Genovese I NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

28. Silver Coin Diner, Hammonton

Hammonton is known as the "Blueberry Capital of the World," but it's also home to the Silver Coin Diner, on the White Horse Pike. Spacious and neon-resplendent, it certainly gets your attention. But even the showiest diners often have a vintage heart beating inside them, and this diner dates to the 1940s. Try the burgers or the broiled cod. My favorite dish is the jumbo lump crab Benedict.

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27. Dumont Crystal Diner, Dumont

The incomparable Dumont Crystal Diner was featured in a chapter titled "How to Decorate Your Diner'' in my book Jersey Diners. When I stopped, a photo of Annie Oakley was flanked by one of Sitting Bull — logical enough — and . . . Dolly Parton? The Dumont Crystal, probably built in the late 1920s, is almost unrecognizable as a diner from the outside, but the interior is classic diner. It's more like a diner den, with all the photos and other memorabilia on display. Woody Allen wanted to shoot a movie here once, but then-owner Momir Saranovic told him no.

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Peter Genovese I NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

26. White Star Diner, Plainfield

Ignore the crummy sidewalk, graffiti-streaked phone and the "Texas Winers'' sign. The White Star still shines. It's a remnant of days when "white'' was a popular Jersey diner name — White Rose, White Manna, White Circle and so on. The name connoted cleanliness and wholesomeness. I stopped here recently and asked for soup, only to be told they don't do soup. A diner that doesn't do soup? No matter. The White Star is still a classic. Try a burger, Taylor ham egg and cheese, or a couple Texas Weiners. Or Winers.

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25. Tuckahoe Family Diner, Tuckahoe

Cute little diner on a country road, the Tuckahoe Family Diner is about halfway between Mays Landing and Sea Isle City. The 1945 Silk City diner exudes character and charm. You just want to sit in the booth all day and ignore the outside world. Diner pancakes are often forgettable, but the ones here are homemade, hearty and first-rate. The burgers are excellent too: big, fat and juicy.

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24. Colonial Diner, Lyndhurst

Shimmering silver facade, neon lighting, swivel stools, cozy and convivial: the Colonial Diner hits all the classic diner buttons. The website says it opened in 1950. The menu covers all the diner standards. I love the name of the "21 shrimp''appetizer. Breakfast is available around-the-clock, and the diner is open 24/7.

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23. Arlington Diner, North Arlington

Maybe no Jersey diner is more beautiful at night than the Arlington Diner — look at that splendid neon! It's undergone several transformations since 1958. It was originally owned by the three Dominos brothers, Nick, Chris and John. From 1976-2003, the owners were George Xanthos, Alex Golematis, Peter Dominos and Angelo Paradimas. The current owners are brothers Steve and George Xanthos.

The diner is known for its cheesecake, and the brothers say the same recipe has been used since 1958. It came from a baker from Germany who worked here one year. Also recommended: the cheesecake-stuffed French toast.

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22. Antojitos Poblanos, Paterson

Antojitos Poblanos is now a Mexican restaurant, but you can't keep this great old diner off the list. I'm not sure I've eaten there, but the food — especially the tacos — attracts a steady crowd. "Magical Taco stand in obscure corner of Paterson,'' a regular raved on Facebook. "Don't let its location and spartan decor fool you."

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21. Point Diner, Somers Point

The Point Diner, open 50-plus years, is a Shore landmark, located just before the bridge leading to Ocean City. Unlike many Shore diners, it's open 24/7 through the winter except on Sunday, when it's closed. I like the chicken pot pie, with its browned, flaky crust.

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Can you guess which #celebrity’s car was parked at this Jackson Hole parking lot? Hint: He had a popular #sitcom in the... Posted by Jackson Hole New Jersey on Tuesday, November 15, 2016

20. Jackson Hole Diner, Englewood

When we held our N.J.'s best diner showdown in 2015, several readers questioned categorizing Jackson Hole as a diner. They need to bone up on Diners 101, my guide to understanding and appreciating the Jersey diner. Stainless steel, swivel stools, padded booths, jukeboxes — Jackson Hole oozes ''diner." It began as the Star Diner in 1945, according to the manager. There are four Jackson Hole locations in New York City, but this is the only Jersey outpost.

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19. Taqueria Los Gueros, Bloomfield

This is one of several classic diners on this list that are now other types of restaurants, but once a diner, always a diner! This was once the White Circle System, with its distinctive downward-pointing arrow that wrapped around the words "White Circle.'' It was built in 1954 by the Manno Dining Car Co. in Belleville. There were two other White Circles, in Springfield and Newark. Taqueria Los Gueros has 10 locations in New Jersey.

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18. Royal Diner, Washington Borough (Warren County)

There are two diners in Washington Borough: the shiny Washington Diner and the cute, quaint Royal Diner, just down the street. It sports a burgundy-colored roof, American flags fluttering in the breeze and a classic '50s interior. Check out the vintage ads on the wall, especially the one that says, "Today's Menu Take it or Leave it!" The omelets are popular, and you can get scrapple — deep-fried no less.

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17. White Mana, Jersey City

The owners of the White Mana (Jersey City) and White Manna (Hackensack) have argued over which diner appeared at the 1939 New York World's Fair. The White Manna did win a Food Network showdown between the two burger joints in 2010. From the outside, the White Mana looks like a retro flying saucer, permanently landed at the corner of Tonnelle Avenue (Route 1) and Manhattan Avenue in Jersey City. No credit cards, no free refills, and on late Friday and Saturday nights, it's takeout orders only. Sit at the glorious wraparound counter and enjoy the show: burgers and onions sizzling and steaming on the vest-pocket grill.

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Peter Genovese I NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

16. Key City Diner, Lopatcong

You can't miss the Key City Diner at night: The big glowing neon key sign has beckoned travelers for 50-plus years. Inside is a diner straight out of diner central casting, with yellow-and-orange tube lighting and swivel stools. Diners that serve real syrup instead of the usual packaged goop always get extra points in my book, and the French toast here is made with challah bread. Skip the regular burger and order the Angus burger, with the first-rate fries.

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Alex Remnick I NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

15. Broad Street Diner, Keyport

The winner of the most exhaustive diner search ever makes this list. The Broad Street Diner emerged triumphant in our N.J.'s best diner showdown, which started with a field of 350+ diners. This cozy, small-town diner serves up a tasty slice of '50s kitsch with a thoroughly modern menu — smoked brisket hash and eggs, Cajun shrimp penne, and my favorite dish, the chocolate babka French toast.

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14. Miss America Diner, Jersey City

The Miss America is still the best diner name in New Jersey, and it has nothing to do with the beauty pageant. The original owner, from Germany, was so happy to be in this country he named it the Miss America. It's an O'Mahony diner, built in the mid-'40s. It's a glorious sight at night, when it's awash in neon.

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Avi Steinhardt

13. Salem Oak Diner, Salem

The Salem Oak Diner boasts a timeless retro look — pale pink booths, coat racks and individual jukeboxes, although, alas, they don't work. I wrote about the diner 25 years ago for my book Jersey Diners, and it scarcely has changed. New owners, different color scheme, and that's about it. New Jersey's most famous tree, the Salem Oak, stood across the street from the diner until it collapsed in June. The diner, which opened on Sept. 21, 1955, seems destined to last forever.

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12. Johnny Prince's Bayway Diner, Linden

Johnny Prince's Bayway Diner was one of seven restaurants in the pilot episode of "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives'' back in 2006. The diner may be the smallest, seating-wise, in the state, with just seven stools. There are tables outside, practically in the shadow of Bayway itself. Johnny Prince is John Principato, a retired Linden fireman who became owner in 2015. Try the chili dog, which is boiled, then deep-fried.

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11. Tony's Freehold Grill, Freehold

While Freehold spruces up, Tony's Freehold Grill remains stubbornly old-school. The diner opened in 1947, named after Tony Iliadis, who took it over with a partner in 1963. I interviewed him for my diner book 25 years ago — at the time, he estimated he had cooked 26 million eggs. The diner closes in mid-afternoon.

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10. Truck Stop Diner, Kearny

Bono ate at the Truck Stop Diner — what more do you need to know? The U2 frontman stopped here in 2018 while shooting a video. You don't stumble upon this diner by accident. It's tucked into the Jersey Truck Stop, on Truck 1-9, close to the other Route 1, the Pulaski Skyway. There is a laminated menu, or you can look up and read the old-school, white-lettered menu on the wall. The diner, a Kullman, once stood at the corner of 50th Street and 8th Avenue, across the street from the old Madison Square Garden. It was called the Arena Diner. In 1948, it was moved across the river to South Kearny, New Jersey's least scenic, least sexy neighborhood. The exterior has been bricked over, but the diner's gorgeous retro soul remains.

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9. Bendix Diner, Hasbrouck Heights

For a while there, the Bendix Diner may have been the most famous diner on American TV. It was the setting for many commercials, most memorably the U.S. Healthcare commercial with Ray Charles singing "America'' and a wedding party running across the rain-slickened parking lot. There was a Kellogg's Bran Flake commercial, a Reebok commercial with basketball players Kenny Anderson and Sam Cassell and commercials for Tonka Toys, Coke, New Jersey Bell, Maalox and many others. Movies shot here include Jersey Girl and Boys on the Side. Today, its classic chrome exterior beckons at the junction of Routes 17 and 46.

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8. Forked River Diner, Forked River

The Forked River Diner is on a heavily commercial, modern stretch of Route 9. It looks like it dropped in from diner outer space. They have good homemade soups, and they take pride in their pancakes — caramel apple walnut pancakes were on the specials board recently.

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7. Victoria Diner, Branchville

Way at the top of New Jersey is diner heaven in the form of the Victoria Diner, which, like many diners, has a complicated history. It started as the Wayside Diner in Rockaway and was trucked here in the '50s, where it was later known as J.D.'s and the Five-Star Diner. Those expecting just pancakes and burgers will be surprised by a menu that includes Tuscan roast pork loin, Chicken Napoleon, Bayou Blackened Steak and the Mixed Berries French Toast, warm and wonderful.

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Alex Remnick I NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

6. White Rose Diner, Linden

The White Rose System in Linden, now known as the White Rose Diner, is a rousingly retro hangout — counter, booths, spinning stools, an abundance of stainless steel. One of the state's 33 best Taylor ham/pork roll sandwiches can be found here. You can get sliders or regular-sized burgers, including the Turnpike (cheddar cheese, barbecue sauce and onion crisps), the Skyway (jalapenos, peppers and onions) and the Goethals (Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, Russian dressing).

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5. Roadside Diner, Wall

The Roadside Diner sparkles in the late afternoon sun, with its red, railroad car-style roof, yellow awnings and stainless steel sheen. Remember the diner in John Sayles' 1983 movie "Baby It's You?" That was the Roadside Diner, which opened here in the '40s. Dig the sliding glass door and the teeny tiny bathrooms. Solid, dependable food and a great place to just hang out. Oh, and there's a photo of Bruce on the wall.

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4. Mustache Bill's Diner, Barnegat Light

Mustache Bill's Diner glimmers and glows in the morning sun, a '50s diner that would be a perfect stage set for a diner reality show. The diner opened in 1959 — a turkey platter at the time set you back a buck. Current owner Bill Smith started working at what was then Joe's Barnegat Light Diner in high school and bought it in 1972. And yes, he wears a mustache. The food is neither boring nor predictable; try the shrimp tempura, potato skin omelet or the caramel apple rose tart. The diner, closed for the season, re-opens in February.

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3. White Manna, Hackensack

The state's cutest diner — a glass-blocked jewel — the White Manna in Hackensack is not to be confused with the White Mana in Jersey City, also on this list. You likely need to wait in line at the Manna, but it will be oh so worth it. The smell of the onion-topped sliders is enough to make you swoon. A McDonald's is right across the street. Talk about choices.

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2. Angelo's Glassboro Diner, Glassboro

Angelo's Glassboro Diner may be the quintessential small town diner: a dozen stools, a half-dozen tables and waitresses who greet regulars by first name. It opened in 1946 and has scarcely changed since; they still don't take credit cards. The menu, like the diner, is compact, but the food is hearty and cheap. Dying to try scrapple? This is the place. Also try the sirloin steak and bread pudding.

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Matt Rainey I The Star-Ledger

1. Summit Diner, Summit

If I had to take a diner first-timer to one Jersey diner, it would likely be the Summit Diner, maybe the state's oldest. It's a time-warp wonder with its curved roof, wood paneling, padded booths and a grill where you can see, smell and practically touch your food. Order a slider (not the usual mini-burger, but a Taylor ham, egg and cheese sandwich) and cup of coffee and drink in one of the state's essential food experiences.

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Peter Genovese I NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Diners R.I.P.

Many classic diners have been torn down or abandoned in the 20+ years since my book Jersey Diners was published. Here are several I've especially missed and mourned:

Bound Brook Diner, Bound Brook

Chappy's Diner, Paterson (in photo)

Crossroads Diner, White Township

The Egg Platter, Paterson

Excellent Diner, Westfield

Harris Diner, East Orange

Max's, Harrison

Olga's Diner, Marlton

Orange Circle, Orange

The Short Stop, Bloomfield

White Crystal Diner, Atlantic Highlands

Wildwood Diner, Wildwood

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Alexandra Pais I New Jersey News Service

What's your favorite old-school diner?

This is one diner denizen's list of the best old-school diners. What are yours? Who did we miss?

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Peter Genovese I NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

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N.J.'s best new pizzerias: 20 delicious spots you need to try

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