Brookside Diner

699 Route 10 East, Whippany, NJ 07981

“Where friends & family gather,” according to their website and menus. A Whippany staple, this diner has been around since I was a child. It’s changed ownership a few times, but the food remains top-quality with affordable prices. During the holidays, festive décor sparkles from the rafters, and a small arcade room serves as the entry foyer (with classic games like Pacman and a play-till-you win crane machine brimming with stuffed animals). Easily accessible from I- 287, I-80, and of course Route 10, Brookside offers a spacious parking lot—but perhaps isn’t a convenient location for public transit commuters. The nearest bus stops all require a lengthy traverse down a busy highway without any designated walking paths.

As expected with any diner, the variety and menu options are nearly endless. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, seasonal specials, and desserts are all available at reasonable prices ($$ on Yelp). My go-to options are usually grilled cheese on rye (with coleslaw and pickle on the side), homemade chicken noodle soup, or a breaded chicken wrap. If I’m in the mood for something sweeter, the Belgian waffle topped with fresh strawberries, blueberries, and bananas (with whipped cream) never disappoints. Through all the years I’ve been a patron, I can’t remember an instance where I wasn’t satisfied with my order, save once: I wasn’t a huge fan of the turkey burger. It was a bit greasy, and not quite as flavorful as I would’ve liked. (But then again, maybe I’m comparing it to my own home-made turkey burgers, which I suppose isn’t a fair comparison.)

Though she didn’t grow up with Brookside, Kiersten has had her share of meals here including the sweet (pancakes, muffins, and pie) and the savory (beef burgers and disco fries, which hit the spot!).

The dining area at Brookside is spacious and accommodating, with booth and table options that can seat groups of two to twenty people. Bar seating is also available. The wait staff are generally friendly and inviting, and I’ve never felt rushed. Outlets at tables are difficult to come by, so make sure your laptop is fully charged if you plan on bringing it to write.

The Brookside Diner & Restaurant earns a 4/5 from NJ Writer’s Café. While it may appear like a typical diner, the friendly staff and management, high-quality food, and comfortably private seating arrangements make this location great for a meal out with friends or for indulging in some brain food to help you write the next great American (NJ) novel.

Wishing you the best in all your reading, eating, writing, and dreaming! Till next time...

AJ