Forked River Diner – What a Classic Diner Should Be!

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To me the Forked River Diner represents all that a great diner should be.

Clean, not cluttered.

Friendly but not fake or fawning.

Appetizing and affordable.

It is so rare to find a classic vintage diner like this anymore that I really feel like I discovered a jewel, and am thrilled to share it all with you!

Built in 1953 by the Kullman Dining Car Company, the Forked River diner has been owned by the same family since 1984. Nancy Moody and her husband Robert (known just as “Moody”) are the current caretakers - and boy do they take care. You barely need to squint your eyes to imagine you’ve traveled into the past.

The terrazzo floor and stainless backsplashes are sparkling, and the whole place gleams as the sun pours in. As Mod Betty often says about any place vintage “Cleaning is the best decorating you can do” and I’m happy to say that the folks at Forked River are of the same mind.

They’re open from 5am (!!) until 9pm every day of the week except Sunday and Monday when they close at 3pm.

Their traditional diner menu includes hearty breakfasts with homemade muffins. Lunches and daily specials are listed on the white board in front, including homemade desserts (yum, cheesecake).

Daily dinner specials include soup or salad, sides and your choice of jello or ice cream for dessert.

Oh and PS learn from my discoveries AND faux pas - the town/diner is pronounced “Fork-ED” River, not “Fork’d”. :-)

But the most important thing you should learn about this discovery is that you should GO to this diner, and experience it for yourself.

Mod Betty Says:

You can’t miss it’s along route 9 because of its distinctive “wide brim hat” rooftop!

Like any classic diner, they’re cash only so come prepared and tip heavy

Diner sleuths will want to photograph the Kullman tag above the front doorway.