Victoria Diner – Branchville New Jersey

The Victoria Diner is one of the most far-flung North Jersey destinations, but well worth the drive into rural Sussex County. In fact, make a day trip of it, fueling up here before or after a visit to the Bear Swamp Wildlife Management Area - less than ten minutes away from this adorable vintage diner.

And adorable it is! Thought to have been built in the late 1930s, the diner was moved here in the 1950s from its original home in Wayne. With a mosaic tile floor and counter stools from that earlier diner era, I love that the stripe on the outside of this stainless steel diner echoes the cheery yellow and green interior. Take a close look at the curtains that filter out the afternoon sunshine and you’ll see that they’re a diner pattern. Now that’s attention to detail!

Named the Victoria by current owner Rosa Hatzimihalis and her husband Michael, they’ve been making a name for this diner because of their attention to the details on their delicious menu too. A Top 10 Finalist in NJ.com Best Diner in New Jersey competition, their focus on local produce, homemade soups, fresh roasts and grilled fishes means you’ll get more taste than you expect from typical diner fare. This includes barbecue, courtesy of Uncle Joe’s which is often set up in the parking lot of the diner.

With cheery flowers planted around the front the vintage Victoria is a perfect backdrop for classic car cruise nights held here during the summer.

Yes they take credit cards, but pay cash if you can - better for the business

Note the barrel roof arch on the inside of the diner

Can you find the diner manufacturer’s tag here?