10 Best Bargain Eats In New Jersey With Big Plates And Small Prices

New Jersey offers some amazing food deals for hungry folks on a budget. From famous boardwalk pizza joints to historic diners, you can find huge portions that won’t empty your wallet. These ten spots serve up delicious meals with generous helpings that give you the most bang for your buck.
1. Frank’s Deli & Restaurant – Asbury Park

This beloved Shore institution has been stuffing bellies since 1960. The submarine sandwiches here are legendary; packed with quality meats and cheeses on fresh-baked bread.
Most impressive are the massive portion sizes that could easily feed two hungry people. Remember to bring cash, as their no-credit-card policy helps keep prices remarkably low.
2. Sam’s Pizza Palace – Wildwood

Walking the Wildwood boardwalk works up an appetite that Sam’s massive slices satisfy perfectly. Family-owned since 1957, this cash-only spot serves pizza with a perfectly crispy crust and generous toppings.
A single slice practically covers an entire paper plate and costs just a few dollars. The jumbo-sized pies feed entire families without breaking the bank.
3. Doo Wop Diner – Wildwood

Stepping into this 1950s-themed eatery feels like time travel, but the prices won’t make your wallet nostalgic. Checkered floors and vintage decor create the perfect backdrop for mountain-high burgers and fries.
Their breakfast platters arrive on plates barely visible beneath enormous pancake stacks and egg combos. Kids especially love the retro vibe and adults appreciate the family-friendly prices.
4. Dominick’s Pizza – Morristown

Hidden away in Morristown, Dominick’s serves pizza that locals protect like a treasured secret. Their signature thin-crust pies emerge from old-school ovens with that perfect balance of char and chew.
What sets them apart is the sheer abundance of toppings; never skimping on cheese or pepperoni. The value-priced lunch specials include enormous slices and fountain drinks that keep students and workers coming back daily.
5. Hoagitos – Belmar

Don’t let the cute name fool you – there’s nothing small about the flavors packed into these sandwiches. Hoagitos crafts artisan-quality hoagies using locally-sourced ingredients without the gourmet price tag.
Their signature creations combine unexpected flavor combinations on fresh-baked rolls.
6. Tops Diner – East Newark

Regularly crowned New Jersey’s best diner, Tops has elevated comfort food to an art form without elevating prices. The recently renovated space balances retro charm with modern touches, but the massive portions remain gloriously old-school.
Their meatloaf arrives as a slab rather than a slice, while the famous disco fries could feed a small party. Even breakfast platters arrive with enough eggs and home fries to fuel you through dinner.
7. Sunset Diner – Ocean Township

Morning sunshine streams through the windows at this local favorite, illuminating plates that require both hands to carry. Their Greek owners infuse Mediterranean flair into classic American diner fare.
Pancakes arrive three to an order but each one spans the entire plate. The gyro platters feature enough seasoned meat to build several sandwiches.
8. La Bella Roma Pizzeria – Paramus

This family-run gem tucked into a Paramus strip mall has been filling bellies with authentic Italian cuisine for generations. The owners still make sauce from scratch using recipes brought over from the old country.
Their pasta portions are comically generous – a single order of baked ziti could satisfy two hungry adults. The garlic knots alone (often given complimentary) would make a meal elsewhere, yet entrees remain surprisingly affordable for Bergen County.
9. White Mana Diner – Jersey City

This UFO-shaped landmark has been slinging sliders since the 1939 World’s Fair. The tiny historic building with its circular counter might seem modest, but the value is anything but small.
Sliders arrive by the sackful – most regulars order them by the half-dozen.
10. Broad Street Diner – Keyport

This chrome-clad classic diner serves breakfast all day with portions that could sustain a small army. The friendly waitstaff – many who’ve worked here for decades – deliver plates requiring serious bicep strength.
Their country fried steak completely disappears beneath creamy gravy, while the Greek specialties reflect the owners’ heritage.