Chit Chat Diner, West Orange, NJ:
A Restaurant Review

Chit Chat Diner, West Orange, NJ

Chit Chat Diner
410 Eagle Rock Ave.
West Orange, NJ

Chit Chat Diner: Highlights

Fare: American Diner

Price: Moderate - Above average for typical diner prices.

Food Quality. Typical Diner food quality served in huge portions.

Decor/Ambiance: Entertaining. Alice and wonderland theme, with a bold, kitschy vibe.

Service: Friendly, though can be slow at times, especially for weekend breakfast/brunch.

Recommended For: Diners who enjoy a large diner styled menu in a bold amusement themed atmosphere.

Not Recommended For: Diners who prefer a traditional, formal setting with fine dining amenities.

Recommended dishes: When available, for breakfast, the light fig and Gouda French toast w/ creamy Gouda cheese stuffed between pan challah French toast; For Lunch, The Bourbon Street Burger, w/ Jack Daniel's sauce, Applewood smoked bacon, Monterey Jack cheese, & crisp fried red onions. Served with French fries; For dessert, The Big Fat Chocolate cake, a hefty piece of moist seven-layer confection topped by chunks of super-rich chocolate brownie.

Liquor: Full bar service

The Chit Chat Diner, with locations in West Orange and Hackensack, NJ, is a standout example of the new wave of Jersey diners: big, bold, and vibrant, complete with an alcohol menu that sets it apart from the classic diners of yesteryear.

Unlike its more traditional counterparts, Chit Chat isn’t just a diner—it’s a full-on entertaining dining experience. With its lively, whimsical atmosphere, you might feel like you’ve stepped into a theme park rather than a restaurant. It’s also family-friendly, making it a fantastic spot to bring kids for a fun and memorable meal.

Co-owned and operated by Gus Katsanos (alongside his son-in-law, Frank Shizas), the Chit Chat Diner reflects Katsanos’ decades of restaurant expertise, dating back to his start in Manhattan in 1978. In 2017, Katsanos purchased the long-closed Eagle Rock Diner, completely transformed it, and reopened it as the Chit Chat Diner in 2018. Together with his brother-in-law, he also runs the Hackensack location.

Perched atop a hill along Eagle Rock Avenue near Eagle Rock Park, the diner’s striking, castle-like structure—made of dark stone—is impossible to miss. Inside, the 180-seat diner feels like a scene straight out of Alice in Wonderland, with soaring ceilings, dazzling chandeliers dripping with multicolored crystals, and booths upholstered in kitschy red, purple, green, and polka-dot fabrics. The black-and-white checkerboard flooring ties the whimsical theme together. On a clear day, the diner offers a breathtaking view of the New York City skyline, especially as the sun sets behind you.

The Chit Chat Diner shines with its extensive breakfast menu, featuring everything from classic favorites like fluffy pancakes and crispy bacon to modern twists like avocado toast and breakfast burritos. Omelette lovers will appreciate the variety of options, all made with fresh ingredients and served with a side of golden hash browns. For brunch, the menu steps it up with dishes like eggs Benedict, chicken and waffles, and savory crepes, perfectly paired with a mimosa or freshly brewed coffee.

Families are well catered to, with a dedicated "Mini Chit Chatters" menu offering a wide selection of kid-friendly breakfast options for children under 12.

Open seven days a week, the Chit Chat Diner is a go-to destination for breakfast, brunch, and beyond.

(Updated: February 2025)

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