Diner Fare with a Jersey Twist at Asbury Lanes Diner

Asbury Lanes Diner
Asbury Park
209 Fourth Avenue
(732) 361-6659

Open: Weekdays until midnight; weekends, 24-hours

Price: $$

Style: Small, chrome, ’60s-style diner with tile floors, vinyl booths and counter seating.

The Scoop: Asbury Lanes closed for renovation in 2015 and reopened this year on Memorial Day weekend with a new feature: The former lounge has been converted to a diner accessible from the bowling alleys or from the street. Salt Hotels, which runs the nearby Asbury Hotel, operates the diner.

The Menu: Diner fare with a Jersey accent, like disco fries or a pork-roll waffle sandwich—Taylor ham, egg and cheese between two waffles, served with tater tots and ketchup. The cinnamon roll (pictured), a delicious, dark-as-night giant served in a cast-iron pan, is glazed in brown butter and laced with Devonshire cream. Perfect for sharing, if you’re feeling generous. For an equally generous main, try the Lanes Burger. Chopped jalapeño and caramelized onions are worked into the patty before it hits the griddle. It’s topped with Jack cheese, shredded lettuce, tomato and chipotle mayo, and served with fries and thick, crispy onion rings. The menu offers a few trendier dishes, like avocado toast and sweet potato hash.

Heads Up: While not on the menu, the diner has a board listing “boozy milkshakes” made with chocolate, vanilla or strawberry gelato plus liquor. They’re silkier than regular milkshakes and come with a kick.