Sparky's Diner - Diner in Garnerville - 129 Ramapo Rd, USA

***4 1/2 stars*** I had a feeling I would be the youngest person in here by about 20 years, and that was confirmed immediately - it was basically the restaurant equivalent of seeing a Judi Dench movie in theaters. This place is a delightful time capsule that reminded me SO much of the little diner down the street from where I grew up in Hunterdon County, NJ called Ma-Dee's (which is still there). This is quintessential small town America at its finest. After passing by a few times during lunch, I decided to actually stop for a meal yesterday afternoon. I will say that the absolute worst part of this experience is the parking - you'd think that at some point in the last 40 years they would have secured more than the front area parking lot that requires you to back right into a county highway, or that at the very least they'd put down some white paint to denote some official parking spots so you don't have customers parking however they want at weird angles. I ended up parking in the back (keeping my fingers crossed that my car wasn't going to get towed for whatever reason), and had a tough time getting out without hitting some of the vehicles parked nearby. Thankfully a happy ending in that regard. I was told by an employee coming out of the kitchen to sit wherever I wanted, so I plopped down at the smaller counter off to the side. It wasn't particularly crowded in there despite it being lunch time, but everyone in there looked to be a) of retirement age and b) a resident of the nearby area. I stuck out like a sore thumb, though it probably did help that I was wearing a puffer vest. It's unusual for me to get anything other than breakfast at a diner, so I went with two eggs (scrambled) with hash browns, sausage and toast ($8!). Hit the spot. This obviously isn't Michelin-level food, but that's not why you go to a diner like this. The eggs WERE a little bland and definitely needed the pepper I added to them, but everything was perfectly fine and I'm not exaggerating when I tell you all of this food came out within two minutes. That really might be a record for something that by definition does need to be cooked to order. I was pretty stuffed after that but curious about the dessert options, and obviously couldn't turn down a highly-endorsed piece of chocolate cake. Delicious. I didn't confirm whether or not it was homemade, but that's certainly the vibe I got. The service was utter perfection. It was very obvious to everyone in there that I was making my Sparky's debut, and the staff made me feel right at home. They told me about the various celebrities that had frequented the diner over the prior few years (apparently Denzel is very nice), and were surprised to find out that I made the trek for lunch all the way from Pomona (which is literally about five minutes away but no matter). And the price point? It would honestly have been competitive during the Carter administration and I wouldn't be surprised if the prices haven't been adjusted since then. Definitely coming back with an appetite and an eye toward a very large parking spot.

Such a wonderful diner, the prices can't be beat, the food is delicious, and the staff are such a delight. It always brightens my day.

WOW This my first time eating at Sparkys diner and I’ve been driving by here for eight years since we got our house in Rockland. We stopped in once back in 2015, but it was so noisy, it sounded like they were continually dropping a buckets of silverware on the floor, we left. breakfast special #1: 2 eggs, 2 pancakes, home fries, toast and coffee, $8. (I declined the potatoes ). Five ⭐️s Perfectly cooked eggs, thin & light pancakes, well buttered toast, decent coffee and sweet nature service (from ladies not children). And it’s not too noisy. There isn’t even any music playing. I like being able to overhear bits of conversation. And the crowd? Local people like me -  looks like mostly retired folks, a few  grown children with their parents and working people too. I fit the median age, I’ll be back!

A local diner which serves traditional breakfast and brunch. The staff are friendly. Food is fresh and great. I loved everything except coffee.

If you want an iconic place to visit then here it is. The food is good at a great price. The staff are very nice. All ages and types of people eat there. The customers just walk behind the counter and serve their own coffee. It is a family style place. Many movies been filmed there as well.

Sparky’s is literally and figuratively in the heart of the community. A classic diner and gathering place which is always busy and vibrant. Love it here!

Fast service very good prices, very tasty food. I stopped here randomly after a day of work and now I plan to comeback for round 2. Very hard working people, it was very busy when I got here and I was in an out within 15 minutes.

First time there, lovely atmosphere, friendly attentive staff. Really good food at very reasonable prices.