Best Hole-in-the-Wall Breakfast Spot Hiding in Tiny NJ Town

You know how the saying goes, "Don't judge a book by its cover."

It's so true universally, but especially when it comes to dining in New Jersey.

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How often have you pulled up to a restaurant for the first time, saw it, and said, "There's no way I'm eating here."

I've done this before, and while I've been right a few times, I'm often dead wrong.

Il Giardinello on Route 9 in Toms River is a perfect example.

A long time ago, after hearing so many good things about this Ocean County Italian staple, I decided to try it for myself.

When I pulled up to Il Giardinello and saw this, I thought, "This place is in a strip mall. How good could it be?"

Google Maps

I decided to go in anyway, and I'm glad I did because the food was incredible.

My meal was fantastic, and the entire staff was exceptional.

Il Giardinello Ristorante

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After this experience, I promised never to judge a restaurant from the exterior again.

After all, in New Jersey, it's "hole-in-the-wall" restaurants that serve some of the most authentic and delicious cuisines.

The website Cheapism traveled across our great nation to spotlight the best hole-in-the-wall eateries, focusing on breakfast.

When you see breakfast and New Jersey, jumping to a diner is easy, right?

Jersey has more diners than any other place globally, and we take our diners very seriously.

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When I was reading up on Chepism's choice for New Jersey, I had to research because this eatery is in a town many have never heard of.

Warren Grove is a rural town in the township of Stafford in Ocean County. Its population is just shy of 400.

In Warren Grove, you'll find one of the best hole-in-the-wall restaurants in the country.

Lucille Bates says she's all heart, sass, and energy and believes in the power of a good meal to improve any situation.

In 1975, Lucille and her husband Jim opened Lucille's Luncheonette in Warren Grove.

This little roadside cafe on 539 quickly became the place to stop on the way to the Shore for visitors to LBI for a good home-cooked meal.

Lucille says she's every one's Mom, sister, aunt, or whatever you need her to be.

Cheapism added:

This breakfast stop is a favorite thanks to its fluffy pancakes stuffed with fresh blueberries, perfectly cooked eggs, and pies that diners say just might be the best you’ll ever taste. Keep a look out for specials like a sticky bun French toast.

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Gallery Credit: Rob Carroll