Tick-Tock Diner   

This Jersey landmark can look like an eyesore or a sight for sore eyes, depending upon your mood and the time of day. Although the Tick Tock is an original art deco diner built in 1949, it has been restored over the years to consistently maintain its shiny chrome and enamel exterior and its impossibly bright interior. The neon clock and "Eat Heavy" sign are the only remaining original fixtures, and still guarantee that you can enjoy big plates of food around the clock. Its peak hours are from midnight until 3 am, when clubbers, party folk and late-night people of all sizes, shapes, and ages converge upon the diner on their way home. During these hours, the bright neon structure looks its most attractive on otherwise dreary Route 3, a major artery connecting millions of suburban dwellers to Manhattan and the Meadowlands complex. The prime location, huge menu, heaping portions, inviting booths, and lively scene make this an easy to ward off a hangover. Sunday brunch is also busy here, so prepare to wait in line for the Tick Tock's famous eggs, blintzes, or "disco fries" smothered in gravy and cheese.