September 7, 2003: Cup of manhattan clam chowder, turkey burger deluxe, diet coke at the CRYSTAL DINER, 166 Route 37 E. Toms River, 732/244-6262 The chowder was very chunky almost like "beef stew" and average tasting. The entree was better... it came with some decent onion rings and the fries were similar to Burger King's in that not quite potato fry. The coleslaw, although not too mayo-y or mushy did need some pepper. Yummy pickle. Regarding the turkey burger, it was above average. The bun was toasted, the tomatoes red... unfortunately the lettuce was the white hard inner core.

The decor was more art deco with the pink marble, glass, and crystal chandeliers. But it did have a very homey atmosphere with the mismatched china and purring music box. The town's annual greek festival was advertised on the paper placemats. It looks like the building will be torn down soon. And replaced with a mini strip mall with a CVS. However, it looks like the diner will return in a new form.