M-F (7AM-5PM), Sa (7AM-3PM), Closed Su
(609) 278-8994 Google Maps
Gravitas: 
Decor: 
Cost: 
Proximity:
(Covid Update Dec 2021 – in business) If you’re looking for a friendly diner to have a leisurely breakfast in downtown Trenton, look no further than Sunrise Luncheonette. This modest cafe has humble decor and decent food, but its chief selling point is the relaxed atmosphere. Step inside, and you’ll instantly feel like you’re a regular returning to a favorite joint, welcomed by the owner and greeted by your (new) friends.
Located on historic Warren Street, Sunrise Luncheonette has a way of looking perpetually closed. Sometimes they leave their security gate partially down, obscuring the yellow sign which is already behind an old-fashioned diner window with bars. But forge ahead, as cheap eats and hot cups of coffee await. Sunrise has a counter with a few stools, and maybe ten small tables. There’s nothing designed about this atmosphere–it’s pure simplicity. They offer a basic diner menu of breakfast and lunch standards. Eggs, french toast, pancakes, omelettes, breakfast sandwiches, and grits, as well as salads, sandwiches, wraps, hot dogs, and a few hot platters (such as meat loaf or fried fish). The prices are truly Trenton prices–several dollars below what you’d pay in the suburbs. Burgers are $3, sandwiches and omelettes $3-$6, platters typically under $7. I was unable to find a menu item for over $7, and most are well below. There is an extra $.25 charge on to-go orders. Portions are reasonable, though not overwhelming. There are often specials and veggie options written on the boards by the counter.
The food is decent. You’re not going here for elegant eats, but it is certainly serviceable. I’ve found the breakfasts to be a good value for the price, and always well-cooked. They do eggs pretty well, though I’m not a huge fan of their potatoes. So far, I’ve not had a lunch there that inspired me, though for these prices my expectations are pretty low. The coffee is very good.
If you’re looking for a flavorful lunch and willing to pay one or two more dollars, I’d recommend nearby E. Front Cafe. But if you’re looking for somewhere to have a dirt-cheap breakfast, where you won’t feel rushed and you can enjoy the warm hospitality of the owners, Sunrise Luncheonette is the place for you.
I’m quite fond of Sunrise, particularly for breakfast. However, pointers might be helpful. First, and of most importance, ignore the menu for breakfast. I have an absolutely marvelous low carb breakfast consisting of an omelet with fresh spinach and feta cheese, grilled tomato slices and a couple of strips of bacon. Sometimes I have the eggs scrambled or over easy with sautéed spinach on the side (with grilled tomato slices and bacon or sausage). None of this is on the menu. Second, for lunch ignore the printed menu and look instead to the chalk board. In summer the gazpacho is very good, grilled cheese with pesto is wonderful, etc. The printed menu is fairly conventional; the chalk board listings are much more adventurous and interesting. Third, visit with the proprietor up front, Moliere (first name, not last). If not all, many things are possible. And if you find something you like (such as grilled tomatoes, bacon and a spinach and feta omelet), it will just start appearing when you sit down without even having to order. What more could you ask for?