There ain’t no party like the one that takes place in a diner at 2:00 am. In the mid-1990s, almost every table at a Garden State diner would be taken by partygoers who were fresh out of the club — and ready for some drunk munchies. Their menu item of choice? Why, it was Disco Fries, of course. If you want to talk Disco Fries, talk to the folks at the Summit Diner. The Summit is New Jersey’s oldest diner and dates back to 1929. Disco Fries– Noun. French fries covered in cheese and smothered in brown gravy.
Example: “I need some Disco Fries if I’m going to make it to work in the morning.”
Jim Greberis has been at the Summit Diner for 34 years, and has been serving Disco Fries for just as long. “They were more popular many years ago, but people still order them,” he said. See, the thing is, people have gotten healthy — and Disco Fries are what Jim calls “muchie food.”
Classically, Disco Fries are crisp cheese fries smothered in gravy. “It only works if you use good gravy,” he said. As for queso, mozzarella is the go-to cheese. “Customers like to change things up and get American cheese from time to time, though,” explained Jim. “I actually like the American cheese with our gravy. It’s a good combo.”
Where did the name “disco” come from? Disco fries started to stick around the late ’70s and early ’80s, when diners had an influx of disco-goers coming in for a late-night snack after a full night of dancing and partying. Throughout the state, diners have put their own touch on the gravy covered potatoes.
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The Story Behind the “Disco”
Old-school staple the Tick Tock Diner in Clifton been serving tipsy club goers 24/7 since the 1940s. “Cheese always makes it better. The fact that the gravy melts the cheese makes for a drunk person’s heaven,” said Niko Hatzigianakis of the late-night treat. Niko, who has been with the Tick Tock family for more than 16 years, says the dish has taken on a life of its own. “It used to be something you only saw in the middle of the night. But we see it more and more during the day. Especially during breakfast.” The way Niko sees it, club kids from the ’80s and ’90s aren’t staying out late anymore. Now, they’re taking the family out for breakfast, so Disco Fries are that little nostalgic treat … or an overtired parent’s heaven if it’s 9 am on a Sunday.
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FAQ
Where did the term disco fries originate?
Are disco fries a jersey thing?
What is the difference between poutine and disco fries?
What are disco fries made of?
What are Disco Fries?
Disco fries is an American side dish consisting of thick cut steak fries that are layered with brown gravy and mozzarella cheese, which can sometimes be replaced with grated American cheese. It is believed that this tasty side dish was inspired by the famous Canadian poutine.
Do Disco Fries have American cheese?
Classically, Disco Fries are crisp cheese fries smothered in gravy. “It only works if you use good gravy,” he said. As for queso, mozzarella is the go-to cheese. “Customers like to change things up and get American cheese from time to time, though,” explained Jim. “I actually like the American cheese with our gravy. It’s a good combo.”
How did Disco Fries get its name?
Its name was obviously coined from the popular music genre during that time, making disco fries a go-to meal to soak up alcohol after a night at Studio 54, or whatever other club they could get into, before returning to New Jersey. It’s quite easy to make your own disco fries at home.
What are Disco Fries in Jersey?
If you haven’t spent much time in Jersey, you probably don’t know what Disco Fries are. Kind of like the Jersey version of Canada’s Poutine, Disco Fries are simply gravy and cheese fries. The variations, however, differ a little. You may find Disco Fries topped with a cheddar cheese sauce, melted Gruyere, a beef gravy, or a chicken gravy.