National Burger Day! Have you tried the ‘New Jersey slider'? Burger ranks among best in US
"New Jersey sliders" — so named for their handheld size — are one of the tastiest regional burgers in America, and White Manna Hamburgers in Hackensack does it the best, says a pro travel and food writer with the USA TODAY's 10BEST panel. The Bergen County staple's unusual take on the burger ranks among meaty delights across the U.S. that are steamed, deep-fried, slathered in green chile or avocado, Asian-infused or stuffed with cheese.
There's no better way to celebrate National Burger Day 2025 (yes, it's May 28) than by honoring a local eatery's take on a classic staple. Here's what makes it stand out, and how you can grab a slider or two of your own.
White Manna Hamburgers has served up their burger sliders since 1946, when Louis Bridges opened the original restaurant after purchasing a diner showcased at the 1939 New York World's Fair.
Still housed in its historic 1940s building, White Manna in Hackensack sticks to the basics when it comes to their meaty morsels: Golf ball-sized nuggets of fresh, extra lean ground beef (delivered daily from a local supplier) is sizzled on a griddle top, then topped with thinly sliced onions, pressed flat and served on a Martin's Potato Roll. A USA TODAY food expert says the burger has a distinctive flavor profile since the onions are cooked directly into the meat.
The diner has also earned praise from celebrity chefs, been featured on The Food Network and The Travel Channel and appeared in several publications, including Thrillist and The New York Times.
Where: White Manna Hamburgers is located at 358 River Street in Hackensack
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Online ordering? Yes! They offer an online ordering portal where you can schedule a pick-up time.
It looks small, can I dine inside? Sure can!
How much is a burger? $2.05 for a hamburger, $2.50 for a cheeseburger
USA TODAY's top 10 list included the most "delicious and unique" types of burgers that showcase America's diverse food heritage. Since they are unique to their region, none of them earned a "rank," but rather a spot on the list. Here's the full list by region:
Northeast region
Connecticut steamed cheeseburger: Ted's Restaurant in Meriden, although Jack's Lunch in Middletown (a 1920s staple) gets credit for the one-of-its-kind steamed creation
New Jersey slider: White Manna in Hackensack
Southeast region
Mississippi slugburger: Borroum's Drug Store and Soda Fountain in Corinth
South Carolina pimento cheeseburger: Chubby's Burgers & Brewhouse in Columbia
Frita Cubana: Originated in Cuba, but found a home in Miami's Cuban-American community, with El Rey de las Fritas offering the "real-deal"
Midwest region
Juicy Lucy: Cheese-stuffed burger at two Minneapolis, Minnesota bars — Matt's Bar and the 5-8 Club
Southwest region
Oklahoma onion burger: Thinly sliced onions pressed into patties. Locals flock to Onion Burger Day in El Reno every May.
New Mexico's green chile cheeseburger: The Owl Bar in San Antonio is the place to try a chopped Hatch green chile and melted cheeseburger.
Western region
California burger: Fresh avocado makes the burger distinct. The original Habit Burger & Grill in Santa Barbara does a fresh, local take.
Hawaiian burger: Marinated in sweet teriyaki, topped with grilled pineapple. Kauai's Bangkok Happy Bowl reps the Asian-infused flavors best.
Lori Comstock is a New Jersey-based journalist with the Mid-Atlantic Connect Team.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NJ restaurant's burger sliders among best in U.S., USA TODAY expert
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