Brooke Stewart Sometimes, the simplest things really are the best, like a cheeseburger for just $2.15 from a spot that’s been here for decades. White Manna, located at 358 River Street in Hackensack, NJ, is one of the most iconic spots in all of Bergen County. The Bergen County Girl recently visited to get a taste of history and its famous burgers. Read on for more about White Manna in Hackensack.
A Step Back in Time
From the moment you walk through the door of White Manna, it feels like stepping into another era. The small diner has a nostalgic charm that instantly stands out. There’s long been a debate over which White Manna is the “original”: the Hackensack location or the one in Jersey City. While the Hackensack location opened shortly after World War II in 1946, the Jersey City location dates back to 1939, making it the original. Both diners were founded under the same vision by Louis Bridges in the mid-20th century, but over time, they split into completely separate businesses with different ownership.
Since the 1980s, the Hackensack location has been proudly run by the Cohen family, who have preserved its legacy while maintaining the same original charm that made it famous.
The White Manna Experience
This concept is an assembly line burger idea with fast service and a mid-century diner design. The simple menu and efficient setup contribute to the nostalgic vibe. They focus on speed, consistency, and affordability.
It is rare that this place has a moment when it isn’t busy. The grill is always hot and ready to serve hungry customers. Burgers are being made directly in front of you, and you can smell all the flavors steaming off the grill. It has a tight counter space, where only about 10 people can fit. It’s designed this way for the efficiency of the service. Sitting inside is all part of the experience, so if you come here for the first time, sitting inside and feeling the energy is what it is all about. Watching the cooks quickly flip burgers and serve customers nonstop is part of what makes White Manna so memorable.
The Famous Burgers
Many people travel from all different places to try White Manna. Because this place has remained mostly unchanged from the 1940s, it is like living in food history when coming to this spot. The experience is truly memorable, and the food lives up to expectations.
White Manna is best known for its small, thin slider-style burgers, cooked with onions and served hot off the grill. At just $2.15, they’re as affordable as they are delicious. Pair them with crispy fries and a classic shake, and you’ve got a meal that feels both timeless and satisfying.
Visiting White Manna
White Manna is located at 358 River Street in Hackensack and is open Monday-Saturday from 10:30AM-9:00PM and Sundays from 11AM-5PM.
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