One of New Jersey’s most storied hamburger restaurants is set to relocate and expand for the first time ever.
Hackensack’s legendary White Manna has sat in the same spot at 358 River Street since opening 80 years ago in 1946. Louis Bridges first opened the roadside diner, which quickly caught on with the locals for their unique, onion-cooked sliders—served on paper plates with vibrant green pickles on the side. Cheese is optional.
According to Jersey Digs, Hackensack officials voted on June 10 to approve a new site for the institution at 112-120 Hackensack Avenue.
Now, if you’re worried a new location will undo the charm of White Manna, don’t fret. Plans show that the iconic art deco diner will be repurposed as a part of the relocation and expansion. It’s a testament to the craftsmanship of mid-20th Century diners, which were manufactured to be moved around—both White Manna and Jersey City’s White Mana were originally purchased in Queens at the 1939 World’s Fair before being transported to New Jersey.
In addition to the 276-square-foot diner, the neon signage will also be a part of the move. Anchoring the project is the former Hackensack Animal Hospital, which will be repurposed and serve as the expanded portion of the restaurant.
A 17-car parking lot, ADA-compliant dining room, a new kitchen, a take-out area, restrooms, an office, and a cellar are planned as a part of the expansion. The full plans have been made public by the Hackensack Planning Board and can be viewed here.
Above all, the burgers aren’t changing. White Manna will still serve the same great onion-laden sliders, crinkle-cut fries, and sodas that put them on the map—just from a more comfortable space. And the regulars can still chow down on beefy sliders shoulder to shoulder at the u-shaped bar.
That’s a win-win.
Peter Candia is the Food + Drink Editor at New Jersey Digest. A graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, Peter found a passion for writing midway through school and never looked back. He is a former line cook, server and bartender at top-rated restaurants in the tri-state area. In addition to food, Peter enjoys politics, music, sports and anything New Jersey.
