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Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
National Burger Day! Have you tried the ‘New Jersey slider'? Burger ranks among best in US
A New Jersey burger joint's unique take on a beloved American staple has earned it a top 10 spot among the most delicious in the U.S., according to a new list from USA TODAY. "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 NJ restaurant's burger sliders among best in U.S., USA TODAY expert
USA Today
24-05-2025
- General
- USA Today
10 different types of burgers that define American flavor
Pimento cheeseburgers are one of the most famous type of burgers from the South – Photo courtesy of LauriPatterson / E+ America's burger landscape extends far beyond fast food chains. Each region boasts its own distinctive take on this beloved staple, reflecting local ingredients, cultural influences, and culinary traditions. Here's a coast-to-coast journey through 10 unique types of burgers that showcase America's diverse food heritage. Regional types of burgers A Connecticut steamed cheeseburger is a juicy regional burger style with a distinctive texture – Photo courtesy of Ted's Restaurant Northeast region The one-of-a-kind Connecticut steamed cheeseburger originated in the 1920s at Jack's Lunch in Middletown, Connecticut. Unlike traditional grilled patties, these burgers are steamed in special metal cabinets, producing an exceptionally juicy texture. The beef patty gets topped with a hefty slab of steamed white cheddar cheese. Ted's Restaurant in Meriden is famous for this regional specialty, which remains largely unknown outside Connecticut but inspires fierce loyalty among locals. Advertisement New Jersey sliders are one of the tastiest regional burgers in America – Photo courtesy of White Manna Hamburgers The New Jersey slider dates back to 1946 when Louis Bridges opened the original White Manna restaurant after purchasing a diner showcased at the 1939 New York World's Fair. Golf ball-sized nuggets of fresh ground beef fry on a sizzling griddle top, then get topped with thinly sliced onions and pressed flat. The onions cook directly into the meat, creating a distinctive flavor profile. The original White Manna in Hackensack remains in its historic building from the 1940s, serving sliders on soft potato rolls topped with cheese. Southeast region Family-owned Borroum's Drug Store has one of the best slugburgers in Mississippi – Photo courtesy of Visit Mississippi Despite an odd name that has nothing to do with garden pests, the Depression-era Mississippi slugburger is also enjoyed in Tennessee and Alabama. The flattened patty, usually beef or pork mixed with flour or soy, is deep-fried rather than grilled, creating a crispy exterior and tender interior. Advertisement Traditionally served with mustard and pickles on a simple bun, it earned its name either from the "slug" of dough used or because it once cost a nickel (slang for "slug"). A sure slugburger bet in Mississippi is Borroum's Drug Store and Soda Fountain in Corinth. Chubby's pimento cheeseburger comes with fried green tomato and is topped with house-made pimento cheese, Duke's mayo, and lettuce – Photo courtesy of Experience Columbia SC The South Carolina pimento cheeseburger combines two regional favorites: burgers and pimento cheese. The patty gets a creamy spread topping made with sharp cheddar, mayonnaise, pimentos, and secret spices that vary by family recipe. The burger gained prominence in Columbia, South Carolina, where it's said to have originated in the 1960s. The warm burger melts the pimento cheese into a gooey, spicy-sweet topping. Get it at Chubby's Burgers & Brewhouse. Advertisement The Frita Cubana from Miami's El Rey de las Fritas is one of the best in Florida – Photo courtesy of Mercedes Gonzalez / El Rey de las Fritas Originating in Cuba, the Frita Cubana found a second home in Miami, Florida's Cuban-American community. The beef patty, frequently mixed with chorizo, is seasoned with paprika and cumin, cooked on a griddle, then topped with crispy shoestring potatoes and sauteed onions and served on a Cuban bread roll. Dating back to 1930s street vendors in Havana before migrating to Florida in the 1960s, the Frita is a distinctive regional variation unlike any other American burger. When you visit Miami, Florida, get a real-deal Frita experience at El Rey de las Fritas. Midwest region The Juicy Lucy from the 5-8 Club comes stuffed with oozy cheese – Photo courtesy of Meet Minneapolis In Minneapolis, Minnesota, you'll find the Juicy Lucy, featuring cheese stuffed inside the patty rather than on top, creating a melty core that erupts with the first bite. Two Minneapolis bars — Matt's Bar and the 5-8 Club — have famously feuded over who invented it in the 1950s. Advertisement The traditional version uses American cheese sealed between two thin patties before cooking, though variations with different cheeses have emerged. Served on a standard bun with minimal toppings to keep focus on the cheese-filled patty, the Juicy Lucy (or "Jucy Lucy" at Matt's) represents Midwestern ingenuity. If you're in Minneapolis, enjoy one at any of these spots. Southwest region An Oklahoma onion burger features a tangle of fried onions – Photo courtesy of bhofack2 / iStock Via Getty Images The Oklahoma onion burger originated during the Great Depression at the Hamburger Inn in El Reno, Oklahoma, when cooks pressed thinly sliced onions into patties to stretch ingredients during tough economic times. Located on historic Route 66, the Hamburger Inn became a popular stop for travelers, helping the onion burger gain fame along the Mother Road. The signature preparation involves smashing a generous amount of thinly sliced white onions directly into the beef patty while cooking on a flat-top grill, creating a caramelized union of beef and onions. Traditionally served on a simple white bun with American cheese, pickle slices, and yellow mustard, this unpretentious creation became a beloved specialty across the state. Locals flock to Onion Burger Day held in El Reno every year. Advertisement Cheeseburgers topped with Hatch green chiles is New Mexico's famous regional burger – Photo courtesy of Photography By Tonelson / iStock Via Getty Images New Mexico's green chile cheeseburger features a beef patty topped with roasted, chopped Hatch green chiles and melted cheese. The chiles provide a special smoky heat that ranges from mild to eye-watering. The Owl Bar, in San Antonio, New Mexico, and (now closed) Bert's Burger Bowl, in Santa Fe, claim to be its birthplace. The state even has an official Green Chile Cheeseburger Trail for enthusiasts. Western region Avocado gives the California burger its classic fresh flavor – Photo courtesy of Habit Burger & Grill The California burger was initially defined in the early 20th century by its fresh toppings — ingredients that were a novelty in many parts of the country but abundantly available year-round in California's agricultural paradise. Today, the California burger is known for adding creamy avocado, reflecting the state's dominance in avocado production since the 1850s. The original Habit Burger & Grill in Santa Barbara serves a burger with two beef patties, fresh smashed avocado, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and mayo. Combining buttery avocado with fresh produce and a juicy beef patty creates a distinctive burger that represents California's emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Advertisement The Hawaiian burger, with sweet pineapple and tangy teriyaki sauce, is a regional treat – Photo courtesy of Bangkok Happy Bowl The Hawaiian burger features a beef patty marinated or glazed in sweet teriyaki sauce, often topped with grilled pineapple. Reflecting Hawaii's Japanese influences and tropical ingredients, this burger emerged from the islands' diverse culinary heritage.
