If retro diners and burger joints are your thing, it’s time to head to New Jersey. Neon signs? Check! Polished stools and late-night orders? You betcha! Whether you’re road-tripping the state or just craving a taste of old-school Americana, we’ve got the list of burger joints that are worth pulling over for.
White Manna (Hackensack)
Blink, and you might miss it, but skipping White Manna would be a mistake. This tiny, neon-lit shack is famous for its sliders: soft potato rolls stacked with griddled onions, melted cheese, and patties that somehow taste bigger than they look. With just 15 counter seats, it’s an intimate, no-frills experience that dates back to the 1939 World’s Fair before landing in Hackensack in 1946. Pro move: pair your sliders with cheese fries and a chocolate shake.
White Mana Diner (Jersey City)
Yes, the spelling is different — and yes, this one claims original status. The Jersey City White Mana traces its roots directly to the 1939 World’s Fair and still leans fully into its chrome-and-neon identity. It’s cash-only, counter-only, and unapologetically old-school. Sliders are the main attraction, but onion rings, waffle fries, and even a cheesesteak (because Jersey) make this a solid stop when hunger hits hard.
Stewart’s Drive-In (Burlington)
Some places just feel like summer, no matter the season. Stewart’s Drive-In has been serving Burlington since 1947, delivering classic cheeseburgers, fries, and root beer floats poured from the tap into frosty glass mugs. The menu invites you to go nostalgic — or mix it up with chili cheese dogs or a pork roll sandwich layered with tomato, onion, and Thousand Island dressing. It’s comfort food with decades of history behind it.
Weber’s Drive-In (Pennsauken)
Weber’s commits to burger nostalgia. Founded in 1969, this South Jersey staple offers the full drive-in experience, whether you order from your car or slide up to the chrome counter. Homemade root beer? Check. Hand-dipped milkshakes? Absolutely. Hand-cut curly fries? Non-negotiable. It’s a living snapshot of roadside Americana that still delivers on flavor.
Burger Barr (Sewell)
Retro doesn’t always mean frozen in time. Burger Barr keeps things cozy and classic while letting you customize your experience. Burgers are hot, fresh, and made to order, with standouts like the Kobe Wagyu Beef Burger topped with the house’s secret sauce. Truffle fries are worth the upgrade, and the sauce lineup, from sriracha ketchup to garlic aioli and homemade ranch, lets you dial things in exactly how you want.
Hey Burger (Hazlet)
Hidden inside Nic’s Hometown Tavern, Hey Burger is a local word-of-mouth secret. Smashburgers here are the star, stacked with cheese, lettuce, pickles, onions, and house burger sauce. The vibe is divey in the best way possible, and the menu lets you build a full feast with wings, mozzarella sticks, or the over-the-top Tornado Potatoes — a giant spiral-cut potato loaded with toppings.
Tony Beef (Brigantine / Galloway / Somers Point)
Tony Beef may be the newcomer of the bunch, but it’s already earned its place in South Jersey’s burger conversation. With three locations, it’s known for bold specialty burgers like the Jalapeño Popper or French Onion Burger, served with au jus for dipping. Fries and a classic chocolate shake are always a solid choice. Or, go big with dessert-inspired shakes like banana cream pie or strawberry shortcake.
White Rose Hamburgers (Central Jersey)
There’s something magical about a diner that never seems to sleep. Open 24 hours a day, six days a week, White Rose Hamburgers delivers old-school vibes inside a white-and-blue retro building lined with red-and-chrome bar stools. Breakfast brings omelets and pastries; lunch and dinner cover burgers, cheesesteaks, hot dogs, and gyros. Late-night craving? Chocolate shake and chili cheese fries will do the trick.
Clinton Station Diner (Clinton)
Get ready to chow down inside a restored 1927 Blue Comet train car. Clinton Station Diner is famous for its massive burgers, including the jaw-dropping Zeus burger, which tips the scales at 105 pounds for anyone brave enough to take it on. Even if you skip the spectacle, the bakery case is reason enough to stop, stocked with more than 50 desserts perfect for a take-home treat.
Mustache Bill’s Diner (Barnegat Light)
Open only during the summer and worth planning around, Mustache Bill’s is pure 1950s diner bliss. Turquoise booths, chrome stools, and a menu that delivers across the board — from towering pancakes to crispy fried clams and satisfying burgers. Located in Barnegat Light, this seasonal classic makes a strong case for building a beach day around a diner stop.
