13 New Jersey Burger Joints That Keep Regulars Coming Back For More
New Jersey might live in the shadow of New York City’s food scene, but when it comes to burgers, the Garden State shines brightly on its own.
From old-school diners to modern gastropubs, Jersey’s burger landscape offers something for every palate and pocket.
I’ve spent years traversing the state in search of the perfect patty, and these 13 spots have earned their loyal followings through consistent quality, unique flavors, and that special something that keeps customers coming back again and again.
1. White Manna: Tiny Joint, Mighty Flavor
The first time I squeezed into White Manna in Hackensack, I wondered how such a tiny place could generate so much buzz. Then I bit into one of their sliders. Game-changer!
These small but mighty burgers sizzle on a flattop grill dating back to the 1930s, with onions steaming underneath and American cheese melting on top. The potato rolls soak up all those savory juices, creating the perfect bite-sized burger experience.
What makes this place special isn’t just the food—it’s the theater of watching skilled cooks navigate the cramped space, flipping dozens of patties while calling out orders. At less than $2 per slider, you’ll want to order several—trust me, no one ever stops at just one.
2. White Rose Hamburgers: Simple Perfection Since 1959
Man, I still remember my grandfather taking me to White Rose in Highland Park when I was just a kid. The same griddle has been seasoning those thin patties for generations, creating that distinctive crust you can’t find anywhere else.
Nothing fancy here—just fresh-ground beef smashed onto a well-seasoned flat top, served on a Martin’s potato roll with cheese that melts perfectly into the meat. The Highland Park location remains my favorite, with its no-nonsense counter service and those red spinning stools that haven’t changed in decades.
Regulars know to order a double with cheese and ask for extra pickles. The whole meal costs less than most fancy coffee drinks, proving that burger perfection doesn’t need a gourmet price tag.
3. Krug’s Tavern: Newark’s Burger Institution
Walking into Krug’s feels like stepping into a time machine. This Newark institution has been slinging incredible burgers since 1932, and little has changed in their approach—thank goodness!
Their half-pound patties develop a beautiful crust on the outside while staying juicy inside. I’ve tried everything on their menu, but always come back to the classic cheeseburger with grilled onions. The patty extends well beyond the bun, which somehow makes eating it even more satisfying.
The tavern atmosphere adds to the experience—sports memorabilia covering the walls, locals chatting at the bar, and that unmistakable sizzle from the kitchen. Pro tip: come hungry and don’t rush; this is slow food done right, worth every minute of the wait.
4. Eighty Twenty: From Pop-Up to Burger Phenomenon
I stumbled across Eighty Twenty when it was just a weekend pop-up, and now I can’t imagine Westwood without it. Their name refers to their perfect beef blend ratio, and boy, does it deliver!
The smash technique they use creates these incredible crispy edges while keeping the center tender. What really sets them apart is their signature Mandy Sauce—a slightly spicy, creamy concoction that elevates their burgers to addictive status. The potato buns hold everything together perfectly without getting soggy.
Unlike many trendy spots, they’ve maintained quality through their growth from pop-up to permanent location. My Saturday routine now includes their double smash with bacon and extra Mandy Sauce. The line might look intimidating, but the wait is absolutely worth it.
5. The Riverside Inn: Cranford’s Hidden Place
You’d drive right past The Riverside Inn if you didn’t know what culinary treasures await inside. This unassuming spot along the Rahway River doesn’t look like much from outside, but locals like me know better.
The burgers here are straightforward but somehow magical—hand-formed patties cooked to perfection on a well-seasoned grill that’s seen decades of service. Nothing beats grabbing a corner booth, ordering a cold beer, and watching the bartender simultaneously pour drinks and flip burgers with practiced ease.
What keeps me coming back isn’t just the food but the atmosphere—a genuine neighborhood watering hole where regulars are greeted by name and the jukebox still plays actual CDs. Their prices haven’t changed much over the years either, making this place a refreshing throwback in every sense.
6. Burgerstrasse: German Precision Meets American Classic
The moment I tasted Burgerstrasse’s perfectly executed smash burger, I knew my local burger scene had leveled up. Their name might suggest European influence, but these are quintessentially American burgers done with Swiss-watch precision.
Every morning, they grind premium beef cuts in-house, forming loose balls that get smashed onto a screaming hot griddle. The result? Edges so crispy and caramelized they shatter like glass, while the interior remains juicy and pink. Their house sauce adds just the right tangy complement.
Both the Clifton and East Rutherford locations maintain remarkable consistency—a rarity in the restaurant world. My cardiologist probably wishes I’d stop raving about this place, but some pleasures are worth the extra treadmill time. Their double smash with bacon is practically a religious experience.
7. Steve’s Burgers: Garfield’s Burger Maestro
Steve’s Burgers sits in an unassuming roadside stand that I drove past for years before finally stopping. Now I kick myself for all those missed opportunities!
Owner-chef Steve Chrisomalis creates burger masterpieces that defy their humble surroundings. His signature “Steve’s Burger” comes topped with bacon, cheese, onion rings, and a special sauce that I’ve tried (and failed) to recreate at home. The patties are hand-formed daily, thick and juicy with just the right amount of char.
What I love most is Steve’s creativity—he offers weekly specials that showcase inventive toppings like Taylor ham and fried eggs or jalapeño cream cheese. The tiny parking lot is always full, and regulars know to call ahead. When a place has people willing to stand in the rain for a burger, you know it’s something special.
8. The Corner: Montclair’s Steakhouse-Style Burger
The first time I bit into The Corner’s burger, I had to double-check the menu price—this was steakhouse quality at neighborhood joint prices! Located in Montclair’s bustling center, this gastropub elevates the humble burger to gourmet status.
Their signature burger features prime beef with a gorgeous crust that gives way to a perfectly pink interior. The brioche bun somehow manages to hold everything together without getting soggy, even with the generous toppings. I’m particularly fond of their house-made pickles that add the perfect acidic counterpoint.
While some upscale places sacrifice flavor for presentation, The Corner nails both. The atmosphere strikes that perfect balance between casual and refined—ideal for both date nights and catch-ups with friends. Fair warning: their truffle fries are equally addictive and absolutely worth the splurge.
9. Barrier Island Burger: Shore-Style Stacked Perfection
After a long day at the beach, nothing hits the spot like Barrier Island Burger’s double-stacked masterpiece. I discovered this Jersey Shore gem during a summer rental and now make it a mandatory stop whenever I’m near the coast.
Their signature burger combines two thin patties with melty queso, pickled jalapeños, and those magical frizzled onions that add both texture and flavor. The BIB sauce—a creamy, slightly spicy secret recipe—ties everything together. Even the bun gets special treatment with a light toast that prevents sogginess.
What sets this place apart from typical shore food is the consistency and quality. While tourists line up at the more famous spots, locals pack this place year-round. The relaxed surf-themed interior adds to the experience, making even winter visits feel like a mini beach vacation.
10. Frankie’s: Point Pleasant’s Boardwalk Legend
My summer isn’t complete without at least one pilgrimage to Frankie’s in Point Pleasant. While tourists flock to the flashier boardwalk spots, locals like me know this unassuming joint serves the real deal.
Their burgers have that distinctive flavor that only comes from a grill that’s seen decades of service. The patties are thick without being unwieldy, seasoned simply with salt and pepper, and cooked to a perfect medium unless specified otherwise. The classic version comes with lettuce, tomato, and their special sauce on a sesame seed bun.
What makes eating at Frankie’s special is the location—just far enough from the main boardwalk chaos to feel like a local secret, but close enough to hear the waves and smell the salt air. Nothing beats eating their cheeseburger and fries while watching the sunset over the Atlantic.
11. Lakeside Deli: Verona’s Half-Century Burger Legacy
Lakeside Deli doesn’t look like much from the outside, but this Verona institution has been serving outstanding burgers for over 50 years. My dad brought me here as a kid, and now I bring my own children—the taste hasn’t changed a bit.
Their cheeseburgers are deceptively simple: quarter-pound patties cooked on a flat-top grill that’s seasoned with decades of use, American cheese melted perfectly, and fresh toppings on a soft roll. Nothing fancy, but executed flawlessly. The grill marks tell you these are made by someone who’s been doing this for years.
Beyond burgers, their sandwich menu offers incredible variety at prices that seem frozen in time. The small dining area fills quickly during lunch, with locals from nearby offices mixing with families who’ve been coming for generations. Cash only—another charming throwback to simpler times.
12. Sportsmans’ Tavern: Home Of The Legendary Moon Burger
I was skeptical when my buddy insisted we drive to Garfield just to try a burger topped with Taylor Ham. “It’s called a Moon Burger,” he said, “and it’ll change your life.” He wasn’t exaggerating!
Sportsmans’ Tavern looks like any neighborhood bar from the outside, but inside they’re creating burger magic. Their signature Moon Burger features a juicy beef patty topped with grilled Taylor Ham (or pork roll, depending on which part of Jersey you’re from), melted cheese, and a special sauce that complements both meats perfectly.
The tavern atmosphere adds to the experience—sports on TV, friendly bartenders who remember regulars’ orders, and that comfortable lived-in feel that can’t be manufactured. Their burgers pair perfectly with their impressive selection of local craft beers. This hidden gem proves that sometimes the best food comes from the most unassuming places.
13. Super Stuffed Burgers: Springfield’s Superhero-Sized Creations
Walking into Super Stuffed Burgers feels like entering a comic book come to life. The walls are decorated with superhero murals, and the menu reads like something dreamed up by hungry crime-fighters after saving the world.
Their concept is genius—instead of putting toppings ON the burger, they stuff incredible fillings INSIDE the patty. My personal kryptonite is their “Fantastic 4” burger—a hefty patty stuffed with mac and cheese, topped with crispy bacon. The cheese oozes out with each bite in the most satisfying way imaginable.
This family-run spot brings genuine passion to everything they serve. The owners often chat with customers, taking suggestions for new stuffed creations. They’ve even named burgers after regular customers. With portions this generous and flavors this bold, it’s no wonder Springfield residents keep their super-spot somewhat secret from outsiders.