White Diamond Knows Burgers
By Brian Woods
CLARK – There was an ongoing joke in my family that my stepdad could not cook anything but burgers. When my mom was out, we all knew what we were going to be eating. My stepdad’s burgers were absolutely delicious, but many times, he was not doing the cooking. He got help from White Diamond, a local burger joint in Union County.
On those nights, dinner was served a white paper bag with the bottom soaked in grease.
For many residents of Union County, White Diamond is legendary. It has been in operation on the corner of the busiest intersection in town since 1947.
The White Diamond is small, little more than a grill and a counter. There are two booths and a few stools. It’s not really a place anybody would stay long, but there is virtually no time in the 24 hours that it is open each day when it isn’t packed.
“Everyone knows it’s the place to be when you’re craving a good burger at strange hours,” said Caitlin Reisel, 21, from Cranford. “I’ve never walked in and didn’t know someone. You always see someone you know.”
During the day, the White Diamond fills with regulars and families looking to grab a quick burger, but young adults own the night. Midnight is the time when White Diamond really flourishes. It doesn’t matter if it’s a Saturday night or a Tuesday when the bars close, White Diamond is packed.
“I’ve been working here since before you were born,” said Joe Collins, brother of co-owner Kevin Collins, who has been working at White Diamond for 35 years. “During the night, it’s all drunks. It’s an interesting place.”
Even at 9 a.m. on at Thursday morning, a group of regulars are sitting at the counter.
“White Diamond is greasy and delicious,” said Chris Sheridan, a student at Rutgers University. “It is a great spot to get a burger at any time of the day or night, no matter how drunk, anyone is welcome to feast.”
While some places tend to fend off the disruptive customers that are loud and obnoxious, White Diamond seems to embrace them.
“I have had many drunken nights at the White Diamond,” said Anthony Pantano, a resident of Kenilworth.
“It’s a perfect place because it’s cheap and the food is good.”
There are plenty of things on the White Diamond menu, but it might as well be just a burger stand. Their burgers are a staple of the area. It’s not just good eating; it’s atmosphere and memories.
Richard Greco, a college student from Roselle Park, recalls his fondest memories of the White Diamond, “I loved coming here and eating in between double headers with all my teammates on my high school baseball team,” he said.
The Clark White Diamond does not do much marketing or any at all. Most people who are not from the area have not heard of it.
Visitors who ask too many questions are likely to hear Joe Collins respond, “You’re not from around here are ya?”
