Well, folks, it’s Wednesday. You’ve made it to the middle of the week and since you didn’t self-destruct through Monday and Tuesday, you might as well reward yourself. In honor of the conquering heroes of the workweek, we’ll be covering Norfolk’s best burgers on a sporadic basis: This is Humpday Hamburgers. 

For our first ever Humpday Hamburgers, we’ve got to kick it with the OGs at Manny’s Burger. Manny’s Burger has been around since as early as the 1950s. Manny’s is easily the most unrecognized classic in Norfolk. They’ve got a small, old school shack on Lafayette that is walk-up only. It’s practically a whole cookout under a single roof. You’ll feel like you just walked up to your uncle’s grill after a long day at the pool. With prices just as old school as the building, you’ll be hard-pressed to walk away paying more than $10 for a full lunch. 

The menu is so pure and simple that not a single item requires a description. You’ll already know what everything is. Of course, one item deserves a bit more fanfare: The Manny Burger. That’s a classic burger – but with a slice of ham. Manny, whoever you are, you’re a wise man. Of course, if you think you’re the big dog and you need a second slab of meat on that burger, you can always get the Double Burger Special. 

A noteworthy addition to any order is the sweet tea that is truly southern-style with enough strength and sweetness to make your spoon stand up straight. And if you still didn’t get your sweetness kick, then add on an Apple Pie for just $1.19. 

I know this is a burger post and all but I’ve got to give Manny the credit he deserves. If the burger ain’t your style, you can snag a Steak & Cheese, Chicken Breast sandwich, the BBQ Special, Shrimp Basket, Fish Basket, or even a Hot Sausage. The menu is stocked full of reasons to keep you coming back time after time. 

If you’re looking to connect with Manny’s Burger, well, you’re just going to have to show up. There’s no website or social media, which is perfectly on-brand. Hit him up at 757-855-7246 or check out the reviews on Yelp. 

Paul Stetson Rice

Chelsea, NFK

Paul is the creator of NFKVA.com. He was born and raised in Norfolk, graduated from Virginia Tech, and narrowly avoided law school. Chat with him about economics, entrepreneurship, hip-hop, and hiking. When he's not working on five different projects, you'll catch him sharing a beer with friends at a local brewery. Go Hokies!