I think it's definitely more of a historical stop. It's a pretty small restaurant and there was only about two guys working when I was there. They make everything fresh so it's pretty refreshing to see burgers being made the old-fashioned way. No mustard or ketchup though lol read more

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Can't believe this dump is still in business after having it being debunked with other steak burger/sandwich shops having been open before Louis lunch in the last 4ish years. The only reason its name is the way it is, is because of rep. Rosa Delauro. ANYWAY. If youre expecting a gordon ramsay type burger and world-class customer service, its not gonna happen here. Its true that if you ask for ketchup, you get cursed out and kicked out of the establishment, even. Its cramped, uncomfortable. Only clueless tourists, drunks, and Lamont-stans go here. All you get is a burger so undercooked that its still mooing, cheez-whiz between white bread. If you want anything on it, you can only get tomatoes and onions. This is nothing more than a hot garbage tourist dump that doesn't deserve the landmark that new haven pizza has. Save yourself the 2 hours in the toilet and just go to bar across the street or modern further down. read more

Finally had a chance to visit the hamburger birthplace and it didn't disappoint. On one of the coldest days of this past winter season I took a drive up and visited Louis Lunch figuring the wait would be short. The line to order wasn't bad but the wait for my order definitely took 15 minutes. Enough time to wait for a table and seat while I waited. LOL. The burger itself was a good sized patty and definitely a strong beefy flavor. Definitely liked the fact that it was slightly pink in the middle as well. Parking was easy on a super cold day, got a metered spot right across the street. It's a really small place with a larger picnic table in the back room and a few school type single seating with a small table for taking class notes but in this case chowing down on good burgers. I'm not sure if I'll be back as the short window for service is challenging for me to visit regularly but definitely make a visit to the birthplace of burgers, if this is your vibe! read more

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I enjoyed getting a chance to experience the oldest burger joint in America. I recently traveled to New Haven to basically eat pizza and this burger. The burger, in my opinion, did not live up to the hype from all of the documentaries I saw prior to visiting. The establishment itself is quite unique and has tons of character. I love the fact that the operation is still around but wish I would've been able to speak more highly of the actual burger. I reluctantly tried the potato salad and it was very better than I thought it would be. More like a mashed potato salad. The burger was practically rare which sometimes is ok but this was a little under done for me. Overall, glad I tried but wont be rushing back. read more

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Good burger great atmosphere. Burger is defiantly smaller than it looked on tv. Should have ordered two. Guys behind the counter were friendly. read more

Louis' Lunch - Louis lunch outside - Burgers Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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When craving a good quality hamburger, Louis's lunch delivers. Each hamburger is hand-rolled from a blend of five cuts of meat, ground fresh daily. The burgers are then cooked in the original cast-iron grills dating back to 1898. The meat is juicy and free of any additives. The only drawback is your choice of hamburger comes with cheese, onion, and tomato only. The owners are friendly and the building makes you feel like you are back in the 1800s. Parking is challenging but well worth it. read more

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Nothing but LOVE here! Can anyone guess what my favorite food in the world is? Yeah a hamburger. With or without cheese. Doesn't matter. What does matter is that Louis' lunch is the GODFATHER of what we all have fallen in love with. There are endless I mean countless amounts of eateries in the WORLD serving hamburgers. I mean there isn't one diner I can think of that doesn't serve a burger. So to be in the presence of the establishment that created this frenzy feels unreal. Pinch me someone. I finally did it, I remember seeing this place on travel shows as a kid. All throughout my life it was dream to be there and that day had come. We took the train from the Central Station to New Haven. And not far from our drop off location. Upon entering you can feel the energy from the each person waiting for that juicy burger. Wooden bar seating, single large table, names carved all over the place in the walls. Bricks surrounding the establishment dating back to the late 18 to early 1900 hundreds. This place is the ultimate no frills location. Come in get your food eat and get out, there's people coming in left and right! Once it was time for me to order the very first thing that was said to me the wait for a burger is 35-45 minutes. And I replied I didn't fly 2800 miles just to sit 2 hours on a train for nothing. We were waiting no matter what! Also reminder it's a SUPER small eatery, I mean tiny! Not too many seats and of whatever there was they were all taken and I had my infant daughter, wife and mother in law with me so. We waited for something to come up. Eventually I noticed people walking out from the backroom located near the restroom. And there it was the table we needed to sit at, and after asking politely the owner said of course we can sit there. Pays to be respectful. After ordering our burgers one well done (must be requested at order) and the other two juicy AF all with cheese, we were moments away from becoming enlightened. Fyi no fries, just a burger with some chips and soda pop. Cheese can be added. Also, you can request well done, that's only at the time you order. Everything is hand made to order and takes time. Once my name was called, it was time. Burgers were ready. When it looked at them, I said to myself "man I could put down maybe 5-6 of these" but I had to control myself. We had other places to go after. Small burger, nothing huge or filling. Served between a piece of toasted toast, with tomato and onion, NO KETCHUP! Just meat juices and can honestly say one of the best quality of beef. Super delicious beef. Those original broilers really set the standard in grilling. The patty was thick n juicy. Cooked rare, and the toast just ate up all the juices. Super thankful to have been able to make this dream come true. Loved everything about it. Also just an fyi if you want to record anything ask, it's just respectful that way. No one likes a camera being stuck in your face especially when you're working. So ask first. Say please and thank you. read more

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We were in New Haven and I had to show my Brother where the first Hamburger Sandwich was made in America. We got a cheeseburger to split and a couple of Foxen Park sodas. How was it? Fantastic! My half burger was so juicy and flavorful. One of the better burgers I have ever had. Better than the last time I came here about 12 years ago. This burger was perfect tonight! Washed it down with some White Birch Beer (When in Rome, right?). Had a great final meal in New Haven at Louis Lunch! read more

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The question with a place like Louis' Lunch is always. Do you review it as food, or as history? Louis Lunch has been around since the late 1800's. Legend is that they served a ground beef patty on bread, thereby creating the hamburger. Some people seem to dispute this claim. It's in a cool old building with carved graffiti everywhere. The burgers are cooked in old vertical broilers. They slide the burgers in vertically, where they are flame broiled. You can get them with a cheese spread, onions and tomato (aka, "works"). You cannot get them with ketchup, or even mustard or mayo for that matter, but LL really likes to single out Ketchup for the business. The burger is served on white toast. A sign says the burger will be medium rare. If any other restaurant served me this burger, it would be 2.5 Stars. The burger was unseasoned and bland. It was cooked to medium well, rather than the stated medium rare. Toast of this nature is probably one of the weakest types of bread or bun you would get at any place serving a burger. The cheese spread was OK. I have no issues with the onion or tomato, aside from the fact that they highlight the arbitrariness of how other toppings are denied. Factoring in the history, I'll give LL a 3.5. But frankly, that's being very kind. read more

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The last time I was in Connecticut, I was so excited to come here, but it was during their annual August closure. So when I found myself in New Haven this time, I made sure to come here for lunch to finally give this place a try so glad that I was able to come here. I loved every minute of it. The guys working there were so helpful and friendly and really made our lunch their special. I will definitely be back next time. I'm in town. read more

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It's a unique experience to say the least. I think the price makes it worth it to say you had it. If I was driving by or close to it I would stop again, but I wouldn't go out of my way for it. Guys serving us were super friendly. read more

Louis' Lunch - The 2 burgers we ordered - Burgers Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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My recent experience at Louis' Lunch in New Haven was one of the most frustrating and unprofessional restaurant experiences I have had in quite some time. While the establishment prides itself on history and tradition, the level of customer service and food handling practices I witnessed were extremely disappointing. First and foremost, the behavior of the owner/chef toward customers was shockingly rude and dismissive. There was a clear lack of respect toward patrons -- the very people who are supporting the business. Instead of fostering a welcoming environment, the chef seemed more interested in belittling and speaking down to customers. I placed a call-ahead order well over an hour in advance, specifically to avoid waiting. I was given a pickup time and arrived accordingly. However, despite calling ahead, I was still left waiting inside the establishment for nearly 50 additional minutes past the time I was told to pick up the order. What made the situation even more frustrating was the obvious favoritism shown to walk-in patrons. While I stood there waiting for a call-ahead order that had supposedly been placed well in advance, another customer walked in, ordered two burgers, received them, ate them inside, and left the establishment -- all while I was still waiting for my order that had been placed long before. When I finally requested a refund after waiting far beyond a reasonable amount of time, the chef took it upon himself to turn the situation into a spectacle, speaking in a condescending tone and attempting to make an example out of the situation in front of other patrons. Instead of simply resolving the issue professionally, he chose to belittle the customer who had already waited well over an hour. Ironically, it was only after the refund request that the order suddenly appeared to begin being prepared, despite the fact that it had supposedly been a scheduled pickup order. Another extremely concerning observation was food handling practices behind the counter. I personally witnessed the chef handling raw meat with bare hands and no gloves, repeatedly touching food and preparation surfaces. In today's environment, where food safety standards are critical, this type of handling raises serious concerns. There are clear sanitation expectations for food service establishments, especially when handling raw meat products. Given what I observed, it may be appropriate for the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) to review food handling procedures at this establishment. Basic sanitation practices should never be treated casually. Louis' Lunch may have historical significance in New Haven, but history alone does not excuse poor customer service, disorganization, or questionable food safety practices. At the end of the day, customers are the reason any restaurant exists. The owner/chef would greatly benefit from learning how to treat patrons with professionalism and respect instead of hostility and condescension. Unfortunately, based on this experience, I cannot recommend Louis' Lunch and will not be returning. Final Rating: (1 out of 5) A restaurant's legacy should be supported by good service and proper food handling -- neither of which were demonstrated during this visit. read more

First time here and I'm so glad I was able to try it. Ive seen it on television shows, I've watched you tube videos of people visiting and I finally got to try it. I absolutely loved it. We went on a busy Saturday night. Yale had beaten Harvard earlier that afternoon so the streets were packed and so was this place. We walked in and ordered and lucked into a seat in the back room. We waited a little bit but it was worth it. I ordered "cheese works" and it was one of the most simple burgers I've had but it was one of the best burgers I've ever had. The burger was perfectly cooked and was so tasty. The only thing I was upset about when I left was that I didn't have two. So glad we were able to finally visit this historic site where the hamburger was born. read more

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30+ years later, according to my hubby, everything is about the same! No frills burger on white bread! Do NOT ask for ketchup. Their claim to fame is the 5 meat blend they use to make their burger patties, which are also grilled VERTICALLY. Potato salad is also fantastic! Not much seating, but we got lucky with 3 people. Burgers had cheese, tomato slices and grilled onions. Flavors combined for a perfect bite. It seems that the staff has mellowed over the years, as gruff attitude has been replaced with smiles. (We also did not ask about ketchup, so the smile may disappear if you do.) read more

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We stumbled upon Louis' Lunch while walking around on a Wednesday around 4:30 and recognized it from a show on Food Network. We were very excited to try it. We walked in and there was a couple people in front of us but we were able to order pretty quickly. There were a couple seats inside and we were able to get a small booth while we waited. We waited for about 10-15 minutes and it was worth it. I ordered the Original Burger with cheese, onions, and tomato. It was delicious. The burger was prepared perfectly. We then ended with a homemade piece of cannoli pie. The pie tied everything together! Prices were very good, $8 for a burger and $5 for a piece of pie! Yum! read more

Louis' Lunch - The Original Burger - Burgers Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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A place with history and a good quality burger even if it doesn't quite look like the standard looking burgers you get elsewhere. First came here the day before a med school interview at Yale and found it a great place to get some interview prep done while getting a good meal. It's a pretty cozy and small place but I was able to find a table big enough to accommodate my long legs. Lots of people etches on the tables to give more of that history. The burger itself was thicc and juicy as always, left em medium rare which the toasted bread soaked up nicely. Would certainly agree with the warning signs at the top that it doesn't really need condiments to be good. Simple no frills but you still taste that flame broiled goodness out of those little broilers. I happen to always pick the quietest (probably also coldest) times to come and that lets me just soak up the character of this place. Always a must for me when I visit New Haven. read more

6/21/25 - Thank goodness for the restaurants in New Haven! Louis Lunch claims to be where the first hamburger was invented in 1895. As you can see in the pics, they haven't changed a thing including the vertical brokers. What they do, is serve an amazing tasting burger. It's a very limited menu. Burgers, potato salad, bags of chips and soda. Burgers come with a cheese spread, onions and tomatoes. No condiments, no pickles, no lettuce. And no buns... burgers are served on toasted white bread. And they are all cooked the same... medium rare. If you like customization, this isnt your place. That said, I loved it. They use five different beef cuts and the patties are thick and bursting with flavor. Additional Warning: if close spaces bother you, again, stay away. Overall Rating: A- read more

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As this place is literally an historic institution in New Haven, how can you 'not' give it a five star review? The history alone is worth five stars. You've seen them on TV, you've read the reviews and probably know the history. Here is our experience: First, parking is a bear. Just find a spot, either on the street or in a paid parking structure. The garage we parked in was $4/hr and about two blocks away. If you are a walker, find a spot in any street metered space. Second, the building is so small, and nestled among other, much larger structures. It seems incongruent to find the building here. People seem to wait outside for their take away order to be called as a couple were milling around out front, on their phones, when we arrived. The inside is truly like walking into the past. I do not know what the building history is, but it reminded me of walking into an old German restaurant. Lots of heavy, custom built, wooden table, shelves, seats. Two tiny booths for two persons are nestled by the windows on your left as you enter. What appears to be a small cast iron heater is also here with heavy wooden shelves above that hold, nothing. Curious. Above these shelves is a blackboard with beverage options written in chalk. Soda and iced tea. Straight ahead is the counter where you order with two gentleman waiting, one to take your order the other cooking the burgers. Two of the tiniest counter seats I have ever seen are at that counter. They look sized for a toddler, but are much too high off the ground for said toddler to access. To your right is a large table for either a crowd, or it's a community dining table: If there is a spot, seat yourself next to whomever is seated there. Again, reminiscent of some German restaurants we have visited. On the wall behind that table, on the way to the restroom in the back, are four high backed, narrow seats with a small, shared 'table' like arm where you may also sit either to wait for your take away order, or perhaps to dine-in. Speaking of the restroom, it is one for all and in relation to the ongoing theme beyond, also quite tiny. It's enough space, and that is all. There are three doors in a small hallway there, each with a three digit number on the door. The restaurant door also has these three numbers listed like it's the street address. I am curious; were these tiny rooms businesses themselves at one time? Why are the doors numbered like they are addresses inside and outside. I want to know that history! We placed our order and were given our beverages, potato salad and chips right away and then paid with our credit card. We were asked for the 'mans name' (not sure why the man, but whatever) and we sat at the large table. Here you'll find a variety of news clippings and the history of the restaurant under a glass top. Even though it was not busy at the time we visited, it took quite a long time for our burgers to be ready. We ate our chips and potato salad while we waited. Very glad we had them because we were hungry! OK finally the food. My dining companion took one bite said "Whoa" and then went on to tell me how good a burger it was. I'm taking my Yelp photos so haven't tried it yet, but now I have high expectations. He told the gents behind the counter it is the 'best burger' he has ever had. So clearly one happy customer! I ordered my burger without tomato (although the feeling is not mutual, they hate me) and when the order was picked up the 'burger without tomato' was pointed out. When I bit into my burger however, tomato was on there. Although surprised and disappointed, I pulled them off and carried on. My first bite of the burger was not a 'wow' moment for me. It was dry and there was way too much black pepper on there for my taste. I like the grilled taste. The texture and meat quality are good. It's a very filling burger that keeps you satisfied. The bread is lightly toasted and keeps it's integrity throughout the meal. But that black pepper stayed with me for hours. I drank all my soda. Then drank all the water I had with me and I still tasted black pepper. Wished I had an breath mint or piece of gum. The potato salad is quite good. It has boiled egg in the mix, well cooked potatoes, creamy base, mild flavor. They stuff it into a small Styrofoam cup with a plastic lid on top and give you a small plastic fork to eat it. The chips are a nice kettle cook variety in several flavors available. Sodas are from a local producer, plus they have a couple of Pepsi products. Return the bottles to the counter to be redeemed. Clearly my dining companion and I did not the same reaction. For me, just coming to experience the history of it all made it worth the trip. I can see how this place is still going strong more than 100 years later. Whether for the history or to try the burger come check out Louis'. I think it'll be worth the trip. read more

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It's historic, it's unique, and it's authentic. To judge this place solely on quality would not do it justice. The experience is worth it. The price is right. And it's a cool place. read more

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I will always be a fan of Louis, they always make me feel at home and the food is spectacular. Since it cook in an old fashioned way, I recommend find a time when they aren't as busy to come and visit or you could be delayed, they've got a lot of heart and love in this place and you can tell they love what'd they do. read more

Louis' Lunch - Cheese Burger - Burgers Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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Gosh - I wish I took a picture of my burger. It clearly states on the sign out front 'burgers are cooked medium rare.' Ours were uncooked in the center. Mushy, cold, essentially still blue. If we weren't on a time crunch - I would have definitely said something. Also - I'm a condiment person. If the burger was perfect - sure - maybe no condiment needed. But that was not the case for us. The potato salad was very bland - desperately needed salt and pepper. Loved the birch beer! Won't be back. read more

Heard about this place through George Motz' Burger America. I had to try the first hamburger in America! They predate the invention of the burger bun, so it's served on toasted white bread. The beef-blend is made from several cuts (seven total, I think) and cooked to a beautiful medium rare. The onion, tomato and secret cheese spread are all that you need, not that they offer anything else! There's no ketchup, so don't even ask! Their vintage toaster and vertical broilers are working museum pieces, and the building is a trip back in time. Went there, got the t-shirt! read more

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Good sandwiches and history! It's a free standing lunch spot, with a greasy kitchen. The burgers are thick and heaped. Review: 5 read more

Louis' Lunch - Louis' hamburger: meat was fat and soft, bread was soggy.. no cheese - Burgers Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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Amazing burgers made fresh while you wait. The service people were friendly and knowledgeable about this place where the first hamburger was served in America in 1895. read more

Louis' Lunch - This place is small but has a great burger. - Burgers Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

I've been before and had a hankering, so I went back. This ain't no Wendy's or BK or even Prime burger. This is a beef burger, ground on site, seasoned and cooked the way it was a 100 years ago.. Big beef patty, juicy, w some raw onion and tomato in toast. This is classic burger done the way it was intended to be. It's DELICIOUS!! I hope they are around Forever! The staff is friendly and informative , the inside isn't decorated.. its classically aged w time. Do yourself a favor and read yourself, at least once ! P read more

I get the history and the hype, but wasn't impressed. The 90 minute drive each way wasn't really that bad, but the 30-40 minute wait for food was crazy. The entire place is 'cozy' - seats maybe 30-40 people. Works out perfect because the whole process is - order, wait for a patron to finish their meal and swoop in to grab their seats. This usually coincides with when your food is ready. Checked it off my bucket list - been there done that. Burger was good and the history was cool but moving on with my list and probably won't be back. read more

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I came here since saw positive review online, but really disappointed me‼The burger is super bland. And it cost almost $10! With a small portion! I decided to buy Shake Shack after eating this burger, and Shake Shack is much delicious than this one. Besides, not much other option in here, no combo meal provided. read more

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It's the kind of spot you check out when you're in New Haven - The Original Hamburger Sandwich. Small, quaint and known. They delivered on our expectations - delicious and simple. We were third in line upon the opening time 12 noon. read more

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Tasty, dedicated to tradition and history. Claimed to be the original hamburger, it's a juicy patty, well seasoned, served on toast with a smear of cheese sauce, a slice of grilled onions, and a slice of tomato. That's it. The burger is elemental, unadorned, and good. The space has tight quarters, seemingly run by one clerk and one guy loading the three century-old upright gas ovens, loading a cool rotary toaster from the 1930s or something, and slicing tomatoes and onions to order. Handwriting orders in sharpie and red crayon, insistence on little upfront prep, and somewhat inconsistent execution (top patties are less juicy, veggie slice thickness is uneven, once I got raw onions!) can be quaint, but I can easily see it as stubbornly regressive. Either way, I love their commitment. read more

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Food The burgers are good if not bland. I get the stick but customers want to have it their way! Service The service was fine. Ambiance The place is old and it feels it. That is part of the charm. Good to check it off of the list but nothing to write home about. read more

Great burger. A Connecticut classic! We were lucky that it was a cold night and there wasn't a wait. I haven't been here since I was in school! read more

Long wait. Burger tasted good; however, it was barely warm. Please upgrade the paper plate size and quality. I felt a bit rushed while eating and therefore could not enjoy the "history" of this place. Hubby was not impressed (and he loves him any burger)! A few minor adjustments to detail may improve another visitor's experience. Maybe upgrade the Wonder Bread to a hearty country white. You know life was good before electricity, but I think it only got better with the bulb...wink. read more

My cousin stated that THIS was the place to eat when visiting New Haven, CT. Cute small brick and motar place that sells the first original sandwich burger. This place has been featured on a lot of travel shows on the travel channel. It's right in the middle of downtown New Haven, so parking is scarce, with a parking lot beside it or side street parking. You do have to pay for parking regardless. This place is super small inside with limited seating, so just prepare to eat standing if you go during their peak times. What i love about it is that they have decided to do no upgrades to the building and keep it how it is since it's conception! They still have an Itty bitty kitchen, a small toaster where they toast all the buns and old school broilers for the Patty's! It's such a neat thing to see!!!! This place is filled with history, lots of memorabilia on the walls, and interesting facts told by the owners. The burger was delicious! The patty had a great grilled taste and was very thick. It only comes with onion and tomatoes, but that's all you need. The patty itself makes up for the lack of condiments. They season it well, and a simple buttered white bread is all it needs. They offer potato chips or potato salad. Overall, it's a great spot to come check out if you're a buyer fan! I will definitely come back whenever I'm in the area. Such a hidden gem! read more

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Great experience. Pleasant staff and delicious burger. It's very small inside and not a lot of seats. There are chairs in the dining area that line one wall and a small round tabletop in between 2 chairs. Cozy. There was 1 large table and 2 smaller 2-person tables. When we came in and placed our order, since there were no seats available, they told us we can sit at the picnic table in the back and he'd use the pass thru window to hand us our burgers. Nice staff helped make this visit a pleasant one. read more

Louis' Lunch - Cheeseburger with tomato on toasted bread - Burgers Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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took too long bad service gave other people food that walked in after me while I was waiting there for hours don't waste time or ur money

The BEST potato salad ever. I also just tried the hamburger and wow. I need to go in person to eat it hot. I recommend this place off of those 2 items alone. read more

Louis' Lunch - Potato Salad - Burgers Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

Not comparing this to today's burgers, this is a simple, tasty burger. Patty had good beefy taste and it's soft. Certainly not dry. I wish the bread was toasted more. Very tasty with cheese, onions, and tomato. I had a late lunch but honestly I could eaten a second burger. No issues with service. Small space with limited seating. A couple two person seats with very small tables. One communal table. I like the original interior. read more

Louis' Lunch - Burgers Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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Been wanting to go here ever since seeing it on tv and online. The original hamburger, I love going to places like this. So much history, it was really cool and the food was great too. If I'm ever in the area again I'd definitely return read more

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First, I want to say for the historic significance of this place and the beauty of its "oldness" it is well worth the visit. It's the birthplace of HAMBURGER. This place looks like it's been around since Robin Hood and his Marry Men plunge the riches of the wealthy (except in Connecticut). Maybe it's not that long (obviously), but it looks like a well-preserved antique. The cool one, not the one your grandma keeps to give to you that doesn't match your wife's decor. It's not huge inside. For seating, you can sit 2-3 old wooden booths, or you can sit what I can only describe as wooden cubby benches with slight separators that have a stationary wooden table in front of each. Tempted to wear a dunce hat when I ate in one. Pics or didn't happen. It's super odd but cool nonetheless. Now the food. The burger is the definition of OK. Do your research. They dont make gourmet burgers with brioche buns and exotic toppings (or even lettuce). If you are expecting this. Don't go or plan for a change in your expectations. The burger served to me probably hasn't changed much since it's invention at this place. A recipe frozen in time. You can get cheese, tomato and onion on it. You're going to get it medium/medium-rare. You dont get a choice of well doneness. Accept it. The burger wasn't expensive. The beef and choice of minimal condiments are served between two pieces of toast. I give it a 4-stars because although the beef was of great quality, I didn't find the bare flavor to be anything special from the basic burgers I've had before. It was OK. Not terrible, not bad. Just OK. But look, this place is a historic landmark, and the visual experience, in my opinion, makes up for the food itself. If you are willing to go to Disney World or Six Flags and eat the worst food, then you should show love for an American landmark and eat your basic burger like a champ. I would go back again to simply experience Connecticut history again after a night of drinking or a show at College Street. read more

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I had the day off of work and figured, what better time to check out the birthplace of the hamburger since I live so close to it?! So, I shot on down to New Haven, CT to check out Louis' Lunch! Lol. Atmosphere/Appearance: Set right downtown New Haven is this gem. There is no private parking so you'll have to find a structure or spot on the street to park your fly ride. The outside doesn't fit into the city AT ALL. Lol. It's a small brick building that actually closes during the month of August to "take inventory of spoons". I'm sure it's just a break for the employees and it makes all the sense in the world. Once inside you're transported right back to... who knows what time with stone and brick everywhere. There's little decor aside from relics that have been here since the restaurant's inception. Service: There is no table service so you just go up to the counter, order from the very limited menu, pay in cash then go sit down until your name is called. It's fairly simple and not bad at all. Food: There isn't much on the menu here... hamburgers, cheeseburgers, potato salad, chips and pie. It's fairly straightforward. You also get the option to add tomato and onion if you'd like. So I went with the cheeseburger with all the fixings. It was fine. Lol. They're steamed in the original sideways steamers then the cheese is added along with the tomato and onion then sandwiched between 2 slices of white bread. Places like this exist not because the food is exception, but because of history and nostalgia. There's nothing wrong with that at all! Value: I can't remember how much I spent, but I think it was less than $20.00 for 2 cheeseburgers and some chips. A fairly inexpensive lunch if you ask me. In conclusion, I came, I saw, I conquered. I don't need to revisit this place because I did it once and a burger like this isn't what I'm looking for on a regular basis. Cheers to Louis' Lunch for sticking around since 1895! read more