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    Louis' Lunch

    3.7 (1.3k reviews)
    ModerateBurgers, Sandwiches
    Closed Closed
    Updated 3 months ago

    Louis' Lunch Photos

    LOUIS' LUNCH ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids

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    Burger
    Liz G.

    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.

    Louis lunch outside
    Bryan K.

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

    Historic landmark
    Marie R.

    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.

    The brick all over the surrounding business!
    Daniel Y.

    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.

    Tim S.

    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!

    A cheese burger (works) as it was handed to me
    Jason P.

    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.

    Jamie B.

    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.

    The 2 burgers we ordered
    James P.

    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.

    Mike R.

    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.

    The vertical grills!
    Susan L.

    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.)

    The Original Burger
    Clare C.

    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!

    Potato salad
    Thomas A.

    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-

    Tiny little building in the middle of the city. On street or paid garage parking
    Jen W.

    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.

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    1 month ago

    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

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    Page 1 of 32

    Louis' Lunch Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Louis' Lunch

    Do they have salt, pepper and hot sauce?

    No hot sauce. The meat is perfectly seasoned as it is.

    Do they close between Christmas and new years or are they open regular hours? Traveling from far away and their contact us page is not working?

    They close the 24th and 25th and then they close the 31st to the 9th. The 31st to the 9th may vary depending on how the calendar days fall.

    I'm also not a fan of medium rare burgers. Am I committing a cardinal sin if I ask for my burger to be cooked well done, even if I have to wait a bit longer?

    Not at all. My husband asked for his medium well and it was well done!

    Is there a line to get in at noon?

    Google it before you go and it will inform you if it's busy then or not

    Is it possible to phone in orders to go?

    Yes, it is. While dining in the restaurant, several phone calls came in for orders to be placed. And several people came to pick up their orders.

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    Prime 16 - IPA BATTERED ONION RINGS

    Prime 16

    4.0(862 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    Met friends for lunch here on a Thursday. The place was busy, especially the bar area, but not too…read morepacked. Ordered a burger with fries and a Guinness. The burger was hot, juicy, delicious and quite ample - it kept me full for hours. The fries were hot and crispy. The Guinness was well-poured. Our waitress did a great job too. If ordering a burger, be sure to ask for extra napkins. I will return to try some of the other tempting menu items. Or another burger :-)

    " Y se formó la gozadera... Miami me lo confirmó... "…read more Valentine's Day with my favorite guy (my son ) started at IKEA and somehow turned into a full-on gozadera at Prime BGR in New Haven -- completely on a whim. We walked in with no reservation on Valentine's Day (bold), and the manager couldn't have been more welcoming. Super friendly, got us seated quickly, and set the tone right away. That kind of hospitality matters. The vibe? Cool, modern, slightly moody -- perfect accidental Valentine's dinner energy. The service was on point all night. Attentive, smooth, and genuinely warm. Now let's talk about the moment that activated my Dominican DNA. I ordered the Sweet Plantains with Cilantro Aioli as an appetizer and when I saw plátanos on that menu? República Dominicana presente. . I felt seen. For my main, I had the Temple Salad and added a burger patty (because balance is important ). Fresh, flavorful, satisfying. My son ordered a burger with truffle fries and I am STILL thinking about those fries today. Crispy. Perfect salt. That truffle flavor hit just right. Those fries deserve their own review. And because it was Valentine's Day and I believe in celebrating myself too, I had the Pineapple Express. Divine. Tropical. Smooth. The kind of drink that keeps the gozadera going. From IKEA chaos to Prime BGR glow-up in under an hour. Great food. Great vibe. Great service. New Haven confirmed it. We'll absolutely be back. #PrimeBGR #NewHavenEats #LaGozadera #DominicanApproved #ValentinesWithMyFavorite #TruffleFries

    Photos
    Prime 16 - The bar area

    The bar area

    Prime 16 - The Big Kahuna ($23)

    The Big Kahuna ($23)

    Prime 16 - The Smoker Burger ($19)

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    The Smoker Burger ($19)

    Cast Iron Chef Chop House & Oyster Bar - Mac and cheese

    Cast Iron Chef Chop House & Oyster Bar

    4.0(452 reviews)
    0.7 mi
    $$$

    10/10! I've been…read morehere a few times now and it's always consistent! The popcorn is seriously addicting! The Korean short ribs were nice, saucy and tender. The filet tacos were full of meat and tender. The carpaccio was nice and light! They also whip up some excellent espresso martinis! The service is always great and the bar is always full!

    It's Sunday and every once in a while... more often than not, we brunch! Lol. We heard about the…read morebottomless mimosa brunch here at Cast Iron Chef Chop House & Oyster Bar so we pulled up to check it out! Here's how it went... Atmosphere/Appearance: Set right on the busy State Street is this gem. There's no private parking, but plenty of comfortable, spacious street parking right out front. Once inside you're immersed in a very fine-dining, elegant, laid-back atmosphere. Lots of woods, intimate-low lighting and upbeat music. I loved the vibes in here. The first room is your bar room where the rail is off to the left, but with plenty of seating to the right. If you continue through the room you enter the main dining room where it's all booths and other tables. Service: Stacey was our server. Things got off to a bit of a rocky start, but they smoothed out throughout the brunch. Food/Drinks: The mimosa was okay... It was REALLY strong because there's orange vodka and orange liqueur in it. It kinda killed the flavor for me because I'd prefer a traditional mimosa with minimal juice, but... no matter. They're bottomless... or supposed to be... Just be mindful of who your server is. Brunch can consist of a prix-fixed menu, which is what we did so we'll be going through that. First up were the Homemade Sausage Gravy and biscuits. These were super smothered and fantastic. Hot, savory, meaty, salty and even had a bit of a subtle sweetness. The biscuit was soft, butter and had crispy edges. Next up were the Cinnamon Rolls. These were HUGE. Lol. Like, how are we supposed to eat AND drink all of this stuff?! The exterior of the roll was crispy and the inside very soft. Not over-the-top sweetness or anything. These were very balanced. Next up were the Bananas Foster Pancakes. But this thing was enormous. It was so thick, like literally an inch thick. Lol. Fresh bananas sliced right on top, it cut like butter, was soft with the perfect crispy edges and these were AMAZING. Punch of sweetness up front, fluffy texture and just a great pancake. For dinner, this restaurant usually serves Cast Iron Popcorn instead of bread, so Stacey let us try it! It was smokey, a little-little sweet with a little bit of salt and maybe a hickory barbecue flavor. I liked it. Lastly, I chose the Steak & Eggs over Salmon & Eggs, but got to try both since my wife was with me. Each comes with gigantic fried potatoes, 3 eggs, a piece of toast, caramelized onions and your protein of choice. My steak was cooked perfectly (medium-rare). The flavors were excellent. It was a little fatty and just was done very well. Value: $64.96 for bottomless mimosas and the prix-fixe menu. Probably the best value brunch in the state. SO MUCH FOOD and strong drinks. I don't know what else you'd want! In conclusion, I really enjoyed myself here and have revisited since my first time! Everything was just as awesome as the first. Check this place out if you're in the area!

    Photos
    Cast Iron Chef Chop House & Oyster Bar - Selection of wine

    Selection of wine

    Cast Iron Chef Chop House & Oyster Bar - Clam chowder

    Clam chowder

    Cast Iron Chef Chop House & Oyster Bar - Chicken Parmesan with vodka sauce

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    Chicken Parmesan with vodka sauce

    Louis' Lunch - burgers - Updated May 2026

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