An establishment that is keeping it as simple as it did when it started (or one would assume, I wasn't around in the late 1800's...). Your choice of hamburger or cheeseburger, with or without the tomato or onion, on white toasted bread. What I love about this place is because of the simplicity the quality of the burger shines through. Good beef and being cooked in those vertical grills, because of the lack of other things to cover anything you can tell the quality in the meat. I can easily finish two burgers if I decide to skip some other sides. Cash only, simple menu, this is somewhere everyone needs to try at least once if they enjoy a quality burger and want to experience it from where it is credited on having been created. read more

Louis' Lunch - Cheeseburger with tomato and onion. Simple, fresh, straight forward. - Burgers Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

Last time I was here was 20 years ago. The place still has not changed. And the food is better than ever. By far the best burger I've ever eaten... and I've eaten a lot of burgers! And the owner.... still nice as ever. My only regret... I should've returned sooner! read more

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Piece of history, if you're looking to have a savory well seasoned burger, this is not your place... like it every single time for the simplicity of their product. Love it!!! read more

Very plain no flavor. I was told this was amazing and it took forever to get. Definitely would not waste my time

Where the burger was created! This is a no frills place that serves a no frills burger. Forget your condiments and focus on the beef ‍ If you are in the new haven area this place is a must. Upon walking in it feels like you have gone back in time. These burgers aren't necessarily works of art (beauty is in the eye of the beholder) but the flavor is top notch #nostalgic read more

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Nice little slice of History ! The burgers are simple but tasty . Gotta try a Burch beer and potato salad as well ! Had our burgers quickly ! read more

This place is a unique gem. They are intentional with their menu choices. The burger was great the way it is- without the popularized "burger buns" or ketchup because it would have taken the focus away from the meat. The potato salad was one of the best I've ever due to the seasoning and great texture. The sodas are from a local CT company. It was a surprisingly smaller place than I thought it was going to be, but I appreciate the charm and could FEEL the rich history of the building as I sat down. I look forward to coming back again! read more

Louis' Lunch - The Original Burger with all the fixings. - Burgers Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

Really love the bread as a bun, thought it made the burger really good and the highlight! The burger was also cook perfectly, and was served promptly. This is definitely a no frills place, the employees aren't very helpful or patient (even when there is no line) and it's cash only. read more

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OMG the best burgers in New Haven!! Don't expect the fanciest atmosphere with the most toppings, and extras, etc. They don't even have ketchup... why? because their burgers are so flavorful, juicy made with 5 different ground meats, you don't need condiments. They serve their perfectly medium rare patties of deliciousness on two slices of fresh white toast. You can have cheese and fried onions. It's all you need. Perfection! And the other customers are wonderful to talk to while you wait for your burgers. read more

It's a solid no-frills burger. You go here for the experience of the birthplace of the burger, so see those funky vertical grills in action, and for the history. Sure, it's a big odd on plain bread but that's how it was invented. You can have it plain or add cheese, onions, and/or tomato. That's it. No fries. And definitely no ketchup. read more

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The ambience, history and staff are great. Definitely not your typical burger, but good. They are vehemently opposed to ketchup or condiments of any kind, but the burger needs it. Their potato salad is essentially mashed potatoes with egg in it. read more

The original burger, you have to try it. When you do you'll love it! Top quality beef and service with a smile.

This is almost everything I want in a hamburger. I've been eating so many bad burgers lately, I had forgotten. Look. It's not for everybody. I get that. No pickle. No lettuce. No ketchup. What surprised me was that in the end I was actually okay with toast instead of a bun. The trick here is two fold: One, the toast is quite thin, but just thick enough to support the patty. Two, the toast is dry enough to suck up the beef juices when the burger is sliced in half. It's brilliant. I shouldn't be surprised. They've had enough time to perfect it. - The potato salad is also excellent. But $4 for a cup of it, feels a bit steep, especially when the burger is just north of $6. In the future, I might abstain from the potato salad and order a second burger instead. - Even with this one drawback, I have nothing but love for LL. Well, love and regret. Regret that I've gone this long without one of these burgers. read more

Louis' Lunch - The cheeseburger with tomato and onion. - Burgers Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

A taste of history! Nothing fancy here, but definitely worth trying to experience the home of the first hamburger! A fresh ground burger served on white bread with only the options of - grilled onion, tomato or cheese! They do have a yummy potato salad and also serve pie, Foxon Park soda and Snapple. Super tiny spot with only a few tables so I recommend calling in or getting take out! read more

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A taste of history in New Haven. I was in the area and knew I had to try it. I've read about it and seen multiple stories The originator of the hamburger or so they claim to be. The banter behind the counter between the two guys was very entertaining. It seemed dysfunctional the ordering, picking up, and garbage disposal process but this place isn't huge The hamburger itself was good. I added cheese but wasn't expecting cold cheese whiz. Still, the burger was cooked a perfect medium rare. Worth a try if at least a 30 minute drive. Go for the experience, the food, and the show read more

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

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On a recent return trip from to Foxwoods Casino, I HAD to stop by the place that is the uncontested "Inventor" of the American hamburger. located in the heart of Downtown New Haven, the city grew up around them. Their burger may not be on any Top 100 Burger Lists, but any true Foodie should visit truly based on it's history and simplicity. The building inside and out is something out of a history book. The 100+ year old burger "presses" are nothign like I've ever seen. There are no grills or ovens. They don't have parking and only take cash. They sell hamburgers ( on white bread), chips, potato salad, pie and non-alcoholic beverages. The only "toppings" are cheese, tomato, or raw onion. There is no ketchup in the building! It has always been done this way. THE FOOD A very good burger. Big,juicy, cooked to order perfectly. With just the cold lettuce, tomato, onion and cheese on toasted white bread....I instantly thought it tasted just like the ones my grandparents made me when I was a kid many moons ago. It's that burger that all parents and family made back in the day before 100 chains grew coast to coast. It may have not been in my Top Burger List for flavor, but I thank them for bringing me back to greater, simpler days with thoughts of family. read more

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This is by far the worst burger you will ever have. Please don't let a historic taste cloud your judgement. The seats are terrible and you basically have to lean into nostalgia to appreciate the man taking your order. Please don't come here, I know that you will.. but this is NOT a place that you should visit. read more

If you invent the hamburger you get 5 stars. Yelp Elites that gave this historic location less than 4 stars you need to look inward! Louis Armstrong gets 5 stars even though plenty of jazz musicians surpassed his improvisation skills. White toast. Tasty beef. Cheese, Onion and Tomato if you prefer. Cooked in the original ovens. Ketchup/Mustard is not available. They have potato salad and chips to go with your hamburger sandwich if you would like. One interesting thing I learned from the owner is that the original Louis' Lunch was not in its current location. The store front, counter, stools and portions of the original location were transplanted to the current location. The current Louis' Lunch has some additions so you aren't getting a completely authentic experience. Even still, you can feel the history. History is important. There are now 100 plus burger toppings. Plenty of different rolls and cuts of beef used. At the end of the day Louis' Lunch started it all and you absolutely must respect that. read more

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These "institution"-type places never seem to live up to the hype for me, but Louie's did! First, when you read anecdotes about this place (such as the highly strict no-condiment rule), you don't expect much in the way of service. The guy working there was actually very friendly and cordial, for the first pleasant surprise. For the second pleasant surprise, the potato salad! This may have been the highly of the meal for me. Perfectly seasoned, not sweet at all. It's a bit hard to describe potato salad, but this one hit the spot. The burger did not disappoint either. As promised, it didn't need no stinkin' condiments. Very juicy and perfectly cooked IMO (makes you wonder why you put up with overly-well-done fast food burgers). It also seems to be a spot that local folks actually frequent, rather than just a tourist destination, which I liked. I'd go back! read more

The original and still the best! This burger is one of the best I've ever had. Simple, low tech, few options. If you want a basic burger this is the place to go! The staff is friendly, funny and super efficient. read more

Louis' Lunch - Burger, potato salad and an excellent local soda. - Burgers Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

This is one of my Favorite Burger place, of all time super delicious, I can finish 3 burger myself. The staff is wonderful, love the the place small and love watching how they make my food. read more

Wow. Here I am sitting among living history. A cool concept. Just stick with that. Come here for the history. If you are looking for a knockout burger made your way, there's plenty of that everywhere else. No doubt this is a decent burger, and the potato salad is very good (mostly potato). If you are put off by rare meat and red juices soaking into your bread, order it well done. But it's pretty good done their way. Most of all - enjoy the history. The hard working people that made their way when times were hard, people who made America great, who are still making it great, and people who love holding on to tradition. That's what this place is about. read more

I love this place! Great burgers and great tradition. Awesome service and relaxing cozy atmosphere. It's not even just the tradition -- the food is great by itself. Definitely one of the highlights of New Haven! read more

I decided to stop by from driving from New York to Boston to check out what the fuzz was about this place. I was not disappointed. The burger was amazing. Best burger I have had so far. I love to put Ketchup on my burger but this one didn't need it. It small and cozy. I hope I get a chance to come again @raulvsfood. read more

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This place has a lot of character, and I'm not just talking about the staff! There are no prices posted, so be prepared as it's cash only. We ordered 2 burgers, potato salad, chips and 2 drinks. Total cost was $23. Parking is either on the street (meters) or in a paid parking lot adjacent to the building. We found a spot on the street easily enough and the meters accept credit cards so that was simple. This place is real authentic, and the only toppings available are tomato and onion. The burgers are served on toasted white bread. The menu is very limited. They only do a few things, but they do them well. The burgers are actually really good, and they are cooked in a unique "vertical" broiler. Be sure to check it out. I don't understand all the raving about the potato salad. It was dry and kind of bland. We also ordered a couple pieces of pie, strawberry rhubarb and cannoli. Each slice costs $5. They were delicious! A fellow patron recommended the Apple pie. This place is worth the visit for the burgers, the history, and the experience. read more

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

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Always a good tasty and juicy burger here. They don't serve it You're way and make no apology. Just burgers cooked perfectly a few side salads and Foxon Park sodas . read more

Louis' Lunch - The gas grilled seared burgers cooked the same way as the did back in 1900 - Burgers Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

the best hambergers, "undressed", so delicious, always!! been coming for 40 years!!!

Come for the history! And the wonderful interior of this restaurant, emanating with aura and energy from years past. The burgers themselves are not great...but they will leave you satisfied. The beef is juicy and never dry. It's very fresh, made in-house from 5 cuts of beef, but the overall finished product is by no means on par with today's gourmet burgers. The burger here is supposed to be minimalistic, no frills, no condiments and few toppings offered aside from a tomato slice and onion slice. The flames from the old broilers kind of steam the burger and there's very little hint of smoky barbeque, or flame broiled smoky char. If you take the burger to go, the thin toast will get soggy real fast. But hey, worth visiting once in your lifetime at least! read more

They say they are the creators of the hamburger and they've been making them the same way for longer than you've been alive :) Your only option is a hamburger - topping choices include cheese, tomato and onion and that is it. No condiments, nothin'! Served on toasted white bread. They offer potato salad, chips and a few varieties of pie by the slice. Add some drinks to the menu and that's all they've got. I'd personally give the burger 3 stars but my husband really enjoyed it - as did the friends we were with. The kids didn't love it. My husband said it's like a bucket list item to cross off - having a burger where burgers were created. We can cross it off the list read more

These guys are the inventor of the hamburger. In fact, they're still using the original ovens they started with. Lots of history: the owner is related to the original owner. That said, the first is not necessarily the best! While the patties are juicy and tender (medium rare is the only way it's cooked), they don't have enough flavor for me. It'd be great to add a side dish or something. The first time I was here, a couple of years ago, someone asked for ketchup/mustard/etc - and got yelled at. Cash only. 3.5 stars. It's not the first place I'd recommend, but it's something to cross off the bucket list. read more

Louis' Lunch - No frills burger. On white toast. - Burgers Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

Nostalgia. Embrace and enjoy its simplicity. Toasted bread, some barely salted ground meat cooked to order in a vertical grill with ZERO grease residue, and the simple options of a slice of tomato and or onions. Was it the greatest. Not necessarily. Was it a lunch or dinner. More like a snack but worth a visit. Maybe just a one timer but def support this place with a visit. read more

Today I really became an American by dining at Louis Lunch where America's 1st Hamburger was made. Franks eaten burgers all over the world, however this burger was one of the most satisfying since it came from the special upright cast iron cooking grills that's been used for century's. Located not far from the Yale University Louis Lunch serves up a limited menu for the common man but come on when it's a cheeseburger how much complaining what's on the menu is really in order. Get in line early cause you will do your time waiting, most defiantly worth the wait. As for the burger well burgers are cooked medium so tend to be on raw side or pink inside. If you dare ask for "well done " the burger man gets grumpy. I'm glad I wasn't the only person who ordered them to cook it all the way. He mumbled non stop as 3 of us ordered that way. Also dont expect a bun it's set on toasted bread , tomato & lettuce. Add your own sides. Sorry no fries it's not an option. Chips or no chips is your choice. After you make your order keep an eye out for a seat, there limited. By looks of it bring your carving knife cause graffiti is welcome ( keep it tasteful )..... Now If you locate "FRANK BOOTH WAS HERE" I'll buy your meal. Thanks for the Travel Channel for bringing this joint to my attention I really enjoyed it. One of my proud to be American moment was eating at Louis Lunch. God Bless America and let's make America Great Again. Hehehe Cheers read more

Glad we went, but not again. My thought is "The Emperor has no clothes". Burgers good but served on cold white bread Took about 45 minutes on a not too busy afternoon. You wait in line, the find a table and wait. It is historic and cute, but one and done for me. read more

Just gross. You have to be a hard core meat lover to enjoy this MAYBE. The concept is great - cooking a burger in a vertical toaster. If the burger was seasoned and not so thick MAYBE. It came out raw and grey - looked and tasted gamy like liver. Just a cool building and story but don't get caught up in the history it's just not good IMO! read more

Louis' Lunch is iconic and a must-visit for tourists in New Haven- but also not somewhere you'll need to go more than once. The Good: Louis' Lunch is a cool place. The small shack evokes an early 20th century nostalgia further accented by the old time iron grills the patties are cooked on. The menu is small, featuring beef burgers on toast with onion, cheese spread, and tomato as options. Cole slaw, chips, and pie are available upon request. The burger itself is filling and very juicy, while the price isn't too bad for such an iconic establishment. The Bad: Louis' Lunch is a little boring in my opinion. I enjoyed the burger but missed having sauces/fries. The restaurant is also very small with limited seating options. Overall, I'd recommend paying a quick visit to Louis' Lunch for the novelty of eating at an old-time hamburger shack, but wouldn't visit more than once. read more

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I love their burgers so much, but the staff can be a little standoffish. This is where the burger originated and they know how to make a real amazing burger, so it's worth going. Never ask them for ketchup as they'll tell you to go to McDonalds to get it, the burgers are just so good that they don't need anything added to them! read more

Never disappoints, worth the drive. Great blends of meat and minimal topping give you the true sense of how a great burger should taste. read more

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By far one of the best experiences I've had in my life, hey keep making their burgers the same way from time to time and remember never ever ask for ketchup lol! read more

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

Is it life changing? No. Is it delicious? Yes. Very cool place with an even cooler grill, everyone should come by at least once to get that old school burger vibe. Love it and will be back. read more

To be clear, my husband ate this burger. I am not a burger eater, but soaked up the ambiance and sipped the *foxon park birch beer* - which is a must to pair with your meal (or have on its own!). Personally, I had a blast. As a lover of history, hole in the walls, and architecture - this was an experience all in its own. It's simply beautiful inside, with curved wooden booths, brick lining, tiffany style lamps, and intricate windows. Watching the burgers being prepared in the antique fired grills and bread toasted in the ancient toaster - right before you is a treat. Loved the way the employees interacted with the locals, they were very friendly towards us. My husband said the burger was simple and good, the way someone could enjoy it for another century. +Parking is street. +Cash only! read more

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