Louis’ Lunch is a petite eatery on Crown Street in New Haven, Connecticut, with a very big claim to fame: It’s the birthplace of the hamburger! Louis Lassen opened his first luncheonette in New Haven in 1895.
According to lore, Louis made fast food history in 1900 when a customer who was in a hurry asked for a meal he could take “to go.” Thinking on his feet, Lassen slapped a broiled beef patty between two slices of bread, inventing the hamburger.
On the Menu
You’ll still find hamburgers on the menu at Louis’ Lunch, albeit with limited options. Alongside the hamburgers, there are plenty of non-alcoholic beverages, and you’ll often find potato salad, which is loaded with big chunks of potato and quite good.
Check the blackboard for a selection of homemade pies and other desserts, with the blueberry pie being especially good. Tuna sandwiches may be available on Fridays, and soup is offered seasonally. Louis’ stays open until 2 a.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and you might even find late-night menu additions such as hot dogs and steak sandwiches.
A True Original
Of course, most folks wouldn’t dream of ordering anything but a burger. While Louis’ Lunch has changed locations twice since 1895, arriving at its current Crown Street spot in 1975, one aspect that has remained constant is the use of cast-iron grills to cook the restaurant’s distinctive burgers.
Into the Fire
You’ll most likely have to wait in line to place your order, especially during peak times such as the lunch hour. This wait gives you an excellent opportunity to observe the unique hamburger cooking process at Louis’ Lunch.
Each burger patty is made from beef ground fresh that day. Observing closely, you’ll see that the hamburgers are positioned vertically inside the grill, allowing them to flame-cook evenly on both sides.
No Buns, No Ketchup, No Whining
Before visiting Louis’ Lunch, there are a few important details you should know. Your flavorful, smoky, flame-cooked hamburger will be served on toasted white bread, not in a traditional bun. Ketchup and mustard are completely prohibited as they would mask the burger’s true flavor; you won’t want to ask for them. Cheese, tomato, and onions are the only available toppings. If you prefer your burger plain, simply order an “original.” For all three toppings, order a “cheese works.”
It is equally important to note that Louis’ Lunch operates on a cash-only basis; credit cards are not accepted.
Furthermore, be sure to confirm the operating hours before visiting. As of 2016, their hours are Tuesday and Wednesday from 11 a.m. until 3:45 p.m., and from Thursday through Saturday from noon until 2 a.m.
The owners, descendants of hamburger inventor Louis Lassen, usually close the restaurant during the second week of January, the week of Good Friday through Easter Sunday, and the entire month of August, reopening the day after Labor Day. To check current hours, customers often call 203-562-5507 for updates.
A Famous Hangout
The interior of Louis’ Lunch is quite cramped, leading many patrons to take their meals to go. If you are fortunate enough to find a seat, you’ll discover that each inch of the tabletop, counter, and wooden bench is carved with initials from past customers who have savored Louis’ hamburgers over the years.
There’s a strong possibility that someone more notable than you once occupied your seat. Louis’ Lunch is conveniently located just around the corner from Yale University, the alma mater of numerous stars, including Jodie Foster, Sigourney Weaver, and several U.S. presidents. This historic spot captures the lineage of not only the hamburger but also a rich tapestry of academia and celebrity.
