The birthplace of the hamburger sandwich.
Welcome to Louis’ Lunch
Est. 1895 in New Haven, CT
Est. 1895 in New Haven, CT
Serving New Haven, CT & Beyond Since 1895
According to the Library of Congress, “Louis’ Lunch in New Haven, Connecticut, is recognized as the birthplace of the hamburger sandwich.”
Family owned and operated for over four generations, Louis’ Lunch continues to serve the original hamburger, just as it was first prepared in 1895. Preserving our history and tradition isn’t just our pride, it’s our promise to every guest who walks through our doors.
Louis’ Lunch: New Haven’s Culinary Landmark
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For over a century, Louis’ Lunch has captured the attention of food lovers, historians, and journalists alike. From national TV features to global publications, our story — the invention of the hamburger — continues to make headlines.
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Louis’ Way
In 1900, a hurried customer asked Louis Lassen for something he could eat on the go. Thinking fast, Louis placed his own blend of ground steak trimmings between two slices of toasted bread — creating the very first hamburger sandwich.
More than a century later, Louis’ Lunch still serves that same simple recipe, honoring the original vision and tradition that started it all.
FAQs
The business started on a horse-drawn wagon in New Haven in 1895. It moved to its first location in 1900.
- The burgers are cooked in original cast iron vertical gas broilers from 1898.
- We use a special blend of 5 cuts of all-beef meat.
There is limited on-street parking. There is a parking lot located next to the restaurant that is a fee per hour.
No we are first-come first-serve seating.
The busiest time is at opening and a line could last through the first three hours. Late afternoon and early evening are a great time to visit generally!
We kindly ask allowing customers who have their food to have a seat and a seat will open in time for your order!
Yes, we are always closed the week after New Year’s and the month of August for our annual “Counting of Spoons”.
We suggest preparing the burgers at medium temperature. Please let us know at the time of ordering if you prefer different?
Visitors to Louis’ Lunch should definitely try their signature hamburger sandwich, known for its simple yet rich flavor. Each burger is made with freshly ground beef served on white toast, allowing the quality ingredients to shine.
Hamburgers at Louis’ Lunch are uniquely served vertically in white toast, holding the fresh ground beef patty without any bun. The sandwich is traditionally presented with the cheese melted right on the broiler, ensuring a warm, juicy bite.
Upon arriving at Louis’ Lunch, customers place their orders at the counter where expert staff prepare each burger individually upon request. The experience is quick and personal, with a focus on old-fashioned service.
Louis’ Lunch is centrally located in downtown New Haven, Connecticut, at 261 Crown Street. This historic spot is easy to find and a must-visit for food enthusiasts exploring the city.
Founded in 1895, Louis’ Lunch began as a small lunch wagon. Louis Lassen, the founder, reportedly created the first hamburger sandwich as a quick, portable meal for workers, marking a significant moment in American culinary history.
The story goes that Louis Lassen crafted the first hamburger sandwich when a customer requested a quick, easy-to-eat meal. Using ground beef and toast instead of a bun, he created a portable sandwich that quickly became popular, establishing a legacy honored to this day.
We serve the original hamburger experience: fresh-ground beef, cooked in our historic vertical broilers, served simply on toast the way generations have enjoyed it.
Yes. We’re a piece of New Haven history and a quick, memorable stop for anyone who wants to taste one of America’s classic food traditions.
Our menu is built around preserving the original flavor of the burger. We keep the focus on the beef, the broiler, and the tradition.
We keep our burgers true to the original Louis’ Lunch style, with classic options like cheese, tomato, and onion.
Louis’ Lunch is a historic hamburger experience, not a modern build-your-own burger bar. Guests visit us for tradition, simplicity, and flavor.
Our space is small and historic, so seating can be limited during busy times. Many guests enjoy the experience as a quick, casual stop.
Yes, we are always closed the week after New Year’s and the month of August for our annual “Counting of Spoons”.
We suggest preparing the burgers at medium temperature. Please let us know at the time of ordering if you prefer different?
Louis’ Lunch is renowned as the birthplace of the hamburger sandwich, a title recognized by the Library of Congress. It’s celebrated for preserving the original style of hamburger making and maintaining its historic charm.
Louis’ Lunch is accessible via major roads leading into downtown New Haven. Parking is available in nearby public lots and on adjacent streets, making it convenient for both locals and visitors.
Louis’ Lunch is called the birthplace of the hamburger because Louis Lassen is credited with inventing the first hamburger sandwich around 1900, serving ground beef between two slices of toast. This innovation set the foundation for the modern hamburger.
At Louis’ Lunch, tradition reigns—burgers are served with minimal toppings. We don’t offer any condiments as we want the focus to be on the flavor of the meat. We believe the hamburgers taste so good, you won’t need any condiments.
What Our Customers Are Saying About Us
HOURS
| Sunday | CLOSED |
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | 12 pm – 8 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm – 8 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm – 12 am |
| Friday | 12 pm – 12 am |
| Saturday | 12 pm – 12 am |