Louis' Lunch
Burger Joint and American Restaurant$$$$
Downtown New Haven, New Haven
The folks at Travel + Leisure and Men's Health Mag like this place. Would you agree?- The burgers at Louis' Lunch is a can't miss
"Cheese Works is the best."(7 Tips)
"Homer of America's first hamburger!"(4 Tips)
"I'd also recommend the birch beer as it's local and delicious!"(7 Tips)
"not just delicious burgers, try the yummy potato salad!"(13 Tips)
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109 Tips and reviewsFilter:
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- potato salad
- cheese works
- cheeseburgers
- sandwiches
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Travel + LeisureAugust 6, 2014The patty is a combination of five cuts of meat, grilled over an open flame on antique cast-iron broilers, while the toast is prepped in a contraption your great-grandmother might recognize. Read more
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嘉豪 徐June 9, 2014There's a first for everything, If you're looking for the first Hamburger, you've come to the right place! If you're looking for an excellent burger, that's a two-for-one under the same roof!Upvote6Downvote
Alex RobertsonJune 23, 2019Come on it’s awesome. Not the best burger ever in terms of seasoning but it’s delicious. Tiny cramped place with crazy vibes. Loved itUpvote5Downvote- Jason O'BrienMay 12, 2015You can ask them to cook your burger a little longer if medium rare is not your thing. Also, the potato salad was delicious. I'd also recommend the birch beer as it's local and delicious!UpvoteDownvote
SarahOctober 27, 2015It's an institution. The meat in the burger is so fresh tasting and their potato salad is amazing (I don't even like it usually!)- make sure to get a slice of pie for dessert!UpvoteDownvote
David LynchJune 23, 2017Birthplace of the hamburger and you DON'T need ketchup. Get a "cheese, works" & a Foxon Park white birch soda. Same virical gas cast iron grills they've been using for over a century give GREAT flavorUpvoteDownvote
Erin NewtonFebruary 23, 2014Fun time while waiting for our burgers at the big table up front. Met lots of foodies with other east coast suggestions! BTW, buglers were yum and potato salad perfectUpvoteDownvote
Justin OrdovezaDecember 28, 2016They serve the platonic ideal of what a burger should be. It's no frills with very little on the menu,potato chips instead of fries. No Coca-Cola. A small space with very little seating. Cash only.
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Erik CintronDecember 23, 2018Simple place. Only thing left from a time of long ago. That in itself is a treasure. just a burger medium rare Tomato and onion. The way they cook it in a stand up grill from 1895. First burger spotUpvoteDownvote
Men's Health MagJuly 10, 2012One cheese, works–that's a burger with cheese, tomato, and onion. The sweetness of the onion is key, and the salt from the cheese and the moisture of the tomato are a good step away from condiments.Upvote2Downvote
Jason BowmanOctober 14, 2017Getting a cheeseburger is obvious, but don't pass up the potato salad. It's really good!Upvote1Downvote
Jake SmithAugust 26, 2015Grab a cheeseburger with tomatoes and onion. While the restaurant needs to be experienced, I found eating outside was quite pleasant (weather permitting).Upvote1Downvote
Buford BarnesMay 21, 2012Claims to have invented the hamburger sandwich in 1895. This is still one of the best 'burgers around, over 100 years later, and a unique experience. They do not take special orders.UpvoteDownvote- Buford BarnesMarch 16, 2019Est. 1895. Original building and fixtures, but was moved piece by piece in the 1970s. Claims to have invented hamburger sandwich (what we generally now just call a "hamburger").UpvoteDownvote
Urban OysterJuly 29, 2011This great little place has been serving hamburgers since 1900, and is now a fourth-generation family business. They also serve up a local favorite, Foxon Park sodas, to wash down your burger.Upvote2Downvote- Buford BarnesMay 30, 2012Established 1895. Original building and fixtures, but it was moved piece by piece in the 1970s. Claims invention of the hamburger sandwich. Unique hamburger experience. Doesn't take special orders.
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Sam KrasnikJune 10, 2018Fantastic cheeseburgers and great staff. Also loved the super authentic atmosphereUpvoteDownvote
toluAugust 27, 2017I know none of you came here for the potato salad, but it is pretty good hereUpvote1Downvote
Edward HomickSeptember 9, 2011go here and eat a very tasty part of american history, delicious burgers with a great atmosphere, something this historic is worth a day trip to alone!Upvote1Downvote
The Daily MealJune 23, 2011The meat is freshly ground every day and placed on top of white toast with some added tomato and onions to create a mouth-watering burger (if you ask). Read moreUpvoteDownvote
Burger DaysApril 11, 2011Lays claim to the birthplace of the hamburger sandwich. Grab a burger with everything (onions and cheese). Don't even think of asking for ketchup-- it ain't allowed.
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Kim VuAugust 2, 2014Step back into history at this little tavernesque shop where the American hamburger was born. Simple and delicious broiled patties.UpvoteDownvote
TV Food MapsAugust 26, 2014Check out Louis' Lunch as seen on Best Thing I Ever Ate , Burger Land , Crave , Man vs Food Nation , Food Paradise Read moreUpvote1Downvote
Mike ChauOctober 12, 2013Try the Cheeseburger - With the works (onions and tomato). This is a strange burger, but it happens to be delicious.UpvoteDownvote- Travel + LeisureAugust 6, 2014Don’t even think about asking for mustard or mayo: the only approved toppings are tomato, onion, and cheese. Read moreUpvote4Downvote
Kathleen CorlessJune 8, 2018The burgers and potato salad are excellent and the service is friendlyUpvoteDownvote
MarcOctober 13, 2020The Daily Meal's 101 Best Burgers in America: #55 The Original BurgerUpvoteDownvote- Konrad MazurekSeptember 17, 2013One of the best lunch joints in New Haven. Rustic and friendly. Cannot go wrongUpvoteDownvote
Megan LandeMarch 9, 2023The best potato salad around! And the cheeseburgers were banging! So simple . Soo good!UpvoteDownvote
Lindsay KirkOctober 15, 2015Cheeseburgers cooked in funky broiler contraptions. Atmosphere is super chill.UpvoteDownvote
Alexandra GrammenouAugust 4, 2015Most amazing homemade burgers! Just follow what the owner tells you and do not add any ketchup or mayo!UpvoteDownvote
Claire DoppmanFebruary 7, 2015Great historical place! Love the burgers! Staff very welcoming!UpvoteDownvote- Emma PacilliMay 26, 2013Cheese Works is the best. Try to get the small side booth. Takes you back on time. Love!Upvote1Downvote
Seth ThompsonFebruary 6, 2015Original Hamburger Sandwich is a must in the New Haven areaUpvoteDownvote- Edward HomickSeptember 9, 2011Seems to me that every year they close for the entire month of August, so keep that in mind and plan accordingly every summer before making the trip hereUpvote1Downvote
Katrina BoucherOctober 15, 2011Cheese works! Birch beer! If you don't like your burger rare, tell them when you order. It was very good!!
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Benedikt BlaserMay 28, 2013Great burgers. Have a Pepsi - birch beer tastes like loo. Also: great burgers.UpvoteDownvote
Mark DaPonteMay 28, 2011Damn good burgers! Get one with cheese an wash it down with a local soda! Very crowded. If you have kids order it take out.
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christy robinsonDecember 7, 2014the cheese burgers are really good you have to bring your own ketchup tho 😂UpvoteDownvote
BillysBurgerBlog.comMay 18, 2013The Original Burger (prepared with a combination of chuck and sirloin beef)UpvoteDownvote
Sony Mobile WTAAugust 1, 2011Classic or traditional burger and fries is all you want at Louis' Lunch. Don't even think of asking for ketchup.UpvoteDownvote
Travel ChannelAugust 3, 2011“Jeff Lessen, owner of Louis Lunch, makes expert level Cheese Works sandwiches." --Adam Richman, Man V Food Nation
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428 Photos
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Since 1895, Louis’ Lunch in New Haven, CT has been serving a...(Show more)
Closed until Noon tomorrow (Show more)
- Tue
- Noon–3:30 PM
- Wed
- 11:00 AM–3:45 PM
- Thu–Sat
- Noon–11:00 PM
(203) 562-5507
View menu on https://louislunch.com/menu
Features
Reservations
No
Credit Cards
Yes
Outdoor Seating
No
Dining Options
Bar Service, Take-out
Parking
Street
Restroom
Yes
Food & Drink
Menus
Brunch, Lunch, Dinner
Drinks
Beer, Cocktails
See More
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