Louis' Lunch

Louis Lassen Louis' Lunch wagon (1907-1916)

Cheeseburger at Louis' Lunch, New Haven

Louis' Lunch is a small restaurant located in New Haven, Connecticut, United States, which claims to be the first restaurant to serve hamburgers. Established in 1895 by Louis Lassen, Louis' Lunch is a significant part of American culinary history, offering a unique take on the classic American hamburger.

History

Louis' Lunch was founded by Louis Lassen, a Danish immigrant, who, according to family lore, created the first hamburger sandwich in the United States in 1900. The story goes that a customer in a hurry asked for a quick meal that could be eaten on the go. Lassen took leftover ground beef trimmings, cooked them, and placed the meat between two slices of bread, thus creating the first hamburger. The restaurant has been operated by the Lassen family for over a century, maintaining its tradition and methods of cooking.

Location and Building

The original building of Louis' Lunch has been moved several times. Its current location, since 1975, is on Crown Street in New Haven. The building itself is a small, brick structure with a distinctive antique interior, reflecting its long history.

Culinary Tradition

Louis' Lunch is renowned for its unique preparation and presentation of the hamburger. The restaurant continues to use cast-iron grills dating back to 1898 to cook the hamburgers, which are made from a proprietary blend of five cuts of meat. True to its tradition, the hamburgers are served on white bread toast rather than a conventional bun and come with only cheese, onion, and tomato as optional toppings. Condiments such as ketchup and mustard are famously not offered, maintaining the original way the hamburger was served.

Cultural Significance

The claim of Louis' Lunch to be the birthplace of the hamburger has made it a cultural and historical landmark. It has been recognized by the Library of Congress and various culinary publications as an important part of American culinary history. The restaurant's commitment to tradition and its unchanged method of cooking have made it a pilgrimage site for food enthusiasts and historians alike.

Controversies

The claim of Louis' Lunch to have invented the hamburger has been disputed by other establishments and historians, leading to a friendly rivalry and debate over the true origin of the hamburger. Despite this, Louis' Lunch remains a significant figure in the story of American cuisine.

In Popular Culture

Louis' Lunch has been featured in numerous television shows, documentaries, and articles, highlighting its historical claim and unique culinary offerings. It continues to attract visitors from around the world, eager to experience a piece of American history.

See Also

• Hamburger
• New Haven, Connecticut
• Culinary history of the United States