When it comes to burgers in Connecticut, one name stands above the rest. Depending on who you believe, hamburgers may have been invented in Connecticut, and if so, it was right in New Haven at Louis’ Lunch. This spot was opened by a humble immigrant as a small food truck. In 1900, they served the first hamburger, if you believe the restaurant’s owners and the Library of Congress. They’ve been located in the same small shack for the last 50 years and are still preparing burgers on similar equipment to what they did way back in 1900. This is one place where tradition stands strong!

Louis' Lunch was opened up in 1895 and has been a staple of New Haven cuisine ever since. The restaurant was founded by Louis Lassen, a Danish immigrant who sold eggs, butter, and food items from a lunch wagon (forerunner of food trucks).
Louis' Lunch/Google Maps
According to legend, a businessman stopped by the wagon one day demanding a quick lunch to-go. Louis slapped some ground steak in between two pieces of toast and the first hamburger was born.
Milo Tam/Google Maps
The Library of Congress sides with Louis' Lunch, but there are several others who claim to be the forerunners of the hamburger.
Wik Tam/Google Maps

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Little has changed in Louis' Lunch since they moved into their current space in 1975. The meat is still prepared on a cast iron vertical gas broiler, the bread toasted on a 1929 industrial toaster.
John O'Leary/Google Maps
One thing that sets Louis' Lunch apart, besides the history, is the limited offerings for toppings. Nowadays, it seems like many restaurants are expanding their condiment offerings in an effort to appease all customers.
Louis' Lunch/Google Maps
Not so at Louis' Lunch. You get Cheez Whiz and/or tomato and/or onion. That's it.
At Louis' Lunch, you'll be ejected from the premises if you ask for ketchup. It's thought that ketchup and fluffy hamburger buns detract from the taste of the meat.
Demet Aytekin/Google Maps
If you're looking for fancy or a modern take on the old classic hamburger, this is probably not the spot for you. But if you want a burger that's been served up the same old time-tested way it has for the last century, check out Louis' Lunch.
Mr Kemplen/Google Maps

 For more information about Louis’ Lunch, check out its website.

Have you had a burger from this famous burger restaurant in Connecticut? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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Louis' Lunch, 261 Crown St, New Haven, CT 06511, USA