Kentucky is known for lots of things: the Kentucky Derby, bourbon, fried chicken, Mammoth Cave, Red River Gorge… the list goes on (and on!). One thing Kentucky is not particularly known for, though, is cheeseburgers. When foodies talk of the best cheeseburger of their lives, the Bluegrass isn’t often part of the equation. But it should be because without the Bluegrass State, cheeseburgers wouldn’t exist! Wondering where was the cheeseburger invented? That’s right: Kentucky lays claim to having the first cheeseburger in America. It might be time to pack your bags and consider heading to Kentucky to scope out the burger scene.

It's nearly impossible to imagine a world wherein cheeseburgers don't exist.
80/20 at Kaelin's/Facebook
But believe it or not, there was a time when you couldn't get that delicious patty smothered in cheese at almost any restaurant.
What would such a world look like? Us turophiles shudder to think of such a cheese-less world.
Facebook / 80/20 at Kaelin's
Fortunately, we're existing in a post-cheeseburger invention world so that will never be a concern.
Thankfully, this is not something we ever have to imagine, thanks to 80/20 at Kaelin's, a little diner in Louisville, Kentucky, that's home to the original cheeseburger.
Angela Vanderburg/Google Local
Can you believe that? The state known for fried chicken and whiskey is actually home to one of America's favorite dishes.
In 1934, the restaurant became known as the “birthplace of the cheeseburger” when owner Carl Kaelin put together this cheese-topped creation. It was a simple, yet revolutionary, move.
Glenn Morgan/Google Local
We may never know what was going through Carl's mind when he decided to pair those ingredients, but we're so glad he did.

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Ask Kentucky foodies, and they'll tell you Kaelin's is the "birthplace of the original cheeseburger" -- and whether or not history supports this claim (Wikipedia includes Kaelin's in a list of "first cheeseburger" creators), is irrelevant. The cheeseburgers here are big, beefy, blessedly simple and oh-so-delicious -- indisputably the best cheeseburgers in Kentucky.
Reid Coulston/Google Local
You'll have to check it out and see for yourself.
The Kaelin's Original Cheeseburger is an absolute must-try for any foodie's bucket list, featuring Dusseldorf mustard, American cheese, onions, pickles, and a four-ounce patty on a potato bun. Feeling extra hungry? Order a double!
Facebook / 80/20 at Kaelin's
The restaurant has other delicious and often cheesy dishes to investigate as well, like this beer cheese served with a pretzel baguette.
Of course, you can't go wrong with anything on the menu at Kaelin's: the fried green tomatoes are a fan favorite, as is the classic chicken tender basket.
Reid Coulston/Google Local
But for the sake of history, a cheeseburger from Kaelin's is in order. Because this cheeseburger? It's a classic. An original. An only-in-Kentucky gift to the world!
80/20 at Kaelin's/Facebook
We're curious to know what you think about the mother of all cheeseburgers.

Did you know Kentucky was home to the first cheeseburger in America? Wonders never cease! You’ll never have to wonder where was the cheeseburger invented again.

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More to Explore

Best Restaurants In Kentucky

CC | March 11, 2024

What are the best restaurants in Kentucky?

Obviously cheeseburgers are now going to the top of your Kentucky to-do list. But there are lots of other delicious things to eat while visiting. After you’ve eaten your weight in cheeseburgers, consider checking out these bucket list restaurants in Kentucky.

  • Pompilio's
  • The Brown Hotel
  • Starnes Bar-B-Q
  • Wallace Station Deli and Bakery
  • Castle Farms Restaurant
  • Patti’s 1880's Settlement
  • Sanders Café
  • The Freight House
  • Rich's Proper Food & Drink
  • Barn8 Restaurant
  • The Bluebird
  • The Old Talbott Tavern

 

What are the most charming small towns in Kentucky?

Louisville has a lot to offer (including, as we just learned, the nation’s original cheeseburger), but there’s something that can’t be beat about the hometown experience. While you’re touring the Bluegrass State, be sure to add these charming small towns in Kentucky to your itinerary.

  • Elkton
  • Bloomfield
  • Fredonia
  • Upton
  • Wilmore
  • Princeton
  • Bardstown
  • Cadiz
  • Berea
  • Guthrie
  • Jamestown
  • Pineville
  • Augusta
  • Stearns

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Featured Addresses
80/20 @ Kaelin's Restaurant, 1801 Newburg Rd, Louisville, KY 40205, USA