Louis' Lunch

Stopped by Louis’ Lunch to finally try what’s often called “the birthplace of the hamburger.” Atmosphere was definitely cool — it’s got those old-school, nostalgic vibes that make you feel like you’re stepping back in time. You can tell there’s history here, and that part was fun to take in. That said… the burger itself? Just okay. It’s cooked in the original cast iron grills, served on white toast with onion and tomato — no ketchup or condiments allowed. I get the tradition, but taste-wise, it didn’t really blow me away. Pretty mid, to be honest. The potato salad was actually the standout — super creamy, well-seasoned, and felt like it was made fresh. Service wasn’t fast, and the space is tiny, so there’s not a ton of room to hang if it gets busy. Price was decent — not overpriced, especially given the legacy — but this is more of a check-it-off-the-list kind of spot than somewhere I’d rush back to. Glad I tried it, but overall, it’s more about the nostalgia than the food.

A true piece of American history! Louis’ Lunch is unlike any burger place I’ve been to. The atmosphere is charming and nostalgic, and you can really feel the legacy behind every detail. The burgers are simple, cooked on antique vertical broilers, and packed with old-school flavor. No ketchup, no frills—just quality beef, toast, and tradition. If you’re a fan of food history or just want a unique experience, this is a must-visit in New Haven. The staff is friendly and the vibe is authentic. Highly recommend!

Stopped by with my son for the first time on his last full day in CT. WOW , I can see how this place is the first burger joint in USA and still serving them as they did 130 years ago. The order taker very friendly, the cook was in a zone, I loved this little place just thinking how many 100s of thousands of these delicious morsels have been served, our mouths were salivating as we waited to order while smelling the burgers. We each had the cheeseburger, thick, tasty and juicy with delicious sautéed onions we sat in the rear. What an awesome experience. Whenever anyone is within 100 miles, it's worth the experience. Way to go guys coming from a burger afficionado.

The sign outside Louis' Lunch doesn't mince words: "This is not Burger King." Neither does the one inside: a cheerful yellow warning reading "DANGER MEN COOKING" hangs above the kitchen, while a red circle with a slashed ketchup bottle makes the no-condiments policy unmistakably clear. I arrived at the Crown Street institution on a Saturday evening around 8 p.m., expecting the usual tourist crush. Instead, I found myself in the rare position of having this shrine to American stubbornness nearly to myself. The timing offered an unexpected intimacy with what the Library of Congress deems America's first hamburger restaurant. The interior is hobbit-hole cozy, all exposed brick and carved wooden booths where generations of diners have immortalized their visits with pocket knives. Antique rifles hang from the rafters like relics from a more lawless era, while Tiffany-style lamps cast warm light over the hand-carved names scratched into every wooden surface. A small fan whirs overhead, fighting the heat from the famous vertical broilers that have been hissing away since 1898. Behind the counter, a cook in blue gloves and red apron works the ancient cast-iron grills with practiced efficiency, flames licking at thick patties suspended in wire cages. The Chinese character for "fortune" hangs nearby—perhaps wishful thinking for customers about to pay $6.50 for what amounts to a historical reenactment with lunch. After a mercifully short wait, my order arrived on white paper: a thick, coarse-ground patty between two slices of perfectly toasted bread, topped with cheese spread, tomato, and onion. The first bite is revelatory, if you can manage it without the sandwich disintegrating. This isn't the uniform, fine-ground patty of modern burger joints. The meat has texture, char, and an almost steak-like quality that comes from their proprietary blend of five cuts. The toast, admittedly, takes some getting used to. But there's something satisfying about the substantial crunch that a squishy bun can't provide. Each bite delivers the kind of beefy intensity that makes you understand why they refuse to let ketchup anywhere near the premises. The real question isn't whether Louis Lassen actually invented the hamburger in 1900—recent evidence suggests others were serving similar sandwiches earlier. It's whether you value the experience of eating something genuinely unchanged over the past century, complete with the theatrical grumpiness and unyielding principles. **If You Go:** Louis' Lunch, 261 Crown St., New Haven; (203) 562-5507. Open Tuesday-Wednesday noon-9 p.m., Thursday-Saturday noon-11 p.m. Closed Sunday-Monday and all of August. Cash only. The hamburger may not have been born here, but something equally American was: the stubborn insistence that the old way is the only way, customers be damned.

What a gem! I cherish food establishments like this. The exterior of the restaurant is so charming and the inside is as well, but is extremely small. They have very limited seating so keep that in mind for your visit. The burgers are classic, the meat is very juicy and it’s served on simple white toast. The potato salad is amazing and you will probably finish it before your burger comes out. I loved my lunch and look forward to bringing friends back with me on the next visit.

This place is amazing. So much history behind it. The burgers are so simple yet absolutely one of a kind delicious. I would highly recommend you eat there at least once. You will not be disappointed.

The place is small and usually is packed. But the burgers (still using toast) with meat grilled old fashioned way are really tasty. That’s the only thing they sell, so the confidence on the food is evident. And it did not disappoint. Historical and delicious.

I could not wait to check out Louis Lunch as soon as I found out it was the oldest hamburger sandwich shop in the country. Yale University was only a block away, to my surprise when I got there. The restaurant is small but, it was packed with people. There were tourists from all of the world there. I heard Chinese and Portuguese while waiting. We all wanted to try one of the world’s oldest hamburger spots. I placed my order of 4 cheeseburgers with everything on them. I was told I had a 30-40 minute wait which I was fine with. I moved to the side and I enjoyed watching the workers engage with the customers even letting a kid behind the counter and see the original stoves from the late 1800s. They had such an easygoing way of talking about the story history of the place. After about 30 minutes I picked up my order. It was a great burger and reminded be of my childhood. My grandmother made her burgers just the same way. This is a must stop for anyone in New Haven, Connecticut.

As this place is literally an historic institution in New Haven, how can you 'not' give it a five star review? The history alone is worth five stars. You've seen them on TV, you've read the reviews and probably know the history. Here is our experience: First, parking is a bear. Just find a spot, either on the street or in a paid parking structure. The garage we parked in was $4/hr and about two blocks away. If you are a walker, find a spot in any street metered space. Second, the building is so small, and nestled among other, much larger structures. It seems incongruent to find the building here. People seem to wait outside for their take away order to be called as a couple were milling around out front, on their phones, when we arrived. The inside is truly like walking into the past. I do not know what the building history is, but it reminded me of walking into an old German restaurant. Lots of heavy, custom built, wooden table, shelves, seats. Two tiny booths for two persons are nestled by the windows on your left as you enter. What appears to be a small cast iron heater is also here with heavy wooden shelves above that hold, nothing. Curious. Above these shelves is a blackboard with beverage options written in chalk. Soda and iced tea. Straight ahead is the counter where you order with two gentleman waiting, one to take your order the other cooking the burgers. Two of the tiniest counter seats I have ever seen are at that counter. They look sized for a toddler, but are much too high off the ground for said toddler to access. To your right is a large table for either a crowd, or it's a community dining table: If there is a spot, seat yourself next to whomever is seated there. Again, reminiscent of some German restaurants we have visited. On the wall behind that table, on the way to the restroom in the back, are four high backed, narrow seats with a small, shared 'table' like arm where you may also sit either to wait for your take away order, or perhaps to dine-in. Speaking of the restroom, it is one for all and in relation to the ongoing theme beyond, also quite tiny. It's enough space, and that is all. There are three doors in a small hallway there, each with a three digit number on the door. The restaurant door also has these three numbers listed like it's the street address. I am curious; were these tiny rooms businesses themselves at one time? Why are the doors numbered like they are addresses inside and outside. I want to know that history! We placed our order and were given our beverages, potato salad and chips right away and then paid with our credit card. We were asked for the 'mans name' (not sure why the man, but whatever) and we sat at the large table. Here you'll find a variety of news clippings and the history of the restaurant under a glass top. Even though it was not busy at the time we visited, it took quite a long time for our burgers to be ready. We ate our chips and potato salad while we waited. Very glad we had them because we were hungry! OK finally the food. My dining companion took one bite said "Whoa" and then went on to tell me how good a burger it was. I'm taking my Yelp photos so haven't tried it yet, but now I have high expectations. He told the gents behind the counter it is the 'best burger' he has ever had. So clearly one happy customer! I ordered my burger without tomato (although the feeling is not mutual, they hate me) and when the order was picked up the 'burger without tomato' was pointed out. When I bit into my burger however, tomato was on there. Although surprised and disappointed, I pulled them off and carried on. My first bite of the burger was not a 'wow' moment for me. It was dry and there was way too much black pepper on there for my taste. I like the grilled taste. The texture and meat quality are good. It's a very filling burger that keeps you satisfied. The bread is lightly toasted and keeps it's integrity throughout the meal. But that black pepper stayed with me for hours. I drank all my soda. Then drank all the water I had with me and I still tasted black pepper. Wished I had an breath mint or piece of gum. The potato salad is quite good. It has boiled egg in the mix, well cooked potatoes, creamy base, mild flavor. They stuff it into a small Styrofoam cup with a plastic lid on top and give you a small plastic fork to eat it. The chips are a nice kettle cook variety in several flavors available. Sodas are from a local producer, plus they have a couple of Pepsi products. Return the bottles to the counter to be redeemed. Clearly my dining companion and I did not the same reaction. For me, just coming to experience the history of it all made it worth the trip. I can see how this place is still going strong more than 100 years later. Whether for the history or to try the burger come check out Louis'. I think it'll be worth the trip.

Absolutely nothing special about this place. Walked in at 2:30pm on a Tuesday, there were 3 people waiting for their burger orders ahead of me and it took 17 minutes to get my burger order. Louis lunch definitely defines slow. Tomato and onion are the only things you can get with your burger and they have no condiments. The counter guy(skinny with glasses) had the personality of sawdust. The guy working the grille wearing a mask was the slowest human being I started thinking Take may be experimenting gene splicing with sloths. They make burgers medium rare but the one I got was on the ultra low end of that closer to rare with some purple hues coming through. I make better burgers on my outdoor grille with grocery store quality ground meat that's for sure. This place definitely didn't invent the hamburger and only exists off being practically on Yale campus and kids buying burger type foods.

Heard about this place through George Motz' Burger America. I had to try the first hamburger in America! They predate the invention of the burger bun, so it's served on toasted white bread. The beef-blend is made from several cuts (seven total, I think) and cooked to a beautiful medium rare. The onion, tomato and secret cheese spread are all that you need, not that they offer anything else! There's no ketchup, so don't even ask! Their vintage toaster and vertical broilers are working museum pieces, and the building is a trip back in time. Went there, got the t-shirt!

This is the real deal. Long wait, coupled with a potent aroma of beef and zero music, this is a spiritual experience. Come here. sh. Just come.

This place is a gem. Talk about a juicy and delicious burger. One of the best I've ever had. I wish I ordered another. Very friendly people behind the counter. Can't wait to come back.

Louis' Lunch in New Haven, CT, is celebrated as the birthplace of the hamburger, recognized by the Library of Congress. Established in 1895, this historic eatery has been serving its signature hamburger sandwich for over a century. The burgers are prepared using original cast-iron grills dating back to 1898, and are served between two slices of white toast. In keeping with tradition, Louis' Lunch does not offer condiments like ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise. This commitment to simplicity and authenticity makes a visit to Louis' Lunch a unique and worthwhile experience! The place is tiny, rustic and oozes history. You must go.

I came here since saw positive review online, but really disappointed me‼The burger is super bland. And it cost almost $10! With a small portion! I decided to buy Shake Shack after eating this burger, and Shake Shack is much delicious than this one. Besides, not much other option in here, no combo meal provided.

Tasty, dedicated to tradition and history. Claimed to be the original hamburger, it's a juicy patty, well seasoned, served on toast with a smear of cheese sauce, a slice of grilled onions, and a slice of tomato. That's it. The burger is elemental, unadorned, and good. The space has tight quarters, seemingly run by one clerk and one guy loading the three century-old upright gas ovens, loading a cool rotary toaster from the 1930s or something, and slicing tomatoes and onions to order. Handwriting orders in sharpie and red crayon, insistence on little upfront prep, and somewhat inconsistent execution (top patties are less juicy, veggie slice thickness is uneven, once I got raw onions!) can be quaint, but I can easily see it as stubbornly regressive. Either way, I love their commitment.

The BEST potato salad ever. I also just tried the hamburger and wow. I need to go in person to eat it hot. I recommend this place off of those 2 items alone.

I had the day off of work and figured, what better time to check out the birthplace of the hamburger since I live so close to it?! So, I shot on down to New Haven, CT to check out Louis' Lunch! Lol. Atmosphere/Appearance: Set right downtown New Haven is this gem. There is no private parking so you'll have to find a structure or spot on the street to park your fly ride. The outside doesn't fit into the city AT ALL. Lol. It's a small brick building that actually closes during the month of August to "take inventory of spoons". I'm sure it's just a break for the employees and it makes all the sense in the world. Once inside you're transported right back to... who knows what time with stone and brick everywhere. There's little decor aside from relics that have been here since the restaurant's inception. Service: There is no table service so you just go up to the counter, order from the very limited menu, pay in cash then go sit down until your name is called. It's fairly simple and not bad at all. Food: There isn't much on the menu here... hamburgers, cheeseburgers, potato salad, chips and pie. It's fairly straightforward. You also get the option to add tomato and onion if you'd like. So I went with the cheeseburger with all the fixings. It was fine. Lol. They're steamed in the original sideways steamers then the cheese is added along with the tomato and onion then sandwiched between 2 slices of white bread. Places like this exist not because the food is exception, but because of history and nostalgia. There's nothing wrong with that at all! Value: I can't remember how much I spent, but I think it was less than $20.00 for 2 cheeseburgers and some chips. A fairly inexpensive lunch if you ask me. In conclusion, I came, I saw, I conquered. I don't need to revisit this place because I did it once and a burger like this isn't what I'm looking for on a regular basis. Cheers to Louis' Lunch for sticking around since 1895!

Not comparing this to today's burgers, this is a simple, tasty burger. Patty had good beefy taste and it's soft. Certainly not dry. I wish the bread was toasted more. Very tasty with cheese, onions, and tomato. I had a late lunch but honestly I could eaten a second burger. No issues with service. Small space with limited seating. A couple two person seats with very small tables. One communal table. I like the original interior.

First, I want to say for the historic significance of this place and the beauty of its "oldness" it is well worth the visit. It's the birthplace of HAMBURGER. This place looks like it's been around since Robin Hood and his Marry Men plunge the riches of the wealthy (except in Connecticut). Maybe it's not that long (obviously), but it looks like a well-preserved antique. The cool one, not the one your grandma keeps to give to you that doesn't match your wife's decor. It's not huge inside. For seating, you can sit 2-3 old wooden booths, or you can sit what I can only describe as wooden cubby benches with slight separators that have a stationary wooden table in front of each. Tempted to wear a dunce hat when I ate in one. Pics or didn't happen. It's super odd but cool nonetheless. Now the food. The burger is the definition of OK. Do your research. They dont make gourmet burgers with brioche buns and exotic toppings (or even lettuce). If you are expecting this. Don't go or plan for a change in your expectations. The burger served to me probably hasn't changed much since it's invention at this place. A recipe frozen in time. You can get cheese, tomato and onion on it. You're going to get it medium/medium-rare. You dont get a choice of well doneness. Accept it. The burger wasn't expensive. The beef and choice of minimal condiments are served between two pieces of toast. I give it a 4-stars because although the beef was of great quality, I didn't find the bare flavor to be anything special from the basic burgers I've had before. It was OK. Not terrible, not bad. Just OK. But look, this place is a historic landmark, and the visual experience, in my opinion, makes up for the food itself. If you are willing to go to Disney World or Six Flags and eat the worst food, then you should show love for an American landmark and eat your basic burger like a champ. I would go back again to simply experience Connecticut history again after a night of drinking or a show at College Street.

I was in the mood for a burger and happened to be across the street from Louis Lunch. Instead of eating it there, I got takeout, which made a world of difference. For one thing, the burger cooked a little more by the time I got it home, so it wasn't so rare. I prefer medium, so that was a good thing. And being home, I could add condiments which you can't get in the restaurant plus my own side dishes that they don't have in the restaurant. I actually enjoyed my burger a lot more and will take out going forward.

This place is unique. While seeing a show at the adjacent theatre we stopped here late night to try the "original" hamburger. When we entered I thought they may have been closed but a crowd quickly formed behind us. I had no idea how to order, there was little guidance, and I agreed with whatever the cashier said. I'm from out of the town and this place made me feel it. It was around $10/person which now seems way too high. The old seating and cooking elements made for an interesting atmoshpere that I enjoyed. I ended up with a medium rare cheeseburger, onions and tomatoes on white toast (their version of loaded). No sauce, little or no seasoning, etc. From checking out their history the simple ingredients and lack of seasonings are meant to elevate the beef. It wasn't a great overall burger but the beef was fresh and the experience was well worth it. It also came with a small tub of potato salad. The food was just OK but as I type this I'm strangely craving the whole experience!

Louis Lunch is allegedly the home of the modern hamburger. Some may argue its origins. I think these guys popularized it. Let's go with that and avoid blowing up the comments section of this review. You come in, you order the hamburger; end of transaction. They decide how you want it, a rarity with the modern restaurant but oddly in-place here. I will say that medium-rare is a little on the wet side, but they do deliver a great hamburger, regardless of how many napkins you need. Don't ask for ketchup. It doesn't belong on a modern burger, and it doesn't belong on a classic burger, either. I will die on this hill. Eat a tomato. I haven't tried the potato salad or pie, but I would be curious to know how Louis Lunch would handle fries.

$8 for a piece of history? This is a no-brainer. And it's quite good, too! Juicy, good level of goop from the cheese sauce. Only thing missing is some acid, either from ketchup (sorry) or maybe some pickles? But it's a solid burger and a cool vibe. I'll be back!

A Historic Gem for Burger Enthusiasts! Louis' Lunch in New Haven, CT, is a historic culinary icon that lives up to its reputation. Visiting this establishment was a delightful experience, tailored not to new-age foodies, but to those with a passion for pure, classic hamburgers. It's like stepping into a time machine, where you can enjoy a similar hamburger experience that ignited America's love for hamburgers. The quality of their burgers is exceptional. Cooked to perfection on their famous vertical cast-iron grills, each burger is bursting with flavor and juiciness. The simplicity of their burgers, served on toasted white bread with cheese, onion, and tomato as optional toppings, allows the meat to take center stage. Beyond the delicious burgers, the experience itself is memorable. The cozy, vintage atmosphere makes you feel like part of history. Prepare to be impressed by their dedication to tradition, quality ingredients, and outstanding service.

TBH there are better burgers if you search far and wide but this institution is all about history. Take my advice and just go with the flow and enjoy your experience knowing you ate at the oldest burger joint. Yes the burgers are on toasted bread and yes they're small by today standards but same time they're very reasonably priced for a so called tourist trap. I ordered two burgers and a soda with tip for only $21. The staff is very patient and nice in this tiny establishment.

So happy to be able to try Louis's Lunch the inventor of the hamburger. As seen on TV the iron ovens are over 100 years old and cooked the most delicious burgers vertically toasted bread instead of buns, cheese, tomato and onion a very basic but delicious burger it's tiny inside the hostess was very nice. Takes your order very cheerful. There is a wait. 20 to 30 minutes for your food away that's worth it customers don't seem to mind there are probably lots of tourists in the small room. I picked up our three burgers handed them to my family and started to enjoy at the first bite The Meat is very flavorful and well seasoned. Very juicy flavorful and delicious. If I could, I would be back to try the delicious burgers again.

Louis lunch exceeded expectations. I stopped into the little restaurant to use the bathroom, but stayed to order a burger. The food came out quick and hot, and was amazing. I loved how friendly the front desk staff was, even late at night, and I loved the vibes of the restaurant! Would definitely come back.

Such a great place to feel as though you have travelled back in time. Only serving hamburgers or cheeseburgers on toast with only tomato or grilled onions and potato salad, it's not a 5 star restaurant but it is a 5 star experience. The quaint old building and the heavily scarred wood walls and seating from having names, places, etc. carved over decades by customers give a lot to look at. It's a friendly place too.

Saw Louis' Lunch on Food Network and put it on my list when ever I made it to New Haven. Inside is very small and seating is very limited. There is parking on the side of the building, but it's a private lot so you'll have to pay. And they only accept cash. The burger was bland, a little too plain for me, and they only cook it medium rare. Their only toppings are cheese, tomato, and onion, nothing else. I understand they want to stay true to their history, but I think it's time to get with the times. I glad I tried it as it is a big part of American history, but I won't return.

Such a cool and historic spot! If you live in CT, you definitely have to make the trip to Louis' Lunch at some point (if for nothing else, just to say you went). Louis' claims to be the first restaurant to serve a hamburger in the United States, although there are some other restaurants that apparently claim the same thing. The interior of the restaurant will bring you back to the year 1900... it's very small, with only a few tables/booths for seating, as well as one large table located in a back room. The seating is cramped and not very comfortable, but it's all about the experience! Parking is available in an adjacent lot (pay to park, $2/hour). The menu is very simple: Hamburger or cheeseburger, with only sliced tomato or onion available for toppings. If you do get a cheeseburger, they use a Cheez Whiz-type spread rather than sliced cheese. The burgers are cooked in original cast iron vertical gas broilers from 1898 and served on white toast rather than a bun. The only sides available are chips or potato salad (no fries!). The only dessert option is pie. You also may be surprised to find there is not a condiment in sight (and yes, that includes ketchup!). DO NOT ask for ketchup or bring your own. I heard a Yale student once snuck his own ketchup bottle in and was thrown out of the restaurant! The idea is that they want you to actually taste the flavor of the meat, and not mask it with condiments. There are also no Coke products here (but they have a variety of Foxon Park sodas). When I went there were only two employees (the owners, I believe), one taking orders and the other cooking. The cook was a very funny guy, cracking jokes with almost everyone who came in. Because the burgers are made to order (and due to the old-style broilers they're cooked in) you may have to wait some time for your order, so I wouldn't recommend going if you're in a rush. As for the burger itself, it was good! I wouldn't say it's the best burger I've ever had, but still I love the history that it contains and just the whole vibe of the restaurant. Overall, Louis' Lunch is a CT landmark that you need to check out!

One more item crossed off my bucket list. Ordered a burger all the way (I ate it too fast to have an opinion on it), order of potato salad which I loved cuz it wasn't saturated with mustard, slice of key lime pie (meh), & a birch beer.

This is absolutely the best burger I ever had. I am so glad that I made this trip to Connecticut all the way from Maryland. This is super worth it, maybe more than Connecticut famous pizzas. The owner was super kind, attentive, and wholesome. I will visit again tomorrow, to try potato salad. It was out unfortunately when I visited today. The burger is perfectly cooked as medium rare, so melty and juicy. So fresh ingredients. The burger was only $8 including tax, and they also accepted apple pay and credit cards. It is located at the heart of downtown New Haven, and open until very late so perfect for night snack or hangover food. Highly recommend this place!!

This small restaurant is a historic gem ! Folks from out of town may not know this but this is where the first hamburger was invented and they still make it the same way till this day ! It is a no frills restaurant but the staff was great and the burger was made with love The only toppings that are offered are cheese , onions , and tomatoes . ( no condiments) I would recommend this place !

Louis knows what he's doing! This landmark caught my attention on various videos and food shows as the first burger joint in the US. So on a recent tristate trip, we decided to stop by New Haven for a snack. Luckily, we got there before the crowd and ordered our burgers and potato salad. The burgers were on the rare side and super juicy, simple and delicious. The potato salad was also pretty good and quickly devoured. The restaurant stands out amongst the modern buildings nearby and the interiors were rustic and weathered (in a good way). Everything was made of thick wood and many visitors have left their mark.

The food is and that is it. You respect the food and the place for the incredible position they both hold in gastronomical and American history. Even if you prefer your hamburger a different way at a different place it is Louis' that ultimately gave you the opportunity to have the choice. It is an amazing place because there is nothing like it anywhere in the world esthetically and the sole culinary contribution that it has made is arguably as important and the lightbulb. Accept Louis for what it is, be grateful for it and enjoy yourself because there are few places on this Earth that you can sit and eat a piece of history.

The hamburgers are special, tasty like few others. Maybe it's the meat and maybe it's the vertical broiling technique. Whatever it is, they know what they are doing. The history also makes it fun.

The original hamburger, yes the patty could use a little salt but that's not the point. You go there to get a taste of history. It only sides are potato salad in a foam cup or chips. The inside is VERY small so be prepared to be cramp in tight quarters. The decor made you feel like you were transported back to a medieval tavern, kinda ecliptic. This was one of our bucket list and glad to be able to check it off. This was definitely an experience.

I've been wanting to come here since I heard about it a few years ago. While in New Haven recently, I got the chance. Meter parking and a lot are available. There's really not much to review. There's a lot of fascinating history and nostalgia which makes it very cool. Very limited menu which makes ordering easy. Is it the best burger in the world? Clearly not, but it's good and inexpensive. Cooked right in front of you. They have been around for over 100 years doing it their way. If you have an issue not being able to dictate how things should be done, you probably shouldn't go. There's a line of people waiting behind you that don't care.

This place is a must try. I stopped in for the first time and the people were friendly and helpful. The made to order burger was pretty much perfect. It was so good I had to get a second one. I also thought the price was great for the quality. I'd recommend eating the burger there or as soon as possible to make sure you get the hot and fresh experience.

Louis' Lunch boasts that they are the first burger joint in the U.S. (maybe ever?). The place is a small brick building that's surrounded by some of New Haven's more modern and hip bars and restaurants. They take a strong stance on some old traditions such as the burgers are cooked in the original broilers, sandwiched between toasted white bread, and served with absolutely no condiments. You can get your burger with cheese, onions, and tomatoes. Oh and the burgers are cooked medium rare. Don't worry, there are signs everywhere that let you know that this is the way it is, and you can't ask otherwise! I very much enjoyed my burger, it was the perfect snack size and felt very "clean" and light. I wasn't left with grease stains all over my shirt or the usual post-meal slug after eating something fried and oily. Although, the burger didn't need ketchup, it could have used a pinch of salt and pepper. My boyfriend and I also shared the potato salad and while it was creamy, a bit salty for my tastes. I would highly recommend anyone to stop by for a bite if they're in the area, it's worth the hype!

The original burger! And...the best burger in my opinion. The beef is exceptionally juicy and was perfectly cooked. Toppings were cheese, grilled onion and tomato. Absolute work of art. I devoured mine in about 3 or 4 bites and was ready for more. The restaurant was a time capsule and a really cool experience. Definitely a must see and experience if you're in new haven.

Had to take my burger loving boyfriend to where the first hamburger was invented! We went on a Saturday night which it was not too busy at all. We ordered at the counter for takeout and waited for some seats to open up, which they did. The two men working the counter and making the burgers were nice and attentive. There is a sign that says the burgers are only cooked to medium, however depending on where your burger was lined up in the cooker, some burgers were a bit rarer than others. I am a big ketchup and mayo lover on my burgers so its always a bit daunting going to a place that forbids condiments but frankly you really don't miss it here. The burgers are juicy, and the tomato provides the perfect amount of crispness to the hot burger. You can also add cheese and grilled onions on top of the white bread but that's about it when it comes to burger toppings. Don't forget to order a slice of pie or chips to accompany this historical burger. I love the building itself, the history it holds and the secrets it can tell. Seating is limited. They have one larger table, two tables that each fit two people each, and some single "desk" like tables for one individual. They do have bathrooms as well. Worth a visit when in the area.

They say you go here to get a taste of history. I wanted to try the original hamburger. I immediately regretted it. This place, after 128 years, must be getting along based on historical significance alone. It cannot be the dry, tasteless, overcooked (they claim to only serve med rare- nope!) burgers on nasty thin-sliced white toast alone. No way. We will not be back. Grumpy service workers (I don't blame them having to work with 128 year old antique cookware and zero space to prep and serve the food!) the one thing we liked was the charming look of the space itself but I'd say walk in, take a look, and then walk out and go to one of the million better places to get good food in New Haven!

Utterly unique and charming. Absolutely worth a visit, provided you are into hamburgers. If not, well you probably want to eat somewhere else. At the time I was there, the items they had available to eat were: hamburger, potato salad, chips and pie. Other than that there were just drinks. The burger is delicious (yes, there was a bit of red or pink), but it was very tasty. I didn't find it to be a tourist trap. The main reason being that you could immediately spot the locals. There isn't much room inside, so I wouldn't take a large group. Then again, provided the weather isn't too harsh, I would rather go and have to eat outside than to miss going. It is an ABSOLUTE MUST if you are visiting. I am so happy I went. I am giving it five stars because it is as much an experience as a meal. I suggest you read up on it before you visit. I has quite an interesting history.

Louis' Lunch is a slice of history. The tiny brick building is not only an historic landmark, but you literally walk back in time since the hamburgers are made on the original cast iron gas broilers from 1898, and the toast is made in an automatic radiant toaster from 1929. I'd never heard of the restaurant until today; and we were actually eating lunch a few blocks over when I read about Louis' Lunch on a Yale University list of recommended eateries. As a history major in an academic town, the historic significance of Louis' Lunch naturally drew me in. Not only is the hamburger recipe all-original, but even how the original hamburger is made is the closest we'll get to tasting what people ate over a century ago. Moreover, beyond the allure of the restaurant's rustic charm, the hamburger is delicious! No wonder its popularity was an instant success & the hamburger is now eaten the world-over. Count me as one of the many who sing the high praises for Louis' Lunch. This is a must-stop New Haven destination, and certainly someplace I'd return to enjoy a tasty burger.

Workers and patrons were friendly. German/English vibe inside. Burgers good, (last one was slightly more rare than the others) strawberry rubatb pie good. As stated, potato salad delish.

Burgers definitely one thing I've had soo many variations of at soo many different places with soo many different combinations that it would be impossible to list them all. How are all those burgers relevant to this review you might ask well they are because none of them would exist if it wasn't for the one found here at Louis Lunch as they are credited with inventing the burger. The burgers here are simple toasted white bread with meat, cheese, tomato, and onions with the meat being cooked medium rare making for one juicy flavorful burger that just really hit the spot! Like the flavor of this burger was sooo yummy like it totally didn't need anything else other than what was already on it but the real kicker for it was that bread as it's surprisingly very good too and I must say this is totally up there with one of the best burgers I've ever had hands down! So for a side I went with their potato salad and it too was perfect just super yummy and totally delicious in between those burger bites. The guys working were also super friendly and very fun to talk with as it was just us in the store they totally made this just that much better. They take cash and cards and also have a small space inside with a handful of seats to eat at and from what I was told they get a good sized late night crowd on the nights they are open late so definitely plan accordingly. Overall this has been a spot I've wanted to go to for years and it didn't disappoint in anyway as this was definitely up there with one of the best burgers I've ever had with that said who knows when I'll be able to get back here again but if I'm in the area I'm sooo coming back!

Wow. AMAZING Hamburgers cooked perfectly. Local sodas and chips and the pies are hot and fresh. I can not wait to visit again!!!

After reading all the reviews and hype, I visited Louis Lunch this past week and I have to report that the burger was just "okay" and nothing to write home about. IMHO ketchup would have helped the burger but they simply don't allow ketchup because they feel their burger simply doesn't need it. It is clear that condiment choice is my choice alone! No ketchup allowed? I will not be returning. I really don't care how superior they "think" their burger is. Pretentious idiocy...

I swear, I really wanted to love this place. I went out of my way, as in at least 100 miles out of my way from Providence, Rhode Island, to eat at the original home of the hamburger. These operators are completely desecrating and destroying the opportunity they have here. The food was terrible. TERRIBLE! It's so sad, because the building has so much character and history, they have a birds nest on the ground and are completely wasting it. They are trying to take the character of the "soup Nazi" from Seinfeld, and adapt it to a burger joint. "We make it our way, and if you don't like it, no burger for you, leave." The problem is, all burgers are cooked medium rare, now, I like medium beef, I order steak medium rare quite often, but our burgers were freaking raw. As in soaking the bread in an abundance of "juice". No French fries to go with your raw burger, we have bagged potato chips. No beer to wash this memory, we have soda and water. It's 5:30 pm, and my wife and I are THE ONLY PEOPLE IN THE HOUSE. That should have told me all I needed, but we stubbornly ordered anyway. What a waste, this should be the most popular burger joint in Connecticut.

Very small space with limited seating and menu. That being said, the food was pretty good. All burgers are cooked medium rare and come with tomato and grilled onions on toast. Everything is cooked to order so be prepared to wait. The only other things they serve besides drinks are a variety of chips, pie, and potato salad (very good). You get a generous portion of the potato salad so unless you're extremely hungry it could probably be shared between two people. This place has been around since 1895 so you know it does well to be around that long.

This place claims to be the oldest burger place in the states so I obviously needed to check this place out. We came here on a late night and it seemed they only have the toppings of cheese, onions, and/or tomatoes. The sign also said cooked medium rare but it was definitely a rare burger. It is also served on white toast. The taste is just really salty and the burger was so undercooked it was not the best. Something I needed to try but I would never go back.

I came back to get one of these famous burgers! Delicious and so glad this place is still here. Yeah, small little hole in the wall which seems nothing fancy, and burgers are not grilled or charbroiled or sous vide. NO, there are no condiments (NO, again, not even ketchup) or fancy cocktails or beer or brioche buns. Simple delicious burger (you can get cheese) cooked MR on toasted white bread in the place credited with the birth of the burger-right here in the Nutmeg state. Pretty darned awesome.

Tiny place with limited seating. Service is quick and friendly. Burger was very good, cooked to a proper medium rare. Potato salad was very rich and eggy.

Quick bite lunch. This is our 4th visit here at Louis Lunch and we always get a good service and delicious burger. The cook and cashier are both helpful and having fun while working. A historical restaurant that never disappoints. A must when you're visiting New Haven and Yale University. 5 Star for me.

I loved everything about this place. This little place doesn't offer a lot of options and that's why it's amazing. An American iconic burger place.