On this National Hamburger Day, we celebrate Louis’ Lunch in New Haven, Connecticut—the birthplace of the hamburger sandwich. In 1900, Louis Lassen crafted the first hamburger by placing a ground steak patty between two slices of toast for a customer seeking a quick meal. Today, the Lassen family continues this tradition, serving their signature burgers made from a proprietary blend of five cuts of meat, cooked on original 1898 cast iron grills, and topped only with cheese, onion, and tomato—no ketchup allowed. Recognized by the Library of Congress and featured by numerous food publications, Louis’ Lunch remains a testament to culinary history and innovation.
