43 votes

Louis' Lunch

263 Crown St, New Haven, Connecticut 06511 USA

8
Photos

$$$$

Budget

Closed Now

Opens Thu 12p

Independent
Credit Cards
not Accepted
Public
Restrooms
Outdoor
Seating

“Oldest hamburger restaurant in America”

Louis' Lunch in New Haven, Connecticut, advertises itself as the first restaurant to serve hamburgers and as being the oldest hamburger restaurant still operating in the U.S. Opened as a small lunch wagon in 1895, Louis' Lunch was also one of the first places in the U.S. to serve steak sandwiches. A great hidden gem in New Haven. Featured on Season 4 of Man vs. Food!

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Reviewed by
amy.snowlady.7

10 Reviews
3 Helpful

September 19, 2015

Rated 4.0

Never knew this place was that small, wow! We went around 2pm on a Friday and nearly every seat was taken. The wait for our burgers was about 20 minutes but every second was worth it. Very tasty!

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Johanna Flato

Expert
145 Reviews
111 Helpful

July 06, 2014

Rated 5.0

Louis' Lunch is a New Haven staple. It is often open late at night Thursday-Saturday and is bustling with locals. Inside a little brick building with fondly-worn wood tables carved with names and initials, you'll get to enjoy the original hamburger, made the old-fashioned way in original cast iron grills. You can get it with cheese, but whatever you do, don't ask for ketchup. The burgers are too delicious to mess with. Let the experts do their thing. This place is old-school--in addition to disapproving of ketchup, its cash-only.

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
shlomikor