30+ years later, according to my hubby, everything is about the same! No frills burger on white bread! Do NOT ask for ketchup. Their claim to fame is the 5 meat blend they use to make their burger patties, which are also grilled VERTICALLY. Potato salad is also fantastic! Not much seating, but we got lucky with 3 people. Burgers had cheese, tomato slices and grilled onions. Flavors combined for a perfect bite. It seems that the staff has mellowed over the years, as gruff attitude has been replaced with smiles. (We also did not ask about ketchup, so the smile may disappear if you do.)

It's the kind of spot you check out when you're in New Haven - The Original Hamburger Sandwich. Small, quaint and known. They delivered on our expectations - delicious and simple. We were third in line upon the opening time 12 noon.

The food was very good. The burger wasn't the best but it was a great experience! The best part was the Potato Salad! It was very delicious. The service was great. The guy in the front was kind. When we got there it wasn't packed but a lot of people started coming afterwards. The Ambiance of the place was very well. Honestly, I would come here if I wanted a quick lunch. Good experience!

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.

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.

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.

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!