The Hamburger: A New England invention

There are very few foods that America can claim as her own, although New Haven, Connecticut , is a veritable institution, because this is where they invented the hamburger. 

In New Haven they eat their burgers the authentic way – with cheese, tomato and onions but no ketchup or mayonnaise which would impair the natural and delicate flavour of the meat. 

The hamburger was invented here in 1895 and today at Louis Lunch on Crown Street you can still order an authentic New Haven burger at the same restaurant, cooked in the same stove from the same family who invented it prepared masterfully by Louis’ grandson, Ken. Remember not to ask for ketchup unless you want to get kicked out!

There are several theories about the birth of the hamburger, but its generally thought by New Haveners that over 120 years ago, a man ran into Louis’ Diner and asked for a quick meal he could eat on the run. Louis sandwiched a broiled beef patty in bread and sent him on his way. Thus the take away meal was invented. 

Since then the making of the burger has been transformed into an art by Louis and his family. Each burger is made from freshly ground beef, broiled vertically in the original cast iron grill and served in two slices of toast. 

The ingredients of the Hamburger include hamburger meat, onions, tomatoes, pepper, carrots, potatoe, celery and Worcester sauce. 

People in the states typically eat around 64 lbs of beef a year – that’s over one pound a week and the hamburger is practically the staple dish of America, with billions being served up every day at Diner’s, fast food restaurants and serious eateries every day.

Destination – New England