LOUIS' LUNCH, New Haven - Restaurant Reviews, Phone Number & Photos

Is this a fast food place?

Yes

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Details

About

Since 1895, Louis’ Lunch in New Haven, CT has been serving a classic hamburger sandwich to customers from across the United States. Family owned and operated, we are currently run by the 4th generation and are one of the oldest, family-run businesses in the country. Our restaurant prides itself on staying true to the family history and continuing to preserve the past for future generations.

CUISINES

American

Meals

Lunch, Dinner, After-hours

FEATURES

Takeout, Seating, Street Parking, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Digital Payments, Accepts Discover, Non-smoking restaurants, Gift Cards Available

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4.0

608 reviews

Excellent

260

Very good

192

Average

92

Poor

35

Terrible

29

CandC926

161 contributions

A must visit for its historical ambiance!

Oct 2021 • none

Having been born in New Haven back in the 40's and never took the time to visit Louis Lunch, I thought it was time. In addition, I personally witnessed the moving of the building from George Street to Crown Street; it was quite an ordeal. The atmosphere at Louis Lunch is awesome; the tables, chairs and walls display countless carvings of names, symbols and comments. The burgers were very good reflecting the blend of quality meats used to make them and if you choose to let the staff at Louis prepare the burger the way they feel it should be served, is will arrive very rare. Realizing the meat is of such high quality, I had no issue with it being rare. I will state, however, that I would not entertain eating a burger that rare at a typical chain burger joint.

Written 22 October 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

LauBauMtAiry

270 contributions

Had to try it...and glad I did!

Jul 2020 • none

Had to try it...and glad I did! Got there right when it opened on a Thursday and we waited about 20 mins for two burgers and a piece of cannoli cake. Some people had called in orders beforehand (smart!) but we didn’t mind waiting. The manager chatted amiably with us and invited us to sit (at half capacity, it seats about 8 ppl!). The burgers were delicious (one cooked standard—medium rare— with the “works” which is cheese, onion and tomato and the other cheese only, cooked Med-well for my kids). The were gobbled up, as was the cannoli cake!

Written 23 July 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kristy C

161 contributions

So Cool

Jan 2020 • none

First off, Louis Lunch is a historical experience. Go somewhere else if you can't deal with a basic meal. This place isn't for you. For the rest of us, Louis Lunch is a hoot. They only take cash but there is an ATM in the back. Their ledger is a composition notebook. Potato salad is served in a styrofoam up with a plastic fork. It was pretty good. The cow takes a few to cook up. I hate undercooked meat but the medium rare suggestion is optimal for this burger. You can get cheese, tomato and/or onions- that's it. I got it all and it was delicious. There were no seats left at the table so I ate in a chair curved together with other chairs and a little side nook. Was it cramped? Yes. Was it manageable and add to the experience? YES! I'd do it again. The tables are overrated. I must comment on the amazing woodworking inside. It just feels like a place I could sit in for hours. No pretension. No fuss. Easy goings. At least visit for a burger and a selfie so you can say you did.

Written 31 January 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mgcutter

43 contributions

You can’t possibly rate this less than 5 stars

Jan 2020 • couples

Keep it simple! That’s what is done here and that is what makes it so good. The burger is the best we’ve ever had, not hidden in a ridiculous bun, but in two small slices of white toast just so you can hold this delicious burger to your mouth. It’s amazing that something so simple can be so good. And if a restaurant has two things on the menu like burger and potato salad, don’t miss getting the potato salad! It’s the best! Totally worth the wait to order and to sit so don’t bring anyone who doesn’t have the patience for an amazing meal and don’t bring anyone who must have ketchup. Condiments are totally not needed!

Written 18 January 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

katieharring2n

Seattle4 contributions

Yummy burgers and a fun spot to stop for a quick bite to eat!

Jul 2021 • none

About 15 years ago we were last in New Haven and Louis' Lunch was closed the day we stopped by. This time, we went straight there when we arrived. The burgers were really good and the whole family enjoyed the stop, ambiance, and appreciated the friendly, hard-working guys behind the counter. We'll definitely stop again, next time we're in New Haven.

Written 16 July 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

shawn j

1 contribution

You Better Not Ask For Ketchup!!

Apr 2021 • friends

I've been there in the early 90s,. ordered a hamburger & asked for ketchup.they got offended & said they invented the hamburger & a real hamburger doesn't need Ketchup. i was like" well i want some ketchup on mines'..it turned out that they was right.the burger didn't need any ketchup,it was very juicy and delicious without it.

Written 26 April 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Tori H

1 contribution

Hockey Puck Girl, Here!!

May 2021 • none

I was introduced to this gem in 1990 on my first date with my ex-husband, I have been a fan every since. When I asked for a well done cheese works....Pops called the order, "One hockey puck for the pretty young lady". So, that been me every since! I ditched the "jerk" who introduced me to Louis' Lunch, but keep coming to this landmark location for the best burger in the country! I'm bringing my new beau for his first experience tomorrow afternoon!! I cannot wait! See ya soon.

Written 14 May 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

waldo145

8 contributions

Hamburger tasting like it's 1895!

Nov 2021 • none

What can I say?! This place only still exists because it is considered a historical marker of sorts. There is a reason some things should improve over time and slapping a bunch of greasy ground meat together, cooking it in a century-old cast iron grill, slathering thin pieces of white toast with Cheez Wiz, crowning it with onion and a tomato slice is NOT and should not be the definition of perfection! $7 for a relatively small 'burger' is not value. You are virtually paying for the so-called historical hype associated with Louis' Lunch. You will leave hungry and disappointed. Pass on Louis' Lunch!

Written 29 December 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

N C

32 contributions

A good, simple burger from the people who claim to have invented them

Apr 2023 • solo

If you're expecting a "gourmet" burger in the style of most restaurant chains or boutique eateries, move along. This is basic and simple and yes - delicious. They do one thing, and they do it well. However, be prepared to wait a bit. The burgers are cooked to order, and the kitchen isn't large.

Written 3 May 2023

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

J Z

New York City118 contributions

Bad burger

Jul 2022 • solo

I was sorely disappointed with this place. We came here because we had seen it on TV. We should have read the reviews here like usual but l must admit we are out of shape with traveling and dining. It was a chance encounter we being at Yale. The place is very small it was empty when we got there. You have to use the Yale lot 2 dollars any hour next door. The burger was terrible no seasoning uneven cook they don’t have salt pepper or ketchup which would have made the burger bearable. There were no prices listed anywhere a complete violation in some states 20 bucks for two cheese burgers a bag of chips and a can of Pepsi. They don’t use real cheese slices so you don’t really taste any cheese. I didn’t think you could make bad toast they definitely succeeded. The bread toast slices all l can say we’re generic bread. This all being said l see some people really like this place. If you’re a real Foodie you won’t. Sorry

Written 28 July 2022

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Joann C

Lincoln86 contributions

Wouldn't go back here

Oct 2020 • none

We had heard about this restaurant and their famous hamburger. We wanted to see it and try the hamburger. It is a cute place. The food choice is a hamburger that is on sliced bread and you can choose tomato, cheese and onion on the hamburger. There are no other food choices. The sliced bread was good. Hamburger not cooked the way I like it to be. Glad we went here but I will never go here again.

Written 20 October 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

wetravelalot007

Rossville1233 contributions

Original Hamburger Joint

Sept 2022 • none

We have eaten here on a couple of visits to New Haven. Eating where the first hamburger was made is like eating history. They still use the same ovens that they originally used to cook the burger. It has been well reviewed and even on TV shows. It is a very small place and nothing fancy. That adds to its appeal for us. The hamburger is good but it is pretty plain. Served on toasted white bread the sandwich is not why we enjoy this place so much. It is more the nostalgia that accompanies the meal. The front counter service is almost unfriendly but again it is not off putting I guess the eastern attitude coming out would be our take. Our ratings for this place: Atmosphere 5 stars Service 3 stars Renown 5 stars Value 5 stars Food 3 stars Romantic Appeal 5 stars This averages for 4.3 stars for us. This is worthy of the stop just to say you ate at the place where the hamburger began!

Written 3 January 2023

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

rlspanda

Warsaw89 contributions

Blink and you'll miss it

Jun 2022 • couples

Googled "best burger in New Haven" and we weren't disappointed! Tiny place but we were lucky to get a seat. Great history here and the burgers live up to the hype. Note: you're in a downtown area so parking is challenging, there is a 6 space lot for the restaurant, turn in to the left of it. If full, there's a pay by the hour lot right behind it, so it only cost us $2 to park (otherwise have fun parallel parking on the street (metered).

Written 23 June 2022

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Lindsey C

Indiana102 contributions

First burger in America!

Jun 2023 • family

It's neat to know that I've eaten a burger from the first place in America to ever make a burger. And, it's prepared the same way it was back then. That alone is worth the visit. The building is small, there's limited seating, and it does take a while to get your food because they can only make so many at once. Still, so glad we went. What a tasty bit of history!

Written 4 July 2023

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Nick R

Boston100 contributions

Not medium rare...MEDIUM RAW!!!!

Jul 2023 • couples

I think the title says it all. I was served a burger that was raw in the middle. I know the difference between rare and raw, and this was raw, and sandwiched between two slices of the most generic white bread in existence. The bottom slice of bread was soaked in blood. I really didn't even want to take a bite, but I did, and I'm calling bs on the reasoning behind their operations. They say no condiments because they want you to taste their "special" blend of meat. Honestly, there was nothing special about the meat, they're just cheaping out on quality rolls and condiments. I just don't get it. I'm glad I visited for the history, and it's cool that they served the 1st burger, but if not for that draw, they'd probably be out of business.

Written 31 July 2023

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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