Did You Know New England is the Birthplace of the Hamburger?
Say what?
Yep, that was this writer's reaction, too. You learn something new every day, and it turns out that New England is the birthplace of a delectable meal straight from the heavens: burgers. More specifically, the hamburger.
Everyone loves burgers, probably because there are variations out there for everyone. You could stick with your typical beef patty, cheese, and vegetables. If beef doesn't sit well with you, you could always select chicken as your protein of choice. Veggie burgers are also a reliable option for the vegetarians out there who don't want to be left out of the excitement. And of course, fries are non-negotiable.
We New Englanders are foodies at heart, so it's natural that we're all burger "stans", as the kids say. But what regional restaurant is the birthplace of the hamburger? That would be none other than Louis' Lunch in New Haven, Connecticut.
Louis' Lunch is a small, rustic establishment that's been family-run since 1895. According to their website, the restaurant was officially "recognized by the Liberty of Congress as the Birthplace of the Hamburger Sandwich", and still serves the dish on toast.
"But wait", you may be asking yourself. "Didn't hamburgers originate in Germany?"
The answer is more complicated than you'd think.
People aren't so sure where or when hamburgers were first invented. According to Encyclopedia Britannica, "the hamburger patty and sandwich were probably brought by 19th-century German immigrants to the United States," but its ultimate origins are unknown.
According to Louis' Lunch, their burger origin story began in 1900:
One day in 1900, a gentleman hurriedly walked into Louis’ Lunch and told proprietor Louis Lassen he was in a rush and wanted something he could eat on the run. In an instant, Louis placed his own blend of ground steak trimmings between two slices of toast and sent the gentleman on his way. And so, the most recognizable American sandwich was born.
Well, wherever the burger came to be, we're happy that it's here now. Speaking of burgers, here are the best places in New Hampshire to enjoy some:
Where's the Beef: 20 of the Best Burger Places in New Hampshire
Gallery Credit: Megan
Pay a Visit to These 22 Popular Lunch Spots in Maine
Gallery Credit: Megan