Celebrate the birth of the cheeseburger at the Rite Spot Cafe in 1924 (more or less) on West Colorado Boulevard right here in our Crown City of the Valley, Pasadena.
January 13-18, 2013
Let’s all salute Lionel Sternberger for his mastery, insight and daring in placing a piece of cheese atop a hamburger for the first time in recorded culinary history.
Even CNN is on the story: click here to see Casey Wian’s story on Cheeseburger Week.
Details. Details. Details. You’ll have to be patient. We’ll get you all the info when it’s available. For now, we’re just whetting your appetite (and teasing you a bit, too).
We’ll host the second Cheeseburger Challenge. Once again, you’ll get to vote for your favorites in a number of categories, from traditional lunch counter burgers to white table cloth an alternative cheeseburgers. We’ll also have an alternative cheeseburger category or two, as well.
Plan to come to Pasadena for a Cheeseburger Crawl, take the Cheeseburger Challenge and celebrate Lionel Sternberger’s culinary legacy in the city where the cheeseburger was first served to a customer.
Check out the Cheeseburger Challenge by clicking here. Voting is live on Sunday, January 13th for one week only
Here are our participants for the 2013 Cheeseburger Week in Pasadena and the gamut of burgers they each serve (click on the name to go to the web page, click on the menu item for the full restaurant burger menu):
- 41 Hugus Alley Pasadena, CA
- tel: 626.564.8111
- Call 626.564.8111 for reservations
- Grilled Certified Angus Burger
- Roasted Portabello and Brie on Focaccia
- 77 West Walnut in Pasadena
- Call (626) 796-3399 for reservations
- Angus Cheeseburger (dinner)
- Pub Burger (lunch)
- 234 East Colorado Boulevard in downtown Pasadena
- 626-204-0845
- Classic Burger*:An Angus burger served with pickles, tomato, lettuce and 1000 Island dressing on a grilled bun. Available with Applewood smoked bacon and cheddar cheese.
- NEW! Crispy Jalapeño Burger: Fried jalapeños, pepper jack cream cheese, chipotle mayonnaise, Baja sauce, red onions, tomato and lettuce.
- NEW! Black And Bleu Burger: Blackened Angus patty with a melted creamy bleu cheese topping, crispy Applewood smoked bacon, roasted garlic aioli and tomatoes.
- NEW! Brewhouse Double Deluxe Burger: This burger has it all! Two Angus burger patties, crispy Applewood smoked bacon, fried onion strings, cheddar and Swiss cheese, tomato, lettuce and pickles.
- Grilled Burger Melt*: Our half-pound Angus burger, grilled to order, topped with cheddar and Swiss cheeses, caramelized onions and our special burger sauce on grilled sourdough bread.
- NEW! BJ’s Bacon Cheeseburger: On a grilled bun with Applewood smoked bacon, cheddar cheese, tomato, lettuce, pickles and our special burger sauce.
- Turkey Burger: Make any burger a turkey burger with a 7 oz., 100% white meat, grilled turkey patty at no additional cost.
- Veggie Burger: Vegetarian patty served with pickles, tomatoes, red onions and shredded lettuce.
- California Burger*: Our half-pound patty served on sourdough bread, topped with avocado, roasted green chilies, pepper jack cheese, chipotle mayonnaise and ranch dressing.
- 535 South Lake Avenue in Pasadena
- 626-792-6634
- 1/4 LBS Combo Burger
- The House Classic Burger
- The Californian:
- Continental Burger “House Specialty”
- Alfredo’s BBQ Western Burger
- Mushroom Regency Burger
- The Alamo Burger
- The Patty Melt.
- The Notre Dame Burger
- The Greek Feta Burger.
- Veggie Garden Burger
- Teriyaki Burger:
- Chili Burger Acapulco
- San Franciscan Burger
- Burger Magnifique
- The Famous Jumbo Bacon Cheese Burger
- Armenian Pita Burger
- Turkey Burger
- Try any the above burgers with Breast of Chicken; add 89 cents.
- 140 South Lake Avenue, Pasadena
- 626-449-9900
- Oakwood Grilled Cheeseburger
- California Cheeseburger
- Cafe 140 Special Burger
- Veggie Burger
- 219 S. Fair Oaks Avenue in Pasadena
- 626.449.4499
- The Dagwood Burger 1/2 pound ground Sirloin Burger, Cheddar Cheese, on an Brioche Bun with all the trimmings. Served with House Fries 12.25
- A.B. Burger 1/2 pounder, avocado, Bacon & Swiss, Served on an Artisan Roll with all the trimmings & House Fries 13.25
- 7215 Rosemead Boulevard in San Gabriel (just south of Huntington Drive)
- (626) 286-3075
- 1/3 lb. Hamburger $6.95
- 1/3 lb. Cheeseburger $7.95
- Double Burger $8.95
- Pastrami Burger $8.95
- Vegetarian Burger $7.95
- 7215 North Rosemead Boulevard
- tel: 626.286.1484
- 1/3 lb. Cheeseburger
- Double Cheeseburger
- Pastrami Burger
- 140 Shopper’s Lane in Pasadena
- tel: 626.440.1008
- Build your own gourmet burger
- 115 East Colorado in Old Pasadena
- (626) 768-1472
- Lobster BLT
- 99 East Union Street in Pasadena
- Call 626.844.8810 for information
- Estonian Burger (beef and cheese filled crepe)
Del Taco #508
- 230 South Rosemead Boulevard in east Pasadena
- 626-793-2840
- Cheeseburger Week special: Double Del Cheeseburger which is made fresh to order, with shredded lettuce, freshly sliced tomatoes, diced onions, American Cheese, burger sauce, on a sesame seed bun.
- For Cheeseburger week Del Taco in east Pasadena will offer buy one, get one free.
- 105 North Hill Avenue in Pasadena
- 626 577 HAUS
- Cheeseburger white american cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, mayo, mustard, ketuchup $4.50
- THE FREIBURGER cheese, fries, coleslaw, fried egg, mayo $6.25
- The Hangover haus chili, white american cheese, smoked bacon, fried egg, mayo $7.25
- Holy Aioli white american cheese, caramelized onions, smoked bacon, haus garlic aioli $5.95
- Hail Maria sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, cheddar cheese, mayo $5.95
- The Ringer cheddar cheese, smoked bacon, bbq sauce, onion rings $5.95
- The Little Mule fried egg, pepper jack, haus tomatillo sauce, cilantro aioli, avocado $6.50
- Reuben’s Cube hot pastrami, swiss, sauerkraut 1000 island $7.25
- Big Ern McCracken 2 1/3lb angus beef patties, 1 all-beef hotdog, melted cheddar cheese, mayo $8.50
- Sliders angus beef, white american cheese, grilled onions $1.50 each
- Make it a double for only $1.75 more!
- 695 East Green Street, Pasadena
- Call (626) 795-8553 for reservations
- Zacatecas Burger
- 452 South Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena
- Tel: 626.432-6705
- The Cheeseburger
- 146 Shoppers Lane in Pasadena
- 626.577.7170
- Make a reservation through Open Table
- Thai Burger with Gingered Shittakes
- All American Burger
- Ahi Tuna Burger
- Peppercorn Burger
- Southwest Turkey Burger
- 42. De Lacey Avenue in Pasadena
- 626-768-9555
- The Haven Burger
- The Lamb Burger
- and a cocktail to accompany your cheeseburger: One-Ninety Manhattan
bulleit rye, carpano antica, bitters
- Ix-Tapa is at 119 east Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena.
- 626.304.1000
- www.cantinaixtapa.com
For Cheeseburger Week, IX-tapa offers a Chile Relleno: poblano pepper stuffed with ground beef.
- 927 East Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena
- 626-744-1751
- Target Roll: California roll with cream cheese
- 122 South Lake Avenue in Pasadena
- Phone: (626) 584-7000
- Cheeseburger alternatives:
- Famous Roast Beef and Provolone
- Jersey Mike’s Famous Philly
- Big Kahuna Cheesesteak
- Chipotle Cheesesteak
- Meatball and Cheese
- 20 E. Colorado Blvd. Ste. 102, in Pasadena
- tel: 626.793.3010
- Smokehouse Burger
- Happy Hour Cheeseburger
- Duck Sliders
- Jay’s Burger
- 105 North Hill Avenue in Pasadena
- tel: 626.449.6246
- M Local Cheeseburger Alternatives:
- Falafel Sandwich
- Beef Shawerma
- Koubideh Beef Sandwich
- 492 South Lake Avenue, Pasadena
- tel:626.584.1126
- The Magnolia Cheeseburger
- California Turkey Burger
- While you’re there, try the mac ‘n cheese
- 57 East Holly Street in Pasadena
- 626.844.8811
info@themarketonholly.com - Vegetable Sandwich: grilled zucchini, eggplant and red bell peppers with goat cheese and basil mayonnaise
- Telephone: 626-578-0010
- 25 North Raymond Avenue in Old Pasadena
- New York Deli offers half-pound burgers:
- 40 North Mentor Avenue in Pasadena
- 626.795.7199
- Make a reservation through Open Table
- Farwell Burger and a glass of Malbec
- 3838 East Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena
- 626-449-4412
- We use only the finest USDA 100% Fresh Ground Angus Chuck. Burgers are layered with Crisp Lettuce, Fresh Tomatoes, Sweet Red Onion, Dill Pickle and our Homemade Thousand Island Dressing
- Old Fashioned Hamburger 1/4 lb. . $3.39 1/2 lb. . $5.19 A Classic – you can’t go wrong with this one!
- Cheeseburger . . . 1/4 lb. . . $3.69 1/2 lb. . . $5.79 Our Old Fashioned Hamburger topped with American Cheese
- Bacon Cheeseburger . . . $4.79 Natural Hickory Smoked Bacon makes this burger unforgettable
- Avocado & Bacon Cheeseburger . . . $5.89 Everything’s better with Avocado
- Chili Burger . . . $4.09 Worth the mess – loaded with our famous Homemade Chili
- Chili Cheeseburger . . . $4.39 definite winner!
- KOBE Bistro Burger . . . $7.99 1/2 lb. of Fresh Ground American KOBE Beef, Smoked Mozzarella, Caramelized Onions, Tomato, Mixed Greens and Herb Mayonnaise
- TOPS Special . . . $6.49 Our 1/4 lb. Old Fashioned, topped with Famous Pastrami, Mustard and American Cheese. The burger that is in a class all on its own!
- Turkey Burger . . . $5.19 All Natural Fresh Ground Turkey served on a Seven Grain Wheat Bun, topped with our special Dijonaise
- Turkey Cheeseburger . . . $5.49 Topped with American Cheese, this will satisfy any burger craving
- Garden Burger . . . $4.99 Made with a savory blend of mushrooms, onions, whole grains, and low-fat cheese – served on our Seven Grain Wheat Bun and topped with our special Dijonaise
- Garden Cheeseburger . . . $5.29 You can’t go wrong!
- Jr. Hamburger . . . $2.79 For the smaller appetites – a petite version of our Old Fashioned
- Jr. Cheeseburger . . . $3.09 American Cheese makes this Old Fashioned petite complete
- 913 East California Boulevard in Pasadena
- Call 626.795.1123
- Cheeseburger
- Hamburger
- Turkey Burger
- Vegetarian Burger
- Download the $9.95 Cheeseburger Week Special $9.95 meal
- Pie ‘n Burger Cheeseburger Week Special Coupon
- 33 East Union Street in Pasadena
- Call for reservations: 626-795-1295
- Trio of Sliders on Brioche Bread: 1) Chorizo, Provolone, Guacamole; 2) Bacon, Gorgonzola Mayo, Port Redux.; 3)”Cubano” Black Forrest Ham, Cheddar, Atomic Pickles, Mustard. Served with fries (also offered in regular sized, individual burgers).
- 899 East Del Mar Boulevard (at Lake Avenue) in Pasadena
- (626) 844-8900
- RFD BURGER NFTempeh vegetable patty, sautéed onions, lettuce, tomato on whole grain bun10.75For the Worksadd avocado, tempeh bacon, melted cashew cheese14.75
- 70 South Raymond Avenue in Old Pasadena
- 626-792-4441
- 395 North Rosemead Blvd., Pasadena CA
- tel 626-351-8885
- www.robinsbbq.com
- Gorgonzola Cheeseburger
- Garbage Burger
- Mighty Fine Swine Burger
- Rio Grande Burger
- Cheeseburger in Paradise
- A Real nice Veggie Burger
- Pat E. Melt
- 61 North Raymond Avenue in Old Pasadena
- 626-765-9700
- THE 50/50: Designed to perfection, our signature patty is topped with a sunny side up egg, avocado mash, pepper jack cheese and chipotle adobo mayo on white brioche.
- B’ B’ B’ BACON BURGER: Bacon-lovers unite. Our 50/50 patty with bacon American cheese, sunny side up egg, thick cut bacon and bacon island dressing on a bacon pretzel bun.
- THE OLD TIMEY: The classic American burger with Sterling Silver ground beef, American cheese, thick cut bacon, grilled onions, green leaf lettuce, tomato and 1000 island dressing on white brioche.
- THE FLAMIN’ HOT: Spice things up with our signature fire beef patty, beer battered jalapeños, fire roasted green chilies, pepper jack cheese and chipotle adobo mayo on white brioche.
- HAWAIIAN BURGER: Island-inspired, our 50/50 patty topped with grilled pineapple, Spam®, sunny side up egg, American cheese, baconnaise and a teriyaki glaze on white brioche.
- PEANUT BUTTER & JELLOUSY: Slater’s favorite and award winning! Sterling Silver ground beef topped with thick cut bacon, creamy peanut butter and strawberry jelly on a honey wheat bun.
- FRITOS® CRUNCH BURGER: A chili cheeseburger with a crunch! Our Sterling Silver ground beef patty topped with melted cheddar cheese, our signature chili, Fritos® and 1000 island dressing on white brioche.
- BIG DADDY MELT: The Patty Melt, Slater’s style! 2/3lb Sterling Silver ground beef patty, melted cheddar & Swiss cheese, grilled onions and a horseradish aioli sandwiched between grilled rye bread. WORLD’S GREATEST TURKEY BURGER: We challenge you to disagree! Our turkey patty topped with smoked gouda, baby greens, red onions, a portobello mushroom cap and creamy pesto sauce on a honey wheat bun.
- THE EAT YOUR VEGGIES BURGER: Hearty vegan patty, alfalfa sprouts, avocado mash, cucumber slices and garlic aioli on a honey wheat bun.
- 303 Cordova Street in Pasadena
- Call 626-449-4000 for reservations
- Soleil Cheeseburger
Three Hundred Pasadena (300 Pasadena)
- 3545 E. Foothill Blvd. Pasadena
- 626.351.8858
- www.threehundred.com
- Signature Burgers: Two quarter-pound, hand formed burgers served on a bakery fresh roll
- 300 Monster Burger*: Covered with swiss, provolone, onions, pickles and our monster sauce
- Steak Burger* Topped with cheese and 300 Gourmet Sauce
- Mushroom Swiss Burger* Topped with sautéed portabella mushrooms and swiss cheese
- Bacon-Cheese Burger* Topped with cheese, crisp lettuce, tomato and crisp applewood bacon
- Smoked Gouda Burger* BBQ sauce, smoked gouda, crisp applewood bacon and pickle chips
- 854 East Green Street (at Lake Avenue) in Pasadena
- Tel: (626) 844-9299
- http://togos.com/What-s-To-Eat/Cold-Sandwiches.aspx
- 2675 East Colorado in Pasadena
- tel: 626.792-8676
- Kobe Beef Sliders w/ mushrooms, brie cheese, Hawaiian bread and onion rings ($10)
- 336 South Lake Avenue in downtown Pasadena
- 626-792-3000
- Neapolis Burger – House Ground Wagyu Beef, Butter Lettuce, Bacon Jam, Fontina Fonduta and Pickled Onions on a House Baked Bun, Served with Crispy Temecula Honey Onion Rings – 16
- 49 East Colorado Boulevard in Old Pasadena
- 626-799-UMAMI (8626)
- Umami Burger: shiitake mushroom, caramelized onions, roasted tomato, parmesan crisp, umami ketchup
- Truffle Burger: house-made truffle cheese, truffle glaze
- Hatch Burger: 4 types of green chilies, house cheese spice up your life
- Port and Stilton Burger: blue cheese, port-caramelized onions
- Cali Burger: butter lettuce, slow-roasted tomato, house spread, house-made american cheese, caramelized onions
- The Greenbird: shelton farms turkey, crushed avocado, green cheese, butter lettuce, sprouts, green goddess
- Earth Burger: mushroom & edamame patty, white soy aioli, truffle ricotta, cipollini onions, lettuce, slow-roasted tomato
- Manly Burger: beer-cheddar cheese, smoked salt-onion strings, bacon lardon
- Ahi Tuna Burger: hand-chopped ahi tuna, crushed avacado, daikon sprouts, pickled ginger, wasabi flakes
- 70 North Raymond Avenue in Pasadena
- tel: 626.795.3999
- Vertical Burger Nights
- Tokyo Kobe Burger $15: kobe beef with lime pickled onions, wasabi ginger aioli
- The Bison Burger $15: caramelized onions, burrata cheese, arugula and herb lemon dressing
- Classic Kobe Burger $15: Wisconsin cheddar cheese, tomato, grilled onion, russian dressing
- Veggie Burger $14: caramelized onions, morbier cheese, tomato, and herb aioli with choice of side:
- sweet potato fries, shoestring truffle fries, beer battered onion rings
- add a Beer Flight: 3 taste @ $12:
- Manifesto Wit Bier, Craft Brewery Eagle Rock California
- Barbar: Quenast, Belgium: Honey Ale
- Arrogant Bastard Ale, Microbrewery Escondido California
- Make a reservation through Open Table
- 168 West Colorado Boulevard Pasadena, CA 91105
- Telephone: (626) 793-2233
- Sorriso Burger
- 698 East Colorado in Pasadena
- tel: 626.844.3254
- Yahaira Burger
- Zacatecas Burger