As Pasadena celebrates the invention of the cheeseburger in the city in 1924, 40 restaurants, burger joints and more take part in the citywide celebration. For now, Cheeseburger Week is a take-out event. (Should Governor Newsom relax outdoor dining restrictions, that could change.) 

During Cheeseburger Week from January 24th to January 29th, Pasadena honors Lionel Sternberger's genius in being the first to put cheese on a hamburger and serve it at the Rite Spot in Pasadena in 1924. Forty of Pasadena's favorite restaurants, lounges and burger joints offer their signature burgers, some special creations and great deals during Pasadena Cheeseburger Week. 

In 1924, as legend has it, teenaged Lionel Sternberger burned one side of a hamburger patty at The Rite Spot, his father’s roadside stand along Colorado Boulevard (then Colorado Street) in west Pasadena. Rather than throw away the spoiled burger, he masked his mistake with a piece of cheese and served it to a very appreciative customer. Word soon spread and customers flocked to The Rite Spot for The Aristocratic Burger, A Hamburger with Cheese. Sternberger’s achievement is the first verified instance of someone serving a hamburger with cheese to a customer.

Over the years, Sternberger perfected his Aristocratic Burger, much to the delight of customers at The Rite Spot. Sternberger’s culinary achievement has been documented by Hamburger America, the Los Angeles Times and even Time magazine in its obituary of Sternberger.

To celebrate Sternberger’s culinary masterpiece, Pasadena restaurants are offering specials, unique creations and the tried and true. Patrons can experience a terrific take-out burger experience, from top-of-the-line fine dining experiences to burger stands and lounges. Those wanting a variety of experiences can organize a cheeseburger crawl or follow one of the pre-planned themed crawls.

Several participants in the 2021 Cheeseburger Week celebration and Cheeseburger Challenge are offering special meals and deals.

Including:

  • Clearman's Galley (The Boat) has their Charbroiled Cheeseburger Combo on special for $14.95.

  • El Portal and Yahaira's have their once-a-year Zacatecas burger on the menu. Made with a blend of ground beef and chorizo this is a delicious take.

  • Pie 'n Burger has a free soft drink for anyone ordering a burger combo. Download the flyer here:

  • Dog Haus (both locations) has 99¢ Cheeseburger Sliders and any of Dog Haus’ 7 amazing Haus Burgers for just $6.99 during Cheeseburger Week!.

  • The Raymond offers their Classic Burger with Fries for $18 and the Impossible (veggie) Burger with Fries for $20.  

  • The Stand has their French Onion Soup Burger for $12

  • Kathleen's has their sublime Avocado Bacon Cheeseburger, with their house made thousand island dressing. Served with onion rings or fries.

  • Mi Piace in Old Pasadena has created the Black Label Burger: exclusive Prime Rib Eye and Brisket mix with aged Vermont cheddar, raw Vidalia onion, organic tomato- Boston lettuce- fresh made 1000 island- toasted sesame brioche bun for $20; 

  • Many other participants are offering special creations and deals. 

Want a burger break? How about the Lule Kebab Sandwich at Raffi's in East Pasadena. Or maybe Beef Ribs from Bone Kettle in Old Pasadena. Or at maybe a beef kafta kebab at Hummus Labs on Colorado Boulevard.

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Here are the participants for 2021 (will be updated as information is available):

 

Voting in the 2021 Cheeseburger Challenge opens January 24, 2021, and ends January 30, 2021.

Cheeseburger Week is a Pasadena Restaurant Week and California Restaurant Month event presented by the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce. Cheeseburger Week is generously sponsored by Wells Fargo.

Happy Cheeseburgering!