Legend of Lionel Sternberger
According to Legend, Lionel Sternberger invented our beloved Cheeseburger. It all started on an all too fateful day in the 1920’s when Sternberger decided that he needed some cheese with his hamburger. This historic event happened in a restaurant called the Rite spot, then located on Colorado Boulevard, west of the Colorado Street Bridge, then part of Route 66. Sternberger proudly called his creation the Aristocratic Burger, it cost a mere 15 cents back then. You can check for yourself at Pasadena Museum of History were they proudly display the old Rite Spot menu. In honor of the invention, Pasadena hosts its annual Cheeseburger week were restaurants pay tribute to the invention all week long (January 8-13, 2017).
Below are some awesome restaurants that will do justice to the Sternberger name, and will relieve your craving of cheeseburgers.
Traditional Cheeseburger Crawl
1. Pie ‘n Burger, 913 E. California Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91106
Eater LA named their burger “LA’s Most Iconic Burger“.
2.Du-par’s, 214 South Lake Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101
A beloved diner-chain that began over 70 years ago. It was founded in LA, and the Executive Chef is Spago alumnus.
3. La Grande Orange Cafe, 260 S Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105
Serving American cuisine with a hint of Mexican influence, the cafe is housed in a former Santa Fe Train Station.
Old Pasadena Cheeseburger Crawl
1. AKA American Bistro , . , 41 Hugus Alley, Pasadena, CA 91105
This swanky space serves organic food, craft cocktails and has a really nice wine program.
2. Umami Burger, 49 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105
Hip burger spot known for playful flavors for meat lovers.
3. Meat District Company, 69 N Raymond Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91103
Sit down restaurant located in a historic building, serving all natural beef (not ground beef).
4. POP Champagne & Dessert Bar, 33 E Union St, Pasadena, CA 91103
Romantic space with elegant menu offerings (and original Batchelder tiles).
South Lake Avenue Cheeseburger Crawl
1. The Counter, 140 Shoppers Ln, Pasadena, CA 91101
Contemporary burger chain where you build-your-own burger.
2. Green Street Restaurant, 146 Shoppers Ln, Pasadena, CA 91106
A Pasadena staple from 1979, specializing in California cuisine.
3. Seco, 140 S Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101
Modern restaurant with full bar and complimentary valet parking at the nearby Smitty’s Grill.
4. Del Frisco’s Grille, 55 S Lake Ave, Suite 150, Pasadena, CA 91101
Very popular with people who work in the offices nearby, the menu features several fan favorites.
Beer and Cheeseburger Crawl
This itinerary is meant to be paired with a ride share service (Uber or Lyft) or a designated driver. All off the restaurants on this crawl are in Old Pasadena.
1. Lucky Baldwin’s, 17 S Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105
Family-run British pub located in Old Pasadena.
2. Dog Haus Biergarten, 93 E Green St, Pasadena, CA 91105
Casual parlor with benches and picnic tables and a full bar. Burgers here are made with Hawaiian sweet rolls.
3. Barney’s Beanery, 99 E Colorado Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91105
A small chain of sports bars totaling 6 locations in LA. Janis Joplin and Marilyn Monroe have history with this company.
4. Kings Row Gastropub, 20 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91103
Popular gastropub featuring a scratch kitchen and large outdoor space.
Lunchtime Vegetarian-friendly Cheeseburger Crawl
1. Real Food Daily, 895 E Del Mar Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91106
Vegan comfort food a la California cuisine. Go for the RFD Burger with melted cashew cheese.
2. Lobster at Live Mixx, 115 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105
East Coast / West Coast fusion lounge focused on seafood.
3. AKA American Bistro, 41 Hugus Alley, Pasadena, CA 91105
This swanky space serves organic food, craft cocktails and has a really nice wine program.
4. Sage Vegan Cafe, 319 S Arroyo Pkwy, Pasadena, CA 91105
Humble vegan joint specializing in raw and organic food, they also have pizza and a vegan ice creme counter.
https://www.visitpasadena.com/events/pasadena-cheeseburger-week-2/
