Lionel Sternberger introduced the cheeseburger in 1926 when he was working at his father’s Pasadena, California, place named, The Rite Spot. Lionel placed a piece of cheese on a hamburger and made history at the age of 16. The Rite Spot is no longer there but in 2017 a plaque was placed at the Pasadena location where the cheeseburger was created.
Other people and places claimed they invented the cheeseburger too but California seems to have beaten them to it. In 1928, the cheeseburger appeared on a menu at Odelle’s restaurant in Los Angeles where it cost $.25 topped with chili. America fell in love with cheeseburgers and automobiles. People were getting out of their homes and driving places. These hungry customers needed a place to eat and roadside hamburger stands began to pop up along highways throughout the United States.
As cattle ranching evolved it made it possible for people to enjoy beef every day. The hamburger was the cheapest way to sell it and naturally, it evolved into the cheeseburger. National cheeseburger day is celebrated each year on September 18Th.
Here are 5 Hamburger stands you can enjoy in Los Angeles.
The Munch Box
Rumor has it Charles Manson and “the Family” used to enjoy coming here after a long day of dropping acid and dumpster diving. This hamburger stand was built in 1956 and became a historic-cultural monument in 2003.
21532 Devonshire St, Chatsworth, CA 91311
Bill’s Burgers
The owner, Bill, is in his 90s and doesn’t have time for small talk because he’s busy cooking your cheeseburger on the grill. Don’t ask him for French fries because Bill only sells potato chips. It’s best to get in and out as quickly as possible.
14742 Oxnard St, Van Nuys, CA 91411
The Great White Hut
This hamburger stand opened in 1947 and has been on the corner of Orange and California ever since. So far, no one has been offended by this hamburger stand’s name.
121 W. California Ave, Glendale, CA 91203
Marty’s Hamburger Stand
Watch out if you have a heavy foot (as my mother used to say) because you might drive right passed Marty’s. Stop by for a cheeseburger and a hot dog. Then go down the street and enjoy an improv show at Improv for the People at the Pico theater.
10558 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064
Original Tommy’s World Famous Hamburger
I know what you’re thinking. Tommy’s is a franchise but this location is the first. Tom Koulax, opened it in 1946 and decided to top his hamburgers and hotdogs with chili. The rest is history.
2575 West, Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90057