Kentucky is known for lots of things: the Kentucky Derby, bourbon, fried chicken, Mammoth Cave, Red River Gorge... the list goes on (and on!). One thing Kentucky is not particularly known for, though, is cheeseburgers. When foodies talk of the best cheeseburger of their lives, the Bluegrass isn't often part of the equation. But it should be because without the Bluegrass State, cheeseburgers wouldn't exist! Wondering where was the cheeseburger invented? That's right: Kentucky lays claim to having the first cheeseburger in America. It might be time to pack your bags and consider heading to Kentucky to scope out the burger scene.
It's nearly impossible to imagine a world wherein cheeseburgers don't exist.
But believe it or not, there was a time when you couldn't get that delicious patty smothered in cheese at almost any restaurant.
What would such a world look like? Us turophiles shudder to think of such a cheese-less world.
Fortunately, we're existing in a post-cheeseburger invention world so that will never be a concern.
Thankfully, this is not something we ever have to imagine, thanks to 80/20 at Kaelin's, a little diner in Louisville, Kentucky, that's home to the original cheeseburger.
Can you believe that? The state known for fried chicken and whiskey is actually home to one of America's favorite dishes.
In 1934, the restaurant became known as the “birthplace of the cheeseburger” when owner Carl Kaelin put together this cheese-topped creation. It was a simple, yet revolutionary, move.
We may never know what was going through Carl's mind when he decided to pair those ingredients, but we're so glad he did.
Ask Kentucky foodies, and they'll tell you Kaelin's is the "birthplace of the original cheeseburger" -- and whether or not history supports this claim (Wikipedia includes Kaelin's in a list of "first cheeseburger" creators), is irrelevant. The cheeseburgers here are big, beefy, blessedly simple and oh-so-delicious -- indisputably the best cheeseburgers in Kentucky.
You'll have to check it out and see for yourself.
The Kaelin's Original Cheeseburger is an absolute must-try for any foodie's bucket list, featuring Dusseldorf mustard, American cheese, onions, pickles, and a four-ounce patty on a potato bun. Feeling extra hungry? Order a double!
The restaurant has other delicious and often cheesy dishes to investigate as well, like this beer cheese served with a pretzel baguette.
Of course, you can't go wrong with anything on the menu at Kaelin's: the fried green tomatoes are a fan favorite, as is the classic chicken tender basket.
But for the sake of history, a cheeseburger from Kaelin's is in order. Because this cheeseburger? It's a classic. An original. An only-in-Kentucky gift to the world!
We're curious to know what you think about the mother of all cheeseburgers.
Did you know Kentucky was home to the first cheeseburger in America? Wonders never cease! You'll never have to wonder where was the cheeseburger invented again.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!