Events

During Cheeseburger Week 2026 from January 25 through January 31, Pasadena dines in honor of Lionel Sternberger, the culinary genius in being the first to put cheese to hamburger and served it at the Rite Spot in Pasadena in 1924. His Aristocratic Burger was an instant culinary hit!

It was 102 years ago that teenaged Lionel Clark Sternberger put a piece of cheese on a hamburger and, calling it the Aristocratic Burger, served it at the Rite Spot in Pasadena. Restaurants throughout Pasadena pay homage to Lionel Sternberger’s invention of the cheeseburger in Pasadena in 1924 with delicious meals and deals each year.

During Pasadena Cheeseburger Week, more than thirty of Pasadena's favorite restaurants, lounges, and burger joints offer their signature burgers, some special creations, and great deals, including several venues in Old Pasadena!  Organized by the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce, you can find more details about this annual event, the Cheeseburger Passport, and the Cheeseburger Challenge on their website.

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.

Here's the list of Old Pasadena restaurants offering cheeseburgers - not necessarily participating in discounts or promotions, but offering cheeseburgers on their menu nonetheless. V indicates Vegan and Vegetarian options:

Check with individual restaurants for their complete cheeseburger menus and vegan options.