Juicy patties, melted cheese, crisp lettuce and a soft bun: the hamburger is one of America's most iconic foods. National Hamburger Day, on May 28, celebrates this favorite, whether grilled in the backyard, ordered at a diner or topped with gourmet ingredients. Late May is the perfect time to kick off grilling season with a burger.
History of National Hamburger Day
The hamburger's name comes from Hamburg, Germany, where a seasoned minced beef dish known as Hamburg steak was popular in the 1800s. German immigrants brought it to the United States.
Who first put a patty in a bun is hotly debated. Claimants include Louis' Lunch in New Haven, Connecticut, which says it served a burger in 1900; Charlie Nagreen at a Wisconsin fair in 1885; the Menches brothers at an 1885 fair in Hamburg, New York; and Fletcher Davis, who reportedly served burgers in Texas in the 1880s and at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair.
In 1921, the White Castle chain opened in Wichita, Kansas, helping make hamburgers popular and affordable. After World War II, drive-ins and fast-food restaurants spread burgers nationwide. Who started National Hamburger Day is not documented.
Why National Hamburger Day Matters
The hamburger is a symbol of American food culture and innovation.
It is also endlessly customizable, from classic cheeseburgers to plant-based patties.
Burgers bring people together at backyard barbecues, ballparks and diners, and local burger joints are often beloved community spots.
Hamburgers also reflect how American food has changed over time. From simple diner patties to gourmet burgers with artisan buns and plant-based options, the burger has evolved with new tastes and technologies. Regional specialties, such as green chile burgers in New Mexico or butter burgers in Wisconsin, show how local flavors make the classic their own.
How to Celebrate National Hamburger Day
- Grill burgers: make patties and grill to a safe temperature.
- Try new toppings: add avocado, fried egg or blue cheese.
- Visit a local burger joint: support a small business.
- Make sliders: cook mini burgers for a party.
- Try a plant-based burger: explore meat-free options.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, a burger lunch or cookout is an easy crowd-pleaser; include vegetarian options. In classrooms, students can learn about the competing origin claims and debate which is most convincing, or calculate costs for a burger party as a math lesson. At home, families can host a burger bar with toppings so everyone can build their own. Cook ground beef to 160°F, according to USDA guidelines, and use a food thermometer.
Fun Facts About National Hamburger Day
- The name comes from Hamburg, Germany.
- Several people claim to have invented the hamburger.
- White Castle opened in 1921.
National Hamburger Day FAQs
When is National Hamburger Day?
National Hamburger Day is May 28.
Who invented the hamburger?
Several people claim credit; the origin is debated.
Why is it called a hamburger?
After Hamburg, Germany.
What temperature should a burger be cooked to?
USDA recommends 160°F for ground beef.