On the Road with Contributing Editor Elizabeth Young – Kaelin’s Restaurant in Louisville KY

If you are looking for a quaint restaurant to provide a place for rest and
nourishment during the busy holiday season, visit Kaelin's in Louisville, KY.
Opened in 1934 by Carl Kaelin and his wife, it was originally a small
delicatessen.  Carl soon purchased the building next door and then
expanded over the next two years to open a full family restaurant . 
He coined the term "cheeseburger" and his little restaurant on a tree lined
street in KY became nationally recognized as the birthplace of the
cheeseburger.   A restaurant in Denver, CO tried to claim the fame in
1935 but Carl has proof that his came first.  A plaque out front
recognizes his creative genius. The original neon sign still hangs out
front beckoning hungry customers inside.

 

Kaelin's daughter Erma took over the restaurant in later years.  She
had 8 children but none could be enticed into the restaurant business.  It
was sold 4 years ago to four local men who desired to keep the tradition
alive.  Located near Bellarmine University, Kaelin's now draws an older
crowd, many of whom have been patrons for over 50 years.  Some
customers remember bringing their dates to Kaelin's for a cheeseburger and fries
back in the 1950's.

 

One waiter, Jesse Amos, began working at Kaelin's back in 1958 and
still comes in a day or two a week.  Another waitress, Sheila, has been at
Kaelin's for over 20 years.  Sean Hanley, the day manager, has been on the
staff since 1987.  Fresh ground beef, homemade potato chips and a menu full
of great American fare are sure to satisfy.  A banquet room upstairs can
accommodate up to forty people and is perfect for private parties.  Gift
cards are also available.

 

Address:  1801 Newburg Rd

                Louisville,
KY  40205

               
(502) 451-1801

 

Hours:  11 a.m. to 10 p.m. 7 days a week

Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas

 

Website:  www.kaelins.com

 

Special Events:  Cheeseburger Week is usually held in
mid October.  All things cheeseburger are on the menu including
Cheeseburger Pizza, Cheeseburger Soup, Cheeseburger Casserole and Cheeseburger
Quiche.  Visit Kaelin’s on
Monday nights for $2 cheeseburgers any time of the
year.

Elizabeth Young
is a wife and cat mom who spends many an hour hunting for vintage
goodies at her favorite  thrift stores, antique shops and monthly flea
markets!  A collector of vintage toys, holiday decor and general store
items, many of the found treasures end up on display in her Victorian
home.  She also looks for vintage ephemera, fun supplies and kitschy
decor for her Etsy shop Grandmother's Attic !  When not doing this, she works two part time jobs, wearing different hats at each!