Cheeseburgers (Photo – OldPasadena)
Many restaurants across the greater Pasadena area will celebrate the cheeseburger with the return of Cheeseburger Week 2026, running Sunday, Jan. 25, through Saturday, Jan. 31. The weeklong event brings together 40 restaurants, lounges and burger joints offering signature burgers, special creations and promotional deals.
By News Desk
Cheeseburger Week is organized by the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce in partnership with its restaurant members. Participating venues throughout Pasadena will feature food and festivities highlighting the city’s long-standing association with the cheeseburger.
This year’s celebration coincides with two major milestones: the 100th anniversary of Route 66 and the 150th anniversary of Colorado Boulevard. In recognition of these anniversaries, organizers have introduced a Route 66 Cheeseburger category, along with a Route 66/Colorado Boulevard Cheeseburger Crawl that guides diners through themed stops along the historic corridor.
The Cheeseburger Challenge also returns in 2026. During Cheeseburger Week, participants can vote for their favorites at pasadenarestaurantweek.com. Categories include Favorite Cheeseburger, Favorite White Table Cloth Cheeseburger, Favorite Sliders, Favorite Lunch Counter Burger, Favorite Cocktail with a Burger and additional selections. Voting opens Jan. 25 and closes at 11:59 pm on Jan. 31.
Adding cheese to hamburgers became popular in the 1920s, and there are several competing claims as to who created the first cheeseburger. Pasadena’s local story dates to 1924, when Lionel Sternberger served a hamburger with cheese to a customer at The Rite Spot on Colorado Boulevard.
To honor that culinary milestone, restaurants taking part in Cheeseburger Week will offer a range of experiences, from casual burger stands to fine-dining establishments. Organizers encourage patrons to create their own cheeseburger crawls or follow pre-planned themed routes to sample multiple offerings. For diners looking beyond burgers, several participating restaurants will feature alternative menu items during the week.
Additional details, including participating restaurants and special offerings, are available at pasadenarestaurantweek.com.
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