It's been 100 years since '16-year-old Lionel Sternberger first put cheese on a hamburger and served it to a customer,' as a plaque on the former site of The Rite Spot roadside stand in Pasadena proclaims.
We’re teaming up with Smorgasburg LA to celebrate this anniversary with a Tournament of Cheeseburgers event to highlight the independent operations and communities that make SoCal's burger culture unique.
Join us in LAist Land at the ROW DTLA on Sunday, July 7 as we celebrate the near-universal popularity of cheeseburgers. We’ve invited fun partners with hands-on activities for all ages and there will be a mariachi band and DJs if you need to dance it out after you sample all of the cheeseburgers.
Here’s who will be there:
- Mariachi Arcoiris de Los Angeles will perform live at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
- The Discovery Cube will bring a gooey slime-making activity.
- Sunbeams LA will offer an activity focused on improving kids’ mental health.
- Palomita will help you make your own potions.
- The LA Surf Bus will teach you the basics of surfing on dry land.
- Dublab DJs will play throughout the day.
- LAist Engagement and Education teams will have a music-making station for little ones to jam.
- And be there for the presentation of the first place trophy and a special award from someone who knows a bit about a good burger, Kel Mitchell .
Several of our Tasty 8 tournament finalists including Burgers for Life , El Brewjo , Hangaburs , Proudly Serving , and Yellow Paper Burger will be selling their delicious burgers onsite as well!
And these Smorgasburg regulars are getting in on the fun with these delicious burger offerings:
- Softies : Try the Aji or Steak Frites burger
- Evil Cooks : Bacon Cheeseburger Trompo
- The Dumpling Dream : Cheeseburger dumplings (!!!!!)
- Champignon Eats : Cheesy Fun Guy Burger (Vegan)
- Be Bright Coffee : Kaleidoscope Espresso Milkshake (Ok, not a burger, but you know you’re going to need a milkshake!)
- Dog R : Venezuelan Burger
- Saulitos : Smorgasburg’s BBQ Tournament winner making their debut at the market will be serving their juicy thick burgers.
Not in the mood for a cheeseburger? Have no fear! Smorgasburg LA’s regular lineup of great food and drink will all be available for you to enjoy.
Lineup and schedule subject to change.
Event sponsored in part by: Angel City Brewery , brewing Downtown LA’s finest beers for over 12 years.