The most popular story of how the sandwich originated is from the 1700s. Legend has it the Earl of Sandwich ordered meat between slices of bread so that he could eat while playing cards and the sandwich was born.
Show MoreShow Less3of25Jeff Lassen inserts burgers in one of the 1898 vintage gas ovens used to broil the burgers at Louis Lunch in New Haven, Conn., Sept. 23, 2003. BOB CHILD/APShow MoreShow Less4of25 Cristina M. Fletes /TNSShow MoreShow Less5of25Executive Corner Deli & Catering (home of the Vito Corleone, pictured) – Greenwich
- having two exterior pieces of bread or bread-like product - mostly horizontal in structure - portable - containing more than just a condiment
By this definition, a burger is a sandwich, though many might disagree.
Likely, the reason Spoon University picked Louis' Lunch is due to its history. Louis' Lunch is the oldest restaurant in Connecticut and claims to be the birthplace of the hamburger.
According to the restaurant's site, "One day in 1900, a gentleman hurriedly walked into Louis' Lunch and told proprietor Louis Lassen he was in a rush and wanted something he could eat on the run. In an instant, Louis placed his own blend of ground steak trimmings between two slices of toast and sent the gentleman on his way. And so, the most recognizable American sandwich was born."