I’ve only been to Louis’ in New Haven. I’m glad it made the list.
I do firmly believe they invented the hamburger. Never been to the other ones, but I wanted to chime into your post to share my experiences. I would get on a plane and suffer through Northeast airports and trains to get to this place.
There is also a place around the corner called “Mamouns” which is a mediterrean place that is pretty authentic. Cheap food, sparking wires run along the walls and “The Worst Toilet in Scotland” around the back.
Ah, Mamoun’s. Lovely place to work on a senior essay at 3am over Turkish coffee, unfiltered Luckys and the empty gaze of emo heroin addicts who normally hang out in the Daily Caffe.