At a Glance
- Pasadena Cheeseburger Week is a yearly January celebration honoring the Crown City’s famous cheeseburger.
- The Cheeseburger Challenge invites residents to vote for their favorite burgers across dozens of participating restaurants.
- Voting ends on January 31 at 6 p.m.; winners may receive a free cheeseburger meal.
- Why it matters: The event highlights local culinary talent and supports Pasadena’s restaurant community.
Pasadena Cheeseburger Week 2026 is a celebration that has been part of the city’s January tradition for years. The centerpiece of the week is the Cheeseburger Challenge, a voting contest that lets residents choose from a wide range of burgers offered by dozens of local eateries. Voting concludes on January 31 at 6 p.m., and participants stand a chance to win a free cheeseburger meal.
What Is Pasadena Cheeseburger Week?
Pasadena Cheeseburger Week is an annual event that pays homage to one of the Crown City’s best-known culinary inventions: the cheeseburger. The week is marked by special deals, unique burger creations, and a competitive showcase that encourages both diners and restaurants to celebrate the city’s love for this classic sandwich.
How the Cheeseburger Challenge Works
The Cheeseburger Challenge is a friendly competition that runs throughout the week. Residents can vote for their favorite burgers in several categories. The challenge is open to all participating restaurants, many of which have quick-pick-up counters as well as upscale dining rooms. Participants can browse the selections online, read descriptions, and cast a vote for the burger that best meets the category criteria.
Categories and Voting
The challenge features a range of categories that reflect the diversity of Pasadena’s burger scene:
- Best Traditional/Throwback Burger – Classic cheeseburgers that capture the original flavor.
- Favorite Sliders – Small, bite-size burgers that pack a punch.
- Route 66/Colorado Boulevard – Burgers inspired by the historic highway and local streets.
- Gourmet Burgers – Elevated creations with premium ingredients.
- Alternative Burgers – Off-the-beaten-track patties and buns that offer new twists.
Each category has a dedicated voting page where residents can read about the entries and place their votes. The results are tallied after the voting period closes on January 31.
Participating Restaurants
Dozens of restaurants in Pasadena participate in the week. They range from casual diners to fine-dining establishments, all of which offer special burgers and deals to attract customers. The variety ensures that every taste preference is represented, from classic cheeseburgers to inventive, gourmet options.
How to Vote
- Visit the official Cheeseburger Challenge website.
- Browse the categories and read the descriptions of each entry.
- Click the “Vote” button next to your chosen burger.
- Repeat for each category you wish to support.
- Confirm your votes before the deadline of January 31 at 6 p.m.
The voting process is simple, and the website provides clear instructions to guide participants.
Why It Matters
Pasadena Cheeseburger Week is more than a culinary contest; it is a community event that brings local restaurants together and encourages residents to explore the city’s food culture. By voting, diners support their favorite eateries and help promote the unique flavors that define Pasadena’s culinary scene.
The event also offers economic benefits. Restaurants that participate often see increased foot traffic, especially during the week’s special deals and promotional activities. Winning a free cheeseburger meal can be a fun incentive that drives more people to try different establishments.
Key Takeaways
- Pasadena Cheeseburger Week celebrates the city’s iconic cheeseburger through a week of special deals and a competitive voting challenge.
- Voting ends on January 31; participants can win a free meal.
- The challenge features categories ranging from traditional burgers to gourmet and alternative options.
- Dozens of restaurants participate, offering a wide selection of burgers.
- Residents can easily vote online and help support local businesses.
By engaging in the Cheeseburger Challenge, Pasadena residents can enjoy a flavorful exploration of the city’s best burgers while supporting local restaurants that make the city’s culinary reputation shine.
