At a Glance
- Jan. 26-31, 2026: Pasadena Cheeseburger Week runs with special burger deals.
- Lionel Sternberger and the Rite Spot are honored as the cheeseburger’s origins.
- Cheeseburger Challenge invites diners to vote for their favorite burger.
Pasadena’s beloved Cheeseburger Week returns this January, offering a week of discounted burgers, special menu items, and a chance for locals to weigh in on the best bite. From Jan. 26 to Jan. 31, 2026, the city’s restaurants celebrate the cheeseburger’s centennial and its creator, Lionel Sternberger, while supporting post-pandemic recovery. Join the challenge and savor the flavor.
Week Highlights
The week kicks off on Jan. 26 and wraps up on Jan. 31. Restaurants across the Crown City are featuring limited-time burgers and special promotions, with no strict rules-just a nod to the Rite Spot and Sternberger’s legacy. Diners can also share opinions in the Cheeseburger Challenge, creating buzz for the top contenders.

Featured Restaurants
Pie ’N Burger remains a staple of the event, but other favorites include Clearman’s Northwoods Inn, Mijares Mexican Restaurant, The Kitchen, and Magnolia House. Several venues outside Pasadena but within the San Gabriel Valley also participate, expanding the culinary reach of the week.
- Pie ’N Burger
- Clearman’s Northwoods Inn
- Mijares Mexican Restaurant
- The Kitchen
- Magnolia House
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Week starts | Jan. 26, 2026 |
| Week ends | Jan. 31, 2026 |
The week’s emphasis on community support reflects the city’s recovery efforts after the pandemic and the 2025 fires.
Key Takeaways
- Celebrate a century of the cheeseburger with special deals.
- Vote in the Cheeseburger Challenge to influence local rankings.
- Restaurants across Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley participate.
With deals, history, and a city-wide taste-test, Pasadena Cheeseburger Week invites everyone to celebrate a century of the cheeseburger.

