The Lunchbox - Meriden, CT

Posted By Chris Ayers & Amy Briesch on March 6, 2011 10:14 AM

Anita Dufresne knows all about steamed cheeseburgs (New Englanders often drop the –er suffix from burger). She mans the steambox behind the twelve-stool counter at the Lunchbox on East Main in Meriden. Locals certainly have their loyalties to steamed burger joints around town, and those new to town have probably heard of Ted’s across town, thanks to the Food Network. But the Lunchbox is a cut above with a juicier burger, tangier cheese, and a fresh bakery bun to bind the whole package together.

The Lunchbox may be the only steamed burger establishment to serve breakfast, and more often than not, even in the afternoons, you’ll see a few guys digging into plates mounded with eggs, sausage, and home fries. Plump omelets, waffles, and even blue pancakes are available, but the steamed cheeseburg deserves the spotlight here. Anita won the Most Creative Award in last year’s Battle of the Burgers competition, sponsored by Meriden’s Record-Journal newspaper. The “Military Burger” was topped with guacamole, blue cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, bacon, onion, lettuce, tomato, and mushroom, though I’ll gladly take just bacon and spicy mustard on my steamed cheeseburg any day. Bonus points for offering both cherry and strawberry Fanta in cans, too! The Lunchbox is open Monday through Saturday, 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., closed Sunday.

Overall Rating

Steamed Ceeseburger

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Posted By Michael Allen on March 23, 2012 1:51 PM

Best.Steamed Cheeseburger.EVER.

Better than California's steamed cheeseburgers lol. Great folks, atmosphere, and variety.

Overall Rating

Steamed Ceeseburger

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Posted By Jeff on March 23, 2012 1:49 PM

Awesome place, great food, awesome people definitely coming back

Overall Rating

Steamed Ceeseburger

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Posted By Hector Ramos on March 20, 2012 3:06 PM

When ever I'm in the area, and crave for some chesse burger..can't think of any other place than The Lunch Box! Great Burgers, Great Service, and Personality(Anita)with the people!

Overall Rating

Steamed Ceeseburger

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Posted By bruce green on March 19, 2012 11:17 AM

1st time i was there it was like the owner knew me for years ,super cust service and super food.i will be back over and over again.
super super place..

Overall Rating

Steamed Ceeseburger

Eggs and Kilbasa breakfast

Chicken Soup

Egg and Hot Cheese Sandwich

Rubin Sandwich

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Posted By Carla Doyon on March 17, 2012 2:12 AM

Have dined at The Lunchbox" several times and have enjoyed the experience each time I've dined there. Anita (the owner) makes a juicy, delicious steamed cheeseburg, which was the best thus far, I've ever eaten. Just yesterday, I ordered a Rubin Sandwich, (new on the menu) that was generously stuffed with pastrami, tasty melted cheese and cabbage on fresh Rye bread, which was excellent. The service was quick and friendly, and I am looking forward to going back to try Anita's chicken soup, which was highly recommended.

Overall Rating

Steamed Ceeseburger

Eggs and Kilbasa breakfast

Chicken Soup

Egg and Hot Cheese Sandwich

Rubin Sandwich

Migas

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Posted By ron on January 22, 2012 8:20 AM

best steamed cheeseburgs in town bar none.Really great service too.

Overall Rating

Steamed Ceeseburger

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Posted By jenny mazock on May 27, 2011 1:40 PM

This is absolutely the friendliest dinner I have ever enjoyed. Not only are you greeted with a big smile (many customers are greeted by name), but the food is always good-tasting and the portions are larger than anyone could ever eat in one sitting. Add to that the prices on the menu and you will know you got a deal! No way you could walk away from The Lunchbox and still be hungry.

Overall Rating

Steamed Ceeseburger

Migas

Egg and Hot Cheese Sandwich

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Posted By Charles Peach on May 4, 2011 4:55 PM

This is the place to go for great steamed cheeseburgers or a full breakfast. The service is fast and friendly and the lovely ladies serving the food are the best.

Overall Rating

Steamed Ceeseburger

Eggs and Kilbasa breakfast

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Posted By Jeff Beeton on March 10, 2011 7:57 PM

My large special breakfast of kielbasa, scrambled eggs, and home fries with rye toast was delicately prepared and presented by the friendly and pleasant owner Anita. She told me a little about her victory four months ago as the "Best Steamed Hamburger" competition held in Meriden. The win included a large trophy, which Anita proudly displays in her Lunchbox restaurant.

Although I visited during a slow mid-morning, Anita offered to whip up her steamed burger. I declined, saying I will return sometime during lunch to experience the full pleasure of the meal.

Overall Rating

Eggs and Kilbasa breakfast

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