126839 Mon Aug 25 13:19:40 -0700 2003 11 9 New Orleans 0 688311 I had a Lee's hamburger for the first time this past weekend and was plesantly surprised. In fact, I returned for another one. My kind of burger. From what I could sum up, there really was a person named Lee that started a hamburger resturant years ago. does anyone have any history on this? Appreciate replys. Mon Aug 25 13:19:40 -0700 2003 0 Milton 1 688312 I can help a little.There was a man named Lee. he began with a small stand selling hamburgers on University Place across from the, then Roosevelt Hotel. This was somewhere in the early part of the 20th century. He used a grill that he designed himself and plenty of white onions.He latter moved to a resturant type place on Tulane Ave near Galvez St. And then, later to another location on Tulane near S. Jeff Davis. He passed away at that location where he also lived. I remember going to both Tulane Ave locations and seeing him in there almost always chopping onions. he would fry the burgers on the grill himself. On the counter was salt, pepper, yellow mustard and hot stuff. No ketchup, mayo or anything else because he believed that his hamburgers were only good with those added. When you pressed him, he would reluctely give you ketchup. If you asked for mayo, lettice or tomatoes, he would simply say that he did not have any. A funny guy. But good hamburgers. My most memorial experience there was in the 60's at his place near Galvez Street. About 10pm one night I was in there and in walks Frankie Lane, the singer, with 2 or 3 others. I learned that people such as Bob Hope,Phil Harris, Robert Mitchum, Victor Mature and Arnold Palmer ate his hamburgers. Somewhat of a legent. Hope this helps. Mon Aug 25 14:12:04 -0700 2003 688311 0 Royce 2 688314 I remember my dad taking us for hamburgers at a place called Lee's near Carrollton and Palmetto. Could this have been one of their locations. It has long since been closed and I think it's a Burger King or one of the other chains now. I remember the burgers being juicy and delicious with not much more than onions on them. Mon Aug 25 15:50:55 -0700 2003 688312 0 Deb 2 688317 I recall a hamburger stuffed with onions and then more onions grilled on top. I read somewhere that the grill was designed with a slope to it and the grease would run down with all the flavors and be absorbed by the meat. Since you mentioned it, I don't know if I ever used anything but mustard. Good meal to have after a night of drinking. I frequented the Tulane place that was a coverted house. Mon Aug 25 17:03:17 -0700 2003 688312 0 Elton 3 688342 Some reason all the onions grilled with the meat sobered a person up. At least enough to get home and to sleep. Wed Aug 27 09:41:37 -0700 2003 688317 0 Kurk 1 688315 where exactly is lee's? Mon Aug 25 16:09:56 -0700 2003 688311 0 alithang 2 688316 It is on Veteran's near Oaklawn. Mon Aug 25 16:58:26 -0700 2003 688315 0 Melton 3 688319 Small local chain with the thin type burger with onions blended into the patty. Other than the onions, the burger seems like 100% meat. There's also a second one on Veterans, close to Dorignacs and Foodies. As I remember, back before WWII (I go back that far) the original Lee's was near the Roosevelt, around the corner where Tulane turns into Common. Back then Lee's was considered a rival to the Camellia grill, slick stainless steel counters and mirrors. Not many seats at the counter and I think it was open 24 hours. Maybe in the '40's they opened a second store in Slidell and eventually closed he original. They've always had a good product. If I'm not mistaken, for a long, long time the Slidell store was the only one around. You can't go wrong. Honest food at a decent price. Mon Aug 25 19:35:11 -0700 2003 688316 0 Green Horse 4 688325 I've always wondered how owners of such restaurants fared financially. They typically work in the business and dress the part. I've always wondered if they left work and went to these elaborate digs and lived like kings, or if just the opposite is true. Any input? Spencer Mon Aug 25 23:47:21 -0700 2003 688319 0 Spencer 4 688328 I go back that far also. I remember Lee's across the street from the Rossevelt Hotel then on Tulane. I believe you are correct that they stayed open all night, or at lease late. people would stand in line at times. I recall Lee as a big man that was always there. Someone said he lived behind one of the places. The Rossvelt stand was small and people would stand outside in frezzing cold to get a hamburger. The other place I remember was Morans. A small place first on Esplanade near Broad and then on Broad near Rocheblace. Those were the 2 I called the best. Camilla Grill and Bud's were next, but not a match for the other 2 In my opinion. Since we talking about it, College Inn and Rockery always had good hamburgers. Those were my places at least. Just thought I would throw this in. Tue Aug 26 08:51:57 -0700 2003 688319 0 Gene 5 688335 Me too. Everbody liked Lee's. Onions, and I really don't recall using ketchup. Although I like ketchup on ever other hamburger. Yellow mustard and that's it. Makes me what to go out there now and get one. I know he stayed open late on University Place and on Tulane and Galvez. I tried the places you named back when except Camilla Grill. Never been there. I know this is another type, but I like the little Crystal and Royal Castle hamburgers with onions also. 6 or 8 cents as I recall. Tue Aug 26 13:31:01 -0700 2003 688328 0 Kurk Tomeston 1 688333 There's a Lee's hamburger place just off Belle Chasse Hwy. I recall seeing it the way to our fishing spot. Going down Belle Chasse Hwy, it's on the right about half a block off the Hwy, near Balestra's grocery. Anybody eaten at this one? Is it a branch of the Lee's on Vet.? Tue Aug 26 12:19:46 -0700 2003 688311 0 dee