Minnesota has earned a reputation for serving burgers that go way beyond ordinary expectations.
These aren’t your standard fast-food patties tucked into regular buns.
From cheese-stuffed masterpieces to bacon-loaded creations that tower over their plates, the Land of 10,000 Lakes knows how to make a burger that challenges every definition of a single serving.
5-8 Club (Minneapolis)
Walking into the 5-8 Club feels like stepping back into a time when diners were the heart of every neighborhood.
The smell of grilling beef fills the air, and the energy buzzes with locals who have been coming here for decades.
This Minneapolis institution has been serving up their legendary Juicy Lucy since the 1920s, and they take the cheese-stuffed burger seriously.
What sets their version apart is the choice you get when ordering.
American, blue, pepper jack, or Swiss cheese can be stuffed right inside the thick beef patty, creating a molten surprise with every bite.
The Saucy Sally takes things even further by adding crispy bacon and a generous drizzle of tangy thousand island dressing.
When the burger arrives at your table, steam rises from the center as the cheese threatens to escape.
First-timers are always warned to let it cool for a moment, or risk burning the roof of their mouth on the volcanic cheese core.
The patty itself is thick and juicy, seasoned simply to let the quality beef shine through.
Surrounding the restaurant, the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood pulses with cultural diversity and college energy from nearby University of Minnesota students.
After finishing one of these burgers, a walk around the area helps work off the indulgence.
The 5-8 Club proves that sometimes the simplest ideas, executed with care and quality ingredients, create the most memorable meals.
Address: 5800 Cedar Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55417
Matt’s Bar
Since 1954, Matt’s Bar has claimed the title of birthplace for the Juicy Lucy, and regulars will defend that claim with passion.
This unassuming dive bar on Cedar Avenue doesn’t try to be fancy or trendy.
The walls are covered with newspaper clippings and photos documenting the burger’s legendary status, and the atmosphere is pure neighborhood tavern.
Their approach to the Juicy Lucy is straightforward and unchanging.
A thick beef patty gets stuffed with American cheese, sealed carefully, then grilled until the outside develops a crispy, caramelized crust.
The cheese inside heats to a near-liquid state, and when you bite through that crust, the molten center flows out.
Matt’s serves their creation with minimal fuss, letting the burger speak for itself without elaborate toppings or gourmet pretensions.
The simplicity is the point here.
Quality ground beef, American cheese, a soft bun, and expert grilling technique combine to create something greater than the sum of its parts.
Locals know to order their burgers with a side of crispy fries and an ice-cold beer to balance the richness.
The neighborhood surrounding Matt’s Bar reflects the working-class roots that inspired this creation in the first place.
Residential streets lined with modest homes and small businesses create a genuine community feel.
Eating at Matt’s isn’t just about the food; it’s about experiencing a piece of Minnesota history that has remained authentic through decades of change.
Address: 3500 Cedar Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55407
Red Cow (North Loop – Minneapolis)
Red Cow brings a contemporary twist to the Minnesota burger scene with their innovative 60/40 creation.
The North Loop location sits in one of Minneapolis’s trendiest neighborhoods, where old warehouses have been transformed into stylish restaurants and boutiques.
Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light, and the industrial-chic design creates an atmosphere that feels both relaxed and refined.
The 60/40 burger gets its name from the unconventional blend of 60 percent certified Angus beef and 40 percent ground bacon.
This combination creates a patty with incredible richness and a smoky depth that regular beef can’t match.
Wisconsin cheddar melts over the top, adding a sharp, creamy element that complements the bacon-infused meat.
Beer mustard provides a tangy kick that cuts through the richness, while candied bacon strips on top add both sweetness and extra crunch.
The result is a burger that delivers multiple flavor dimensions in every bite.
The size alone makes it a challenge to finish, but the complex taste profile keeps you coming back for more.
Red Cow also offers an impressive selection of craft beers that pair perfectly with their burger creations.
Outside the restaurant, the North Loop neighborhood invites exploration with its mix of art galleries, coffee shops, and the nearby Mississippi River.
The area’s transformation from industrial district to cultural hub mirrors Red Cow’s approach to updating the classic burger for modern tastes.
Address: 208 N 1st Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401
The Nook
Finding an exceptional burger inside a bowling alley might seem unlikely, but The Nook proves that great food can come from unexpected places.
Located in St. Paul’s Highland Park neighborhood, this combination bowling alley and restaurant has achieved national recognition for their Juicy Nookie.
The sound of bowling balls striking pins creates a unique soundtrack to your meal, and the casual, family-friendly atmosphere makes everyone feel welcome.
The Juicy Nookie takes the cheese-stuffed concept and executes it with precision.
Multiple cheese options let you customize your burger, and the patties are thick enough to hold the molten filling without falling apart.
For those with truly impressive appetites, the Paul Molitor variant stacks two cheese-stuffed patties with additional cheese and toppings layered between them.
This towering creation is named after the Minnesota Twins baseball legend and requires both hands to handle.
The beef is seasoned perfectly, allowing the quality of the meat to shine alongside the gooey cheese center.
Fresh toppings and a sturdy bun help contain the generous portions, though napkins are definitely necessary.
The Nook’s success comes from their commitment to quality ingredients and consistent preparation.
They’ve turned what could have been just bowling alley food into a destination worth traveling for.
The surrounding Highland Park neighborhood offers tree-lined streets and a strong sense of community.
After conquering one of these massive burgers, a walk through the nearby parks provides a perfect way to reflect on the meal.
Address: 492 Hamline Ave S, St Paul, MN 55116
Hell’s Kitchen
Hell’s Kitchen lives up to its fiery name with the Juicy Lucifer, a burger designed for those who crave serious heat.
Located in downtown Minneapolis, this restaurant combines bold flavors with an edgy, contemporary atmosphere.
Red lighting and dramatic decor create an environment that matches the intensity of their spiciest offerings.
The Juicy Lucifer takes the traditional cheese-stuffed burger concept and cranks up the heat to extreme levels.
Ghost pepper cheese gets sealed inside the beef patty, and as it melts during cooking, it infuses the meat with serious spice.
Sriracha mayo adds another layer of heat on top, creating a burger that challenges even experienced spice lovers.
The first bite delivers immediate warmth that builds with each subsequent mouthful.
Despite the focus on heat, the burger maintains excellent flavor balance.
The quality beef provides a savory foundation, and the ghost pepper cheese adds complexity beyond just burning sensation.
Fresh toppings offer brief moments of cooling relief between bites.
Hell’s Kitchen has built a reputation for pushing boundaries while maintaining high culinary standards.
Their willingness to experiment with bold flavors attracts adventurous eaters from across the Twin Cities.
The downtown location puts you in the heart of Minneapolis’s theater district, with performance venues and entertainment options surrounding the restaurant.
After experiencing the Juicy Lucifer, the urban energy of downtown provides plenty of distractions while your taste buds recover from the assault.
Address: 80 S 9th St, Minneapolis, MN 55402
Lions Tap
Since 1958, Lions Tap has been serving Eden Prairie with burgers that prioritize size and simplicity over gimmicks.
This suburban tavern maintains the feel of a classic American burger joint, with wood paneling and a relaxed neighborhood atmosphere.
Families fill the booths during dinner hours, and the friendly staff treats regulars like old friends.
The California burger showcases Lions Tap’s philosophy that quality ingredients prepared simply often create the best results.
A half-pound beef patty gets seasoned with their secret blend of spices, then grilled until the edges crisp up beautifully.
The patty extends well beyond the bun’s edges, making it impossible to eat without making a mess.
Fresh lettuce, ripe tomato, and their special sauce provide classic burger toppings that complement rather than overwhelm the beef.
What makes Lions Tap burgers memorable is the distinctive seasoning blend they’ve perfected over decades.
The exact combination remains a closely guarded secret, but the result adds a savory depth that keeps customers returning year after year.
The burger’s size alone redefines single serving expectations, but the flavor makes finishing it worthwhile despite the challenge.
Eden Prairie’s suburban setting offers a different Minnesota experience from the urban restaurants on this list.
Shopping centers and residential developments surround Lions Tap, and nearby parks provide opportunities for outdoor activities.
The restaurant represents a piece of suburban Minnesota history, maintaining traditional values while adapting to changing times.
Address: 16180 Flying Cloud Dr, Eden Prairie, MN 55347
Parlour
Parlour brings an artisan approach to burgers in the heart of Minneapolis’s North Loop neighborhood.
This stylish restaurant occupies a beautifully renovated space that balances industrial elements with warm, inviting touches.
Exposed brick walls and modern lighting create an atmosphere that attracts food enthusiasts looking for elevated comfort food.
The burger program at Parlour focuses on sourcing exceptional beef and preparing it with careful attention to detail.
Their signature burger features a thick, hand-formed patty made from premium beef that gets cooked to your preferred temperature.
The kitchen takes pride in achieving the perfect crust on the outside while keeping the interior juicy and flavorful.
Creative topping combinations change with the seasons, incorporating fresh, local ingredients whenever possible.
The size of Parlour’s burgers challenges standard expectations, with generous portions that satisfy even the heartiest appetites.
But beyond just size, these burgers demonstrate how thoughtful preparation and quality ingredients elevate a simple dish into something special.
The restaurant also offers an impressive selection of craft cocktails and local beers that pair wonderfully with their burger creations.
The North Loop location places Parlour in one of Minneapolis’s most dynamic neighborhoods.
Art galleries, boutique shops, and the Target Field baseball stadium create a vibrant urban environment worth exploring.
After enjoying one of Parlour’s substantial burgers, the nearby Mississippi Riverfront offers scenic walking paths and views of the historic Stone Arch Bridge.
Address: 730 N Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401
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