7 Minnesota Juicy Lucy Joints Locals Swear By

Minnesota’s burger scene has a secret weapon that locals cherish: the Juicy Lucy. This iconic burger has melted cheese stuffed inside the patty instead of on top, creating a molten core that oozes with every bite.

The Twin Cities are home to a friendly rivalry over who invented this cheesy delight, with several establishments claiming to be the original.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime resident, these seven spots serve up the most authentic and delicious Juicy Lucys in the state.

1. Matt’s Bar in Minneapolis: The Original Juicy Lucy Since the 1950s

A tiny, unassuming corner bar with a giant reputation, Matt’s Bar proudly claims to be the birthplace of the ‘Jucy Lucy’ (they intentionally spell it without the ‘i’). Founded in 1954, the legend goes that a customer once requested cheese inside his burger instead of on top, and the rest is Minnesota culinary history.

The burgers here come wrapped in wax paper, served on a paper plate alongside a pile of napkins you’ll definitely need. No frills, no fancy toppings; just a perfectly cooked beef patty with a molten American cheese center that will scald your mouth if you bite too soon.

Locals tip: Be patient! Let the burger cool for a few minutes before diving in to avoid a cheese burn.

2. 5-8 Club in Minneapolis: A Rival Claim to Burger Fame

The burger rivalry that divides Minneapolis starts here. While Matt’s Bar claims to be the Jucy Lucy inventor, the 5-8 Club counters with its own origin story for the ‘Juicy Lucy’ (complete with proper spelling). This former speakeasy dating back to 1928 offers a more refined take on the cheese-stuffed classic.

Unlike its competitor, the 5-8 Club gives customers cheese options: American, blue, pepper jack, or Swiss. Their patties tend to be larger, and each comes with fries and traditional burger fixings on a proper bun.

The restaurant embraces its competitive spirit with a sign declaring ‘Home of the Original Juicy Lucy’ and a menu that playfully references the ongoing debate. For first-timers, the Juicy Lucy Challenge offers brave eaters a chance at burger glory.

3. Blue Door Pub in St. Paul: Creative Twists on the Classic Lucy

Innovation meets tradition at the Blue Door Pub, where they’ve coined their own term for cheese-stuffed burgers: ‘Blucys.’ Since opening in 2008, this neighborhood favorite has created over two dozen creative variations that push the boundaries of what a Juicy Lucy can be.

The Blucy menu features combinations like the ‘Breakfast Blucy’ stuffed with cheese and bacon, topped with a fried egg. Another standout is the ‘Jiffy Burger’ with peanut butter and bacon inside the patty, proving that culinary adventure is always on the menu.

With multiple locations across the Twin Cities, the original St. Paul spot maintains its cozy pub atmosphere with local craft beers that pair perfectly with their inventive burgers. The totchos (tater tot nachos) make an ideal starter while waiting for your burger to cool.

4. The Nook in St. Paul: Beloved Neighborhood Spot with Big Flavor

Bowling and burgers create the perfect pairing at this St. Paul institution. The Nook, nestled in the Randolph and Hamline neighborhood since 1938, gained national attention when Guy Fieri featured their ‘Juicy Nookie’ burger on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

What makes their Lucy special is the perfect beef-to-cheese ratio and consistent execution. Each burger arrives with a warning toothpick to remind patrons about the molten center. The compact space features intimate booths upstairs and a bowling alley in the basement where you can enjoy your burger alongside a game of ‘Drinko’ (bowling while drinking).

Order the ‘Paul Molitor’ for a classic Juicy Nookie experience, named after the baseball Hall of Famer who grew up nearby. Regulars know to pair it with their famous hand-cut, double-fried Idaho potato fries.

5. Hell’s Kitchen in Minneapolis: Bold Variations on the Stuffed Burger

Underground in downtown Minneapolis, Hell’s Kitchen serves up a devilishly good twist on the Minnesota classic. Unlike traditional Lucys, their ‘Juicy Lucifer’ comes stuffed with hot pepper cheese and topped with roasted garlic aioli, giving it a fiery personality that matches the restaurant’s name.

The eclectic basement venue, decorated with quirky artwork and red accents, has been a Minneapolis staple since 2002. Live music often accompanies weekend dining, making for an immersive experience beyond just the food.

Breakfast lovers can enjoy their Lucy during the restaurant’s famous brunch service, pairing it with their house-made bloody mary mix and a side of award-winning lemon-ricotta hotcakes for a sweet-savory combination. The restaurant’s homemade peanut butter has such a following that they sell jars to take home.

6. Crooked Pint Ale House in Minneapolis: Pub Lucys with Endless Options

Customization reigns supreme at Crooked Pint, where the Lucy menu features over a dozen variations to satisfy any craving. This growing chain began in Minneapolis but has expanded throughout Minnesota and beyond, spreading the gospel of stuffed burgers to new territories.

The ‘Peanut Butter & Bacon Lucy’ has developed a cult following, combining sweet and savory in an unexpected harmony. For traditionalists, the ‘Classic’ delivers reliable cheese-stuffed perfection, while adventurous eaters might opt for the ‘Taco Tots Lucy’ topped with tater tots, taco meat, and nacho cheese.

Sports fans appreciate the multiple TVs broadcasting games and the extensive beer selection featuring local craft options. With locations in suburban areas and smaller towns, Crooked Pint has made the Juicy Lucy accessible beyond its Twin Cities homeland.

7. Lions Tap in Eden Prairie: A No-Frills Burger Tradition

Tucked away on Flying Cloud Drive since 1933, Lions Tap represents Minnesota burger tradition at its purest. While not originally known for the Juicy Lucy, their version has become legendary among locals who prefer quality over gimmicks.

The restaurant maintains an old-school roadhouse feel with wood-paneled walls covered in local memorabilia. Their Lucy features high-quality ground beef that’s ground fresh daily, with a perfect proportion of American cheese that melts consistently without overwhelming the meat flavor.

Family-owned for generations, Lions Tap keeps the menu deliberately simple: burgers, fries, and a small selection of beers including their own Lions Tap Special. Cash was the only accepted payment until recently, highlighting their commitment to tradition. Regulars drive from across the metro area for what many consider the most consistently excellent burger in Minnesota.