Minnesota might be known for its lakes and frigid winters, but it’s also home to some seriously impressive burger creations. Local chefs have taken the humble hamburger to new heights with creative combinations and towering stacks that challenge even the hungriest diners.
From cheese-stuffed patties to mountains of toppings, these seven burger joints serve up meals that are as photogenic as they are delicious.
1. 5-8 Club in Minneapolis: A Juicy Lucy Rival with Hefty Variations
The great Juicy Lucy debate has two main contenders, and the 5-8 Club proudly stands as Matt’s Bar’s chief rival for the title of original creator. This former speakeasy (established in 1928) offers a more expansive take on the cheese-stuffed concept with multiple variations to satisfy different tastes.
While Matt’s spells it “Jucy Lucy,” the 5-8 Club uses the more traditional “Juicy Lucy” spelling and stuffs their patties with your choice of American, blue, pepper jack, or Swiss cheese. Their signature Saucy Sally adds bacon and thousand island dressing to the classic formula for an indulgent flavor boost.
The restaurant’s vintage aviation theme pays homage to its location near the Minneapolis airport. With multiple locations throughout the Twin Cities, the 5-8 Club has expanded while maintaining the quality that earned them features on travel and food shows nationwide.
2. Matt’s Bar in Minneapolis: The Original Juicy Lucy with a Gooey Center
A Minneapolis institution since 1954, Matt’s Bar claims to be the birthplace of the legendary Juicy Lucy. The story goes that a customer once requested cheese inside his burger rather than on top, and a Minnesota classic was born.
The deceptively simple-looking burger hides a molten core of American cheese that oozes out with the first bite. Regulars know to exercise caution when digging in; that scalding cheese center has burned many an eager tongue! The no-frills atmosphere adds to the authentic experience.
What makes Matt’s version special is their steadfast commitment to tradition. No fancy cheese blends or artisanal buns here – just a properly cooked burger with a gooey surprise inside, served on a paper plate alongside crispy fries.
3. Blue Door Pub in St. Paul: Creative Stuffed Burgers with Big Flavors
Burgers reach artistic status at Blue Door Pub, where their stuffed creations known as “Blucys” push culinary boundaries. Unlike traditional Juicy Lucys, these masterpieces incorporate unexpected ingredients both inside the patty and piled on top.
The Blucy menu rotates seasonal specials, but fan favorites include the Breakfast Blucy (stuffed with bacon and cheese, topped with a fried egg) and the Jiffy Burger (filled with pepper jack and smothered with peanut butter). Each burger comes with their signature hand-cut fries that perfectly complement the rich flavors.
With multiple locations across the Twin Cities, Blue Door Pub has cultivated a devoted following. Locals appreciate how each location maintains consistent quality while offering unique specials that showcase Minnesota ingredients and flavors.
4. Red Cow in Minneapolis: Gourmet Burgers with Over-the-Top Toppings
Luxury meets comfort food at Red Cow, where premium ingredients transform ordinary burgers into culinary events. Founded by restaurateur Luke Shimp, this upscale eatery elevates the humble hamburger through thoughtful flavor combinations and quality sourcing.
The 60/40 burger exemplifies their innovative approach; a patty made from 60% certified Angus beef and 40% ground bacon, topped with Wisconsin cheddar, beer mustard, and candied bacon. For the truly adventurous, the Ultimate stands tall with double patties, pork belly, Wisconsin cheddar, and a fried egg among other toppings.
Red Cow’s atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between casual and refined, making it suitable for both special occasions and everyday indulgences. Their extensive craft beer selection provides ideal pairings for their formidable burger creations.
5. The Nook in St. Paul: Local Legend Known for Cheese-Stuffed Burgers
Tucked away in St. Paul’s Macalester-Groveland neighborhood, The Nook has earned cult status among burger enthusiasts. This basement bowling alley and bar gained national attention after being featured on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.”
Their signature creation, the Juicy Nookie, takes the cheese-stuffed concept to new heights with perfectly seasoned beef encasing molten American cheese. For the truly hungry, the Paul Molitor (named after the baseball Hall-of-Famer) features two stuffed patties stacked with additional cheese and fixings between them.
The cramped quarters and bowling lane backdrop create an atmosphere that feels authentically Minnesotan. Sports memorabilia covers the walls, and the constant sizzle from the grill provides a soundtrack to your meal, making The Nook a true neighborhood treasure worth the inevitable wait for a table.
6. Hell’s Kitchen in Minneapolis: Burgers with Bold, Unconventional Twists
Located underground in downtown Minneapolis, Hell’s Kitchen lives up to its devilish name with burgers that aren’t afraid to push boundaries. The eclectic decor featuring red walls and quirky artwork sets the stage for culinary adventures that go beyond traditional burger territory.
Their Juicy Lucifer puts a spicy spin on Minnesota’s cheese-stuffed classic by incorporating ghost pepper cheese inside the patty and topping it with sriracha mayo. For something truly unique, the Peanut Butter and Bacon Burger sounds bizarre but creates a surprisingly addictive sweet-savory combination that converts skeptics into believers.
Beyond burgers, Hell’s Kitchen is famous for their homemade peanut butter and lemon-ricotta hotcakes. The restaurant’s all-day breakfast menu makes it possible to pair your outrageous burger with equally impressive morning fare for a meal that defies conventional categories.
7. Lions Tap in Eden Prairie: Simplicity with Generous Portions
Sometimes the most impressive burgers aren’t about exotic toppings or cheese-stuffed gimmicks but perfect execution of the basics. Lions Tap in Eden Prairie has been grilling exceptional burgers since 1958, focusing on quality ingredients and generous portions rather than trendy innovations.
Their California burger stands tall with fresh lettuce, tomato, and special sauce on a half-pound patty that extends well beyond the bun. The secret seasoning blend, which locals speculate contains garlic powder and celery salt, gives Lions Tap burgers their distinctive flavor that’s kept generations of Minnesotans coming back.
The rustic roadhouse atmosphere adds to the charm of this suburban institution. Wood-paneled walls covered with local memorabilia and the constant sizzle from the grill create a sensory experience that complements the straightforward menu featuring just five burger varieties, all executed to perfection.
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