Unearth The Voyage
Minnesota does not just serve burgers, it engineers molten joy inside them. Outsiders see a cheeseburger, locals know a ritual with patience, napkins, and that first lava bite. From legendary cedar corner bars to inventive neighborhood pubs, these stuffed patties tell a story of rivalry and pride. Bring an appetite and a little courage, because the cheese waits for no one.
1. 5-8 Club – Minneapolis
At the 5-8 Club, the origin debate becomes part of the seasoning. Their Juicy Lucy lets you choose your cheese, from blue to pepper jack, sealed inside a thick patty that keeps things gooey and bold. A toasted bun and tidy toppings keep the focus on the flow.
It is equal parts rivalry and hospitality. You watch that first cut, see the cheese rush, and grin like a local. Grab a booth, trade stories with your server, and let the debate simmer while your burger disappears.
2. The Nook – St. Paul
St. Paul’s The Nook serves the Juicy Nookie with a wink and a swagger. The patties are deeply seared, the cheese erupts warmly, and the fries are the kind you keep sneaking from your friend’s plate. Downstairs, the bowling lanes hum like a built-in encore.
This spot feels like a neighborhood living room. You settle in, angle the burger to keep the flood contained, and chase bites with a malty pint. The Nook’s charm is simple: make comfort food, make it right, and make you want to come back tomorrow.
3. Blue Door Pub (Longfellow) – Minneapolis
Blue Door Pub’s Longfellow location treats the Juicy Lucy like a canvas, and the Blucy is the headline. Think creamy blue cheese and garlic sealed inside a crisp seared patty, balanced by pickles and a gently toasted bun. It is rich, funky, and confidently Twin Cities.
You will want napkins and maybe a backup napkin. Pair it with tater tots and a local IPA for a one two punch. The room buzzes with regulars, the staff guides your timing, and every bite confirms experimentation can respect tradition.
4. Blue Door Pub (University) – Minneapolis
Over by the U, Blue Door’s University location doubles down on playful fillings. Expect rotating Blucy riffs, from spicy to indulgent, each hiding cheese blends that burst on the first careful bite. Tots come crisp, sauces arrive fast, and everything feels game day ready.
The energy here leans young and hungry. You line up, debate toppings, and time that first bite so it does not scorch your tongue. Whether you chase it with root beer or a local lager, the experience says college town classic with serious flavor.
5. Francis Burger Joint – Minneapolis
Francis flips the script with a plant based take that still delivers a molten center. The patty eats hearty, the vegan cheese stretches satisfyingly, and the toppings stay crisp and vibrant. You get the Juicy Lucy thrill without the beef, plus sauces that pop.
Bring an open mind and a healthy craving. The bun is soft, the sear is real, and the balance feels thoughtfully composed. It proves the template can evolve while respecting Minnesota roots. Order fries, sip something bright, and enjoy a kinder bite that still gushes.
6. B-52 Burgers & Brew – Inver Grove Heights
B-52 brings a big energy Juicy Lucy to Inver Grove Heights. You will find hefty patties, overflowing cheese, and optional bacon or jalapeno heat for full throttle flavor. The buns are sturdy and lightly sweet, built to catch the spill and keep the structure intact.
Pair yours with a house pint and waffle fries. It is the kind of burger that turns lunch into a mission. Staff will nudge you to cool the core, then cheer the first bite. Loud, friendly, and proudly suburban, it hits like a victory lap.
7. Streetcar Kitchen & Pub – Carlton
Streetcar Kitchen & Pub channels north country comfort with a stuffed cheeseburger that sticks the landing. The patty is seared to a crust, cheese pools luxuriously, and toppings let the meat and molten center take the spotlight. It feels like a warm cabin meal, even in town.
Service is neighborly and quick with refills. The fries lean crispy, the sauces lean generous, and the price is friendly. You can settle after a trail day or road trip break, thaw out, and watch the steam lift from that first cut.
8. Parker’s Sandbar – Sturgeon Lake
At Parker’s Sandbar, the Juicy Lucy comes with lake breeze energy. The patty gets a solid sear, the cheese stays molten, and the bun keeps everything neat enough for patio eating. It is about sunshine, easy conversation, and that satisfying cheesy snap when you bite.
Order a basket of fries and a cold local lager. The crowd feels vacation relaxed, even on weekdays. Staff remind you to watch for heat, then smile when you nail the timing. It is simple, memorable, and perfectly northern Minnesota.
9. Matt’s Bar and Grill – Minneapolis
Start here if you want the blueprint. Matt’s calls it the Jucy Lucy, missing an O on purpose, and nothing else about it tries too hard. You get a griddled patty, molten American cheese, grilled onions, pickles, and a toasted bun that surrenders to the juices.
It is hot, humble, and fierce. You wait for the lava to settle, then chase each bite with fries and root beer or a cold beer. The no frills room amplifies the crackle from the flat top, reminding you why legends last.
10. Groveland Tap – St. Paul
Groveland Tap treats the style with creativity. The Cajun Lucy brings spice that wakes the senses, while the Ellsworth Lucy hides cheese curds inside for a Midwest mic drop. Both ride on seared patties and soft buns that catch every drip and crunch.
You pick your vibe: heat, indulgence, or both. Pair with a crisp pilsner and a side of curds for backup crunch. The room hums with neighborhood chatter, and your burger turns heads when the cheese breaks free.
11. Lucky’s 13 Pub – Roseville
Lucky’s 13 in Roseville builds a craveable stuffed burger that feels like comfort turned up. Expect a juicy patty, melty center, and crowd pleasing extras like bacon or house sauce. Kettle chips or fries bring crunch, and the bun hangs tough through the final bite.
The staff keep things cheerful and fast. You will sip something cold, then time the first bite just right. It is a family friendly spot that still satisfies serious cravings, delivering that signature river of cheese without fuss.
12. Burger House – Floodwood
Burger House in Floodwood proves great versions thrive far from the metro. The griddle’s seasoned heat kisses a hand formed patty, sealing in a pocket of cheese that flows on cue. The bun is lightly buttered and toasted, the toppings classic, the price wonderfully small town.
It tastes like a road trip reward. Park, order, and listen to locals swap stories while the cheese rests. By the second bite, you are nodding like you found a secret. This is Minnesota hospitality wrapped in paper.
