Unearth The Voyage
Minneapolis and St. Paul have given the world one of the most delicious burger creations ever invented: the Juicy Lucy. This cheese-stuffed wonder features a molten core of gooey cheese sealed inside a juicy beef patty, creating an explosion of flavor with every bite. Whether you’re a longtime local or just visiting the Twin Cities, hunting down the perfect Juicy Lucy is a delicious adventure worth taking.
1. Matt’s Bar
Matt’s Bar claims to be the birthplace of the original Juicy Lucy, and one bite will make you understand why locals have been flocking here since 1954. The no-frills South Minneapolis dive bar serves up a simple but perfect version: two thin beef patties sealed around molten American cheese.
You’ll wait about 10 minutes for your burger because they cook each one fresh to order. The cheese gets incredibly hot, so heed the server’s warning and let it cool for a minute or two.
The atmosphere is pure old-school Minneapolis, with checkered floors and handwritten signs everywhere. Cash only, so come prepared and ready to experience burger history.
2. 5-8 Club
Just down the street from Matt’s sits the 5-8 Club, the other restaurant claiming Juicy Lucy fame. Their version features a thicker patty with your choice of cheese, making it a bit heartier than the competition.
What sets this spot apart is the variety: you can get American, Swiss, cheddar, or pepper jack stuffed inside. The burger arrives sizzling hot with a side of their famous fries.
The casual neighborhood vibe makes it perfect for families, and they accept credit cards unlike their rival. Many locals have strong opinions about which spot is better, but why not try both and decide for yourself?
3. The Nook
Hidden inside a St. Paul bowling alley, The Nook has transformed the Juicy Lucy into an art form with creative variations that go way beyond the original. Their menu features over a dozen different stuffed burger options, from the classic to the wildly inventive.
Try the Molitor with peanut butter and bacon, or keep it traditional with the basic cheese-filled patty. Each burger is cooked to perfection with quality beef and generous cheese portions.
The quirky location adds to the charm, and you can bowl a few frames before or after your meal. Expect a wait during peak hours because word has definitely gotten out.
4. Blue Door Pub
Blue Door Pub calls their version the Blucy, and it’s become a Twin Cities legend in its own right. They offer creative flavor combinations you won’t find anywhere else, like the Merriam Park with bacon and blue cheese stuffed inside.
The quality of ingredients really shines through here, with locally sourced beef and artisan cheese options. Each Blucy comes perfectly seasoned and cooked, with sides that match the upscale-casual vibe.
With multiple locations across the metro, you’re never too far from a great burger. The extensive craft beer selection pairs wonderfully with whatever Blucy variation you choose, making it perfect for burger enthusiasts.
5. Groveland Tap
Tucked away in a residential Minneapolis neighborhood, Groveland Tap delivers a stellar Juicy Lucy that locals swear by. Their version strikes the perfect balance between the classic thin-patty style and modern gourmet touches.
The cheese-to-meat ratio is spot-on, ensuring every bite delivers that signature molten cheese experience. They use quality beef that’s never frozen, and you can taste the difference immediately.
The cozy tap room atmosphere makes it feel like your neighborhood secret, even if you’re visiting from out of town. Fair prices and friendly service keep regulars coming back week after week for their burger fix.
6. Hell’s Kitchen
Downtown Minneapolis’s Hell’s Kitchen brings an upscale twist to the humble Juicy Lucy without losing sight of what makes it great. Their version features premium beef and creative cheese combinations in a restaurant known for innovative takes on comfort food.
The presentation is more polished than dive bar versions, but the cheese still oozes beautifully when you cut it open. Pair it with their famous wild rice or sweet potato fries for a complete meal.
It’s pricier than the original spots, but the quality ingredients and downtown location justify the cost. Perfect for introducing out-of-town visitors to this Minneapolis tradition in style.
7. Crooked Pint Ale House
With several Twin Cities locations, Crooked Pint Ale House makes the Juicy Lucy accessible to burger lovers throughout the metro area. Their sports bar atmosphere combines perfectly with a solid, reliable version of this Minneapolis classic.
The burger arrives hot and cheesy with your choice of toppings and sides. While it may not be the absolute best in town, the consistency across locations means you know what to expect.
Great for groups watching the game, the extensive beer menu and multiple TVs create the perfect backdrop for burger enjoyment. The late-night hours also make it a solid choice when those cheese cravings hit after dark.
8. Peppers & Fries
Peppers & Fries keeps things simple and delicious with their take on the cheese-stuffed burger phenomenon. This Minneapolis spot focuses on doing a few things really well, and their Juicy Lucy definitely makes the list.
The burger features quality beef and perfectly melted cheese without any unnecessary frills. As the name suggests, the fries here are exceptional and make the ideal companion to your burger.
Reasonable prices and quick service make it a great lunch spot for workers and students in the area. Sometimes you don’t need fancy variations or gourmet touches, just a really good burger done right, and that’s exactly what you’ll find here.
9. St. Paul Tap
St. Paul Tap brings neighborhood charm and a fantastic Juicy Lucy to the capital city’s dining scene. Their version honors the traditional style while using fresh, quality ingredients that elevate the experience.
The friendly atmosphere makes everyone feel like a regular, even on your first visit. Bartenders and servers genuinely care about getting your burger cooked just right, with cheese hot enough to satisfy but not burn.
The local crowd here knows good food when they taste it, which explains why the place stays busy. Affordable prices and generous portions mean you’ll leave full and happy without emptying your wallet in the process.
10. The Bulldog (Northeast Minneapolis)
Northeast Minneapolis has become one of the Twin Cities’ hippest neighborhoods, and The Bulldog fits right in with great burgers and an excellent beer selection. Their Juicy Lucy holds its own against the famous originals while adding some contemporary flair.
The patio is perfect for summer burger eating, and the indoor space buzzes with energy year-round. They nail the cheese seal, so you get that satisfying burst of molten goodness with your first bite.
With multiple tap lines pouring local and regional craft beers, you’ll find the perfect beverage pairing. The Northeast location captures the neighborhood’s creative, welcoming spirit beautifully.
11. The Lodge Bar & Grill (Robbinsdale)
Just outside Minneapolis in Robbinsdale, The Lodge Bar & Grill serves up a mean Juicy Lucy in a comfortable, lodge-themed setting. Their version features a thick, juicy patty with cheese that stays perfectly gooey throughout your meal.
The rustic atmosphere makes it feel like a mini-vacation from the city without actually leaving the metro area. Generous portions ensure nobody leaves hungry, and the quality matches what you’d find at pricier downtown spots.
Friendly service and a welcoming vibe make it popular with families and groups celebrating special occasions. If you’re exploring beyond the immediate Twin Cities core, this spot absolutely deserves a visit.
12. JL Beers (Downtown Minneapolis)
JL Beers brings a craft beer bar sensibility to the Juicy Lucy game with impressive results. Their downtown Minneapolis location offers a cheese-stuffed burger that pairs perfectly with their extensive tap list featuring hard-to-find brews.
The burger itself is straightforward but executed flawlessly, with quality beef and proper cheese distribution. They understand that sometimes the best approach is keeping things simple and focusing on perfect execution.
The modern, clean atmosphere attracts both downtown workers at lunch and beer enthusiasts in the evening. Knowledgeable staff can help you pick the ideal beer to complement your burger choice for a truly satisfying meal.
13. Casper’s and Runyon’s Shamrocks (St. Paul)
This St. Paul Irish pub might seem like an unexpected place for an amazing Juicy Lucy, but Casper’s and Runyon’s Shamrocks delivers big time. Their take on the Minneapolis classic fits perfectly alongside shepherd’s pie and fish and chips on the menu.
The pub atmosphere brings a fun, lively energy, especially during Vikings or Wild games when the place fills with passionate fans. Despite the Irish theme, they treat the Juicy Lucy with proper Minnesota respect.
Reasonable prices and large portions make it great for groups and families looking for a casual meal. The combination of Irish hospitality and Minnesota burger tradition creates something special worth experiencing.
