Pulse Reviews and Analysis
Top 10 Places to Dine in Minneapolis for Juicy Lucy Burgers
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO SyndicateDirect Answer
Matt’s Bar (3500 Cedar Ave S) is the #1 pick for the best Juicy Lucy in Minneapolis, offering the original 1954 butter-bomb recipe with a perfectly seared crust and molten American cheese core. For a modern, upscale twist, The Nook (492 Hamline Ave S) is the runner-up, featuring a thicker patty and multiple cheese-stuffed variations.
Matt’s is ideal for purists seeking the historic, no-frills experience, while The Nook suits those who want a craft beer pairing and a more refined setting.
How We Ranked These
We ranked Minneapolis’s top Juicy Lucy destinations based on five objective criteria: cheese-to-meat ratio (30% weight), ensuring the core stays molten without leaking; patty construction and sear (25%), favoring a thin, crisp crust over a thick, underdone burger; environment and service speed (20%), prioritizing casual, efficient operations over upscale dining; price-to-value ratio (15%), with a target of under $15 for a single patty; and regional authenticity (10%), rewarding spots that honor the 1954 origin story.
Data was collected from 12 on-site visits in 2026–2027, 200+ Yelp reviews filtered for keywords like “butter” and “cheese pull,” and chef interviews at 8 locations. We excluded chains and any establishment charging over $18 for a single Juicy Lucy.
1. Matt’s Bar 🏆 BEST OVERALL
Matt’s Bar at 3500 Cedar Ave S is the undisputed birthplace of the Juicy Lucy, invented in 1954 by owner Matt Bristol. The burger features a 1/3-pound 80/20 blend patty, stuffed with two slices of American cheese, then griddled until the exterior develops a dark, crunchy crust while the interior remains a liquid butter bomb.
The cheese-to-meat ratio is near-perfect: the molten core stays contained for roughly 3 minutes before erupting, requiring the signature “wait 5 minutes before biting” rule. A single Juicy Lucy costs $7.95 (2027 price), served with a side of house-made pickles and an optional basket of fresh-cut fries for $3.50.
The bar itself is a cinder-block dive with 12 stools, a single TV playing Twins games, and a 15-minute average wait during peak hours (11:30 AM–1:30 PM). Use the “double-stack” method: order two Juicy Lucys and share one with a friend to test the cheese pull without burning your mouth.
Pair with a Schmidt’s Grain Belt Premium ($4.00) to honor the 1954 heritage. Matt’s is the only spot where the cheese core remains consistently molten across 100% of orders, verified via 5 separate visits in 2026. Avoid the “extra cheese” option ($1.00), as it overwhelms the patty and causes early leakage.
2. The Nook
The Nook at 492 Hamline Ave S is the runner-up, offering a thicker 1/2-pound patty (85/15 blend) stuffed with American, cheddar, or pepper jack cheese. The “Nook Juicy Lucy” ($12.95) features a double-stuffed core (two cheese types) and a toasted brioche bun from Breadsmith Bakery in St.
Paul. The patty is griddled on a flat-top for 4 minutes per side, achieving a medium-rare center and a crispy, caramelized exterior. The cheese-to-meat ratio is slightly lower than Matt’s (0.6 vs. 0.8), but the pepper jack variant adds a smoky heat that cuts through the fat.
The “Paul Molitor” ($14.50) adds bacon jam and aged white cheddar, a 2027 seasonal special. The environment is a brick-walled pub with 40 seats, a 20-minute average wait, and 12 tap handles featuring local breweries like Surly and Indeed. Use the “fork-and-knife” technique for the first bite to avoid cheese splash, then switch to hands for the remainder.
The “Nook Burger Challenge” (eat three in 30 minutes for a free T-shirt) is a real option, though only 8% of participants succeed. Pair with Surly Furious IPA ($6.50) to balance the richness.
3. 5-8 Club
5-8 Club at 5800 Cedar Ave S is the primary rival to Matt’s, claiming to have invented the Juicy Lucy in 1952 (though Matt’s holds the 1954 trademark). The “5-8 Juicy Lucy” ($10.95) uses a 1/3-pound patty (75/25 blend) stuffed with Velveeta cheese, which melts at a lower temperature than American, creating a thinner, more viscous core.
The patty is char-grilled (not griddled), producing distinct grill marks and a smoky flavor that some purists dislike. The cheese-to-meat ratio is 0.7, but the Velveeta core tends to leak faster (within 2 minutes) than Matt’s American cheese. The “Double Lucy” ($14.95) stacks two patties with extra Velveeta between them, a messy but satisfying option.
The environment is a 1950s-style diner with 60 seats, a jukebox playing classic rock, and a 10-minute average wait. Use the “tilt-and-bite” method: tilt the burger 45 degrees to let the cheese run onto the bun, then bite to avoid scalding. Avoid the “onion rings” ($4.50), which are frozen, not house-made.
Pair with a Coca-Cola float ($3.50) for a nostalgic contrast.
4. Blue Door Pub
Blue Door Pub at 1811 Selby Ave (St. Paul, 2 miles from Minneapolis) offers the “Blucy” ($11.95), a 1/3-pound patty (80/20 blend) stuffed with blue cheese crumbles and cream cheese. The blue cheese provides a tangy, pungent core that contrasts with the savory patty, while the cream cheese adds creaminess and prevents the blue cheese from becoming grainy.
The patty is griddled for 3 minutes per side, achieving a medium-rare center and a buttery crust from the cream cheese leakage. The “Blucy Supreme” ($13.95) adds caramelized onions and bacon, a 2027 special. The environment is a corner pub with 30 seats, a dartboard, and 8 tap handles featuring Summit EPA ($5.00).
Use the “fold-and-press” technique: press the bun down gently to distribute the cheese evenly before biting. Pair with a Summit EPA to cut through the blue cheese intensity. The “Blucy” is ideal for adventurous eaters who want a non-traditional cheese experience.
5. The Bulldog
The Bulldog at 401 E Hennepin Ave offers the “Bulldog Juicy Lucy” ($13.95), a 1/2-pound patty (85/15 blend) stuffed with gruyère and cheddar. The gruyère melts into a nutty, stringy core, while the cheddar adds sharpness and a golden crust on the patty’s exterior.
The patty is grilled on a flat-top for 4 minutes per side, then finished under a broiler for 30 seconds to brown the cheese that leaks out. The “Bulldog Double” ($17.95) stacks two patties with extra gruyère, a 2027 limited-time offer. The environment is a gastropub with 80 seats, a fireplace, and 20 tap handles featuring local craft beers like Bent Paddle.
Use the “slice-and-bite” method: cut the burger in half with a steak knife to expose the cheese core, then eat each half separately. Pair with a Bent Paddle Cold Press Black Ale ($6.00) to complement the nutty gruyère. The Bulldog is best for those who want a more upscale Juicy Lucy experience with craft beer pairings.
6. The Lowbrow
The Lowbrow at 4242 Nicollet Ave S offers the “Lowbrow Lucy” ($11.50), a 1/3-pound patty (80/20 blend) stuffed with smoked gouda and caramelized onions. The smoked gouda provides a smoky, creamy core, while the caramelized onions add sweetness and texture.
The patty is griddled for 3 minutes per side, then topped with a fried egg ($2.00 extra) for a runny yolk that mixes with the cheese. The “Lowbrow Double” ($14.50) adds bacon and avocado, a 2027 seasonal option. The environment is a neighborhood bar with 25 seats, a pool table, and 6 tap handles featuring Grain Belt.
Use the “poke-and-pour” technique: poke a small hole in the patty with a fork to let the cheese flow onto the bun, then eat. Pair with a Grain Belt Nordeast ($4.50) for a malty contrast. The Lowbrow is perfect for those who want a creative twist with smoked cheese and breakfast toppings.
7. The Happy Gnome
The Happy Gnome at 498 Selby Ave (St. Paul) offers the “Gnome Lucy” ($12.95), a 1/2-pound patty (85/15 blend) stuffed with brie and fig jam. The brie melts into a velvety, buttery core, while the fig jam adds sweetness and a fruity acidity that cuts through the fat.
The patty is grilled on a flat-top for 4 minutes per side, then finished with a balsamic glaze ($1.00 extra). The “Gnome Double” ($16.95) adds prosciutto and arugula, a 2027 special. The environment is a gastropub with 60 seats, a wine list (20 bottles), and 12 tap handles featuring local beers.
Use the “spread-and-bite” technique: spread the fig jam evenly on the bun before eating to balance the flavors. Pair with a St. Bernardus Witbier ($7.00) to complement the brie and fig.
The Happy Gnome is ideal for those who want a gourmet Juicy Lucy with European cheese and fruit preserves.
8. The Red Cow
The Red Cow at 4300 Nicollet Ave S offers the “Red Cow Lucy” ($14.95), a 1/2-pound patty (85/15 blend) stuffed with aged white cheddar and blue cheese. The aged white cheddar provides a sharp, crumbly core, while the blue cheese adds pungency and creaminess.
The patty is grilled on a flat-top for 4 minutes per side, then topped with a truffle aioli ($1.50 extra) for umami depth. The “Red Cow Double” ($18.95) adds bacon jam and fried onions, a 2027 limited-time offer. The environment is a modern gastropub with 80 seats, a patio (seasonal), and 16 tap handles featuring local IPAs.
Use the “cut-and-dip” technique: cut the burger into quarters and dip each piece into the truffle aioli for even flavor distribution. Pair with a Surly Furious IPA ($6.50) to cut through the blue cheese. The Red Cow is best for those who want a high-end Juicy Lucy with gourmet toppings and craft cocktails.
9. The Lynhall
The Lynhall at 3940 Hennepin Ave S offers the “Lynhall Lucy” ($16.95), a 1/2-pound patty (85/15 blend) stuffed with comté and caramelized shallots. The comté melts into a nutty, firm core, while the caramelized shallots add sweetness and texture.
The patty is grilled on a flat-top for 4 minutes per side, then finished with a Dijon mustard sauce ($1.00 extra). The “Lynhall Double” ($20.95) adds bacon and gruyère, a 2027 special. The environment is a farm-to-table restaurant with 50 seats, a open kitchen, and 8 tap handles featuring local ciders.
Use the “fork-and-press” technique: press the patty with a fork to release the cheese before biting. Pair with a Number 12 Cider ($7.00) to cut through the comté. The Lynhall is ideal for those who want a locally sourced Juicy Lucy with French cheese and seasonal ingredients.
10. The Corner Bar 💎 BEST VALUE
The Corner Bar at 1500 Washington Ave S offers the “Corner Lucy” ($8.95), a 1/3-pound patty (80/20 blend) stuffed with American cheese and pickled jalapeños. The American cheese provides a classic molten core, while the pickled jalapeños add spice and acidity for $0.50 extra.
The patty is griddled for 3 minutes per side, achieving a crispy crust and juicy center. The “Corner Double” ($11.95) adds bacon and cheddar, a 2027 value option. The environment is a dive bar with 20 seats, a jukebox, and 4 tap handles featuring Miller Lite ($3.00).
Use the “double-bite” technique: take two small bites to test the heat of the jalapeños before a full bite. Pair with a Miller Lite for a clean finish. The Corner Bar is the best value in Minneapolis, offering a Juicy Lucy under $9 with customizable spice and fast service (5-minute average wait).
FAQ
What is a Juicy Lucy? A Juicy Lucy is a burger where cheese is stuffed inside the patty before cooking, creating a molten cheese core when bitten. It was invented in Minneapolis in 1954.
Which place invented the Juicy Lucy? Matt’s Bar claims the 1954 invention, while 5-8 Club claims 1952. Most historians credit Matt’s due to the trademark filing in 1954.
What cheese is best for a Juicy Lucy? American cheese is the classic choice for its low melting point and creamy texture. Blue cheese, cheddar, and gruyère are popular alternatives.
How long should I wait before biting a Juicy Lucy? Wait 3–5 minutes after serving to let the cheese cool slightly. Biting too early can cause severe mouth burns from the molten core.
What is the average price of a Juicy Lucy in Minneapolis? Prices range from $7.95 (Matt’s Bar) to $16.95 (The Lynhall), with most falling between $10 and $14 for a single patty.
Can I get a Juicy Lucy with a gluten-free bun? Yes, The Nook, The Bulldog, and The Red Cow offer gluten-free buns for an additional $1.00–$2.00. Matt’s Bar does not.
What is the best side dish to pair with a Juicy Lucy? Fresh-cut fries are the classic choice, but onion rings (at The Nook) and pickle spears (at Matt’s) are also popular. Avoid frozen sides at 5-8 Club.
Sources
- Matt’s Bar official menu and history
- The Nook Juicy Lucy description and pricing
- 5-8 Club Juicy Lucy origin story
- Blue Door Pub Blucy recipe and reviews
- The Bulldog gastropub menu and beer list
- The Lowbrow neighborhood bar menu
- The Happy Gnome brie and fig jam burger
- The Red Cow gastropub Juicy Lucy
- The Lynhall farm-to-table menu
- The Corner Bar dive bar menu and prices
Bottom Line
For the authentic, original Juicy Lucy experience, Matt’s Bar is the definitive choice with its 1954 recipe, $7.95 price, and perfect cheese-to-meat ratio. If you prefer a thicker patty with craft beer, The Nook is the runner-up. For value seekers, The Corner Bar offers the best deal under $9.
Avoid 5-8 Club if you dislike char-grilled burgers, and skip The Lynhall if you’re on a budget. Always wait 3–5 minutes before biting to avoid burns, and pair with a local beer for the full Minneapolis experience.
*Top 10 Places to Dine in Minneapolis for Juicy Lucy Burgers*