Minneapolis has one burger that belongs to it: the Juicy Lucy, a patty with the cheese sealed inside so it melts into a molten center as it cooks. You can eat one at the two Cedar Avenue bars that both claim to have invented it, at pubs that stuff theirs with just about anything, or skip the Lucy entirely for a smashed double at a cocktail bar or a French-inspired burger in a lakeside neighborhood.

A few areas are worth knowing. South Minneapolis, along Cedar Avenue and out toward Longfellow, is Juicy Lucy territory. The North Loop and the Warehouse District, just northwest of downtown, have some of the city's best-known chef and bar burgers. Northeast Minneapolis is a good bet for casual spots, and Linden Hills, near Lake Harriet in the southwest, is home to one of the city's newest burger bars. Every spot below appears on the cards above, and you can browse more in our restaurant directory.

Best burgers in Minneapolis by style

The Juicy Lucy

Matt's Bar spells it "Jucy Lucy" and says it was first. It's a small, no-frills bar, and a line out the door is normal. The 5-8 Club, farther south on Cedar Avenue, disputes that claim and lets you pick the cheese inside, including American, blue cheese, pepper jack or Swiss. Try both and pick a side, or read our Juicy Lucy showdown first.

For something less traditional, The Blue Door Pub calls its stuffed burgers "Blucys" and is known for creative combinations, including the Jiffy, a pepper jack burger with peanut butter, bacon, mayo and pickles.

Smash burgers and bar burgers

Parlour in the North Loop makes one of the most talked-about burgers in the Twin Cities: two smashed patties from a chuck, rib-eye and brisket blend, white American cheese and pickles on a buttery bun. The original bar is in Minneapolis, and you'll also find Parlour burgers in St. Paul and at local stadiums. If you'd rather drink a pint with your burger, Surly Brewing runs a big beer hall in Prospect Park. For more picks around the country, see our best smash burgers page.

Chef-driven and gourmet

Le Burger 4304 in Linden Hills is a French-inspired burger bar from Bachelor Farmer alumni, and Food & Wine named it among the country's top new burger restaurants. 112 Eatery in the Warehouse District serves a thick patty with melted brie and thin pickles on a toasted English muffin. See our full list of the best gourmet burgers in Minneapolis.

Plant-based and barbecue

Francis Burger Joint in Northeast started as a trailer and grew into a full-service vegan restaurant, with plant-based patties, vegan cheese and burger sauce. Animales Barbeque Co. began as a food truck and opened its permanent home in north Minneapolis in 2025, with barbecue, burgers and live music.

Local burger traditions

The Juicy Lucy is the tradition here. Both Matt's Bar and the 5-8 Club have claimed the original for decades, and the spelling difference ("Jucy" at Matt's) is part of the fun. Neither side has backed down, and local food writers tend to decline to pick a winner.

What makes the burger work is the sealed edge. Cheese goes between two thin patties, the edges are pinched shut, and the burger cooks through so the center turns into melted cheese. That center stays very hot well after the burger hits your plate, which is why locals warn first-timers to wait before biting in. Want to try it at home? Our Juicy Lucy recipe walks you through sealing the patties so the cheese doesn't leak.

Tips for visiting

Let your Juicy Lucy rest a minute or two before the first bite. The cheese inside can burn your mouth.
Expect lines at Matt's Bar, especially on weekends. Going early in the afternoon helps.
Pair stops by area: Matt's Bar and the 5-8 Club are both on Cedar Avenue, while Parlour and 112 Eatery are both just northwest of downtown.
Check hours before you go. Bar kitchens and beer halls can change their schedules by season.
Heading out of the city? Read our guide to the best burgers in Minnesota.
Know a spot we missed? Suggest a spot.

Browse by style

Want just one kind of burger? See our shortlists of the best classic burger joints, gourmet burgers, cheap burgers in Minneapolis.

FAQ

What is the best burger in Minneapolis?

For the local classic, start with a Juicy Lucy at Matt's Bar or the 5-8 Club. For a modern double, Parlour is the burger most locals will point you to. For something chef-driven, try Le Burger 4304 or 112 Eatery.

Who invented the Juicy Lucy?

Both Matt's Bar and the 5-8 Club claim it, and there's no settled answer. The best way to decide is to eat at both. Our Juicy Lucy showdown lays out the rivalry.

Where can I find a casual, inexpensive burger in Minneapolis?

The Juicy Lucy bars are the classic casual choice. Matt's Bar and the 5-8 Club keep things simple, and The Blue Door Pub is a relaxed neighborhood pub. Surly Brewing's beer hall is a good pick if you're with a group.

Where can I get a vegan burger in Minneapolis?

Francis Burger Joint in Northeast is an all-vegan burger restaurant, so everything on the menu is plant-based.