5 Best Burger Spots in Minneapolis that Locals Rave About

Mention burgers in Minneapolis and the Jucy Lucy debate starts immediately—but the city’s burger game goes beyond molten‑cheese patties. From dive bars to chef‑driven spots, these five are constant favorites.

1. Matt’s Bar

Matt’s Bar is one of the two legendary homes of the Jucy Lucy (yes, spelled “Jucy” here). It’s small, no‑frills, and often packed with both locals and visitors.

The Jucy Lucy is a thin double‑patty burger with cheese sealed inside the meat so it melts into a lava‑like core. You get it with grilled onions, maybe pickles, and a soft bun—simple, greasy, and incredibly satisfying. Important pro tip: let it cool a minute so you don’t burn your mouth on the molten cheese.

2. 5‑8 Club

The 5‑8 Club is the other half of the Jucy Lucy rivalry, and its fans are just as vocal. It feels like a casual neighborhood bar and grill, with a bigger menu but burgers at the center.

Their Juicy Lucy (different spelling) comes in multiple variations—stuffed with American, pepper jack, blue cheese, or combinations. The patties are a little thicker than Matt’s, and you can customize more with toppings and sides. Some locals swear the cheese distribution and seasoning here is superior; the only way to decide is to try both.

3. Parlour Bar

Parlour is the name you hear when locals talk about the “best non‑Lucy burger” in Minneapolis. It’s a cocktail bar first, but the burger has become an outright phenomenon.

The Parlour Burger uses a blend of ground meats (often including brisket and chuck) and comes as a double‑stack with American cheese, pickles, and a soft bun. No lettuce, no tomato—just beef, cheese, bun, and perfect seasoning. It’s rich, juicy, and engineered for maximum burger flavor; a lot of people call it the best burger in the Twin Cities, period.

4. Red Cow

Red Cow is a small local chain that treats burgers like a craft item—interesting toppings, high‑quality meat, and a strong beer and wine program. It’s a go‑to for people who want something more polished than a bar burger but not remotely stuffy.

You’ll find everything from classic cheeseburgers to options topped with Wisconsin cheddar, beer‑braised onions, fig jam, candied bacon, or fried eggs. The 60/40 (a bacon–beef blend with cheddar and candied bacon) is a fan favorite. With crispy fries, cheese curds, and a great tap list, it’s an easy place to linger.

5. Revival (Minneapolis)

Revival is famous for fried chicken, but their burger is a true sleeper hit that locals talk about in almost reverent tones. The setting is cozy and Southern‑inspired, with a focus on comfort food done with chef‑level care.

The burger is usually a griddled, double‑patty situation with American cheese, pickles, onions, and special sauce, all on a soft, squishy bun. It’s basically their take on the perfect fast‑food burger, but with better meat and execution. It’s rich, a little messy, and pairs beautifully with their sides and a cold beer.