11 Minnesota Juicy Lucys That Locals Say You Can’t Miss
Minnesota’s iconic contribution to burger history, the Juicy Lucy, isn’t your average cheeseburger.
This Twin Cities invention features cheese stuffed inside the patty rather than on top, creating a molten core that oozes with each bite.
I’ve burned my mouth countless times on these delicious lava pockets, but the pain is always worth it!
From the original creators to modern interpretations, here are the spots where locals go when the craving for Minnesota’s cheesiest export hits.
1. Matt’s Bar: The OG Jucy Lucy
Holy cheese explosion, Batman! Matt’s Bar claims to be the birthplace of the ‘Jucy Lucy’ (they spell it without the ‘i’), and who am I to argue with burger royalty? The first time I visited, I made the rookie mistake of biting in too soon and scorched my entire mouth. Lesson learned!
Their no-frills approach is part of the charm – a dimly lit dive with wood-paneled walls where presidents and celebrities have stood in the same line as regular folks like me. Cash only, no substitutions, and absolutely no fancy toppings.
The burger itself? A thin, crusty-edged patty with American cheese that erupts like cheesy lava. The trick is to wait a few minutes before diving in, though the temptation is pure torture.
2. 5-8 Club: The Spelling Rival
Burger controversy alert! The 5-8 Club boldly claims they invented the ‘Juicy Lucy’ (with the ‘i’), sparking a decades-long feud with Matt’s Bar that divides Minneapolis burger enthusiasts. My cousin nearly started a family civil war by declaring his allegiance to 5-8 at Thanksgiving dinner last year.
Unlike Matt’s, 5-8 offers cheese options beyond American – blue, pepper jack, and Swiss can all fill your burger’s core. Their patties tend to be thicker, leading to an even more dramatic cheese pull when you break through the beefy barrier.
The former speakeasy atmosphere adds character, and the full bar means you can chase your Lucy with something stronger than a soda. Just remember to snap your cheese-pull photo quickly!
3. The Nook: Basement Bowling Brilliance
Buried treasure alert! The Nook hides in a basement in St. Paul, where I once watched a first date turn magical when both parties discovered their shared love for cheese-stuffed burgers. Their ‘Juicy Nookie’ comes with a side of entertainment – you can munch while watching miniature bowling on the lanes tucked away downstairs.
After a devastating fire in 2010, the community rallied to rebuild this neighborhood gem, proving just how beloved their burgers truly are. The patties have a perfect char, and the cheese ratio is spot-on – not so much that it overwhelms, not so little that you miss the point.
Pro tip: Order the ‘Paul Molitor’ variation with pepperjack and jalapenos if you’re feeling spicy. Their hand-cut fries are the perfect vehicle for sopping up any escaped cheese.
4. Blue Door Pub: Blucy Innovation
Flavor scientists at work! Blue Door Pub revolutionized the Juicy Lucy game by introducing the ‘Blucy’ – their signature stuffed burgers with creative combinations that would make a traditional purist clutch their pearls. My first bite of their ‘Jiffy Burger’ (stuffed with peanut butter and bacon) had me questioning everything I knew about proper burger fillings.
The original Blucy features blue cheese and garlic, a combination that transformed my burger-loving friend from skeptic to evangelist in one bite. Their St. Paul location has a cozy neighborhood vibe that makes you want to become a regular immediately.
What really sets them apart is their tot game – the loaded tots are a mandatory side order. And don’t skip their rotating monthly special Blucys, which have featured everything from kimchi to mac and cheese stuffed inside the patty.
5. Groveland Tap: The Neighborhood Classic
Stepping into Groveland Tap feels like walking into a friend’s basement – if that friend happened to make incredible stuffed burgers! I stumbled upon this neighborhood joint during a snowstorm, and it’s been my winter comfort spot ever since. Their ‘Cajun Lucy’ knocked my wool socks off with its spicy kick.
The bar’s unpretentious charm extends to their service – friendly folks who remember your name and burger preference after just a couple visits. Their patties have a distinctive hand-formed quality that reminds you these aren’t mass-produced hockey pucks.
Monday nights feature half-price burgers, creating a community gathering that fills every table. The secret weapon here is their housemade garlic mayo, which I’ve unsuccessfully tried to replicate at home numerous times. Ask for extra – you won’t regret it.
6. Peppers & Fries: The Mexican-American Fusion
Taco Tuesday, meet Burger Monday! Peppers & Fries blends Mexican flavors with the classic Juicy Lucy, creating cross-cultural masterpieces that had me questioning why this fusion hadn’t happened sooner. Their ‘Poblano Lucy’ combines roasted peppers and pepper jack cheese for a smoky, spicy sensation that dances across your taste buds.I once brought my Californian cousin here, and he admitted it rivaled his beloved In-N-Out.
Don’t skip their hand-cut fries – especially the version topped with chorizo and queso. And if you’re feeling particularly indulgent, their boozy milkshakes make the perfect dessert after conquering their substantial stuffed burgers.
7. Crooked Pint Ale House: The Multi-Location Marvel
Lucy lovers, rejoice! Crooked Pint has expanded across Minnesota, bringing stuffed burger goodness to the masses without sacrificing quality. My burger-skeptic mother-in-law became an instant convert after I dragged her to their Maplewood location last summer. Their ‘PB&J Lucy’ (stuffed with pepper jack and bacon jam) changed her life!
Despite having multiple locations, each Crooked Pint maintains a local pub feel with dark wood, cozy booths, and an impressive beer selection. Their Lucys feature a thicker patty than some traditionalists, allowing for generous cheese pockets that create Instagram-worthy cheese pulls.
The ‘Tot-chos’ (tater tot nachos) make the perfect shareable starter while you wait for your burger to cool to non-mouth-scorching temperatures. And bonus points for their excellent happy hour deals that make this a budget-friendly Lucy option.
8. Francis Burger Joint: The New Kid On The Block
Fresh faces in the Lucy scene! Francis Burger Joint might be newer to the stuffed burger game, but they’re playing like seasoned pros. My first visit coincided with a blizzard warning, and I can confirm their ‘Mushroom Swiss Lucy’ was absolutely worth the treacherous drive and potential frostbite.
The modern, minimalist space in Northeast Minneapolis contrasts with the messy, indulgent nature of their burgers. Their beef is locally sourced and ground daily, creating a freshness you can actually taste. Each patty gets a perfect sear on their flat-top grill, creating that crucial textural contrast between crispy exterior and juicy interior.
What really sets Francis apart is their house-baked buns – slightly sweet and sturdy enough to contain the molten cheese explosion without falling apart. Their hand-cut fries with malt vinegar aioli deserve their own separate praise.
9. Wendy’s House Of Soul: The Soul Food Sensation
Soul food meets Minnesota tradition! Wendy’s House of Soul creates the ‘Soulrolls’ – egg roll wrappers stuffed with Juicy Lucy ingredients, then fried to crispy perfection. I accidentally ordered these thinking they were traditional Lucys, but this delicious mistake introduced me to my new obsession.
Owner Wendy Puckett infuses everything with love and soul, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels like dining in someone’s home. The North Minneapolis location might be small, but the flavors are mighty. The classic cheeseburger Soulroll delivers all the Juicy Lucy satisfaction in a portable, dippable format.
Don’t sleep on their specialty versions – the Buffalo chicken and mac and cheese variants will make you question why all foods aren’t wrapped in egg roll wrappers and fried. Their homemade dipping sauces elevate the experience to legendary status.
10. Hell’s Kitchen: The Underground Experience
Don’t let the name fool you – this isn’t Gordon Ramsay’s joint! Hell’s Kitchen serves their ‘Juicy Lucifer’ in a quirky underground lair in downtown Minneapolis, where I once spotted a famous musician chowing down incognito (my lips are sealed on who). The devil is in the details with their ghost pepper cheese stuffed Lucy that lives up to its fiery name.
The restaurant’s eclectic decor features red-painted walls, odd artwork, and servers in pajamas – creating a fever dream backdrop for your cheese-stuffed adventure. They offer a ‘Hangover Special’ that pairs their Lucy with a Bloody Mary that could revive the dead after a long night.
Beyond the heat, their burger stands out for its quality beef and perfect cheese-to-meat ratio. Cool the flames with their homemade lemonade or, better yet, one of their craft cocktails with equally devilish names.
11. Ray J’s: The Suburban Hidden Place
Suburban treasure alert! Ray J’s might fly under the radar compared to its more famous Minneapolis counterparts, but locals know this Woodbury spot serves a Lucy that rivals any city offering. My first visit happened by accident when I got lost driving to a friend’s house, and now I ‘accidentally’ get lost at least once a month.
Their ‘American Lucy’ keeps it classic with good old American cheese, but it’s their execution that makes it special – perfectly seasoned beef with just the right amount of cheese that stays molten longer than most. The neighborhood sports bar atmosphere means you can catch a Wild game while enjoying your stuffed burger bliss.
What really won me over was their attentive service and generous portions. The onion rings make an exceptional side – thick-cut, beer-battered, and large enough to wear as bracelets (though I don’t recommend it, despite the temptation).