12 Minnesota Burger Chains That Locals Say Serve Beef Worth Every Mile
Minnesota might be famous for hotdish and lutefisk, but the real star of the state’s culinary lineup is the burger. Locals here take their patties seriously, hunting down the juiciest, most flavorful beef across the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
Chains big and small have built loyal fanbases by perfecting everything – crispy edges, melted cheese, and buns that hold it all together without falling apart. Some spots have been flipping burgers since before your grandparents met, while others bring fresh twists to the classic.
Either way, these restaurants have earned their stripes, one delicious bite at a time. Buckle up, because this list is a roadmap to the best burger chains Minnesota has to offer.
1. My Burger
Family-owned and fiercely local, My Burger has turned the Twin Cities metro into smashburger heaven.
With about a dozen locations scattered across the area, they serve crispy-edged patties that crunch on the outside and stay tender inside. Cheese curds and malts round out the menu, making every meal feel like a Minnesota classic.
Online ordering is smooth and available for every shop, so you can skip the line and grab your burger fast. I swung by their Edina spot last summer, and the double smash with extra pickles had me rethinking every burger I’d eaten before.
The beef is never frozen, and you can taste the difference in every bite.
2. Blue Door Pub
Blue Door Pub helped turn the cheese-stuffed Juicy Lucy into a Minnesota legend. Both the Longfellow and University Ave locations are open for dine-in and takeout, serving up burgers that ooze molten cheese with every bite.
The menu is creative, with options like the Blucy topped with blue cheese and caramelized onions.
Locals swear by the Longfellow spot, where the patio fills up fast on sunny days.
I tried the original Blucy there last fall, and the first bite sent hot cheese running down my fingers – totally worth the napkin count.
The casual vibe and friendly staff make it a neighborhood staple that never gets old.
3. 5-8 Club
Since 1928, the 5-8 Club has been slinging Juicy Lucys and claiming the title as the original home of the cheese-stuffed burger.
Four active locations – Minneapolis, Maplewood, West St. Paul, and Champlin – keep the tradition alive, serving patties that are crispy outside and gooey inside. The history alone makes it a local road-trip rite.
Their Minneapolis location on Cedar Avenue is where it all started, and the vintage decor takes you back in time. I remember biting into my first Juicy Lucy there as a kid, and the cheese explosion was unforgettable.
The menu also includes solid sides like onion rings and coleslaw, but the burger is the main event you came for.
4. Crooked Pint Ale House
Crooked Pint Ale House has locations all over Minnesota, from Minneapolis and Maplewood to Mankato, Rochester, and Waite Park.
Their roster of stuffed Lucys is impressive, with flavors ranging from classic American cheese to wild combinations like jalapeño and pepper jack. The casual alehouse vibe makes it a great spot for groups or solo burger missions.
Each location keeps the menu consistent, so you know what to expect no matter which town you’re in. The fries are hot and crispy, and the portions are generous enough to share – or not.
The relaxed atmosphere and steady quality make Crooked Pint a dependable choice when you need beef done right.
5. JL Beers
Born in the Dakotas, JL Beers brought its beer-and-burger bar concept to Minnesota with one location in Burnsville.
The burgers are griddle-smashed to crispy perfection, with a simple menu that focuses on quality over quantity. Pair your patty with a tap list that runs deep, featuring local and regional brews.
The Burnsville shop has a laid-back vibe, perfect for a casual lunch or post-work hangout. I stopped in on a Friday night, and the burger with pepper jack and jalapeños had just enough kick to keep things interesting.
The fries are hand-cut, and the portions are big enough to fuel you through whatever comes next.
6. Culver’s
Culver’s is Midwestern to the core, serving ButterBurgers on toasted buns and frozen custard that locals crave year-round. Dozens of Minnesota locations make it a dependable, budget-friendly stop almost anywhere you go.
The burgers are made fresh to order, and the custard flavors rotate daily, giving you a reason to come back again and again.
Their crinkle-cut fries are hot and salty, and the cheese curds are a must-try if you’re feeling extra hungry. I’ve hit up the Blaine location more times than I can count, and the consistency is unbeatable.
The staff is always friendly, and the drive-thru moves fast, making it perfect for busy days.
7. Shake Shack
Shake Shack brought its coast-famous smashburgers to Minnesota with anchors at Southdale in Edina and MSP Terminal 1.
The burgers are simple but packed with flavor, featuring 100% Angus beef, ShackSauce, and potato buns that hold up to the juiciness. Mobile ordering keeps lines moving, and late lunch hours make it easy to grab a bite whenever hunger hits.
The Edina location is sleek and modern, with plenty of seating for families or solo diners. I grabbed a ShackBurger before a flight once, and it was the best airport meal I’ve ever had.
The fries are crinkle-cut and perfectly crispy, and the shakes are thick enough to need a spoon.
8. Five Guys
Five Guys has multiple locations across the Twin Cities and beyond, including Blaine, St. Louis Park, and Minneapolis.
The burgers are made to order, with toppings you can pile on as high as you want – all at no extra charge. Hand-cut fries are cooked fresh, and they give you so many that the bag overflows every time.
The no-frills setup keeps the focus on the food, and the quality is consistent no matter which location you visit. I always go for the double cheeseburger with grilled onions and jalapeños, and it never disappoints.
The peanuts while you wait are a nice touch, and the open kitchen lets you watch your burger come together.
9. Burger Time
Burger Time is a classic Upper-Midwest drive-thru chain where the Bigger Burger and seasoned fries are road-trip staples. The Moorhead location is active and posting updates, keeping locals in the loop on specials and hours.
The burgers are thick and juicy, with a nostalgic taste that takes you back to simpler times.
Drive-thru service is fast, making it perfect for grabbing lunch on the go or fueling up before a long drive. I stopped by on a summer road trip, and the Bigger Burger lived up to its name – two hands required.
The seasoned fries are addictive, and the prices are old-school affordable, which is rare these days.
10. Wayback Burgers
Wayback Burgers has a steady foothold in the Twin Cities, with the Woodbury shop slinging hefty patties, shakes, and limited-time stacks.
The menu is straightforward, with classic options and creative builds that rotate in and out. The burgers are cooked fresh, and the toppings are generous, making every order feel custom.
The Woodbury location has a clean, modern setup with quick service and friendly staff. I tried the triple-patty burger there once, and it was a beast – definitely not for the faint of heart.
The shakes are thick and creamy, and the fries are hot and salty, rounding out a solid meal every time.
11. Newt’s
Newt’s is Rochester’s hometown burger institution, with multiple locations including Express, North, South, and Apple Valley.
The burgers are thick and seared on both sides, served on grilled buns that add a smoky flavor you can’t fake. The classic roadhouse settings make every visit feel like a step back into Minnesota’s blue-collar roots.
Each location has its own personality, but the quality stays rock-solid across the board. I hit up the South location last winter, and the burger was hot, juicy, and exactly what I needed after a long day.
The fries are crispy, and the portions are generous, making Newt’s a Rochester staple that locals never take for granted.
12. Parlour
Parlour operates two bars in Minneapolis and St. Paul, but the real legend is the smashburger – minimalist, double-patty perfection that locals rank among the state’s best.
The burgers are simple, with no frills or fancy toppings, just high-quality beef cooked to crispy-edged greatness. Both locations are active, and the bar vibe adds a cool, laid-back energy to every meal.
I tried the burger at the Minneapolis location, and it was love at first bite – juicy, salty, and perfectly balanced. The bun is soft but sturdy, and the cheese melts just right.
The fries are thin and crispy, and the whole experience feels effortless, which is exactly what a great burger should be.