These Minnesota Burger Spots Keep Locals Coming Back For More
When you think of culinary hotbeds, maybe Paris, New York, or even Austin come to mind. But prepare to add Minnesota to that elite list, especially when it comes to burgers!
While the coastal cities might brag about their trendy fusion, we humble Minnesotans have been quietly perfecting the classic and innovating the new, turning out some of the most mouth-watering, crave-worthy burgers in the country.
They’re the kind of places locals swear by, the spots you keep coming back to. Forget what you think you know about Midwest cuisine – these joints are about to challenge your every expectation.
1. Matt’s Bar
Minneapolis locals guard this South Minneapolis institution like a state treasure, and for good reason. Matt’s Bar created the original ‘Jucy Lucy’ – a burger with molten cheese sealed inside the patty rather than on top.
Walking in feels like stepping back in time, with the no-frills decor unchanged since the 1950s. My uncle once bit into his Jucy Lucy too quickly and had cheese burn his chin – a rite of passage that Matt’s staff warn first-timers about with a knowing smile.
The kitchen uses a well-seasoned flat-top grill that’s decades old, giving each burger that distinctive caramelized crust. Cash only, no frills, just burger perfection.
2. The Nook
Tucked away in St. Paul’s Macalester-Groveland neighborhood, The Nook combines two great American pastimes: bowling and burger eating. Their signature ‘Nookies’ – cheese-stuffed burgers similar to Jucy Lucys – come with a variety of fillings and toppings that elevate the concept to new heights.
The cramped, memorabilia-covered space adds character, while the basement bowling lanes offer entertainment while you digest. Guy Fieri featured this spot on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, but locals were packing the place long before TV cameras arrived.
Their hand-formed patties use fresh, never frozen beef, giving each bite that perfect texture burger aficionados crave.
3. Red Cow
Red Cow transformed Minnesota’s burger scene by bringing gourmet ingredients and creative combinations to the classic American sandwich. Their 60/40 burger blends ground beef with bacon for a flavor bomb that makes first-timers gasp with delight.
I still remember my first bite of their Barcelona burger with prosciutto and manchego cheese – it completely changed my understanding of what a burger could be. The restaurant’s modern, upscale-casual atmosphere makes it perfect for date nights or friend gatherings.
With locations in both Minneapolis and St. Paul, Red Cow pairs their innovative burgers with an impressive selection of craft drinks, making it a one-stop destination for food and drink enthusiasts.
4. Burgers And Bottles
Eagan residents guard this suburban gem jealously, knowing that its hand-crafted burgers rival anything in the Twin Cities proper. The restaurant grinds its beef daily, creating patties with the perfect fat-to-lean ratio for maximum juiciness.
Their signature burgers feature unexpected toppings like peanut butter, bacon jam, or bourbon-glazed mushrooms. The restaurant’s name delivers on its promise with an extensive drink list featuring local Minnesota breweries alongside national craft favorites.
The casual, family-friendly atmosphere makes this an ideal spot for weeknight dinners. The quality keeps burger enthusiasts coming back to work their way through the creative menu.
5. Holy Land Bakery
Most visitors to this Northeast Minneapolis Mediterranean market come for hummus and pita, completely unaware of the burger revelation waiting at the deli counter. Holy Land’s burgers incorporate Middle Eastern spices into the patty, creating a flavor profile unlike any other burger in Minnesota.
I discovered their burgers by accident while shopping for groceries and now make special trips just for their lamb-beef blend topped with harissa aioli. The market setting might seem unusual for a top-tier burger spot, but locals know to grab a seat at one of the few tables after ordering.
These burgers showcase Minnesota’s cultural diversity. Great burgers transcend traditional American boundaries.
6. Burger Moe’s
Burger Moe’s massive patio draws crowds during Minnesota’s precious summer months, but the burgers keep people coming year-round. Located near Xcel Energy Center, this spot feeds hungry hockey fans and concert-goers with substantial, flavor-packed creations.
The kitchen doesn’t skimp on portion sizes – these are two-handed burgers that require serious commitment. Their patties have that ideal crusty exterior while remaining perfectly pink inside, a technique that takes serious grill skills to master.
Beyond beef, Burger Moe’s offers turkey, bison, and veggie options that receive the same attention to detail as their traditional offerings. Their atmosphere and downtown location make this a St. Paul institution.
7. Red’s Savoy Pizza
Known primarily for their distinctive Midwestern-style pizzas, Red’s Savoy in Edina harbors a secret: their burgers rival the best dedicated burger joints in the state. Half-pound monsters come perfectly seasoned and cooked, with the kitchen showing the same dedication to beef as they do to their famous pizza dough.
My family has a tradition of ordering both pizza and burgers when we visit – the burger lovers and pizza enthusiasts both leave happy. The tavern atmosphere with dim lighting and wood paneling creates that classic Minnesota comfort that pairs perfectly with comfort food.
Try the Savoy Burger with mushrooms, Swiss, and their house sauce for a truly transcendent experience.
8. Big Daddy’s Burgers
Perched near Lake Superior in Duluth, Big Daddy’s has been serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner since 2001, but their burgers are what put them on the map. The lakeside location adds something special to the experience.
The restaurant uses locally sourced beef when possible, supporting Minnesota farmers while ensuring maximum freshness. Their hand-cut fries complement the burgers perfectly, creating that classic American meal that satisfies something deep in the soul.
Generous portions make Big Daddy’s a favorite for hungry tourists and locals alike, especially after a day of hiking or water activities on the big lake.
9. The Burger Place
Hidden within Minneapolis’ labyrinthine skyway system, The Burger Place serves premium burgers to downtown workers and savvy visitors who know where to look. Despite its food-court-adjacent location, these burgers feature premium ingredients and careful preparation that put them leagues above typical quick-service fare.
The compact grill space means every burger is cooked to order right before your eyes, with the sizzle and aroma creating an anticipation that makes the first bite even better. Their custom blend of beef cuts creates a texture and flavor that would be impressive in any setting, let alone a skyway counter.
Downtown workers form lines during lunch rush, a testament to quality that speaks volumes.
10. Burger Paradox
Newcomer Burger Paradox brought the smash burger trend to Duluth with spectacular results. These aren’t your typical pub burgers – they’re thin patties smashed on a scorching griddle to create maximum crust and flavor, then topped with carefully selected ingredients that complement rather than overwhelm.
The Canal Park adjacent location makes it perfect for after-adventure refueling. Founded by a former fine dining chef, Burger Paradox approaches the humble burger with technical precision while maintaining that essential greasy spoon satisfaction.
Their house-made pickles and special sauce have become so popular that locals have begged them to sell both by the jar. The wings deserve honorable mention too – making this spot a double threat.
11. Wyatt’s Twisted Americana
Winning ‘Best Hamburger’ for three consecutive years in local readers’ polls isn’t easy, but Wyatt’s Twisted Americana in Eagan has managed this feat through consistent excellence and creative burger crafting. Their menu features both classics and monthly burger specials that showcase seasonal ingredients and unexpected flavor combinations.
The restaurant’s name hints at their approach – taking familiar American favorites and adding unique twists. Their signature Wyatt Burger includes house-cured bacon, aged cheddar, and a special sauce that customers have tried unsuccessfully to reverse-engineer for years.
The family-friendly atmosphere makes this a neighborhood staple. The quality draws burger enthusiasts from across the Twin Cities metro area.