CURIOUS DORA: The Best Juicy Lucy Burgers in Minneapolis – Where to Get the Twin Cities’ Iconic Dish
The exact origins of the Juicy Lucy, also known as the Jucy Lucy, are somewhat disputed. The burger is believed to have been created in the 1950s in Minneapolis, Minnesota, but it is not clear exactly who created it or where it was first served.
According to some accounts, the Juicy Lucy was created at Matt’s Bar, a bar in south Minneapolis, while others claim that it was created at the 5-8 Club, another bar in south Minneapolis. Despite the disputed origins of the Juicy Lucy, it has become a popular menu item in Minneapolis and beyond, and it is often cited as a local delicacy.
What is a Juicy Lucy?
The “Juicy Lucy”, also known as the “Jucy Lucy”, is a hamburger that originated in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is made by stuffing cheese inside the patty before it is cooked, so that the cheese is melted and gooey when the burger is eaten.
The Juicy Lucy is typically served with the cheese oozing out of the patty, and it is often served with pickles and onions. The origins of the Juicy Lucy are somewhat disputed, but it is believed to have been created in the 1950s at either Matt’s Bar or the 5-8 Club, two bars in south Minneapolis. The Juicy Lucy has become a popular menu item in Minneapolis and beyond, and it is often cited as a local delicacy.
The Best Juicy Lucy Burgers in Minneapolis
1. Matt’s Bar and Grill: Jucy Lucy
Matt’s Bar is a bar in south Minneapolis that is credited with inventing the Juicy Lucy. It has been in operation since 1954.
Matt’s Bar and Grill’s Jucy Lucy burger is special because of its high-quality ground beef, hand-formed around the signature cheesy center. The burger is grilled to perfection, with a charred outside and tender inside from the melted American cheese. It is served on a bed of pickles with everything in between two nondescript buns. It comes with a warning not to bite into it straight away or risk being burned.
Matt’s Bar and Grill has been serving this classic Jucy Lucy since 1954 and has not changed much since then – making it one of the best in Minnesota today.
2. The 5-8 Club: Juicy Lucy
The 5-8 Club is a bar and restaurant located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Juicy Lucy is a popular menu item at the 5-8 Club and is often cited as a local delicacy.
In addition to the Juicy Lucy, the 5-8 Club also serves a variety of other dishes, including sandwiches, salads, and appetizers. The bar has a full bar and serves a variety of beers, cocktails, and other beverages. The 5-8 Club has a casual, laid-back atmosphere and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
The 5-8 Club has a long history in Minneapolis. It was established in 1928 and has been in operation ever since. It is named for its location at the intersection of 58th Street and Cedar Avenue, and it has become a well-known and beloved institution in the city.
3. Red Cow – Minneapolis
Red Cow Minneapolis is a great choice for a juicy Lucy burger due to its high-quality ingredients and mouthwatering flavors. The restaurant uses 100% grass-fed beef, locally sourced when possible, which gives the burgers an authentic taste that can’t be found at other restaurants. Additionally, Red Cow offers a variety of toppings such as housemade pickles and garlic mayo that add extra layers of flavor to each bite. Finally, the staff at Red Cow are friendly and welcoming, making it an enjoyable dining experience for everyone who visits.
5. Crooked Pint Ale House: The Classic Lucy
The Crooked Pint Ale House’s Classic Lucy is a great juicy Lucy because it is stuffed with American cheese and topped with additional cheese, giving it a rich, creamy texture and flavor. The burger is also served on a pretzel bun which adds extra crunchiness and pairs well with the melted cheese. Additionally, the pub adds bacon, bistro sauce (a blend of mayonnaise and ketchup), habanero jack cheese and haystack onions for an added burst of flavor that complements the juicy filling perfectly. Finally, the beer cheese sauce used as an alternative to traditional American cheese gives this Juicy Lucy an extra kick of flavor that makes it truly memorable.
6. Jersey’s Bar and Grill: Classic Juicy
The Classic Juicy Lucy at Jersey’s Bar and Grill is made with a beef patty stuffed with American cheese on a toasted sourdough bun. It is served with lettuce and pickles and can be ordered with different types of cheese, toppings, sides, and even a different type of bun. The Classic Juicy also has a rotating Juicy Lucy Of The Month.
7. B-52 Burgers and Brew: Juicy Lucy
B-52 Burgers and Brew is a restaurant chain that is known for its Juicy Lucy hamburgers. B-52 Burgers and Brew serves a variety of Juicy Lucy burgers, including the Classic Juicy Lucy, which is made with cheddar cheese and served with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onions, and the BBQ Juicy Lucy, which is made with cheddar cheese and topped with BBQ sauce, bacon, and onion tanglers.
8. The Breeze Inn: Classic Juicy
The Breeze Inn‘s Classic Juicy Lucy is a great choice because it offers a delicious combination of flavors and ingredients. It is made with American cheese, which adds a creamy sweetness to the burger, and topped with grilled onions for added flavor. The juicy half-pound ground beef filling wrapped around the center adds richness and texture to balance out the softness of the Kaiser bun and melted cheese. The classic Juicy Lucy also comes with French fries, chips or coleslaw as sides which are perfect for dipping into any leftover sauce from the burger.
9. Buffalo Tap & Grill: “THE” Juicy Lucy
The signature dish at Buffalo Tap & Grill in Minneapolis is the Juicy Lucy, a fresh beef patty filled with your choice of American or pepper jack cheese and with or without raw or fried onions as toppings. Other burger sides such as French fries, wedge fries, tater tots cost extra.
How is the Juicy Lucy Made?
The Juicy Lucy is a hamburger that is made by stuffing cheese inside the patty before it is cooked. To make a Juicy Lucy, you will need:
- Ground beef: You will need ground beef to make the patty. The amount of ground beef you need will depend on the size of the burger you want to make.
- Cheese: You will need cheese to stuff inside the patty. Cheddar cheese is a common choice, but you can use any type of cheese that you like. It is best to use a cheese that will melt well and become gooey when heated.
- Buns: You will need buns to serve the Juicy Lucy on.
To make a Juicy Lucy, follow these steps:
- Form the ground beef into a patty that is slightly larger than the bun you will be using.
- Cut the cheese into small, thin slices or shred it.
- Place the cheese in the center of the patty, making sure to leave enough room around the edges to seal the patty closed.
- Carefully fold the patty over the cheese, sealing the edges to enclose the cheese inside.
- Preheat a grill, griddle, or stovetop pan over medium-high heat.
- Place the Juicy Lucy patty on the grill, griddle, or pan, and cook it until it is cooked to your desired level of doneness, flipping it once halfway through cooking. It is important to be careful when flipping the patty so that the cheese does not leak out.
- Place the cooked Juicy Lucy patty on a bun, and serve it with your choice of toppings, such as pickles, onions, lettuce, tomato, and mustard or ketchup.
Enjoy!
Final Thoughts
The Juicy Lucy is a delicious and unique hamburger that originated in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Made by stuffing cheese inside the patty before it is cooked, the Juicy Lucy is a mouthwatering treat that is sure to satisfy any burger lover. With its gooey cheese and juicy patty, the Juicy Lucy is a must-try for anyone visiting Minneapolis or simply looking for a new twist on the classic hamburger.
Whether you prefer the original Juicy Lucy or one of its many variations, there is a Juicy Lucy out there for everyone. So next time you’re in the mood for a hamburger, be sure to give the Juicy Lucy a try – “ you won’t be disappointed!
Happy Trails,
Who Has the Best Juicy Lucy? Matts or The 5-8 Club: Burger Show Down in Minneapolis
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