Matt's Bar on Cedar Avenue has poured the Jucy Lucy in South Minneapolis since 1954. The original cheese-stuffed burger; Anthony Bourdain ate here in 2009.
Signature dishes: Jucy Lucy
Must order: The Jucy Lucy with American cheese and grilled onions, fries on the side.
Tip: Cash and cards both accepted. Note the spelling on the sign: Jucy Lucy, no 'i' in Jucy. Be patient with the molten cheese.
Address: 3500 Cedar Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55407
The 5-8 Club on Cedar Avenue South claims the original Juicy Lucy in Minneapolis, contested with Matt's Bar. The other side of the cheese-burger debate.
Signature: Juicy Lucy
Order: The original Juicy Lucy with the Juicy Lucy Sampler if dining as a group.
Tip: Lunch crowd thins after 13:00. The patio in summer makes the cheese-burn waiting easier.
The 5-8 Club on Cedar Avenue South claims the original Juicy Lucy in Minneapolis, contested with Matt's Bar. The other side of the cheese-burger debate.
Signature: Juicy Lucy
Order: The original Juicy Lucy with the Juicy Lucy Sampler if dining as a group.
Tip: Lunch crowd thins after 13:00. The patio in summer makes the cheese-burn waiting easier.
Quang on Nicollet Avenue has run Minneapolis's defining Vietnamese pho room on Eat Street since 1989. James Beard America's Classics Award 2024 winner.
Signature: Pho, Banh xeo
Order: Pho tai with rare beef and the banh xeo turmeric crepe.
Tip: Lunch line out the door by 12:30; arrive before noon or after 13:30. The cash discount is worth bringing bills.
Alex Roberts's Brasa on East Hennepin has run a wood-fired rotisserie counter in Minneapolis since 2008. Slow-roasted pork, the city's casual favourite.
Signature: Slow-roasted pork, Yuca with mojo
Order: Slow-roasted pork plate with yuca, collards and cornbread on the side.
Tip: Order at the counter, find a seat. Family-style pans serve four; gluten-free options across the menu.
Ann Kim's Pizzeria Lola on Xerxes Avenue has run wood-fired Neapolitan-Korean pizza in Minneapolis since 2010. The room that put Kim on the James Beard track.
Signature: Wood-fired Margherita, Lady ZaZa
Order: The Lady ZaZa pizza with Korean sausage and kimchi or the wood-fired Margherita.
Tip: Reservations on Tock; walk-ins go on the list at 17:00. The photo-booth dating from 2010 still works.
Russell Klein's Meritage in downtown Saint Paul runs the Twin Cities' defining French bistro since 2007. Beard semifinalist; an oyster bar through happy hour.
Signature: Coq au vin, Steak frites
Order: Coq au vin with mashed potatoes and the steak frites au poivre.
Tip: Oyster happy hour 16:00 to 18:00 in the bar, three for $9. Book the dining room a week out.
The Lexington on Grand Avenue has run Saint Paul's old-school supper club since 1935. Renovated by Jack Riebel in 2017; walleye, prime rib, Manhattans.
Signature: Walleye, Prime rib
Order: Walleye with brown butter and the prime rib Friday or Saturday only.
Tip: Book a booth in the Library Room. Friday and Saturday prime-rib runs out by 21:00.
