The Ultimate Restaurant You Need To Visit In Minnesota

Minnesota’s food scene might fly under the radar, but one bite at Matt’s Bar & Grill will have you shouting “Holy Juicy Lucy!” before the cheese even cools.

This Minneapolis legend doesn’t need neon lights or fancy plating – just a sizzling griddle, melted magic, and decades of local love. The moment that burger hits the table, the smell alone could make traffic stop on Cedar Avenue.

Locals claim the first molten bite borders on spiritual, and they’re not wrong. Grease-stained napkins, laughter, and that ooey-gooey cheese core make Matt’s more than a bar, it’s pure Minnesota soul food.

7. Signature & Origin: Home Of The Original Jucy Lucy

Back in 1954, someone at Matt’s had a stroke of genius that would change burger history forever. They stuffed molten cheese inside a beef patty, creating the legendary Jucy Lucy (yep, no second ‘i’ here). How wild is it that this simple twist became a Minneapolis icon?

Though countless imitators have popped up over the decades, Matt’s still reigns supreme. The house warning to let your burger cool isn’t just a suggestion, it’s a lifesaving tip. That gooey center could rival lava straight from Mount Doom, just saying.

If you’re craving a taste of Minnesota heritage, this burger delivers every single time.

6. Location: Right In The Heart Of Minneapolis

You’ll find Matt’s Bar & Grill sitting at 3500 Cedar Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55407, ready to welcome hungry visitors. Where else could a neighborhood burger joint become a citywide treasure? The location puts you smack in a classic Minneapolis neighborhood, far from touristy traps.

If you need directions or want to confirm hours, ring them up at (612) 722-7072. However, don’t expect fancy reservations or online ordering systems here. This spot keeps things refreshingly old-school, which only adds to its charm.

Getting there might require a short drive, but trust the journey’s worth every mile.

5. Hours & Closures: Open Daily With Consistent Times

Matt’s keeps a straightforward schedule that makes planning your visit super easy. Open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., you’ve got plenty of window to grab that legendary burger. Though last orders typically roll in around 10:15 p.m., so don’t cut it too close.

Major holidays will see the doors locked, giving the hardworking staff some well-deserved rest. If you’re planning a New Year’s Eve visit, note the adjusted hours of 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Where consistency meets convenience, Matt’s delivers reliable service year-round without complicated seasonal schedules or random closures.

4. Menu Specialties: Old-School Grill Classics Done Right

Matt’s keeps it real, no novel-sized menu or culinary guessing games needed. The air smells like sizzling beef and nostalgia as the Jucy Lucy steals the spotlight, a molten core of cheese tucked inside a perfectly seared patty. Flat-top magic turns simple ingredients into something crave-worthy, proving mastery beats variety any day.

For anyone skipping the burger act (bold move), grilled cheese and a chicken sandwich stand strong as supporting players. Crispy fries whisper temptation from the side, and a cold soda seals the deal. No fusion fluff or overcomplicated trends here, just pure, old-school satisfaction cooked with confidence.

3. Atmosphere: Small, No-Frills Burger Joint Vibes

Matt’s greets you with the smell of sizzling beef and history, not neon signs or curated photo ops. A well-worn grill sits center stage, hissing and popping as burgers transform before your eyes. Expect more flavor than flash, because that’s the heartbeat here – griddle smoke, chatter, and pure Minneapolis grit.

The stripped-down charm feels honest, a neighborhood rhythm that glossy spots can’t fake. Lines curl out the door during peak hours, proof that good food doesn’t need marble counters to impress. While others chase filters and décor trends, Matt’s lets its burgers do the bragging. Some of life’s finest meals come with grease-stained napkins and zero pretense.

2. Policies & Payment: Cash And Checks Rule Here

Matt’s brings a refreshing jolt of old-school realness to a tap-to-pay world. Cash and local checks rule here, a nostalgic throwback that smells faintly of burger grease and simpler times. An ATM hums nearby for those who forgot their bills, but the message stays clear – some traditions deserve to stick around.

Forget reservations or apps; it’s all first-come, first-served, and that democratic rhythm gives the place its heartbeat. Regulars chat, strangers share tables, and no one flashes a QR code for status. Where sleek spots chase digital polish, Matt’s leans into its analog soul. Bring cash, bring patience, and let that retro charm do its thing.

1. Status & Recognition: A Thriving Minneapolis Landmark

As of 2025, Matt’s Bar continues thriving, proving timeless quality never goes out of style. National TV shows have featured this humble spot, turning local fame into nationwide recognition. If food critics and television producers keep coming back, that tells you everything you need to know.

However, Matt’s hasn’t let celebrity status inflate its ego. The same commitment to simple, outstanding burgers drives the operation today. Where some restaurants chase trends, this landmark sticks to what works.

Whether you’re a Minnesota native or just passing through, missing Matt’s would be like visiting Paris and skipping the Eiffel Tower.