- Attraction: Matt’s Bar and Grill
- Location: 3500 Cedar Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55407
- Industry: Restaurant
- Website: https://www.mattsbar.com/
Picture this: you’re about to bite into what looks like an ordinary cheeseburger when suddenly molten cheese erupts like a delicious volcano, nearly scorching your tongue in the process.
Welcome to Matt’s Bar, where this thrilling culinary adventure has been happening since 1954.
This Minneapolis landmark began as a humble neighborhood burger eatery and accidentally created one of America’s most iconic regional specialties when a customer asked for two hamburger patties with cheese sealed in the middle, leading him to exclaim “that’s one juicy Lucy!”
The demand grew so quickly that when the first menus came back misspelled as “Jucy Lucy,” they decided to keep it that way – and now warn that “if it’s spelled correctly, you just might be eating a shameless ripoff!”
The beauty of Matt’s lies in its unwavering commitment to simplicity. This is the kind of unpretentious dive bar where Christmas lights hang from a slanted wooden ceiling, vintage news clippings cover the walls, and you’ll find yourself sharing space with both curious tourists and locals who’ve been coming here for decades.
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Keep Exploring →Featured on Travel Channel’s “Man Vs. Food” and “Food Wars” where they won the award for best tasting Jucy Lucy in town, Matt’s has earned national recognition while maintaining its neighborhood charm.
The Famous Jucy Lucy Experience
The Original Creation: Every Jucy Lucy starts with two thin beef patties that are carefully sealed around a generous portion of American cheese. The burger is cooked much longer than average due to the cheese center, resulting in well-done meat with excellent flavor from decades of seasoning built up on their small griddle.
When your server delivers it wrapped in wax paper with the warning “be careful with the first bite,” they’re not kidding – that cheese reaches volcanic temperatures that can blister the roof of your mouth.
The Molten Cheese Magic: The cheese inside gets up to over 180 degrees Fahrenheit, creating an explosion of creamy goodness that flows forth with volcanic fury on that first bite.
You’ll learn quickly to approach each bite cautiously, letting the initial blast of cheese cool slightly before diving in. The contrast between the crispy, well-charred exterior and the gooey, molten center creates a textural experience unlike any other burger.
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Discover MoreCrispy Perfection: The patties develop a beautiful crust from cooking on Matt’s well-seasoned flat-top grill. The griddle appears to be seasoned by decades of overuse, giving the meat a distinctive flavor that salt alone can’t achieve.
Each burger comes with a sprinkling of diced onions and pickles – simple accompaniments that complement rather than compete with the star attraction.
The Double Cheeseburger Alternative: Surprisingly, many regulars actually prefer Matt’s double cheeseburger over the famous Jucy Lucy, featuring two patties with cheese both between and on top for an even more indulgent experience. It offers all the great qualities of Matt’s beef with multiple layers of melted American cheese.
The Perfect Fries & Drinks
Hand-Cut Fries: The fries are excellent – crispy, perfectly seasoned, and generously portioned. Even a half order provides more than enough for most people. These aren’t fancy truffle fries or loaded with toppings; they’re classic, golden, crispy fries that pair perfectly with the rich burger.
Local Beverage Selections: Many visitors opt for local touches like Old Dutch potato chips and Minnesota root beer from Iron Horse to complete their authentic Minneapolis experience. The bar also offers a selection of beers on tap, including some local varieties you might not find elsewhere.
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Keep Exploring →Atmosphere & Décor
Classic Dive Bar Charm: A slanted wooden “roof” covers the bar area with Christmas rope lights creating that perfect Minneapolis dive bar glow, while vintage wood paneling and wallpaper create the quintessential Midwestern neighborhood corner dive atmosphere.
The walls are adorned with framed news clippings discussing the merits of the Jucy Lucy, along with pictures of the bar itself and even a photograph of President Obama’s visit.
Compact & Cozy: This is a small place with limited seating – just a few tables, some booths, and about a dozen bar stools, creating an intimate neighborhood feel that can get quite lively during peak hours. The tight quarters actually add to the authentic dive bar experience, though it means you’ll likely have to wait during busy times.
Historic Touches: The décor hasn’t changed much since 1954, and that’s exactly how regulars like it. You’ll see vintage memorabilia, framed articles about the famous rivalry with the 5-8 Club, and even some quirky touches like wooden ducks scattered around because, well, why not?
Other Considerations
Cash-Only Operation: Matt’s accepts cash and local checks but does not accept credit cards, though they do have an ATM on site for convenience. This old-school approach is part of the charm, though some visitors find it inconvenient in 2025.
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Discover MorePricing & Value: The prices are very reasonable with the Jucy Lucy priced around $9.50, making it an affordable way to experience a genuine piece of Minneapolis history. The quality and generous portions make it excellent value for money.
Timing Your Visit: The restaurant opens at 11 AM and fills up quickly – all seating can be filled by 11:10 AM with lines forming shortly after. Getting there before 6 PM is recommended to avoid the longest waits. The small kitchen with just one cook means food takes time, but locals know it’s worth the wait.
Parking & Location: Parking is on residential streets around the restaurant, which is typical for this neighborhood location. The area is easily accessible and part of the authentic South Minneapolis experience.
The Rivalry: There are two places in Minneapolis that claim to have invented the Jucy Lucy – Matt’s Bar and the 5-8 Club, creating a friendly local rivalry that adds to the Minneapolis dining lore. Food critics and TV shows have consistently given Matt’s the edge in head-to-head comparisons.
Matt’s Bar and Grill
📍 3500 Cedar Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55407
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