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Best Burgers in the State of Minnesota

by doitinnorth | Jun 1, 2025 | eat/drink

Minnesotans know a thing or two about burgers. Maybe it’s our love of bold flavors, big portions or the thrill of seeing how tall a burger can get before it topples. And with National Burger Day just a week away, there’s no better time to start scoping out where you’re going to celebrate.

If you’re craving something juicy, melty, stacked, sauced, or totally over-the-top, you’re in the right state. Let’s take a bite out of Minnesota’s best burger joints (just maybe grab a few napkins first).

matt’s bar

A Twin Cities landmark and one of the bars that claims to have invented the Juicy Lucy, although they spell it without the “i” and diehard fans have their allegiances. Opened in 1954, this neighborhood gem has won numerous accolades, including being featured in The New York Times. Just a heads up before your visit: This no-frills spot only accepts cash or checks. (There is an ATM onsite.)

📍 MINNEAPOLIS

close up of a hand holding a double patty with melted cheese in the sunshine

wells roadside

This revamped drive-in brings Oklahoma-style smashburgers to the Twin Cities with their thin smashburgers and fried onions. Made by an automated griddle that smashes 24 burgers at once, from griddle to bun is complete in just a few minutes. Bonus: they offer year-round dining, with their enclosed patio with heaters.

📍 ST. LOUIS PARK

a double patty with melted cheese on a toasted bun shares a plate with french fries

gus gus

A tucked-away, cozy spot in St. Paul that’s equally befitting of date night as it as a casual happy hour, serves one of the Twin Cities’ sloppiest burgers — and we mean that in the best way. The double smash patty cheeseburger comes with a generous festooning of caramelized onions and dijon mustard aioli, which may or may not drip down your wrist as you bite into it. Ask for extra napkins and don’t be shy; we promise this beauty is worth it.

📍 ST. PAUL

A hamburger on a sesame seed bun, unwrapped in foil, is stacked with lettuce, cheese, bacon, tomato, and onion.

hamburguesas el gordo

Where can you get the kind of burger that will sustain you for an entire afternoon at the lake or refuel you after biking the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway? Hamburguesus El Gordo is where you pay a visit. A low-key South Minneapolis shop specializing in Mexican street food, El Gordo’s burgers are piled high with toppings (mozzarella AND cheddar cheese! ham AND chorizo AND bacon!) and come with a spicy pepper side that cuts through the richness. Anemic little picnic burgers, these are not.

📍 MINNEAPOLIS

a tower of a burger, this thick double patty burger packs some serious height, topped with crispy lettuce, square cheese, and thick tomato slices.

lions tap

Serving delicious award-winning burgers in a no-frills spot. It’s a classic beef burger, hand-packed every morning and seasoned with their secret blend. It’s become so popular, they even bottle it up for purchase. They have also been rated one of the best burgers in the Twin Cities for decades and are a popular spot with locals.

📍 EDEN PRAIRIE

A tasty alt patty made of wild rice and corn, sits on a toasted bun with melted cheese, red onion, tomato, and alfalfa sprouts next to french fries

fitger’s brewhouse

Sometimes, it’s not the beef that makes the burger. Minnesota’s state grain, wild rice, is enjoyed in many forms throughout the state, and one of the tastiest ways is on a bun. The historic Fitger’s Brewhouse in Duluth serves it up three ways: the classic, with cheddar, sprouts and garlic mayo; pub style with sautéed onions, mushrooms and Swiss; and one topped with blue cheese and jalapeños.