Best Hamburger in Minneapolis: Top 5 Spots [2026 List] | Arteflame

The Hunt for Minneapolis' Ultimate Burger

Minneapolis has quietly become one of the premier burger capitals of the Midwest. Whether you are looking for the cheese-filled explosion of a Jucy Lucy or the refined crust of a wagyu smash burger, this city offers a flavor profile for every palate. In our quest for the best hamburger in Minneapolis, we didn't just look at popularity; we analyzed the sear, the bun integrity, and that elusive 'craveability' factor.

• The Top 5 Minneapolis Burger Spots
• Comparison Chart: Price & Style
• Mastering the 1,000°F Sear at Home
• The "Searing" Technique Benefits
• Why We Love the "Social Grill"

The Best Hamburger in Minneapolis [2026 Guide]

Key Takeaways

• The "Jucy Lucy" is King: Two spots, Matt's Bar and The 5-8 Club, claim to have invented this cheese-stuffed icon.
• Crust is Critical: The trend in Minneapolis is moving toward high-heat seared smash burgers.
• Simplicity Wins: The highest-rated burgers often use minimal toppings to let the beef shine.

What is the Best Hamburger in Minneapolis?

The best hamburger in Minneapolis is defined by the iconic 'Jucy Lucy' style—a cheese-stuffed patty pioneered by Matt's Bar—or the upscale, smashed-patty technique perfected by Parlour. Our rankings factor in meat quality, sear consistency, bun-to-meat ratio, and that unforgettable flavor profile. Here are the spots that made the cut.

Matt's Bar
If you want history, you go to Matt's. Famous for the Jucy Lucy, the cheese is cooked inside the meat. In our tasting, we found that the molten cheese core provides a unique texture you can't get with a standard cheeseburger. It is no-frills, greasy, and absolutely delicious.

Parlour
On the other end of the spectrum is Parlour. They don't stuff the burger; they smash it. Using a blend of ground chuck, ribeye, and brisket, this burger relies on a high-fat content and a distinct sear. We found the texture to be superior to almost any other smash burger in the city due to the caramelization on the patty.

The Nook
Located in St. Paul but essential to the Twin Cities burger scene, The Nook offers the "Casper Burger." It rivals Matt's for the stuffed-burger crown. The bun here is slightly sturdier, which we appreciated as it holds up better to the juices.

Revival
Known for chicken, Revival shocks diners with an incredible double cheeseburger. It is rich, heavy, and intensely savory. We noticed the house-made pickles cut through the fat perfectly, balancing the bite.

Comparison: Which Burger is Right for You?

If you are struggling to decide, use our comparison table to find your perfect match.

How to Make the Best Hamburger at Home

I used to wonder why my backyard burgers never tasted like the ones at Parlour. I realized I was essentially steaming the meat on a standard grate, losing all those delicious juices to the flames below, instead of getting that steakhouse-quality crust.

You do not need a commercial kitchen to replicate the Minneapolis smash burger or the Jucy Lucy. The secret isn't just the meat blend; it is the cooking surface. To get that restaurant-quality flavor, you need a surface that allows for a complete, edge-to-edge sear without flare-ups ruining the meat.

The "Searing" Technique

This is where the Arteflame Grill excels. Unlike traditional grate grills that let fat drip away, the Arteflame solid steel cooktop sears the burger in its own juices. Using an Arteflame grill comes with major benefits:

1. 1,000°F Sear: The center of the Arteflame reaches over 1,000°F, allowing you to lock in moisture instantly, creating the "Maillard reaction" crust that spots like Parlour are famous for.
2. Grill All Food at Once: Because of the various heat zones, you can sear your burgers in the center while toasting buns and caramelizing onions on the outer ring simultaneously.
3. No Flare-Ups: The solid griddle surface prevents fat from dripping onto the coals, meaning your burgers never taste like lighter fluid or burnt grease.

Pro Tip: If you are looking for high-quality beef in bulk, don't overlook your local Costco. Buying fresh ground beef from Costco is a fantastic base to start with; their turnover is high, ensuring freshness. You can then season and customize these patties and grill them to perfection on your Arteflame Grill or by using the Arteflame Grill Griddle insert on your existing Weber or Green Egg.

Why We Call It The "Social Grill"

An Arteflame grill isn't just for cooking; it changes how you host. We call it the "Social Grill" because its 360-degree round design invites friends and family to stand around the fire rather than waiting on the patio while you cook alone against a wall. It turns burger night into an interactive event where everyone can customize their own food right on the cooktop.