MSP- best burger ? (not jucy lucy)

[cookkevin]

Not lucy, just a regular burger ???

[Jordan]

I recommend either Town Talk Diner or Bulldog NE. Note that both fancify up their burgers a bit with things like truffle oil or Fischer Farms bacon, and both certainly charge premium prices (in the $10 range), but the basic burger underneath those trappings is as mouthwateringly juicy as any you will find.

[katebauer]

My husband got the Japanese/wasabi burger at Bulldog NE a few weeks ago and we were pretty disappointed. We were expecting spicy and interesting and the whole thing was really quite flavorless. I can't speak to their more regular burgers though.

[Jordan]

I haven't had that one! (I've tried their junk burger, truffle burger, and -- just once -- the Stilton/garlic/hot mustard burger. They're not all hits.)

[The Dairy Queen]

I can't claim to have tried all the burgers in the Twin Cities, but I like the Nook's Lodge Burger. Mmmmm...bacon, cheddar cheese, nice fresh bakery bun from PJ Murphy's. Also I like 112 Eatery's on an English muffin with brie version. And, ooh, can't forget the Kitchen Sink burger at TTD.

~TDQ

[dombey]

I second the Lodge Burger at the Nook (Randolph & Hamline) or it's sister restaurant, The Shamrock (Randolph & 7th) both in St Paul. If the lines don't permit, I've been known to hit up Skinners - also on Randolph. It's definitely not the Nook, but it's pretty good all the same.
I've eaten a lot of burgers in the TC (although not all), and I've had nothing close to the Lodge.

[mtullius]

I was pleasantly surprised the other day by the burger at the St. Clair Broiler... dunno if it rises to best in the area, but it was pretty darned good.

[cate.acer]

ike's in downtown minneapolis, with a bullet. i never thought, in a MILLION years, that i would pay eleven bucks for a burger and not be mad about it.

my mouth is watering just THINKING about it. man-o-man, their burgers are FANTASTIC.

[Foureyes137]

Totally subjective but; I second Bulldog NE (truffle or stilton burger are our favorites. grind their own meat in-house), Vincent makes a great fancy-ass burger, 112 likewise. Lurcat's burgers are good (also ground in-house). Lamb burgers at LBV are 6 kinds of fancy and 8 kinds of delicious. But really, when I think about it, I really like a butterburger from Culvers.

[soupkitten]

i had a very poorly executed truffle burger at bulldog ne over a year ago. it was greasy, horrid, and not particularly truffley. it was bad enough that i took that as my cue and i have not had a burger "out" since. to add insult to injury the fries were cold, limp & raw. i'm willing to accept that i was unlucky enough to get some bum off the street as the cook on one of the days i visited the bulldog ne, and that the food is generally better, but still, i suppose i am enough of a b&%*%^ to say that i've been more impressed with matt's on a good day. maybe considering the hot/cold response, the bulldog ne's burgers are inconsistent?

dh recs craftsman's burgers ($11-$13) & seconds the ike's rec. i like vincent's burger, and always get more heighty-tighty things at 112, but would probably put money on 112 burger superiority.

[tart1]

I have simple likes in burgers, and prefer hand-made to pressed and prefrozen. If the cooking method doesn't matter (char-broiled vs. griddle fried), I've always liked the burgers at Mannings. A U of MN institution on Como and Stinson (I think) and I think they're celebrating their 75th aniversary or something like that this year. Their burgers are griddle fried, but always taste good. They also have great onion rings as well.

[Foureyes137]

Sucks for you. Considering the size of the kitchen and the size of the "dining room" I wouldn't order a burger or fries in there if it were busy. We go early on Sunday and Monday nights. Generally consistant on those nights, but I won't say I haven't been underwhelmed there before. A couple times I sent burgers back for being overcooked. Medium doesn't mean brown in the middle. When they get it right though...it is great.

Now that I thik about it though, anywhere I eat burgers on the regular, I find myself disappointed at times. Even at Ikes, which I have to agree...with Widmers and fried onions, is tops.

[Jordan]

I agree with Foureyes that a burger seems to be one of those things that nobody gets right all the time. I too have had the occasional misfire at my favorites, the Bulldog (overcooked) and Town Talk (way too greasy). Fortunately, it's just a burger. Shelling out another $10 for another try isn't that big of a deal.

[paoconnell]

Roger on Culver's--they're very good.

However, sometimes there's nothing like several sliders with cheese at White Castle, with surprisingly good fries at the one on Lake east of Lyndale. Burp. Yes, I grew up with White Castles in Indiana, and actually missed them when I lived in New Mexico. Now I miss green chile cheeseburgers.

[Orange Julius]

White Castle is still the gold standard for me in the mini-burger category. As for full size burgers, even if they are covered in brie or stuffed with shortribs and duck liver--they are all below the Lodge Burger at the Nook.

[MSPD]

I always love this thread.

Since my burgers are fewer and farther between lately, I stick mainly with my tried and true. Unfortunately, lately when I try different places and such, (Tootie's on Lowry in North Minneapolis and Wagner's Drive In come to mind) I end up wasting precious calorie and fat allotment. My criteria are hand formed, cooked as I want (medium rare), thick and with a pillowy bun (no sesame seeds!). The plate (bonus points for paper plates) and fresh, hand-cut fries should be covered in juice and melted cheese at the end:

1. Nookie Supreme at the Nook or Shamrock's. Really, this defines my ideal burger.
2. Bacon cheeseburger at Good Day Cafe
3. Kitchen Sink at TTD
4. Elvis Burger at Longfellow/Highland Grill, although last time I had one it was noticeably thinner so I haven't ordered one since.
5. And stretching the boundaries of MSP "metro", I always have to plug the burgers at House of Coates and King's in Miesville.

I am eager to try many of the places mentioned on here, as well as the new frou-frou burgers (wrecking my criteria) at Patrick's Bakery in Edina, which oozes potential. Also wrecking my criteria, but I used to love living up the street from Groveland Tap and doing dollar burger and beer nights on Wednesdays (if I remember right).

[faith]

To me, the best burger is ground sirloin done medium rare, jjust a bit of salt,
and served California style- mayo, tomato, onion, lettuce, on a quality bun.
Cheese and/or ketchup, mustard, etc. are distractions from the subtlety of the
flavor of really fresh sirloin. Morton's does a great job for $13 including fries, but
it's only available at lunch. Ike's also does a great job. Convention Grill too,
and Town Talk's is very good under all that kitchen sinkery.

[drew13000]

I can't understand why someone wouldn't want to eat Jucy Lucy's all day, every day, but I second the recs for the Bulldog NE, Ike's, and the Convention Grill in Edina.

[Foureyes137]

Molten cheese in an overcooked burger or unmelted cheese in a correctly cooked burger. But that is me. I have had a good jucy lucy...once.

[The Dairy Queen]

And where was that, Foureyes?

~TDQ

[Foureyes137]

You should love this TDQ; The Nook.

[The Dairy Queen]

Yeah, you're right, I love the Nook's Jucy Lucy. I also like the Groveland Tap's Cajun Lucy. I haven't had a lot of other Lucy experience (aside from Matt's--didn't love it), so I don't really know what else is good out there--maybe, based on what you're saying, there isn't much else good out there.

~TDQ

[MSPD]

Not to divert into a Lucy thread but my experience is identical to yours Foureyes. Once. At the Nook. And I also ate a Nookie Supreme in the same sitting...that was back in my fat guy days.

[cleanyerplate]

The Narrows out in Navarre has a really good burger (if you find yourself in the western suburbs). Doesn't the BLB have a fairly decent burger? They use good beef that was treated nicely when it was alive.

[faith]

I just remembered a great burger at Barbette- with asiago cheese.

[andrewrsn]

it's a bit unconventional but the burger at the 112 eatery is absolutely unbelievable, I for one scoffed at the concept of a $9 a la carte burger but one bite and you'll be convinced, it's worth every penny.

[The Dairy Queen]

I swear that 112 burger used to be $7.50--did they do a price increase or am I imagining it?

~TDQ

[pgokey]

My favorites are:

1. Truffle burger at Bulldog NE.
2. Any of the burgers at Craftsman.
3. Kitchen Sink Burger at Town Talk.
4. Most of them at The Nook.

I really want to try the burger at 112.

[cate.acer]

this came up last night whilst out with friends, and both the people i was with couldn't say enough about tugg's in st anthony main. being a northeaster, i'm excited to check it out--anyone know anything about it?

apparently they have a HASH BROWN BURGER.

YUM!

[repete]

Admittedly, my MSP experience isn't as deep as it used to be, but I'm surprised I haven't heard the ol' Lions Tap mentioned. Used to be a great burger, has it slid?

Also, the Nook is a classic burger place and its multiple mentions here are well warranted IMO. It's at its best when filled with St. John's fb fans after the annual victories in the metro region.

Ate at a Culvers on a last trip there (Cambridge) and was underwhelmed.

Also nice to hear "California" burger mentioned which always get a laugh out of my SF-born wife.

[The Dairy Queen]

Where is Lions Tap?

And, yes, I too continue to look for the avocado in my fixins' whenever I order my burger "California" style...and in my "California" omelettes...and on my "California" sandwiches. At least it's still there in the "California" rolls...

~TDQ

[repete]

It's out in the 'burbs, Eden Prairie area.

http://www.lionstap.com

Back in my Minny residential days, a "California burger" meant you got lettuce and tomato. Avocado? Too exotic for most back then ... they were in the "exotics" area of Lunds and unheard of outside the 494/694 loop.

[faith]

Since we're on a California burger roll (ha!) now, I will say that my
father went to the naval academy at Annapolis and got to like
what he called 'southern style' hamburgers, which were what I have
been calling 'california style' since it's more commonly understood.
No avocado, just lettuce tomato onion and mayo. But tdq could
start a nouveau Calif. style..

[Jordan]

I always figured Minnesotans called burgers with lettuce & tomato "California style" because they weren't used to fresh vegetables nine months out of the year. <rimshot>

This is the part of the country that invented the sour cream-raisin pie when they ran out of all other fruits...

[The Dairy Queen]

I had some sour cream raisin pie in Harmony MN and I have to say, I wasn't a giant fan.

~TDQ

[reannd]

Lion's tap is fun. It's the burgers your mom will make.. on buns. Not huge, people order more than one. (I think they're like $2, plus every little burb newspaper has b1g1 free).

It's just the basics: fresh ground beef balled up then pressed by hand into plops with whatever the mystery hamburger seasoning is (onions?, salt, pepper). Ketchup on the table.. mustard if you ask. You'll sit at a table with people you don't know unless you bring a crowd with you. It's kitschy.

[soupkitten]

actually the lion's tap is a bit past eden prairie, on yer way to shakopee on hwy 112. the establishment is all by itself on the bluff below flying cloud airport, don't miss the turn! the burgers, as i recall from childhood, are excellent and old-school. nothing fancy, just good. very popular with the locals, truckers, and others who would drive a ridiculous distance for the lion's tap burgers.

[soupkitten]

i ***think*** tugg's closed??? i could be completely wrong---argh.

[mplsmike]

Last burger I had a Bulldog NE tasted like just like when you make a really good burger at home, but then microwave it the next day.

My vote goes to Fatso's.

[MSPD]

Fatso's has been on my list of to-try burgers. I actually was headed there one day but got diverted at Runyan's for wings instead. I'd like to know more about it mplsmike, if you're so inclined. Fresh non-frozen beef? Thick or thin (my assumption is thick)? Reliably cooked to order? Good fries?

I'm real selective about calories lately and don't want to waste them on a disappointment.

[mplsmike]

Beef sure tasted never frozen, the bun was buttery and perfectly toasted, thickness was probably 1/4 lb to 1/3 pound. In a nutshell, it tastes like a larger version of a Culvers burger, which I can't think of anything bad to say about. It was a very moist burger with the perfect amount of grease to bind the burger and the bun, without the disappearing bottom bun act you might get with some.

P.S. The fires were house-cut style, but didn't have that freshness that real house-cut fries do.

[MSPD]

Thanks for the further info and I'll probably give them a try.

Unfortunately, the reference to Culvers was just about the worst thing you could have done for them in my opinion. My preference is for thicker burgers with pink in the middle and a fresh bun that works without a bunch of butter or toasting. No disrespect at all, it's just that the flat, frisbee-like, well-done burger genre ("Indiana-style"?) does nothing for me. Same reason I dislike Jucy Lucys. I would rather go to Red Robin than Culvers, and I know this is very much the same as the pizza preference discussions that occur around the internet.

[The Dairy Queen]

It's a non-issue, really, since the best burger (Lodge Burger) and best Lucy are BOTH at The Nook in St. Paul. Nice soft bun, great fries, fun atmosphere. Everyone can be happy simultaneously. ;-).

~TDQ

[Foureyes137]

You're going to the wrong Culvers. The only one we go to is the one in Tomah WI off 94 when we are headed toward Milwaukee. They keep the griddle super-hot so the burger gets crunchy outside but still has a pink middle. I can't say I've been to a Culvers in the Twin Cities though. Have you tried asking for the burger medium at Culvers? Their service philosophy leads me to believe they'd oblige.

[MSPD]

I've been to that location but can't say that I've made a special order as, except for Apple Valley, I'm generally driving through.

I'm going to start to sound like a Culvers hater, but in my estimation a big part of the problem with their burgers is how thin the patties are. In addition to the nearly inevitable overcooking, there's no way of avoiding way too much bun-to-meat ratio in a bite. While they can custom-make a medium-rare burger, they can't correct the mouthful of uninspired store-grade bun you get with each bite.

I respect your opinion Foureyes and being that I do eat at Culvers fairly often (I think I might have mentioned on here they do a night every so often where a portion of the proceeds go to my son's school) I will try a special order next time. I'm rarely above giving places additional chances, especially giving additional leeway to the nice people that run the locations around southern MSP (Eagan and AV).

p.s. - if anyone is heading east through Wisconsin, Monk's Bar in the Dells (the original location) is a burger stop well worth the 30 minutes it will tack onto your trip. This is what I had to say about it three years ago:

http://www.chowhound.com/topics/123920

[mplsmike]

The Culvers ref is purely in buttery richness and flavor. The thickness of th burger is decent and you will get a pink burger if you order a notch rarer than you want.

[reannd]

no actual comments here except that made me laugh out loud. thanks mike.

[Uisge]

This thread started a craving so a friend and I headed to the Nook last Friday. She got the Lucy (she's a Matt's fan and was not won over) and I had a delicious mushroom and swiss burger (it's got a funny name, like swishshroom?). Pink inside and savory. Plenty juicy. I also got a mug of 1918 root beer and onion rings making it an overall indulgence, but worth every bite.
Pictures of our burgers are below.

[The Dairy Queen]

MMMMm...I remember burgers. I can never tear myself away from my first choice at the Nook (Moliter burger--which is a lucy with jack cheese) or my second choice (Lodge Burger) to try anything new, but that shwishmushroom or whatever they call it has always intrigued me... Looks wonderful.

Very good, by the way, that you're got your friends trained "No dining before photography." That's a good friend!

Thanks for sharing your pics!

~TDQ

[russban]

My 13 yr old son and I tried The Nook for the first time on Saturday. We got there and ended up waiting for almost an hour to sit down. The place was filled with Big Ten wrestling fans in for the tournament. Seems they all saw the Diners, Drive ins, and Dives show! My son HATES to wait and crabbed the whole time but once we finally got seated and he got his juicy nookie he admitted it was worth the wait. I will have to agree that their burgers are the best I've had. We even got to watch the guy at the next table eat the 2 supreme burgers and get a t-shirt! Worth the wait just for that!

[The Dairy Queen]

Hey there--I'm glad you finally got seated. If you ever get frustrated with the wait at the Nook, you can head down the hill to their second location, Shamrock's ("The Irish Nook" they call it) on West 7th. It's not quite as good as the original, but still pretty good.

~TDQ

[repete]

Makes me want to fly there now ...

[churchka]

The Monte Carlo has a very nice burger, we often get it to go since I can't stand the place. It is probably my favorite. They are big and tasty.

I also like The Craftsman, which has been mentioned a couple times. I like almost everything at The Craftsman.

[cleanyerplate]

Whoah! I went to Cue at the Guthrie last night for happy hour (at 10 pm), and I had a drink, but my friend ordered their $3 burger. $3!! It smelled and looked wonderful. She had it done medium. It was proper burger-size, too (not humongous, not covered with a throw-pillow-of-a-bun). Came with some coarse mustard and a pile of pickles and some dark leafy greens. Three frickin' dollars! I would advocate this burger. I'm sure I'll advocate it even more strongly after I've actually eaten it!

[The Dairy Queen]

Wow! Was this a happy hour or bar special or something?

~TDQ

[cleanyerplate]

It's Every Dang Night, as far as I could tell! Everynight happy hour, that is. Starting at 10.

[Mess Hall Bob]

The best burger that I've had in recent memory is the Peppercorn Burger at Red Robbin--off of Lexington Ave and I-694 in Shoreview, MN. After I work out at the YMCA, I need a satisfying meal, so I drive over 694 and head to Red Robbin. The Peppercorn has the right amount of spice in it that includes the only laudable vegetables I eat--tomatoes, pickles, and lettuce. They cut up onions super fine and deep fry them and put them on top. The first time I had it I had the onions on the side and they taste and look like super thin french fries. Red Robbin also has unlimited French Fries with every burger purchase, but I wasn't up to a second helping. They are Ketchup Fries--ones that need Ketchup to taste better than plain ones like McDonald's.

Sure it is a restaurant chain, but this is the only one I've ever seen in the Metro or any where else. Not sure why people have it in for restaurant chains, they started as mom & pop at some time in their histories.

[zfwp]

where is fatso's?

[bob s]

Here's the link to Fatso's

-----
Fatso's
119 N 4th St, Minneapolis, MN 55401

[bob s]

Here are the rest of the links:

-----
Cue At the Guthrie
818 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55415

Town Talk Diner
2707 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55406

The Nook
492 Hamline Ave S, Saint Paul, MN 55116

Vincent A Restaurant
1100 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Craftsman Restaurant
4300 Lake Street, Minneapolis, MN 55406

Barbette
1600 W Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55408

Monte Carlo Bar & Cafe
219 3rd Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55401

Bulldog NE
401 E Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55414

Longfellow Grill
2990 W River Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55406

112 Eatery
112 N 3rd St, Minneapolis, MN 55401

La Belle Vie
510 Groveland Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55405

Convention Grill & Fountain
3912 Sunnyside Rd, Minneapolis, MN 55424

Lions Tap Family Restaurant
16180 Flying Cloud Dr, Eden Prairie, MN 55347

Culver's
4004 Silver Lake Rd NE, Minneapolis, MN 55421

Good Day Cafe
5410 Wayzata Blvd, Minneapolis, MN 55416

Shamrock Grill
995 7th St W, Saint Paul, MN 55102

White Castle
100 W Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55408

Ike's Food & Cocktails
50 South Sixth Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402

Morton's the Steakhouse
555 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55402

Nook - duplicate
492 Hamline Ave, S St Paul, MN

House of Coates
16300 Clayton Ave E, Rosemount, MN

St Clair Broiler
1580 Saint Clair Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55105

Manning's Cafe
2200 Como Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414

Kings Place
14460 240th St E, Hastings, MN

Narrows Saloon
9375 Deerwood Ln N, Maple Grove, MN

Tuggs Tavern
219 Main St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414

Red Robin-Shoreview
1080 Gramsie Rd, Saint Paul, MN 55126

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers
15560 Cedar Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55124

Bryant Lake Bowl
810 W Lake St, Minneapolis, MN

[MSPD]

I like Red Robin (the Apple Valley location...I used to eat at the Eagan one but they demolished it and put up a Best Buy).

I think people "have it in" for chains because they don't generally serve good food. Red Robin is an exception, in my opinion, although they don't measure up to many of the places mentioned in this thread. The burger itself is good, but I'm not crazy about the buns and the fries are mealy like frozen, thick cut steak fries nearly always are. Nothing bad about them but they're very formulaic. Very good onion rings by the way. All in all, I don't mind that I have to eat there fairly often.

Regarding the post above about Fatso's, it's downtown Minneapolis in the Warehouse District. I don't have the exact address right at this moment.

[drew13000]

There used to be a Red Robin in Plymouth, at 494 and 55, i believe. I loved the Kamakazi burger, which is a burger with pineapple and teriyaki sauce. As far as chains go, I've been really liking the triple prime cheddar burger at Ruby Tuesday's.

[pgokey]

It's still there.

[Mess Hall Bob]

I go to a book club at Bryant Lake Bowl, called Books & Bars, and if I arrive early enough I get the Moonstone Burger. It is an "organic" burger that is top with a blue cheese sauce, lettuce, tomato. It is very messy to eat, but it is good. Though I can't tell the difference between grass fed beef and corn fed beef. They provide chips with it but it isn' the same without fries. Oh they also charge for pop refills.

Funny it is in Uptown, but it is south of Downtown.

[clarebear]

The mini-burgers at the Herkimer are excellent - five of 'em on a plate for less than $7. Bonus sweet potato fries on the side.

[churchka]

My husband and I got White Castle last night from the Lake and Nicollet location. Sometimes, they just can't be beat.

[Foureyes137]

I'm a sucker for 4 jalapeno cheeseburgers and a cherry coke. I will admit. I've eaten a chicken ring and it isn't that bad.

It is my main defense against those that would call me a food-snob.

[churchka]

And it is good if you happen to be on WeightWatchers. I can eat FOUR hamburgers for only 12 points!!! Just one from a good restaurant is 12 points.

[67.p.car]

have not been there since the move, but the blue cheese/rosemary burgers at The Dakota were pretty good.

[exgirlfriend]

This is going to sound pretty strange, but some of the best burgers I've ever had have come from the Saloon in Downtown Minneapolis. It's just a basic burger, but it's really juicy and has a ton of flavor.

There also used to be a place called Big E's on Nicollet that had amazing burgers too, but unfortunately it closed down a few years ago.

[The Chowhound Team]

Pardon the interruption, folks, but we've split a discussion about Culver's and other chain restaurants to the Chains board. http://www.chowhound.com/topics/50391... Please continue that portion of the discussion over there so we can keep the Midwest board focused on local chow. Thank you.

[jenniegirl]

I had a fantastic burger at the Glockenspiel. You wouldn't think they would do burgers, but it was wonderful.

[scoopG]

What, no love in the Minneapolis for Our Kitchen's or The Band Box's burger? Haven't tried many of the other places mentioned but both OK and TBB put out decent burgers. I like their portion sizes - just right. Order two if your really famished.

[debbie421]

I also vote for Ike's, but I'm surprised no one posted about Joe's Garage. Am I the only one who likes their burgers?

[GastronautMN]

Ciao Bella's Bella Burger is as good as any I have had in town, yes even the Nook ( I would hazard a guess that the last time I visited the Nook was an "off" night). Yes it's chainish, but WHATEVER.

Cafe 28's Burger also deserves a consideration. They use thoudsand hills beef and have great beefy flavor. Go with the Fisher Bacon and Cheddar and try and tell me how much better your burger is. I dare ya'!

[pgokey]

I like Joe's, too - delicious, adventurous burgers.

[theoddsmaker]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned (my personal secret favorite) Twin Cities burger from Eli's downtown on Hennepin. So, so good.

[Rockalicious]

Hands Down no dispute about it--HIGHLY recommend the Porter Burger @Porter and Frye

It has Hanger steak stuffed in it, with bacon and Chz It is to die for, I honestly can say the best burger I have ever tasted, try it for lunch sometime
Reasonably priced for the quality 14$ comes with fries too :)

http://www.porterandfrye.com/