The house specialty, a Jucy Lucy (Matt’s spelling), is served with a warning. “Don’t burn your tongue,” the waitress says when she sets down the paper-wrapped cheeseburger. Good advice, because the glistening, crisp-edged patty of beef fully envelops a large pocket of molten cheese. When teeth cut through the meat, cheese flows like hot lava. Potential burn notwithstanding, it is a fun concept that Matt’s claims to have invented and is now served at several Twin City eateries.
The burger itself is an old-fashioned sort: plenty fatty with good crunch to its outsides, cooked enough that degree of doneness is not an issue. Combined with cheese, either inside, Jucy Lucy style, or in a more traditional way, on top, it delivers wicked satisfaction very different from a high-end hamburger.
Despite having gained some media fame for its unique invention, Matt’s remains a dark corner bar with a menu limited to burgers and French fries. Seating is at booths and tables and on a few stools at the counter. Cash only.
Other Nearby Restaurants
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Hot Plate
Minneapolis, MinnesotaDecor at Minneapolis’ Hot Plate is kitsch, including Paint-by-Numbers art; but there’s nothing silly about the food — a mindful exaltation of diner fare.
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French Meadow
Minneapolis, MinnesotaAmerica’s first certified organic bakery (since ’85), French Meadow offers such nutritionally virtuous dishes as crunchy granola & chocolate vegan turtle cake.
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Glam Doll Donuts
Minneapolis, MinnesotaWild and wildly-named donuts are served with retro-urban panache at Minneapolis’ Glam Doll, where interior decor includes mid-20th century dinette sets.
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Bread & Chocolate
Saint Paul, MinnesotaAn informal St. Paul bakery and espresso shop, Bread & Chocolate has a full pastry menu that includes crisp, sticky caramel rolls enrobed in amber glaze.
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Stewart’s
Saint Paul, MinnesotaStewart’s serves eclectic food and great cocktails in a cozy neighborhood St. Paul setting. Must eat: double smashed burger with Korean fries.
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Cecil’s Deli
Saint Paul, MinnesotaFor almost 70 years, Cecil’s Deli has lured St. Paul regulars with Jewish standbys, including perfectly crisp latkes, the fried egg–topped Sasha, and an entire Reuben menu.