If you were to come to Minnesota, or even Minneapolis, for a vacation or a holiday you’d be surprised to see the rich history just lying underneath the surface. From landmark art installations like “The Cherry on The Spoon” to the bustling Downtown Minneapolis with the iconic Dayton’s Department Store, it is a wondrous gem in the American Midwest in location and food.

Speaking of, the best burger in Minnesota has to be the Juicy Lucy or Jucy Lucy; a cheeseburger in nature but the cheese is stuffed inside by taking two patties and crimping them together. Its humble start- depending on how you look at it- is either a man walks into Matt’s Bar and orders a cheeseburger, but the cheese is inside of it. The man takes one bite and exclaims, “That’s one Juicy Lucy!” or, a happened upon hamburger technique in a humble speakeasy turned family-style restaurant. Whatever story you ask the local diners at either joint, Matt’s Bar or 5-8 Club, that became the start of a different kind of stuffed cheeseburger.

The best way you can experience it is in Matt’s Bar on 35th and Cedar in South Minneapolis. From the outside and inside, it’s what you expect from a neighbor dive bar. Since 1954, under founder Matt Bristol created the first Jucy Lucy, its walls and atmosphere reek of a classic American hole-in-the-wall. As you step in, there may be a new jukebox to your left, some televisions behind the bar and at the back wall, and minimal seating in booths and tables on the floor. A fair word of warning, make sure you have cash or a check, rather than a card. Fret not; an ATM is there just in case.

It is essential that you order a Lucy and a half or full order of fries. The portion of fries is, in fact, more generous than you would believe. You get a choice of pickles and grilled onions, then sit and wait. The wait will be long and absolutely the worst, but it’s more time to talk to your friends or enjoy the atmosphere of the bar. It’s like you’re part of a neighborhood secret, one that’s been shared with millions of people including President Barack Obama.

Now, a lot of newcomers expect that the cheese will be cool enough like any old cheeseburger. I will assure you that if you bite down on that wax paper-wrapped burger the moment it hits the table, you will burn yourself. The best thing is, as you’ve practiced while wanting a Lucy, to wait four or five minutes before you enjoy. When you do, you get the flavors of rich American Cheese combined with latent beef tallow, filling your palette. The addition of sweet grilled onions and the sharpness of pickles adds to the quartet. The white bun holds it together with a mouth feel but otherwise doesn’t add anything. If you have any cheese on your paper, that means you can get a little fry and swab it against the cheese. Then, you’re full and finished.

Now, you have a modern take with Blue Door Pub’s “Blucy’s”, a stuffed burger with Blue Cheese or White American cheese inside, or a thick house-made sauce like the 5-8 Club’s “Saucy Sally”. There are only a few places within Minneapolis and St. Paul to get this culinary invention, but It is a treat to come to these restaurants- except the 5-8- and will fill you for the long winter nights ahead. Matt’s Bar may not look like something special, but it is quintessentially the place for your first Lucy experience.

Recommendation: Jucy Lucy with onions and pickles, and a half order of fries with your choice of drink. Fries are best shared with friends on a Friday or Saturday night.

Additional Reading:

Matt’s Bar About Us: http://mattsbar.com/about.php

Thrillist History of the Ju(i)cy Lucy: https://www.thrillist.com/eat/minneapolis/juicy-lucy-history-minnesotas-unique-burger

If you are looking for the best Vietnamese food in South Minneapolis, then you have to go down Nicollet and 27th and probably wait a while- unless you have a reservation- to come to Quang’s.

The first time you step into the door frame of this medium sized establishment you can see the care and personality that the 31-year-old family business has made since its humble beginnings in 1978 with wife and husband Lung and Quang Tran. Their first time cooking food was for Lutheran church sponsored Vietnamese families in Minnesota. When Quang passed in 1983, a 6 month stint in Los Angeles prompted an immediate move back to Minnesota, where Lung and her kids started baking Vietnamese pastries, opening her first bakery, then in 1989 Quang’s made the move into its address, now run by five of Lung’s seven children.

Depending on the season, you might get one of their set platters, a noodle salad, or, if you want something quick to dig into, one of their Banh Mi sandwiches (only at lunch). But, that’s not what most people come for. Their variation of Pho (pronounced “fuh”), a traditional and very filling Vietnamese soup dating back to the mid-1880s, is what brings satisfied customers back.

If you’re feeling adventurous, I recommend the #503 Pho Thap Cam. Admittedly, one of the third most expensive Phos on the menu as opposed to the Ribeye, the varietal textures of different meats and flavors will keep you on your toes from the chewy tripe to succulent tendon and beef. For vegetarians, the #514 To Pho Khong is just as good.

I will miss its old interior design but delighted to see that with all long-standing restaurants of its caliber, it is the same menu that helped put itself on the map. The atmosphere is busy, and you may need to raise your voice as midwesternly as possible- so not as loud- to talk to your lunch partner, but the conversation will be delightfully interrupted by the sound of slurping noodles, laughter, and comments about how you may need to add Sriracha to what you’re eating.

Recommended Meal: Start with an order of Fried Yams with Shrimp, move onto a bowl of Pho of your choice and enjoy. Have a bubble tea afterwards if desired. Best shared with friends for lunch or dinner.