Welcome, fellow foodies! I’m about to take you on a tantalizing journey through the heart of Minneapolis, where a legendary feud has been cooking for years. Yes, we’re diving into the juicy, mouth-watering world of the Jucy Lucy burger, and the two establishments that claim to be its birthplace – Matt’s Bar and the 5-8 Club.
Background Story of Matt’s Bar and The 5 8 Club
The intertwining tales of Matt’s Bar and The 5 8 Club started separately but have become almost inseparable due to a shared claim – being the home of the classic Jucy Lucy burger. Let’s dive into their origin stories.
The Origin of Matt’s Bar
Delving into the pages of the past, Matt’s Bar started its journey in 1954. The eponymous Matt Bristol, intrigued by the prospect of mixing up the traditional hamburger, pioneered a variant that promptly won over the appetite of his regular patrons. Allegedly, the concoction was christened the “Jucy Lucy” when a surprised customer bit into the cheese-stuffed patty and exclaimed, “That’s one juicy Lucy!” Note that the notorious misspelling is intentional, cementing Matt’s Bar as a place that champions character over convention.
The Birth of The 5 8 Club
The 5 8 Club, on the other hand, has origins stretching back to the Prohibition era. It began as a speakeasy during the 1920s and has been a neighborhood staple ever since. Although primarily remembered for its liquor-laden history, the 5 8 Club stakes its claim in the Jucy Lucy narrative by insisting it was the first to serve the cheese-filled marvel, albeit under the traditional spelling, “Juicy Lucy”. Their version of the event asserts that their Juicy Lucy emerged long before Matt’s Bar put their spin on it, and the rivalry has been simmering ever since.
Iconic Jucy Lucy Battle: Matt’s Bar vs The 5 8 Club
Dripping with cheesy goodness is the famed Jucy Lucy – a specialty of both Matt’s Bar and The 5 8 Club. I’m now going to delve deeper into the distinct preparation methods of these iconic burgers at both establishments.
The Unique Preparation of Matt’s Bar Jucy Lucy
Matt’s Bar, championing their version, christened as the ‘Jucy Lucy,’ emphasized simplicity. Their recipe involves taking fresh ground beef, shaping them into two thin patties, encapsulating a slice of American cheese, and sealing it within the meat. After the assembly, it’s onto the grill, sizzling till the cheese within liquefies, creating a juicy, piping hot center. Customers attest to Matt’s Bar’s Jucy Lucy’s distinctiveness, attributing its rich taste to the complete melding of cheese and beef, which only comes from the bar’s refusal to mess with their original ‘spell-error’ version.
How The 5 8 Club Makes Their Jucy Lucy Different
On the other hand, The 5 8 Club’s version, cleverly named the ‘Juicy Lucy,’ offers a different take. Unlike Matt’s Bar, they afford their customers options to choose from four different types of stuffed cheese: American, Blue, Pepper Jack, and Swiss. Their method is similar but not without a notable exception – a tinge of seasoning adds a layer of complexity to the flavors. Along with the optional varied cheese selection, they cook their burgers a tad less, allowing for a more ‘medium-rare’ finish inside the meaty pocket. This nuanced taste resonates with patrons who appreciate the tang of seasonings and the choice in cheese.
The Bar Atmosphere at Matt’s Bar and The 5 8 Club
Let’s delve into the unique atmosphere that each establishment crafts, starting with Matt’s Bar followed by The 5 8 Club.
The Vintage Appeal of Matt’s Bar
Upon entering Matt’s Bar, I’m instantly whisked back in time. The vintage decor, showcasing memorabilia from bygone eras, creates a nostalgic aura. No-frills bar stools, aged hardwood floors, and bare brick walls tell tales of the 1950s. Dim lighting further amplifies the throwback vibe. The ambiance mirrors the establishment’s cuisine: simple, unpretentious, and straightforward, just like their renowned Jucy Lucy.
The Relaxed Vibe of The 5 8 Club
On the other hand, The 5 8 Club offers a more casual, laid-back environment for its patrons. The place buzzes with lively conversations and soulful tunes playing in the background, enhancing the informal character of the space. With spacious seating and lighted interiors, it’s a place where people can unwind after a long day while relishing their take on the Juicy Lucy. Posters and sports trophies on the walls add a personal touch, perhaps a reflection of their approach to cooking their burgers: flexible and flavorful, with a focus on individual preferences.
Beyond Jucy Lucy: Other Menu Highlights
Delving into this culinary adventure, it becomes evident that Matt’s Bar and The 5 8 Club offer more than the illustrious Jucy Lucy.
Noteworthy Dishes at Matt’s Bar
Matt’s Bar goes beyond burgers. The grilled cheese sandwich stands out, cooked to perfection and packed with enough cheese to satisfy any dairy-lover. French fries, crispy yet soft in the center, rank as another must-try. For patrons with a hearty appetite, the double cheeseburger—featuring two beef patties—is a crowd pleaser. And let’s not forget their homemade chili, guaranteed to keep customers warm on a cold Minneapolis night.
The 5 8 Club’s Must-Try Foods
At The 5 8 Club, a versatile menu awaits. The onion rings, golden and crunchy, rival the reputation of the burgers. Showcasing a diverse palate, the restaurant also serves buffalo chicken wings that pack a fiery punch. Keeping traditional American spirits alive, the club’s fried pickles provide a tangy and satisfying comfort. Moreover, seafood lovers rejoice at their deliciously soft shrimp dinner. Their Philly cheese steak fries, a crazy blend of the classic sandwich and cheesy fries, are also not to be missed.
The Verdict: Matt’s Bar vs The 5 8 Club
While tackling the Jucy Lucy conundrum, I sought a winner. It’s a challenging task, as both iconic establishments offer unique experiences—both gastronomically and atmospherically.
Matt’s Bar captivates me with its nostalgic charm and focus on simplicity. In my opinion, they’ve aced the art of perfecting the original Jucy Lucy—oozing with a satisfying chunk of American cheese. The grilled cheese sandwich and French fries draw a close second in my list of favorites.
On the other hand, The 5 8 Club’s menu diversity and emphasis on flavor complexity steal the show. The option of choosing different kinds of cheese for the Juicy Lucy adds an exciting twist to the original recipe. Their fried pickles and buffalo chicken wings are a perfect accompaniment, packing a punch that’s hard to resist.
I realize the question of superiority isn’t easily settled. However, for a traditional experience, I’m taking the unfettered charm of Matt’s Bar. For gourmet explorations and a lively atmosphere, The 5 8 Club would be my go-to. But, in all reality, Matt’s has the best jucy lucy. There. I said it!
And here is my video I made of Matt’s where you can get an up close and personal look at this iconic venue in Minneapolis.
Conclusion
So there you have it! Both Matt’s Bar and The 5 8 Club offer their own unique takes on the Jucy Lucy burger. If you’re a fan of simplicity and nostalgia, you’ll likely favor Matt’s Bar. Its vintage charm and straightforward approach to the Jucy Lucy make it a great pick for a traditional experience. On the other hand, if you’re up for some culinary adventure, The 5 8 Club’s diverse cheese options, added seasonings, and flavorful menu might just be your cup of tea. It’s tough to pick a clear winner between these two Minneapolis staples. But isn’t that the beauty of it? Whether you’re a local or just passing through, you’ve got two fantastic options to satisfy your Jucy Lucy cravings. So why not give both a try and decide for yourself? After all, the best judge of a good burger is your own taste buds!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the two bars in Minneapolis competing over the creation of the Jucy Lucy burger?
The two bars are Matt’s Bar and The 5 8 Club. Each adds a unique twist to their cheese-stuffed burgers, creating rivalry over the original creation of the Jucy Lucy burger.
How does Matt’s Bar’s Jucy Lucy burger differ from The 5 8 Club’s?
Matt’s Bar offers a simpler version of the burger with a stuffing of American cheese, while The 5 8 Club’s burger is filled with a variety of cheeses and added seasonings, making it more diverse.
How do the atmospheres of Matt’s Bar and The 5 8 Club compare?
Matt’s bar has a vintage charm and follows a straightforward approach while The 5 8 Club has a relaxed atmosphere, with a flavorful menu adding to its appeal.
Besides the Jucy Lucy, are there other menu highlights at Matt’s Bar and The 5 8 Club?
Yes, the article highlights additional menu options at both locations, however, the specifics are not detailed.
According to the author, which bar is the overall winner?
The author finds it hard to declare a clear winner but seems to lean towards Matt’s Bar for a traditional experience and The 5 8 Club for those seeking gourmet explorations and a lively atmosphere.
About Tim Schmidt
Tim Schmidt is a 20+ year Entrepreneur and Digital Marketer. A Fort Lauderdale-based "Digital Nomad," he enjoys traveling as much as possible with family and friends. AllWorld is his escape to document all of his adventures, including being a hardcore "foodie." He has property in Costa Rica and visits several times each year and is happy to offer his expert advice for planning your trip.
