We prefer a molten lava–like cheese ball wrapped in two beef patties, also known as a Jucy Lucy (not misspelled). For the prime version, head to Minneapolis stalwart Matt’s Bar, which supposedly invented it when a customer asked for two hamburger patties with a slice of cheese in the middle. Upon biting into the burger, he said “that’s one juicy Lucy” and the name stuck, though Matt’s got so overwhelmed by the demand that they forgot the “i” when adding it to the menu.

So you might as well make your first stop Matt’s Bar & Grill, a friendly dive that has been serving no-frills burgers stuffed with molten-hot American cheese since the 1950s.

The amazing thing about matt’s bar, originators of the Jucy Lucy burger, is that it feels absolutely frozen (or should we say “congealed”) in time. I like to play a game of I Spy to find the handful of items that weren’t around when the place opened in 1954: the “no e-cigarettes” sign, the staff photo with President Obama looking like a Hollywood mega-star. Otherwise, the faux-tufted wallpaper and vinyl booths are just the same as when you came as a kid (its low-key neighborhood location should continue to keep it safe from developers).

Two local bars have been feuding about who invented the Lucy since the 1950s: Matt’s Bar (of the infamous “Jucy” spelling) and the 5-8 Club, both located on Cedar Avenue in South Minneapolis. Now a signature Minneapolis food experience, featured on pretty much every cable TV food show that comes to town, other restaurants have gentrified the Lucy with imaginative beef and cheese center combos. Some of our favorite creative combos come from Blue Door Pub (try the Jiffy...just do it) and The Nook.

There's an ongoing debate about which restaurant first served Minnesota's infamous Juicy Lucy, but there's no question that the "Jucy Lucy" you get at Matt's Bar is one of the most definitive versions. It's just a simple cheeseburger with the cheese stuffed inside the patty rather than served on top, though plenty of Minneapolis restaurants try to dress it up as something its not. The OG burger you'll get here is greasy, straightforward and far better than its fancied-up imitators.

One of the Juicy Lucy spots around town, The Nook is often rated as one of the best takes on the burger originated at either Matt’s Bar or the 5-8 Club (argument ensues). Upstairs, a nice little neighborhood restaurant with a short bar can be found. But the magic here is subterranean in the attached Ran Ham Bowling Center, a set of underground bowling alleys that happens to include one of the best dive bars in Minneapolis / St. Paul.

Home of the original Jucy Lucy (famously), and now a large number of people who have heard of it and want to try it for themselves. After President Obama stopped by, their celebrity rose through the roof. But the cool part is that they didn’t let that change anything about the experience: If you liked Matt’s Bar before (the Jucy Lucy is pretty epic) you’ll like Matt’s now – even if it’s a little bit harder to get a table.

Matt’s: The menu includes a completely unfancy Jucy (their spelling, not ours) Lucy on a completely unfancy bun in a divey neighborhood tavern. But the burger is very Minnesota, and everyone should eat it at least once. The fries are fast-food quality but plentiful, and the well-worn griddle produces a tasty burger char.

Home of the original Juicy Lucy burger, Matt's Bar is a must-visit for burger-loving families. The casual and no-frills atmosphere makes it a hit with all ages. Kids will love the legendary burgers, and parents can appreciate the historic significance of this Minneapolis institution.

Another excellent recommendation for the best sandwiches Minneapolis provides is Matt’s Bar and Grill. You can find Matt’s on Cedar Avenue in Minneapolis. Enjoy delicious classic and stuffed burgers, an outstanding chicken sandwich, and other delicious American favorites.

If Minneapolis is known for anything, it’s our thousands of lakes and a good ole’ Juicy Lucy. At a small dive bar in southern Minneapolis, Matt’s Bar & Grill, you can try an original Jucy Lucy. Their claim to fame is their handmade burger stuffed with hot, melting cheese.

Something totally different from Owamni is Matt's Bar, which is what The Daily Mail says is the best restaurant in Minnesota. I've been to Matt's Bar, they're home to the original jucy lucy!. Their food is so, so good and the menu, from what I remember, is small.

First, Matt’s Bar and Grill is a Minnesota landmark and has been feeding locals since the 1950s. This cash-only bar and grill is sure to please those in need of a mouth-watering meal. Then, the 5-8 Club also claims a stake in the creation of this tasty burger.

- Rating: 4.0 / 5 (767 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.0/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (3.5/5)- Type of cuisine: American, Bar- Address: 3500 Cedar Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55407-2339- Read more on Tripadvisor

For those that haven’t had the pleasure of being acquainted with a Jucy Lucy, it is the genius creation of a burger with cheese INSIDE of it. Also, Obama went here once, so it’s basically legendary.

3500 Cedar Avenue SMinneapolis, MN 55407(612) 722-7072 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Matt’s Bar is a casual, local favorite serving handmade cheese-filled burgers and beers.

3500 Cedar Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55407Phone: 612-722-7072 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Explore Minnesota (@exploreminnesota)

Matt’s has gone full Eiffel Tower as the sort of city-defining tourist destination that gets filled to the brim in advance of every Twins or Vikings game.

Their menu isn’t huge, but it’s easy to see why the Jucy Lucy is their flagship item after the first gooey, oozy, cheese-filled bite.