Essentials: Jucy Lucy, Matt's Bar, Minneapolis

Burger grease, cheese sauce, and fries for the table

Matt’s Bar

Matt’s Bar is a place out of time. From the glittery plastic booths to the cash-only policy, it embodies the carefree spirit of a restaurant that knows it has the goods and won’t compromise. The signature “Jucy Lucy,” a rubbery burger wrapped around a molten core of American cheese, is what put the zero-frills diner on the national map. Every bite is swimming with burger grease and cheese sauce, an eating experience invented right there in the dimly lit dive. Order yours with onions (the only topping option) and fries for the table. —Jerard Fagerberg

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Though he's originally from Boston, Jerard Fagerberg is now in love with the Twin Cities and their beer culture. You can find his writing in City Pages (RIP), The Takeout, and Heavy Table. Other sundry no-caps braindroppings are available on Twitter @jgfagerberg. His name is not Jared.