10 Best Hamburgers in St. Paul

St. Paul's Best Hamburgers

In the culinary heartland of Saint Paul, where culinary artistry meets the unyielding pursuit of perfection, a gastronomic masterpiece awaits discerning burger connoisseurs. Prepare your palate for an extraordinary culinary adventure as we unveil the tantalizing secrets of the finest hamburger in this vibrant Midwestern metropolis. Brace yourself for a delectable journey that will leave your taste buds clamoring for more.

Nestled amidst the bustling streets and charming historic architecture, a sanctuary for burger enthusiasts emerges. The unassuming façade conceals a culinary haven where tradition and innovation harmoniously intertwine. As you step inside, the tantalizing aroma of sizzling patties and the cheerful chatter of satisfied diners envelop you, setting the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. The menu, a symphony of culinary options, beckons you to embark on a gustatory expedition, with the star attraction being the legendary hamburger.

Crafted with meticulous precision and an unwavering dedication to culinary excellence, the hamburger here transcends the ordinary, elevating it to the realm of the extraordinary. The finest cuts of prime beef, seasoned to perfection and grilled with an unwavering attention to detail, form the foundation of this culinary masterpiece. The patty, a symphony of flavors, is nestled between two halves of a perfectly toasted bun, its golden-brown exterior promising a delightful textural contrast. As you take your first bite, a harmonious blend of savory juices and tantalizing spices explodes in your mouth, leaving you craving for more. With each subsequent bite, the symphony of flavors intensifies, creating an unforgettable gastronomic experience that will linger in your memory long after you’ve savored the last morsel.

The Unbeatable Patty: A Symphony of Flavors

At the heart of every exceptional burger lies an unforgettable patty. In St. Paul, the competition for patty supremacy is fierce. However, there is one contender that stands head and shoulders above the rest, offering an experience that delights the senses and leaves an indelible mark on the taste buds.

The Art of Craft

The key to this transcendent patty lies in its meticulous crafting. Each patty is meticulously formed from a blend of premium ground beef, seasoned with a secret blend of herbs and spices. This symphony of flavors is further enhanced by the careful care taken in grinding the meat. The result is a patty with a texture that is both tender and substantial, promising a delightful balance in every bite.

The Symphony of Flavors

The magic of this patty lies not solely in its texture but also in its symphony of flavors. The blend of spices complements the natural richness of the beef, creating a harmonious taste that captivates the palate. The patty is grilled to perfection, achieving a delectable caramelization that adds an irresistible layer of complexity. With every bite, you’ll embark on a culinary journey that showcases the artistry and dedication that went into its creation.

The Unbeatable Patty is a testament to the culinary prowess of St. Paul’s burger virtuosos. It sets the bar high, offering an experience that will forever redefine your expectations for a truly exceptional hamburger.

Perfectly Grilled: The Mark of a Masterpiece

In the culinary realm of hamburgers, the grill serves as an artist’s canvas, where the perfect stroke of heat transforms humble ingredients into a tantalizing masterpiece. A masterfully grilled patty, with its symphony of flavors and textures, is the cornerstone of an unforgettable hamburger experience.

The Alchemy of Temperature and Timing

The grill becomes a crucible where the patty undergoes a delicate metamorphosis. Over high heat, the exterior sears, locking in juices and creating a tantalizing crust. The Maillard reaction, a chemical dance between amino acids and sugars, unleashes a spectrum of flavors. As the patty cooks through, its core transforms from vibrant red to a rosy pink, imbued with a gentle succulence.

Timing is paramount. The thicker the patty, the more critical it becomes to achieve an even doneness throughout. Using a meat thermometer ensures precision, but an experienced griller can also rely on their instincts, gauging the patty’s readiness based on its firmness and the juices that seep out.

Doneness	Internal Temperature
Rare	125-130°F
Medium-rare	130-135°F
Medium	135-140°F
Medium-well	140-145°F
Well-done	145°F+

The quest for the perfect grill marks is an endeavor that requires patience and precision. High heat produces crisp exterior corners, while lower temperatures allow for a more gradual charring. The grill master’s deft touch orchestrates the symphony of heat, creating an irresistible visual appeal that stokes the hunger.

Bun Bliss: The Foundation of a Heavenly Creation

The foundation of a great hamburger lies in its bun, the canvas upon which all other ingredients are showcased. In the realm of St. Paul’s burger havens, three establishments stand out as masters of bun-crafting.

Handsome Hog:
Breadsmith Brad Pitt’s handiwork yields a bun that is a study in contrasts. A slightly crisp, buttery exterior gives way to a soft and airy interior, providing the perfect balance of crunch and chewiness.

The Nook:
The sourdough bun at The Nook is a culinary marvel. Its tangy tang and chewy texture create a symphony of flavors that perfectly complements the savory patties and toppings.

Matt’s Bar and Grill:
For a classic burger experience, there’s no better bun than Matt’s Bar and Grill’s. Its soft, pillowy brioche bun is a masterclass in dough-making, providing a luxurious cradle for each and every bite.

Establishment	Bun Type	Notable Characteristics
Handsome Hog	Potato bun	Crisp exterior, soft interior
The Nook	Sourdough bun	Tangy tang, chewy texture
Matt’s Bar and Grill	Brioche bun	Soft, pillowy texture

Toppings Triumphant: A Culinary Canvas of Delights

The art of topping a hamburger is a symphony of flavors, textures, and personal preferences. From the classic cheese and onion duo to more adventurous combinations, toppings elevate the burger experience into a culinary masterpiece.

Cheese Nirvana: A Melted Symphony

Cheese is the cornerstone of burger toppings, offering a range of flavors from delicate cheddar to tangy blue. Whether it’s a classic American slice, a sharp provolone, or a gooey fondue, the right cheese will add an irresistible umami kick.

Vegetable Tapestry: Crunchy, Savory, and Sweet

Vegetables bring a symphony of colors and textures to the burger. From crisp lettuce and juicy tomatoes to grilled onions and sautéed mushrooms, vegetables add freshness, crunch, and savory notes.

Sauces: Flavors to Dance On

Sauces are the liquid gold of burger toppings, adding moisture, depth, and a wide array of flavors. From tangy ketchup and savory mustard to spicy Sriracha and sweet barbecue sauce, sauces enhance the overall taste experience.

Beyond the Classics: Culinary Adventures

For those seeking more adventurous toppings, the culinary canvas is endless. From exotic fruits like pineapple and mango to crispy bacon and even fried eggs, these toppings offer unique flavor profiles that redefine the burger concept and elevate it to gourmet heights.

Exotic Fruits	Savory Accents
Pineapple	Crispy bacon
Mango	Fried eggs

Artistic Arrangement: The Visual Feast

At St. Paul burger joints, culinary creativity manifests itself in the presentation of these delectable masterpieces. Chefs orchestrate each ingredient to create a visual symphony that tantalizes the eyes before the first bite.

Color and Contrast

Burgers burst with vibrant hues, from the emerald green of fresh lettuce to the golden-brown of caramelized onions. Chefs play with contrast by juxtaposing dark, juicy patties with pale, crisp buns.

Texture and Height

Layers of textures create a tantalizing feast for the eyes. Crispy bacon crumbles add a crunchy contrast to soft, melted cheese, while fluffy buns frame the burger’s height.

Negative Space

Skilled chefs understand the power of negative space. A clean plate or minimal garnishes allow the burger’s components to shine, creating a sense of balance and elegance.

Garnishes and Sauces

Garnishes and sauces serve both aesthetic and functional purposes. A sprig of fresh parsley adds a touch of greenery, while a dollop of tangy ketchup or creamy mustard complements the flavors.

Table of Visual Elements

Element	Examples
Color	Emerald lettuce, golden-brown onions
Contrast	Dark patties, pale buns
Texture	Crispy bacon, soft cheese, fluffy buns
Negative Space	Clean plates, minimal garnishes
Garnishes and Sauces	Parsley, ketchup, mustard

Local Legends: St. Paul’s Burger Royalty

No. 6 Burger

At first glance, the No. 6 Burger at the Lexington may look like a simple smash burger, but it’s far from it. The juicy patty is cooked to a perfect medium-rare, resulting in a tender and flavorful core. The toasted bun provides a solid foundation for the juicy patty, while the American cheese adds a velvety richness. The secret sauce is the star of the show, adding a complex balance of tangy and savory notes that elevate the entire burger to legendary status.

The No. 6 Burger is not just a burger—it’s a culinary masterpiece that showcases the Lexington’s commitment to using local ingredients and creating simple dishes with exceptional flavors. The patty is made from a blend of 80% chuck and 20% brisket, ensuring a juicy and flavorful experience. The toppings are intentionally minimal, allowing the natural flavors of the meat and cheese to shine through.

The Details:
Meat: 80/20 chuck and brisket blend
Cheese: American cheese
Toppings: Special sauce, lettuce, onion, tomato
Bun: Toasted potato bun
Price: $10.95

Hidden Gems: Beyond the Obvious

St. Paul’s hamburger scene is thriving, with a wide range of options to satisfy every craving. Venture beyond the well-known spots to discover these hidden gems that offer exceptional burgers worth seeking out:

The Blue Door Pub

This unassuming neighborhood pub serves up a surprising gem in their Blue Door Burger, a juicy patty with gooey cheese, crispy bacon, and house-made sauce.

Handsome Hog

Known for their smoked meats, Handsome Hog offers a succulent smoked pork burger topped with tangy Carolina slaw and a spicy jalapeño sauce.

Red Cow

Red Cow’s Grass-Fed Burger is a classic done right, featuring a flavorful grass-fed beef patty, melted cheddar cheese, and crisp lettuce and tomato.

The Nook

This cozy breakfast and lunch spot serves up a secret weapon: their Breakfast Burger, a combination of a juicy beef patty, bacon, cheddar cheese, and a fried egg.

W.A. Frost & Co.

A popular cocktail bar with a hidden culinary gem, W.A. Frost & Co. offers their Smoke and Mirrors Burger, featuring tender smoked prime rib, cheddar, caramelized onions, and a tangy horseradish mayo.

The Happy Gnome

Known for their craft beer selection, The Happy Gnome also has a fantastic burger menu. Their signature Gnome Burger boasts a thick, juicy patty, choice of cheese, and an array of customizable toppings.

Revival

Revival’s commitment to local ingredients shines through in their Minnesota Burger. Made with locally sourced beef, smoked bacon, cheddar cheese, and their signature Revival sauce, this burger is a testament to the Midwest’s culinary heritage.

The Perfect Pairing: Sides that Elevate

Elevating your burger experience requires the perfect sides. Here are some top choices to complement your juicy patty:

8. Onion Rings

Thinly sliced onions battered in a crispy coating, the perfect balance between crunchy and tender. Dip them in ketchup, ranch, or aioli for a satisfying treat.

Restaurant	Description
The Blue Door Pub	Jumbo onion rings with a crispy, golden-brown exterior and a sweet, juicy interior.
The Bulldog Lowertown	Colossal onion rings with a thick, tempura-like batter that stays crispy even after cooling.
The Nook Restaurant & Bar	Classic onion rings with a thin, crispy coating and a slightly sweet flavor.

Whether you prefer your onion rings thick or thin, crispy or tender, there’s a perfect match for your burger at these top spots. So, dive into the deliciousness and enjoy the perfect pairing!

The Art of Sauces: Enhancing the Experience

Introduction

Sauces play a crucial role in harmonizing flavors, adding depth, and transforming a burger into an unforgettable culinary experience. Let’s embark on a journey into the world of sauces, exploring the myriad ways they elevate the humble burger.

The Sweet and Savory Symphony

Barbecue sauce, a classic partner for burgers, combines smoky sweetness and tangy vinegar, creating a harmonious balance that tantalizes the taste buds.

A Zesty Embrace

Mayo-based sauces, such as thousand island and ranch, offer a cooling contrast to the richness of the burger, adding a touch of creaminess and herbaceous notes.

A Burst of Sunshine

Mustard, in its various guises, from classic yellow to spicy Dijon, adds a sharp and tangy kick that brightens up the burger’s flavor profile.

A Touch of Heat

For those who crave a fiery thrill, spicy sauces like Sriracha and chipotle add a blazing kick, stimulating the senses and awakening dull taste buds.

A Tangy Twist

Tartar sauce, with its sharp and tangy flavor, brings a refreshing and zingy dimension to the burger, enhancing its overall complexity.

The Creamy Embrace

Cheese sauce, a decadent indulgence, envelops the burger in a velvety cloak of rich flavor, adding an irresistible layer of cheesy goodness.

A Refreshing Contrast

Relishes and chutneys, made from fresh vegetables and fruits, provide a crisp and refreshing counterpoint to the meaty burger, cleansing the palate and enhancing its appeal.

A Magical Elixir

Aïoli, a garlic-infused mayonnaise, adds an umami-rich and savory dimension to the burger, elevating it to gastronomic heights.

The Art of Sauce Pairing

Burger Type	Suggested Sauces
Classic Cheeseburger	Ketchup, mustard, relish
Bacon Cheeseburger	Barbecue sauce, ranch dressing
Mushroom Swiss Burger	Aïoli, truffle mayo
Black Bean Burger	Southwest chipotle sauce, salsa

Remember, the joy of sauce pairing lies in experimentation. Explore different combinations, and you’ll be amazed at the limitless possibilities that await your taste buds.

The Hungry Historian: A Burger’s Journey

Embark on a culinary pilgrimage to the heart of St. Paul’s burger scene, unearthing hidden gems and savoring every juicy bite. From classic haunts to innovative creations, this guide will guide your taste buds on an epic adventure.

1. Murray’s

A St. Paul institution, Murray’s serves up mouthwatering burgers made with fresh, never-frozen ground chuck. Choose from the classic single to the towering triple-decker, all cooked to perfection and served on a soft, toasted bun.

2. The Blue Door Pub

Nestled in Lowertown, The Blue Door Pub offers a cozy ambiance and an extensive menu that includes an array of burgers. Their signature Blue Door Burger is a symphony of flavors, featuring a thick, juicy patty topped with bacon, cheddar, and their special sauce.

3. The Nook

Step into The Nook and prepare for a burger experience like no other. Their half-pound patties are handcrafted from local, grass-fed beef and grilled to your preference. Customize your burger with an array of toppings and sauces, creating a truly unique culinary masterpiece.

4. Matt’s Bar

Known for its lively atmosphere and eclectic clientele, Matt’s Bar serves up classic burgers with a touch of nostalgia. Their signature Matt’s Burger features a juicy patty, American cheese, tomato, onion, and pickles, all piled high on a soft bun.

5. The Strip Club Meat & Fish

Combining a butcher shop with a restaurant, The Strip Club Meat & Fish offers an exceptional burger experience. Their burgers are made with prime cuts of beef, ground fresh daily, and cooked over a wood-fired grill, resulting in an explosion of smoky, savory flavors.

6. Grand Ole Creamery

While known for their delectable ice cream, Grand Ole Creamery also offers an unexpected culinary gem: the Red Cow Burger. This savory creation features a half-pound of ground beef topped with smoked Gouda, bacon, and roasted tomato aioli, served on a pretzel bun.

7. Thomas Aquinas Bar & Cafe

Tucked away in a quiet neighborhood, Thomas Aquinas Bar & Cafe serves up critically acclaimed burgers. Their signature TAB Burger is an ode to simplicity, featuring a perfectly seasoned patty, American cheese, and a secret sauce that elevates the burger to legendary status.

8. Mickey’s Diner

Step into the retro atmosphere of Mickey’s Diner and indulge in classic American diner fare. Their burgers are made with fresh, local ingredients and cooked on a flat-top grill, resulting in a crispy exterior and a juicy, flavorful interior.

9. The Naughty Greek

Experience the fusion of Greek and American flavors at The Naughty Greek. Their signature Naughty Burger combines a flavorful lamb patty with feta cheese, tzatziki sauce, and Kalamata olives, creating a unique and unforgettable taste sensation.

10. Butcher & The Boar

Butcher & The Boar is a culinary haven that takes burger-making to new heights. Their constantly evolving menu features a selection of gourmet burgers, each crafted with premium ingredients and innovative flavor combinations. From the Short Rib Burger to the Bahn Mi Burger, every bite is a revelation.

Burgers	Price Range
Murray’s Single Burger	$8.49
The Blue Door Pub Signature Burger	$13.99
The Nook Half-Pound Burger	$14.99

The Best Hamburger in St. Paul

St. Paul is home to a number of great hamburger joints, but one that stands out above the rest is The Nook. The Nook has been serving up some of the best burgers in town for over 50 years, and their signature dish is the Jucy Lucy. The Jucy Lucy is a half-pound of ground chuck stuffed with American cheese and grilled to perfection. The result is a juicy, flavorful burger that is sure to satisfy any craving.

In addition to the Jucy Lucy, The Nook also offers a variety of other burgers, as well as hot dogs, sandwiches, and salads. The restaurant has a casual atmosphere and is a great place to relax and enjoy a meal with friends or family.