5-8 Club

Minneapolis, MN

I've only been to the 5-8 Club three times. Every time I've had the same thing, a Juicy Lucy and onion rings with a cold Leinie's. I think most people who have lived in the Twin Cities knows what a Juicy Lucy is, but for the rest of you I'll let you in on it. A traditional Juicy Lucy is a burger stuffed with American cheese, so when it is brought to your table it's a burger with a core of molten hot, gooey cheese. It's a wonderful thing. The 5-8 makes it by crimping 2 quarter pound burgers around the cheese, they also offer Juicy Lucys with blue, pepper, and Swiss cheese, but those take a little longer because no cheese melts as easily as American cheese.

I've thoroughly enjoyed the food every time I've been there. The service can be a little spotty at times, but I've never had an issue with that. The 5-8 is a no frills, seat yourself, neighborhood bar type of place and you just have to love that. I have not been able to confirm whether or not it is a 3.2 bar.

The 5-8 claims to be the "Home of the Juicy Lucy", but that is a hotly contested issue between the 5-8 and another south Minneapolis bar, Matt's Bar. Another hotly contested issue is how to actually spell Juicy Lucy. At Matt's, they leave the "i" out. There it's a Jucy Lucy. I have yet to make it to Matt's. There are a number of other bars and restaurants around the Twin Cities that offer Juicy Lucys as well.

The 5-8 Club has a unique history. It was established in 1928 at the height of Prohibition and operated as a speakeasy. At the time, it was a stucco sided house out in the country. The house had an underground garage where cars could pull in and unload their illegal hootch without being seen by police. When Prohibition was repealed in 1933, the 5-8 Club went "legit" and became known for their burgers and beer. Now they have two other locations, 5-8 Tavern & Grill in Maplewood and the 5-8 Bar & Grill in Champlin.