Travel through Minneapolis by way of burgers, brews, fries, and hot links. For National Grilling Month, ChowNow has curated six fan favorites and prepared your itinerary – on the house. As the hot summer days of August are coming into full swing, there is no better way to experience the city than a grilled plate of local cuisine and an ice-cold beverage. Not so keen on beef? This list also includes mouthwatering seafood and vegan-friendly options.
Whether you’re taking a stroll through Grand Avenue, rushing to work in Dinkytown, or heading to your first game in a year – you’ll want to carve out some time for a pit stop.
What better way to celebrate National Grilling Month than with the Juicy Lucy herself. Hailing from Minnesota, this hunky stack of beef is packed with the best thing earth has to offer: cheese, cheese, cheese. The Roadhouse is a staff favorite, topped with crispy onion rings, bacon, and their famous 5-8 sauce. No Meat, No Probem! No really, thats the burger’s name. The impossible patty is served on a gluten free bun with your selection of traditional hamburger toppings. Check out locations in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Champlin, and Maplewood.
Revival
If you’re looking for award-winning burgers and fried chicken in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, Revival should be high on your list. With recognition from many public outlets, and Chef Thomas Boemer receiving a James Beard Nomination, the menu is chock-full of tasty options. Chicken comes “southern fried” or “Tennessee hot”, and to properly celebrate National Grilling Month we recommend the latter. Stay tuned, because Revival is opening a smoked meats location this Summer!
Smack Shack Twin Cities
Beef and chicken not your thing? Don’t sweat it – we’ve got an ocean dweller famous for its snobbery: the lobster. Did you know that the lobster was discovered on the East Coast in high quantities and sold for an extremely low price? Yep, you heard that right. Due to a strategic marketing play to convince West Coasters that lobster was fit for a king, the sneaky little crustacean made its way to the top of the menu at 5-star restaurants and in the homes of the wealthy. Today, you can find lobster at many different price points across the country, and Smack Shack Twin Cities might just be the best place for a budget-friendly and locally renowned classic. Each week, Smack Shack introduces a new take on the famous Lobster Roll on a thick chunk of soft-grilled bread, and you won’t want to miss a single bite.
Bad Wingz
No Grilling Month roundup is complete without a pit stop at a wingery. Bad Wingz is known for their vegan and vegetarian options, from grilled cauliflower wings to plant-based meat alternatives. If you prefer a classic take, traditional chicken wings are available and absolutely delicious. This Black-Owned shop is not only a community favorite, but has been recognized by a few major outlets like Eater and Biz Journal. Make sure you get in before the weekend, they’re closed on Saturday!
George & The Dragon
The heart of George & The Dragon is a gathering place for anyone who needs a warm plate of food and a friendly neighbor to talk to. In fact, the family-run restaurant was created to mimic the feel of an old pub in a small English town. Even the menu replicates this theme, from the “God save the Greens” salad section to the George Burger. Their dedication to food and community has made waves, earning them “Best Bar” in the Southwest Journal, and we aren’t surprised. George & The Dragon even makes their own butter!
My Burger USA
Don’t be fooled by the name. My Burger in Minneapolis offers a range of grilled options depending on the time of year, from traditional burgers to piping hot fish sandwiches during Lent. You won’t have to sort through too much, however, as their menu is simple: The Original, The California, and the Just As Good Vegan Burger are the three main staples. Anything can be spiffed up with cajun sauce, jerk spices, fried eggs, and more.
How was your trip around the city? If you visit each of these restaurants, be sure to take photos and tag @chownow for a chance to be featured on our Instagram page before the month is out. We’d love to share your National Grilling Month journey with our friends across the US. Oh, and don’t forget to order through ChowNow! This keeps more money in your pocket, and away from our greedy competitors.
Hungry for something else? Discover other delicious eats in your area, ready to be ordered.
Order in without taking restaurants down. Learn how your order can make an impact. #OrderBetter
Check out our Celebrating Diversity Series with Kevin Bludso of Bludso’s Bar & Que!
Images by Various | Header Photo by Paul Herman | Editing by Kristen Reames
