Wondering where to find the best low-cost spots for booze and bites near you? Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top dive bars in Minneapolis, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to fill the bill.
1. Matt's Bar
Topping the list is Matt's Bar. Located at 3500 Cedar Ave. S in south Minneapolis, the dive bar is the most popular spot for a budget-friendly beer and burger in Minneapolis, boasting four stars out of 1,192 reviews on Yelp.
This joint was established in 1954 and shortly after, founder Matt Bristol made the first-ever Jucy Lucy. "If it’s spelled correctly, you just might be eating a shameless ripoff," the bar says on its website. The legendary burger is made with cheese stuffed between two beef patties.
Grilled cheese, chicken sandwiches and fries round out this spot's menu. Thirsty? Grab a beer on tap or in a bottle. Be prepared before you go: This spot only takes cash and personal checks.
2. Cuzzy's Bar & Grill
Next up is North Loop's Cuzzy's Bar & Grill, situated at 507 Washington Ave. N. With four stars out of 118 reviews on Yelp, the dive bar and eatery has proven to be a local favorite. This establishment has been family owned and operated since 1995.
Expect menu options like the signature Famous Cuzzy Beef sandwich with sliced roast beef, Swiss cheese and horseradish sauce on rye; the house favorite pot roast dinner with cooked beef simmered all day topped with gravy; and the Big Cuz burger, complete with four burger patties, eight slices of bacon, four slices of American cheese topped with mushroom and special sauce. The full menu can be seen here.
Take it from Yelp reviewer Emily H.: "Cheap beer, quick service and great food. My favorite item on the menu is the skinny dip. It is a loaded taco dip and is something I get every time I stop. It's a fun atmosphere to party at."
3. Tooties On Lowry
Head over to the North Side for Tooties On Lowry, a family-owned bar and eatery that offers burgers and chicken wings along with "strong beer and wine," per its website. The popular spot at 2706 Lowry Ave. N has four stars out of 58 Yelp reviews.
The neighborhood staple offers breakfast, lunch and dinner fare including sandwiches, burgers, wings, salads and more. Look for menu options like the Stuffed Burger packed with jalapeños and cream cheese; the Buffalo chicken sandwich; or classic spaghetti and meatballs.
4. Palmer's Bar
Just looking for drinks? Over on the West Bank, check out Palmer's Bar, which has earned four stars out of 50 reviews on Yelp. You can find the dive bar at 500 Cedar Ave. S.
Palmer's was originally founded in 1906, according to CityPages, and was voted one of the top bars in America by Esquire magazine in 2014. This joint is open late and serves up cocktails, beers and a lineup of live music.
