Submitted by Admin2 on October 24, 2005 - 8:10am.

It is time to get this reviews forum going. We'll start with one of my local favorites, Matt's Bar.

Rating:****

Price:$ 

Address: 35th & Cedar, South Minneapolis 

Matt's is everything a neighborhood burger and beer joint should be. First, the atmosphere: aged wood paneling, red linoleum squares, gold plastic wallpaper, Stevie Wonder on the Jukebox, and a place at the bar marked with a plaque in memoriam of a regular, significantly less smoke thanks to smoking ban, a diverse crowd of blue and white collar workers, families people coming in to town for the game and the local hipsters, and unfortunately, some recenly added television screens that take us right out of the neighborhood and into world politics or some sports contest.

Then there is the food. No fancy fold out menus here, just a card on the table with all things fried. Burgers, french fries, and grilled cheese. There might be a chicken sandwich on there too, never tried it though.  The Matt's clasic is the Jucy Lucy--two hamburger patties pressed together with cheese in the middle. The cheese turns to lava on the grill and each Lucy is issued from the grill with a warning to the initiate. Wait.  After a few long minutes, you may safely dive into what is perhaps the best gut bomb ever created.  There is local legend that claims the original Jucy Lucy was actually created at the 58 Club, 13 blocks south. Whether or not it was created there, do not be fooled, Matt's has perfected it.  

Despite the fame of the Jucy Lucy, the french fries are the reason to keep coming back; hot, salty, crispy and a lot for your money.  Couple a basket with a pull off the short but fine tap list and you are set. 

For those of the meatless persuasion, the grilled cheese is excellent, particulary if you ask to have fried onions placed inside. Incedentally, the grilled cheese is the only thing at Matt's to come on a plate. Oh yeah, don't bother asking for ice. They don't have any.

Prices are very reasonable, the only thing on the menu over $5 is a pitcher of beer, and even those aren't more than $10. If you come at meal times, expect to wait. If there are just a few in your party, try sitting at the bar, the conversation is great and you will get faster service. 

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