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Our first stop on this quest for the best was the Lions Tap in Eden Prairie, MN. We went on Saturday January 30th, 2010. I was joined by Chelsea Jordan, Eric Prose, Lynn Hamer, and Nate and Brooke Pischke. We got to the Lions Tap about 6:00pm. Prose was already there and had gotten our name in which was lucky because he was about 10 people ahead of us in line. The place was like a beehive. There were people standing everywhere waiting to be seated. We had to make a tough decision at about 6:20pm. Lions Tap will only seat your party once everyone has arrived which is a good tip to remember if your going with a large group. Alice Snorteland and Leena Haugland were supposed to meet us there at 6pm. They called at 6:20pm from Alice's town home in Minneapolis. We were up next and would have had to wait who knows how long to get a table again. They decided to stay home and we were then ready to be seated. The six of us sat down and prepared to order. The menu at the Lions Tap is extremely simple. You have the choice between 6 hamburgers. That's it, that's the entire menu! You then have the choice of making it a double which means two patties of beef. Finally you can add fried or raw onions. You can also add a basket of french fries for $2.00. This is my kind of place. Simple yet delicious. I ordered two single cheeseburgers with fried onions and split a basket of fries with Chelsea. The single Cheeseburger cost $3.65 which is hard to beat. Prices range from $3.00 for a single hamburger to $4.95 for a single California Cheeseburger. If you make it a double they range from $5.75 to $9.35. I also had a River Valley Red beer that they have brewed for them by the Cold Spring Brewery in Cold Spring, MN. The burgers like the menu are simple. They have perfected the art of cooking burgers and getting them out fast to your table. It took under 10 minutes for our order to be delivered to the table.
In conclusion Lions Tap is a right of passage as a Minnesotan. Everybody needs to experience the joint at least once in their lifetime. They have won several awards in Minnesota including best hamburgers by Minneapolis/St. Paul magazine, Minnesota Monthly, Twin Cities Live and City Search. They were also named one of the nations top 500 restaurants. Its hard to beat the atmosphere and the burgers at The Lions Tap. I can't wait to go back again which I need to since I forgot to take photos! Lions Tap has two levels and lots of seating for larger groups. We had six people but they could have accommodated up to 10 people without a problem.
Next week we visit Casper and Runyon's Nook in St. Paul.
LIONS TAP 16180
FLYING CLOUD DR
EDEN PRAIRIE, MN 55347
Phone: 952-934-5299
Email: info@lionstap.com
Website: www.lionstap.com
Hamburger/Cheeseburger Rating: 1-5
1. Atmosphere (4)
2. Wait time (5)
3. Presentation (2)
4. Bun (3)
5. Juiciness (5)
6. Flavor (5)
7. Value (5)
8. Side Items (4)
Total score 33 out of 40
Definitions
1. Atmosphere - We are looking for a fun place that is inherently Minnesotan.
2. Bun - For the bun we are judging on the quality of the bun, kind of bun and how it was prepared such as being toasted.
3. Cheesiness - This is under the Juicy Lucy Category. We are looking for the amount of cheese on the burger, how well the cheese is melted and the amount of cheese that gushes out when you take a bite.
4. Flavor - We are judging the burger on its taste. Is it overcooked, undercooked, or cooked to perfection? Do the toppings go with the burger or overpower it?
5. Juiciness - We are looking for the amount of juice that comes out of the burger with each bite. Is the burger to dry or is it mouthwatering?
6. Order time - This is the amount of time it take between the placement of our order and the arrival of the burgers to the table.
7. Originality - This is under the specialty burger category. We are looking for something new that stands out from the normal burger. (i.e. Goober Burger, or Cobb Salad Burger)
8. Presentation - We are judging on how appetizing the plate looks when it is presented and the way it is presented such as in a basket, on a plate, or something different that sets it apart.
9. Side items - We are looking for the quality of the items that come with the burger as well as unique appetizers that the restaurant may offer.
10. Value - For value we are judging on the amount of food you get for the amount of money you pay. Are you being gouged, does it seem like it is about right or is it a great deal?
Here is the list of burger joints that we plan on visiting or have already been to. Let me know if you have any suggestions.
1. Lions Tap - Eden Prairie, MN 01/30/10. Cheeseburger w/ Fried Onions & Fries.
2. Casper & Runyon's Nook - St. Paul, MN 02/06/10. Juicy Nookie w/ Fried Onions & Fries.
3. The Blue Door Pub - St. Paul, MN 02/13/10. Blucy with Beer-Battered Green Beans and Cheese Curds.
4. Adrians Bar & Grill - South Minneapolis, MN 02/20/10. Juicy Lucy with Fries, Onion Rings, Cheese Curds and Buffalo Chicken tenders.
5. Sweeney's Saloon - St. Paul, MN 02/27/10. Santa Fe Burger & Fries.
6. Convention Grill & Fountain - Edina, MN 03/21/10. Plazaburger with smokey cheddar cheese, fries and a strawberry malt with banana.
7. Cardinal Bar - Minneapolis, MN 03/27/10. Juicy Lucy with fried onions & Onion Rings.
8. Red Cow - Edina, MN 03/16/13. Bison Burger with carmalized onions, fig and goat cheese.
Matt's Bar - South Minneapolis
5/8 club - (Original Location) Minneapolis
Newt's - Rochester
Kings Place - Miesville
Buffalo Tap - Savage
Sandy's Tavern- Richfield
Val's Rapid Service - St. Cloud
Burger Jones - Minneapolis
Buster's on 28th - Minneapolis
The Black Forest Inn -Minneapolis (Lunch only)
The Bulldog N.E. - Minneapolis
Lyons Pub - Minneapolis
Britt's Pub - Minneapolis
Hi Ho Tavern - Dilworth
112 Eatery - Minneapolis
Target Field - Minneapolis
Vincent A Restaurant - Minneapolis
Gold Nugget Tavern & Grille -Minnetonka
My Sisters Place - Grand Marais
Dakota Jazz Club - Minneapolis
The Loop - Minneapolis
Snuffy's Malt Shop - Minneapolis
Shanty Town - Bloomington
The Burger Place - Minneapolis
Burger Moe's - St. Paul
Gordy's Hi Hat - Cloquet
Maple Tavern - Maple Grove
Tin Cup's - St. Paul
