Each week of the NFL season, The Baltimore Sun will rank all 32 NFL teams. The rankings will take into account not just weekly performance, injuries and roster depth, but how well each team measures up as Super Bowl contenders.

Here are the rankings heading into Week 8:

1. Kansas City Chiefs (6-1, No. 1 last week)

Last week: Win vs. Chargers, 31-17

Up next: at Broncos

Perhaps flying under the radar is the fact that, in addition to having the best passing duo in the league in Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, the Chiefs also have one of the league’s best defenses. In fact, ESPN’s Bill Barnwell ranks Kansas City second behind only the Browns, citing improved depth under longtime defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. That makes the Chiefs the clear favorites nearly halfway through the regular season.

2. Philadelphia Eagles (6-1, No. 4)

Last week: Win vs. Dolphins, 31-17

Up next: at Commanders

Based on their record and past performance, the Eagles certainly have the resume of a Super Bowl contender. But there is some cause for concern with quarterback Jalen Hurts, who ranks second in the NFL with 10 turnovers after committing two more Sunday night, including a pick-six in the third quarter that tied the game. Philadelphia has been good, but not great, and that could be the difference in the postseason. Maybe the trade for Titans star safety Kevin Byard will push the defense back into the top tier.

3. Ravens (5-2, No. 9)

Last week: Win vs. Lions, 38-6

Up next: at Cardinals

Now that’s the Super Bowl contender everyone hoped to see. With a masterful performance from Lamar Jackson — who vaulted himself back to the top of the NFL Most Valuable Player race — and another lockdown effort from the defense, the Ravens proved they’re a team to be feared. Rarely are statement wins so decisive; according to the Elias Sports Bureau, it was the third-largest margin of victory against a team with the NFL’s best record entering Week 7 or later. Opposing defensive coordinators had to be spooked by what they saw Sunday, as Jackson spread the ball around to nine receivers and the running game delivered its familiar ruthless efficiency. Add a defense that has been directed beautifully by coordinator Mike Macdonald — whose creative pressures have helped pile up a league-leading 29 sacks — and this team has all the makings of a conference champion. Now, let’s see it two weeks in a row.

4. San Francisco 49ers (5-2, No. 2)

Last week: Loss vs. Vikings, 22-17

Up next: vs. Bengals

For the first time since Weeks 6-7 last season, the 49ers have lost back-to-back games. It’s uncharted territory for Brock Purdy, who threw two interceptions in the fourth quarter Monday night, including the game-sealing one with 33 seconds left. Christian McCaffrey pushed his touchdown streak to 16 games, but his fumble on the 49ers’ first possession cost them points. Perhaps most concerning is the play of the defense, which couldn’t get off the field on third down and allowed 452 yards. This is not the dominant team we thought it was through the first five weeks of the season.

5. Miami Dolphins (5-2, No. 3)

Last week: Loss vs. Eagles, 31-17

Up next: vs. Patriots

The Dolphins have played only two teams with winning records this season, and they’ve lost to them both. That’s not to diminish what Miami has done on offense with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, but there are weaknesses here on the offensive line and on defense that good teams have been able to exploit. One silver lining? The Dolphins’ front seven has come on strong of late, including 16 pressures and three sacks Sunday night in Philadelphia.

6. Dallas Cowboys (4-2, No. 7)

Last week: Bye

Up next: vs. Rams

7. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-2, No. 8)

Last week: Win vs. Saints, 31-24

Up next: at Steelers

Like the Ravens, the Jaguars have had a similar problem putting teams away. They entered the fourth quarter Thursday night leading 24-9 but needed a late touchdown pass from Trevor Lawrence to win after allowing the tying score. Four straight wins is impressive, no matter the competition, but there has been plenty of luck involved. Jacksonville leads the league with 16 turnovers, an unsustainably high rate that could regress to the mean at the worst time.

8. Buffalo Bills (4-3, No. 6)

Last week: Loss vs. Patriots, 29-25

Up next: vs. Buccaneers

It’s officially time to be concerned about the Bills. Close losses to division rivals happen all the time, but there’s no reason Buffalo should be trailing this Patriots team by two scores in the fourth quarter. Most concerning are the routine slow starts; over the past three games, the Bills have averaged 5.7 points in the first three quarters. Relying on Josh Allen for some late magic every week isn’t going to work. There are more injury concerns, too, with tight end Dawson Knox undergoing wrist surgery and defensive tackles DaQuan Jones (pectoral) and Ed Oliver (toe) sidelined.

9. Detroit Lions (5-2, No. 5)

Last week: Loss vs. Ravens, 38-6

Up next: vs. Raiders

How the Lions respond to their beatdown in Baltimore will be telling. Detroit was used to imposing its will on both sides of the ball during its strong start, yet coach Dan Campbell’s team didn’t look like it belonged on the same field as the Ravens. The Lions had some notable absences Sunday, including running back David Montgomery and cornerback Jerry Jacobs, but that’s no excuse for falling behind 28-0 in the first half.

10. Cleveland Browns (4-2, No. 10)

Last week: Win vs. Colts, 39-38

Up next: at Seahawks

It might seem odd to say for a team that allowed 38 points, but the defense won the game for the Browns on Sunday. More specifically, star defensive end Myles Garrett, who recorded two sacks, forced two fumbles and blocked a field goal attempt. But as good as the defense is, the attention this week will be on quarterback Deshaun Watson, who was pulled after an ugly start after missing two games with a shoulder injury. Coach Kevin Stefanski said Monday the Browns were still “gathering information” on it but that Watson is still the leader of the team. The offense has looked much better with practice squad call-up PJ Walker under center, which is a bad sign for Cleveland’s $230 million investment.

11. Cincinnati Bengals (3-3, No. 11)

Last week: Bye

Up next: at 49ers

12. Seattle Seahawks (4-2, No. 12)

Last week: Win vs. Cardinals, 20-10

Up next: vs. Browns

With star receiver DK Metcalf out, rookies Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Jake Bobo each caught a touchdown pass in the first half to help Seattle escape with a win Sunday. Geno Smith threw an interception at the Arizona 1-yard line in the third quarter and fumbled a snap in Seattle territory early in the fourth, continuing a curiously uneven stretch for the veteran quarterback. The defense has helped carry the way, however, allowing just 4.7 yards per play, and could be seeing a breakout season from 2022 second-round pick Boye Mafe, who has a sack in each of the past four games. That would be huge, especially if Uchenna Nwosu misses time with a strained pectoral muscle.

13. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2, No. 17)

Last week: Win vs. Rams, 24-17

Up next: vs. Jaguars

It’s been ugly at times, but the Steelers just keep winning. They only had three points and 91 yards at halftime Sunday, yet they scored on three of their first four drives of the second half after T.J. Watt intercepted a pass on the opening play of the third quarter. Kenny Pickett came alive in the fourth, going 7-for-7 for 138 yards including a nice back-shoulder throw to George Pickens — a staple of this Matt Canada offense. Pittsburgh might not stack up well with the AFC’s elite, but coach Mike Tomlin has always kept this team in the mix to the bitter end.

14. Minnesota Vikings (3-4, No. 25)

Last week: Win vs. 49ers, 22-17

Up next: at Packers

This Vikings team might be … better than the one that won 13 games last season? A statement win over the 49ers, led by two touchdown catches from rookie Jordan Addison and two interceptions by Camryn Bynum, provides plenty of hope for a Minnesota team that has quietly won three of four since starting 0-3. Kirk Cousins delivered an incredible performance Monday, particularly on third down, and finished 9 of 12 for 201 yards and two touchdowns on passes over 10 air yards. This could be a dangerous playoff team.

15. Atlanta Falcons (4-3, No. 21)

Last week: Win vs. Buccaneers, 16-13

Up next: at Titans

The Falcons tried to give the game away Sunday, but the Bucs wouldn’t take it. Desmond Ridder fumbled three times in the red zone, including at the 1-yard line on a run that would have given Atlanta a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter. It was a maddening offensive performance, made even more so by the confusion surrounding Bijan Robinson’s availability, which was later explained as the rookie running back suffering from headaches. The Falcons are in first place in the NFC South, but this team doesn’t have the look of a division champion.

16. Los Angeles Rams (3-4, No. 13)

Last week: Loss vs. Steelers, 24-17

Up next: at Cowboys

If the Steelers don’t get a generous spot on a quarterback sneak to convert a fourth-and-1 at the Los Angeles 38 on the final snap before the two-minute warning, perhaps this Rams season feels different. They’ve been competitive in every game and have one of the league’s best offenses thanks to rookie receiver Puka Nacua, but they haven’t been able to string together wins. It sure feels like a rebuilding year.

17. Houston Texans (3-3, No. 18)

Last week: Bye

Up next: at Panthers

18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-3, No. 13)

Last week: Loss vs. Falcons, 16-13

Up next: at Bills

The Bucs are still in contention to win the NFC South, but they’re going nowhere fast with an offense that has struggled to score. They’re averaging just 17.2 points per game, making Baker Mayfield’s fourth-quarter interception to end a promising drive Sunday all the more painful. Nine penalties and 3.7 yards per carry isn’t going to cut it, no matter how good the defense is.

19. New York Jets (3-3, No. 19)

Last week: Bye

Up next: vs. Jets

20. Indianapolis Colts (3-4, No. 22)

Last week: Loss vs. Browns, 39-38

Up next: vs. Saints

It was the full Gardner Minshew experience Sunday, as he committed four turnovers but also averaged 13.3 yards per attempt and accounted for four touchdowns against perhaps the league’s best defense. The Colts will need to ride that roller coaster as long as rookie Anthony Richardson is out, but first-year coach Shane Steichen’s team has been much better than expected.

21. Los Angeles Chargers (2-4, No. 16)

Last week: Loss vs. Chiefs, 31-17

Up next: vs. Bears

This is starting to feel like the end of the line for this Chargers regime. Coach Brandon Staley built his reputation on defense, and Los Angeles allowed 24 points and 321 passing yards in the first half Sunday. The Chargers needed their stars to lead the way to pick up that elusive postseason victory, yet injuries and ineffective play have held them back. Asking Justin Herbert to carry the team with a fractured finger is a fitting situation for this franchise.

22. Washington Commanders (3-4, No. 15)

Last week: Loss vs. Giants, 14-7

Up next: vs. Eagles

How long can the Commanders stick with their Sam Howell experiment? The first-year starter has taken a league-high 40 sacks this season, which have killed drives and set the offense back. Defensive lineman Jonathan Allen’s frustration is warranted given how few signs of progress there have been over his seven seasons in Washington. A coaching change feels inevitable, and a new quarterback might soon follow.

23. New Orleans Saints (3-4, No. 20)

Last week: Loss vs. Jaguars, 31-24

Up next: at Colts

If tight end Foster Moreau hangs on to that pass to the back of the end zone with 30 seconds left Thursday, maybe the Saints enter their mini-bye sitting in first place in the division. Instead, they’ll face more questions about an offense that has put up empty stats under quarterback Derek Carr. They’ve scored a touchdown on just nine of 24 trips inside the red zone, a 37.5% rate that ranks fifth-worst in the NFL.

24. Denver Broncos (2-5, No. 31)

Last week: Win vs. Packers, 19-17

Up next: vs. Chiefs

For all the criticism the Broncos have received for their terrible start to the season, Russell Wilson has not been the problem. The 34-year-old quarterback ranks seventh in passer rating, ahead of more celebrated stars such as Dak Prescott, Justin Herbert and Trevor Lawrence. The defense has been the bigger problem, ranking last in DVOA, but it held up long enough Sunday to help secure the win.

25. Tennessee Titans (2-4, No. 26)

Last week: Bye

Up next: vs. Falcons

26. Chicago Bears (2-5, No. 28)

Last week: Win vs. Raiders, 30-12

Up next: at Chargers

With the caveat that his average depth of target was 2 yards Sunday, former Division II quarterback Tyson Bagent was efficient and avoided mistakes in helping Chicago end a 10-game home losing streak. At the very least, the Bears should be competitive as they wait for starter Justin Fields to return.

27. New England Patriots (2-5, No. 30)

Last week: Win vs. Bills, 29-25

Up next: at Dolphins

Mac Jones delivered the second game-winning drive of his NFL career, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. His touchdown pass to Mike Gesicki with 12 seconds left will at least keep questions about his long-term outlook as the starter at bay for another week. Bill Belichick is now the third coach in NFL history with 300 regular-season victories, but it doesn’t look like he’ll get many more this year unless this win sparks a dramatic turnaround.

28. New York Giants (2-5, No. 29)

Last week: Win vs. Commanders, 14-7

Up next: vs. Jets

Do the Giants have a Daniel Jones problem? It’s hard to ignore how much better the offense has looked with backup Tyrod Taylor under center, even though it’s only produced 23 points in two games. Perhaps New York would have been better off riding with a stopgap quarterback this season rather than giving Jones a new contract. It’s still early, but the pressure is on for the 26-year-old to prove himself when he returns from a neck injury.

29. Las Vegas Raiders (3-4, No. 23)

Last week: Loss vs. Bears, 30-12

Up next: at Lions

Without Jimmy Garoppolo, this is an unserious team. Brian Hoyer and Aidan O’Connell combined to average 4.5 yards per attempt and threw three interceptions Sunday, and the running game averaged just 2.8 yards per carry. There are not many reasons why coach Josh McDaniels should keep this job for much longer.

30. Arizona Cardinals (1-6, No. 27)

Last week: Loss vs. Seahawks, 20-10

Up next: vs. Ravens

The Cardinals’ defense did its job Sunday, but the offense turned three Seattle turnovers into just three points. Quarterback Joshua Dobbs has struggled three weeks in a row after a surprisingly strong start, with Arizona now slipping to 28th in the NFL in passing (180.9 yards per game). The running game remains the team’s only strength.

31. Green Bay Packers (2-4, No. 24)

Last week: Loss vs. Broncos, 19-17

Up next: vs. Vikings

Make that three straight losses for Green Bay — and it could easily be five in a row if not for the Packers overcoming a 17-0 fourth-quarter deficit against the Saints in Week 3. The main story coming out of Sunday’s debacle was coach Matt LaFleur reaffirming his faith in Jordan Love, which is not something you want to hear midway through a quarterback’s first season as the starter. Injuries have taken their toll on offense, but Love hasn’t met expectations so far.

32. Carolina Panthers (0-6, No. 32)

Last week: Bye

Up next: vs. Texans

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Ruben Caginalp | Bankrate.com (TNS)

Prospective homebuyers across the U.S. are feeling the squeeze amid high home prices and steep mortgage rates. Up against these challenging conditions, many homeowners are disinclined to sell, further restricting the already-short supply of homes on the market.

“The unintended consequence of the so-called lock-in effect has limited the supply of homes for sale, because most owners have relatively low mortgage rates and don’t want to move,” explains Mark Hamrick, Bankrate’s senior economic analyst.

As a result, today’s housing market looks different than it has in past years. “Buyers and sellers both typically take a step back in the fall, but mortgage rates now near 8% are cooling the market faster than normal,” says Jeff Tucker, a senior economist at Zillow. “A lack of competition from other buyers is offering opportunities to those still in the market, as many listings are lingering after the summer shopping season.” Read on to learn all about the current state of the U.S. housing market.

Key factors driving the U.S. housing market

—Home prices are sky-high. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the country’s median existing-home price topped $400,000 three times this year — in June, July and August — coming within just a few thousand dollars of its highest median ever on record ($413,800, in June 2022). September was the year’s third consecutive month of year-over-year median home price increases.

—Housing inventory is too low to meet demand, resulting in a nationwide housing shortage that has been tough to dent. September saw just a 3.4-month supply of homes for sale, per NAR data, which is well short of the 5 or 6 months required for a healthy, more balanced market.

—The pace of new construction has not yet been able to meaningfully ease the shortage. Both new building permits and housing starts, a metric that measures the beginning of construction on a new residential home, saw year-over-year declines of more than 7% in September, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau and Department of Housing and Urban Development.

—Mortgage interest rates continued climbing, topping 8% in mid-October for the first time in 23 years. Just two years ago, in October 2021, rates were below 3.5%. This challenge alone puts buying a home out of reach for many Americans for the time being.

Local markets have their own dynamics

Local market conditions can vary widely by region, state or even individual city. The disparities mean that your money can go much further in some markets than in others.

The unique Florida housing market is a perfect example. The Sunshine State led the country in net migration last year, according to a study by NAR — meaning it topped all other states in terms of new residents moving there — despite being in the throes of a home-insurance crisis that has made some properties uninsurable. Perhaps that’s why its home prices remain right on par with the national median, even with outsize buyer demand.

On the other hand, median home prices in notoriously expensive San Francisco remain far above $1 million ($1.33 million as of September 2023), according to Redfin data. This despite a 5.4% year-over-year drop and the state of California actually losing residents last year, rather than gaining them.

In Austin, Texas, meanwhile, prices have been on a roller coaster influenced by a boom of tech companies and remote workers. According to Redfin, the median home price started 2021 at $465,000, then skyrocketed to a high of $670,000 by mid-2022 before dropping back down to $525,000 and then jumping past $600,000 again in 2023. Even with these fluctuations, Austin was named the best place in the country to start your career in a recent Bankrate study.

Navigating the current housing market

Thinking of buying or selling a home soon? Your experience will vary based on a wide variety of factors, including mortgage rates and home prices, both of which are at historically high levels.

While experts predict that the market will cool down eventually, they’re confident that there will not be a housing market crash akin to the Great Recession in the early 2000s. Inventory is still too low, and demand too high, for a crash — plus, mortgage lending standards today are much stricter than they were back then.

On the whole, sellers still have the upper hand — but as illustrated above, that could range wildly from one geographic location to another. “Depending on the market, location and price point, sellers could find either multiple offers or the need to be flexible on price,” says Hamrick.

And buyers who are willing to brave the market should stay on their toes. “Buyers should be aware that attractive listings still sell quickly,” says Tucker.

Should I buy a house now or wait?

Is now a good time to buy a house? Whether to buy now or wait is a big decision that depends a lot on your personal circumstances. Yes, mortgage rates are currently high, but days-on-market figures are up too, giving you more time to make an informed decision. And there’s no guarantee things will improve if you hold off.

If you’re ready to buy, remember that you don’t have to go for your dream home right away. Look for what you can afford now. “Prospective buyers might need to dial down their aspirations for what they’re willing to buy,” says Hamrick. If you have a strong credit score and enough saved up for a down payment, buying now will allow you to start building equity immediately — you can always refinance if rates go down later.

Should I sell a house now or wait?

Low inventory levels mean sellers have the upper hand in most of the U.S. But with mortgage rates and prices remaining elevated, buyers are wary — which makes selling more challenging.

With that in mind, deciding whether now is a good time to sell your house can be tricky. Again, it depends on a number of personal factors. Selling may be a good idea if you’re ready to downsize or retire, or if you need to relocate. But if you need to then buy a new house, the tables will be turned and you’ll be facing the same headwinds buyers currently are. Before you list your home, make sure you have a good understanding of how much it’s worth, so you’ll know what kind of profit you stand to make and if it will be worth it.

Next steps

If you think you’re ready to start your homebuying journey, it’s important to keep saving as much as possible and working on your credit. A bigger down payment can save you thousands in mortgage principal and interest in the long run, and a higher credit score will help you snag a more competitive rate, which will also result in a more affordable monthly payment.

And be sure to team up with an experienced local real estate agent who can help you navigate your local market successfully. A knowledgeable agent can help sellers price and market their home competitively, and help buyers negotiate a good deal on a home that meets their needs — or at least comes as close as possible. Ask friends and family for recommendations and try to interview at least three candidates before settling on the right agent for you.

FAQs

—Are home prices dropping or rising in the U.S.?

They are rising. According to information from the National Association of Realtors, the median home price in the U.S. rose 2.8% between September 2022 and September 2023 and currently stands at just below $400,000. The median sale prices for July, August and September were all record highs for that month.

—Is the U.S. housing market going to crash?

Members of the Pioneer Press sports staff who cover the Vikings forecast Sunday’s game against the Packers in Green Bay, Wis.:

DANE MIZUTANI

Vikings 24, Packers 21

This is going to be closer than last week’s results for both teams might suggest. In the end, though, the Vikings win, because for the first time in 30 years, the Packers don’t have a hall of famer under center.

JOHN SHIPLEY

Vikings 27, Packers 19

Two teams headed in opposite directions. Confidence counts.

CHARLEY WALTERS

Vikings 31, Packers 21

Was that really Kirk Cousins beating the 49ers? And now the Packers in Green Bay? Suddenly, these Vikings are worth watching.

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When some of the metro’s best chefs put their minds to making a burger, the results are nothing short of amazing.

New or updated entries among these 26 restaurants are marked with asterisks.

If you have other suggestions, please email them to us at eat@pioneerpress.com.

Other categories from our 2023 guide:

Burgers for beer (and cocktail) hounds: Like a craft beer or tasty cocktail with your burger? These 10 places are for you.
Cult burgers: These are the burgers for which people are willing to wait — sometimes as long as an hour or two. And these 4 places are worth the hype.
Destination burgers: City dwellers, these 10 places are worth the drive.
Dive bar burgers: They may not all have a website, but they have regulars, pull tabs, and griddles that have been around long enough to give their burgers a little extra seasoning. Here are 6 dive bars to check out.
Neighborhood burgers: These 8 spots close to home serve a crave-worthy burger.

 

1. * Juche

When I say that a Korean restaurant has one of my favorite new burgers of the year, I’m often met with raised eyebrows, but this is a hill I’m willing to die upon. Chef Chris Her and owner Eddie Wu have made some burger magic in this dark, comfortable space. The bulgogi burger has a very slight Korean flavor — what mostly comes through is the delicious Peterson beef, topped simply with American cheese, aioli, romaine and caramelized onion and nestled into a squishy brioche bun. The spicy Korean burger is for the more adventurous among us, but the spicy pickled slaw on top is super addictive. It’s paired with tangy cheddar and spicy mayo and is somehow still not overly spicy. My teen boy — who has been making his own list of favorites this year — even loved it. The fries here, hand cut and fried until deep golden brown, are exceptional, and you should definitely ask for the Korean hot sauce for dipping them in.

Juche: 1124 Payne Ave., St. Paul; 612-490-3380; juchestpaul.com

The bulgogi burger at Juche in St. Paul.

2. * Chloe by Vincent

Chef Vincent Francoual’s Vincent Burger, a standout on the menu of his now-closed Vincent A Restaurant (that’s a lot of Vincent!), is back. Francoual’s new downtown Minneapolis restaurant, Chloe, offers his famed Juicy Lucy spin-off, stuffed with braised short rib and smoked gouda. The burger, first of all, is absolutely massive. The short rib inside is so flavorful and keeps the burger from drying out, and the smoked gouda is the perfect cheese choice. People have been waiting years for this burger, and Francoual told us that bringing it back makes him “excited like a little kid!” He has mixed feelings on burgers in general, he said cheekily, but, “this burger with Coca-Cola? The best hangover food.”

Chloe by Vincent: 700 3rd St. S., Minneapolis; 612-200-8041; chloebyvincent.com

The Vincent Burger at Chloe in Minneapolis. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)

3. * Wrestaurant at the Palace

This new restaurant next to the Palace Theatre is a real boon to downtown. The Detroit-style pizza is great — but so is the burger! With its thin patties, American cheese, crisp iceberg and a lovely sauce, it’s not exactly reinventing the wheel, but it’s a solid burger. When we ordered it, the bun was essentially four slider buns, still attached, which made it really easy for us to cut it into fours and share, because there was no way we weren’t ordering a pizza, too. Comes with curly fries, which is a rarity outside of drive-throughs in these parts.

Wrestaurant at the Palace: 33 W. Seventh Place, St. Paul; 952-600-5611; wrestaurantatthepalace.com

The burger at Wrestaurant at the Palace in downtown St. Paul. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)

4. * Apostle Supper Club

If you’re looking for a burger with a side of mid-century-modern/tiki atmosphere, the Apostle is your spot. Theirs is a behemoth of a double smashie, properly seasoned, extremely juicy and classically topped with American, shredded lettuce, pickle, caramelized onion and your typical burger sauce on a sesame bun. The plank-like crinkle fries are tasty, too. We are not fans of their tiki drinks (too sweet, not enough fresh-squeezed juice), but they do make a mean martini, which honestly pairs pretty well with this burger.

Apostle Supper Club: 253 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul; apostlesupperclub.com

The burger at Apostle Supper Club in St. Paul. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)

5. * Blondette

The award for prettiest surroundings in which to eat a burger definitely goes to Blondette, the retractable-roof French-bistro dining experience at the Rand Tower Hotel in downtown Minneapolis. This thick patty of waygu beef infused with duck fat (yes, really) is so insanely juicy and flavorful that it wouldn’t need any accouterment, but tarragon mustard and a slab of smoked cheddar do nicely. We’d expect nothing less from chef Daniel del Prado, who has become a west-metro fine dining darling in recent years. Maybe it’s time to come east!

Blondette: 527 S. Marquette Ave., Minneapolis; 612-224-3750; blondettempls.com

The burger at Blondette in Minneapolis. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)

6. * Maison Margaux

Depending on where you’re seated in chef David Fhima’s new Parisian restaurant, you might have to ask for the “Oui Burger” by name: The $23 foil-wrapped burger is available during happy hour in the main Brasserie and all the time in the opulent subterranean lounge, but it’s not printed on every menu. The single, quite thick patty is a high-end house grind that includes short rib and wagyu beef, and it’s topped with gruyere cheese on a bun that’s so all-around buttery, it literally glistens. And that’s it! A small cup of pickle slices and some fries come on the side. It’s ultra-beefy and indulgent and noticeably less salty than other burgers we’ve tried, but not in a way that feels underseasoned. Do be careful to shield your fancy clothes from oil drips. (Maison Margaux’s other French bistro staples — savory onion soup, cheesy aligot, creme brulee — are also fantastic, as are the restaurant’s cocktail and wine lists.)

Maison Margaux: 224 1st St. N, Minneapolis; 612-900-1800; maisonmargauxmpls.com

The “Oui Burger” served with pickles and fries at Maison Margaux in Minneapolis on Oct. 19, 2023. (Jared Kaufman / Pioneer Press)

7. * World Street Kitchen

This summer, trendy Minneapolis favorite World Street Kitchen added the beef kofta burger to its lineup of fast-casual global street food — and it’s a home run. Kofta, spiced ground beef that’s common in the Middle East and North Africa in meatball or kebab form, works perfectly as a burger patty topped with white American cheese, pickles and a not-so-spicy harissa burger sauce. The spices in the meat itself are fine-tuned, and all the toppings play off each other well. It’s unbelievably saucy (to be clear: in a good way!), so grab more extra napkins than you think you’ll need. Oh, and Milkjam Creamery is right next door.

World Street Kitchen: 2743 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis; (612) 424-8855; eatwsk.com

8. Angry Line Cook

This food truck rose from the ashes of Just/Us, the chef collective restaurant that existed in two separate St. Paul locations. The truck focuses mostly on its very, very good smash burger, which features two beef patties smooshed on a griddle, which produces a crispy meat skirt. There’s also plenty of house-made American cheese (made from fontina, gouda and fenugreek), a beef-stock aioli for extra umami goodness, house-made pickles and a nice, squishy bun. If you like things spicy — and we do — opt for the Angry Burger, which consists of the same smashed patties kicked up with house-made pepper-jack cheese, “angry sauce,” chili oil, and pickled Fresno peppers.

Angry Line Cook: Location varies, find them at theangrylinecookfoodtruck.com

The burger from The Angry Line Cook food truck. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)

9. Herbie’s on the Park

In a world full of double smash burgers, Herbie’s is an unapologetic ½-pound thick patty. The juiciness of these behemoths, made from a brisket, short rib and chuck blend, cannot be overstated. Choose the patty adorned simply with melty American-Swiss, caramelized onions and house-made pickles; go for a fancy bacon-bleu, gilded with a blueberry/gochujang jam and arugula; or really mix it up with a French onion and Brie situation. It’s all good. And so are the garlic-herb fries, or the simple side salad, something we’ve come to love, especially in the thick of burger-reporting season. We have to get our veggies somehow.

Herbie’s on the Park: 317 Washington St., St. Paul; 651-726-1700; herbiesonthepark.com

The Herbie Burger at Herbie’s on the Park in downtown St. Paul. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)

10. Holman’s Table

This pretty, midmodern-style restaurant in the St. Paul airport features a view of runway action without having to go through security. The menu has lots to offer, including a few burgers at lunch and a different set of burgers at dinner time, including the $300 burger, which isn’t actually $300, but it does clock in at a not-so-wallet-friendly $27.50. For that price tag, though, you get a juicy, beefy patty on a soft bun, topped with nutty gruyere and foie gras butter. The entire thing is then doused with a madeira truffle demi glace. It’s a fork-and-knife burger that one of our dining partners said tastes like “fancy salisbury steak.” He’s not wrong, but we also happen to love that nostalgic dish.

Holman’s Table: 644 Bayfield St., St. Paul; 612-800-5298; holmanstable.com

The $300 burger at Holman’s Table in St. Paul, which actually costs a mere (?) $27.50. It’s topped with foie gras butter and bathed in a truffle demi glace. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)

11. Estelle

This southern European spot updates its burger nearly every year, but they are always, always good. Chef Jason Hansen created one of our other favorites in town — the burger at Stewart’s, now Gus Gus — and his commitment to a juicy, interesting burger cannot be understated. The current iteration is a double smash with American cheese, bacon and char-broiled tomatoes and topped with a typical burger sauce.

Estelle: 1806 St Clair Ave., St. Paul; 651-330-9648; estellestp.com

The 2022 burger at Estelle in St. Paul. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)

12. Sonder Shaker

The buzz around this burger has been strong for the past few years, and after finally getting there to try it, we know why. Two wagyu beef patties are smashed and griddled until they develop a nice, crispy meat skirt. They’re topped with melty American cheese, house-made pickles and a fairly standard burger sauce. There’s nothing really outrageously different about this burger — it’s just executed perfectly. Though at $19 ($20 with the restaurant’s crisp, handcut fries) the price tag is not for the faint of heart or light of wallet. That said, the cocktails here are top-notch, too.

Sonder Shaker: 130 Hennepin Ave. E., Minneapolis; 612-353-6557; sondershaker.com

The burger at Sonder Shaker in Minneapolis. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)

13. Gus Gus

We’ve given lots of love to chef Jason Hansen’s burger mind, and this double smash burger is based off the one at Stewart’s, which occupied the space before Gus Gus moved in last year. The two patties are juicy and beefy and crispy around the edges; exactly what we’re looking for. The caramelized onions and mustard aioli are both great. The burger’s one possible downside is the too-thick American cheese, which makes things so slippery that eating the burger is a challenge. The fries are served with ketchup, but hot tip: Ask for a side of the bagna cauda aioli, which comes with the fries when you order them as an app.

Gus Gus: 128 N. Cleveland Ave., St. Paul; 651-645-4128; gusgusmn.com

The cheeseburger at Gus Gus is a double smash burger with American cheese, caramelized onions, and mustard aioli, shown here on Oct. 8, 2022. (Jared Kaufman / Pioneer Press)

14. Everywhen Burger Bar

This burger spot, from restaurateur Jami Olson and executive chef Jose Alarcon, has set up shop in St. Paul this year, after starting on Eat Street in Minneapolis. Like Minneapolis, the St. Paul location is a dual concept, sharing space with taco-centric Centro.  Their Nicollet Burger is a single smashed patty with the fixings: American cheese, pickles, lettuce, tomato, onions, mayo. And it rocks. The meat itself is perfectly seasoned and crispy. And with just one patty, it’s a good lunch burger — not so heavy that it weighs you down for the afternoon. Nothing over-the-top; a classic done right. (Worth noting: Their chicken sandwich is also delightful, but that’s another story.)

Everywhen Burger Bar: 750 S. Cleveland Ave., St. Paul, 612-489-5558 or 2412 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis, 612-452-9785; everywhenburgers.com

15. DeGidio’s

This burger was created when the now 90-year-old West Seventh Street Italian institution hired chef Shane Oporto, formerly of La Belle Vie and Octo FishBar, to consult on some menu items. Owner Jason Tschida knew he couldn’t change any of the old-school Italian favorites, so they “worked around the edges” of the menu, starting with this absolute stunner of a burger. It’s two patties, recently upgraded to wagyu beef, enrobed with nutty taleggio cheese and topped with a proprietary special sauce and a few crisp pickles before being nestled in a pillowy egg bun. And the fries are cut in-house and worth every calorie.

DeGidio’s: 425 W. 7th St., St. Paul; 651-291-7105; degidios.com

 

16. Chip’s Clubhouse

The buzz around this restaurant, which opened during the pandemic, from Hot Hands & Pie owner Tara Coleman and her friend Gina Mangiameli, is still going strong, and a lot of that buzz surrounds the burger.

Mangiameli worked for the Chicago restaurant group that includes Au Cheval, which is the place that inspired our local double-smash-burger trend. You can order Mangiameli’s version with one patty or two. I recommend a second, mostly for the meat-to-bun ratio. Share it if you must. The patties are wider than the (properly buttered and toasted) bun, and brought to a perfect crisp on a griddle. Thinly sliced onion and just the right amount of pickle bring the crunch. And a mustardy sauce perks things up.

Chip’s Clubhouse:  272 S. Snelling Ave., No. 200, St. Paul; 651-330-1617; visitchips.com

The burger at Chip’s Clubhouse in St. Paul. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)

17. Kyndred Hearth

Did you know Ann Kim, queen of pizza, has a burger? Consider yourself informed. And as with everything else Kim creates, it’s delicious. It’s a trendy double-smash, adorned with American cheese, deeply caramelized onions, lettuce and fresh pickles and served on a soft bun. I went with friends, and we split the burger and some pizzas, because if you go to an Ann Kim pizza restaurant and don’t get pizza, were you even there?

Kyndred Hearth: 2611 Nordic Way, Eagan; 651-689-9800; omnihotels.com/hotels/viking-lakes-minnesota/dining/kyndred-hearth

 

18. Tongue in Cheek

Chef Leonard Anderson might be known for catering to vegans, but he knows his way around (sustainably raised) meat, too. The restaurant’s deceptively simple cheeseburger starts with a properly seasoned, juicy patty that is topped with just the right amount of melty American cheese, a great pickley sauce, crisp, shredded romaine and fresh pickles, all nestled in a lovely, squishy bun. The fries are good, too. While you’re there, balance things out with some vegetables, because the chef’s vegan and vegetarian dishes are some of our favorites in town.

Tongue in Cheek: 989 Payne Ave., St. Paul; 651-888-6148; tongueincheek.biz

 

19. Petite Leon

Chef Jorge Guzman is a master of flavor building, so it’s no surprise that his creation is frequently on the lips of those who obsess about burgers. Guzman is on the double-smash train, but he gives it the Oklahoma twist, which involves smashing some thinly sliced onions into those juicy (Peterson beef) patties. There’s melty cheese, but not too much, house-made pickles for pucker and a toasty milk bun. The cocktails and the rest of the menu items here are fabulous, too.

Petite Leon: 3800 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis; 612-208-1247; petiteleonmpls.com

20. Stepchld

Most everything on this Northeast Minneapolis neighborhood restaurant menu is slightly askew — like, Ethiopian spiced birria tacos or garlic noodles with Japanese flavors — but the burger is pretty straightforward. It’s also delicious. Another double-smash, it has good beef flavor and proper char, crisp house-made pickles, and a squishy bun just like most of the others. Two things set it apart though: Super melty Cooper’s sharp American cheese and a swipe of smoky chipotle aioli. The shoestring fries that accompany it are also delicious.

Stepchld: 24 University Ave. N.E., Minneapolis; 612-354-7409; www.stepchld.com

21. Baldamar

This swanky steakhouse, which is also behind 6Smith in Wayzata, knows its way around a burger. Its lunch burger is a stunner: Two giant patties, plenty of melty swiss cheese and bacon that’s cured and smoked in-house join crisp iceberg, a brandy peppercorn sauce and fried onions on an airy Breadsmith roll for a tasty, and utterly filling (really, consider sharing it) sandwich. The hand-cut, deep-golden fries, served with a truffle aioli, aren’t hurting anything, either. We have yet to try the dinner burger, made with wagyu beef and topped with gouda and American cheeses, but it’s on our list of things to do.

Baldamar: 1642 W. County Road B2, Roseville; 651-796-0040; baldamar.com

This is the burger at Baldamar, the steakhouse at Rosedale Center. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)

22. 112 Eatery

The spot has become a pilgrimage for burger connoisseurs and it’s easy to see why. James Beard winner chef Isaac Becker takes the classic burger to gourmet heights. The 112 Cheeseburger with grass-fed beef from Niman Ranch out of Iowa is blended with eggs, sauteed onions and spices for a juicy and tasty 6-ounce patty. It’s served with brie on a toasty English muffin, which is off the beaten path, but works wonderfully, allowing diners more enjoyment of the quality, mouthwatering patty without too much bun. House-made pickles with cucumbers with Fresno and Serrano chiles served on the side also add to the deliciousness of this dish.

112 Eatery: 112 N. Third St., Minneapolis; 612-343-7696; 112eatery.com

23. St. Dinette

If this restaurant’s decision to add plenty of butter to its burger’s beef grind is wrong, I don’t wanna be right. This simple, juicy, two-patty beauty, slathered with American cheese made in-house from Wisconsin cheddar, Wisconsin gruyere and champagne is absolutely one of our top three burgers. The burger comes unadorned, with a pile of sweet, house-made pickles on the side. You should order it while sitting at the bar, where the talented, friendly bartending staff takes care of all your drink needs and then some.

St. Dinette: 261 E. Fifth St., St. Paul; 651-800-1415; saintdinette.com.

Chef Adam Eaton’s buttery burger at St. Dinette in St. Paul. (Pioneer Press: Jessica Fleming)

24. Revival

The care that Chef Thomas Boemer puts into all his food is absolutely apparent in this burger. Boemer grinds grass-fed beef in-house, using 80% short rib and 20% brisket. That specific grind, tested over many months, gave Boemer the mouthfeel he was looking for. It’s purposely split into two patties to double the char flavor, but it’s somehow still pink in the middle. The meat is so good it almost doesn’t need cheese, but it doesn’t hurt, either. Even the slightly undersized bun is designed to put the focus on that fantastic meat. You can top it with really thick-cut bacon for an extra $2, but it doesn’t need it. At all. We could go on, but we’ll stop with this: Go get it.

Revival: 525 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 651-340-2355; 4257 Nicollet Ave. S., Minneapolis, 612-345-4516; revivalfriedchicken.com

The Revival burger with a side of buttery grits.(Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)

25. The Lexington

Our love for this half-pound behemoth cannot be overstated. Dearly departed chef Jack Riebel’s recipe — house-ground steak trimmings to create a simple, beefy, juicy, stupid delicious burger that really does taste like steak — is still going strong. It’s topped simply with Swiss cheese, shredded lettuce, pickles, onions and the Lex “special sauce.” The swanky atmosphere of the Lex only adds to the experience.

The Lexington: 1096 Grand Ave., St. Paul; 651-289-4990; thelexmn.com

The burger at The Lexington on St. Paul’s Grand Avenue. (Jess Fleming / Pioneer Press)

26. Borough/Parlour

The Parlour Burger is served unadorned, save for what looks like a few slap-dash sliced pickles on the side, but it would be a mistake to judge this sandwich by its cover. Two thin, perfectly seared patties (made from freshly ground sirloin, rib-eye and brisket) absolutely drip with cheese and are contained by a grilled bun. In Minneapolis, if you want it for lunch, you’ll have to hit the upstairs stunner, Borough, or get it downstairs at the cocktail-centric Parlour in the evening. But at Parlour St. Paul, you can get it whenever they’re open.

Borough: 730 Washington Ave. N., Minneapolis; 612-354-3135; boroughmpls.com
Parlour St. Paul: 267 W. Seventh St., St. Paul; 651-207-4433; parlourbar.com

The burger at Parlour Bar in St. Paul. (John Autey / Pioneer Press)

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