A plant-based burger bar causing a citywide craving crisis in Minneapolis is not what most people expect when they walk up to unassuming Francis Burger Joint, but that’s exactly the kind of plot twist locals now brag about to out-of-town friends.
This is the spot where “killer burgers” are promised in huge letters and then totally deliver, even though everything is 100% plant-based and proudly powered by Impossible patties, meatless “chicken,” and house-made vegan “bacon.” 😋
The Juicy Minneapolis Burger Shocking Meat Lovers One Bite At A Time
The Francis story starts with a runaway pig folk hero named Francis from Red Deer, Canada, who escaped a slaughterhouse, evaded capture, and became such a legend he’s now immortalized in a museum display and local lore. 🐷
In his honor, the team behind Francis Burger Joint built a place where none of Francis’s barnyard cousins end up on your plate, yet the burgers still drip down your hand and trigger that “I’m already planning my next visit” feeling.
From day one, Francis has had a bold mission: show meat-eaters that plant-based food can hit every comforting, greasy, joyfully messy note of a classic American burger bar, complete with expertly seared patties, crispy fries, juicy “chicken,” and a stacked drink list. 🍔
Local buzz, social feeds, and word of mouth latched onto the idea of Minneapolis’ only fully vegan bar, spotlighted in features like this deep-dive from Eater Twin Cities, and suddenly this former food-truck concept at Sociable Cider Werks became a two-location powerhouse in Northeast and along East Lake Street.
Highlights listed on the Francis press page—from “Best Vegan Restaurants in America” nods to “Best Plant-Based Burgers in the Twin Cities” shoutouts—helped push Francis from neighborhood favorite to “you haven’t been yet?” staple on every local’s suggestion list.
If you’re building an itinerary around plant-powered eats, guides like Minneapolis–St. Paul’s Best Vegan and Vegetarian Food and platforms like HappyCow regularly point hungry travelers toward Francis for its burgers, “chicken,” and fully vegan bar. 🌱
On social media, guests rave about the experience in ways that feel more like love letters than reviews. 💌
Scroll through Francis’ Instagram and you’ll see towering burgers, vibrant cocktails, loaded fries, and behind-the-scenes clips that make it easy to understand why out-of-towners are starting to add Francis to their Minneapolis food bucket lists. 📸
Food Highlights
-
Juicy Luicy: A vegan spin on Minnesota’s iconic cheese-stuffed burger, this version uses an Impossible patty and molten dairy-free cheese to recreate that dramatic, oozing first bite, giving guests the full Juicy Lucy thrill—just without the meat-induced food coma. 🍔
-
Classic Francis Burger: Their signature house burger layers an Impossible patty with melty vegan cheese, fresh toppings, and a soft bun for that “perfect first-timer” experience, giving guests a familiar, fast-casual style burger that still feels special enough to plan a night around.
-
Crispy “Chicken” Sandwich: A crunchy, golden-fried plant-based “chicken” patty is stacked with pickles, lettuce, and creamy sauce, offering the full crispy-sandwich fantasy to anyone who usually orders poultry instead of beef but still wants that indulgent, two-handed sandwich moment.
-
Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Charred, well-seasoned Brussels sprouts arrive with that addictive bar-snack crunch, becoming the sharable side everyone keeps reaching for between burger bites, perfect for groups that want something a little green but still seriously fun. 🥦
-
Chocolate Milkshake: Thick, creamy, and dairy-free, this shake delivers pure nostalgia in a frosty glass, pairing perfectly with a burger and fries while giving guests the “old-school malt shop” experience in a totally plant-based package. 🍫
-
Big Dill Mocktail: Bright, tangy, and packed with pickle brine personality, this zero-proof sipper cuts through rich flavors with a playful, briny snap, making it ideal for guests who want a memorable drink without the alcohol. 🥒
-
Rainbow Sprinkle Sugar Cookie & Ice Cream Collab: In partnership with MN Non Dairy Lab, rainbow-sprinkled sugar cookies become creamy cookies-and-cream ice cream and ice cream sandwiches, ending the meal on a colorful, nostalgia-heavy high that tastes more like childhood dessert than “vegan alternative.” 🍨
Atmosphere
The vibe at Francis Burger Joint is part neighborhood hangout, part modern vegan bar, with upbeat music, warm lighting, and a relaxed crowd that feels like a mix of regulars, brewery-hoppers, and travelers chasing their next great burger story.
Guests consistently highlight the friendly, welcoming staff who walk newcomers through the plant-based options without an ounce of preachiness, making the whole experience feel easy, inclusive, and fun.
The Northeast location on Central Ave gives you buzzy, urban energy that pairs perfectly with a brewery crawl, while the East Lake Street spot brings a laid-back, locals-first feel that makes lingering over a mocktail or dessert feel totally natural. ✨
Bottom Line
Plant-based skeptic or vegan die-hard, Francis Burger Joint delivers seriously craveable burgers, comfort sides, and fun drinks in a lively, inclusive atmosphere that turns one casual stop into the kind of story you’ll tell your friends about when you get home.
Address:
2422 Central Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418
📞 (612) 208-6870
🕔 Mon–Thu, 11 AM–9 PM; Fri, 11 AM–10 PM; Sat, 10 AM–10 PM; Sun, 10 AM–9 PM