Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Minneapolis West, MN

SOUTHWEST MINNEAPOLIS. Those seeking distinctive Minneapolis bakeries turn to Turtle Bread Company for delightfully...

SOUTHWEST MINNEAPOLIS. Those seeking distinctive Minneapolis bakeries turn to Turtle Bread Company for delightfully flavorful treats. Their handcrafted artisan breads come in a wonderful variety of flavors, including cracked wheat, brioche, olive and rosemary levain, country sourdough and French rolls. Pastries, cookies and pies are also available, as is a deli menu featuring soups, salads, sandwiches and quiche. Be sure to browse the gourmet grocery section for specialty salad dressings, preserves, cheeses and marinades, too.

Hours: Daily 6am-9pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Diner's Club

UPTOWN. Cheap and vegetarian-friendly, Kinhdo is a hit with the Twin Cities lunch crowd. Along with Vietnamese recipes,...

UPTOWN. Cheap and vegetarian-friendly, Kinhdo is a hit with the Twin Cities lunch crowd. Along with Vietnamese recipes, the menu features Chinese and Thai influences in the tasty fare. Everyday lunch specials (including soup) are available and a superb noontime bargain. Most dishes are noodle-based and feature an array of meats and masterfully cooked tofu. The majority of dishes can also be prepared vegan upon request. Crunchy egg rolls and spring rolls are palatable additions to any meal.

Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-9pm; Fri-Sat 11am-10pm; Sun Noon-9pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Diner's Club

UPTOWN. This barbecue chain serves some of the best ribs, burgers, and chops in the Twin Cities. The place may seem a...

UPTOWN. This barbecue chain serves some of the best ribs, burgers, and chops in the Twin Cities. The place may seem a little upscale for a barbecue joint, but there's something to be said for enjoying a rack of ribs and a few cornbread muffins while surrounded by antiques. A popular lunch destination, especially with the business crowd. Sunday brunch is served 10am till 2pm.

Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-1am; Fri-Sat 11am-2am; Sun 10am-Midnight

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

EDEN PRAIRIE. Just how authentic is Baker's? Try this on for size: It's the only one of nine locations not in the Lone...

EDEN PRAIRIE. Just how authentic is Baker's? Try this on for size: It's the only one of nine locations not in the Lone Star State. Folksy and casual, they've built their rep on stick-to-your-ribs, hickory-smoked meats. In fact, their dishes have been called "tall food" thanks to their hefty sandwiches (chicken is the most popular). Of course, there's a wide selection of barbecue options too ­ pulled pork, beef brisket, and ribs, for example. You can order a sandwich, a plate, or take something home by the pound.

Hours: Mon-Wed 11am-8:30pm; Thu-Sat 11am-9pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express , Diner's Club

DOWNTOWN. Style steals the show at The News Room, where the spacious patio overlooks Nicollet Mall and the kitchen...

DOWNTOWN. Style steals the show at The News Room, where the spacious patio overlooks Nicollet Mall and the kitchen serves up "three squares" every day. The space plays up the newsy theme, and the walls in each room are decorated with covers and clips devoted to different sections from the newspaper. Also newsworthy are the loos, which have prison-issue toilets and one-way mirrors behind the sinks. As for the eats, the lunch menu caters to just about any type or size of appetite, from salads topped with pecan-crusted tilapia, to Chicago-style Italian beef sandwiches, to full-on feasts of Southern-fried chicken and garlic mashed potatoes smothered in country gravy.

Hours: Sun-Thu 7:30am-1am; Fri-Sat 7:30am-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

WHITTIER. Serving great Chinese food since 1987, Rainbow boasts detailed murals and soft, ambient lighting. Locals brag...

WHITTIER. Serving great Chinese food since 1987, Rainbow boasts detailed murals and soft, ambient lighting. Locals brag about Rainbow's scrumptious wontons and its moo shu pork, but you'll also enjoy shrimp with lobster sauce, squid with black bean sauce, and sautéed duck with ginger root. Diners wanting a true Chinese feast are encouraged to call ahead and make arrangements for owner/chef Tammy Wong's special "Round Table Dinner."

Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-2pm, 4:30pm-9:30pm; Fri 11am-2pm, 4:30pm-11pm; Sat 11am-11pm; Sun 11am-9:30pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express , Diner's Club

WHITTIER. A two-year renovation is cause for celebration, and one of the favorite dinner spots in Minneapolis is open...

WHITTIER. A two-year renovation is cause for celebration, and one of the favorite dinner spots in Minneapolis is open again. Little Tijuana is still serving the tasty menu they're known for--nachos, burritos, tacos and burgers. But now, diners can wash it down with a cold one from the full bar.

Hours: Daily 11am-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express

SOUTH MINNEAPOLIS. This understated yet classy spot in South Minneapolis gets high marks for its intimate tables and...

SOUTH MINNEAPOLIS. This understated yet classy spot in South Minneapolis gets high marks for its intimate tables and wallet-friendly prices. But that doesn't mean the one-time bakery doesn't turn out creative fare ­ they do, in fact, and manage to utilize a fair amount of local ingredients along the way. Representative dishes from the dinner menu include a duck confit and garlic-lamb meatball cassoulet, polenta cakes, and braised short ribs with homemade spatezle. Weekend brunch features delights like corned beef hash made with Kobe brisket and huevos rancheros filled with Berkshire pork confit.

Hours: Tue-Thu 11am-2:30pm, 5pm-9pm; Fri 11am-2:30pm, 5pm-10pm; Sat 8am-2:30pm, 5pm-10pm; Sun 8am-2:30pm, 5pm-9pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , Diner's Club

DOWNTOWN. You'll find enormous portions of down-home breakfast fare served all day at this popular local chain eatery....

DOWNTOWN. You'll find enormous portions of down-home breakfast fare served all day at this popular local chain eatery. Pancakes and omelets come dangerously close to falling off the edge of your plate, while eggs and just-greasy-enough roast beef or Italian sausage hash are favorites with regulars. Sweet treats abound for diners who need a little sugar in the a.m., including oversized cinnamon rolls with heavy glaze and a side of creamed butter. The place is known for breakfast, but a satisfying selection of sandwiches and soups is served for lunch and dinner.

Hours: Mon-Fri 6:30am-10pm; Sat 7am-10pm; Sun 8am-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

DOWNTOWN. Ike's plays up the supper club concept quite well with its vintage booths, hardwoods, kitschy framed...

DOWNTOWN. Ike's plays up the supper club concept quite well with its vintage booths, hardwoods, kitschy framed memorabilia, and even old school-caliber mixed drinks. Burgers (good ones) and shakes characterize the afternoon offerings, and the kitchen serves up a handful of larger portions in the evenings ­ usually including a steak, blue plate special, and seafood dish. Eating aside, one look at the bar will tell you this retro spot is good destination for evening cocktails, and if you come during the work week, expect awesome happy hour prices on eats and drinks.

Hours: Mon-Thu 7am-10pm; Fri 7am-10:30pm; Sat 10am-10:30pm; Sun 10am-8pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club