Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Rochester, MN

ROCHESTER. For a quick sandwich, salad, or bowl of homemade soup, the cafe in the Athletic Club offers a pleasant...

ROCHESTER. For a quick sandwich, salad, or bowl of homemade soup, the cafe in the Athletic Club offers a pleasant setting that's popular with business-types. Decorated with Rochester-related sports memorabilia, the seating area is relaxed and relatively quiet, making it a great setting for a power lunch. In addition, the menu offers a handful of dessert items as well as gourmet coffee drinks, beer, and wine. Group/banquet space is available.

Hours: Mon-Thu 8:30am-9pm; Fri 8:30am-8pm; Sat 8:30am-7pm; Sun Noon-6pm

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

ROCHESTER. Locals are split down the middle over who serves better barbecue: Roscoe's or this rustic little roadside...

ROCHESTER. Locals are split down the middle over who serves better barbecue: Roscoe's or this rustic little roadside shack. John Hardy, who passed on in 1986, was an Alabama native who brought a touch of the Deep South with him when he moved to Rochester ­ fried okra, black-eyed peas and, of course, delicious smoked meats topped with masterful barbecue sauces. The place's interior (aluminum chairs, paneling, '70s basement decor) probably won't knock your socks off, but then it won't really matter once you've sunk your teeth into pulled pork flavored with Hardy's famous Bad Boy Hot Sauce. There's an additional location at 1940 Broadway South (507-281-1727).

Hours: Mon-Thu 10:30am-9pm; Fri 10:30am-10pm; Sat 11am-10pm; Sun 11am-9pm

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

ROCHESTER. Ask a Rochester local, and you'll likely learn that the best way to reward yourself for a job well done is to...

ROCHESTER. Ask a Rochester local, and you'll likely learn that the best way to reward yourself for a job well done is to stop by this downtown bakery. Breakfast treats include apricot and cinnamon danishes, made-from scratch bagels, authentic Scottish scones, and famous Paczki (jam or custard-filled donuts). If a late afternoon pick-me-up is in order, their deli-style sweets should hit the spot ­ Snicker Doodles, Big Apple-style Black and White Cookies, and Cheesecake Brownies are particular treats. Daube's also prepares terrific specialty sandwiches, soups, and salads for lunch, along with the occasional quiche or knish.

Hours: Mon-Sat 6am-6pm; Sun 7:30am-2pm

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

ROCHESTER. This oddly named restaurant, whose handle pays homage to the 30,000 or so feathered flyers that visit...

ROCHESTER. This oddly named restaurant, whose handle pays homage to the 30,000 or so feathered flyers that visit Rochester each winter, has been a community standard since the mid-1980s. Fun and family-friendly, Canadian Honker features a wide range of dishes, from pub fare to steaks and chops. Those needing a sugar or caffeine fix will be pleased to find homemade hot fudge or turtle sundaes, Canadian cream puffs, and apple crisp pie. In addition, an espresso bar serves up hot specialty drinks ­ few things warm the bones like a 16-ounce caffe mocha. Group reservations are accepted.

Hours: Daily 7am-10pm

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

ROCHESTER. Known as one of the better Italian eateries in the southeastern corner, Victoria's offers a pleasant...

ROCHESTER. Known as one of the better Italian eateries in the southeastern corner, Victoria's offers a pleasant departure from run-of-the-mill chains that have been popping up around Rochester over the last decade. Don't let the plaza location fool you ­ this classy restaurant is ideal for those seeking out an intimate setting in which to carry on a conversation without having to talk over the crowd. Homestyle daily specials usually include a meat or chicken dish accompanied by a bottle of house wine, and Victoria's hearty pasta dishes are deliciously well done.

Hours: Daily 10:30am-10pm

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

ROCHESTER. Known for its elegant atmosphere and top-notch service, Michaels has enjoyed a privileged place on...

ROCHESTER. Known for its elegant atmosphere and top-notch service, Michaels has enjoyed a privileged place on Rochester's restaurant scene since 1951. Inside, the walls are hung with scores of original paintings ­ some done by local artists, and all for sale. Roast Long Island Duckling over wild rice, Caramelized New Bedford Scallops in balsamic vinaigrette, and Garides Tourkolomino (Gulf shrimp with feta cheese and spinach manestra) earn particular praise from the regular crowd. Reservations are suggested.

Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-10pm

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

ROCHESTER. This unique deli and gourmet grocery, located downtown next to Henry Wellington, offers a wide range of hot...

ROCHESTER. This unique deli and gourmet grocery, located downtown next to Henry Wellington, offers a wide range of hot and cold "to go" options. In the morning, the store is filled with the aroma of fresh-brewed coffee, and patrons sip cups of espresso or cappuccino while perusing display shelves and checking out the daily baked goods. Lunchtime sees a bevy of fresh specialty sandwiches, salads, and homemade soups. The market even carries a few pre-prepared lunch and dinner plates from the Redwood Room, Henry Wellington's, and Broadstreet's ­ ranging from pizzas to nacho platters to Mediterranean quiche.

Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-3pm

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

ROCHESTER. One of the area's more exclusive dining experiences, this laid back downtowner sports a homey feel, its...

ROCHESTER. One of the area's more exclusive dining experiences, this laid back downtowner sports a homey feel, its interior punctuated by low lights on exposed brick walls and a bar topped with antique eucalyptus wood. It features "New American" style cuisine that is freshly prepared with no ethnic boundaries. Fresh fish is flown in direct from Destin, Florida, and the coasts, along with fresh rope grown mussels, highlighting the uniquely creative menu. There are also plenty of pork, chicken, pasta, beef, and vegetarian entrees. Outdoor dining on the street-side patio is available during warmer months. After dinner, head upstairs to Newt's for an evening nightcap in a relaxing setting.

Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-11pm; Sat 5pm-11pm; Sun 5pm-10pm

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

ROCHESTER. A Rochester standard since the first Reagan administration, Roscoe's enjoys fame that's not limited to...

ROCHESTER. A Rochester standard since the first Reagan administration, Roscoe's enjoys fame that's not limited to Minnesota's southeast corner ­ no, their ribs have walked away with several trophies over the last decade or so, most of which are showcased in the dining area. Go for either a slab of BBQ ribs, smoked chicken, or a pulled pork sandwich, and be sure to team it up with an order of JoJo potaoes, BBQ beans, or homemade potato salad. There's an additional location at Cedarwood Plaza (507-281-4622).

Hours: Tue-Sun 11am-9pm

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

ROCHESTER. The Clarion Inn's restaurant, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, features a wide menu selection,...

ROCHESTER. The Clarion Inn's restaurant, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, features a wide menu selection, from steaks and seafood to pastas and sandwiches. Before or after dinner, patrons can look to the adjacent Viking Lounge for a casual setting in which to enjoy favorite cocktails or draft beers. If a little competition is in order, the lounge offers an area with video games and a pool table, as well as a handful of televisions usually tuned to local teams in action.

Hours: Mon-Thu 6am-9:30pm; Fri-Sat 6am-10pm; Sun 7am-9pm

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