Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Shakopee, MN

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

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

SOUTH MINNEAPOLIS. Cozy Scott Ja-Mamas enjoys fine status as one of the area's best barbecue dives, and identifying two...

SOUTH MINNEAPOLIS. Cozy Scott Ja-Mamas enjoys fine status as one of the area's best barbecue dives, and identifying two or three standouts on the menu is impossible since everything tastes so good! Follow the "Hot Barbecue" neon sign, and you'll find finger-licking spare ribs, barbecued chicken, and shredded pork, along with a selection of sauces: mild, medium, or hot (and they do mean HOT!). Consider throwing a twice-baked potato into the mix, too. Come early for lunch, because seating is often limited. If you do have to wait, check out the eclectic decor, which includes poker-playing dog art and newspaper clippings.

Hours: Wed-Fri 11am-9pm; Sat Noon-9pm

Payment Methods: Cash Only

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

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

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

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. A five-spot will get you a canned soda and a loaded, Chicago-style dog at this beyond-casual spot,...

SOUTH MINNEAPOLIS. A five-spot will get you a canned soda and a loaded, Chicago-style dog at this beyond-casual spot, where every table sports red and white checkered tablecloths and a roll of paper towels. If you're brave, attempt the house specialty: a Vienna Beef dog served on a poppy seed bun and smothered in mustard, "nuclear relish," onions, and celery salt. Juicy and sure to satisfy, it's a taste straight from the South Side. Other choices ­ including pizzas, Italian beef sandwiches, Maxwell Street Polishes, and meatball sandwiches ­ are equally tempting and grease-laden. NB Formerly called Joey D's.

Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-9pm; Sun 11am-7pm

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

SOUTH MINNEAPOLIS. One of the best deals around, this closely guarded secret specializes in hot (that is atomic)...

SOUTH MINNEAPOLIS. One of the best deals around, this closely guarded secret specializes in hot (that is atomic) barbecue. Ted Cook's, which has been feeding people well for more than thirty years, offers everything from beef and pork ribs to traditional barbecued chickens, as well as a variety of down-home Southern sides like black-eyed peas, home-fries, collard greens and, oh yes indeed, sweet potato pie. By the way, you'll kick yourself later if you don't take home one of Ms. Davis's homemade desserts. Take-out only.

Hours: Tue-Fri 11am-10pm; Sat-Sun 1pm-10pm

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