CAFE MAUDE
Chef Aaron Slavicek takes the chill off with bison chili, grilled lamb skewers with saffron-scented couscous, a hearty vegetarian green curry over basmati rice and other tasty treats. The cozy bar shakes up all manner of colorful, mood-enhancing cocktails.
5411 Penn Av. S., Mpls., 612-822-5411, www.cafemaude.com
DAKOTA JAZZ CLUB & RESTAURANT
Make merry in the bar (Cuban pianist Nachito Herrera takes the stage Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.) over chef Jack Riebel's smoked fish assortment, a BLT stuffed with cornmeal-crusted catfish, walleye cakes and one of the city's most irresistible burgers.
1010 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., 612-332-1010, www.dakotacooks.com
LA BELLE VIE
Throw something sparkly on your back, take a highly coveted seat in the lounge, sip one of bartender Johnny Michael's "Mistletoe" martinis and graze through chef Tim McKee's meant-to-be-shared menu, including polenta-crusted prawns and fabulous lamb sliders.
510 Groveland Av., Mpls., 612-874-6440, www.labellevie.us
RED STAG SUPPERCLUB
Owner Kim Bartmann's lively salute to the beloved northern Wisconsin supper clubs of her youth hops every Friday night with its swell a la carte fish fry (don't miss the smelt fries). Chef Brian Hauke puts out a terrific weekend brunch; order the green eggs and ham (poached eggs and ham with herb hollandaise sauce over biscuits) or the lobster egg-salad sandwich.
509 1st Av. NE., Mpls., 612-767-7766,
