American • $$ • 18 W. 26th St., Mpls. • 612-767-6850
If you happen to be sipping a delicious elixir at Eat Street Social, you might have occasion to bump into co-owner Sam Bonin, and he's likely to be in some stylish attire such as white slacks with matching shoes, looking for all the world like he just stepped off of a yacht. The civilized life: spot-on mixology, beautiful people, a leisurely chat while simultaneously checking out the hottie on the other side of the bar. These are the tenets of "the Social," where solid bistro fare seals it all together in one elegant parcel. Do as I do and visit at happy hour and order every single one of the pinxos -- Spanish- and Brazilian-inspired grilled meats on skewers served with heavily buttered char-grilled bread. More intoxicating than the sum of their parts, these treats must be sampled to be believed. Also, consider buying a round of beers for the kitchen; you might even get your pinxos after their designated hour if you try this trick. In addition to a formidable cocktail menu by progressive-drinking superstar Nick Kosevich, the Social offers a soda fountain for teetotalers. Most important, be in the know: When Sam starts to make the rounds with snifters of beer, get ready to raise a toast at the sound of the bell. Ding-ding. It's time for a social. MECCA BOS
American • $$ • 2528 Nicollet Av. S., Mpls. • 612-276-6523
Located inside a real 19th-century ice company, Icehouse has been rocking out Eat Street since June with cool local music, crazy/genius cocktails and chef Matthew Bickford's cozy-chic nosh. There is even a sweet, small rear patio overlooking a surreal Stonehenge-esque park. But as the air turns brisk and then icy, you will probably want to warm up inside with some boldly spiced, dry-rubbed buffalo wings and zany-good $5 sipping shots, like the carbonated version of a bourbon Manhattan called the "Playing Make Up, Wearing Guitar." Or the stripped-down splendor of the "Strangers in the Night": vodka with a smidge of salty caramel and a big, briny Marcona almond-stuffed green olive. Big-plate classics like lobster and steak are also on offer, but small plates like the campfire cowboy crock of legumes, garlic sausage and tender pork belly known as Bill's Electric Beans offer plenty of fodder for sustenance and spirited conversation. Finish with one of the unusual creamy sundaes featuring expertly paired flavor combinations, like bourbon-caramel-mint. That will warm your spirits, even from within this house of ice.KAT KLUEGEL
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ASIAN TASTE: Takeout-ready Chinese food, sushi and a bar, open late-night. (1400 Nicollet Av. S., Mpls. 612-871-2898.)
Bad Waitress Breakfast Joint & Coffee Shop: American. Winkingly divey diner makes customers write down their own orders at the counter, but the food delivered by the perfectly competent wait staff makes up for the inconvenience. Well-executed spins on classic American fare, including a robust breakfast selection. (2 E. 26th St., Mpls., 612-872-7575.) (James Norton)
Jasmine Deli: Vietnamese. Offering quick and delicious Vietnamese classics, Jasmine Deli has become a temple to the idea of good cheap eats. From bountiful spring rolls to the hot bowls of soulfully flavored soup to broken rice plates, the extremely casual Jasmine offers little pretense, low prices and a great deal of comfort. (2532 Nicollet Av. S., Mpls., 612-870-4700.)
Hoang Thien Y: Vietnamese. Serving up cuisine ranging from the comforting (pork bahn mi) to the confounding (tripe and durian fruit, for starters). Go in with an open mind and flexible palate. (2738 Nicollet Av. S., Mpls., 612-874-9145.) (J.N.)
Krung Thep Thai: Authentic Thai cooking including soups, curries, salads, spring rolls and more. (2523 Nicollet Av. S., Mpls., 612-874-7721.)
Little Tijuana Cafe: Mexican favorites from this college rite-of-passage, which recently reopened with a bar. (17 E. 26th St., Mpls., 612-872-0578.)
