American • $$ • 3510 Nicollet Av. S. • 612-822-8216
Pat's Tap (full name: Pat's Tap Skee Club and Gastro Pub) is like a young adult version of Showbiz Pizza -- except with upscale American comfort grub, a shocking selection of beer in cans and on tap, and no snake-like chains of tickets redeemable for worthless plastic prizes. Pat's is the neighborhood go-to for convivial vibes and satisfying grub among friends. It's great for restorative brunches with elixirs like Wake Up! Beer (porter with espresso) and eggs galore. Notable apps include beautiful Castle Rock Creamery cheese-curd gems accompanied by a tiny upside-down top hat of Sir Kensington's bold and deeply flavored spiced ketchup. Other fan faves include flavorful mahi mahi tacos with corn tortillas and all the fixings. Or the reliably tasty sandwiches, like the honey- and harissa-grilled chicken on foccacia with pickled chiles, Manchego and garlic aioli. Since Kim Bartmann's retro skee ball machines don't give out tickets for winning, you'll have to make up your own prizes, which is kind of a fun game in itself. KAT KLUEGEL
Fusion • $$$ • 2724 W. 43rd St., Mpls. • 612-354-2197
Forget about your "brasserie" notions of steak frites, onion soup and goblets of beer and wine -- although they have all of that, too. Harriet Brasserie is the United Nations of eating establishments -- a confluence of cuisines that comes off classic, yet daring and altogether new. The brainchild of three men -- one French, one Brazilian and one American -- Harriet's influences are rich, heady, spicy, sometimes familiar and other times brilliantly novel. Take the "Niçoise-esque," which lays a requisite foundation of greens and tuna, but veers to the east with sesame orange vinaigrette, edamame, taro and tobiko. Or, instead of staid old seared scallops, how about bedfellows of blood sausage with red pepper and cilantro? Timeless dishes exist happily with these, and are done with exacting precision -- omelettes, Benedicts, mussels, fried chicken -- but do not be surprised to find an eye-opening ingredient tossed in for interest. This kitchen is not afraid to use ginger, sambal, sardines, fermented black beans and liver anywhere it deems appropriate for maximum flavor. White linens lend an air of elegance, yet Harriet is plenty appropriate for dropping in on the bar for some fries with béarnaise and a Pacifico after a jog around the lake. And who doesn't want a Mexican brewski and a Francophile snack after working up a sweat? You've earned it. MECCA BOS
FIKA
Scandinavian • $ • 2600 Park Av. S., Mpls. • 612-871-4907
Nordic figure carving, textile design and Swedish basket weavings are lovely, yes, but not on an empty stomach. No sir. When Michael Fitzgerald decided to take the reins of the newly designed cafe Fika at the equally spanking new remodel of the American Swedish Institute, he was set on striking that sweet spot that honors tradition without remaining stale, and surprises without getting weird and flouting said tradition. And, while new Nordic cooking is all the rage with the cool culinary kids (see: the Bachelor Farmer), Fitzgerald remains realistic. You'll find a rotating roster of open-faced sandwiches on sturdy house-made rye, scratch soups and seasonal salads, each made with the minimalist attention to detail that marks all things Scandinavian. Each dish is rarely more than four ingredients, and shines with the sort of bright accuracy such things demand. And for those who require such things, there are lingonberries and meatballs to be had. M.B.
THE LEFT HANDED COOK
Asian • Midtown Global Market, 920 E. Lake St., Suite 124 • 612-208-0428
Left-handedness is oft-maligned because it is unusual -- but the Left Handed Cook openly celebrates its own subversive spirit. Its aesthetic is L.A. low-rider punk, and its seasonally driven, Asian-influenced casual comfort food reflects its stylistic hybridity. This Midtown Global Market nook makes a totally righteous post-DMV lunch pit stop. Free "hurricane popcorn" -- a sugar, salt and furikake-seasoned mix of popcorn and rice crackers -- is a satisfying precursor to the shareable apps, rice bowls and sandwiches to come. The killer 21 Spice Fried Chicken is available in chicken strip form or as part of a sweet and spicy gonchu-sauced bibimbap rice bowl, along with a supple poached egg, pickled vegetables and a tasty kim chi. Its surprisingly light and spice-explosive coating tastes like an Asian-influenced version of jerk spice, but without the heat. The Chop Sammie is the perfect portable luxury: diced soft-shell crab, avocado, thinly sliced onion and Thai mayo are melded into a glazed brioche pillow from the neighboring Salty Tart. Complement it all with a Hawaiian Aloha soda ($1.50) and you have one kick-ass fusion lunch built for a gangsta king.K.K.
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5-8 Club Tavern & Grill: American. Along with Matt's, the 5-8 Club is one of the original claimants of the Jucy Lucy originator's crown. The stuffed burgers are big, unseasoned and made with lovely bakery buns. (5800 Cedar Av. S., Mpls., 612-823-5858 ) (James Norton)
Birchwood Cafe: Vegetarian. Inexpensive, mostly vegetarian fare, often made from local ingredients. Breakfast includes crispy waffles, quiche, addictive cinnamon-raisin rolls and oatmeal. Lunch and dinner range from salads and sandwiches to more elaborate entrees. (3311 E. 25th St., Mpls., 612-722-4474.)
C&G's Smoking Barbecue: The proverbial hole-in-the-wall BBQ joint. The ribs are smoked for three hours in an electric server and the sauce comes on the side. (4743 Nicollet Av. S., Mpls., 612-825-3400.) (J.N.)
Hamdi: African. Traditional Somali cuisine with tasty food and welcoming service. Best bets include the grilled steak, roast goat or chicken leg dinner, all served in generous portions. (818 E. Lake St., Mpls., 612-823-9660.)
