5120 Restaurant boasts the finest in American cuisine and atmosphere. Guests dine under a white onyx ceiling backlit with blue lights that imitate the night sky and the walls feature aged mahogany woodwork reclaimed from a historic hotel in downtown Minneapolis. Imported marble flooring and an oversized marble fireplace add touches of elegance. We take reservations and can easily accommodate groups. The Onyx Bar is ideal for meeting with clients or friends for a drink in a comfortable, luxurious atmosphere.

DINKYTOWN. Al's greasy-spoon decor has been preserved for many years, along with a classic breakfast menu. Located near the university, the place attracts students and alums who are thrilled to return and find Al's just as they remember it. Deemed by some folks as the best breakfast place in the Twin Cities, Al's is known for blueberry and blackberry buttermilk pancakes as well as for omelets and eggs Benedict. They only take cash, and if you're in the door before 1pm, they'll happily serve you. A small place, so don't be surprised by waits.

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.

DOWNTOWN. One of Minneapolis's most evocative dining rooms, BANK occupies the former space of the Farmers and Mechanics Bank. Its thoughtful design is a true feast for the senses ­ a sleek bar in the center, soaring ceilings and windows, a vault-turned-wine cellar, and beautiful early 20th century millwork. Representative mains include seared walleye with butter-poached lobster, 8-oz. beef fillet with mashed red potatoes and garlic-scented spinach, and short-rib lollipop with sweet potato hash.

WAREHOUSE DISTRICT. Just because you need a quick bite for lunch doesn't mean you can't treat yourself. Be'wiched touts itself as one of the few chef-driven delis in the Midwest, and it certainly lives up to the billing. Classics like pastrami on rye or roast beef on ciabatta are crafted with artisan-like dedication and filled with exquisite flavors. A bevy of salads and soups round out the menu.

SEWARD. Smartly decorated Birchwood is a coffee shop and cafe that also moonlights as an art gallery. Food offerings have a strong vegetarian slant and are prepared using fresh, locally grown, organic ingredients. Menu items range from pizzas and sandwiches to tofu curry and a quiche of the day. Birchwood also serves non-vegetarian items, including salmon cakes and turkey burgers. Breakfast and weekend brunch are popular with locals, too.

One of the best restaurants in Bloomington, the Bloomington ChopHouse serves tender steaks and fresh seafood. Whether you prefer your steak Oscar style or with béarnaise sauce, the menu has exactly what you're looking for. Tempting sides like lobster macaroni and cheese provide the perfect accompaniments to your entrée, creating a flavorful, satisfying meal. Much more than the typical steakhouse, the restaurant is also open for breakfast, brunch and lunch, serving everything from oatmeal to burgers. The Bloomington ChopHouse offers some of the best dining in the Minneapolis area and is not to be missed!

BLOOMINGTON. Perfectly charred and beautifully presented, the Bloomington ChopHouse's succulent steaks and chops more than make up for its location outside of Minneapolis proper. The muted green walls and and red-orange booths combine with lively clientele to produce an invigorating dining experience.

DOWNTOWN. The buzz is all about The Butcher and the Boar, where chef and owner, Jack Riebel, helms a kitchen that will delight your inner carnivore. The menu offers wild boar hot links, rooster terrine with pickled vegetables, and flatiron steaks. For those seeking lighter fare, there are Maine blue mussels and Hawaiian tuna.

GRAND AVENUE. The long tradition of scrumptious food creation on Grand Avenue continues with the Butter Bakery Café. Whether taking a leisurely stroll down Grand Avenue or heading to work, you'll find Butter Bakery Café to be a quick and convenient stop where you can satisfy your cravings. If you're stopping in for breakfast, try the huevos burrito with scrambled eggs, cheese, potatoes and salsa or the omelet with potatoes. For an early lunch, try the fresh Patsy's BLT or Roast Beef sandwich. This popular Minneapolis breakfast restaurant and bakery also offers free high-speed, wireless Internet access for added convenience.