Alexandria, Old Broadway Food & Spirits Even in fish country, beef still stars at this restaurant. 320-763-3999.

Bemidji, Chocolates Plus Any chocoholic will love the hand-dipped candies and specialty coffees. 218-759-1175.

Bemidji, Union Station First City Brewery & Grill A restored depot houses this restaurant furnished in the dark woods and rich colors of a Victorian-style parlor. 218-751-9261.

Brainerd, Iven's on the Bay This lakeside eatery specializes in fresh fish, seafood, and from-scratch desserts. 218-829-9872.

Crane Lake, Nelson's Resort Stop by on any Thursday in June, July, and August for a traditional smorgasbord of Swedish meatballs, fruit soup, and homemade tea ring. 800-433-0743.

Duluth, Bennett's on the Lake Chack out this North Shore restaurant for fine dining and fresh fish. 218-722-2829.

Duluth, New Scenic Cafe On the North Shore Scenic Drive near Duluth, drop by this cafe for an inventive menu of fish, meat, and vegetarian specialties blending local ingredients and global influences. 218-525-6274.

Duluth, Pickwick This venerable red brick landmark welcomes diners like an old friend. Most customers order hand-cut tenderloin, porterhouse or New York strip steaks, which sizzle as they arrive at your table. 218-727-8901.

Ely, Chocolate Moose Settle down in this hand-hewn log cabin for a buffalo burger or walleye sandwich. Just be sure to leave room for a slice of homemade pie, or a bowl of homemade ice cream from the "dipping cabinet." 218-365-6343.

Lake Kabetogama, Sandy Point Lodge Try juicy steak, shrimp, or fried or broiled walleye at this lodge along Lake Kabetogama. 800-777-8595.

Minneapolis, D'Amico & Sons Aromas of roasting garlic and sizzling onions draw diners inside this carryout and dine-in establishment. Be sure to try cherry streusel bars and pasta with tomato and shaved garlic. 612-374-1858.

Minneapolis, Key's Cafe This local cafe serves traditional fares including meatloaf and soups. 612-339-6399.

Minneapolis, Loring Pasta Bar Dine at a candlelit table for a bit of Bohemia in the Midwest. 612-378-4849.

Minneapolis, Modern Cafe This restaurant cooks the way you wish you could at home, specializing in a tender pot roast seasoned just right, and savory pan-seared chicken. 612-378-9882.

Minneapolis, Murray's For years, Murray's has been the special-occasion restaurant for a host of Minnesotans. With pink accents and chandeliers, it's a tribute to 1940s-style elegance. Thursday thru Saturday a violinist/pianist duo set a sophisticated mood. 612-339-0909.

Minneapolis, Nicollet Island Inn This cozy restaurant across the river from downtown is just the place for a romantic night out. 612-331-3035.

Minneapolis, The News Room Digest all the latest news at this creative cafe in the heart of downtown. From the statue of an old-fashioned newsboy out front to hookups for for laptops, plus a Dow Jones ticker in the "business section," you're surrounded by a theme. Read old newspapers under the glass table tops, or watch baseball games in the "sports section" while being served salads, soups, and sandwhiches off the menu. 612-343-0073.

Minneapolis, Turtle Bread Company In the quaint Linden Hills neighborhood on the southwest side of the city, you'll find this unbelievable little bakery. After tasting their flaky crossiants, rich scones, braided challah, and stunning cakes you'll think you've died and gone to bread heaven. To compliment the baked goods, a chalkboard menu offers tempting soups that make the trip even more worthwhile. 612-924-6013.

Newport, Tinucci's A standby at most smorgasbords, bread pudding is elevated to new standards at this restaurant, established in 1958. 651-459-9011.

Ray, Kettle Falls Hotel and Resort There's only one way to Kettle Falls, and that's by boat or airplane. Once you arrive, be prepared to dock for a while as you enjoy your dinner. They feature fresh fish, prime rib or turkey. 888-534-6835 or 218-875-2070.

Rochester, City Cafe (the old Henry Wellington's) Located downtown, just a block south of the Mayo Clinic, this establishment radiates a cozy Victorian charm. The creamy pepper-parmesan dressing and chicken crepes are among the favorites. 507-289-1949.

St. Paul, Forepaugh's Restaurant Enjoy a gourmet dinner and show-stopping desserts at this restored Victorian house built in 1870. 651-224-5606.

St. Paul, Mickey's Diner Specialties from chunky Mulligan stew to sweetly tangy baked beans show that fast can be good. 651-222-5633.

St. Paul, Punch Neopolitan Pizza Delectable thin-crust pizza in the Highland Village area southwest of St. Paul. 651-696-1066.

St. Paul, Ruam Mit Thai Cafe Downtown establishment serving spicy Thai fare. 651-290-0067.

St. Paul, The St. Paul Grill Yes, you'll sit down to starched white tablecloths and napkins. But the American fare and the relaxed atmosphere reminds you of a supper club. 651-224-7455.

St. Paul, W.A. Frost and Company Set in the historic cathedral neighborhood, you'll dine in the elegant rooms of a 115 year-old building, which was once a pharmacy. It has gained a reputation for wines and imaginative dishes. 651-224-5715.

Stillwater, Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter First-time diners at this secluded family-owned restaurant 25 miles east of Minneapolis may wonder if they're in the faraway German countryside. Here, bratwurst stars is the meat of choice. Served under a mound of steaming sauerkraut, "brats" arrive at your table lean and sweet. 651-439-7128.

Two Harbors, Betty's Pies This charming bakery features a full menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as freshly baked pies and breads. Try their special meat pies, known as pasties. 877-269-7494.

Wabasha, The Anderson House An 1856 country inn with a Pennsylvania Dutch motif, Anderson House features a menu of from-scratch pies, tasty chicken and dumplings and other homey fare. 651-565-4524.

Walker, The Ranch House Supper Club Located on the outskirts of town, this restaurant is known among locals for its popovers, seafood, prime rib and all-you-can-eat specials. 218-547-1540.

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