It's all about options at Cafe Minnesota, the well-run cafeteria inside the Minnesota History Center, which makes an effort to showcase local ingredients (a burger with Minnesota-raised grass-fed beef, a grilled cheese sandwich made with Gouda from Eichten Hidden Acres in Center City, Minn.) while keeping most prices below $7.
345 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul • 651-259-3000 • www.minnesotahistorycenter.org
Fika, the exceptional restaurant inside the Nelson Cultural Center at the American Swedish Institute, promises all kinds of inventive and visually striking Nordic-inspired fare at shockingly affordable prices. Lunch is the primary focus, although there's a modest breakfast and a replay of the lunch menu that's served on Wednesday evenings.
2600 Park Av. S., Mpls. • 612-871-4907 • www.asimn.org
The Minneapolis Institute of Arts is quietly rolling out major changes in its food-and-drink offerings, including Grain Stack. The mezzanine-level restaurant serves items such as a beef tongue Reuben sandwich, a seasonally minded daily soup and an apple-endive salad with maple-mustard vinaigrette.
2400 3rd Av. S., Mpls. • 612-870-3000 • www.artsmia.org
RICK NELSON
