Dining Out: The Hot Five

Updated: April 3, 2008 - 2:16 PM

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THE HOT FIVE

Get acquainted with a few Minnesota classics.

JAX CAFE º

The fanciest restaurant in northeast Minneapolis is 75 years young and specializes in steaks, chops and seafood. The bar mixes up fantastic ice cream drinks. Can't wait for that beautiful patio -- complete with trout stream -- to open.

1928 University Av. NE., Mpls., 612-789-7297, jaxcafe.com

LAKE ELMO INN º

Hungry for a classic Minnesota supper club? Then step inside chef/owner John Schiltz's hospitable domain, where the something-for-everyone menu goes from potato-crusted sunfish and Cajun-style pork chops to rack of lamb and steak Diane. Sunday brunch is particularly lavish.

3442 N. Lake Elmo Av., Lake Elmo, 651-777-8495, lakeelmoinn.com

THE LEXINGTON

The Grand Avenue grand dame that everyone shortens to "the Lex" is the place for classic Americana fare -- shrimp cocktail, prime rib, Chateaubriand for two, chicken pot pie, a hot turkey plate -- served in elegant surroundings (liver lovers know to ask; it's not listed on the menu). The bar is a beaut.

1096 Grand Av., St. Paul, 651-222-5878, the-lexington.com

MICKEY'S DINER º

Open 24/7 since the late 1930s, Mickey's has a hash-slinging menu designed to stick to your ribs without denting your wallet. The people-watching is superb.

36 W. 7th St., St. Paul, 651-222-5633

ST. PAUL CORNER DRUG

Mayberry lives at Snelling and St. Clair Avs., where for more than 80 years this friendly neighborhood pharmacy's soda fountain has been the gathering place for grownups (the coffee is still a nickel) and school kids in need of a sundae, float or the $1 vanilla cone.

240 S. Snelling Av., St Paul, 651-698-8859, stpaulcornerdrug.com

RICK NELSON