Dining out: The Hot Five

Last update: April 10, 2008 - 10:07 PM

THE HOT FIVE THERE'S NEVER A SHORTAGE OF NEW RESTAURANTS. Indio

The husband-and-wife team behind El Meson and Cafe Ena are now bringing bright, flavorful Mexican fare -- oven-roasted ribs smothered in a green mole sauce, red snapper with charred green onions, crispy flautas filled with potatoes and topped with a green tomatillo sauce -- into Uptown Minneapolis.

1221 W. Lake St., Mpls., 612-821-9451, restaurantindio.com

LAREDO'S TEX-WEST GRILL & CANTINA

Italian is out and Tex-Mex is in at the former Brix, with all the usual Lone Star suspects: tableside guacamole, shrimp quesadillas, smoked brisket sandwiches, fajitas, enchiladas, green chile meatloaf and a long list of margaritas.

4656 Excelsior Blvd., St Louis Park, 952-698-2749, www.laredostexwest.com.

R.NORMAN'S

Downtown's latest steakhouse is noteworthy for its slick setting, monster portions and second-floor sushi bar/lounge. Coming soon: a huge rooftop terrace.

700 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls., 612-238-7770, rnormans.com

SPASSO

The western suburbs have a busy newbie with a big wine focus (thanks to its relationship with the wine store next door) and an Italian-inspired menu, including pastas and wood-fired pizzas.

17523 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka, 952-224-9555

THE STRIP CLUB

What a pedigree: Two smart guys behind the Town Talk Diner (Tim Niver and Aaron Johnson), and the longtime chef from Muffuletta (J.D. Fratzke) have teamed up to launch this cozy, spot perched high above downtown St. Paul. The name comes from the menu's signature item, a delicious jumbo New York strip.

378 Maria Av., St. Paul, 651-793-6247, domeats.com

RICK NELSON