Along with its usual department store classics, summer at the 66-year-old Oak Grill is all about a sweet corn soup garnished with pumpkin seeds, turkey burgers topped with grilled pineapple and wasabi-enriched aioli, a shrimp salad sandwich and picnic-style slow-roasted pork with corn bread and corn on the cob. Dessert? A pretty free-form cherry tart.

700 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., 612-375-2938, www.macysrestaurants.com/oak-grill

It's all about modern Mexican cooking at Masa. Noon-hour diners have a total-bargain option, a three-course meal for $10. The bar's sangrias and agua frescas are particularly refreshing.

1070 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., 612-338-6272, www.masa-restaurant.com

Dine among the power lunchers at Mission American Kitchen & Bar in the IDS Crystal Court, where the kitchen specializes in well-prepared updates on all-American classics. The dining room runs like a well-oiled machine.

77 S. 7th St., Mpls., 612-339-1000, www.missionamerican.com

RICK NELSON