KINDEE THAI RESTAURANT Robust curries, hearty noodle dishes and beautifully composed salads are just a few of the reasons to have lunch or dinner at this stylish, affordable restaurant. Don't miss the spicy chicken lettuce wraps.

719 S. 2nd St., Mpls., 612-465-8303, www.kindeethairestaurant.com

THE OLD SPAGHETTI FACTORY

Feeding a family? With gigantic portions and a top price of $11.99, this enormous, kid-friendly chain is the place to carb-load over pork-beef lasagna, spinach ravioli, fettuccine Alfredo and other familiar dishes.

233 Park Av. S., Mpls., 612-341-0949, www.osf.com

SANCTUARY

On Monday through Thursday evenings, chef Patrick Atanalian offers one of the city's great upscale dining deals: five inventive courses for $35. There's a lovely patio with skyline views.

903 Washington Av. S., Mpls., 612-339-5058,

www.sanctuaryminneapolis.com

SEA CHANGE

The Guthrie's dramatics are not reserved for its three stages. At the theater's ground-floor restaurant, chef Erik Anderson and his crew do brilliant things with seafood (the raw-bar menu has no local peer), and performs beautifully with beef, poultry and pork. Love the late-night menu.

818 S. 2nd St., Mpls., 612-225-6499, www.seachangempls.com

SPOONRIVER

Brenda Langton's chic vegetarian-friendly restaurant is the place for gloriously presented vegetables, but the kitchen also knows how to showcase locally raised chicken, grass-fed beef and lamb. Nice day? Pick up a salad or sandwich at the grab-and-go case and have an impromptu riverfront picnic.

750 S. 2nd St., Mpls., 612-436-2236, www.spoonriver.com

RICK NELSON