Best Reason to Put Up with Uptown Traffic and Parking Hassles - Lucia's - 2013 Best of MN

If the Uptown Theatre is the heart of the busy commercial neighborhood gathered around Hennepin and Lake, then Lucia's Restaurant is its soul. The sunny, flower-filled storefront is remarkable on so many counts, but one that truly stands out is how, for nearly three decades, Lucia Watson has offered her customers a different, seasonally inspired menu each week (for those wrestling with the mathematics, that's roughly 1,500 iterations). Watson has also grown with the neighborhood, adding a wine bar, a bakery/cafe and one of the city's liveliest sidewalk cafes, all without ever leaving the cozy confines of 31st Street. No wonder Lucia's — and Lucia — enjoys such a loyal following. Another bonus: The restaurant has its own parking lot, a Yuptown rarity. 1432 W. 31st St., Mpls.; 612-825-1572, lucias.com