![GLEN STUBBE • gstubbe@startribune.com -- Tuesday, March 8, 2011 -- Minneapolis, Minn. -- ] Minneapolis mayor R.T. Rybak praised small businesses like the Blackbird Cafe at 3800 Nicollet Ave. as the sweet spot of public-private partnerships as delivered his State of the City address Tuesday at Augsburg College. ORG XMIT: MIN2013071714500565](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/DDUCMRJZRQARTBFEDMRWAMQ4GQ.jpg?&w=1080)
Despite a torn-up Nicollet Avenue, Blackbird owners Chris Stevens and Gail Mollner have a great thing going at their engaging, fun-loving neighborhood hangout, serving delicious, eclectic and affordable breakfast and lunch daily and dinner Monday through Saturday. Check out the restaurant's $20 chilled red wine tasting (with grilled pizzas) from 5 to 7 p.m. on July 29.
3800 Nicollet Av. S., Mpls. 612-823-4790,
www.blackbirdmpls.com
The heart of Dinkytown is a bit of a mess, but that shouldn't deter diners from enjoying the funky charms of the Loring Pasta Bar and its reasonably priced house-made pastas and cracker crust pizzas. Don't forget about the popular Sunday brunch.
327 14th Av. SE., Mpls., 612-378-4849
www.loringpastabar.com
Rebuilding the Portland and Park avenue bridges over Interstates 94 and 35W in Minneapolis means access is restricted on those main thoroughfares, including the once-quick jaunt from downtown to Fika. But a detour — Chicago or 3rd avenues, for example — is so worth the hassle for this brilliant Nordic hot spot.
2600 Park Av. S., Mpls., 612-871-4907, www.asimn.org RICK NELSON
