At some point you'll be journeying to a suburban cineplex to see "The Dark Knight Rises." Grab dinner first at one of these restaurants, all of which rise (like Batman) above the typical mall fare.
Just a few steps from the West End's Showplace Icon is the second location of Little Szechuan, one of the Twin Cities' most authentic Chinese restaurants. The MSG-free menu doesn't skimp on the spice, with such traditional dishes as Szechuan-style belt fish, ma po tofu and classic dan dan noodles.
5377 W. 16th St., St. Louis Park, 952-322-7671, www.littleszechuan.com.
The Paragon Odyssey theater in Burnsville has it all (including D-Box, VIP and a restaurant), but for a good burger you can't beat the nearby Burger Jones. Gulping down the White Trash Burger is like getting hit in the chest by "Dark Knight" villain Bane himself. It's topped with chicken-fried bacon, cheese curds and Velveeta. If burgers aren't your thing, order the Surly Furious beer cheese soup.
1619 County Road 42 W., Burnsville, 952-885-2289, www.burgerjones.com.
A movie like this calls for a good steak. If you're heading to Eden Prairie Center's AMC theater, the mall's Wildfire chop house specializes in good old-school service and giant slabs of perfectly cooked beef. Splurge on a bone-in filet.
8251 Flying Cloud Dr., Eden Prairie, 952-914-9100, www.wildfirerestaurant.com.
TOM HORGEN
