No reservations on New Year's Day? No problem.
Use 2013 as an excuse to check out the spacious and sunny new digs at the recently relocated Butter Bakery Cafe, including, for the first time, handy off-street parking. The very moderately priced (nothing over $8) brunch selections are served to 2 p.m., and baker Amy Kovacs' fine work will shatter all dieting resolutions. Open Tuesday 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
3700 Nicollet Av. S. Mpls., 612-521-7401, www.butterbakerycafe.com
Mezzanine, the very pleasant counter-service restaurant inside the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, is the place to recharge batteries after roaming the museum's galleries. Enjoy omelets, pretty salads, imaginative sandwiches, a few well-made sweets and a handful of $5 kids' menu items, all prepared with typical D'Amico flair and care. Open Tuesday 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
2400 3rd Av. S., Mpls., 612-870-3180, www.artsmia.org
The emphasis is on comfort food at the cozy Wilde Roast Cafe, home to burgers (splurge on the short rib-chuck half-pounder), flatbreads, salads, sandwiches and more, plus butter-laden desserts (oh, those brownies) and a long list of local beers. Open Tuesday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
65 Main St. SE., Mpls., 612-331-4544, www.wilderoastcafe.com
RICK NELSON
