dining

THE HOT FIVE Get to know a northeast Minneapolis restaurant during this weekend's Art-A-Whirl (nemaa.org) festivities.

MODERN CAFE

Chef Phillip Becht is cooking up an Art-A-Whirl storm, with special Friday and Saturday night specials that include pizzas topped with sweet pea chutney and chevre, pork chops with black beans and polenta, roasted game hens, cured salmon over Danish pumpernickel, pork terrines, grilled ribeyes with fries and more.

337 13th Av. NE., Mpls., 612-378-9882

POP! NEIGHBORHOOD RESTAURANT

There's lots to love at chef/owner Clark Knutson's cozy neighborhood cafe with fresh, eclectic food. Get the chicken satay salad, the achiote-marinated pork tenderloin, the hearty Swedish meatballs and tasty shrimp-black bean fritters.

2859 NE. Johnson St., Mpls., 612-788-0455, poprestaurant.com

PSYCHO SUZI'S MOTOR LOUNGE

Go for the cheesy faux Hawaiian setting (and the rum cocktails), stay for the killer pizza, the long list of retro appetizers (pickle roll-ups, pizza rolls, mini hot dogs) and the fun-loving staff.

2519 NE. Marshall St., Mpls., 612-788-9069, psychosuzis.com

RED STAG SUPPERCLUB

Two suggestions: the fantastic fish fry on Friday night, or the equally satisfying brunch on Saturday and Sunday.

509 1st Av. NE., Mpls., 612-767-7766, redstagsupperclub.com

SAMPLE ROOM

The focus is on shared plates, with tons of appealing and affordable choices. There's a full bar, and it might be the only Mill City eating and drinking establishment with a Mississippi River dock (check out the houseboat in our cover story).

2124 NE. Marshall St., Mpls., 612-789-0333, the-sample-room.com

RICK NELSON