Hotel Minneapolis

There's been some hoopla over restaurant Max's wild, some say awkward, interior design. When they renovated the old space -- the grand Midland Bank -- they kept the bank's large marble columns, but added a plethora of other out-there design touches. Namely, those exaggerated red glass petals that loom over the dining room. Whatever the case, at least they make the place interesting. Happy hour (4-6 p.m. and 9-11 p.m. Mon.-Fri.) has been a hit, where the bar shows off its flat-bread creations, mixologist-tinged cocktails and extensive wine list. Like the hotel bar at the nearby Westin (also located in an old bank), the wine cellar sits in the old vault. Now if restaurant Max hurts your eyes, there's always the chilled-out lobby bar, quaintly dubbed the "LB." (215 4th St. S., Mpls., 612-340-0303, therestaurantmax.com)