"The Lion King" opens Tuesday at the Orpheum Theatre – home of its 1997 world premiere – and runs through Aug. 7. Add a meal to the show.
Marin Restaurant & Bar
Home to one of downtown's great patios, this sharply managed hotel restaurant keeps its focus on fresh, healthy, great-looking fare. Time crunch? Take a seat at the bar (indoors or out) and dig into one of a half-dozen fabulous flatbreads. Sunday matinee? Enjoy chef Mike Rakun's brunch: a smoked trout omelet, biscuits smothered in a chicken sausage gravy, an egg-topped Cheddar cheeseburger, beautiful baked goods, and more.
901 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls., 612-252-7000, marinrestaurant.com
Oak Grill
This 69-year-old dining institution, located on the 12th floor of the Store Formerly Known as Dayton's, is a nostalgic throwback. The atmosphere is clubby and family-friendly, service is gracious and the menu focuses on the familiar (chicken pot pie, chicken Caesar salad, wild rice soup, popovers) and the moderately priced. Summer hours means lunch Monday through Saturday, with pre-theater dinner service Thursday and Friday. Spend $20 (after 4 p.m.) and park free at the Park and Shop and LaSalle Court ramps.
700 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., 612-375-2938, macysrestaurants.com
Union Rooftop
Soak up the sunshine and fresh air at downtown's most glamorous rooftop patio, and don't fret about a summer shower; a retractable — and dramatic — glass roof keeps diners dry. The something-for-everyone menu (no surprise: the restaurant is part of the crowd-pleasing Crave family) features burgers, flatbreads, pastas, salads and a long list of shareable snacks.
731 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls., 612-455-6690, unionmpls.com
Rick Nelson • @RickNelsonStrib
