W.A. Frost. Photo by Tom WallaceW.A. Frost & Co.

  • American
  • $$$$

While chef Wyatt Earl maintains a few holdovers from previous administrations, most of his seasonal menu is wholly his own, and the food matches this landmark restaurant's appealing historic surroundings. Earl is doing beautiful things with locally sourced meats and poultry, most notably duck confit spread on a flatbread with oven-dried tomatoes and chèvre, fabulously crispy pork belly that's nicely paired with a hearty fig puree, and a sublime roast chicken with collard greens and a yam puree. His small plates boast big flavors: fabulous gnocchi made using rutabagas rather than potatoes, an elegant potato-quail roulade, pert chickpea fritters, gorgeously presented oysters -- all worthwhile, and averaging $8. The recent conversion of a basement banquet room into a grotto-like lounge might be the most brilliant idea since the restaurant's famous patio was hatched, the right setting for enjoying Evans' enticing small-plates menu over a bottle from the restaurant's extensive, well-managed wine list. --Rick Nelson

The pot roast sandwich from Cheeky Monkey Deli. Photo by Tom WallaceCheeky Monkey Deli

  • American
  • $

Chef/co-owner Matt McArthur's affordable chalkboard menus are simplicity itself: just sandwiches, soups and salads at lunch, with a few entrees added later in the day, plus desserts. The difference is that his kitchen doesn't take shortcuts. It's rare to encounter this level of craftsmanship in the quick-service genre. The centerpiece of the post-3 p.m. menu is a pair of ever-evolving boards, one devoted to cheeses, the other to charcuterie. The kitchen brings out the best in inexpensive cuts of meat: pot roast, a pork shoulder slow-braised in white wine and poblano peppers, a succulent meatloaf. The star of the entrees is pot pie. Sandwiches are inspired, and soups are a definite highlight. Don't miss the chocolate pudding. --Rick Nelson

Moscow on the Hill. Photo by Jeff WheelerMoscow on the Hill

  • European
  • $$

From Russia with Yum. Moscow on the Hill is a really great place for drinks or dinner or both, especially if you like vodka and meat. The martinis are really works of art unto themselves, especially the Mikhail's and the Red October, and nicely priced. Or you can get vodka flights to easily sample some of the crazy but great flavored vodkas, like horseradish, garlic and dill, caramel and tiramisu. They do meat really well at Moscow, and the julienne mushrooms and blini are great. The dinner entrees seem a bit overpriced -- go for the happy hour and late night happy hour specials so you can sample. It's sometimes slow and half empty, but when it's hopping on a Friday or Saturday night, it's a total blast. --crousu

The Happy Gnome

  • American
  • $$

I know everyone goes here for the beer, but we went for the food and were not disappointed. The atmosphere is jovial and it's a bit noisy in such a small space, so if you're looking for a quiet, intimate dining experience, this is not it. It is, however, a great place to meet up with friends and I thought the food was on par. I delightedly scarfed my vegetable pappardelle, while my companion enjoyed the fried vegetable "Juicy Lucy." We were also thrilled to be turned onto the idea of "sriracha aioli" from this place and I now make it at home on a regular basis. --lrcarey

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Cafe Latte. Photo by Tom Wallace

  • Cafe Latte: American/Bakery. The popular upscale cafeteria is noted for its decadent chocolate layer cakes and other sweets. Large-scale sandwiches are made-to-order with house-baked breads, soups and salads. Pizza and bruschetta are the focus of the wine bar menu.
  • Dixie's On Grand: American. Lively restaurant and bar serving southern food, including jambalaya and barbecued ribs. The generously portioned family style Sunday brunch is popular.
  • La Cucaracha: Mexican. A varied menu of tacos, enchiladas and other Mexican specialties, well prepared and served in an attractive south-of-the-border setting.
  • La Grolla: Italian. Romantic Italian dining in the Cathedral Hill area.
  • The Muddy Pig: American. Neighborhood tavern with Bistro fare.
  • Saji-Ya: Japanese. Sushi, teppanyaki and a full Japanese menu.
  • Tavern on Grand: American. Cabin-themed restaurant specializing in walleye.

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  • Lexington Restaurant: Steakhouse. Landmark St. Paul restaurant offering a variety of steaks, chops, prime rib, seafood and pasta dishes.

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