restaurant suggestions (downtown)

We will be in the cities this weekend for Wicked, and are looking for a casual but good place to have dinner (downtown) before the show on Saturday. We would love good Italian but are on a bit of a budget. Any suggestions?

restaurant suggestions (downtown)

My favorite for downtown Italian is Palomino, however, it%26#39;s not the least expensive. I do consider it affordable for an upscale restaurant. And they have a great happy hour deal between 4-6 if you want to sit in the bar. If it%26#39;s snowing, it%26#39;s a fantastic view over Hennepin. I don%26#39;t normally suggest chains, but Buca might fit the bill if you want inexpensive.

restaurant suggestions (downtown)

Palomino has their own website, and you can see their menu online for Minneapolis. You can then make the decision of affordability or no. I have not had the opportunity to go there myself, but hear only good things about it. It is also convenient to Wicked (1-2 blocks?).

Buca%26#39;s, while a chain just like Palomino, does definitely hit affordable, downtown, Italian. I understand the potential concern on chains, but Buca does tend to offer good food. It will be about 6-8 blocks from the Orpheum, so still walkable (or short cab ride, depends on your willingness to walk and save $5 minimum fare).

You may also want to check out Joe%26#39;s Garage. Casual but nice. They list as ';American Casual'; though have pasta offerings. They too have a their own website. Still in downtown area, about 8-10 blocks from the Orpheum. Unfortunately, I suspect it will be too cold for outdoor seating, though they have a great outdoor seating option. I was there with co-workers a while back and we had a great time.

It does get packed, and it%26#39;s not exactly italian, but I like Solera a lot.

http://www.solera-restaurant.com/

You might enjoy Zelo. You can book a reservation and look at their menu at www.opentable.com

I like the new Hell%26#39;s Kitchen - in the old Rossi%26#39;s location across from the Foshay.

hellskitcheninc.com/HellsKitchenWelcome.html