Eli’s Food and Cocktails, Minneapolis, MN

Oh how I pity you, all you downtown business people who wait for a Chipotle burrito in a 20-minute long line over the lunch hour. Why wait for Chipotle, when you can escape the horrors of lunch hour on Nicollet Mall at Eli’s Food and Cocktails down the street on Hennepin Avenue. Eli’s, located at 1225 N Hennepin Ave., has a true neighborhood feeling to it in a downtown area. The across-the-street Laurel Village apartments and close-by Loring Park add to its more quiet atmosphere compared to skyway restaurants and eateries inside of downtown towers.

You can sit yourself down over the lunch hour and have a beer while reading a good book, or stroll down with a co-worker for some conversation. The menu offers favorites in seafood, pasta and sandwiches, with a daily “board” menu offering specials. Try the macaroni and cheese for grown ups or do one of the tasty sandwiches. The food is great, the service is extremely friendly and the décor is modern without being futuristic or intimidating. Stop in after work for happy hour from 3-6 for dollar off drinks. Escaping the Nicollet Mall never felt so good.