Masa, Minneapolis

This is not your typical Mexican restaurant. Urban chic combines with south-of-the-border style in Masa's sophisticated dining space, featuring the elegance of fabric screens and hand-blown glass fixtures alongside brightly colored sketches of beautiful Mexicans. The menu offers classic Mexican dishes favoring "strong regional authenticity," including some of Mexico-born head chef Saul Chavez's family recipes. Sea salt and lime replace traditional hot sauces on each table, so if you need to kick up the heat, request a cup of habanero salsa. Overlooking downtown's Nicollet Mall, Masa's popular outdoor patio is a lovely spot for people watching while devouring puerco Veracruzana (pork shoulder marinated in lime, garlic, and chile ancho and cooked in a banana leaf).