Café 28

Tucked into a cute side street in Linden Hills, Café 28 is a secret we’d rather not reveal—but we’ll think of it as long-term security. Remember the D’Amico joint in the old fire station next to Wild Rumpus books? That’s the place. Unlike the previous tenant, this restaurant is an upscale sit-down affair, with a refreshingly simple, seasonal menu (perennial recommendation: the signature gorgonzola pear salad). Twenty-Eight’s two greatest selling points, beyond its haute cuisine in the contemporary style, are a mighty funky beer list (we tried a German wheat beer poured over raspberry sauce in its own crystal bowl), and what may be the nicest patio south of Lake Street. That asset will be a memory for a few months now, but don’t let that stop you from looking in on this lovely, intimate eatery. 2724 West Forty-third St., Minneapolis, 612-926-2800