It may not have a lakeside location or historic setting, but Prairie Bay serves up some of the area’s best local and creative cuisine. Go at lunchtime or from 3 to 5:30 p.m. for some of the best deals. Also look for: sushi nights, cheese plates highlighting Minnesota’s best dairies, small-bite plates with smoked chicken strudel or sesame shrimp lollipops, artisanal bread baskets with lavosh and grilled ciabatta, and slow-roasted duck confit with lavender aioli.

They also make thin-crust wood-fired pizzas (such as My Big Fat Greek Pizza) for $15.50 and a variety of pastas including sundried tomato manicotti with sweet peppers and smoked tomato sauce.

If you leave room for dessert, they make seasonal crème brulee, lemon tarts with fresh berries and souped-up s’mores where every part is homemade — even the graham crackers.