Written by Katie Chang

As the host of this year’s Super Bowl, all eyes are on Minneapolis, Minnesota. But there’s far more to the city than sports, sub-zero temps, and one very big mall. Culture-wise, you can’t beat the Walker Art Center. One of the country’s leading contemporary art institutions, it also features a sculpture garden with the photo-friendly Spoonbridge and Cherry by Claes Oldenburg. And no visit would be complete without a stop at the legendary nightclub First Avenue, where Prince performed countless times and filmed Purple Rain. Need a place to unwind? You won’t find chicer accommodations than the Hewing Hotel in the buzzy North Loop. As for eating and drinking, well, that comes easily, thanks to these six spots. We’ve also included a couple fan-friendly bars, in case you couldn’t nab tickets to the U.S. Bank Stadium. (Watching the game at home? Here’s your guide.)

Spoon and Stable

Opened in 2014 by chef Gavin Kaysen, this is where some locals turn to celebrate special occasions and impress out-of-towners. While reservations are a must for the main dining room, if you time yourself right, you can nab a seat at the sleek bar and lounge. The food menu is brief but packed with savory snacks, like black truffle arancini, duck meatloaf sliders, and cheese-curd stuffed bratwurst. The original cocktails are no slouch, but it’s the extensive (and interesting) offerings of wine by the glass that even the most well-schooled oenophiles will flip for. [spoonandstable.com]

Lyn 65

Despite its offbeat location in a strip mall, this is the quintessential neighborhood restaurant—the kind of spot you’ll return to over and over again. The menu skews on the meaty side (think steaks, burgers, and fried chicken), but solid options abound for lighter appetites. There’s a daily fresh fish option and lots of far-from-boring roasted vegetables. The broccoli, for example, is capped with blue cheese, crispy rice, and red pepper for a little heat. And the bar offers ample seating, in case you’d rather throw back some well-crafted cocktails during the big game. [lyn65.com]

Revival

Raised in North Carolina, chef Thomas Boemer’s speciality is whipping up the comfort foods of his Southern roots. His fried chicken, in particular, is exceptional. Boemer sources humanely-raised birds, which he brines in buttermilk to tenderize the meat, then fries in lard to yield a gorgeously golden, craggy crust. It’s delicious plain, but if you want to up the flavor ante, then try the Tennessee Hot, a zippy blend of heat and sweet. If fried chicken isn’t your beat, there are plenty of other hearty eats, including smothered steaks, shrimp and grits, and pimento cheese sandwiches. [revivalfriedchicken.com]

Murray’s Steakhouse

Murray’s has everything you want in a classic steakhouse. History? (It opened in 1946.) Check. A grand dining room? Check. Servers juggling oversized trays of ice-cold martinis and sizzling chops? Check. But it’s the legendary Silver Butter Knife Steak you have to order. The whopping 28-ounce, 30-day aged sirloin is cooked to order in a special broiler, then carved dramatically tableside. The meat becomes so tender that a knife is unnecessary. If you’re feeling especially carnivorous, go for the four-pounder Golden Butter Knife Steak. It’s a secret off-menu item that can only be ordered in advance. [murraysrestaurant.com]

Matt’s Bar

You know how every city has that one, super-hyped food item you have to try? Well, the Juicy Lucy—and at Matt’s, it’s intentionally spelled “Jucy Lucy”—is it. Located on a very unassuming corner in Powderhorn Park, this humble spot is the birthplace of the burger featuring a molten cheesy core. Do as the locals do and order one with pickles and cooked onions, and get a half-order (trust us, it’s plenty) of fries and a soda. As it’s always busy, drop by mid-afternoon (and alone, if possible) to ensure a seat. Credit cards aren’t accepted, so don’t forget to bring cash. [mattsbar.com]