Prima (Minnetonka)
Italian
The owners of Big Buck Roadhouse recently converted it to Prima, already a successful Italian concept  in Minneapolis. The second location offers a full bar, more seating and an expanded menu that includes pizzas and burgers.
5325 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls., 612.827.7376; 17805 Hwy. 7,  Minnetonka, 952.380.0333; primamn.com $$

Nick and Eddie
American
Everything feels easy at Nick and Eddie, the new eatery on Loring Park, with its unimposing staff, clean décor and favorite menu items like the chicken liver mousse, cider-poached salmon and a gnocchi dish that’s light like gougere. 
1612 Harmon Place, Mpls.; 612.486.5800; nickandeddie.com $$

HOLIDAZZLE LOOKOUTS

Vincent – A Restaurant
French
Be on the lookout for Vincent Francoual, of Vincent, peddling crêpes on the street during Holidazzle parade times. If you get cold, duck inside for a glass of wine and a Vincent burger at the bar, or elegant French fare in the formal dining room.
1100 Nicollet Mall, Mpls.; 612.630.1189; vincentarestaurant.com $$$–$$$$  

Masa
Mexican
Trying its hand at Mexican flavors, D’Amico & Partners has succeeded with Masa. Liven up a night on Nicollet Mall with appetizers like the sopes surtidos (three masa boats filled with your choice of shredded chicken, chorizo and roasted poblano fillings) and tres leches cake for dessert.
Target Plaza, 1070 Nicollet Mall, Mpls.; 612.338.6272; masa-restaurant.com $$

Brit’s Pub
British
For the best indoor view of the Holidazzle parade, head up to The Clubhouse bar on the third level of Brit’s Pub. Select from rare regional British taps by the pint, and signature dishes like fish and chips or shepherd’s pie.
1110 Nicollet Mall, Mpls.; 612.332.3908; britspub.com $

The Local
Irish
How about an Irish coffee at the Local to kick off the dazzling season? Check out the spacious digs at this happening downtown Minneapolis gathering place, serving Irish pub fare. The after-work scene is hopping, with $5.99 appetizers from 2–6 p.m.
931 Nicollet Mall, Mpls.; 612.904.1000; the-local.com $

McCormick & Schmick’s
Seafood
Get a load of the $1.95 bar food menu at McCormick & Schmick’s which includes a half-pound burger and other snacks. Corporate types flock here after 5 for a bite and a drink—and if you arrive early, you might snag a window table in the bar for parade-gazing.
800 Nicollet Mall, Mpls.; 612.338.3300; 
mccormickandschmicks.com $$

DINNER AND A SHOW

Manhattans Restaurant & Bar
Contemporary American
The first level of LaSalle Plaza has taken an upscale turn with Manhattans, serving an inventive mix of American, French and Italian cuisines with innovative cocktails. Stop in before or after a showing of The Nutcracker in the Hennepin Theatre District.
800 LaSalle Plaza, Mpls.; 612.339.3600; 
manhattansmpls.com $$$$

Spill the Wine
Wine Bar
Located just a short walk from the Guthrie Theater, Spill the Wine is yet another dining option for viewers of the annual production of A Christmas Carol. The concept is a wine bar serving American bistro food, offering both a happy hour and wine-tasting events. Check out the tasting bar, where you can educate your palate by varietal, region or vineyard.
1101 Washington Ave. S., Mpls.; 612.339.3388; 
spillthewinerestaurant.com $$

The Saint Paul Hotel
American
The Saint Paul Hotel carries on its annual tradition of a multi-course holiday tea or dinner, accompanied by a live radio-play performance of It’s a Wonderful Life. Reserve tickets in advance.
350 Market St., St. Paul; 651.292.9292; saintpaulhotel.com $$

Modern Café
American
Start the night with mouth-watering classic comfort dishes at the Modern Café, like the famous pot roast with garlic mashed potatoes. End the night with a viewing of the Ballet of the Dolls’ comical Nutcracker?! (not so) Suite at the neighboring Ritz Theater.
337 13th Ave. N.E., Mpls.; 612.378.9882 $$

Firelake Grill House
American
At FireLake, the exhibition kitchen reveals a hickory-fired brick oven roasting thick-cut chops, steaks and fresh fish, and chickens turning on a wood-burning rotisserie. This grill-centric establishment is a convenient stop following the Macy’s holiday exhibit.
31 S. 7th St., Mpls.; 612.216.3473; 
firelakerestaurant.com $$

LUSCIOUS HOT CHOCOLATE

Hell’s Kitchen
Contemporary American
Plan on a bit of a wait for the ever-popular weekend breakfast at Hell’s Kitchen. Once you’re seated, though, the menu caters to every taste, with huevos rancheros, bison eggs Benedict or a classic all-American breakfast. Order the homemade hot chocolate to tie you over until the food arrives.
89 S. 10th St., Mpls.; 612.332.4700; 310 Lake Ave. S., Duluth; 218.727.1620; hellskitcheninc.com $

Swede Hollow Cafe
Bakery/Deli
The made-from-scratch cinnamon and caramel rolls at Swede Hollow Cafe are top-rated, so be sure to arrive early before supplies run out. Chocolate lovers can indulge in a mocha or hot chocolate, both made with a house-blended Belgian chocolate.
725 E. 7th St., St. Paul; 651.776.8810; 
swedehollowcafe.com $

Crema Café
Coffee Shop/Ice Cream
Crema Café isn’t just for scoops of tasty Sonny’s ice cream during the dog days of summer. It also makes a rich and creamy hot chocolate—the perfect antidote for bitter-cold winter days.
3403 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls.; 612.824.3868 $

Kopplin’s Coffee
Coffee Shop
Kopplin’s Coffee fans proclaim that it serves the best coffee and espresso drinks in the Twin Cities. If you’re in the mood for hot chocolate, Kopplin’s version is crafted from a blend of two chocolates and cocoa powder, topped with homemade whipped cream.
490 Hamline Ave. S., St. Paul; 651.698.0457; 
kopplinscoffee.com $

Pancho Villa
Mexican
If margaritas are for summer, then homemade horchata is for winter at Pancho Villa. Sample the delicious Mexican version of hot chocolate spiced with cinnamon, along with dishes such as crispy whole fish, goat stew and all the usual Mexican staples—for cheap.
2539 Nicollet Ave. S., Mpls; 612.871.7014 $

FAIL-SAFE HOSTESS GIFTS

Legacy Chocolates
Confectionery
You’re sure to rise to the top of the party guest list if you show up with a box of all-natural, handcrafted Legacy Chocolates truffles in tow. Choose from four levels of cocoa intensity and flavors like cayenne pepper, caramel pecan and espresso at this local chocolatier.
2042 Marshall Ave., St. Paul; 651.646.0644; 
legacychocolates.com $