The Downtowner Woodfire Grill

They serve other food, but true to their name, the fire roasted dishes are far and away the best thing here.

In the shadow of the Xcel Center in downtown St. Paul, this restaurant is the most stylish pre-dinner place for those going to a concert, or a Wild game. The walls are exposed brickwork -- they won an award for the brickwork -- decorated with art glass, dark wood tables, fireplaces, fountains, and Persian carpets.

Weeknight customers are mostly those going to the Xcel center. Dine here before the concert or the game, and you can leave your car in their lot for free. They are well aware that you need to take your seats so service is fast before game time. It's more relaxed at lunch and after the game has started, but they'll hurry yours up if you ask. It's a popular place for business dinners.

The food is woodfire grilled meats, pizza, and a selection of Persian-inspired dishes. The pizza and the Persian food are good but on the bland side. Shouldn't Persian food have a little more kick? But the steaks and the burgers are juicy, tender, smoky and tasty, and a carnivore's dream. This is what they do best, so stick to the meat, add a bottle of wine, and you'll be happy.