Sure, World Cafe offers basics — the build-your-own sandwiches are a considerable step up from Subway — but what makes this gem stand out is chef Alejandro Cerdas Monge's imaginative, attentive quick-service cooking. The star of the show is a daily rice-and-beans bowl, served with mock duck or tender, juicy chicken. Consider it your lucky day if Cerdas Monge has been slow-simmering coconut milk in curry paste, peppers and blazing Thai chiles, and then liberally spooning it over jasmine rice and crunchy vegetables. Whatever the combo, it's a steal at $8.95. Cerdas Monge also keeps the panini presses going full-throttle; the Cubano is a must. Soo Line Building, 105 S. 5th St., Mpls., 612-298-6808, worldcafempls.com

Best of Minnesota 2016

More from Best of Minnesota: Food