Knowing that some folks are interested in free wifi, and not knowing what will be provided at the hotels/convention center, I want to note that there is a Panera Bread shop on Nicollet Mall between 9th and 8th streets.
Also on Nicollet Mall is McCormick & Schmick’s. Naive as I am, I did not realize that this was a chain! The Minneapolis location is on the corner of 9th street.