Are you planning to come to downtown St. Paul for the Winter Carnival?
If you’re looking for a place to warm up and grab a bite, downtown, and especially Lowertown, have lots of great options, a few of them new in the past year.
Here are some suggestions for new and classic places to grab a bite when you’re out and about.
LOWERTOWN
Kyatchi: This Japanese restaurant in the former Tanpopo spot serves delicious sustainable sushi and a full menu of other Japanese specialties, including rice dishes, ramen, skewer and hot dogs (Japanese people love hot dogs, just go with it). There’s also a full bar, specializing in sake and Japanese whiskey. $$, full bar. 308 E. Prince St., St. Paul; 651-340-5796; kyatchi.com
Saint Dinette: The guys behind Strip Club Meat and Fish on St. Paul’s East Side are behind this eatery, which is one of my favorite places to grab a bite and a drink. Chef Adam Eaton, formerly of La Belle Vie, puts out a menu full of eclectic bites from inventive small plates to a buttery, double-patty burger that is absolutely best in class. The cocktails are delicious, too. $$, full bar. 261 E. Fifth St., St. Paul; 651-800-1415; saintdinette.com
Big River Pizza: If you’re looking for a way to feed a crowd, Big River’s affordable, wood-fired pizzas are a great way to go. I especially love any of the vegetarian options — the vegetables are sourced from local farmers, which makes total sense given the restaurant’s location just across the street from the St. Paul Farmers’ Market. $, beer and wine only. 280 E. Fifth St., St Paul; 651-683-2186; bigriverpizza.com
Dark Horse: This dark-wood bar and restaurant has had a lived-in feel since the day it opened. The menu is kind of all over the place, from sandwiches to ethnic specialties to wings to pizza. I really like that there are healthy options and plenty of vegetables on the menu as well as burgers and more standard bar fare. Drinks are strong and decent, and there’s a long beer list. $-$$, full bar. 250 E. Seventh St., St. Paul; 651-313-7960; darkhorsebarandeatery.com
Public Kitchen and Bar: The pretty remake of this historic building space is worth a visit alone, but the menu of classic American fare is well-executed, too. There’s usually plenty of space (both the restaurant and downstairs lounge, called Green Lantern, are sizable) if you’re looking for a place to bring a crowd. $$-$$$, full bar. 229 E. Sixth St., St. Paul; 651-348-6456; publickitchenstpaul.com
Handsome Hog: This small space next door to Public features upscale barbecue prepared by talented, rising-star chef Justin Sutherland, with a hefty bourbon list to boot. The chicken and waffles are fantastic, as are the ribs and all the desserts. $$-$$$, full bar. 203 E. Sixth St., St. Paul; 651-340-7710; handsomehog.com
Market House Collaborative: With three restaurants to choose from, Market House Collaborative can offer meals from breakfast and brunch to dinner and beyond. Salty Tart (saltytart.com) does the first two meals of the day in style — with expertly made baked goods, healthful breakfast and lunch options and a wonderful coffee bar, which is great for a warm-up. Octo Fishbar (octostp.com) is the place for an elegant weekend brunch or a modern seafood feast. And Birch’s Lowertown (birchslowertown.com) features delicious bar food, house-brewed beer, killer cocktails and a decent wine list. If you’re looking for a good time later in the evening, there’s a piano bar serving up cabaret-style shows Thursday-Sunday nights. $-$$$, full bars in Octo Fishbar and Birch’s Lowertown. 289 E. Fifth St., St. Paul
Black Dog Cafe: From coffee and breakfast to after-dinner drinks, this cafe, which is celebrating its 20th year in business, is there to serve you. Decent burgers, sandwiches, salads and small, shareable plates are on the menu. $-$$, full bar. 308 E. Prince St., St. Paul; 651-228-9274; blackdogstpaul.com
DOWNTOWN ST. PAUL
Gray Duck Tavern: Located in the historic former Lowry Hotel, this restaurant serves food as delicious as the setting is pretty. The concept is global comfort food, and you can find anything from African samosas to unforgettable duck schnitzel to Singapore broil — a platter of tender steak served in a slurpable sauce. $$, full bar. 345 Wabasha St., St. Paul; 651-340-9022; grayduckstpaul.com
Cossetta/Louis: This long-standing Italian eatery has more than doubled its size and scope in the past few years, adding the upscale eatery Louis on the second floor as well as a dazzling pasticceria, the interior of which was imported directly from Italy, and the sweets filling the bakery case exquisite. Deli: $, beer and wine only. Louis: $$-$$$, full bar; Cossetta Italian Market and Pizzeria: 211 W. Seventh St., St. Paul; 651-222-3476; cossettas.com
Citizen: Inside the Intercontinental Hotel, this restaurant recently changed concepts from classic supper club to “modern American cuisine,” but the room is still a fun mix of modern and retro and the drinks still above average. $$-$$$, full bar. 11 E. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul; 651-605-0190; citizensaintpaul.com
St. Paul Grill: Rice Park might be under construction, but this clubby room is still the place to catch politicians and Winter Carnival royalty imbibing after a long day. The restaurant serves a classic menu of steak, chops and fish, a great burger, and the list of whiskeys and scotch is one of the most extensive in town. $$-$$$, full bar. 350 Market St., St. Paul; 651-224-7455; stpaulgrill.com
Meritage: Oysters and bubbly after walking around to check out the ice sculptures? Yes, please! Belly up and watch a chef shuck for you or grab a booth and canoodle with your sweetie for the perfect date night downtown. The menu of French specialties are sure to get you in the mood if the oysters don’t float your boat. $$-$$$, full bar. 410 St. Peter St., St. Paul; 651-222-5670; meritage-stpaul.com
Herbie’s on the Park: This restaurant serves up comfort food and elegant cocktails in a beautiful, historic space on Rice Park. Sit at the gorgeous, front-and-center bar for a signature mule and a plate of wings or a burger and some hand-cut fries, or cozy up by the fireplace in the dining room for a hearty entree. $$-$$$, full bar. 317 Washington St., St. Paul; 651-726-1700; herbiesonthepark.com
PRICING GUIDE
- $: $10-$15 per person for a full meal
- $$: $15-25 per person for a full meal
- $$$: $25 or more per person for a full meal
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