10 Restaurants to Meet with Family & Friends

Load up the minivan and call your friends - these are the best restaurants to host your group in Saint Paul.

An unforgettable night of exceptional service, top shelf beverages, and a special setting is waiting to be had as groups of friends gather once again. Inside these fabulous restaurants are wide open rooms, crowd-pleasing menus, shelves lined with glittering bottles, and thrilling experiences from a roaring fireplace to Russian opulence to a historic firehouse decorated with giant wooden barrels. These are the best spots for a large group gathering in Saint Paul.

Holman’s Table

Fans of flight will love the chance to gather at this MCM-styled restaurant at Saint Paul’s downtown airport. The large windows at the front of the Holman's Table offer views of planes outside. Book space in the Earnhart room for large group, private dining.

Moscow on the Hill

There is nowhere better to spend a cold winter night than ensconced in the Russian hospitality of Moscow on the Hill. The red light cast from the bar, onto the impressive lineup of vodka bottles is inviting. The hearty food and inherent coziness are particularly welcoming when gathering with a crew of friends. There’s a private dining room, for larger gatherings, that can host up to 80 people.

Mancini’s

This steakhouse is filled with midcentury swank and giant rooms popular for private events. The giant booths in Mancini's bar are perfect for groups of four to six, while the various dining rooms can be set up for a full banquet. Another bonus of having an event here is the expansive parking lot, making it accessible. For birthdays, the restaurant also provides the person celebrating a cake, which is a nice touch.

Credit: @mancinischarhouse

Handsome Hog

Justin Sutherland’s Cathedral Hill hotspot has a large back room that can be reserved or a private tasting room experience downstairs. Handsome Hog's even been known to host parties out on the patio with its own private bar and fire pits. The bar is dominated by whisky options and the menu leans into Southern fine dining.

WA Frost

A jewel of Cathedral Hill, this restaurant has long been a beloved option for larger dining groups looking to book a private room. WA Frost's refreshed menu now sports a beverage selection with n/a and low proof drinking options alongside the special-occasion worthy wines. In the winter there is also a fireplace that adds another level of warmth to a lovely evening out. For regular dining inside, the restaurant currently requires proof of vaccination or a negative test. So, this is a good location for the COVID cautious.

The Gnome

Massive portions of comfort food and an impressive tap list make The Gnome a popular choice for groups of all sizes. Upstairs inside this historic firehouse is a private party room with a cozy fireplace and plenty of room for a good sized group.

Cossetta’s

Cossetta’s is a multi-level Italian dining and shopping experience, just outside of downtown Saint Paul. The fine dining eatery, Louis, on the top floor boasts a giant patio with views of the Cathedral and plenty of space for large parties. Private dining is available for groups up to 50 people.

Credit: @eanderson1974

DeGidio’s

This family-owned Italian restaurant has been serving Saint Paul for generations and it’s still a fantastic spot for red sauce and pasta. DeGidio's has a private party room that’s available for 40 up to 160 guests. For smaller, but still sizable groups, there are tables that can be pushed together and the service is always prompt and considerate.

The Downtowner Woodfire Grill

Just outside of downtown this restaurant has an elegant jazzy vibe to it. The Downtowner's dining room is elegant and the menu leans into a wood fired grill. There’s a private dining room that’s available for renting that can accommodate anywhere from 10 to 50 people, depending on how the room is configured.

Bullvino’s Churrascaria and Brazilian Steakhouse

This gorgeous space in Lowertown is the perfect spot to book a meaty shindig. Bullvino's private dining room can host large groups for sit-down dining or mingling and snacks. The menu is packed with charred meats and there’s a salad bar. There's a handy valet that makes navigating this parker-challenging neighborhood more attractive.

Credit: @leomack19

Now that you're mind is swirling with all the fun possibilities, call up your friends and loved ones and start planning your next party!

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Joy Summers

Author

Joy Summers

Joy Summers is an award-winning columnist and food writer whose work has appeared in Food Network Magazine, People, City Pages, Minnesota Monthly, Lavender, and Eater. She's been known to take to backcountry roads and plunge into new environments in search of elusive ingredients at their peak. As a passionate storyteller, she strives to connect people with the words that serve them best. She lives in Cathedral Hill with her husband and young children.

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