Guide to Downtown Dining
If you’re headed Downtown, use this as a guide to the top restaurants for lunch, happy hour and more.
Where to Eat in Downtown Saint Paul
Discover where to dine in bustling downtown from noble hotel dining experiences and lively music halls to skyway eats.
As a city filled with seemingly endless dining options, it can be hard to decide where to eat in Saint Paul. If you’re headed Downtown, use this as a guide to the top restaurants for lunch, happy hour and more.
Start the Day with a Cup of Joe
The Saint Paul Hotel
Indulge in a scrumptious a la carte breakfast spread at the Drake inside The Saint Paul Hotel, where luxury meets comfort. Whether you're an out-of-towner staying at the hotel, or a local looking for an elevated morning spread, you're sure to find your fix. The Drake, located on the lower level of the hotel, is open for breakfast daily and features a specialty brunch menu on Sundays. If you're looking for a quick, grab-and-go option, The Lobby Bar offers coffee and pastries from Tuesday-Sunday from 7-11 a.m.
Hepcat Coffee
Conveniently located inside the Osborn 370 Building, Hepcat not only offers a delicious cup of the good stuff, but you can also grab a delectable sweet or savory baked goods to fill your morning. (Hot tip: they don't just do coffee - rotating hand-made lunch options are available as well!)
Trinity Coffee House
If you're roaming the skyways, Trinity Coffee House should be one of your daily stops. They specialize in premium, organic and African coffees and strive to match you with the most suitable flavor to satisfy your senses.
Afro Deli
What do you get when you fuse African, Mediterranean and American food at a vibrant, quick-serve restaurant? Everyone’s favorite lunch spot (well, a lot of people’s at least). Fun fact: owner Abdirahman Kahin attended former President Barack Obama’s 2016 State of the Union address where Kahin was honored by the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Pillbox Tavern
It's like a sports bar, but so much more. Enjoy spins on American classics, such as deviled eggs with pickled Fresno chili, a Jalapeno Popper Juicy Lucy, and Nashville Hot Chicken Tacos along with a specials menu that rotates every 6-8 weeks.
Headwaters Cafe
Located in the lobby of Saint Paul’s RiverCentre, Headwaters is a worthy lunch choice for more than just convention-goers. Their extensive menu includes soups, salads, sandwiches, desserts and a variety of daily features. You can even grab a quick brew or cocktail here before a Wild game or concert at Xcel Energy Center.
Fine Dining
Citizen
Citizen dropped the Supper Club from its name when it relaunched in September 2017 with local flair and a modern look. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, InterContinental Hotel’s resident restaurant touts small plates, elevated comfort food and crafted cocktails.
Kincaid’s
From seafood to prime rib, Kincaid’s is known for providing a classic American dining experience. It’s a great choice for special occasions or special someone.
Meritage
With a handful of Best Restaurant and Best French Food honors, Meritage has built quite a reputation in the Twin Cities. The oyster bar and robust wine selection are just two of the many reasons to add it to your list.
St. Paul Grill
Nothing says quintessential Saint Paul like St. Paul Grill. Sip cocktails and indulge in the finest steaks, fish and pork chops as you overlook Rice Park at this downtown icon.
Happy Hour
Amsterdam Bar & Hall
Dutch with Amsterdam’s simple, yet delicious of Belgian appetizers, fries and sandwiches. Along with a stellar weekday happy hour from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., Amsterdam also hosts frequent concerts by local and national acts on its two stages.
Camp Bar & Cabaret
Come for happy hour (3-5:30 p.m., 1-2 a.m. daily), stay for a show. There’s nearly always entertainment scheduled at this popular downtown lounge.
Smorgie's
This casual restaurant and bar across from the Xcel Energy Center is serving up a smorgasbord of homestyle Midwestern comfort food like Tater-Tot hotdish, Pickle Fries, Granny's Chicken Salad, and Swedish meatballs. Wash it all down with affordable cocktails, beer, and wine, and a daily 2-4-1 happy hour. (Yes, it's even on Sundays!) The restaurant is attached to the Courtyard Hotel, with a separate street entrance, and is also next to the Apostle Supper Club--another frequented spot by event goers.
Hometown Pride
Herbie’s on the Park
Pay homage to a Saint Paul icon while you dine on upscale tavern fare and handcrafted cocktails. Inspired by the legacy of Herb Brooks, coach of the 1980 gold medal Olympic hockey squad, Herbie’s on the Park is the place to be for hockey fans and foodies alike.
Loon Cafe
The Loon has landed. A longtime Minneapolis favorite for chili, sandwiches, beer and good times has crossed the river to establish its second location along Saint Paul's West Seventh Place mall. It's a great pick for lunch, happy hour or before and after a show at the nearby Palace Theatre.
Key's Cafe
Though there are nine total Keys locations in the Twin Cities, the renowned Minnesota breakfast joint calls Saint Paul home. The downtown location isn’t the original (that one’s on Raymond Avenue in Saint Anthony Park), but it serves up the same all-day breakfast deliciousness as the others.
Mickey’s Diner
What do the National Register of Historic Places, Hollywood, Food Network and Travel Channel all have in common? They’ve all featured Mickey’s Dining Car in Saint Paul. One look at the menu and you’ll see you’re in good company with all the celebrities who have dined at this vintage breakfast joint since it opened back in 1937.
International Flavor
Pimento Jamaican Kitchen
Pimento was born from countless backyard BBQs and a trip back to the owner's homeland of Kingston, Jamaica. Enjoy authentic island flavor where French technique meets Jamaican eats from a selection of dishes like slow-roasted jerk pork and curry chicken accompanied by coconut rice and sweet plantains, as well as self-serve beer wall.
Ruam Mit
As a taste of the delicious Saint Paul culinary scene since 1989, Ruam Mit re-opened a new location in the heart of Downtown in May 2024. As a haven for Thai and Lao cuisine enthusiasts, this family-owned and operated eatery features a selection of crispy egg rolls, curry dishes, Laab and more!
Sakura
Enjoy fresh sushi and sake in Sakura’s spacious two-level restaurant (a rare find downtown). Pick a seat at the sushi bar to watch your meal being prepared for you.
Sawatdee Thai
Thai it, you'll like it! Sawatdee opened in 1983 as the first Thai restaurant in the 5-state area, so you know it must be good. The menu is full of traditional sweet, salty and sour Thai classics and will leave you wanting more.
Dessert
Candyland
What would you say if we told you Chicago Mix popcorn was actually invented in Saint Paul? It doesn’t make a whole lot of sense, but dang is it good. Pick up a bag and more at Candyland’s original downtown location.
Legacy Chocolates
In the historic Pioneer Endicott Building lies the cure for all of your chocolate cravings. The truffles and bark are Legacy Chocolate’s specialty, but you’ll also want to try their chocolate-infused coffee drinks for a decadent pick-me-up.
What tops your downtown dining list? Let us know on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter using the hashtag #MYSAINTPAUL!
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