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

Downtown, everything’s waiting for you (and yes, we included a skyway section).

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.

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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!)

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Lost Fox

Looking for a place to post up and get some work done? Lost Fox is your spot. With ample seating, you can spread out or meet with colleagues over your favorite caffeinated beverage. But don't stop there! Throughout the day, this space transforms providing lunch, happy hour, and even dinner!

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The Buttered Tin

Ok, yes, they serve coffee. But this place is really about the breakfast! You can sit down and enjoy a Biscuit Sammy on one of their homemade baked pillows of goodness or grab a slice of their amazing pies or cakes to go.

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True Stone Coffee

If you're going for that Instagrammable vibe with your coffee date, True Stone is the spot. It is housed in the Market House building and brings all those bright, airy looks with its spot-on cup of Joe.

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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.

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Credit: @_hjuuune at Lost Fox
Credit: @ralph_matthews at Urban Wok

Get Your Lunch On


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.

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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.

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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.

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Urban Wok

Think Chipotle, but stir-fry. Pick your base, protein, veggies and signature sauces, and let Urban Wok do the rest. Gluten-free or vegan? No problem—there are plenty of options to fit any dietary restrictions.

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Skyway Spots

Asian Express

A place to satisfy your eggroll cravings and so much more. Asian Express offers a wide variety of yummy Vietnamese and Chinese dishes.

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MaisonDarras

Securian Center’s MaisonDarras has made quite the name for itself in the Twin Cities sandwich circuit. The authentically French cafe is known for perfectly pressed paninis and decadent creme brulee.

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Pino’s Pizzeria

Pino’s Pizzeria in the Alliance Bank food court is a Saint Paul skyway staple. Their made from scratch New York-style pizza has been delighting downtowners for over 25 years.

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Skyway Grill

While there’s no shortage of burgers in Saint Paul, there was a shortage of them in the skyway—that is, until Skyway Grill opened in 2015. Get your burger fix (and a side of sweet potato tots) in the Alliance Bank building.

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Sushi Sushi

Build-your-own sushi rolls and all the classics. This Alliance Bank spot proves you don’t have to leave the warmth of the skyway for good sushi.

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Catrinas Skyway

For all you gluten-conscious folks out there, this is your spot! Their entire menu is gluten-free, just pass on the flour tortillas, tortas, and tostadas. Thing customizable Mexican fare with a modern twist.

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Credit: Pino's Pizzeria
Credit: @saintdinette

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Saint Dinette

It's sort of like fine dining, but also very approachable. Hospitality is at the forefront of Saint Dinette's dining experience, so you can feel welcomed as you are. Elevated (and incredibly delicious) burgers, a bologna sandwich like you have never had before, and so much more.

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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.

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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.

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Rival House

Artisanal wood-fired pizza, beer-infused cocktails and skeeball. Rival House is downtown’s throwback to old-school neighborhood sporting parlours, speakeasies and social clubs.

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MetroNOME Brewing

More than just a brewery. MetroNOME's proceeds go to funding musical instruments, lessons, and education for underprivileged youth in the Twin Cities Metro Area. Stop in for a pint and know that your money is going towards something good!

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Wild Bill's

A sports bar and a saloon all in one?! Sounds like a good time to us. Wild Bill's is known for comfort food, a broad beer selection and an approachable cocktail program, making it a perfect spot before a hockey game or concert at the Xcel Energy Center.

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Credit: @experiencethetwincities at MetroNOME
Credit: @herbiesonthepark

Hometown Pride

Gray Duck

Here in Minnesota, we want nothing to do with the silly game out-of-staters call “Duck, Duck, Goose.” It’s “Duck, Duck, Gray Duck” and that’s all there is to it. In fact, we’re so passionate about it that we even named a restaurant after it. Though its name is uniquely Minnesotan, Gray Duck Tavern’s menu features comfort food inspired by all corners of the world.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. (Mickey's is currently closed but set to reopen)

International Flavor

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.

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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.

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Credit: @sakura_restaurant_and_bar
Credit: Legacy Chocolates

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.

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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.

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What tops your downtown dining list? Let us know on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter using the hashtag #MYSAINTPAUL!

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