25 Essential St. Paul Institutions
From neighborhood classics to high-wire tasting rooms, these are the places shaping the modern dining identity of St. Paul.
Nelson Cheese & Deli
Minnesota
Deli offering specialty sandwiches, Midwestern cheddar & Swiss cheese, box lunches & catering.
Tongue in Cheek
Minnesota
Inventive, sustainable New American dishes & craft cocktails in cool quarters with a retro vibe.
Mama's Pizza
Minnesota
Unassuming neighborhood go-to for red-sauce favorites, pizzas, sandwiches, chicken & burgers.
Cossetta
St. Paul, Minnesota
Part of an Italian food complex, this cafeteria-style setup serves classic pastas, hot subs & pizza.
The Best Steak House
St. Paul, Minnesota
Simple American steak, pork & chicken entrees & sandwiches are offered in a casual, modest setting.
Red Rabbit St. Paul
St. Paul, Minnesota
Rustic-chic Italian restaurant serving pastas & wood-fired pizzas, plus handcrafted cocktails.
Babani's
St. Paul, Minnesota
BYOB pick for Kurdish fare, including vegetarian choices, in a straightforward, high-ceilinged room.
Ruam Mit
St. Paul, Minnesota
Unassuming Thai eatery making traditional eats, including vegetarian & vegan items, spiced-to-order.
Tono Pizzeria + Cheesesteaks
St. Paul, Minnesota
Service options: Outdoor seating, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Serves local specialty. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner.
Mim's Cafe
St. Paul, Minnesota
Modest Middle Eastern & American counter-serve eatery offering kebabs, falafel, burgers & more.
Brunson's Pub
St. Paul, Minnesota
Traditional hangout offering creative gastropub fare & a full bar, plus happy hours & patio seating.
Trieu Chau Restaurant
St. Paul, Minnesota
Simple, wood-paneled Vietnamese stalwart known for pho, banh mi & other simple menu items.
Red Cow St. Paul
St. Paul, Minnesota
Casual & rustic American eatery offering craft beer, gourmet burgers & a menu of updated pub eats.
Carbone's Pizzeria - St. Paul
St. Paul, Minnesota
Longtime local pizza chain offering plenty of topping options, hoagies & salads.
Neighborhood Cafe
St. Paul, Minnesota
Collegial hangout known for breakfast all day & American comfort food classics, plus beer & wine.
The Bulldog Lowertown
St. Paul, Minnesota
Hangout with elevated pub grub, TVs & a wide range of rotating beers on tap, including craft brews.
Eastside Pizzeria
St. Paul, Minnesota
Neighborhood take-out place for wide-ranging comfort food like pizza, BBQ ribs, burgers & tacos.
Capital View Cafe & Catering
St. Paul, Minnesota
This casual, dinerlike spot boasts a menu of American & Mexican favorites for breakfast & lunch.
Mancini’s Char House
St. Paul, Minnesota
Family-run staple presenting charbroiled steaks & lobsters in timeless surrounds.
The St. Paul Grill
St. Paul, Minnesota
Classic American eatery showcasing steaks, chops & seafood, plus an array of single-malt scotches.
Thai Café
St. Paul, Minnesota
Cheery, simple cafe serving traditional Thai fare, such as satays, curries & noodle soups.
Davanni's Pizza & Hot Hoagies
St. Paul, Minnesota
Regional chain with a long menu of pizzas, hoagies & more, ordered at the counter or for delivery.
Pizza Lucé St Paul
St. Paul, Minnesota
Local pizzeria chain serving creative pies, pasta & hoagies, plus beer & wine, in a casual setting.
Carbones Pizza
St. Paul, Minnesota
Enduring pizzeria where you can watch the dough being tossed, offering classic pies, subs & salads.
Shish
St. Paul, Minnesota
Casual spot for standard Middle Eastern fare all day, plus breakfasts with Turkish coffee.