1. Your Tongue Will Love This Place
Tongue In Cheek
989 Payne Ave
Saint Paul, MN 55130
(651) 888-6148
Yelp: 4.5 Stars; 69 Reviews.
Tongue in Cheek is one of the St. Paul restaurants that can’t be missed. With a menu that focuses on new American cuisine that’s been given a touch of class, a few of the hot items here include the pork belly and the “roasted duck boob.”
2. Fast Italian At Its Finest
Zamboni’s
184 W 7th St
Saint Paul, MN 55102
(651) 225-2999
Yelp: 4.5 Stars; 38 Reviews.
Whether you’re craving a fully loaded slice of pizza or a piping hot sandwich, Zamboni’s will have exactly what you’re looking for. While this place specializes in pumping out the ‘za, the entire menu is filled with other delicious items that help mix things up. You can’t go wrong with a pie, but a couple other favorites at Zamboni’s include the gyro and their truly addictive “garlic bomb” sandwiches.
3. Welcome To Big Daddy’s House
Big Daddy’s Old Fashioned Barbecue
625 University Ave W
Saint Paul, MN 55104
(651) 222-2516
Yelp: 4.5 Stars; 93 reviews.
Next time you’re craving some classic barbecue, head straight for Big Daddy’s…they’ve got some of the best in the country. Serving up all of your meaty favorites, if you want a real taste of the best they’ve got, go for the rib tips. Just don’t forget a side of baked beans, they’ll be some of the best you ever have.
4. Your Taste Buds Will Be Dancing At This Strip Club
The Strip Club
378 Maria Ave
Saint Paul, MN 55145
(651) 793-6247
Yelp: 4 Stars; 172 Reviews.
Don’t worry, the clothes stay on here. Another great place for carnivores, The Strip Club is one of the best steakhouses in the Twin Cities region. They’ve got all the cuts you’d expect and they’re all delicious, but to top it off, their appetizer menu is unbeatable. With dishes like beef tartare egg rolls and fried chicken dumplings, they’re all perfect for sharing, sure to make your meal here memorable.
5. A Trip To Moscow, Minus The Airfare
Moscow On The Hill
371 Selby Ave
Saint Paul, MN 55102
(651) 291-1236
Yelp: 4 Stars; 164 Reviews.
Regardless of whether you come from a Russian family or you can’t name a single Russian dish, you’ll be happy you made the trip to Moscow on the Hill. They’ve got all the Russian classics, including things like borscht and beef stroganoff. Plus, their vodka selection will be one of the most extensive you’ve ever see.
6. You Can’t Beat A Great Burger In This Town
Red Cow
393 Selby Ave
Saint Paul, MN 55102
(651) 789-0545
Yelp: 4 Stars; 120 Reviews.
If you’re looking for one of the best burgers in the Twin Cities, plug Red Cow into the GPS. With a huge variety of toppings consisting of the freshest ingredients you’ll find, every bite will be better than the last. Just make sure you upgrade to the truffle fries and if you’re really feeling bold, try the ahi tuna crisps.
7. Test Out Some Turkish Cuisine
Black Sea Restaurant
737 Snelling Ave N
Saint Paul, MN 55104
(651) 917-8832
Yelp: 4.5 Stars; 136 Reviews.
You might not know it yet, but you’re probably already pretty familiar with the delicious Turkish cuisine served up at Black Sea Restaurant. They’ve got kabobs and falafel galore. Not only is every plate bursting with flavor and served in ample portions, it’s all reasonably priced. After one trip here, you’ll be recommending this place to everyone you know.
8. This Mexican Joint Is Spot On
Tavial Grill
1199 W 7th St
Saint Paul, MN 55102
(651) 298-1000
Yelp: 5 Stars; 47 Reviews.
Tavial Grill is one hidden gem of the St. Paul area you have to try ASAP. Their menu is full of Mexican favorites like tacos, burritos, and fajitas, with a few of their more unique proteins including cheek meat and beef tongue. Don’t knock either until you try them, they’re both insanely good.
9. It’s Hard Not To Be Happy Here
The Happy Gnome
498 Selby Ave
Saint Paul, MN 55102
(651) 287-2018
Yelp: 4 Stars; 382 Reviews.
For a real taste of some Minnesotan cuisine, check out the Happy Gnome. Not only do they have an awesome “game burger” consisting of a bison and elk blend, they’ve also got one of the best Sunday Bloody Mary bars you’ll ever find.
10. You’ll Definitely Want To Kiss This Cook
COOK
1124 Payne Ave
Saint Paul, MN 55130
(651) 756-1787
Yelp: 4.5 Stars; 55 Reviews.
COOK isn’t your typical diner. If you’re used to a simple pancake and egg meal, this place will blow your mind. Instead of traditional breakfast foods, they’ve got things like Korean pancakes, topped with poached eggs and an eggs benedict dish that isn’t complete without a succulent helping of short ribs.
11. Meritage Makes A Picture Perfect Date
Meritage
410 St Peter St
Saint Paul, MN 55145
(651) 222-5670
Yelp: 4.5 Stars; 198 Reviews.
Classy, sophisticated, and creative, every dish that comes from the Meritage kitchen is equally beautiful and delicious. Focused on bringing the best of French cuisine to the Twin Cities, they’re always experimenting with new ideas their menu. If you’re not sure what to get, the roasted bone marrow is always a sure bet.
12. Regional Ingredients Meet Southern Flavors
Brasa
777 Grand Ave
Saint Paul, MN 55105
(651) 224-1302
Yelp: 4 Stars; 226 Reviews.
Inspired by the spices of the Caribbean and the heartiness of the South, the dishes at Brasa are finger lickin’ good. A couple of the local favorites here include a pulled chicken dish that’s simmered in a creamy gravy and a fried catfish sandwich that’s topped with a spicy mayo.
13. When It Comes To Cooking, Joan Knows Best.
Joan’s In The Park
631 Snelling Ave S
Saint Paul, MN 55116
(651) 690-3297
Yelp: 4.5 Stars; 71 Reviews.
With an awesome atmosphere and even better food, Joan’s In the Park is one place that is sure to keep you coming back for more. It’s hard to recommend a single dish here because the menu changes on a regular basis, but that’s part of what keeps Joan’s exciting. A few past favorites include a steak tartare dish and a plate of braised beef served with grits.
14. Start Your Day Off With A Little Butter
The Buttered Tin
237 7th St E
Saint Paul, MN 55101
(651) 224-2300
Yelp: 4.5 Stars; 164 Reviews.
One of the best places for breakfast in the St. Paul region, a meal from the Buttered Tin will have your day off to a great start. They somehow manage to take timeless American classics and make them better. Think you’ll struggle picking just one item off this delicious menu? Try the bananas foster French toast or the huevos rancheros benedict.
15. Of All The St. Paul Restaurants, No One Does Pub Food Better Than Blue Door
The Blue Door Pub
1811 Selby Ave
Saint Paul, MN 55104
(651) 493-1865
Yelp: 4 Stars; 503 Reviews.
Known around town for their great atmosphere and even better burgers, one trip to the Blue Door Pub will earn this restaurant a spot on your list of favorites. They’re also a frontrunner when it comes to which restaurant has the best “Juicy Lucy” in the Twin Cities…but theirs has a special twist: Bleu cheese. Top your meal off with a side of the spicy tater tots and you’ll be golden.