Are you planning to come to downtown St. Paul for Winter Carnival festivities?
If you’re looking for a place to warm up and grab a bite, downtown — and especially Lowertown — have lots of great options, a few of them new in the past year.
RELATED: Winter Carnival activities returning to Rice Park, expanding to Landmark Plaza
Here are some suggestions for new and classic places to grab a bite when you’re out and about.
LOWERTOWN ST. PAUL RESTAURANTS
Kyatchi: This Japanese restaurant in the former Tanpopo spot serves delicious sustainable sushi and a full menu of other Japanese specialties, including rice dishes, ramen, skewers and hot dogs (Japanese people love hot dogs, just go with it). There’s also a full bar, specializing in sake and Japanese whiskey. $$, full bar; 308 E. Prince St., St. Paul; 651-340-5796; kyatchi.com
Saint Dinette: This eclectic, chef-driven eatery is one of my favorite places to grab a bite and a drink. Chef Adam Eaton, formerly of La Belle Vie, is putting out a menu full of eclectic bites from inventive small plates to a buttery, double-patty burger that is absolutely best in class. The cocktails are delicious, too. $$, full bar; 261 E. Fifth St., St. Paul; 651-800-1415; saintdinette.com
Big River Pizza: If you’re looking for a way to feed a crowd, Big River’s affordable, wood-fired pizzas are a great way to go. I especially love any of the vegetarian options — Lott sources the vegetables from local farmers, which makes total sense given the restaurant’s location just across the street from the St. Paul Farmer’s Market. $, beer and wine only; 280 E. Fifth St., St Paul; 651-683-2186; bigriverpizza.com
Dark Horse: This dark-wood bar and restaurant has had a lived-in feel since the day it opened. The menu is kind of all over the place, from sandwiches to ethnic specialties to wings to pizza. I really like that there are healthy options and plenty of vegetables on the menu as well as burgers and more standard bar fare. Drinks are strong and decent, and there’s a long beer list. $-$$, full bar; 250 E. Seventh St., St. Paul; 651-313-7960; darkhorsebarandeatery.com
Public Kitchen and Bar: The pretty remake of this historic building space is worth a visit alone, but the menu of classic American fare is well-executed, too. There’s usually plenty of space (both the restaurant and downstairs lounge, called Green Lantern, are sizeable) if you’re looking for a place to bring a crowd. $$-$$$, full bar; 229 E. Sixth St., St. Paul; 651-348-6456; publickitchenstpaul.com
Handsome Hog: This small space next door to Public features upscale barbecue prepared by talented, rising-star chef Justin Sutherland, with a hefty bourbon list to boot. The chicken and waffles are fantastic, as are the ribs and all the desserts. $$-$$$, full bar; 203 E. Sixth St., St. Paul; 651-340-7710; handsomehog.com
Market House Collaborative: With two restaurants to choose from (a new coffee house to replace recently departed Salty Tart won’t be open by the time Carnival takes place), Market House Collaborative is a pretty space with excellent food, cocktails and house-brewed beer. Octo Fishbar (octostp.com) is the place for an elegant weekend brunch or a modern seafood feast. And Birch’s Lowertown (birchslowertown.com) features delicious bar food, house-brewed beer, killer cocktails and a decent wine list. If you’re looking for a good time later in the evening, there’s a piano bar serving up cabaret-style shows Thursday-Sunday nights. $-$$$, full bars in Octo Fishbar and Birch’s Lowertown; 289 E. 5th St., St. Paul
Black Dog Cafe: From coffee and breakfast to after-dinner drinks, this cafe, which celebrated its 20th year in business last year, is there to serve you. Decent burgers, sandwiches, salads and small, shareable plates are on the menu. $-$$, full bar; 308 E. Prince Street, St. Paul; 651-228-9274; blackdogstpaul.com
DOWNTOWN ST. PAUL RESTAURANTS
Gray Duck Tavern: Located in the historic former Lowry Hotel, this restaurant has recently updated its menu to be mostly Minnesota comfort foods. Cheffed-up items include walleye fried in a wild-rice tempura, tater tot hotdish, a beef commercial and more. It’s a great place to take out-of-town guests who want to know what Minnesota cuisine is all about. $$, full bar; 345 Wabasha St., St. Paul; 651-340-9022; grayduckstpaul.com
Cossetta/Louis: This long-standing Italian eatery has more than doubled its size and scope in the past few years, adding the upscale eatery Louis on the second floor as well as a dazzling pasticceria, the interior of which was imported directly from Italy, and the sweets filling the bakery case are exquisite. Deli: $, beer and wine only
Louis: $$-$$$, full bar; Cossetta Italian Market and Pizzeria: 211 W. Seventh St., St. Paul; 651-222-3476; cossettas.com
Citizen: Inside the Intercontinental Hotel, this restaurant serves “modern American cuisine,” and the room is a fun mix of modern and retro and the drinks still above average. $$-$$$, full bar; 11 E. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul; 651-605-0190; citizensaintpaul.com
St. Paul Grill: This clubby room is the place to catch politicians and Winter Carnival royalty imbibing after a long day. The restaurant serves a classic menu of steak, chops and fish, a great burger, and the list of whiskeys and scotch is one of the most extensive in town. $$-$$$, full bar; 350 Market St., St. Paul; 651-224-7455; stpaulgrill.com
Meritage: Oysters and bubbly after a walk through Rice Park to check out the ice sculptures? Yes, please! Belly up and watch a chef shuck for you or grab a booth and canoodle with your sweetie for the perfect date night downtown. The menu of French specialties are sure to get you in the mood if the oysters don’t float your boat. $$-$$$, full bar; 410 St. Peter St., St. Paul; 651-222-5670; meritage-stp.com
Herbie’s on the Park: This restaurant serves up comfort food and elegant cocktails in a beautiful, historic space on Rice Park. Sit at the gorgeous, front-and-center bar for a signature mule and a plate of wings or a burger and some hand-cut fries, or cozy up by the fireplace in the dining room for a hearty entree. $$-$$$, full bar; 317 Washington St., St. Paul; 651-726-1700; herbiesonthepark.com
Loon Cafe St. Paul: Minneapolis’ favorite pre-game spot has opened in the former Great Waters location in the historic Hamm Building, and it is serving its famous chilis, a long list of sandwiches and a bunch of fun appetizers, including a queso with spinach that we love. $, full bar; 426 Saint Peter St., St. Paul; 651-330-4777; looncafestpaul.com
PRICING GUIDE
$: $10-$15 per person for a full meal
$$: $15-25 per person for a full meal
$$$: $25 or more per person for a full meal