2022 Winter Carnival: Where to eat in downtown and Lowertown St. Paul if you're here for festivities

Jess Fleming, Pioneer Press, St. Paul, Minn.
·5 min read

Jan. 22—Are you planning to come to downtown St. Paul for the Winter Carnival?

If you're looking for a place to warm up and grab a bite, downtown, and especially Lowertown, have lots of great options, even though the pandemic has claimed a few of our favorites in the past year.

Here are some suggestions for new and classic places to grab a bite when you're out and about. Hours of operation might be different from previous years — many restaurants are dealing with staffing and supply chain issues that have led to drastic changes, often on the fly. Be sure to call or check websites before dropping in.

In addition, St. Paul's new mandate requires proof of vaccination and a face mask to be worn when you're not eating or drinking in certain establishments, so plan ahead and be kind to the workers who have to enforce the law.

LOWERTOWN

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, skewer 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

Bullvino's Churrascaria: This relatively new Brazilian steakhouse is expensive, but you get a lot of high-quality meat for that price tag. Grilled meats, often skewered on swords, are served by wandering servers, who dramatically slice bits of steak, lamb, and even chicken and sausage onto your plate until you either explode or turn over a little color-coded cardboard sign at your seat that tells them to stop. $$$, full bar

289 E. 5th St., St. Paul; 651-493-3397; bullvinos.com

DOWNTOWN ST. PAUL

Gray Duck Tavern: Located in the historic former Lowry Hotel, this restaurant has recently re-opened after being closed during the entirety of the pandemic. New owners are serving hot dogs, burgers and other bar staples. $, full bar

345 Wabasha St., St. Paul; 651-340-9022; grayduckstpaul.com

Cossetta/Louis: This long-standing Italian eatery boasts a giant deli, with pastas, sandwiches, salads and pizzas, but also 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 exquisite. And during the pandemic, Frank's Levee Tavern, serving Italian street foods. Deli: $, beer and wine only; Louis: $$-$$$, full bar; Frank's: $-$$, full bar

211 W. Seventh St., St. Paul; 651-222-3476; cossettas.com

St. Paul Grill: This clubby room, recently re-opened after being closed for more than a year, is still 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

Kincaid's: There's a killer happy hour at this fish and chophouse in the heart of downtown, but they also serve lunch and dinner. The seafood offerings are extensive, but there are also plenty of meaty options, including Wagyu sirloin. $$-$$$, full bar

380 Saint Peter St., St. Paul; 651-602-9000; kincaids.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. Reservations recommended. $$-$$$, full bar

410 St. Peter St., St. Paul; 651-222-5670; meritage-stpaul.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 spot 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