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, a few of them new in the past year.
Here are some suggestions for new and classic places to grab a bite when you’re out and about.
Ox Cart Ale House: Upscale pub food, great to pair with one of the many beers on tap. This year, the restaurant has opened its sprawling rooftop bar to capitalize on event crowds, adding an ice bar, heaters, a fire pit and an icy bean bag game. $-$$, full bar; Ox Cart Ale House: 255 E. Sixth St., St. Paul; 651-756-8909; oxcartalehouse.com
Kyatchi: This newly opened Japanese restaurant in the former Tanpopo spot is serving delicious sustainable sushi and a full menu of other Japanese specialties, including rice dishes, ramen, skewer and hot dogs (Japanese people love hot dogs, just go with it). There’s also a full bar, specializing in sake and Japanese whiskey. $$, full bar; Kyatchi: 308 E. Prince St., St. Paul; 651-340-5796; kyatchi.com
Saint Dinette: The guys behind Strip Club Meat and Fish on St. Paul’s east side are behind this eatery, which 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. $$, full bar; Saint Dinette: 261 E. Fifth St., St. Paul; 651-800-1415; saintdinette.com
Big River Pizza: If you’re looking for a way to feed a crowd, Big River’s affordable, wood-fired pizzas are a great way to go. I especially love any of the vegetarian options — owner Steve Lott sources the vegetables from local farmers, which makes total sense given the restaurant’s location just across the street from the St. Paul Farmer’s Market. $, beer and wine only; Big River Pizza: 280 E. Fifth St., St Paul; 651-683-2186; bigriverpizza.com
Dark Horse: This dark-wood bar and restaurant has had a lived-in feel since the day it opened. The menu is kind of all over the place, from sandwiches to ethnic specialties to wings to pizza. I really like that there are healthy options and plenty of vegetables on the menu as well as burgers and more standard bar fare. Drinks are strong and decent, and there’s a long beer list. $-$$, full bar; Dark Horse Bar and Eatery: 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; Public Kitchen and 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 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; Handsome Hog: 203 E. Sixth St., St. Paul; 651-340-7710; handsomehog.com
Biergarten Germania: Lowertown’s newest addition, this traditional German beer hall in the former Golden’s Deli space is serving a great selection of German beers on tap (including some hard-to-find brands like Weihenstephaner, the oldest beer in the world. The food is as German as it gets, with giant pretzels, tender spaetzle, crisp schnitzel, and house-made brats. $-$$, full bar; Biergarten Germania: 275 E. 4th St., St. Paul; 651-797-2220; biergartengermania.com
Gray Duck Tavern: Located in the historic former Lowry Hotel, this restaurant, helmed by chef Donald Gonzalez, is serving food as delicious as the setting is pretty. The concept is global comfort food, and you can find anything from African samosas to unforgettable duck schnitzel to Singapore broil — a platter of tender steak served in a slurpable sauce. $$, full bar; Gray Duck Tavern: 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 recently changed concepts from classic supper club to “modern American cuisine” but the room is still a fun mix of modern and retro and the drinks still above average. $$-$$$, full bar; Citizen: 11 E. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul; 651-605-0190; citizensaintpaul.com
St. Paul Grill: You can’t beat the views of Rice Park from this classic St. Paul spot, which serves a classic menu of steak, chops and fish. The burger isn’t too shabby, either, and the list of whiskeys and scotch is one of the most extensive in town. It’s a great place to catch politicians and Winter Carnival royalty imbibing after a long day. $$-$$$, full bar; St. Paul Grill, 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 palace and 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; Meritage: 410 St. Peter St., St. Paul; 651-222-5670; meritage-stpaul.com
Herbie’s on the Park: This newcomer is serving 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; Herbie’s on the Park: 317 Washington St., St. Paul; 651-726-1700; herbiesonthepark.com
$: $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
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