The Lexington Is Taking Reservations Right Now

Contain your amazement, the rumors are true this time: the historic Lexington restaurant on the corner of Grand and Lexington Avenues in St. Paul is almost ready to re-open. On Saturday night media and VIPs, including Mayor Chris Coleman gathered inside the stately building for a few light appetizers from chef Jack Riebel and a tour of the building courtesy co-owners Josh Thoma and Kevin Fitzgerald.

Lucy Hawthorne/Eater Twin Cities

It was April of 2014 when the story first broke that the recently shuttered restaurant with the grand old bar and history of movers and shakers was bought by the owners of the Smack Shack and James Beard Award nominee chef Jack Riebel.

As the days of remodeling turned into years, people’s patience began to wear thin. At one point, someone went so far to pin a homemade poster to the front of the building “Free the Lex!”

The remodel has been a tedious process to put back together the stately space. Although, there’s still more work to be done in the private dining area upstairs (where it’s reportedly still lacking a floor) the downstairs is ready to be set for service. On the walls hangs local art, a fire place is ready to roar and in the kitchen, Riebel’s teams has sharpened knives and a palpable enthusiasm. It’s time to welcome back The Lex.

The reservation line opened today (651) 289-4990 and the first date available is February 9. That means, a Valentine’s Day meal inside is just a phone call away.

And here is our first tour of the new space.