A Little Taste of Up North Opens at Lexington and Grand

Iron Ranger, the new up north celebrating restaurant just got the all-clear to open at 4 pm today at 1085 Grand Avenue in St. Paul. The pub is run by Tom Forti, a Hibbing transplant who also operates Sunrise Gourmet Foods, a collection of pastas and sauces available at area grocery stores. The restaurant replaces a cafe that was also called Sunrise.

Inside, Iron Ranger is cozy, with 44 seats snuggled inside with more on a back patio when the weather cooperates. There is a trim selection of local beer on tap with a few more available by the bottle. There’s also a tidy selection of wines at affordable prices.

Food options include some pizzas and flatbreads, fried snacks and a few sharable plates. There will also be a few strong salads worthy of the Great State of Hockey hair.

Right across the street from the old school granduer of The Lexington, Iron Ranger brings a cabin-country counter balance to the fancy, channeling a little Keewatin - or maybe it was Coleraine on this popular restaurant stretch.

Iron Ranger will be open for dinner Monday, Tuesday and for lunch and dinner Wednesday through Saturday.

• Grand Avenue’s Newest Pub Reps the Boldest Part of Minnesota [ETC]
• Iron Ranger [FB]