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A closeup of an earthenware bowl filled with ramen, broth, and topped with half a prawn
Tori Ramen makes an excellent mid-day break
John Yuccas

Where to Order an Excellent Lunch in St. Paul

Stacks of roast beef, tangles of ramen noodles, buffalo sauce drenched fried cauliflower, and more

by Alex Lodner
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Tori Ramen makes an excellent mid-day break
| John Yuccas
by Alex Lodner

As the weather turns cooler, a light lunch of salad and a doughnut (no, just me?) no longer fits the bill. Try these Saint Paul spots for the comfort food we all need in the middle of the day. And remember to order directly from the restaurant whenever possible to help the already struggling businesses avoid fees from delivery services.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

Cecil's

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The quintessential Jewish deli across from Saint Kate’s offers boxed lunches which include a sandwich, choice of a side, chips, a pickle spear and a dessert. Pick up for provisions and frozen soups for the long, quarantined winter.

651 Cleveland Ave S, St Paul, MN 55116
(651) 698-0334
(651) 698-0334

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Highland Grill

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The Blue Plate Restaurant Group is known for serving comfort from morning til night. At this Cleveland Avenue restaurant, pick up an order of hearty pierogis filled with potatoes and white cheddar to carry you through to dinner.

771 Cleveland Ave S, St Paul, MN 55116
(651) 690-1173
(651) 690-1173

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French Meadow Bakery & Café

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French Meadow was farm-to-table before the term because ubiquitous in hipster and suburban circles alike. The lovely patio is closed for now but the Healing Plate with grilled tempeh and all sorts of organic goodies is just as delicious to-go.

1662 Grand Ave, St Paul, MN 55105
(651) 789-8870
(651) 789-8870

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Colossal Cafe

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It is perfectly acceptable to have pancakes for lunch. Colossal Café’s famous Flappers are made with yeast for a tangy, extra fluffy treat. Top with fresh fruit if you insist on a healthy meal or go all in with syrup, apples, walnuts and brie. And if sweet isn’t your craving, there are plenty of sandwiches and other savory options.

1340 Grand Ave, St Paul, MN 55105
(651) 414-0543
(651) 414-0543

Also featured in:

West Indies Soul Food

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Chef Sharon Richards-Noel’s dishes are born of her roots in Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and Grenada. Items like jerk chicken and gumbo pack a flavorful punch yet remain accessible to all palates. Be sure and grab a couple of bottles of Chef’s specialty sauces. 

1166 University Ave W, St Paul, MN 55104
(651) 331-9523
(651) 331-9523

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Maverick's Real Roast Beef

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Mavrick’s is a humble shop, serving loads of juicy meats on squishy soft buns from a strip mall store front in Roseville. It is beloved by families and shift workers alike, and while it is an iconic neighborhood spot, folks come from around the metro for its classic sandwiches and sides.

1746 Lexington Ave N, Roseville, MN 55113
(651) 493-9672
(651) 493-9672
A roast beef sandwich with skinny fries and a malt
Piles of roast beef on a squishy bun
Maverick’s [Official]

Also featured in:

J. Selby's

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Vegans are no longer relegated to the sad salad portions of the menu. At J. Selby, indulge in the plant-based Crispy Chickin Sandwich or a Beyond Meat burger. J. Selby also offers a Community Bowl, a free hot meal for anyone who needs it. 

169 Victoria St, St Paul, MN 55104
(651) 222-3263
(651) 222-3263
The white sign of J. Selby’s
Tasty vegan eats and a free meal to anyone in need
J. Selby’s/Facebook

Also featured in:

Tori Ramen

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A giant bowl of chew noodles and thick broth may seem like a recipe for an inefficient afternoon, but come on, you were going to take a two-hour couch nap anyway. Tori specializes in poultry-based broth and also offers a nice variety of vegetarian and vegan options.

603 7th St W, St Paul, MN 55102
A close up of an earthenware pot filled with broth and mussels
Giant bowls of rich broth are perfect for cold days
John Yuccas

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Cecil's

651 Cleveland Ave S, St Paul, MN 55116

The quintessential Jewish deli across from Saint Kate’s offers boxed lunches which include a sandwich, choice of a side, chips, a pickle spear and a dessert. Pick up for provisions and frozen soups for the long, quarantined winter.

651 Cleveland Ave S, St Paul, MN 55116
(651) 698-0334
(651) 698-0334

Highland Grill

771 Cleveland Ave S, St Paul, MN 55116

The Blue Plate Restaurant Group is known for serving comfort from morning til night. At this Cleveland Avenue restaurant, pick up an order of hearty pierogis filled with potatoes and white cheddar to carry you through to dinner.

771 Cleveland Ave S, St Paul, MN 55116
(651) 690-1173
(651) 690-1173

French Meadow Bakery & Café

1662 Grand Ave, St Paul, MN 55105

French Meadow was farm-to-table before the term because ubiquitous in hipster and suburban circles alike. The lovely patio is closed for now but the Healing Plate with grilled tempeh and all sorts of organic goodies is just as delicious to-go.

1662 Grand Ave, St Paul, MN 55105
(651) 789-8870
(651) 789-8870

Colossal Cafe

1340 Grand Ave, St Paul, MN 55105

It is perfectly acceptable to have pancakes for lunch. Colossal Café’s famous Flappers are made with yeast for a tangy, extra fluffy treat. Top with fresh fruit if you insist on a healthy meal or go all in with syrup, apples, walnuts and brie. And if sweet isn’t your craving, there are plenty of sandwiches and other savory options.

1340 Grand Ave, St Paul, MN 55105
(651) 414-0543
(651) 414-0543

West Indies Soul Food

1166 University Ave W, St Paul, MN 55104

Chef Sharon Richards-Noel’s dishes are born of her roots in Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and Grenada. Items like jerk chicken and gumbo pack a flavorful punch yet remain accessible to all palates. Be sure and grab a couple of bottles of Chef’s specialty sauces. 

1166 University Ave W, St Paul, MN 55104
(651) 331-9523
(651) 331-9523

Maverick's Real Roast Beef

1746 Lexington Ave N, Roseville, MN 55113

Mavrick’s is a humble shop, serving loads of juicy meats on squishy soft buns from a strip mall store front in Roseville. It is beloved by families and shift workers alike, and while it is an iconic neighborhood spot, folks come from around the metro for its classic sandwiches and sides.

1746 Lexington Ave N, Roseville, MN 55113
(651) 493-9672
(651) 493-9672
A roast beef sandwich with skinny fries and a malt
Piles of roast beef on a squishy bun
Maverick’s [Official]

J. Selby's

169 Victoria St, St Paul, MN 55104

Vegans are no longer relegated to the sad salad portions of the menu. At J. Selby, indulge in the plant-based Crispy Chickin Sandwich or a Beyond Meat burger. J. Selby also offers a Community Bowl, a free hot meal for anyone who needs it. 

169 Victoria St, St Paul, MN 55104
(651) 222-3263
(651) 222-3263
The white sign of J. Selby’s
Tasty vegan eats and a free meal to anyone in need
J. Selby’s/Facebook

Tori Ramen

603 7th St W, St Paul, MN 55102

A giant bowl of chew noodles and thick broth may seem like a recipe for an inefficient afternoon, but come on, you were going to take a two-hour couch nap anyway. Tori specializes in poultry-based broth and also offers a nice variety of vegetarian and vegan options.

603 7th St W, St Paul, MN 55102
A close up of an earthenware pot filled with broth and mussels
Giant bowls of rich broth are perfect for cold days
John Yuccas

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