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St. Paul’s Lowertown neighborhood has grown from a quiet, rough-around-the-edges collection of historic buildings into a thriving, vibrant part of the city packed with restaurants and sights to take in. From CHS Field, home to the St. Paul Saints, to the locally grown-only Farmers Market, to art galleries, and more. It’s a beautiful part of the cities and a fantastic spot to grab a bite after checking out the St. Paul Winter Carnival.
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Where to Eat and Drink in St. Paul's Lowertown Neighborhood
A cool neighborhood filled with fantastic food options
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Handsome Hog
Handsome Hog serves Southern-ish, bold cuisine like whole roasted hog jowl plus positively crave-worth spicy chicken on waffles from local celebrity chef Justin Sutherland. The cocktail menu boasts plenty of bourbon.
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The Buttered Tin
Cupcake and hashbrown fans have lined up every weekend since The Buttered Tin first opened in 2013. Breakfast is served all day plus there's a bakery counter filled with confections from owner and baker Alicia Hinze.
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Barrio Tequila Bar
The kicky restaurant, across the street from Mears Park, serves Mexican cuisine and margaritas with top shelf tequila.
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Barrel Theory Beer Company
This super cool tap room is an ideal place to kick back with one a Shredder McGavin or a What the Fluff. It’s serious beer with not-too-serious names.
Dark Horse Bar & Eatery
An ambitious menu spanning the globe is served at barroom prices. The funky urban space, complete with on-trend rustic industrial touches like exposed metal ductwork and gleaming chandeliers is welcoming to urbanites and families, lunch meetings and happy hour gatherings.
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The Bulldog Lowertown
An ideal stop for locally brewed beers by the flight. Dig into a burger basket with a side of some of the best fries in Lowertown. The menu features all kinds of bar food classics - with a cheffy twist like poblano pepper spiked artichoke dip.
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Ox Cart Arcade & Rooftop
An adult-friendly arcade featuring all kinds of games from Mario to pinball, air hockey to Jurassic Park. Stop in for fun, cocktails, and State Fair-type snacks.
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Saint Dinette
The dreamy cheeseburger and bologna sandwich have earned legendary status, but it's chef Adam Eaton's evolving, seasonal menu that has us returning time and again. The cocktails are top notch and service, is convivial, kind and attentive. This place is essential St. Paul dining.
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Big River Pizza
After cultivating a following with a mobile woodfire oven, Big River settled into a space across the street from St. Paul’s Farmers Market. Specializing in what they call “Minne-politan” pizza these are baked Neapolitan style, then topped with locally sourced ingredients.
Birch's Lowertown Tap Room & Barrel House Piano Bar Lounge
Another local brewery, this place also serves food, and there’s a subterranean bar. It’s a fun spot to grab a cocktail and get a little music exposure.
True Stone Coffee Roasters (Cafe)
This cafe recently shifted from being The Salty Tart to being operated by the coffee roasters (who have overseen the fantastic beverages inside here all along.) There are still all kinds of baked treats and an elegant coffeehouse vibe for offsite working.
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just/us eatery and events
A newly open, counter-service restaurant is serving an eclectic array of gorgeous dishes from truly noteworthy brussels sprouts to burgers to seasoned, ribs shellacked in sticky, spicy goods. Stop by for a coffee drink, actual cocktail drink, and watch the stage and schedule for live performances. There’s even a community meeting space in back. This team is ready to serve the neighborhood in all kinds of ways.
Octo Fish Bar
James Beard Award winning chef Tim McKee's seafood restaurant is the single best place in town to order up a seafood tower. McKee has partnered with local seafood importer The Fish Guys to make hard-to-find seafood into accessible dishes. From casual dinner or pre-event drinks to weekend brunch pop-ups, this is place to see and be seen.
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Black Dog Cafe
Black Dog’s eclectic vibe wholly suits the neighborhood and its historic space. It’s a dinner restaurant, casual lunch spot, art gallery, and music venue.
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