While Grand Ave, West Seventh, and Lowertown seemingly get all the glory, Payne-Phalen is a paradise of diverse food options, packed with mom-and-pop soul. From taquerias to Thai, red sauce Italian, there is something for everyone along inside this under-sung neighborhood.
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8 Eateries to Explore in the Eastside’s Payne-Phalen Neighborhood
From fried chicken to pho

1. Yarusso Bros Italian Restaurant
St Paul, MN 55130
A neighborhood Italian icon, Yarusso Bros has been around since the 1930s. Not much has changed at the family owned spot, with lunch specials topping out at $10. Portions are hefty with meatballs that almost seem to fill the plate and pizzas that will surely need to be shared with family and friends.
2. Eastside Thai Restaurant
St Paul, MN 55130
Pho and curry are the stars of the show at this Payne-Phelan Thai mainstay. The pho broth is perfect to slurp on on a cold Twin Cities day, and one can’t go wrong in ordering any of the various curry dishes (but the Thai Red Curry is difficult to beat).
3. Tongue in Cheek
St Paul, MN 55130
A restaurant that prides itself on the humane and sustainable raising of its products is one to stand behind. The steamed pork buns with a stone fruit salsa is the perfect combo of sweet and savory, and the cocktail flight allows for the creative libations to be tried in small doses.
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4. Magnolias Restaurant
St Paul, MN 55130
Magnolia’s restaurant has an entirely separate “Chicken To-Go” menu, so you know this is a serious fried chicken situation. If not in the mood for chicken though, a killer hot beef sandwich with mashed potatoes and pan gravy inside this classic family-style diner.
5. Bymore Taqueria
St Paul, MN 55130
This comfortable, counter-service taco joint that packs a punch, Bymore is the Payne-Phalen spot for everything Mexican. Tacos, enchiladas, and fajitas fill the menu, with a self service topping bar that houses the spots homemade salsa.
6. Brunson's Pub
St Paul, MN 55130
A beloved local watering hole, Brunson’s Pub gives patrons a place to enjoy outstanding food at even more outstanding prices. The savory Brunson wings are made from chicken thighs and served in a multitude of flavors, while the pulled bacon BLT elevates the classic with avocado and garlic aioli.
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7. I ❤️ Pho
St Paul, MN 55106
Home to a beautiful, traditional banh mi, I Heart Pho. Located on the east side of Maryland Avenue. Owned by the same people behind University Avenue’s icon iPho by Saigon deliver a menu of Vietnamese staples, such as the very popular sandwich along with seven types of pho, and broken rice.
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