Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Twin Cities / St. Paul

OpenTable

Updated September 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Twin Cities / St. Paul? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Crasqui

4.9

4.9 (64)

$50 and over

Venezuelan

Saint Paul

About the restaurant

Crasqui is a lively Venezuelan restaurant in Saint Paul. Recipes are inspired in our chef-owner childhood, family and friends in her home-country Venezuela. For us Crasqui is more than just a restaurant—it’s a vessel for memories, dreams, flavors, and connections. We will keep infusing our passion, dedication and love into every dish to make every guest experience memorable.

Top review

Julie

Dined 5 days ago

Once again amazing food and service. I’m bringing all my friends to Crasqui!

Boca Chica Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (1378)

$30 and under

Mexican

Saint Paul

About the restaurant

Boca Chica Mexican Restaurant has served the flavorful, authentic cuisine of Mexico since 1964. It was then that Guillermo and Gloria Frias opened the doors to their new restaurant that seated only 28 patrons. Today, Boca Chica has grown substantially and is rated "one of the best Mexican restaurants in the Twin Cities," according to the Minneapolis-St. Paul Magazine’s March 2018 issue.

The authenticity of the food is maintained by making everything from scratch, the old-fashioned way, with fresh ingredients. Even the fiery salsa is still made with fresh tomatoes, chiles, and that special Frias family touch. Our menu includes some of the more traditional foods such as guisados, sopes, carne asada, chile rellenos, and tamales. Taste is never compromised. We also have a full bar featuring the city’s best selection of Mexican beers and premium tequilas. Voted "Best Margarita" by City Pages.

Top review

Gary

Dined on Sep 7, 2024

Great food-- best black beans anywhere!! Good service and ambiance.

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Popular dish

Enchiladas de Pueblo

Downtowner Woodfire Grill

4.7

4.7 (3739)

$31 to $50

American

Saint Paul

About the restaurant

"simply beyond the ordinary"
"****" - Kathie Jenkins - Saint Paul Pioneer Press

Downtowner Woodfire Grill specializes in Persian fire roasted meats, grilled steaks and chops, and gourmet wood-fired pizzas. The atmosphere is warm & lively offering 2 fireplaces, a full bar with 3 fountains and live jazz. The restaurant offers free parking with convenience to both the Xcel Energy Center & Ordway Theater. Downtowner Woodfire Grill also provides a full menu for breakfast & lunch, and a children's menu. This cozy restaurant serves a great plate as well as provides an experience to savor.

Top review

Greg

Dined 5 days ago

Wonderful place to eat! Great food and very nice menu.

The Lexington

4.7

4.7 (2866)

$31 to $50

American

Saint Paul

About the restaurant

The Lexington is more than a restaurant, it’s an institution. Located on the corner of Lexington Parkway and Grand Avenue, this St. Paul community was the most fashionable at the turn of the 19th century. The St. Paul elite lived just blocks away and the first electric trolley brought visitors up and down Grand Avenue. The Lexington opened in 1935, after the end of prohibition, and was a popular neighborhood bar to gather and socialize. Previously operating as a speakeasy, the expansive wood panels were perfect for hiding a little booze and one can only imagine the shenanigans going on beyond the hidden staircase behind the coat check. For decades following, The Lex, as it’s called by locals and enthusiasts alike, was the place to be seen; business dealings, cocktail hours, and milestone celebrations were a regular occurrence for St. Paul socialites.

Top review

Brian

Dined 5 days ago

Always a pleasant experience! Food and service are excellent. We were celebrating and the staff was involved and supportive.

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Bennett's Chop & Railhouse

4.6

4.6 (1315)

$30 and under

Steakhouse

Saint Paul

About the restaurant

In every city, there is a natural gathering spot for city folk and neighborhood people in the know. This place in Saint Paul is know as Bennett's Chop & Railhouse. Located on West Seventh & Victoria, it is the perfect meeting place of uptown and downtown, of quiet neighborhood and big city lights.

It's called a chophouse because it specializes in a casual steakhouse atmosphere with top-of-the-line cuts of the finest meats. It is a Rail-house because it is on the old railroad line serving the city and rail drinks (as well as top brands) are served in the convivial atmosphere of the horseshoe bar.

And of course Bennett's is Bennett's because owners Joe and Meghan Bennett ensure that welcoming hospitality is always served. They have taken their decades of experiences with leading hospitality brands and translated it into an intimate venue where you're not only a customer, but more importantly, a welcome guest.

Top review

Jeanne

Dined on Aug 29, 2024

This was my first visit to Bennett’s. But it definitely won’t be my last! The food choices were abundant, everything each one of us had was delicious and the service was great. It has a family friendly vibe, and you instantly are made to feel welcome by the staff. if you want delicious food in a relaxed atmosphere, this is definitely your place to go.

Bullvino's Churrascaria St. Paul

4.6

4.6 (1205)

$31 to $50

Brazilian Steakhouse

Saint Paul

About the restaurant

Bullvino's Churrascaria is a family owned traditional Brazilian steakhouse located in Lowertown St. Paul, MN. Churrascaria, which translates from the Portuguese word "barbecue" is served all-you-can-eat. Roving waiters serve the barbecued meats from large skewers directly onto the seated diners' plates allowing each guest to enjoy a variety of options. Included in our flat rate pricing is our large self serve salad bar which has a wide range of salads, soups, meats, and cheeses.

Bullvino's Churrascaria was established in the spring of 2021 by two partners who each have a lifetime of experience working in churrascaria style restaurants. Through their experience they have assembled a dedicated team of service professionals who have perfected the art of churrascaria down to the finest detail.

Bullvino's Churrascaria is the product of a lifetime of hard work, dedication, and Brazilian pride. We welcome you to come visit and enjoy the heart o

Top review

Kat

Dined 2 days ago

I had a great time took my daughter out for dinner and food was great my only issue was when the male waiters came around I always seemed to received smaller size pieces of meat than my daughter who is light skinned I’m dark skinned and my portions were always smaller than hers every time they came around and I’m the one paying so my first thought was why are my portions so much smaller when im obviously the bigger person that part got under my skin a bit but other than that food was great!

1881 by Lake Elmo Inn

4.5

4.5 (33)

$30 and under

American

Saint Paul

About the restaurant

Lake Elmo Inn is opening a new restaurant at Union Depot in Saint Paul. Owners Chef John and Christine Schiltz and our team will launch 1881 by Lake Elmo Inn on Thursday, August 8th. The name “1881” pays homage to the year both the original Union Depot and Lake Elmo Inn opened, reflecting the deep historical connection the restaurant hopes to foster.

Offering a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere, 1881 by Lake Elmo Inn will merge the charm of a storied past with a modern culinary flair, becoming a destination for both locals and visitors.

1881 by Lake Elmo Inn is to be a place where families can build lasting memories. We want to offer an experience that generations can cherish, from proms to graduations to weddings, we’re here to make moments unforgettable.

The Menu is inspired by the success of the original Lake Elmo Inn and will include both favorites from the flagship restaurant as well as exclusive new offerings hand-crafted from fresh, local

Top review

Rebecca

Dined 5 days ago

This is my 2nd time dining at 1881. Again, the food, the service, the drinks! couldn’t have been better. Ask for Cory, her service was impeccable! 1881 is what dining out should look like. Spoiled!!!

Kincaid's - St. Paul

4.4

4.4 (4943)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Saint Paul

About the restaurant

Artfully serving quality steaks, and fresh and innovative seafood since 1986. Enjoy lunch, dinner or perhaps a special business or romantic occasion in our warm and inviting dining room.

Top review

Kathi

Dined 2 days ago

Food was great, service was quite slow but overall a great experience for my son's 50th birthday.

The Handsome Hog

4.3

4.3 (172)

$31 to $50

Contemporary Southern

Saint Paul

About the restaurant

Handsome Hog is a St Paul favorite nestled in the Cathedral Hill neighborhood. We serve contemporary Southern cuisine and boast an award-winning dinner and cocktail menu. Handsome Hog has a pig-centric menu our Chef Matt Green created an inviting variety of salads, appetizers, entrées, and desserts. The bar offers a curated bourbon menu and inventive craft cocktails and mocktails. The Handsome Hog has an elevated ambiance with a casual and friendly neighborhood vibe.
Come in and try our dry-rubbed wings, woodfire-roasted mussels, or crawfish hushpuppies to kick off your evening. Move on to the pork spare ribs, Carolina BBQ sandwich, or our mouth-watering smoked beef brisket. Our smoked creme brulee, banana pudding, or specialty cocktails are the perfect way to wrap up your evening at Handsome Hog. We are looking forward to seeing you at Handsome Hog!

Top review

Margaret

Dined on Aug 30, 2024

We loved every single dish - the mussels were outstanding! Beautiful food and atmosphere.

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Popular dish

Chicken 'n' Waffles

Popular dish

Tennessee Hot Chicken Sandwich

Axel's River Grille - Mendota

4.2

4.2 (2461)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Saint Paul

About the restaurant

Axels is a casual fine dining establishment offering grilled steaks, chops, & seafood. As well as pastas, salads, and fresh in house made soups and desserts! Axel's offers THE best Walleye in town. This is the place where people come by choice, not chance. Axel's also offers a large selection of fine wines, including a reserve list. Also offering a scotch and whiskey selection like no other. Come out and indulge in a drink list that features the most unique and flavorful libations around.

Come and relax in our classy yet casual dining room or our bar area, where you will be met and served by our professional, knowledgeable and fun staff.

Top review

Amy

Dined 5 days ago

Getting to have a fabulous steak on the scenic patio with perfect weather and service is a blessing. Axel’s never disappoints!

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Popular dish

Prime Rib

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