Hungry in St. Paul? Here are 13 new restaurants to try
Summary
Tyge Nelson and Stephan Hesse bill their fun-loving restaurant a “refined Mexican bistro,” which suits their vivacious, exacting cooking (don’t miss the smelt tacos) and casual, loft-like setting, They were also smart enough to hire Kara Smith to run the bar. Fratzke (the Strip Club, Saint Dinette) and Matty O’Reilly (Republic) have teamed up to offer French tavern fare (oysters, Dijon-braised rabbit, pretty salads, gorgeous local cheeses) and a fine neighborhood bar. It’s lovely to see the charming and historic Paulina Building brimming with life, thanks to Cafe Astoria (180 Grand Av., 651-340-9471), where owners Leah Raymundo and John Occhiato (formerly of D’Amico Cucina, now at the Intercontinental St. Paul Riverfront Hotel) are boosting their basic coffeehouse menu with sweet and savory crêpes. At J. Selby’s (169 N. Victoria St., 651-222-3263, jselbys.com), physician-turned-restaurateur Matt Clayton prefers the more universal “plant-based” to “vegan.” The menu focuses on familiar dishes — burgers, corn dogs, tacos, grain bowls and a long list of brunch favorites — all made minus dairy and meat products. An ambitious dining project is now under construction at the former Schmidt Brewery on W. Seventh St., a food hall that will include a St. Paul outpost of popular Hola Arepa, along with a major new restaurant from Corner Table and Revival co-owners Nick Rancone and Thomas Boemer.