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

OpenTable

Updated December 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 (87)

$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 Soleil Ramirez 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

Erik

Dined 7 days ago

I've had several positive experiences at Crasqui. Free on-site parking is a gamechanger considering its proximity to downtown. The bar is a great place to settle for a cozy cocktail - I would highly recommend trying some of the imported rums. It's also a great place to celebrate milestones with loved ones. The elevated, authentic cuisine nourishes the soul, and the staff is welcoming and unpretentious.

Downtowner Woodfire Grill

4.7

4.7 (3801)

$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

Monica

Dined 1 day ago

Delicious food and excellent service. We always enjoy the downtowner

Boca Chica Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (1394)

$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

Diana

Dined 6 days ago

Always great food. Even though you pay for chips and salsa they were plentiful and generous.

Discover more

Popular dish

Enchiladas de Pueblo

The Lexington

4.7

4.7 (2959)

$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

TracyVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Love The Lexington. Expensive but worth it. Great food and service.

Discover more

4.7

4.7 (597)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Saint Paul

About the restaurant

Intimate setting in a beautiful, historic building overlooking the runway of Holman's Field. Fresh, modern dishes complemented by a classic bar and beautiful wine list. Open to the public with no security checks required.

Top review

Marcy

Dined 4 days ago

My first time here. Went with three office mates and had a delightful afternoon. Drinks and food were delicious, service was prompt despite how busy they were. I had a delicious patty melt, though one of my table mates had mushroom toast that looked incredibly yummy. We ordered their pear blackberry cheesecake to share and it was that perfect level of not too sweet but still a great meal ender. Although the room was filled with holiday parties, you could still hear the conversation at your table

Kincaid's - St. Paul

4.6

4.6 (5001)

$30 and under

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

ChrisVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Came here before concert. My husband has dined here a number of times for business but it was my first visit. We did the happy hour menu. Good food, nice ambiance, good value and our server Ann was friendly and attentive. Will return.

1881 by LEI

4.4

4.4 (98)

$30 and under

American

Saint Paul

About the restaurant

Lake Elmo Inn is opened a new restaurant at Union Depot in Saint Paul. Owners Chef John and Christine Schiltz named 1881. 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

Deb

Dined 2 days ago

The food was amazing! Service was great but just a little slow. The place was awesome we enjoyed the ambiance.

Bennett's Chop & Railhouse

4.3

4.3 (1337)

$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

GaryVIP

Dined on Dec 12, 2024

Good set of choices on the menu. Food was tasty and well prepared (my steak was a little overdone so I would probably discuss that with the server in the future). Staff was friendly and responsive, We were seated immediately when we arrived.

The Handsome Hog

4.3

4.3 (183)

$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

Michael

Dined 3 days ago

Great dining experience! Friendly staff, timely service.

Discover more

Popular dish

Chicken 'n' Waffles

Popular dish

Tennessee Hot Chicken Sandwich

Bullvino's Churrascaria St. Paul

4.3

4.3 (1255)

$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

Tracy

Dined on Dec 8, 2024

I love this restaurant. I really appreciate the fact that they ask specifically what you're interested in and then they cook it to your liking and bring it out. Very attentive but not overwhelming. The salad bar is very inviting and beautiful too. This was my second time here and both times were a good experience 😁 I found it to be a bit chilly in the restaurant so dress accordingly. With that being said I still highly recommend Bullvino's

Explore Diners' Choice best of Twin Cities / St. Paul

Explore more Diners' Choice lists