Favorite Spots: St. Paul, MN

I have been thinking about Minnesota lately, and felt like reminiscing on some of my favorite spots in St. Paul, MN. Most people hear a city in Minnesota, and think Minneapolis. Although I love the treasures of Minneapolis, I went to college in St. Paul (Roll Toms 😊💜), and lived there for 6 years, so it has a special place in my heart.

First off, lets get familiar with this city. St. Paul is the state capitol of MN!! It is NOT Minneapolis as so many people think! It is the older of the Twin Cities, and I think has more charm. Its divided into neighborhoods like any other city, and some of the best spots, are little neighborhood gems. The Twin Cities are both equally "Foodie" places, and we love some craft breweries/distilleries, and good eats!!

Grandview Theatre pictured above! Used to walk there during college just to get popcorn!

Merriam Park

University of St. Thomas- my alma matter! (I surprisingly do not have any good pics of UST..)

Izzie's Ice Cream- local ice cream shop, with some very yummy flavors, and they have gluten free cones! My favorite combo is salted caramel and cotton candy because I am a child!

Blue Door Pub- I don't eat meat, but they have some special Jucy Lucy's!! I always get the nacho totchos: nachos with tots instead of chips!
Coffee Bene- A coffee shop next to UST that makes me feel nostalgic. There was also a location in our library. My favorite thing to order was a pumpkin chai latte in the fall!

Mac-Groveland

Wine Thief/Ale Jail- This is the BEST liquor store ever. The guys that own it have the most inclusive and eclectic selection of beer, wine, liquor. I lived across the street from this place, and frequently visited for their wine tastings!
Groveland Tap- I also lived very close to this place. It was an easy place to walk to for dinner, snack or after work drink. They have a great happy hour, and SO many beers on tap! I opt for cider though.

Summit Hill
Caffe Latte- If you have a sweet tooth, and are in St. Paul, go get yourself some chocolate turtle cake.  They have the best cake and desserts ever. My fave is this fudgy chocolatey gluten free cake called Michael's Fudge Cake, but they only have it on Friday's.
Punch Pizza- Just down the road from Caffe Latte, is this delicious Neapolitan pizza place. They make yummy wood fired pizza, and have the yummiest salads too. It is fun to sit outside during the summer, enjoy pizza, and then walk to get some dessert!

Cathedral Hill

WA Frost and Company- This is a fun place that feels vintage, and has a GREAT patio, and happy hour. Perfect for summer sipping!

Highland Park

Patina- I cannot tell you how many times we went to Patina to just do something. It is the cutest little boutique store with a little bit of everything. I could literally spend hours looking through it. It has become so popular among St. Paul, that it now has several locations, but this one is my favorite. 

West 7th

Claddaugh Coffee- yummy coffee with the an Irish theme! Perfect for a St. Paul feel.

Lower town

Farmer's Market- My favorite farmer's market in MN is the one in St. Paul. It is in the old Union Depot, and has so many local farmers, and local goods. My favorite weekend activity is to get up early, grab coffee, and hit the market. Eating local makes me feel good about what I am putting in my body, and supporting my community. 

Downtown

Pazzaluna- We kind of found this place by accident, I think. But, it was the best find ever. Get the creme brûlée. That is all I have to say 😊

I am planning a Minneapolis favorites post too, so stayed tuned for that!

As always,

#dontforgetyourpearls