A Night Out In Lowertown
The brand new Saints stadium now defines the eastern edge of Lowertown, and on game nights you might want to take the green line light rail down to avoid the hassle of parking. You'll get dropped off at the last stop, right in front of the Union Depot with all of your drinking and dining destinations within a block or two away.
If you are lucky enough to find a spot, parking is free after 5 p.m.
Heartland Restaurant And Wine Bar
289 5th St. E.
St Paul, MN 55101
(651) 699-3536
www.heartlandrestaurant.com
Award-winning Heartland Restaurant now also has a more casual wine bar and a burger bar featuring some of the best burgers in town. These are a perfect option if you don't feel like sitting down for an elegant three-course dinner. Whether you're feeling fancy, or just like sinking your teeth into a bison, lamb, pork or beef burger (or corn dog or house-made sausage) this is the restaurant to start your night.
261 E. 5th St.
St Paul, MN 55101
(651) 800-1415
www.saintdinette.com
The brand new Saint Dinette is another must-try for dinner. Specializing in French-inspired North American fare, from New Orleans to Montreal, the creative menu is executed with the type of care we've come to expect from the team that brought us Strip Club Meat and Fish. Look for the corn on the cob, covered in lobster roe, the beef ceviche in dulce de leche or just the cheeseburger oozing with a how-do-they-do-it house-made American cheese.
280 5th St. E.
St Paul, MN 55101
(651) 683-2186
bigriverpizza.com
If you're looking for something quicker, and even more casual, the farm-to-table pizza joint Big River Pizza is now open as well. Grab a slice or share one of their excellent pizzas before heading out into the wild word of Lowertown.
Related: Northeast Minneapolis Ranked Best Arts District In U.S.
Bedlam Theater
213 4th St. E.
St Paul, MN 55101
(651) 209-0597
www.bedlamtheatre.org
Bedlam Theater is perhaps the most interesting venue in Lowertown for nightly entertainment and antics. From local live music to traveling acts, DJ sets, poetry, and, yes, theater, you can find some amazing acts onstage and off. An arts hub as well as entertainment venue (and with some awesome cocktails and food to boot) it often acts as the epicenter of the arts district.
Black Dog Coffee & Wine Bar
308 E. Prince St.
St Paul, MN 55101
(651) 228-9274
www.blackdogstpaul.com
The coolest place in Lowertown long before the recent boom, Black Dog always has something interesting to enjoy in its bohemian space. From jazz and folk music to literary events, art shows and everything in between, you're sure to find an interesting act any given night of the week. Make sure to check their schedule on their website.
Related: Walking Tour of Minnesota's Cathedral Hill Neighborhood
275 4th St. E, Suite 102
St Paul, MN 55101
(651) 224-8888
www.goldenslowertown.com
Golden's has become more than just a breakfast space. With a full bar and some of the cheapest drinks around, plus nightly events like Comedy Fight Club, Golden Mic (their open mic) and live music Thursday through Saturday, it's now a nightlife destination.
Public Kitchen And Bar
229 6th St. E.
St Paul, MN 55101
(651) 348-6456
www.publickitchenstpaul.com
Down below the enormous restaurant lies a subterranean space, known simply as "the lounge," where you can find great local music acts on the weekend. But even when there isn't music playing, the basement lounge is a great place to kick back and relax with a cocktail, or a glass of wine or beer.
111 Kellogg Blvd E., Suite 150
Saint Paul, MN 55101
(651) 224-2019
www.swcraftbar.com
The renamed (formerly Senor Wong) and now remodeled SW Craft Bar has perhaps the most creative tap list in the area, and has great cocktails as well. The new patio is a great place to enjoy a drink on these warmer nights, and the bar is cozy for the colder ones coming. But what is less-known is that it's also a fantastic place to catch live music on the weekends.
Barrio Tequila Bar
235 6th St. E.
St Paul, MN 55101
(651) 222-3250
www.barriotequila.com
For tequila, one of the now veterans of the neighborhood, Barrio, is never a bad choice. The never-ending selection of tequilas and excellent margaritas are sure to get the buzz going, and it's always a lively atmosphere as well. If you're there on the weekend, look for a dance party vibe to take over after the sun goes down.
Bulldog Lowertown
237 6th St. E.
Saint Paul, MN 55101
(651) 221-0750
www.thebulldoglowertown.com
Next door to Barrio is the Bulldog. Featuring an expansive tap list (especially if you're into Belgian-style beers) and lots of games, there is plenty to keep you busy while you drink and get lost in what is typically the busiest spot in Lowertown.
41 Kellogg Blvd. E.
St Paul, MN 55101
(651) 298-0099
www.facebook.com/Kellys-Depot-Bar
Kelly's Depot is known to locals as a no pretense, great place for a pitcher of beer or a strong (and cheap) cocktail. You quickly become part of the family enjoying a drink or two here, and if you're looking to step away from the flashier additions to the neighborhood, this is your place. You can often find DJ sets on their patio as well.
