Walking Tour Of Minnesota's Saint Anthony Park Neighborhood
Riding the city limits of St. Paul, with the Minneapolis skyline in the distance, the Saint Anthony Park neighborhood is a hidden gem of the capital city. Home to a Carnegie Library, an elementary and a middle school, two rec centers and beautiful historic homes, SAP (as the locals call it) is a great place to live and raise a family. But for those just visiting, the neighborhood has plenty to offer as well. Here are a few things to check out if you're spending a day in the St. Anthony Park neighborhood of St. Paul, Minnesota.
Dining
2315 Como Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55108
(651) 797-4027
www.colossalcafe.comThe second location of Colossal Café is only a little bigger than the original Minneapolis one. The "colossal" in question might refer to the portion sizes, as the pancakes, called Flappers here, are enormous and satisfying, and usually allow for some leftovers. Or maybe it refers to the colossal feeling of joy every time you step inside and smell the odor of bacon, fresh veggies and hot coffee. Whatever the reason, this place is not to be missed for breakfast and lunch.
Finnish Bistro
2264 Como Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55108
(651) 645-9181
www.finnishbistro.com
A great place for breakfast, lunch, happy hour, light dinner or just coffee, this little restaurant/café puts Minnesota's Scandinavian roots proudly on display. Try the lox, quiche of the day or any of the delicious, fresh-baked pastries, breads and desserts. During warm weather months, the outdoor patio (sometimes with live music courtesy of neighborhood residents and students) is a great way to enjoy the beautiful surrounding avenue while you eat and drink.
Muffaletta
2260 Como Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55108
(651) 644-9116
www.muffuletta.com
Muffuletta has been providing neighborhood residents and visitors alike with a quality dinner destination for decades. Heritage chicken and other locally sourced proteins pair with an excellent wine list, and during the summer you can dine on one of the best patios in St. Paul. It's cozy, intimate and a great way to end a day in Saint Anthony Park. The menu is seasonal, so make sure you come back again and again.
Breweries
Bang Brewing
2320 Capp Road
St. Paul, MN 55114
(651) 243-2264
www.bangbrewing.com
One of the most, if not the most, unique tap rooms in Minnesota sits in an industrial area of the neighborhood. Using repurposed wood to fill out a on old storage bin, this brewery creates an epic tap room experience while serving delicious brews like Neat, a single malt, and Nice, described as an STP Dark Ale, as well as various other (all-organic) brews that must be tried.
Urban Growler
2325 Endicott St.
St. Paul, MN 55114
(651) 340-5793
www.urbangrowlerbrewing.com
A brand new (opened in August) microbrewery that is the first woman owned-and-brewed brewery in Minnesota, Urban Growler serves amazing food along with award-winning beer in its beautiful, and expansive, space. The brews are as colorful as the tap room, and there is also a beer garden where you can enjoy a beer or two during the summer. Make a point to stop in and stay for a while.
Related: Best Neighborhoods For Trick-Or-Treating In Minnesota
Shopping
2512 University Ave. W.
St. Paul, MN 55114
(612) 871-5309
www.aghartarecords.comVinyl is making a comeback, and never more so than in the St. Anthony Park neighborhood. Along with Barely Bros. Records just down the street, Agharta is bringing the joy of records to anyone from the neighborhood and beyond. Hop on the Green Line for a day of searching through the eclectic selections at both stores, and check out some of the other merchandise as well. You're sure to find something special.
Micawber's Book Store
2238 Carter Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55108
(651) 646-5506
www.micawbers.comThis quaint (but with an extensive collection) bookstore could be something right out of Diagon Alley from the "Harry Potter" book series. The old wood floors creaking beneath your feet, towers of books of all types, the rustic, almost cottage-like feel of the store itself as well as the surrounding neighborhood all make for a one-of-a-kind book buying experience.
Bibelot
2276 Como Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55108
(651) 917-4941
www.bibelotshops.comOne of the four Twin Cities' Bibelot locations is located right in the heart of SAP. The store has two levels of gifts, from eclectic to adorable, as well as clothes, bath products, books and more to make this one of the best places to search for a gift to suit all occasions. The friendly faces behind the counter are always ready to help you find what you need, and with a selection as extensive as this you're sure to.
