Open Table Ranks Joan's In The Park Sky High

ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) -- It's elegant and cozy, and seats just 38.

And according to the national reservation website OpenTable.com, diners believe it is home to the best food.

Joan's In The Park is located along Snelling in St. Paul in the Highland neighborhood, and is much more than just white linens and wine glasses.

"We really strive on hospitality," said owner Joan Schmitt. "We feel we're here all the time -- it really does feel like our home."

And don't forget the food – especially the steak. Their American fare was just rated tops on OpenTable.

Chef Susan Dunlop thinks rib-eye is a misunderstood meat.

"Our rib-eye has a lot of marbling and fat," she said.

And that fat, equals flavor. Add extra virgin olive oil, thyme, garlic, and rosemary and pop it … in the pizza oven? Yep.

These ladies have learned to improvise on the big and little things. For example, charred beets were a total accident.

"We roasted them, and forgot about them, and went, 'Wow these are really good,'" Dunlop said.

That helps make this spot even more special.

"We're here all the time and our kids are involved in the service here," said Schmitt, who grew up in the neighborhood.