Where to Eat While Visiting the Art Crawl

Lost Fox in Lowertown is your place to grab a coffee, cocktail or bite to eat while taking in the Saint Paul Art Crawl.

Saint Paul Art Crawl Galleries and Grub

What to see, where to see it, what to eat and drink along the way.

The St. Paul Art Crawl (held every Spring and Fall) offers an outstanding way to see much of the city, neighborhood by neighborhood, gallery by gallery ... but art crawling has a way of making a body hungry (and thirsty).

Our picks for the ideal place to stop in each part of town for a refuel:

Lowertown Art Crawl Galleries

  • Calendula Gallery
  • Lowertown Lofts Artist Cooperative
  • Lowertown Underground Artists
  • Master Framers
  • Northern Warehouse Artist Lofts
  • Owl's Eye Art
  • The Warrior's Garden Hemp & Wellness
  • Tilsner Artist Lofts
  • Union Depot

With a neighborhood pedigree of people who make their living as artists, Lowertown is a unique part of town that supports the arts with galleries, live music events, sports (CHS Field, home of the St. Paul Saints is right here) as well as artists of the culinary kind.

Whether you crave is Asian, Italian, Burgers, Mexican, or beyond, in Lowertown you can get it. There’s hardly a more charming stroll in Minnesota than one that perambulates around the riverfront, the St. Paul Farmer’s Market, Union Depot, and Mears Park, while popping into galleries along the way.

Stop here to eat and drink:

If you're looking for a down to earth yet elegant place to stop, look no further than Saint Dinette. This team takes hospitality to a whole new level with a welcoming, bright and open environment serving up savory smash burgers, a classic friend bologna sandwiches combined with creative cocktails, Hamm's beer, and more.

Pro tip: Be sure to save room for the Flapjacks as dessert. Totally shareable, totally delicious with an irresistible sweet/savory combo.

Or, for a bite to eat that is also on the list of gallery locations during this fall's crawl, head to Erta Ale Ethiopian for an authentic East-African meal or Lost Fox for a quick refreshment on-the-go.

University Avenue / Little Mekong Galleries

  • Dow Art Gallery & Framing
  • Little Brick Box
  • Midway Clay
  • Midway Triangle Building
  • XIA Gallery & Cafe

One of St. Paul’s major Southeast Asian enclaves as well as a smattering of East African, you won’t want for two of Minnesota’s signature cuisines in this part of town. Do yourself a favor and hop on the Green Line, stopping off anywhere that looks good.

Stop here to eat and drink:

On's Thai Kitchen brings flavor and herb-packed Thai dishes are made with all the care of a homemade kitchen. This is not the place to stop at regular old Pad Thai -- dig deeper into the menu for nuance and comfort, like the pork sour sausage, or the soothing and richly flavored khao mun gai with garlic and chicken.

Pro tip: Pad Thai is a classic dish, and On's does it like no one else. Plus, level up your beverage selection with a Thai Iced Tea or Thai Iced Coffee - trust us.

West Side

  • F-O-K Studios
  • Backstory Coffee Roasters

St. Paul’s historic Mexican and Lebanese enclave offers many opportunities for excellent Mexican eating and margaritas, plus Latinx and Indigenous art and culture. El Burrito Mercado is the almost universally agreed-upon ground zero for all of your Mexican eating and shopping needs, and tiny but mighty St. Paul Flatbread Company offers everything you need for the most epic hummus and tabouleh wrap.

Stop here to eat and drink:

Known as the country’s first Kurdish restaurant, Babani’s is known to locals as a best kept secret (that anyone who knows anything should know.) This family-owned and operated jewel is like an invitation to a hospitable home kitchen with better cooking. Kubey Brinj rice dumplings and lemony, chicken Dowjic soup are must orders.

Pro tip: Kurdish tea and house made baklava is the only acceptable way to finish a meal at Babani’s.

Cathedral Hill

  • The Milligan Studio
  • Virginia Street Church

Leafy, pretty, and posh Summit Avenue isn't just aesthetically pleasing. Find great restaurants like Handsome Hog, Red Cow, The Gnome Craft Pub, and Moscow on the Hill along with many more historical and storied spots give it a “don’t make ‘em like this anymore” glow.

Stop here to eat and drink:

WA Frost encapsulates the essence of the neighborhood with historic building elements, carefully crafted cocktails like a classic Old Fashioned and Manhattan, and true to form menu with items like popovers, mussels, Ratatouille and more.

Pro tip: Patio season isn't over yet--soak in all the cozy neighborhood vibes on this greenery filled patio whenever you get the chance.

West 7th

  • Schmidt Artist Lofts
  • Friedli Gallery
  • Great River Gallery

The old site of the Schmidt Brewing Company offers not only creative artists with brilliant works on the inside, but grandeur and beauty on the outside.

Stop here to eat and drink:

After crawling around the lofts and checking out the art, grab a bite to eat at one of many delicious restaurants along West 7th Street.

Pro tip: Head to Mancini's for a step back in time. Family owned and operated for more than 70 years, this restaurant serves up classic cocktails and juicy steaks in the comfort of the cozy red leather booths.

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Mecca Bos

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Mecca Bos

Mecca Bos is a Twin Cities based food writer and professional chef. Thinking of tacos and travel are hobbies. Her work can be found at meccaboswrites.com