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1881 Eating House, Saint Paul, MN

1881 Eating House

4.4
4.4
130 Reviews
$30 and under
American

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 3 times today
  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
  • Great for creative cocktails
A century and a half ago, Eating Houses transformed train stations into more than mere transit points—they became destinations. More than restaurants, they offered warmth, connection, and a taste of home. That’s who we are: a place where history lingers, bold flavors bring comfort, and every guest becomes part of the story.

1881 Eating House is a modern gastropub nestled in the heart of St. Paul’s historic Union Depot. Here, the building’s rich past meets a lively, contemporary atmosphere—perfect for any occasion. Our menu features bold, innovative dishes, handcrafted cocktails, and local brews, all served in a stylish yet welcoming space.

Whether you’re stopping by for a laid-back night out, a first date, or a quick bite before your train, 1881 Eating House is where you gather, savor, and enjoy.

The name "1881" pays homage to the year both the original Union Depot and our partner restaurant, Lake Elmo Inn, opened—reflecting the deep historical connection we proudly carry forward.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American, Gastro Pub
  • Hours of operation
    Wed–Fri 10:00 am–2:00 pm Wed–Sat 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Sat, Sun 9:00 am–2:00 pm Sun 4:00 pm–8:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (952) 698-1881
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive chef
    Ashe Wolf
  • Catering
    Lake Elmo Inn Catering(our sister company) is the exclusive Caterer for Union Depot. We are also able to cater any off-site events within the area. For information and booking please contact us at 651-779-5994
  • Neighborhood
    Saint Paul
  • Cross street
    4th Street East & Wacouta Street. Parking lot is off of Kellogg Blvd
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Public transit
    Union Depot Station (light rail station) is outside the front of the building. Public bus stop is at Union Depot, along with the Amtrak.
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 130 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4
4.4 based on recent ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Twin Cities / St. Paul

    Best Overall

  • Twin Cities / St. Paul

    Best Service

  • Twin Cities / St. Paul

    Best Ambiance

  • Twin Cities / St. Paul

    Good for groups

  • Twin Cities / St. Paul

    Healthy

  • Twin Cities / St. Paul

    Great for fine wines

  • Twin Cities / St. Paul

    Romantic

  • Twin Cities / St. Paul

    Good for special occasions

  • Twin Cities / St. Paul

    Lively

  • Twin Cities / St. Paul

    Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
1881 Eating House offers "excellent service and excellent food" in a "unique" and "historic" setting at the Union Depot. Guests rave about the "amazing cocktails," "delicious entrees," and "friendly, knowledgeable staff." The ambiance is "elegant" and perfect for "special occasions," making it a "must-visit treasure" in St. Paul.

130 Reviews
  1. John

    Minneapolis

    14 reviews

    4.0

    14 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    The tuna in the sandwich was too cold. Though it was seared it felt and toasted like it was in the fridge until just before it was brought out.
    1881 Eating HouseResponded 5 days ago
    Thank you for your feedback! Our tuna sandwich is intentionally served chilled, with the tuna being seared in the morning and then cooled to maintain its freshness and avoid wilting the garnishments. We understand that preferences vary, and we appreciate you sharing yours with us. If you'd like, we’re happy to recommend some of our warm sandwich options on your next visit! Hope to see you again soon!

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  2. Luann

    VIP

    Minneapolis

    57 reviews

    5.0

    57 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A great space with excellent food and service. Can't wait to go back for brunch
    1881 Eating HouseResponded 1 day ago
    Thanks for checking us out Luann! We look forward to serving you soon!

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  3. CarolO

    VIP

    Las Vegas

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on February 16, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    Where were your fabulous cookies? We LOVE those and were not given any this time. It was such a nice and very yummy unique treat to bring home and remind us why we enjoy 1881. Bring them back!!

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  4. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 16, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Lovely dinner with great service! We took our 11 and 9 year old here after going to the MN Opera and they enjoyed their dinners. My wife and I had delicious entrees as well.

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  5. Jacob

    Minneapolis

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent service and excellent food. Would recommend for an intimate evening

    Is this helpful?

  6. Melissa

    Minneapolis

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful! It was nice to sit up on the balcony. Server was very attentive.

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  7. Jim

    Minneapolis

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Really enjoyed our experience at 1881! 2 couples celebrated Valentines night at the Union Depot! Service was good, and the food was very good! Free parking indoors made it even better, considering the snow falling outside! We will go back again!

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  8. Cristina

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 14, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food delicious. Ambiance elegant and historical. Service exceptional. Worked with my dietary restrictions and had a wonderful meal- couldn’t ask for more. Lot A for parking made it a breeze.

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  9. Kaye

    VIP

    Minneapolis

    20 reviews

    1.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on February 8, 2025

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 3
    Unfortunately, my experience at 1881 did not meet expectations. While the staff were all very kind and polite, their sense of urgency, attention to detail, and ability to read the room were lacking. Although the butternut squash ravioli was delightful, the steak was disappointing. Our dinner lasted nearly three hours, which was not by choice. It took over 25 minutes to receive our first round of cocktails, and our server did not arrive at our table for the first 20 minutes. Regrettably, I cannot recommend this restaurant.

    1 person found this helpful

  10. Laura

    Minneapolis

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on February 8, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Incredible dinner at 1881! The restaurant is small but cosy and quiet enough to easily converse. Our 3 year old fashioned cocktails may have been the best we’re ever had. Proveletta appetizer was delicious. Caesar salad, Sunnies and Seafood Medley were all top notch.

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FAQs

1881 Eating House is rated 4.4 stars by 130 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 3 times today
Google Map for 1881 Eating House

214 4th St E suite 300, Saint Paul, MN 55101

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street
    4th Street East & Wacouta Street. Parking lot is off of Kellogg Blvd
  • Neighborhood
    Saint Paul
  • Hours of operation
    Wed–Fri 10:00 am–2:00 pm Wed–Sat 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Sat, Sun 9:00 am–2:00 pm Sun 4:00 pm–8:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American, Gastro Pub
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Public transit
    Union Depot Station (light rail station) is outside the front of the building. Public bus stop is at Union Depot, along with the Amtrak.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Ashe Wolf
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (952) 698-1881
  • Catering
    Lake Elmo Inn Catering(our sister company) is the exclusive Caterer for Union Depot. We are also able to cater any off-site events within the area. For information and booking please contact us at 651-779-5994
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