1881 by LEI

4.5

96 Reviews

$30 and under

American

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 18, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 16 times today

Good for special occasions
Charming
Great for creative cocktails

Lake Elmo Inn is opened a new restaurant at Union Depot in Saint Paul. Owners Chef John and Christine Schiltz named 1881. The name “1881” pays homage to the year both the original Union Depot and Lake Elmo Inn opened, reflecting the deep historical connection the restaurant hopes to foster.

Offering a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere, 1881 by Lake Elmo Inn will merge the charm of a storied past with a modern culinary flair, becoming a destination for both locals and visitors.

1881 by Lake Elmo Inn is to be a place where families can build lasting memories. We want to offer an experience that generations can cherish, from proms to graduations to weddings, we’re here to make moments unforgettable.

The Menu is inspired by the success of the original Lake Elmo Inn and will include both favorites from the flagship restaurant as well as exclusive new offerings hand-crafted from fresh, local

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American
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
Website
http://www.1881bylei.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
Ash 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

Location
214 4th St E suite 300, Saint Paul, MN 55101
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 96 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.5

4.5 based on recent ratings

4.4Food
4.6Service
4.5Ambience
4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Twin Cities / St. Paul
Best Overall
Twin Cities / St. Paul
Best Food
Twin Cities / St. Paul
Best Service
Twin Cities / St. Paul
Best Ambiance
Twin Cities / St. Paul
Best Value
Twin Cities / St. Paul
Good for groups
Twin Cities / St. Paul
Healthy
Twin Cities / St. Paul
Neighborhood gem
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 by LEI offers a unique dining experience in the historic Union Depot with a compact, diverse menu that caters to everyone. Guests rave about "excellent food and service," particularly the "amazing Reuben truffles and duck risotto." The ambiance is nostalgic and lively, reminiscent of classic train travel days.

96 Reviews

RH
RobH
VIP
Minneapolis
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 2
Food was excellent - sunfish and seafood medley!!! Wait staff was very slow, almost seemed "out of it". All other staff was great. Once you remember you are in an old train station, you realize that's the atmosphere. That part of it was not my favorite.
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E
Elizabeth
Minneapolis
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We enjoyed a wonderful dinner after riding the North Pole Express out of Union Depot.
Is this helpful?
A
Anna
Minneapolis
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food and atmosphere were excellent! A wonderful addition to the bustling, historic depot.
Is this helpful?
R
Robyn
Minneapolis
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Sunnies, squash Ravioli, and French Onion Soup were wonderful. Server was joyful & conscientious. Delightful time spent.
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P
Paul
VIP
Minneapolis
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Enjoyed visit. Good breakfast, reasonably priced. Union Depot is a great location.
Is this helpful?
A
Amy
VIP
Minneapolis
9 reviews
2.0
9 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
We had such high hopes but the filets were cooked too done, looked like canned mushrooms for $5 extra, boring mash potatoes and sad asparagus. Our drinks were made incorrectly from the dirty martinis to the French 75 and very watered down espresso martinis. We came prior to the show and hoped for a better experience.
Is this helpful?
P
Patti
Minneapolis
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food was delicious, flavorable and done to perfection. Dessert “Sinful” was melt in your mouth. Presentation was very appetizing.
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E
Elen
Minneapolis
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on December 8, 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
The food was good but there was nothing special about it at all. I would expect a restaurant in this price range to have a unique twist on a recipe but there wasn’t any of that. It was good, just boring. We expected holiday decorations and some festive drink or food options because it’s 2 1/2 weeks to Christmas. None of that either.
Is this helpful?
J
Jane
Minneapolis
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 5, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent food, great atmosphere, attentive staff. Really a wonderful experience for all of us.
Is this helpful?
R
Roxann
Minneapolis
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 4, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The server was very attentive, and our lunch meals were so delicious. I expected no less from Lake Elmo Inn. I am so glad to have this restaurant downtown St Paul where I live. Also, like to comment on the excellent Thanksgiving dinner I ordered. It would be nice to pick up a Christmas dinner at the Union Depot if is offered.
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FAQs

1881 by LEI is rated 4.5 stars by 96 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 18, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 16 times today

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
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
Ash Wolf
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.1881bylei.com/
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

1881 by LEI

Make a reservation

Dining areas

Additional information

Menu

What 96 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

How is 1881 by LEI restaurant rated?

Is 1881 by LEI currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Dining areas

Additional information