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1881 Eating House, Saint Paul, MN
animated flamesBooked 9 times today

1881 Eating House

4.3 (151)
$30 and under
American
214 4th St E suite 300, Saint Paul, MN 55101

Make a reservation

2 people
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
7:00 PM
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • 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–9:00 pm Sat 9:00 am–9:00 pm Sun 9:00 am–5:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • 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

Experiences

  • The Glizzy Tower

    $55.00 per party

    Mar 28, 2025 - Aug 31, 2025
    THE GLIZZY TOWER HAS ARRIVED. Seafood towers are out — hot dog towers are in. Gather the crew and take on the Glizzy Tower. Each tower comes stacked with 8 hot dogs, a mountain of fries, and signature condiments to dunk, drizzle, or drown. Hot Dogs can be served traditional dog or dog of the day. This is your new pre-game tradition. Limited time only. Weekends only.
    The Glizzy Tower Photo

What 151 people are saying

1881 Eating House reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.3
4.3 based on recent ratings
  • 4.3Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.1Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Twin Cities / St. Paul

    Good for special occasions

  • Twin Cities / St. Paul

    Lively

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
1881 Eating House offers a "unique atmosphere" in the historic Union Depot, complemented by "excellent service" and a diverse menu. Diners enjoy the "wonderful ambiance" and appreciate the "amazing food," with standout items like the plant-based steak. The setting is perfect for special occasions, making it a "gem" in downtown Saint Paul.
151 Reviews
  1. Grant

    Minneapolis1 review

    1.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 3
    The drinks took forever to get because the bar was “swamped” (there were 2 people at the bar). The filet mignon was undercooked and cold in the middle and they forgot to serve it with their bernaise sauce and mushrooms (which took about 20 minutes for them to get after our entree’s were brought to us). I will definitely not be back.

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  2. Deb

    Minneapolis1 review

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    The food was great, one of the best breakfast sandwiches we've ever had. Had a small issue with the salad ordered but they made it right and was very apologetic. Great service!

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  3. john

    New York City1 review

    5.0

    Dined on May 22, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great experience in unique place. Great team. Will be back

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  4. Raymond VIP

    Minneapolis48 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on May 21, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Lovely setting. A different menu, not the same old stuff.

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  5. Joe VIP

    Wisconsin5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 18, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food and service were excellent. One of our favorite places to eat and relax.

    Is this helpful?

  6. JoAnn

    Minneapolis2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 17, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Such a convenient dining experience for Union Station, with a satisfying menu for all tastes.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Pamela

    New York City5 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on May 10, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Loved the ambiance, our server was great, there happened to be a high school Prom going on in the Depot so it was occasionally very loud,( because the building being a depot can have quite a an echo)however that also made it kind of fun! Mixed reviews on the food, they were out of pate which was disappointing, but the pot stickers were great. Everyone enjoyed their entree but no one gave them a 5 star rating. The dessert was very good and sinful as advertised. We will go back.

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  8. Diane

    Minneapolis1 review

    5.0

    Dined on April 30, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I have been waiting to go there since it opened as a restaurant from Lake Elmo Inn. I had an opportunity to take my girlfriend for her birthday. It was the first place I thought of to go. We were welcomed when we came in and loved the ambience of the area. The customer service was fantastic. Broad variety of menu, something for anyone. Price point was great and quality was fantastic. This restaurant is a gem. Downtown Saint Paul has continued to suffer with restaurants leaving the area. I hope this restaurant stays. They also have a venue for special events that looks really cool. Also, the location has great parking so it’s very easy to get there park and come to the venue.

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  9. Tommy

    Phoenix1 review

    5.0

    Dined on April 26, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great place formal or not to celebrate a special person or even in your life! 10/10 would recommend! Staff are pleasant, knowledgeable and helpful.

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  10. candace

    Phoenix42 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 20, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Corinne, our server, was fantastic. The plant-based steak is terrific. Union Depot is a lovely setting as well. Highly recommend!
    1881 Eating HouseResponded on April 22, 2025
    Thanks Candace!!

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FAQs

1881 Eating House is rated 4.3 stars by 151 OpenTable diners.

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

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Minneapolis - St. Paul
  4. Twin Cities / St. Paul
  5. Saint Paul

Make a reservation


Experiences are available.
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–9:00 pm Sat 9:00 am–9:00 pm Sun 9:00 am–5:00 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
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
  • 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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