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1881 Eating House

4.1 (36 reviews)
Closed Closed
Updated a few days ago

1881 Eating House Photos

1881 EATING HOUSE ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Romantic
Happy hour specials
Outdoor seating

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Recommended Reviews - 1881 Eating House

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Bob A.

Truly a hidden gem. This restaurant and bar is square in the middle of the large main entryway at Union Depot. This gives it a very unique ambiance that I absolutely love. I've only been in for brunch, but the food has been excellent each time. I love the Eggs Benedict (I used to be a brunch regular at much-missed Saint Dinette nearby and am to have this replacement), and I recently tried the Croque Madame which was very good. I also asked for a side salad, thinking I would need more food beyond that entree. Turns out there was plenty of mass to that Croque Madame but it was nice that they improvised a salad for me. I liked the creamy Green Goddess dressing she recommended. My server this time - I think she said her name was Aziza - was super nice and professional. There is the paid parking at Union Depot, and those rates are reasonable enough that if you are planning to come here you should probably head to their ramp. However, I tend to drive around looking for street parking which is free on Sundays. That can take a while and can require a walk of some blocks, but it's my preference. This eatery comes from the same people as the estimable Lake Elmo Inn, so there is a lot of quality here. Between that and the charm of the train-station environs, I really think this makes for a memorable dining experience.

Happy Fries
Melaney S.

The atmosphere is very cool, sitting in the train station watching the world pass by. The food has always been top notch, with the chefs putting in extra effort around my weird allergy. The staff and the service put this place over the top. If you want the best martini in town try to get Ben to make it for you. He has an easy smile and a gracious manner. Say Hi from me, or to me.

Lisa S.

What a great place for dinner. We happened to come across this place after attending an event at the Science Museum. Located in the beautifully architected Depot, the restaurant is an open air area with tables that allow you to enjoy your surroundings. We ordered the dry rub wings and cob salad. Both were delicious. The wings were served hot and super crispy. The salad was beautifully presented with lots of layers and a yummy dressing. We split both dishes and our server was quick to bring us lots of plates for sharing. Service was excellent. Parking in the Depot parking lot was a mere $4. What a great place to enjoy a beautiful setting and excellent food.

Interior
Kathleen R.

Tried this place after picking up my sister. Food was fantastic and the recommended items were above expectations. Ambiance is load, it's a train depot after all! Not too loud to hear conversations though. We had excellent service, and a special nod to Maya B, our server. She was knowledgeable, friendly and attentive. Would eat here again.

Menu
Markus G.

I will update this review once I have come in for food. My wife and I only stopped in and had strawberry mimosas. Rose and Ben were great, their customer service is top notch. They know how to make customers feel welcome. We met a few other employees of the restaurant and everyone was nice, friendly and helpful. We cannot wait to come back and try some of their dinner options.

Old Fashioned
Tracey F.

Have been wanting to check this place out since announcing it was open, but we don't find ourselves in Lowertown all that often. Hubs was trying to find somewhere we hadn't been, or at least hadn't been in a while, and 1881 came up on the search so decided to head over to Union Depot. The way the space in the head house has been set up is cute; we both commented that the decor that was chosen is perfect. We started with cocktails, a sidecar and an old fashioned. I can see why the old fashioned has won awards, it was so good. For dinner, hubs had the chicken picatta and I had the lamb burger. The lamb burger was delicious, perfectly cooked. Hubs liked the chicken picatta, but the breading on the chicken was a little overdone and the sauce on the side pasta was a little thick. But he did say it still had nice flavor. We decided to get a Sin at the Inn for dessert, which was basically a turtle tart. OMG - I don't like chocolate very much and this was just deliciously decadent. We were a little disappointed to see it was fairly slow when we got there shortly before 6, but it picked up around 6:30. It was just so good we don't want to see it disappear! Our server was kind and made some great recommendations. We also can't wait to come back and try the advertised happy hour. Would recommend if you're in the area or if you're looking for a little different vibe.

5:02 pm, fully booked per staff

What an odd experience. My family of 4 (adults and young adults) decided to try this place for an early dinner on Saturday before a concert. Reviews looked good and it's inside the Union Depot. We walked up at 5:02 pm, it was dead, only one table was occupied. Asked for menus to review, decided everyone can find something to eat (diet limitations), asked for a table. Smiling hostess then informed us that no tables were available (all reserved) but we could sit on the patio. Huh? Okay. We checked out the patio, which was too loud with not enough shade on a hot day. Decided to keep walking, but were concerned about being late for our concert. I checked their website and there were plenty of reservations for 5:15, 5:45, 6:00, 6:15... you get the idea. I made a reservation for 5:15, walked back inside, told the hostess we now have a reservation. Our waitress was very nice. Our food was not memorable (not great, not bad). Hunter's pie was not a pie but a pile of mashed potatoes topped with stew- not what we expected but the best dish out of everything we ordered. Ravioli- too sweet but nice concept, fries- too salty, French onion soup- not balanced (all the croutons were in the bottom, kind of odd). Food runner was just bad. He did not know where anything went, would not put plates down, but expected us to take plates and pass other people's food to them? Like you have one job... We paid and left at 6:17. There were two tables occupied at that time. Where were all the reservations due to which we could not be seated originally? I'm still puzzled, it doesn't seem like this place wants to stay in business.

Kim K.

Such a cool ambiance right in Union Depot! This place fits in perfectly with the old timey train station theme, but somehow still feels modern. The bar is a perfect spot to have a drink, especially if you're waiting on a train. And the food was phenomenal! You can tell the owners of this new spot coming over from Lake Elmo are really putting a lot of thoughtfulness and pride into their 2nd run here. The chef owner came out from the back to say hi and he was all smiles and seemed full of joy bringing this place to life. Good vibes all around!

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11 months ago

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3 months ago

Loved the ambience and the staff! The food on the other hand, not so much. I thought it was salty yet tasteless.

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9 months ago

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11 months ago

What a wonderful addition to the downtown St Paul area. Much needed. I had a great experience and am looking forward to returning.

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1 year ago

Food great, dessert fab,service great, love the surroundings. Caesar salad, very good. Music really adds to the experience.

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2 years ago

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2 years ago

Amazing food and service. Great location with great ownership that really care about quality and experience.

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1 year ago

One of the best burgers I have had in a long time. Spectacular staff and a beautiful location. I love this place.

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