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    The Loon Cafe

    3.9 (84 reviews)
    ModerateBars, American
    Open 11:30 am - 2:00 AM (Next day)

    The Loon Cafe Photos

    THE LOON CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - The Loon Cafe

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    Dana K.

    Cute area in Downtown Saint Paul. Food was okay, onion rings definitely off the Sysco truck and service was sub-par. Glad we tried it but won't return.

    Chili sampler
    Morgan S.

    Great location in downtown St Paul with cozy vibes especially in the winter. I got the chili sampler and they had chowder as the soup of the day so that was one of the three along with the chicken chili and the pinto Diablo. All 3 soups were delicious and it was hard to choose a favorite but for me the chicken chili came out slightly on top. I definitely believe the award winning chili headline now, the chilis packed a punch and had amazing flavor and the chowder was a great creamy 3rd soup in the sampler. The servers were very nice and attentive to our big group for lunch and we all had a great experience.

    Loon juice cider
    Shelby A.

    While exploring the area after stopping at Wabasha falls we decided to stop for a quick mid day snack and drink. The Loon Cafe came with high recommendations. The inside of the restaurant is very nice and open around the bar and has a ton of natural light. We were seated immediately upon entering and service was exceptional. We ordered two drinks and the chili sampler. The chili here is an absolute must try! My absolute favorite was the chicken chili a la ski dad. It's definitely a healthier and leaner chili option. We also ordered the pecos river red which was yummy in the medium spice level with extremely tender sirloin steak. The pinto diablo chili was not spicy at all and it was alright. We both preferred the other two. Thankful my boyfriend noticed mushrooms in the diablo chili as I'm deathly allergic and we could've had a real issue. The passionfruit aperol spritz was different and delicious. The loonjuice cider was also delicious and an easy light drink option. I definitely recommend the loon cafe as the menu has plenty of options and the service was great. It is all paid street parking or parking garages in this part of town as well.

    Walleye
    Sol A.

    I came here. I had Minnesota wild rice soup as a starter. Passion fruit Aperol spritz and grilled walleye. The service was fantastic. The walleye was atrocious! It was tasteless and it had an over-fishiness characteristic of stale fish. I regretted ordering it. I was very hungry and forced myself to eat a few nibbles, but that was it. My picture is after I was done!!.

    Seating area
    Caitlyn R.

    Stopped at The Loon Cafe for lunch with some coworkers. I had the Turkey Club and it was okay, nothing special but still good. A few people at our table had the chicken wild rice soup which was a huge hit! The menu had a variety of options and they had great beer selection on tap. Service was great, we were seated right away and our waitress was friendly and attentive. Plenty of seating and a great amount of tables for larger group which we appreciated.

    Suzie R.

    Dropped into the Loon Cafe prior to a show at the Palace Theater. Definitely a busy spot right before a concert. Tried to find 2 seats at the bar but only singles were found. Sat at a 2 top high table in the bar area. Waited for several minutes with no one greeting us and finally two side by side seats appeared at the bar so we moved. Drinks were good, service was friendly and quick at the bar.

    Wild rice soup
    Steve S.

    We had lunch here because we were close and we were hungry. Overall, it's pretty good. I started with the wild rice soup. They begin with making their stock base then make the soup with lots of wild rice, veggies & chicken. Nice! Then I had the walleye sandwich, grilled. Jalapeño tartar sauce and brioche bun. It's a really good sandwich! It was served with cole slaw? just shaved red cabbage, and fruit cup. Just ok. Staff was fast & friendly. A great place to meet and chat!

    Rachel sandwich with kettle chips
    Kathie A.

    Party of 3 stopping in before the Wild game on a Saturday. Water was provided right away beverages shortly after and we love the spinach dip to start. Restaurant was busy the closer we got to 530. The service never wavered. Really enjoyed my Rachel.

    Grilled chicken on my salad
    Dana S.

    Wonderful setting on a large walk area between two theaters. I had a wonderful salad - substituted grilled chicken for the coconut fried version. Super tasty and fresh with a lot of chicken, a whole egg and 1/2 avocado and artichoke. Great service too.

    Beef nachos
    David M.

    Stopped in after seeing Pink in concert. We were headed to Applebees for some late night snacks, but we passed here and find out they served until 11:30ish and we were already in the area. It's hard to find late night snacks ever since the pandemic, so we were pleasantly surprised. They had a variety to choose between. We ordered the beef nachos and cheese curds. The nachos were a generous portion and were excellent. The curds were frozen and not fresh, but still hit the spot for us. I ordered a side of buffalo sauce - they have excellent buffalo sauce. Server was friendly and attentive. Couldn't ask for a better experience at that time of night. I will keep this place in mind the next time I'm at Xcel.

    a bar with a television in the background
    Victor M.

    I have stopped into the loon several times. It's in a fantastic location next to several bars and restaurants. It's next to several venues such as the Palace Theater and kjs hideaway. You can easily catch a show and then stop here or go here before a show. There are a few parking ramps and lots I'm the area that are within walking distance. In the wintertime, the surroundings are lit and decorated in lights bringing that holiday spirit to brighten the mood. As you walk in the front door you are greeted and you see a large bar with ample seating. When there are events in the area this place gets very busy but on nonevent days, it can be slow. The Friday night was very slow but enjoyable. The bartender was very kind and curious and assisted me right away. The wine-by-the-glass selection is very good and their beer selection is fantastic. I ordered my usual order the Buffalo chicken wrap and it was fantastic. The server who brought it out was very friendly as well. The few times I have been to this location I have had fabulous service and that is the number one reason to return. There are lots of tables of all sizes so they can accommodate parties of all sizes. The place is very clean and well-kept for its size and besides the beer and wine, they do have a very good selection of other great items.

    Julie B.

    Spent an evening in St. Paul with a coworker a couple of weeks ago. Had to find a place for dinner, and we settled on The Loon. Found parking nearby in a ramp and is an easy walk to The Fitzgerald Theater. It was a weekday, so it wasn't too busy. We got sat in booth in the bar area. We didn't have to wait long between getting sat, entrees ordered, and then delivered. Sally ordered a grilled walleye sandwich, and I ordered the Eight Ball chicken sandwich. Both were delicious. The Loon is in a building filled with great architecture, both interior and exterior. I'd definitely visit again.

    Rachel W.

    The food was good. What I like is how late they are open and how nice the waitress was. The lights are dim and there was game on when we went. We were immediately seated and got our food quickly since we were able to order immediately. I wouldn't get the ice cream cake I got again just because it was freezer burnt. Everything else hit the spot!

    Smokey Bandit

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    6 months ago

    Had the BL FG T sandwich with tater tots! Yes, fried green tomatoes! Delish! Great ambiance and service as well!!

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Loved it!!! Ambiance was perfect!!! And burger was the best burger I've ever had!! We will definitely be going back.

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    1 year ago

    Great soup in a great part of the city. Beer ice cold. Friendly staff. What more do you want ?

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    2 years ago

    Delicious food! Their Walleye sandwich is amazing, and their Hamms is always ice cold.

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    4 years ago

    Great spot to grab a bite before going to a show on weekends in St Paul. Get the chili! Very comforting and stick to your ribs.

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    Red Cow St. Paul - Sweet corn is the red cows version of Mexican elote... And it is so good?

    Red Cow St. Paul

    4.3(994 reviews)
    1.0 miCathedral Hill
    $$

    So fun sitting at the bar at Red Cow - it's like dinner and a show watching the bar tenders whip up…read moredrinks. The guys behind the bar were fun chatting with too. We started with Ahi Tuna Crisp appetizer - we substituted the cracker for cucumber. This twist makes it so fresh. The sauce is a bit tangy and avocado balances the tuna. So yummy! I opted for a cheeseburger - very good smash burger. I have had the Double Double in the past and that is probably my favorite burger with two smash burger patties, cheese and special sauce. Can't miss on the regular fries. Crispy and delicious!

    It was time for my monthly dinner with a friend, and she chose Red Cow. A longtime ago, I remember…read morecoming here for brunch, but it had been so many years that I barely remembered it. I made a last-minute reservation online, which was quick and seamless. Parking was easy enough, there's a small lot, plus plenty of street parking options. We were seated right away when we arrived, though unfortunately at a very small two-person table with very limited space. It worked out, but next time I'd definitely request something a bit roomier. We arrived during happy hour but skipped it since we didn't want to spoil our meals. For dinner, I ordered the double barrel burger with a side of fries, and my friend got the fried chicken sandwich with a side of fries. I enjoyed my meal, however, my friend thought the food was very salty and that maybe the chicken sandwich was fried in the same oil as the fish as it didn't taste much like chicken. We thought the portions were big enough that we had leftovers to take home. Service was just okay...nothing particularly memorable. The most uncomfortable part of the experience was our table location right by the door. It felt like people were constantly hovering nearby or watching us while waiting for a table, which made it a bit awkward. Almost like we better hurry up and eat. Overall, a decent meal.

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    Parlour Bar St. Paul

    Parlour Bar St. Paul

    4.2(314 reviews)
    0.5 miWest Seventh
    $$

    My friends and I went to visit here for our monthly restaurant night and it just happened to be a…read morevery snowy night. There was only one guy waiting tables and working the bar and he did such a great job on such a snowy night. We started with some apps; the French onion dip with homemade chips, loaded fries and Brussel sprouts. Those were all tasty and I enjoyed the homemade cheese dip that was on the fries and wanted to eat it with a spoon. We then each got a burger; funny is that we all chose a different one. We like to stay and chat and catch up about what has happened since last month so we decided to order dessert. My two friends each got a slice of pie and I only wanted a bite of my sisters pie and made a joke that I only wanted a bite and the waiter over heard me and he actually brought me a small slice on the house; he was so nice and I wasn't expecting that at all. It was such a nice booth that we were in and the restaurant wasn't very busy so we pretty much had the whole place to ourselves. I could sit there for hours and just chat and relax. I can't wait to go back and try more food next time.

    Living in the cities for over two decades, I think I've heard the most about this burger. I had…read morehigh expectations, but left felling... meh? The service was friendly, but frankly slow. It was hard getting drinks or refills. They were out of sausage and turkey for their breakfast items, but willingly made adjustments to their dishes for free. Three of us got the burgers in our group and only one of us thought the burger lived up to its reputation. Apparently I'm a burger snob now. I still don't think I'll find one better than Saint Dinette. (RIP )

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    Parlour Bar St. Paul - Parlour Burger

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    Estelle - SHRIMP AL AJILLO

    Estelle

    4.7(251 reviews)
    4.0 miMac-Groveland
    $$$

    Incredible experience at Estelle. We sat at the chef's counter, which was such a fun way to…read moreexperience the meal. Watching the kitchen in action added so much to the night. The service was impeccable from start to finish. Everything felt really intentional and well timed. The food was outstanding. The rigatoni was a standout with an incredible sausage that was honestly to die for. We also had the soles de pollo, a chicken ravioli with fresh vegetables in the sauce, and the flavors were amazing. For tapas, we ordered the patatas bravas and rissoles, both were delicious. Such a thoughtful touch when they brought out churro bites at the end as a thank you. Amazing food, top tier service, and a really fun but romantic atmosphere. Definitely a spot worth going out of your way for

    Estelle is a cozy spot, with candlelights and flower on each table. It is a perfect spot for a date…read morenight or celebrating a special occasion, and is also just a lovely dinner spot with really good food! It is in the Mac-Groveland neighborhood so there is ample street parking nearby if you turn on any of the side streets. The restaurant does get busy at dinner, so I recommend making a reservation ahead of time. They have many unique options for cocktails and mocktails. I opted for the Slaychel which is a non-alcoholic beverage that I think of as an elevated mimosa. It is fruity, slightly tart, and delicious! The service was great! Our water was frequently refilled and never got empty, and our server asked about any allergies and dietary restrictions before we ordered. They were able to modify menu items to fit the different dietary restrictions! Two people in our party (including myself) are vegetarians and one member is gluten-free and also doesn't consume much dairy or eggs. They were able to serve the patatas bravas with the egg on the side and the grilled asparagus with the egg and cheese on the side so we were able to all share the starters. The patatas bravas were wonderful! The potatoes are perfectly crispy but still fluffy. The tomato sauce was slightly smokey and had a very slight kick (think Minnesota spice) and it balanced out well with the creamy tomato. If you're only going to try one appetizer, this is the one to try! The asparagus was also nice. The salsa verde had a slight kick (a bit more than the tomato sauce from the patatas bravas, but not super spicy. Still Minnesota level of spice). The shallots also added a nice crispy texture to the dish! The egg really stood out in this dish, with its runny yolk and batter coating. There were a lot of nice elements and textures. As for pastas, I split the Spaghetti and Radiatore with a friend. The Radiatore was nutty and tangy, and the serving size was generous. I enjoyed it, but I would order the Spaghetti over it any day! I don't even know how to describe the Spaghetti and do it justice. It was creamy, cheesy, delicious. Our server said it was a staff favorite, and I understand why. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, go with this one!! Even if you aren't a vegetarian, give it a try. It's so classic, and it's done so well. For dessert: they give free churros when you're dining in! They are served warm with a chocolate drizzle. We also ordered the Honey Cake which we enjoyed a lot! The cake itself was light, like a mousse. There was some crunch from the hazelnut praline and honeycomb toffee pieces. It was nutty and sweet but not overly sweet. It was a perfect way to finish off the meal! Estelle was delicious and the service was great! I can't wait to come back!

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    Estelle - Our view from seating

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    Iron Ranger - Iron Range Nachos

    Iron Ranger

    4.2(175 reviews)
    2.4 miSummit Hill
    $$

    This place is so cute. We walked in at 11:08 and they don't open until 11:30 and they very…read moregraciously sent us and served as immediately. At 11:30 we were just finishing up our meal. I had the fish and chips it was amazing. Super crispy fish very meaty and not separated from the batter. French fries are frozen fries the kind I really like. My husband had the shrimp tacos I stole the shrimp as I don't like all the rest of the stuff on there it was amazing. He really liked his tacos. My friend had the porketta Cubano and she went for the spicy giardinero she said her nose was running but it was totally worth it. The sandwich was very good. She had fries also. Highly recommend this place It is a little pricey. But good ingredients are expensive

    On an unseasonably warm day in October, we decided to hunt down a patio to soak up whatever was…read moreleft of the residual summer sun. This place looked like a solid spot for some classic bar food and it did not disappoint! Upon walking in you're greeted with a small but charming pub, but as you continue to walk, the back opens up to a large parking lot patio with full sun! We ordered an old fashioned and a beer to cheers a new job offer I had received, then Fish & Chips, and the Porketta Cubano Sandwich. The meals were hearty and cooked well, very large portions, and hit the spot. I love the addition of giardiniera to add pops acid to break up an otherwise meaty & cheesy sandwich. We street parked behind the building in a residential area and walked to the restaurant. If you're looking for a great patio, standard, yet slightly elevated bar fare, and good vibes, this is a great spot! Note: the patio had lots of bees.

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    Iron Ranger - Porketta sandwich and fries - best sandwich ever.

    Porketta sandwich and fries - best sandwich ever.

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    Outside

    The Loon Cafe - bars - Updated May 2026

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