You walk into the lobby of the Saint Paul Hotel, and the air just changes. It smells like expensive mahogany, aged scotch, and that specific sizzle of a steak hitting a high-heat grill. If you’re looking at the st paul grill menu, you’re probably either planning a celebratory dinner or trying to figure out if it’s worth the splurge for a "power lunch." Honestly, it usually is.
But there is a misconception that this place is just for people in suits or old-money types. While the brass railings and the view of Rice Park give off a very "Old World" vibe, the food is surprisingly approachable if you know what to order. You don’t need a tuxedo. You just need an appetite.
The Legends and the "Don't Miss" Classics
Most restaurants have one "signature" dish. This place has about five. If you ask any regular about the st paul grill menu, they will mention the Chicken Pot Pie before you even finish your sentence. It’s been on the menu since 1990.
Think about that. It has survived three decades of food trends—low carb, kale-everything, the sourdough craze. Why? Because it’s basically a massive, flaky-crusted hug. It's filled with chunks of hand-pulled chicken and a cream sauce that isn't too heavy but still feels indulgent. At around $26.95 for lunch, it’s the most "Minnesota" thing you can eat while still feeling fancy.
Then there are the steaks. They aren't just "steakhouse" steaks; they are USDA Prime, aged for 28 days. If you want the real experience, the 18-oz Dry-Aged Kansas City Strip is the one. It has that deep, funky, concentrated beef flavor that only comes from proper aging.
- The 30-oz Bone-In Ribeye: This is the "statement" meal. It’s huge. It's charred.
- The Filet Mignon: Available in 6-oz or 10-oz cuts. It’s for when you want tenderness over everything else.
- Wagyu Flights: If you’re feeling ridiculous (in a good way), they offer a Wagyu Trio Flight. You can literally compare Australian Jade against Japanese A5 Bushu. It’s a lot, but for a milestone birthday? Totally worth it.
Seafood That Actually Competes With the Beef
People forget this is a "Grill," not just a steakhouse. The seafood side of the st paul grill menu is surprisingly robust.
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The Miso-Marinated Sea Bass ($58.95) is a crowd favorite for a reason. It’s buttery and served with a wasabi-sake cream that cuts right through the richness. If you’re from the Midwest, you probably have a soft spot for walleye. Their Pan-Fried Walleye features a pecan Frangelico butter. It’s sweet, nutty, and very "Northwoods-meets-Manhattan."
For a lighter lunch, the Fish and Chips uses Summit EPA (a local St. Paul staple beer) for the batter. The portion is massive. It’s crispy, not greasy, and the tartar sauce has a little kick to it that most places miss.
The Secret Power of the Sides
Don't just order a main and call it a day. The sides are where the real comfort lives. The Au Gratin Potatoes are legendary. They use a blend of Gruyère, Gouda, Fontina, and Tillamook Cheddar. It’s a چهار-cheese (four-cheese) situation that will make you rethink every potato you’ve ever eaten.
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And the Onion Rings? They are the size of bracelets. Hand-battered, golden, and consistently rated as some of the best in the Twin Cities.
Drinking at The Grill: More Than Just a Martini
The bar here isn't just a place to wait for your table. It’s a destination. They have a Scotch Club with over 1,500 members. If you’re a whiskey nerd, this is your motherland. They have bottles you literally cannot find anywhere else in the state.
Their martini game is also top-tier. I’ve seen people go in for a simple vodka martini and end up on a "gin adventure" because the bartenders actually know their history.
- Minnesota Mule: Uses Gray Duck Vodka and ginger beer. It’s refreshing and comes in the mandatory copper mug.
- The Manhattan Experience: Elijah Craig Single Barrel, Cointreau, and cardamom bitters. It’s a sophisticated twist on the classic.
- The Wine List: It’s an award-winner for a reason. Whether you want a $15 glass of Pinot Grigio or a rare Napa Cabernet like Rombauer, they have the cellar to back it up.
What You Need to Know Before You Go
First, the "Cash Discount" thing. It’s a bit of a modern quirk—the menu prices reflect a cash discount, so if you use a credit card, expect a 3% surcharge. It's becoming more common, but it's good to know so you aren't surprised when the check arrives.
Also, the vibe changes significantly between lunch and dinner. Lunch is for business deals and "ladies who lunch." It’s brighter, a bit louder, and the Charlies (their signature sandwiches) are the stars. Dinner is darker, more romantic, and definitely more focused on the heavy hitters from the grill.
If you have dietary restrictions, don't sweat it. They are actually Celiac-friendly. The staff goes through specific training with the National Celiac Foundation, so they won't just "guess" if something is gluten-free. They actually know.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
- Make a reservation. Even on a Tuesday, this place fills up with hotel guests and locals.
- Request a window seat. Looking out at Rice Park, especially when the trees are lit up in winter, adds 50% to the experience.
- Split the sides. The portions of Au Gratin potatoes and Onion Rings are meant for sharing. Save your stomach space for the main event.
- Try the Scotch. Even if you aren't a member of the club, ask the bartender for a recommendation based on what you usually like. They are masters of their craft.
The st paul grill menu is a mix of high-end indulgence and Midwestern comfort. It’s expensive, yeah, but it’s one of those rare places where the quality of the ingredients and the level of service actually justify the price tag. Whether it's the 30-year-old pot pie recipe or a $70 lobster tail, you’re paying for a piece of St. Paul history.