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1881 Eating House, Saint Paul, MN

1881 Eating House

4.4
4.4
135 Reviews
$30 and under
American

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 5 times today
  • 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–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
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive Chef
    Ashe 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
  • Area
    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
    Gluten-free Options

What 135 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.4
4.4 based on recent ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4Value

NoiseModerate

Diners' Choice Awards

  • Twin Cities / St. Paul

    Best Service

  • Twin Cities / St. Paul

    Healthy

  • 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 dining experience in the historic Union Depot, celebrated for its "excellent food and service." Guests rave about the "amazing building and decor" and the "top-notch food." Highlights include diverse menu options and standout dishes like the "provoleta appetizer" and "butternut squash ravioli."

135 Reviews
  1. Andrea

    Minneapolis2 reviews

    1.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 4
    As a long time patron of Lake Elmo Inn, I was really hoping this location would be a great experience but was beyond disappointed. First, we were greeted by a very casually dressed hostess (?) clearly on her way out the door with things in her hand and a purse over her shoulder. The location in the Depot is really lovely and the noise level was low. The battery operated light on our table kept flickering and we swapped it out with one on the table next to us as they were very few diners. We ordered an appetizer and a salad, which we never got. Mocktails were good. We waited almost an hour for our reasonably priced food. Burgers were charred and tasteless, Mahi sandwich was better but not much fish, and french fries were decent. When (I assume) the manager stoped by our table, I informed her we did not get some of our food. She clearly wanted to make this right and was apologetic. She took it off our bill, packed the food to go and threw in an extra order and a piece of carrot cake. We were presented with a dessert menu but actually had to ask our waitress what the daily options were when she returned to take our order. Desserts were subpar and seemed to have possibly spent too long in a freezer. We ended up being there 2.5 hours, and while we enjoyed each other's company, it was not what we expected and was way too long for our puppy back home in her crate. Will not be back.

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  2. Julie VIP

    Minneapolis6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great service! Wonderful food. We had the scone charcuterie with scones and lovely toppings. We had pancakes with bananas, nuts and caramel syrup. We had a steak and eggs breakfast with hash towns and toast. Lovely food, quiet atmosphere, will return! Want to try other mealtimes as well.

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  3. OpenTable Diner

    Minneapolis2 reviews

    1.0

    Dined on 1 March 2025

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 5
    Upon having reservations at 11:30, we didn’t receive our food until 12:15 and all we ordered was French toast and sausage. When our food arrived; cold and without sausage, no one seemed particularly concerned. It then took another 15 minutes to get our check. Very sad as the ambience is beautiful and it was a very special day for my grandson and I.

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  4. Jeff

    Minneapolis3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 28 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    1881 is an "open-air" restaurant in Union Depot. The decor, service, ambiance, and food were all outstanding. The restaurant is also associated with the Lake Elmo Inn, which we've enjoyed. Do realize there are people coming and going, as there are other businesses within the depot, to include train operations. We did enjoy our meal. The service was outstanding and the setting was unique. We plan to return on a regular basis.

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  5. Roxann

    Minneapolis2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 28 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Such a fun place for dinner with friends and family. Excellent food, service and a fun setting. Highly recommend it!

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  6. John

    Minneapolis14 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on 21 February 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    The tuna in the sandwich was too cold. Though it was seared it felt and toasted like it was in the fridge until just before it was brought out.
    1881 Eating HouseResponded on 21 February 2025
    Thank you for your feedback! Our tuna sandwich is intentionally served chilled, with the tuna being seared in the morning and then cooled to maintain its freshness and avoid wilting the garnishments. We understand that preferences vary, and we appreciate you sharing yours with us. If you'd like, we’re happy to recommend some of our warm sandwich options on your next visit! Hope to see you again soon!

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  7. Luann VIP

    Minneapolis59 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 19 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A great space with excellent food and service. Can't wait to go back for brunch
    1881 Eating HouseResponded on 25 February 2025
    Thanks for checking us out Luann! We look forward to serving you soon!

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  8. CarolO VIP

    Las Vegas7 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on 16 February 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    Where were your fabulous cookies? We LOVE those and were not given any this time. It was such a nice and very yummy unique treat to bring home and remind us why we enjoy 1881. Bring them back!!

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  9. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 16 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Lovely dinner with great service! We took our 11 and 9 year old here after going to the MN Opera and they enjoyed their dinners. My wife and I had delicious entrees as well.

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  10. Jacob

    Minneapolis1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 15 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent service and excellent food. Would recommend for an intimate evening

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FAQs

1881 Eating House is rated 4.4 stars by 135 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 5 times today
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
  • Area
    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, 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
  • Executive Chef
    Ashe Wolf
  • Additional
    Gluten-free Options
  • 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
  • Privacy policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Impressum
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
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