Lunch here seemed the perfect tonic after two days and nearly a 6 hour delayed arrival on the Empire Builder. I can only envy the locals for having access to the 1881 unlike this 'soon to be home New Yorker'. I had the Wedge Salad, which was covered generously in fresh tomatoes, all the bacon and blue cheese crumbles one could wish; and the add-on grilled chicken breast was truly unbelievably good!! All large lunch salads I've ever had could only wish they were so good. Impeccable table service, but there's also a large bar and plenty to look at in the beautifully restored Station Head house. Going to the train station for dinner if you're not traveling seems like an odd choice, but I truly encourage you to make it. I needed greens after two days of Amtrak food, but everything read well on the menu. I'm sure you won't be disappointed with whatever you choose. read more

We moved to a magnificent 1900's old renovated building 1/26 in Lowertown and are EXTREMELY happy with all elements of this location. We both grew up in NYC's suburbs/ worked in manhattan until 2000 and then moved to VA MN FL and back to MN. The well discussed homeless situation we find in outstanding meticulous control by the very attentive St Paul Police who know the community on a first name basis. (Weekends you don't see them, and during the week only spotted. They never approach us.). I have worked with the impoverished communities in Harlem, Boston, Richmond, Va and Mn as a volunteer and a few full time positions in Boston. Catholic charities has done a REMARKABLE job supporting/effectively aiding the entire homeless community in the Twin Cities! As a result, we are very comfortable walking anywhere during the day and early evening. So with great joy we joined hundreds of others on St Paul's famous " Train Days" with family and grandson. Then we went to 1881 for a light lunch for the first time. They were happily packed, and all the diners were voraciously downing their meals for a considerable time. I saw a beautiful " fish and chips platter" and will definitely come back to try it for dinner. The setting, ambiance are stellar! The main majestic thrilling lobby of this venerable giant ELEGANT old train station-- more beautiful than NYC and Boston's but similar to those in the Canadian Rockies ( took the Canadian Pacific northern route in 1970 w 70 lb backpack fr Vancouver to Detroit... unforgettable). This majestic rare location....makes the dining experience unique and wonderous! We both had excellent martinis expertly prepared and their famous French onion soup and salads. Our family ate croissant sandwiches and a wonderful egg dish. Beautiful exhilarating awe inspiring places like this have almost completely disappeared all across the USA. Old world cooking and meticulous good delicious seasoning is also FAST disappearing. Places like this desperately NEED us to survive. HIGHLY recommend!!! Enjoy! read more

We stopped in for happy hour + dinner. I really enjoy the atmosphere here. The architectural details of being in Union Depot are so beautiful. The arched stone ceilings, the stone (marble?) flooring, the presence of the space is just spectacular. Our server, Chris, was a delight. He was warm and welcoming. I appreciated how he went out of his way to be hospitable. I got an Aperol Spritz as my happy hour drink, and then a house wine with dinner. I liked there was a happy hour price for select cocktails, beer and wine as well as some happy hour food choices. I met the owner once, and she said some of the menu was inspired by "girl dinner" and I loved that concept of having a drink but something small to nosh. We started with the Hummus Bowl for an appetizer. I enthusiastically recommend loaded hummus (served with olives, capers, crispy chickpeas, tomatoes, and arugula). THIS is the only way I want to enjoy hummus going forward. (My only criticism of the dish is that there was so much stuff, I wish there had been 2 more triangles of pita bread). For an entree, I had the Shrimp Scampi served over bucatini. The pasta was al dente (my preference) and the sauce was buttery, garlicky, and delicious. My partner got the Steak Frites, and liked it a lot. The fries were light and fluffy; I don't know how they achieved that texture. It almost tasted like they were tempura battered potatoes? At any rate, they weren't your run of the mill Sysco frozen fries, and they came with a bernaise dipping sauce. The meal was enjoyable, the service was excellent, and the atmosphere was relaxing. We live in the area, so I expect a return visit. By the way: we parked in a ramp that ended up costing $8; I think next time I'd seek out street parking. read more

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Beautiful location and above average food. Again, so hits and misses but at the Union it is a wonderful option. The lettuce wraps were outstanding. The bipimbop needed more spice by a long shot but was still fresh. The soup was really good but just too cheesy which I didn't think was a thing. The sin dessert was tremendous. Huge standout! Potstickers great. Sandwich was ok but fries were great. Drinks again just ok. read more

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Didn't hate and didn't love. I'm mostly excited to know that Union Depot isn't on life support as I once thought it was. My family stumbled across 1881after attending the North Pole Express. To my surprise, the interior of the depot is full of life, varying stores and amongst the commotion, 1881. 1881 sits inside the depot boasting an open air concept as there's no walls resembling a giant patio. The host was really sweet and we were able to score a table with no reservation on a Sunday. Breakfast is served until 4 pm which is a win in my book! Service and staff dress attire is polished resembling the sister company, Lake Elmo Inn. By design, 1881 is a higher end cuisine yet by no means it the dress code of customers required to be fancy. I ordered the Korean Beef Bowl and it was okay. The presentation was 100% there but I felt like it could use more sauce. It was very healthy for sure! Other items at my table included wings, berry salad, burger and spaghetti which goes to show the wide variety of options. While I can't say that I would actively go back at my own free will because that area of town is not something I do frequently along with the disconnected parking lot, I recommend stopping if you're at the depot for sure. Thank you, 1881! Glad to see a business occupy this space. read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

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Visiting St. Paul from out of town and staying at a nearby hotel. Chose this place for dinner because it was close by and open. Had the delicious WEDGE SALAD. Crisp lettuce, blue cheese, tomatoes, terrific dressing. Big enough to share. Followed by the "Sunnies" plate. Six delightful fried sunfish fillets and french fries. Both fish and fries came out hot--they were not sitting under a heat lamp getting limp and stale. The room tends to be loud with hard surfaces that reflect the noise. But the food was terrific. Highly recommended. read more

Strong recommendation to make a reservation in advance. There are no walk-ins after a certain point, and the space is small enough that availability disappears quickly. If you're dining with children, request the couch seating area. It offers noticeably more flexibility and breathing room compared to the standard tables, which makes a difference in such a compact restaurant. As for the food: while I don't doubt that other menu items are solid, the Korean gochujang bowl fell flat for me. The flavor profile was fairly plain, and while hot sauce was available, it didn't complement the dish--it felt mismatched rather than additive. The three-star rating reflects a combination of factors: the tight space, the added hassle of the train station location, and a main dish that didn't quite deliver. Not a bad experience, but not one that fully lived up to expectations either. read more

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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. read more

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Delicious lunch in a beautiful space. This place has it all architecture, interesting flavor, profiles, and attentive service. Highly recommend recommended. read more

I've visited this place twice and was disappointed by the slow, inattentive service. The drinks were average, and the food was bland and unappetizing. Despite its potential, I don't recommend it. read more

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. read more

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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. read more

1881 Eating House - Menu - New American Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

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Excellent patio, friendly, fun staff and delicious food here. The Skyways Progressive dinner had this fun location as part of their list in July. A great way to explore a new restaurant! read more

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. read more

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Wonderful setting in a historical building. We went for Sunday brunch -a table of 5. The food was great- hot and fresh. Wonderful, right? The service was abysmal. Our waitress didn't seem to understand her job. Forgetting cocktails, not following up on requested condiments, NEVER refilling coffee. It was so bad, I had to ask the manager if she was new. She wasn't, just inept. I would go back, but I would sit in another server's section. read more

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

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. read more

1881 Eating House - 5:02 pm, fully booked per staff - New American Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

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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! read more

1881 Eating House - New American Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

Terrible experience. Party of 3 second in line at opening behind a single diner for Saturday morning brunch. We got our drinks eventually, but 45 minutes later the food still had not come. My girlfriend had ordered only a cinnamon roll and myself and sister a simple, standard breakfast. The single diner was done with his meal and 2 other larger parties who had arrived after us were already eating when we still had not received our food. When we brought it to the waiter's attention be was dismissive, blamed it on management, and said he wasn't sure he could give us our money back. So, we left without ever receiving our food! Save your money and go elsewhere. read more

Great spot right inside Union depot, patio type seating inside the beautiful space was nice, food and drinks were great, service was amazing. Very attentive and respectful staff, food was great, we had the provoleta appetizer, delicious deconstructed bruschetta type appetizer with tomato/olives and melted provolone, my wife had the pork chop which was a 2 bone monstrosity that was delicious and I had the steak frites, perfectly cooked skirt steak with delicious parm fries. Highly recommend! read more

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

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

Lovely service and great setting. Food was outstanding. Really enjoyed the Mandarin Salad, Beef Vegetable soup and Sin of the Inn dessert. Delightful walleye and roasted potatoes. The complimentary champagne for our anniversary was a welcome touch. Excellent coffee, too. Nice music, easy to talk - not too loud, despite all the marble in the room. read more

1881 Eating House - Dining area. - New American Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

Anthony was AMAZING! Very tentative. Was engaging in conversation. I wish I could rate this place higher because of Anthony! The 2nd shift came. They were too busy stocking, cleaning, etc. we ordered the Reuben appetizer. Our meter was to expire at 2:45 so we ordered the appetizer at 2:20. We asked the bartender at 3 if she had put in the order. Said yes and walked away. We didn't get the app until close to 3:20! The Reuben balls were black. Pretty sure that's not what they should have looked like. We had a hard time trying to get another drink so we just took our tab. There were 3 people at the bar... two of them was us. read more

Food was excellent, had the sunnies, tasted like they had been caught minutes before being served. Ask for Cory, she will make your experience memorable! She'll make great recommendations for food and knows the wine list and how to pair. She understands service and delivers with enthusiasm! The ambiance is reminiscent of the old Nankin (you probably need to be a boomer to relate). The depot setting is fun for all ages. It's going to be a new tradition for us. read more

The star rating has no meaning because we didn't get a chance to try it out. Unfortunately, it doesn't open till 11:00 and our train left at 10:20. Please consider opening earlier!! read more

Was a little disappointed that the restaurant wasn't back in the area previous Depot fine dining spots were located but after having lunch there i was very impressed! Found 1881 carries the same quality and service of the Lake Elmo Inn. Was delighted to find sunnies on the menu accompanied by wild rice and excellent asparagus! A nice place to eat, and I love the ambiance with its personal memories for me of the St Paul Depot! Thanks Lake Elmo Inn! Now, will you be doing Sunday brunch at this location? A long time fan of your establishment. read more

The food was a mixed bag. The cheese and meat appetizer was poor and way overpriced at $24 for what you got. The amount of bread and crackers was inadequate, and we had to keep asking for more. The cheese and meat amount was a joke. The pasta dishes were enjoyed by those who ordered them. I ordered the 1881 New York strip. It was the smallest 10oz steak and was horrible and was barely 1/4 inch thick. It was full of gristle. It tasted old, almost sour. Worst of all was the cost $45. Lake Elmo Inn is one of our favorite restaurants. The food there has always been great. Sitting in the open at a train station is not our idea of ambiance. Our waiter seemed inexperienced. For the food and experience 1881 is way overpriced. Parking is free but quite A walk. The night we were there, a man got murdered 2 blocks away. read more

First and last time we will go here to eat. The ambiance was nonexistent since they are directly in the middle of the main doors to the depot. It is very noisy with no type of barriers (maybe some large plants or screens?) between the diners and people coming through the main doors. There was a wedding somewhere so there were lots of people. The menu is a portion of what they offer at The Lake Elmo Inn. We were really hoping to see some new items offered. There was a snafu with a wrong entree on our order (that happens) but they put my pasta dish back under the heat lamp and when I got it back it was dry and stiff. By the time someone came by I'd already eaten half of it. They did make it right and took this meal off of our bill. Service was adequate. Overall it just isn't what we are looking for when paying these prices. I don't want to be sitting in a fishbowl when dining. read more

It's a wonderful location with friendly staff, terrible food, and poorly constructed cocktails. Shocked this place is owned by the Lake Elmo Inn. read more

Our visit to 1881 was wonderful! We decided to arrive early for dinner so we could experience the happy hour. We were greeted by April, our bartender, who introduced herself ( why do so few people do that!?). She had great recommendations for drinks and appetizers. When we were seated for dinner, we were welcomed by Corrie, our waitress. She was delightful! Food and drinks were great, ambiance beautiful, and service exceptional. We would definitely go back again! read more

We recently met long-time friends here for lunch and loved it: excellent food, superb service, unique setting. Corrine was our server, and she was engaging and attentive. We will definitely be back! Indoor Dining · Great food · Large wine list · Creative cuisine read more

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

Lake Elmo Inn 9/18/2024 My husband and I had a fantastic lunch experience at Lake Elmo Inn on 9/18/24. Despite the busy lunch hour, we were seated promptly without reservations. It's worth noting that they are closed between 2:00 - 5:00 p.m., so I recommend checking their hours before visiting.  I started with iced tea and a cranberry wild rice roll, which was delightful. I opted for the Reub-INN with turkey instead of corned beef, and it was delicious with Swiss cheese and thousand island dressing on pumpernickel bread. My husband enjoyed the Pork Schnitzel Sandwich, which was a flavorful special that day. We couldn't resist the carrot cake for dessert, and it was moist and flavorful with walnut-studded cream cheese icing. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable, making the experience even more enjoyable.  With the Christmas season approaching, I highly recommend dining at Lake Elmo Inn for a memorable experience. It's the perfect place to impress someone with great food and beautiful decorations.  Make sure you have a reservation. ou have a reservation. read more

1881 inside the Union Depot is incredible. My Server Cory had a delightful personality who is passionate about providing great service I had the Butternut Squash Ravioli with chicken. It was amazing. The menu is vast with incredible ingredients of freshness When you are Downtown St Paul this is a restaurant you must visit in the historic Union Depot From Dino read more

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

Food was great and the service was prompt and friendly. We will definitely be back! Only suggestion I would have is they need larger plates. The plates need to be larger for better presentation. read more

This place delivered and then some. We went on Friday night on their second day of operating in the restored Union Depot. The food was extremely tasty and well-presented but what makes 1881 so special is the experience. We had Corey as our server, and she was super attentive and friendly. The ambiance was romantic yet good for large groups. The surroundings are a bit like stepping back in time. We had an appetizer of Rueben truffles which were amazing. We also had the sunnies and walleye both which were very good. The carrot cake is homemade and amazing. Parking was a breeze in the basement of Union Depot which is easily accessible at the intersection of Kellogg and Sibley. Lot A must be approached from the south via Kellogg. It is connected, which is great for cold winter nights. Congratulations on a wonderful opening! read more