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The Loon Cafe

3.9 (84 reviews)
ModerateBars, American
Open • 11:30 am - 2:00 AM (Next day)
Updated 1 week ago

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!

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13 days ago

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7 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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3 years ago

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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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2 years ago

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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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Pillbox Tavern

3.7(122 reviews)
0.1 mi•Downtown St. Paul
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The Pillbox Tavern is an absolute MUST STOP if you're in downtown St. Paul!!! What a fantastic…read morebar/restaurant that has a little something for everyone. If Jenn and Chad are bartending, you're In for a treat. Fantastic customer service, bartenders that smile and seem to enjoy their craft as they work. I was in St. Paul for 5 days and spent 3 of my dinners there. N/A beer selection was a nice plus. They carry an impressive line of Tap beers from all over the country and their kitchen backs its reputation with great quality food! (Full bar, plenty of liquor and a great wine selection also) There's plenty of outdoor seating available also along the street, which is an open-air compliment to the restaurant. TV's cover every spot you could ask for, with a MONSTER main screen on the bar wall.... Not sure its size, but it would be calculated in feet, not inches! There is not a plethora of options in St. Paul for restaurants, especially in the downtown area. The Pillbox is walking distance to the Grand Casio Arena which is fantastic and most downtown hotels are only a 5-7 minute walk away. I spent 19 years in the restaurant business. From doorman, to buss boy, server, to bar tender, bar manager to general manager, I've managed restaurants similar to the Pillbox Tavern. I openly and publicly give them a huge shout out for their customer service, food quality and atmosphere....and additional kiddos for the upbeat environment their staff portrays. If Jen and Chad ever move to Chicago, they could write their own tickets In restaurant management or ownership. If you're looking for a place because your visiting, this is YOUR ONE STOP SHOP! If you are local and haven't tried it yet, you need to establish a new watering hole! If you're lucky enough to meet regulars like Tony and his wife at the bar, you Might just be rubbing elbows with some of the nicest people in St. Paul! Cheers to enjoying a smile on the rocks with new friends at The Pillbox Tavern. -Brad

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Pillbox Tavern - Corner view of the main bar, plenty of seating!

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3.0(75 reviews)
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Citizen is a solid hotel restaurant in St. Paul. I have been here for both breakfast and lunch…read more Their omelets are great - I made my own with asparagus, goat cheese and sausage. It was cooked to perfection and served with potatoes. For lunch, I would highly recommend the burgers or the prime rib slider. They also have some nice $10 specials, which will surely fill you up! We stopped in for drinks after dinner one weekday evening and boy was it packed! Citizen has a wide array of wine, beer and cocktails to satisfy every member in your group! Great for date night or a larger group! The staff is always friendly and attentive. I look forward to coming back to Citizen the next time I'm in St. Paul.

We decided to stop in for dinner before a concert at Grand Casino Arena. It was within walking…read moredistance and had reservations open so it ticked all the right boxes. The food itself was pretty good considering it is a hotel restaurant. Our server was very friendly. Our drinks were a little slow coming out and one of my friend's glass was cracked which thankfully we noticed before she drank from it. The crispy Brussels sprouts elote was my favorite dish! The serving sizes were large enough for us to share but I wish that my Porchetta sandwich had some sort of sauce on it to help liven it up. The place was modern and cool but you do need to ask for a keycard to use the bathroom (located outside of the restaurant in the hotel lobby area). I'd probably try it again if I was looking for a place before a downtown event.

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Citizen Saint Paul - The dining area and bar exude a space-age look, featuring sleek, futuristic furniture and a minimalist design.

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The White Squirrel Bar - 2.5 CBD Delta-8 Classic Squirrel Lemonade

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4.4(31 reviews)
2.0 mi•West Seventh

The White Squirrel Bar was just okay to me. There was live music going on, which was a nice touch…read moreand probably the highlight of the visit. The inside of the bar is pretty small and felt a bit cramped, especially with how busy it was on a Sunday. They do have a back patio that is fairly large, which I appreciated, but during the day it did not feel very inviting. Without lighting or much going on, it came off a bit plain. As for drinks, I tried a non alcoholic half and half with lemonade and iced tea, which I actually really liked. I also had a mojito style cocktail that was not my favorite and tasted a bit too strong for me. The overall vibe just was not really my thing, but I could see it being more fun at night or with a bigger group.

Cute bar! Feels like a fun, slightly elevated dive bar. Definitely a local place, lots of friend…read moregroups and people hanging out in the booths/ at the bar, I went on a Monday during the holidays and they had live music, a comedy show, and a lively crowd until I left around midnight. Fun cocktail options, and a good beer selection as well. The bartenders were great, it was busy but they were helpful and quick to get drinks, water etc. The bartender was also willing to keep my drinks behind the bar when I used the restroom (I was alone and unwilling to leave my drink unattended) which was extremely nice. Check this place out if you're looking for a fun, bright dive bar vibe!

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The White Squirrel Bar - Booths are comfortable and fairly private.

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3.4(52 reviews)
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Camp Bar: Where cabaret meets community, and every night feels like a little celebration…read more Camp Bar isn't just a place--it's a mood. Tucked into the heart of downtown St. Paul, this spot is equal parts cozy neighborhood hangout and glitter-dusted cabaret lounge. Whether you're here for a comedy show at Laugh Camp, a cocktail with friends, or just vibing solo at the bar, Camp makes you feel like you've arrived somewhere special. The energy? Warm, welcoming, and just the right amount of theatrical. The bartenders serve up strong drinks and stronger banter, and the crowd is a beautiful mix of queer locals, theater kids, trivia nerds, and folks who just wandered in and never wanted to leave. The cabaret space hosts everything from DJ Didi's dance party to stand-up comedy to open mic nights that feel like group therapy with a spotlight. And when the show's over, the party doesn't stop--there's a jukebox, a pool table, and an open garage door to the sidewalk perfect for people-watching and deep conversations. It's the kind of place where you can wear sequins or sweatpants and still get a compliment. Where birthdays are toasted with shots and strangers become fast friends. Where the vibe is always "come as you are," and somehow, you leave feeling a little more fabulous than when you walked in. Camp truly is a family for so many downtown peeps !

Used to go dancing here back in the day when it was Rumors. Then I moved to the West Coast. It was…read morethen Tricks and now Camp. Nice enough now, kind of a Cheers for a mixed queer/straight crowd , but not as it was. Still, friendly bartenders and patrons. Glad I popped in!

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Camp Bar - Inside

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2.5(4 reviews)
0.2 mi•Downtown St. Paul

I had the most aggressive pat down of my life upon entering. The drinks were pretty good. A little…read moreover priced but that seems to be everywhere these days. The bartender was attentive and friendly. The food was honestly a joke 0/10 do not recommend. They have no kidding 5 things on the menu. The chicken nachos were not even edible. The chicken was dry, flavorless and the chips were super stale. They have a small bathroom but yet they can fit a bathroom attendant in it. THE DJ PLAYED ALL THE HOTTEST MUSIC SO THAT WAS A PLUS. Overall it's a decent outing.

I went to this place cause I was invited for a friend's birthday party. Never been, my first time…read morethere. I think most people there might have been regulars, or it at least seemed that way. First time I ordered drinks, it was kind of a wait even though it wasn't very packed, the staff was in no hurry though. Second time, my friend tried to go to the bar to order a drink and she gave up after a while of not being served. I decided to give it a shot. I go to the bar and probably was there for 20 minutes watching everyone get served around me. They didn't even look my way. Music was good and so was the chicken my friend ordered, but this was by far the worst service I've ever had in my life. I left shortly after and I guess I fight broke out. I won't be going back.

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4.2(315 reviews)
0.5 mi•West Seventh
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From out of State to visit Family & friends. Not one to pop into a bar alone being a female to…read morehave a beverage. Brandy, the bartender was so welcoming and within 5 mins he made me feel comfortable and welcome sitting at the bar. He engaged in conversation with me and checked on me to make sure I was ok. My french 75 cocktail was THE BEST and I stayed and had two. The two men at the door were SO kind and deserve a shout out as well. Thank you Brandy & staff for making my time in Minnesota even better. I will be back.

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.

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Parlour Bar St. Paul - Back Bar

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The Loon Cafe - bars - Updated May 2026

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