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    The Loon Cafe

    3.9 (85 reviews)
    ModerateBars, American
    Open 10:00 am - 12:00 AM (Next day)
    Updated 2 months 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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

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    Pillbox Tavern

    Pillbox Tavern

    3.7
    (123 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    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

    Great spot for a lovely dinner in downtown St Paul. My friend and I sat at a high top table on the…read moreedge of the inside portion of the restaurant. It was a drizzly evening so we opted for inside but with garage doors were all open. Our waitress was great. She was helpful and nice. The food/drinks were quickly served to us. I ordered the margarita (comes with a buzz button) and the Big Bang Shrimp Tacos (gf). Everything was absolutely delicious! The tacos are served on corn tortillas (3). The sauce on the tacos is to die for. Marg was great and came with a buzz button which I've had before elsewhere but that was a fun addition to my cocktail. It kind of tingles the inside of your mouth when you chew on it. It lingers for a couple of minutes (the tingle sensation). I'm looking forward to coming back cause their menu looks ahhmazing. Cheers!

    Photos
    Corner view of the main bar, plenty of seating!
    Corner view of the main bar, plenty of seating!
    Rueben sandwich
    Rueben sandwich
    Pillbox Tavern

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    Amsterdam Bar & Hall

    Amsterdam Bar & Hall

    3.3
    (207 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    This place is 3 stars. The bartender was lovely. The beers were cheap and tasty, I had the organic…read moreBlack IPA and the Cherry Chouffe which comes in a 8 oz pour because it has a high ABV. Both were delicious. I like dark beers and these two didn't make me feel fatigue or heavy / bloated. The vibe is a little grunge, a little beer hally, and a little rock all combined into one. They have a ton of live music throughout the month although my trip, which was 530pm on a Tuesday didn't include any. They have a garden / smoking section out back with 3-4 picnic benches that felt really huge. I could definitely come back and would even consider a show here. Reason why I knock it down from 3 stars to 2 is because when we walked in, one of the managers gave us such a dirty look. And when we said hi, he gave a half hearted smile and turned back to doing his audits. Sure, everyone has a bad day. And perhaps he was reacting to something different. Nevertheless, I was ready to get my drink and be out. Was hungry and wanted food but decided rather spend my money elsewhere.

    Great bar and intimate concert venue to visit for local talent! Drinks are cheap and the venue has…read moreboth standing and sitting room. Bar and concert hall are somewhat divided, and there is a cover for concerts (usually $10-$15). Service with the bartenders was great, I'd definitely visit again to see some local talent or go for happy hour!

    Photos
    Amsterdam Bar & Hall
    Amsterdam Bar & Hall
    Important message in the bathroom

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    Important message in the bathroom
    Citizen Saint Paul

    Citizen Saint Paul

    3.0
    (75 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$$

    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.

    This restaurant is inside the Intercontinental hotel. Our server was amazing. She was prompt and…read morekept checking back. The drinks were fantastic. I ordered a double whiskey on the rocks but I think I got a triple. We ordered the calamari and the cheese plate. Both were very good. There are places for groups to hang out and there are standard tables. It was loud but it was also busy. I would recommend as a place to unwind if you're staying at the hotel. I wouldn't, however, choose this place as a destination.

    Photos
    The dining area and bar exude a space-age look, featuring sleek, futuristic furniture and a minimalist design.
    The dining area and bar exude a space-age look, featuring sleek, futuristic furniture and a minimalist design.
    Cheese plate
    Cheese plate
    The image shows a bar with a friendly bartender standing behind the counter. The bar has lots of different alcohol bottles ne...

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    The image shows a bar with a friendly bartender standing behind the counter. The bar has lots of different alcohol bottles ne...
    The White Squirrel Bar

    The White Squirrel Bar

    4.4
    (32 reviews)
    2.0 mi

    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.

    Bad Julia. I was so busy enjoying myself that I failed to take pictures. Anyway, this is an awesome…read moreplace. I came in to enjoy some live music with a couple of amazing local bands, and I am absolutely sold. Highlights include: tons of street parking nearby, superior selection of drinks (more on this later), and awesome people. Everyone, from the folks behind the bar to the other patrons, was ultra welcoming. I'm pretty sure this is the neighborhood Cheers. Seriously--amazing vibes, and it's great for solo people. (I realize that might be ambiguous, so what I mean by "great for solo people" is that you won't feel uncomfortable coming here alone. It's easy to chat with people if you want to; it's easy to just enjoy the music if you want to.) Okay, I know you want to hear about the drinks. They have a great selection of beer on tap. They have tons of cocktails, including a selection of barrel-finished cocktails. Not drinking tonight? They have plenty of THC and even a CBD-only option (winning!), along with some non-altering choices that include switchel(!). There's a huge outdoor patio with fire pits that I will probably check out next time. Anyway, this is a great spot!

    Photos
    Bar area
    Bar area
    Booths are comfortable and fairly private.
    Booths are comfortable and fairly private.
    White Squirrel

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    White Squirrel
    Camp Bar

    Camp Bar

    3.4
    (53 reviews)
    0.3 mi
    $$

    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!

    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 !

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Camp Bar
    Camp Bar

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    Jackeys Watchbar & Lounge

    Jackeys Watchbar & Lounge

    2.5
    (4 reviews)
    0.2 mi

    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.

    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.

    Photos
    Happy Hour Daily
4-6 pm & 8-10pm
2-4-1's  EVERYTHING
$10 BURGER BASKETS 
$10 WING BASKETS
    Happy Hour Daily 4-6 pm & 8-10pm 2-4-1's EVERYTHING $10 BURGER BASKETS $10 WING BASKETS
    Chicken Sandwich and Fries
    Chicken Sandwich and Fries
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    Bone In Wings
    Parlour Bar St. Paul

    Parlour Bar St. Paul

    4.1
    (315 reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$

    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 )

    Photos
    Back Bar
    Back Bar
    Parlour Burger
    Parlour Burger
    Too Much Heaven

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    Too Much Heaven

    The Loon Cafe - bars - Updated July 2026

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