104 Best Southwest American Restaurants In Downtown St. Paul

A photo of Nolo's Kitchen & Bar restaurant

1. Nolo's Kitchen & Bar

4.7

Exceptional(1127)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 61 times today

**Please note all reservations are for Nolo's Kitchen, the rooftop is first come, first serve. For cabana rentals please visit https://www.rooftopbarmpls.com/cabanas**Located at the historic Gardner Hardware Building at 515 Washington Ave N in the North Loop neighborhood of Minneapolis. The NOLO's team consists of Marty Collins, Brett Johnson and Peter Hoff, each native Minnesotans with extensive industry experience. Marty has owned over 10 restaurant concepts in Minneapolis, MN, Kansas City and Columbia, MO, and Iowa City, IA. Brett and his family have owned and operated The Hilltop Restaurant for the past 40 years. Pete, the head chef, brings his most recent culinary experience and creativity from California to NOLO’s, The Rooftop Bar and The Basement Bar. His culinary vision and passion for local ingredients create new modern comfort food dishes. The team shares a passion for the restaurant and bar industry and sees an opportunity to fill gaps in the market in the North Loop.

A photo of Cosmos - Minneapolis restaurant

2. Cosmos - Minneapolis

4.3

Awesome(5)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Northeast Minneapolis

The Lofton Hotel features an intimate escape known as Cosmos Restaurant & Bar. The Iconic Cosmos bar has been operating within the hotel for over 20 years with much of the same staff! Cosmos offers the perfect atmosphere and cuisine for a relaxed dinner onsite or a kick-start to your day with a spectacular breakfast. Or it makes for an amazing mid-day retreat for lunch. Located on the fourth floor of The Lofton Hotel, Cosmos serves modern American, Italian and Mediterranean cuisine inspired by Midwest favorites to provide a local culinary experience to our guests. Cosmos is open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

A photo of Hell's Kitchen Minneapolis restaurant

3. Hell's Kitchen Minneapolis

4.6

Exceptional(5774)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 49 times today

Hell's Kitchen Minneapolis is a go-to destination for breakfast lovers, offering "damn good food" that delights every tastebud. Nestled in the heart of downtown Minneapolis, this employee-owned gem serves up breakfast dishes that are both "unique but not fancy; interesting but not fussy." With everything made from scratch, the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes are frequently hailed as "amazing!" and the homemade peanut butter is simply "the best I've ever had." The vibrant atmosphere, complete with a renowned Bloody Mary bar, ensures a breakfast experience that’s memorable and full of flavor. Hell's Kitchen is where authentic comfort meets culinary creativity!

A photo of Murray's Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge restaurant

4. Murray's Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge

4.8

Exceptional(6223)

Price: Very Expensive

• Mexican • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 37 times today

Murray's Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge, nestled in the heart of Downtown Minneapolis, is a beacon of fine cuts cuisine, offering a dining experience that is both authentic and timeless. Revered for its award-winning Silver Butter Knife Steak, diners rave about its "incredible, perfectly cooked" dishes that are bursting with flavor. As a third-generation family-owned establishment, Murray's continues to charm its guests with its "classic American steakhouse" vibe and impeccable service. From the succulent bone-on ribeye to the exquisite Chateaubriand, each steak promises a culinary delight. It's no wonder patrons proclaim, "Murray's never disappoints!"—a true testament to its enduring legacy.

A photo of Butcher & the Boar restaurant

5. Butcher & the Boar

4.6

Exceptional(133)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Downtown / Mill District

Booked 55 times today

Butcher & the Boar in the North Loop of Minneapolis is a barbecue lover's paradise, where "amazing smells from the woodfired grill" greet you upon entry. Known for its "thoughtfully prepared" and "flavorful" menu, the restaurant honors its iconic roots while introducing new tastes that captivate diners. The barbecue here is "better than about any restaurant," with standout dishes like the beef long rib, praised as "one of the best steaks" ever tasted. The ambiance is warm and inviting, complemented by a knowledgeable and friendly staff, making every visit a "phenomenal" experience. Come and "Live Full Boar" with unforgettable barbecue.

A photo of The Capital Grille - Minneapolis restaurant

6. The Capital Grille - Minneapolis

4.9

Exceptional(4748)

Price: Very Expensive

• Mexican • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 30 times today

The Capital Grille in Downtown Minneapolis is a beacon of authentic American cuisine, renowned for its meticulously crafted steaks that are dry-aged in-house and hand-cut by their expert butcher. Patrons rave about the "outstanding" service and "incredible" food, with favorites like the lobster mac n cheese and 22-ounce ribeye leaving a lasting impression. The restaurant's extensive wine list and elegant ambiance add to its charm, making it a staple for both special occasions and casual dining. As one guest enthused, "The Capital Grille never disappoints," solidifying its reputation as a top choice for American dining in the Twin Cities.

A photo of CRAVE - LaSalle Plaza restaurant

7. CRAVE - LaSalle Plaza

4.6

Exceptional(4308)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 20 times today

CRAVE - LaSalle Plaza is a beacon of authentic and high-quality Sushi cuisine in the heart of Minneapolis. With its chic ambiance and modern sushi bar, diners are treated to a dining experience that marries traditional flavors with innovative presentations. Guests rave about the "fabulous sushi" that is both fresh and delectable, making each dish a delight for sushi enthusiasts. The menu boasts diverse options, ensuring every sushi lover finds their perfect roll. Situated conveniently in the Downtown/North Loop, CRAVE not only promises "delicious food" but also exceptional service that enhances the overall dining experience. Make CRAVE your go-to for an unforgettable sushi adventure!

8. noa

4.3

Awesome(169)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 16 times today

Nestled in the IDS Center, Noa in downtown Minneapolis is a culinary gem that elevates Fusion/Eclectic cuisine to new heights. With its chef-crafted dishes, Noa offers a menu that is both upscale and accessible, delighting diners with innovative flavors and creative presentations. The restaurant's cozy ambiance, emphasized by earthy hues and natural light, provides a warm and inviting atmosphere. Guests rave about the "delicious crab-crusted Walleye" and "some of the best Scallops" they've ever tasted, highlighting the authenticity and quality of the dishes. Whether you're planning a business lunch or a date night, Noa promises an exceptional dining experience.

9. The Smack Shack

4.7

Exceptional(1759)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 25 times today

The Smack Shack in the bustling North Loop of Minneapolis is a beacon of authentic American cuisine, celebrated for its stellar seafood offerings. This casual, coastal-inspired eatery has roots as a beloved food truck, now thriving with a commitment to sustainable practices. Diners rave about the "unbelievably good" lobster mac-n-cheese and "phenomenal" lobster rolls, making it a "must-stop" for seafood lovers. The vibrant atmosphere is perfect for any occasion, from pre-game bites to celebratory dinners. With "outstanding food and service," The Smack Shack effortlessly captures the essence of American coastal dining, ensuring every visit is a memorable delight.

A photo of Cafe Lurcat - Minneapolis restaurant

10. Cafe Lurcat - Minneapolis

4.7

Exceptional(5278)

Price: Very Expensive

• Mexican • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 19 times today

Cafe Lurcat in Minneapolis is a shining star of Contemporary American cuisine, offering a dining experience that blends classic charm with a modern twist. Nestled by Loring Park, this restaurant has been delighting patrons with its "fantastic food" and "wonderful service" for nearly two decades. Guests rave about the "delicious" sea bass and the refreshing apple, cheese, and chive salad. The ambiance, described as "fun for a special occasion," complements the sophisticated comfort food offering. With creative cocktails, an impressive wine list, and a setting that feels both intimate and grand, Cafe Lurcat is a must-visit gem in the Twin Cities.

Best Southwest American Restaurants in Downtown St. Paul

Price

Regions

Areas

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating options

Accessibility

104 restaurants available nearby

1. Nolo's Kitchen & Bar

2. Cosmos - Minneapolis

3. Hell's Kitchen Minneapolis

4. Murray's Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge

5. Butcher & the Boar

6. The Capital Grille - Minneapolis

7. CRAVE - LaSalle Plaza

8. noa

9. The Smack Shack

10. Cafe Lurcat - Minneapolis

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