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1881 Eating House, Saint Paul, MN

1881 Eating House

4.4
4.4
133 Reviews
$30 and under
American

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 12 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

  • Phone number
  • 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
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Ashe Wolf

What 133 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

Loved For

  • 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 "excellent service and excellent food" in a "unique" and "historic" setting at the Union Depot. Guests rave about the "amazing cocktails," "delicious entrees," and "friendly, knowledgeable staff." The ambiance is "elegant" and perfect for "special occasions," making it a "must-visit treasure" in St. Paul.

133 Reviews
  1. OpenTable Diner

    Minneapolis

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    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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  2. Jeff

    Minneapolis

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    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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  3. Roxann

    Minneapolis

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    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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  4. John

    Minneapolis

    14 reviews

    4.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on February 21, 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 February 21, 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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  5. Luann

    VIP

    Minneapolis

    58 reviews

    5.0

    58 reviews

    Dined on February 19, 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 February 25, 2025
    Thanks for checking us out Luann! We look forward to serving you soon!

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  6. CarolO

    VIP

    Las Vegas

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on February 16, 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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  7. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 16, 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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  8. Jacob

    Minneapolis

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 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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  9. Melissa

    Minneapolis

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful! It was nice to sit up on the balcony. Server was very attentive.

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  10. Jim

    Minneapolis

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Really enjoyed our experience at 1881! 2 couples celebrated Valentines night at the Union Depot! Service was good, and the food was very good! Free parking indoors made it even better, considering the snow falling outside! We will go back again!

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FAQs

1881 Eating House is rated 4.4 stars by 133 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 12 times today
Google Map for 1881 Eating House

214 4th St E suite 300, Saint Paul, MN 55101

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Phone number
  • 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
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Ashe Wolf
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
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