1881 by LEI

4.4

115 Reviews

$30 and under

American

Make a reservation

2 people

Jan 25, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 25 times today

Experiences are available.

Good for special occasions
Charming
Great for creative cocktails

Lake Elmo Inn is opened a new restaurant at Union Depot in Saint Paul. Owners Chef John and Christine Schiltz named 1881. The name “1881” pays homage to the year both the original Union Depot and Lake Elmo Inn opened, reflecting the deep historical connection the restaurant hopes to foster.

Offering a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere, 1881 by Lake Elmo Inn will merge the charm of a storied past with a modern culinary flair, becoming a destination for both locals and visitors.

1881 by Lake Elmo Inn is to be a place where families can build lasting memories. We want to offer an experience that generations can cherish, from proms to graduations to weddings, we’re here to make moments unforgettable.

The Menu is inspired by the success of the original Lake Elmo Inn and will include both favorites from the flagship restaurant as well as exclusive new offerings hand-crafted from fresh, local

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American
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
Phone number
(952) 698-1881
Website
http://www.1881bylei.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
Ashe Wolf
Catering
Lake Elmo Inn Catering(our sister company) is the exclusive Caterer for Union Depot. We are also able to cater any off-site events within the area. For information and booking please contact us at 651-779-5994

Location
214 4th St E suite 300, Saint Paul, MN 55101
Neighborhood
Saint Paul
Cross street
4th Street East & Wacouta Street. Parking lot is off of Kellogg Blvd
Parking details
Public Lot
Public transit
Union Depot Station (light rail station) is outside the front of the building. Public bus stop is at Union Depot, along with the Amtrak.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

Romance Between the Lines
$235.00 per party
Prepaid
Feb 14, 2025 only
A Night to Remember at Story Line Books Immerse yourself in an indulgent evening with this exclusive four-course dinner, hosted in the unique and intimate setting of Story Line Books, our neighboring bookstore. Let the stories surrounding you enchant and set the stage for a night of culinary and narrative delight. Courses Summary Dinner for 2 1st: Half Dozen Broiled East Coast Oysters 2nd: Salad Niçoise with mixed greens, \ Ahi tuna, and a light vinaigrette 3rd: 32 oz Porterhouse, served with house-made sauces, Brussels sprouts with lardons, and rich Pommes Aligot 4th: Gâteau Chocolate **Tax & Gratuity not included**
Valentine's Day Four-Course Menu for Two
$160.00 per party
Feb 14, 2025 only
A Night to Remember Embark on a journey of decadence with this four-course dinner, designed to awaken your senses. Savor Six Broiled East Coast Oysters, perfectly broiled and elevated by a Champagne apple mignonette—a luxurious beginning to the evening. Relish a classic Salad Niçoise: mixed greens, haricot verts, red onion, grape tomatoes, hard-boiled egg, seared Ahi tuna, capers, and olives, drizzled with a light vinaigrette. Indulge in a Porterhouse, charred to perfection, served with house-made steak sauce and horseradish cream. Sides include fried Brussels sprouts with lardons and rich Pommes Aligot. Finish with Gâteau Chocolate Cake, a decadent dessert of layered indulgence. **Tax & Gratuity not included**

What 115 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

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Twin Cities / St. Paul
Best Overall
Twin Cities / St. Paul
Best Service
Twin Cities / St. Paul
Best Ambiance
Twin Cities / St. Paul
Good for groups
Twin Cities / St. Paul
Healthy
Twin Cities / St. Paul
Good for special occasions
Twin Cities / St. Paul
Lively
Twin Cities / St. Paul
Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

1881 by LEI offers a "wonderful culinary experience" in a historic setting at Union Depot. The food is consistently praised for being "excellent," with particular highlights such as the duck risotto and sunfish. Service is often described as "fantastic," and the ambiance captures the charm of a bygone era.

115 Reviews

c
carol
VIP
Minneapolis
23 reviews
5.0
23 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing food and service! A well kept secret everyone should know about. The Filet Meat-Non is to die for - you’d never know it’s not red meat!! It’s a must try!!
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D
Diane
Minneapolis
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
We chose 1881 as we have dined at Lake Elmo Inn many times but were looking for a little more ‘atmosphere’ for our 43rd anniversary dinner. We both have childhood memories of the Union Depot and knowing we were never disappointed in Lake Elmo’s cuisine, we made reservations. Allison was our server and made our experience absolutely amazing. The meals were delicious and when Allison brought us our dessert, she graced us with glasses of complimentary champagne to celebrate our evening. She packed our leftovers beautifully and put in a little treat to have with them. She graciously took our picture and asked us what made our marriage last so many years. My quiet husband smiled and quickly answered, “Lots of patience and love.” Great evening, service and meals!
Is this helpful?
J
Jake
VIP
Minneapolis
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Aubrey is a great server, top notch food and drink.
1881 by LEIResponded 4 days ago
Thank you, Jake!
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J
JANET
Minneapolis
17 reviews
4.0
17 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Warm, friendly, knowledgeable staff, amazing building and decor and top rate food.
1881 by LEIResponded 4 days ago
Thank you for taking the time to give your feedback!
Is this helpful?
L
Liz
Minneapolis
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 17, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Was greeted right away, had interesting conversation about the restaurant. Seated in a very comfortable table and chairs. Food was good and good portions. Had great view of depot!
1881 by LEIResponded 4 days ago
So glad to hear this Liz!
Is this helpful?
M
Margaret
Minneapolis
27 reviews
4.0
27 reviews
Dined on January 15, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Eating in historic The Depot in downtown St. Paul is a unique experience with plenty to observe while waiting for your food to be delivered. The menu is large with plenty of options. The food was excellent and the wait person very personable and efficient. We enjoyed our lunch and urge others to patronize this restaurant so it will have a long run. I can't comment on the noise level, because we visited at lunchtime and only two other tables were occupied. Parking was nearby, enclosed, at a reasonable cost, $6.
1881 by LEIResponded 4 days ago
We appreciate you spreading the word! Thank you for dining with us!
Is this helpful?
N
Nicole
Phoenix
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 12, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The location of 1881 is very unique and quite different from any other restaurant in the Twin Cities. Food portions are quite generous, and delicious. The cocktails were outstanding and the bartender was knowledgeable when we ordered off menu. Service was top-notch as well.
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J
John
Minneapolis
13 reviews
4.0
13 reviews
Dined on January 11, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Vegan filet was top notch…even better than that! We enjoyed the cocktail tasting and like the hotter toddy best.
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B
Bill
Minneapolis
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 2, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Perfect. Food and service were first rate. Union Depot is a wonderful and unique location. We could not have been happier.
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J
Jennifer
Minneapolis
83 reviews
4.0
83 reviews
Dined on January 1, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
We were excited to try the famed Lake Elmo Inn location of 1881 in the St. Paul Union Depot for NYE! The quality of the food shone through including the extra touches of champagne and boxed little cookies to take with, at the end of service. The server was quite personable but forgetful. We were not offered bread service and had to request the cookies showing up at nearby tables. Our "NYE special" was over- priced. The location is an excellent use of the space but needs to dim the overhead lighting and rely on each tables lamp. The complimentary parking is a plus! We will go back!
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FAQs

1881 by LEI is rated 4.4 stars by 115 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Jan 25, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 25 times today

Experiences are available.

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

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
4th Street East & Wacouta Street. Parking lot is off of Kellogg Blvd
Neighborhood
Saint Paul
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
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Public Lot
Public transit
Union Depot Station (light rail station) is outside the front of the building. Public bus stop is at Union Depot, along with the Amtrak.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Ashe Wolf
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.1881bylei.com/
Phone number
(952) 698-1881
Catering
Lake Elmo Inn Catering(our sister company) is the exclusive Caterer for Union Depot. We are also able to cater any off-site events within the area. For information and booking please contact us at 651-779-5994

1881 by LEI

Make a reservation

Dining areas

Additional information

Experiences

Romance Between the Lines

Valentine's Day Four-Course Menu for Two

Menu

What 115 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

How is 1881 by LEI restaurant rated?

Is 1881 by LEI currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Dining areas

Additional information