Restaurants Near The Ordway St Paul Mn

So you scored tickets to The Ordway. Nice. Now you need dinner before the show, and you don’t want to be that person crunching chips during the overture.

Good news: downtown St. Paul has plenty of spots near the theater. You just need to pick your vibe. Fancy? Casual? Carbs? We’ve got you.

Right Across Rice Park

If you want to feel fancy without leaving the block, head to The St. Paul Grill. It’s inside the Saint Paul Hotel, right across from Rice Park. Think white tablecloths, steaks, walleye, and martinis that make you feel important.

It’s a splurge, sure. But you’re already dressed up for a show. Might as well lean in, right? Just make a reservation, especially on weekends.

Another gem is Meritage in the historic Hamm Building. It’s a French bistro with oysters, steak frites, and a happy hour that feels like a secret handshake. The walk is short, maybe three minutes if you don’t stop to admire the architecture.

Meritage can get busy before curtain. Tell them you have a show. They’ll pace things so you’re not inhaling crème brûlée while sprinting out the door.

Casual and Quick

Need something faster? Cossetta’s is your answer. It’s an Italian cafeteria-style institution on West Seventh, and it’s been feeding St. Paul forever. Pizza, pasta, giant meatballs, and pastries that could double as paperweights.

It’s not quiet or romantic. It’s loud, bright, and wonderful. You can eat in ten minutes or linger with a glass of wine upstairs. Your call.

For pizza and a beer, try Pizza Luce in Lowertown. It’s about a ten-minute walk from The Ordway. They’ve got vegan options, gluten-free crusts, and late-night hours if you need a slice after the show.

For a burger and a beer, Burger Moe’s is a solid, unfussy choice on West Seventh. It’s close to Cossetta’s, so you can compare notes. Check hours, because downtown can be weird.

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If you’re short on time, the downtown skyway has grab-and-go spots. They’re not glamorous, but a warm sandwich beats a hungry intermission. Just check skyway hours, because they close early sometimes.

Old-School St. Paul Charm

Want a real St. Paul experience? Walk over to Mancini’s Char House on West Seventh. It’s a supper club time capsule with steak, garlic bread, and live music. The garlic bread alone is worth the walk.

It’s about fifteen minutes from The Ordway on foot. Not bad, unless it’s January. Then it’s approximately four hundred miles. Dress warm.

Mancini’s feels like a place where your grandparents celebrated anniversaries. In a good way. The steak comes with a show of sizzling butter, and you’ll smell like garlic for the rest of the night.

Is that a problem? Only if you’re sitting in the front row. Maybe grab a mint.

If you want a classic burger and a beer, The Nook is a St. Paul favorite. It’s not right next door, though. You’ll need a car or a longer walk, so save it for a night when you have extra time.

Pre-Theater Timing Tips

Book your table for 5:30 or 5:45 if the show starts at 7:30. That gives you time to eat, pay, and stroll. Rushing through dinner is no fun for anyone.

Tell your server you’re seeing a show at The Ordway. They hear it all the time. They know the drill, and they’ll help you make it.

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Park once near the restaurant, then walk to the theater. Rice Park is lovely at night. You might even see a squirrel with big city attitude.

Drinks After the Show

If you’re not ready to go home, Barrel Theory Beer Company in Lowertown pours great craft beer. They don’t always have a kitchen, but food trucks often swing by. Check their schedule if you need snacks.

The bar at The St. Paul Grill is cozy for a nightcap. Meritage also has a lovely late-night vibe, but hours vary. Again, call ahead. Downtown doesn’t always stay up late.

And hey, if you just want dessert, Cossetta’s pastry case is open for business. A cannoli counts as a nightcap, right? I say yes.

For coffee before the show, there are a few cafes around Rice Park and the skyway. Grab an espresso, split a cookie, and pretend you’re not nervous about missing the opening number. You won’t miss it. Probably.

The Bottom Line

You’ve got options near The Ordway. Fancy French, classic steak, Italian carbs, pizza, burgers, and beer. Pick based on your mood and your timeline.

You don’t need to drive all over St. Paul. The theater sits right in the middle of downtown, so walking is usually the move. Just wear comfortable shoes and bring a little patience.

Now go enjoy the show. And maybe a second dessert. You deserve it.