Looking for the best restaurants on Selby Avenue in St. Paul? Now there’s a fun challenge!
In many ways, Selby Avenue is the lifeline of St. Paul’s Cathedral Hill neighborhood. The historic street runs east to west through the neighborhood for about 3 miles. Along the way, it’s lined with beautiful historic buildings which have attracted a truly impressive collection of restaurants. Most of those restaurants lean slightly upscale, but that’s about where the similarities end.
Today, you can find everything from the city’s best Russian food to incredible bar food and even some truly impressive Southern BBQ! (A shock for Minnesota, we know…)
Narrowing down the list isn’t easy, but today we’re highlighting the 11 best restaurants on Selby Ave.
Map of Restaurants
Moscow on the Hill
Russian food in St. Paul might sound like a bit of a risk, but there’s definitely nothing out of place at Moscow on the Hill. Owned by a family of Russian immigrants, Moscow on the Hill sports an authentic menu that’s as delicious as it is interesting. Start with the heavenly Georgian Cheese Bread and finish with mouthwatering Siberian Pelmeni, all complimented by some of the best vodka cocktails in the city.
If the food doesn’t sell you (it should!) then the atmosphere will. Inside, Moscow on the Hill sports a lively, casual dining room known for accordion players who keep the party rolling. Outside? One of the most surprisingly magical patios around. Either way, it’s without question one of the best restaurants on Selby Ave.
- Address: 371 Selby Ave, St Paul, MN 55102
- Website: Moscow on the Hill
W.A. Frost
If you’re looking for atmosphere, it doesn’t get any better than W.A. Frost. Their lush patio is truly one of the best in St. Paul, and arguably the entire Twin Cities. But what most people overlook is that even when the weather drops, W.A. Frost’s indoor space is still one of the coolest spots around. A nationally registered historic space, the building’s basement will make you feel like you stepped back in time a hundred years. Think plush sofas surrounded by original 1800s brickwork, dim lighting, and stunning wine cellars. W.A. Frost is definitely a must-see.
- Address: 374 Selby Ave #1825, St Paul, MN 55102
- Website: W.A. Frost & Company
Red Cow
If you’re in Minnesota, you’ve gotta try some cheese curds. And lucky us, the Red Cow location on Selby Avenue has what might be our picks for the best cheese curds around. Of course, the reasons to visit Red Cow don’t end at the cheesy appetizers; the entire menu is filled with elevated takes on classic bar food. (Special shout out to their award winning burgers!)
- Address: 393 Selby Ave, St Paul, MN 55102
- Website: Red Cow
Handsome Hog
This hot new spot for chef-driven Southern BBQ recently decided to move from Lowertown, St. Paul to the heart of the Cathedral Hill neighborhood. With Handsome Hog taking over the corner spot at Selby & Western Avenue, the intersection has to be considered among the true powerhouses of the neighborhood food scene. (Handsome Hog now sits next to previously mentioned Selby standouts like Moscow on the Hill, W.A. Frost, and Red Cow.)
Despite the move, Handsome Hog’s famous Chicken ‘N” Waffles, BBQ Sandwiches, and Dry Rub Ribs are just as delicious as ever.
- Address: 173 Western Ave N, St Paul, MN 55102
- Website: Handsome Hog
La Grolla
This cozy Italian restaurant might be most romantic restaurant on Selby Ave. The clean indoor space boasts a modern Italian vibe, while the quaint patio is perfect for reenacting your choice of classic romantic films. Toss in some solidly crafted pasta dishes, and you can’t go wrong.
- Address: 452 Selby Ave, St Paul, MN 55102
- Website: La Grolla
The Gnome
Formerly known as The Happy Gnome, this longtime neighborhood favorite closed unexpectedly in 2019, and it felt like all of St. Paul had been punched in the gut. Thankfully, the spot was quickly revived by local celebrity restaurateurs Brian and Sarah Ingram. The entire neighborhood seemed to breathe a second sigh of relief when the first visitors finished their initial taste tests, which confirmed the new menu was just as delicious as before.
With that roller coaster behind them, The Gnome is back and firing on all cylinders, complete with a huge selection of local craft beer and the largest outdoor patio in the neighborhood.
- Address: 498 Selby Ave, St Paul, MN 55102
- Website: The Gnome
Revival
The second hugely famous southern restaurant on Selby Ave, Revival places the focus squarely on their southern fried chicken. But not just any southern fried chicken, Revival elevates the dish with a perfectly crisp and crunchy coating, plus just enough kick from the Nashville spices. It’s all backed up by a trendy atmosphere with impeccable service.
- Address: 525 Selby Ave, St Paul, MN 55102
- Website: Revival
J. Selby’s
A few miles down from all that previously mentioned action sits J. Selby’s. The somewhat unassuming brick building actually houses one of the best vegan restaurants in the Twin Cities. Sinfully delicious vegan cheeseburgers, wings, and philly cheesesteaks? What they’re doing here is truly impressive, and will have you double checking you didn’t accidentally walk into your favorite sports bar.
- Address: 169 Victoria St, St Paul, MN 55104
- Website: J. Selby’s
The Naughty Greek
Down by the intersection of Selby & Snelling sits the original Naughty Greek location, one of the most popular Mediterranean restaurants in St. Paul. Known for their Gyros and meat platters, anyone who’s into the cuisine should definitely give The Naughty Greek’s unique spin a try.
- Address: 181 Snelling Ave N, St Paul, MN 55104
- Website: The Naughty Greek
Augustine’s Bar & Bakey
Wait a minute, a bar and a bakery? Yep, sounds crazy, but somehow Augustine’s pulls it off. In the morning, the beautiful location serves some of the best croissants, pastries, and desserts around. In the evening, the craft beer comes out and so do the fresh, seasonal entrees. Best of all, the spot also has deep roots to the neighborhood; the team who created Augustine’s is the same team who created the now legendary (and sadly gone) Happy Gnome.
- Address: 1668 Selby Ave, St Paul, MN 55104
- Website: Augustine’s
Blue Door Pub
Nothing says local Minnesota like a Juicy Lucy cheeseburger, and nobody has a more unique Juicy Lucy than the Blue Door Pub. Located at the far west side of Selby Avenue, the Blue Door takes a Juicy Lucy and fills it with blue cheese, creating their wildly popular “Blucy.” Somehow, it makes those juicy, delicious takes on burgers even juicier, so its definitely worth checking out.
- Address: 1811 Selby Ave, St Paul, MN 55104
- Website: The Blue Door Pub
