Welcome to Saint Dinette
Saint Dinette, nestled in the heart of St. Paul, is an iconic establishment celebrated for its inventive take on New American cuisine. With a menu that features comfort food classics, such as their renowned cheeseburger and crispy fried chicken, the restaurant excels in creating flavorful dishes that resonate with patrons. Diners rave about the vibrant atmosphere and attentive service, making it a hotspot for casual outings and special occasions alike. The balance of upscale dining with an inviting vibe sets Saint Dinette apart. As the restaurant readies for a bittersweet closure, its legacy of memorable meals and authentic experiences will surely linger in the hearts of its loyal clientele.
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261 5th St E, St Paul, MN 55101 Hotline: (651) 800-1415
In the heart of St. Paul lies a culinary gem that has captured the affection of food lovers and casual diners alike: Saint Dinette. Nestled at 261 5th St E, this New American bar offers a menu bursting with creative twists on classic comfort foods, all set in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're in the mood for a laid-back brunch or a lively dinner, Saint Dinette is a dynamic space that caters to all tastes.
As you step inside, you're greeted by a warm ambiance that perfectly balances a casual diner vibe with a touch of sophistication. Patrons rave about the friendly service, where the staff genuinely cares about your dining experience. It’s no surprise to hear that many guests have developed a fondness for the engaging personalities behind the bar and waitstaff.
Menu Highlights
The menu at Saint Dinette is where the real magic happens. Here are some standout dishes that you must try:
- Cheeseburger - A crowd favorite, this burger is praised as one of the best in the Twin Cities, featuring a juicy double patty topped with oozy American cheese and crisp pickles. You can almost smell its irresistible aroma as it's served.
- Fried Chicken - This dish is a triumph of flavors and textures. Golden, crispy, and seasoned to perfection, it's often paired with a savory gravy that some diners find so delectable they skip it altogether!
- Asparagus A la Flamande - A delicate dish where crab meets the vibrant flavors of seasonal vegetables, artfully presented and perfect for those seeking a lighter option.
- Flapjacks - Fans of breakfast are particularly enamored with these fluffy treats, often culminating in rave reviews about their delightful sweetness and texture.
- Nuggets (Shrimp - garlic, ginger, chili) - These bite-sized delights have become a talking point among diners for their bold flavors.
Aside from the standout dishes, diners frequently remark on the house-made sides that accompany their meals, such as Crispy French Fries with a unique fermented ketchup, adding an adventurous twist to this beloved classic.
A Loving Farewell
As Saint Dinette prepares to close its doors, it has left an indelible mark on the local dining scene. Guests have taken to sharing their heartfelt stories, recalling the countless meals enjoyed with friends, the vibrancy of the atmosphere, and the cherished memories created within these walls. From romantic date nights to spirited brunches, it has been a staple for many.
While the doors may soon close, the essence of Saint Dinette lives on in the hearts of those who experienced its culinary creations. If you find yourself in St. Paul before its closure, make sure to snag a seat at the bar or a cozy table and enjoy one last meal — your taste buds will thank you.
I'm so glad my friends and I were able to sneak in one last meal tonight before Saint Dinette's closure this weekend. I was so excited to dive into my meal that I completely spaced taking photos. One of my friend's and I had the best of both worlds and split the chicken, burger, and fries. I'll be honest, my eyes were definitely bigger than my stomach, but it was delishhhhh! As soon as the burger was placed on the table, you could smell it. The bun was slightly toasted to perfection, ooey gooey cheese, and extra pickles. The burger patty was seasoned so well and cooked so well. The chicken was flavorful and crispy. It came with some type of gravy that I didn't even try, I enjoyed the chicken just as is. The fries are crinkle cut fries which are normally my least type of French fry, but THESE ones are fantastic. Cooked well, seasoned perfect, and always so hot. Our sever Adeline was very friendly and kind. It was a busy evening likely due to the closing in a few days, but our waitress handled the busyness well. She was also very personable and chatted with us for a few minutes. It was a very good last hooray for Saint Dinette and so glad I was able to enjoy it while it was around. Wish the owners and staff the best of luck with future endeavors.
Had to have one final outing to Saint Dinette before they close. Such a gem. Everything was delicious, as always. Great service. Cool vibes inside. Love this place, will very much miss it. And the flapjacks.... We will miss you most of all
We absolutely love this spot and are going to miss it terribly. Such a fun take on old school diner food. The cheeseburger and fried chicken always have my heart, as well as the flapjacks. Their tartare changed up but was usually great, and another favorite that I haven't seen in awhile was the caviar and potato chips. The bar is always hoppin' and it feels like everyone is having a great time in this space. Service is always top notch, as are their mixed drinks and their wine list which changes up regularly. I hope he opens up something else and brings back some of these gold standards.
Food was good, server was sweet and cute ambiance. Would have loved to have tried their brunch but we couldn't get a reservation early enough. Pay street parking only from what we could tell.
Always great service, great food, and a pleasant atmosphere when we visit Saints Dinette. Tried multiple restaurants to find food but Saints Dinette was the only one that could accommodate us.
I've only visited for brunch, but Saint Dinette has one of my favorite breakfasts in the Twin Cities, so I'm super sad to hear it'll be closing soon. The American breakfast ($16) is so simple but well done. The eggs are light, fluffy and soft. The pork belly is crispy and salty in a good way. The hash browns are super crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. And the brioche is the perfect complement to all the other components. I also like the touches of the fermented ketchup (though not my personal favorite) and the jam, which I think is seasonal (I've gotten a berry compote in the summer and apple butter in the winter). I've also tried the beignets, which were good. The space itself is bright and open, and the location is great for if you're going to the farmers market in the summer or the Christmas market in the winter. The service is also solid. I'm not sure if I'll be able to visit again before it closes, but I will think about the American breakfast often :)
Went here randomly for Saturday brunch! At first I felt scrubby because of course I'm in sweatpants...but got a spot right at the bar and fit right in! Loved the vibes! Bartender Aubrey was an absolute sweetheart! Loooved the Canadian cold press (came in the cutest tiny espresso cup) and my man enjoyed his spicy Bloody Mary with a snit! Food: started with the apple fritter balls because they were STARING at me! And YUMMM! We then shared the biscuit n gravy (cute cast iron but gravy was a bit "peppery" for me) and the eggs Benedict (mmm the HOLLANDAISE!). Next time I am DEFINITELY getting a cheeseburger because the guy next to me had one and I couldn't stop staring. Double smash burger with cheese oozing. YES PLEASE!
It doesn't get much better than Saint Dinette in the lowertown area of St. Paul. When it comes to ambiance, service, and fare - this spot checks all the boxes. I will be the first to admit that I need to try more of the menu. I generally end up with the Cheeseburger every time I go and for good reason. Simply put, it's one of the best cheeseburgers you will ever have. Whether you are looking for a romantic, intimate date night, Sunday brunch, or belly up at the bar and look into the exposed kitchen while you enjoy a drink and app - St. Dinette is a must visit.
We've been coming to Saint Dinette pretty much since moving to St. Paul and it's always been consistently delicious. The food feels upscale but not in a way that makes me uncomfortable to walk in wearing "normal" casual clothes. My husband gets the burger and fries almost every time we go, it's one of his top 3 burgers in the Cities. The fries are perfectly crisp, the right amount of meatiness (that's a weird descriptor but accurate haha), and the aioli is amazing. I got the eggs Benedict with ham on the side; the English muffin was a bit thicker than I'm used to, & I think the ham would have added the saltiness that the dish was lacking, so that's definitely a "me" issue. That being said, the hollandaise was perfectly tangy and creamy, the eggs were exactly what you want on an eggs Benedict. I appreciate that the hashbrowns come in more of a patty, so all sides are crispy and delicious with a soft center. The only cons: -pricing is a bit on the high end; it's $17 for just the burger (which, granted, is a double patty with a sharp cheddar) -parking can be a pain if you come on a day that the farmers market is going on -I'm not sure how accessible the restaurant is; there are steps leading to the door. I would assume there's an accessible entrance somewhere, but it could be tricky for someone who is alone & can't navigate the steps