121298 Thu Feb 06 12:00:06 -0800 2003 2 8 Midwest 0 660377 I'm looking for good lunch spots near Lafayette Road in St. Paul. It would help if they were close to the DNR and PCA buildings. Downtown would serve, too, in a pinch. Thu Feb 06 12:00:06 -0800 2003 0 Tim 1 660379 Tim - I don't think there's much to choose from in walking distance. I'm a big fan of Red's Savoy Inn on the corner of E 7th & Lafayette but its not a 'business lunch'* kinda place. Same for the Gopher Bar at the corner of Wacouta and E 7th (across 94 and just past the SuperAmerica). In the past, I have seen a fair amount of lunch business @ the Gopher and they have awesome Coney Dogs. East on 7th is Swede Hollow Cafe (725 7th St E (651) 776-8810) which may offer a limited (but tasty) lunch menu. Across the river on Plato is Awada's which should be fine for a business lunch if not awe inspiring. If you want a downtown-Minneapolis-quality business lunch, you'll probably have to drive to Fhima's, the St. Paul Grill or something in that immediate area. Kevin * by 'business lunch' I mean a suit and tie, sales call lunch; your needs may differ. Thu Feb 06 15:01:33 -0800 2003 660377 0 kcmarshall 1 660380 Tim, I used to work downtown St. Paul (Jackson and 6th), and I feel your pain. I would venture into the Gopher Bar about once a month, but no more due to wanting to have peace of mind regarding my cholesterol. But it's good bar food nonetheless. A couple places kc didn't mention, both about five-minute walks from the DNR, are Trattoria da Vinci on Sibley between 6th and 7th and Buon Giornio Italian Deli on University just east of the 35E overpass. The former would be a better setting if meeting a client for lunch. The latter is quite small - the main deli moved to 35E and 13, but a sandwich outpost still remains at the original Univeristy Ave location. Thu Feb 06 15:33:02 -0800 2003 660377 0 Brad Ballinger