MSP--High School grad dinner/St. Paul Hotel but cheaper

[suestlawrence]

My son is graduating high school in June, grandma is coming to town, and we'd like to go out for a nice dinner. The St. Paul Hotel (Grill?) would have been perfect--atmosphere, type of food, location, etc.) but when I looked at the menu it was out of our price range. Anything similar but less pricey? We're looking for an "occasion" restaurant, traditional food, nice location--and a drive would be OK, too. Thanks!

[justalex]

My suggestion would be The Lexington on Grand Avenue in St. Paul. I haven't been there for quite a few years, but it fits in with you traditional food and nice location requests. Entrees appear to be about $10.00 less per person from my perusal. http://www.the-lexington.com/

Another thought is W.A. Frost. You could have a lovely patio dinner with all the twinkling lights. Congrats to your son!

[green56]

The Lex was going to be my suggestion, as well.

[latte4me]

How about Kincaid's? Their price point is slightly below SPH, and it's right across the street. It has a something-for-everyone menu and I've always had good luck with both work and family meals.

[tex.s.toast]

One other follow-up: i havent eaten at the st paul grill ever, but i looked at their prices online. You didnt mention in the OP just how far outside of your price range it was, but it does appear as though the strip club just outside DT st paul would be a bit less spendy, but everyone could still get their nice big steak (though if you arent eaters of grass fed beef it could throw you for a loop). Again, though, really good food.

[The Dairy Queen]

Congratulations!

I've dined at the St. Paul Grill--it's fine, but pricy. In my opinion, you're paying for the clubby atmosphere, and outstanding service, not for exceptional, creative food. Don't get me wrong--the food's fine.

I personally love Meritage and heartily second or third those recommendations, though, again, it's not especially inexpensive. I think it's fantastically affordable for lunch.

I like The Strip Club, but I think it's way too loud and crowded for a family-type gathering, especially if Grandma is hard of hearing or has mobility concerns. Plus, do they still have those lousy plastic Ikea chairs? I wouldn't ask my Grandmother to sit on one of those for the duration of a meal.

I would offer up Craftsman on Lake Street in Minneapolis. I don't know if that suits you for location. As for the restaurant itself, it's big, open and airy. Steak and potatoes type food, focusing on local sourcing and seasonality of ingredients. Affordable for the caliber of food. Inconsistent service. They have a patio that I've never dined on, but keep meaning to. http://www.craftsmanrestaurant.com/

~TDQ

[bob s]

Just thinking about places nearby, I'd suggest Meritage. Its entrees run about $10 cheaper from what I can tell. If that's still too pricey, it would help to know what you are thinking about as far as the price point you're looking for.

[tex.s.toast]

I feel like ive been plugging it hard the last week or two, but if your not set on a saturday night, Meritage's sunday deal is a really good one - though without much choice for the order-er. You get two amusements and an entree, plus cheese or dessert, for 24 bucks.

Granted, it meets your location requirements more than the food, but the menu is minimally challenging (though there was pig tongue in one of my two amusements) but SO good. I also really like that while it feels both "nice" and "special" the service and atmosphere are still really friendly and approachable. And not that your son would be interested, but if anyone was going to drink wine with their celebratory dinner, most of Meritage's list is half off sunday nights.