Just arrived at the Loon Cafe at 4:25pm on a Thursday, and the host was hesitant to seat a single woman at a booth because "we're going to get busy soon." Well, sometimes I don't mind sitting at the bar and will suggest it; hate high-tops; today I wanted a booth - and I reckon I should be seated without hesitation. I usually order well (cocktail, entree, sometimes dessert), so I'm not a cheap patron. The food is good, but I probably won't be back because I'm tired of dining establishments that prefer not to seat singles - and especially not older single women. It detracts from my experience.
Laura Rose
These nachos! WOW. Yum! Very messy but delicious. I think I had added the carnitas or chicken, very delicious! My brother and I ordered the fries appetizer (it was a HUGE plate). Yum yum yum.
Parking: A few paid parking garages within a few blocks
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: French Fries
Kevin Elzinga
Ordered a well bourbon. Wait staff said it was Buffalo Trace and about $8-$10. I ordered it. The bill was $12 + $4 because I ordered it neat! I could have ordered a cocktail for less!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 4
Kat Devine
Fun casual dining before our concert with a few great GF options!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Antonio Reynero
?️ The Best Chili in Town – A Flavorful Masterpiece! ?️
Everyone claims to have an award winning chili but this place truly has it. Whether you're a chili connoisseur or just someone who appreciates good tasting food, this chili is a must-try!
If you're on the hunt for the best chili in town, look no further! I recently dined at the Loon Cafe in St. Paul, and their chili is hands down a knockout. It reminded me of an authentic traditional Mexican dish, Carne en Chile Colorado—rich, bold, and flavorfully.
The peppers they use are an absolute delight, with a smoky warmth that makes each bite irresistible. The depth of flavor suggests they've perfected the art of slow-cooking, balancing spices, and choosing the freshest ingredients. The tender chunks of meat practically melt in your mouth, coated in a velvety, pepper-forward sauce that keeps you coming back for more.
Service was excellent too—friendly and attentive without being overbearing. The ambiance of the restaurant is cozy, making it the perfect place to enjoy a warm chili on an cozy evening.
I Highly Recommend the Pecos River Red Chili!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kimberly Palmer
Don't order the walleye fingers - thin & dry & worst I've had in a while. Otherwise, the slider appetizer was delicious. Fun atmosphere and a good place to pregame before a show at the Palace.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 4
Kelsey Kannenberg
We love this spot! On the recommendation of a friend and due to the proximity to our hotel, my boyfriend and I stopped in here to grab dinner on the way to a concert. The server (Zach) was incredible!!! He was attentive, had great menu recommendations, and even gave us tips on the venue we were attending the concert at. We both had a couple Guinnesses, which came out perfect (unfortunately rare anymore). Even the food was great! We had the dry rub wings and split the Loon Addict chicken sandwich, and both came out promptly and tasted amazing! 100/10 recommend. :)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Krystal Kraetzner
Just tried to make a reservation after calling three different times with no answer was hung up on because “they can’t take calls.” Literally didn’t even get to say anything just answered to say that and hung up. Gross.
Never been there and I guess I’ll be taking my business elsewhere.
Service: 1
Charles H
Had an early dinner here before a concert at the Xcel. Good spot, the patio was great and servers were very nice and attentive. Food was just ok.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Anna Lacy
Such a beautiful area of St. Paul. Loved the outdoor seating option! Good service and great food, will be back!
Dietary restrictions: Several options for gluten-free, they did have GF bread for the large variety of sandwiches.
Parking: Many parking options within 2 blocks, most (if not all) required payment.
Good little pub. The wagyu butter burger sampler was outstanding, the pecos river red chili was meaty and very good but next time I will get the hot instead of the medium. The medium didn’t seem very spicy to me. The walleye fingers were excellent as well. The only complaint I have is they don’t put ice in their water initially. When I finished my glass of water and asked for a glass of ice water they just refilled my glass with flat water again, no ice. Not a big deal but I found it strange. Would definitely eat here again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Walleye Fingers, Burger
J -
Went here last night for a late night snack, hands down the worst food I've ever ever had.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 5
Jacob Blandford
Great bar and really good food. They are open later than many places in the area so it was a life saver! The Rueben was fantastic! The service was great! This place has a great low-key vibe. Very comfortable.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Reuben
Eli Briggs
Decent salad, not over priced
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Greek Salad
Steph Lamb
We tried chili and walleye fingers and burgers and wild rice soup and a BLT and nachos, and the best things were the water and the French fries. The BLT was so dry and crunchy that my mouth hurt the next day from eating it. I know it was kinda late, but all 9 of were disappointed.
Just arrived at the Loon Cafe at 4:25pm on a Thursday, and the host was hesitant to seat a single woman at a booth because "we're going to get busy soon." Well, sometimes I don't mind sitting at the bar and will suggest it; hate high-tops; today I wanted a booth - and I reckon I should be seated without hesitation. I usually order well (cocktail, entree, sometimes dessert), so I'm not a cheap patron. The food is good, but I probably won't be back because I'm tired of dining establishments that prefer not to seat singles - and especially not older single women. It detracts from my experience.
These nachos! WOW. Yum! Very messy but delicious. I think I had added the carnitas or chicken, very delicious! My brother and I ordered the fries appetizer (it was a HUGE plate). Yum yum yum.
Parking: A few paid parking garages within a few blocks
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: French Fries
Ordered a well bourbon. Wait staff said it was Buffalo Trace and about $8-$10. I ordered it. The bill was $12 + $4 because I ordered it neat! I could have ordered a cocktail for less!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 4
Fun casual dining before our concert with a few great GF options!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
?️ The Best Chili in Town – A Flavorful Masterpiece! ?️
Everyone claims to have an award winning chili but this place truly has it. Whether you're a chili connoisseur or just someone who appreciates good tasting food, this chili is a must-try!
If you're on the hunt for the best chili in town, look no further! I recently dined at the Loon Cafe in St. Paul, and their chili is hands down a knockout. It reminded me of an authentic traditional Mexican dish, Carne en Chile Colorado—rich, bold, and flavorfully.
The peppers they use are an absolute delight, with a smoky warmth that makes each bite irresistible. The depth of flavor suggests they've perfected the art of slow-cooking, balancing spices, and choosing the freshest ingredients. The tender chunks of meat practically melt in your mouth, coated in a velvety, pepper-forward sauce that keeps you coming back for more.
Service was excellent too—friendly and attentive without being overbearing. The ambiance of the restaurant is cozy, making it the perfect place to enjoy a warm chili on an cozy evening.
I Highly Recommend the Pecos River Red Chili!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Don't order the walleye fingers - thin & dry & worst I've had in a while. Otherwise, the slider appetizer was delicious. Fun atmosphere and a good place to pregame before a show at the Palace.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 4
We love this spot! On the recommendation of a friend and due to the proximity to our hotel, my boyfriend and I stopped in here to grab dinner on the way to a concert. The server (Zach) was incredible!!! He was attentive, had great menu recommendations, and even gave us tips on the venue we were attending the concert at. We both had a couple Guinnesses, which came out perfect (unfortunately rare anymore). Even the food was great! We had the dry rub wings and split the Loon Addict chicken sandwich, and both came out promptly and tasted amazing! 100/10 recommend. :)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Just tried to make a reservation after calling three different times with no answer was hung up on because “they can’t take calls.” Literally didn’t even get to say anything just answered to say that and hung up. Gross.
Never been there and I guess I’ll be taking my business elsewhere.
Service: 1
Had an early dinner here before a concert at the Xcel. Good spot, the patio was great and servers were very nice and attentive. Food was just ok.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Such a beautiful area of St. Paul. Loved the outdoor seating option! Good service and great food, will be back!
Dietary restrictions: Several options for gluten-free, they did have GF bread for the large variety of sandwiches.
Parking: Many parking options within 2 blocks, most (if not all) required payment.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Restaurantji Recommends
Good little pub. The wagyu butter burger sampler was outstanding, the pecos river red chili was meaty and very good but next time I will get the hot instead of the medium. The medium didn’t seem very spicy to me. The walleye fingers were excellent as well. The only complaint I have is they don’t put ice in their water initially. When I finished my glass of water and asked for a glass of ice water they just refilled my glass with flat water again, no ice. Not a big deal but I found it strange. Would definitely eat here again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Walleye Fingers, Burger
Went here last night for a late night snack, hands down the worst food I've ever ever had.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 5
Great bar and really good food. They are open later than many places in the area so it was a life saver! The Rueben was fantastic! The service was great! This place has a great low-key vibe. Very comfortable.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Reuben
Decent salad, not over priced
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Greek Salad
We tried chili and walleye fingers and burgers and wild rice soup and a BLT and nachos, and the best things were the water and the French fries. The BLT was so dry and crunchy that my mouth hurt the next day from eating it. I know it was kinda late, but all 9 of were disappointed.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 2
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