Minneapolis-Saint Paul , United States

Historic Downtown St Paul Food Tour

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(35 reviews)

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About this experience

Explore the best of St. Paul food in the heart of downtown. You’ll learn about the Capital City's robust food culture while exploring its rich history including a lively gangster past. Tastings are based on our multicultural communities and the best water in the country for creating delicious craft beer.

Start by enjoying the sights along the Mighty Mississippi River and strolling through some of the most historic areas in St Paul, including the Saint Paul Hotel that overlooks Rice Park and Landmark Center. Along the way you’ll enjoy quaint eateries that have pride in local ownership, including a favorite since 1932. Visit one of the best local chocolatiers/confectioners in the Twin Cities while eating and sipping on their hand-crafted chocolate.

Available options

Temporary pricing

S April - October Tour Option

Walking food tour in the heart of downtown Saint Paul. Minnesota's capital city!

What's included

Professional local guide

Visit one of the best local chocolatiers in the Twin Cities while eating hand-crafted chocolate

Stroll through the most historic areas in St. Paul including Rice Park and the Landmark Center

Lunch food tasting

Foods from our multicultural communities; the best water in the US for creating delicious craft beer

Small group tour that includes all taxes, fees, and handling charges

Detailed itinerary

Explore the best of St. Paul food in the heart of downtown on this indoor food adventure. You’ll learn about the Capital City's food culture while exploring the city’s rich history. You’ll sample food from an old gangster hangout and drink local-brewed craft beer from the only brewery in the country that uses well water to produce its beer.

Stroll through some of the most historic areas in St. Paul including the Saint Paul Hotel that overlooks Rice Park

And see the Landmark Center. Along the way you’ll enjoy quaint eateries that have pride in local ownership; including a favorite since 1932. Visit one of the best local chocolatiers/confectioners in the Twin Cities while eating and sipping on their hand-crafted chocolate.

See the tallest building in St. Paul as well as Mickey’s Dinner Car, a local favorite that was featured in both "The Mighty Ducks" and Rachel Ray's "Tasty Travels" on the Food Network. To cap off an incredible tour of Minnesota’s second-largest city enjoy food from the Restaurant Critics’ Choice for Japanese food along with a variety of African and Mediterranean food. Between the rich history and incredible food, you’ll never want to leave the state’s capital.

This tour is approximately 90% indoors and includes about 3 city blocks walking outside.

Example tasting menu (subject to change):
• Must eat on any Minnesotans list – Walleye Fingers from the land of 10,000 lakes beer-battered with local craft beer
• Found only in Northern Lakes, local wild rice in a fresh harvest chicken salad
• Fine local chocolates including, Potion #9 Chocolate Sauce, Sipping Chocolate and a truffle of your choice - 41 - 99%. Our favorite is the Himalayan Caramel!
• Gyoza (Japanese dumpling) featured from a winner of Restaurants Critics Choice
• Locally-brewed Minnesota craft beer (optional non-alcoholic tastings available)
• Variety of mouthwatering African, Mediterranean, and American cuisine made fresh and prepared Halal
• Japanese skewered chicken or beef featuring a bold Asian flavor profile bursting with savory and sweet goodness (Yakitori/Kushiyaki)
• Deliciously sweet and salty popular Chicago Mix® popcorn
*Tastings subject to change without notice. Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated

Stroll through some of the most historic areas in St. Paul including the Saint Paul Hotel that overlooks Rice Park and Landmark Center

Take a stroll along the Mississippi River in the historical Northeast neighborhood.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9

9 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.7

26 reviews

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Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please specify any dietary restrictions in the Special Requirements field at time of booking * This tour can provide an alternative menu for the following food allergies or food choices IF requested at least 24 hours before the tour: nut-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, shellfish-free, pork-free, vegetarian or vegan.

Minimum drinking age is 21 years. Photo ID required

All travelers will be required to sign a Liability Waiver before the start of the tour

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Meeting point

Union Depot, outside of main front door on 4th St side (NOT Kellogg)

Important notes

Booking Policy: Tours must have a minimum of 6 people booked for tour to operate. You will receive notice the day before the tour if minimums are not achieved. If minimums are not met, tickets will be fully refunded or rescheduled for a different tour date.

Tasting menus and food stops are subject to change without notice. At this time, we can provide an alternative menu for these food options: nut-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, pork-free, shellfish-free, vegetarian or vegan. However, we cannot guarantee that the food or drinks on the tour were made in a facility free of the following items: peanuts, tree-nuts, dairy, shellfish, meat or other food allergies. Nor can we guarantee that each stop on the tour may have an alternative food option for these food allergies or food choices. Please reach out to us if you have any questions.

All tickets sold are nonrefundable and cannot be exchanged or rescheduled, unless minimums are not met.

This tour is held rain or shine.

About Minneapolis-Saint Paul

Minneapolis-Saint Paul, known as the Twin Cities, is a vibrant metropolitan area in Minnesota, offering a unique blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty. With its renowned arts scene, extensive park system, and rich cultural heritage, it's a destination that appeals to both outdoor enthusiasts and city dwellers.

Top Attractions

Mall of America

One of the largest shopping malls in the world, featuring over 500 stores, an indoor amusement park, and numerous dining options.

Shopping/Entertainment Half day to full day Free to enter, varies by attraction

Minneapolis Institute of Art

A premier art museum with over 90,000 works of art from around the world, spanning 5,000 years of creativity.

Museum 2-3 hours Free admission

Minnehaha Falls

A stunning 53-foot waterfall in Minnehaha Park, surrounded by beautiful gardens and walking trails.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Stone Arch Bridge

A historic bridge offering beautiful views of the Minneapolis skyline and the Mississippi River.

Historical/Architecture 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

A free zoo and conservatory featuring a variety of animals, gardens, and a Japanese garden.

Nature/Entertainment 1-2 hours Free (donations appreciated)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Juicy Lucy

A cheese-stuffed hamburger, a local specialty.

Dinner Contains dairy and gluten

Wild Rice Soup

A creamy soup made with wild rice, a staple in Minnesota cuisine.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian or gluten-free

Hot Dish

A comforting casserole made with a variety of ingredients, often including tater tots.

Dinner Varies by recipe, can be made vegetarian or gluten-free

Pizza with lutefisk

A unique pizza topped with lutefisk, a traditional Scandinavian dish made from dried fish.

Dinner Contains fish and gluten

Popular Activities

Hiking Biking Kayaking Rock climbing Picnicking Reading Yoga Meditation

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the most popular time to visit, with warm weather and numerous outdoor festivals and activities. However, it's also the busiest and most expensive time.

20-30°C 68-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Hmong, Somali
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

GMT-6 (Central Standard Time, CST), GMT-5 (Central Daylight Time, CDT) during daylight saving time

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

The Twin Cities are generally safe for visitors, but as with any urban area, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings
• Keep valuables secure
• Use reputable taxi services

Getting there

By air

Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport • 15 km (9 miles) from downtown Minneapolis

By train

Union Depot (St. Paul), Minneapolis Depot

By bus

Union Depot (St. Paul), Greyhound Station (Minneapolis)

Getting around

Public transport

The Metro system includes the Blue Line (airport to Mall of America), Green Line (downtowns to University of Minnesota), and Green Line Extension (under construction).

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Minneapolis Uptown Saint Anthony Main Grand Avenue

Day trips

Stillwater

35 km (22 miles) from downtown Saint Paul • Half day to full day

A charming river town with historic buildings, antique shops, and beautiful views of the St. Croix River.

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

6 km (4 miles) from downtown Saint Paul • Half day

A free zoo and conservatory featuring a variety of animals, gardens, and a Japanese garden.

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

25 km (16 miles) from downtown Minneapolis • Half day to full day

A beautiful arboretum featuring gardens, trails, and a variety of plant species.

Festivals

Minneapolis Aquatennial • Late July Saint Paul Winter Carnival • Late January to early February Minneapolis Mill City Farmers Market • May to October

Pro tips

Visit the Mall of America for a unique shopping and entertainment experience
Explore the extensive park system and outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and kayaking
Attend a theater performance or concert at one of the many venues in the Twin Cities
Try local specialties, such as the Juicy Lucy and wild rice soup
Take a day trip to Stillwater for a charming river town experience