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1881 by LEI, Saint Paul, MN

1881 by LEI

4.4
4.4
90 Reviews
$30 and under
American
A photo of 1881 by LEI restaurant

1881 by LEI

4.4
$30 and under
American
Saint Paul

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 21 times today
  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
  • Great for creative cocktails
Lake Elmo Inn is opened a new restaurant at Union Depot in Saint Paul. Owners Chef John and Christine Schiltz named 1881. The name “1881” pays homage to the year both the original Union Depot and Lake Elmo Inn opened, reflecting the deep historical connection the restaurant hopes to foster.

Offering a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere, 1881 by Lake Elmo Inn will merge the charm of a storied past with a modern culinary flair, becoming a destination for both locals and visitors.

1881 by Lake Elmo Inn is to be a place where families can build lasting memories. We want to offer an experience that generations can cherish, from proms to graduations to weddings, we’re here to make moments unforgettable.

The Menu is inspired by the success of the original Lake Elmo Inn and will include both favorites from the flagship restaurant as well as exclusive new offerings hand-crafted from fresh, local

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American
  • Hours of operation
    Wed–Fri 10:00 am–2:00 pm Wed–Sat 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Sat, Sun 9:00 am–2:00 pm Sun 4:00 pm–8:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (952) 698-1881
  • Website
    http://www.1881bylei.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive chef
    Ash Wolf
  • Catering
    Lake Elmo Inn Catering(our sister company) is the exclusive Caterer for Union Depot. We are also able to cater any off-site events within the area. For information and booking please contact us at 651-779-5994
  • Location
    214 4th St E suite 300, Saint Paul, MN 55101
  • Neighborhood
    Saint Paul
  • Cross street
    4th Street East & Wacouta Street. Parking lot is off of Kellogg Blvd
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Public transit
    Union Depot Station (light rail station) is outside the front of the building. Public bus stop is at Union Depot, along with the Amtrak.
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 90 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4
4.4 based on recent ratings
  • 4.3Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Twin Cities / St. Paul

    Best Overall

  • Twin Cities / St. Paul

    Best Food

  • Twin Cities / St. Paul

    Best Service

  • Twin Cities / St. Paul

    Best Ambiance

  • Twin Cities / St. Paul

    Best Value

  • Twin Cities / St. Paul

    Good for groups

  • Twin Cities / St. Paul

    Healthy

  • Twin Cities / St. Paul

    Neighborhood gem

  • Twin Cities / St. Paul

    Good for special occasions

  • Twin Cities / St. Paul

    Lively

  • Twin Cities / St. Paul

    Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
1881 by LEI offers a unique dining experience in the historic Union Depot with a compact, diverse menu that caters to everyone. Guests rave about "excellent food and service," particularly the "amazing Reuben truffles and duck risotto." The ambiance is nostalgic and lively, reminiscent of classic train travel days.

90 Reviews

  1. Amy

    Minneapolis

    9 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    9 reviews

    Dined today

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    We had such high hopes but the filets were cooked too done, looked like canned mushrooms for $5 extra, boring mash potatoes and sad asparagus. Our drinks were made incorrectly from the dirty martinis to the French 75 and very watered down espresso martinis. We came prior to the show and hoped for a better experience.

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  2. Elen

    Minneapolis

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    The food was good but there was nothing special about it at all. I would expect a restaurant in this price range to have a unique twist on a recipe but there wasn’t any of that. It was good, just boring. We expected holiday decorations and some festive drink or food options because it’s 2 1/2 weeks to Christmas. None of that either.

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  3. Jane

    Minneapolis

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent food, great atmosphere, attentive staff. Really a wonderful experience for all of us.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Roxann

    Minneapolis

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 4, 2024

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 1
    The server was very attentive, and our lunch meals were so delicious. I expected no less from Lake Elmo Inn. I am so glad to have this restaurant downtown St Paul where I live. Also, like to comment on the excellent Thanksgiving dinner I ordered. It would be nice to pick up a Christmas dinner at the Union Depot if is offered.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Denise

    Minneapolis

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on December 1, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great place to be during a cold winter night transporting you back to 1881 in the best way

    Is this helpful?

  6. Kris

    Minneapolis

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 30, 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was great for price. Service was excellent however we were on 2nd level and elevator was out of service so server had to go up and down stairs for everything!! Slowed her down I am sure. Don't bother getting a cocktail unless you just want a glass of ice. All 3 of our drinks( 3 different drinks) had full glasses of ice.

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  7. Katherine

    Minneapolis

    24 reviews

    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on November 29, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I took my daughter here for her birthday, and she and my other daughter and I agreed it was just wonderful in every way! Our food was delicious, our espresso martinis superb, and our service attentive and friendly. Located in the lobby of the Union Depot, one feels transported back to a romantic era, and it's fun to imagine all of the people throughout the different decades passing through this grand building.

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  8. Pam

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 27, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great meals and enjoying the evening with family and wonderful menu

    Is this helpful?

  9. OpenTable Diner

    Minneapolis

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 27, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Service was awesome, as usual Food was spectacular, as usual Ambiance incredible

    Is this helpful?

  10. Angel

    Minneapolis

    45 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    45 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Enjoyed our first visit to 1881. Our server was very knowledgeable and provided insight into favorites and what items were their take on items at Lake Elmo Inn. My duck risotto was delicious, but my spouse's NY strip was overly salty while the beans and potatoes were somewhat flavorless.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

1881 by LEI is rated 4.4 stars by 90 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

A photo of 1881 by LEI restaurant

1881 by LEI

4.4
$30 and under
American
Saint Paul

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 21 times today
Google Map for 1881 by LEI

214 4th St E suite 300, Saint Paul, MN 55101

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street
    4th Street East & Wacouta Street. Parking lot is off of Kellogg Blvd
  • Neighborhood
    Saint Paul
  • Hours of operation
    Wed–Fri 10:00 am–2:00 pm Wed–Sat 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Sat, Sun 9:00 am–2:00 pm Sun 4:00 pm–8:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Public transit
    Union Depot Station (light rail station) is outside the front of the building. Public bus stop is at Union Depot, along with the Amtrak.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Ash Wolf
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Website
    http://www.1881bylei.com/
  • Phone number
    (952) 698-1881
  • Catering
    Lake Elmo Inn Catering(our sister company) is the exclusive Caterer for Union Depot. We are also able to cater any off-site events within the area. For information and booking please contact us at 651-779-5994
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