Hungry? Stop by one of my Local Favorites

Whether you're looking to grab a bite with your family after a game, a place to watch the big game or a night out with that special someone, there are a number of excellent choices in the St. Paul area. I would like to reflect on the local dining scene and highlight a few of my favorite eating establishments throughout the City. On the top of my favorites list is Mancini's Char House, which is located at 531 West Seventh Street (651/224-7345) in St. Paul. This St. Paul tradition prides itself on great food and service with a personal touch. John and Pat Mancini are masters of hospitality after learning the business from their father, the legendary Nick Mancini. Specializing in steak and lobster, Mancini's also has a smaller menu available in the Vegas style lounge area of the restaurant. Keep your eye out for local celebrities from athletes and coaches to entertainers and politicians. Moving east from Mancini's, towards downtown St. Paul, you will find Tom Reid's Hockey City Pub (651/292-9916). Owned by former Minnesota North Stars player and fan favorite, Tom Reid, the restaurant is located at 258 West Seventh Street. He offers a basic menu of appetizers, hamburgers and sandwiches that always taste good. When Tom Reid is present, he will fill you in with plenty of "old-time" stories, which are always thrilling! With televisions all around the restaurant, the sight lines are great. For a quick Italian bite, you will find Cossetta's Italian Market & Pizzeria located at 211 West Seventh Street (651/222-3476). Cossetta's is always full of energetic and bustling activity. Like Mancini's, the cafeteria-style restaurant has been handed down through the generations of the Cossetta family. Seeing the operation of this lively establishment is worth the trip. This restaurant keeps customers entertained in line by making the pizzas right out front. The ritual is famous. A grocery store next to the restaurant includes all the imported products to make your favorite Italian dishes. On the other side of the "X" is the up-scale St Paul Grill (located in the lobby of the St. Paul Hotel - 350 Market Street). Overlooking Rice Park, the St. Paul Grill is the perfect place before or after an event. The River Center, Ordway Theatre and Xcel Energy are all walking distance. A great place for a business meal or a romantic dinner with your significant other, you are served by friendly and experienced personnel. With the incredible food, the atmosphere is sophisticated but not stuffy. The menu is the usual with steaks, fresh fish, pastas, etc that go along with weekly specials. You can find the who's who of the business world schmoozing here! Now, I will lead you to a different type of atmosphere at the Gopher Bar and Cafe, 241 East Seventh Street, where they're all about the Coney Island. Owner George Kappas takes great pride in the family-run business and quality of the "coney." From the special-order hot dog buns to the special-order hot dogs, the "coney's" are dressed with chili, meat sauce, mustard, orange grated cheese and chopped onions, and cradled in the buns that are grilled to crunchy perfection. This stop is rustic and serves the best "coneys" in the area! Remember to bring your cash because plastic and checks don't fly here. Moving out and into the suburbs, let me lead you onto Jethro's Char-House & Pub, 3140 North Century Avenue (Northeast corner of Interstate 694 and Century Ave), Mahtomedi, (651/770-2443). Owned and operated by former Minnesota Viking Larry Bowie and his family for thirty years, Jethro's is a very family friendly, casual and fun place with great food and drinks. I personally recommend their clam chowder soup, huge char-broiled burgers, broasted chicken, steaks, fish and seafood. Find out for yourself why people keep going back to Jethro's. Next, I am recommending the North St. Paul Tap & Grill, located at 2379 McKnight Road, North St. Paul. A favorite for the locals on this side of town, The Tap can meet anyone's appetite. Again, like Jethro's, the broaster chicken is one of my favorites. Dan Kahler and his staff refurbished the former Ground Round and have turned this into "the place" where people stop after ball games at near-by McKnight Fields. When on the west side of the City of St. Paul, I will always frequent Gallagher's Bar and Grill (651/455-8150) at 888 Ohio Street in West St. Paul. Known for their food throughout the years, Gallagher's is a real outdoor sportsmen's and sports enthusiast's establishment. It is owned and operated by Irishmen Dan, Pat and Mike Gallagher and offers a full menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Another family-run business, Gallagher's has been owned and operated through generations of the Gallagher family. No matter which day of the week you visit, you are likely to be treated to some sort of entertainment. ChamppS Americana is a favorite for everybody and has been in the Launderville family for many years. With locations in St. Paul, Maplewood, Woodbury and New Brighton, ChamppS' are very accessible. No matter what you may order off the large menu, you are bound to get a plate full and request a doggie bag to take home with you. ChamppS is a great place to catch a game as they always have the volume turned up on their many television screens. At night, you will find "DJ's" mixing it up, making it a festive atmosphere. If you're up for a late night snack, may I lead you back to downtown St. Paul and into Mickey's Dining Car at 36 West 7th Street (651/222-5633). "The Car" is open 24 hours a day, a landmark for the City of St. Paul, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You will see everyone from the neighborhood regulars to law enforcement officers and business people, stopping by for favorites such as eggs and hash browns or greasy burgers and fries. Mickey's is a unique place and a guaranteed good time.