Seeking a Fitzgerald-era St. Paul spot? Look no further.
The corner of Selby and Western is the king of all patios and the best place to get a taste of old-school St. Paul high society. For a special occasion—which, really, can be any occasion—hang, W.A. Frost’s Garden Patio is one of the anchors of the area, operating on Cathedral Hill since 1975. Tucked away behind the 19th century Dacotah Building that houses the restaurant, the space expands along the Western Avenue side, shaded all summer by mature trees and picturesque gardens. Winding paths and seating alcoves large and small make it a great date spot, a space to meet up with friends from high school once a summer, or a place impress an out-of-town client.
You’ll feel at your most Fitzgerald, sipping a gin and tonic just down the street from The Commodore, and in addition to a massive wine list, Frost offers three levels of cocktail: no, low, and high-proof, so you can gauge how “Jay Gatsby” you want to get. (They also make a meeeean Manhattan.) As for classy grub, the mussels are highly recommended, and the brunch menu can’t be beat on a summer weekend. Bottom line? Come for the romance, stay for the mussels.
WHEN YOU GO:
W.A. Frost
374 Selby Ave., St. Paul, wafrost.com