Historic Downtown St Paul Food Tour

Exploring downtown St. Paul becomes a delicious journey on the Historic Downtown St. Paul Food Tour, a 3-hour walking experience priced at $79 per person. This tour, rated 4.5 out of 5 with 33 reviews and recommended by 94% of participants, offers an engaging blend of local cuisine, historic sights, and small-group intimacy. It departs from Union Depot and ends at Cedar Street, making it easy to explore the city on foot and with convenient transportation options nearby.

What makes this tour stand out is its focus on off-the-beaten-path food stops and historic landmarks such as the Landmark Center, Rice Park, and the Saint Paul Hotel. Visitors get a taste of local specialties including craft beer brewed with the city’s famous well water, hand-crafted chocolates, and diverse multicultural cuisines. The guide provides insightful commentary on both the culinary and historical significance of each location, creating a well-rounded experience.

While the tour involves walks through historic areas and some outdoor strolling, it’s suitable for most travelers, including those with moderate mobility. A minimum age of 21 years applies due to alcohol consumption, and food allergies can often be accommodated with prior notice. The intimate small-group setting, capped at 25 travelers, ensures a personalized experience and plenty of opportunity for questions.

Key Points

• Three hours of exploring historic downtown St. Paul with local food tastings and cultural insights
• Includes visits to Landmark Center, Rice Park, and Cedar Street at the tour’s conclusion
• Taste craft beer brewed with local well water and hand-crafted chocolates
• Small-group format with personalized attention and expert guide commentary
• Suitable for most travelers with moderate mobility, vegetarian, vegan, or allergy accommodations available with advance notice
• Price of $79 per person offers a balanced mix of food, history, and fun

Starting at Union Depot: Convenient City Center Location

The tour begins at Union Depot, 214 4th St E UNIT 120, a central spot in downtown St. Paul. This location provides easy access via public transportation and is well-positioned for those staying nearby. The meeting point sets the tone for a relaxed and informative afternoon, with the guide explaining the itinerary before heading out.

Participants walk through the city’s historic neighborhoods, absorbing the atmosphere of Rice Park, a grand public space surrounded by historic buildings. The start is designed for ease of access, making it suitable for most visitors, including those arriving via public transit.

Exploring Rice Park and Its Local Food Scene

Rice Park forms the first stop, where the tour introduces St. Paul’s culinary culture amid historic architecture. The guide shares stories about the city’s past as you sample local foods from eateries that pride themselves on local ownership. The focus on multicultural cuisines reflects the city’s diverse communities.

Rice Park is also notable for its indoor food adventure, allowing guests to taste delicious offerings in a comfortable setting. The stop provides a good balance of history and gastronomy, setting the pace for the rest of the tour.

Landmark Center and Its Culinary Highlights

Next, the group visits the Landmark Center, a significant historic building that now houses art galleries, shops, and cultural spaces. Along the way, the tour stops at quaint eateries including a favorite chocolatier established in 1932. The guide emphasizes the local pride behind these establishments.

During this segment, visitors get to enjoy hand-crafted chocolates and learn about the city’s confectionery traditions. The Landmark Center itself adds a layer of historic charm, enriching the experience beyond just food.

The Saint Paul Hotel and Historic Streets

The Saint Paul Hotel, overlooking Rice Park, features prominently in the tour. Its classic architecture and elegant interiors provide a stunning backdrop for a quick stop. Here, the focus is on historic ambiance and local stories.

The tour also includes a stroll along Summit Avenue, renowned for its historic homes and notable residents. The guide shares anecdotes about the city’s notable figures and the architectural heritage, making the walk both eye-opening and entertaining.

Sampling Local Craft Beer and Well Water

A key highlight is the craft beer tasting, made with the best water in the US—a unique feature of St. Paul’s brewing tradition. The guide explains how the city’s well water contributes to the distinctive flavor of the locally brewed beers.

This tasting is typically located at the Stacked Deck Brewing venue, the tour’s endpoint. It offers a chance to relax, chat, and appreciate how local ingredients shape regional brews. This component appeals particularly to beer enthusiasts or those curious about craft brewing.

Chocolate and Multicultural Cuisine Stops

One of the tour’s most praised features is the visit to a top local chocolatier, where participants enjoy hand-crafted chocolates and sipping chocolates. This stop is described as a delightful highlight for lovers of sweets and fine confections.

Further stops include a Somali diner, Japanese restaurant, and African cuisine—showcasing the diversity of St. Paul’s culinary scene. The guide highlights the inclusivity of diverse cuisines, making for a colorful and tasty experience.

Flexibility for Dietary Restrictions

The tour offers options for nut-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, shellfish-free, pork-free, vegetarian, and vegan diets, provided these are requested at least 24 hours in advance. This flexibility ensures that most dietary needs can be accommodated, adding value for special diets.

It’s important to note that confirmation of accommodation depends on advance communication, and participants with allergies should specify their needs beforehand. The tour’s food providers take care to offer delicious alternatives.

Logistics, Group Size, and Accessibility

Starting from Union Depot and ending at Cedar Street at Stacked Deck Brewing, the tour involves moderate walking through historic neighborhoods, with most locations within a comfortable radius for a typical three-hour outing.

The small-group format, limited to 25 travelers, allows for personalized attention and opportunity to ask questions. The tour is suitable for most travelers, including those with some mobility considerations. Tourists with children are welcome, provided children are accompanied by an adult.

Pricing and Booking Details

Priced at $79 per person, the tour covers all taxes, fees, and handling charges. It includes food tastings, professional narration, and visits to historic sites. The tour offers group discounts, making it an attractive option for families or groups.

Booking is confirmed immediately upon reservation, and the tour features a mobile ticket for easy access. Cancellation is not allowed, so participants should plan their visit accordingly.

Comparing Similar Experiences in the Twin Cities

For those interested in exploring other attractions, similar tours include ghost-themed trolley rides, scenic narrated trolley tours, or haunted walking tours. However, the Historic Downtown St. Paul Food Tour stands out for its combination of culinary exploration and historic storytelling.

The Sum Up: A Flavorful Journey Through St. Paul’s Historic Heart

The Historic Downtown St. Paul Food Tour offers a well-rounded experience for anyone interested in local food, history, and culture. Its small-group setting, diverse food stops, and expert guides make it a valuable way to see and taste the city’s historic core.

While the walk involves some outdoor strolling, the indoor tastings and comfortable pacing cater well to most visitors. The craft beer, hand-crafted chocolates, and multicultural dishes appeal to a wide range of interests, especially for food lovers and history buffs alike.

This tour is particularly suited to adults who enjoy food sampling and learning about local heritage—and those seeking a deliberate taste of St. Paul’s unique character without the rush. The $79 price point offers a balanced mix of cultural and culinary immersion, making it a memorable half-day adventure in the Twin Cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult; the tour is designed for adults due to the 21+ drinking age.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Yes, nut-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, shellfish-free, pork-free, vegetarian, and vegan options are available with at least 24 hours’ notice.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Union Depot and finishes at Stacked Deck Brewing on Cedar Street in St. Paul.

How much walking is involved?
The tour involves walking through historic neighborhoods and stops but is designed to be manageable for most travelers.

What’s included in the price?
The $79 fee covers food tastings, guide services, and all taxes and fees.

Is there a maximum group size?
Yes, the tour limits groups to 25 travelers for a more intimate experience.

Are advance reservations necessary?
Yes, booking is required, and confirmation occurs at the time of reservation.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
The tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked.

What makes this tour stand out?
Its blend of historic sites and diverse culinary offerings, led by knowledgeable guides who share interesting stories about St. Paul’s past and present.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
Most participants can enjoy the tour, but those with special mobility needs should inquire in advance to ensure accommodations.

How do I book this tour?
Reservations can be made via the Viator link or directly through the Taste Twin Cities contact information provided.

This Historic Downtown St. Paul Food Tour offers a delicious and educational way to explore the city’s historic streets and diverse cuisine. With its combination of local flavor, historic charm, and small-group intimacy, it provides a memorable taste of St. Paul for adults seeking a relaxed yet enriching afternoon.