Neighborhood Series: Como Neighborhood, St. Paul

In honor of the Great Minnesota Get Together (The Minnesota State fair coming up!), we’ve highlighted the nearby area of the Como neighborhood. Located in the Northwestern area of Saint Paul, is best known for Como Park Zoo, the Conservatory and beautiful Como Lake. If you’re looking for a recreational haven in the midst of the city, Como Park won’t disappoint. There are a wide variety of free or reasonably priced activities, services and educational opportunities for residents in the neighborhood and park visitors. Enjoy boat rentals, a golf course, bike paths, picnic areas, sports fields, and pavilions. This area is also home to numerous restaurants where you can kick back, listen to live music, and enjoy your surroundings. Check out some highlights of Como Park below.

The Minnesota State Fair

Como is near where you’ll be for the State Fair Grounds. Most people know that the Minnesota State Fair takes place every year in August, but it’s not as widely known that the fair grounds are used throughout the year for technology fairs, antique sales, car shows, horse shows, and more. Check out our State Fair hacks for this year here.
mnstatefair.org

Photo Courtesy of @mnstatefair

Abogados Cafe

This Latina-owned coffee shop is a recently-opened gourmet takeout coffee bar in the Como Park area. The owners (husband and wife) are native Hondurans with a passion for coffee. With over a year in the works, they are finally open and are boasting excellent five star reviews. 
coffeeinlaw.com

Photo Courtesy of @abogadoscafe

Como Park Lake / Como Park Zoo / Marjorie McNeely Conservatory

Como Park is the most widely used park within the Twin Cities metro area, and is best known for Como Park Zoo and Conservatory. Como Park Zoo is one of the only free zoos in the country, and the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory is the largest indoor, glass botanical garden in the region. Enough reason to visit it, right?! The Como Lakeside Pavilion in the park is the site of live entertainment every week during *normal* summer months (currently closed due to Covid-19.) The park is also home to miles of popular biking, walking and running trails. Enjoy boat rentals, a golf course, picnic areas, and sports fields. A weekend well spent, indeed.

stpaul.gov/departments/parks-recreation/como-regional-park

Photo courtesy of @comozooconservatory

Colossal Cafe

Known for their famous "yeasted flappers" as well as breakfast and lunch favorites, this spot is a simple eatery offering a range of American fare such as hot breakfasts, sandwiches & pastries. They have recently announced that their Minneapolis location will be closing on October 1st, however the Saint Paul locations (Como Park and Grand Avenue) will remain open.
colossalcafe.com

Photo courtesy of Colossal Cafe

Half Time Rec

Famously known for award-winning food, Half Time Rec is a lively sports bar with Irish pub fare, rotating taps, live bands, and pool & indoor bocce ball. It was named Best Dive Bar & Best Irish Bar by MSP Mag a couple years back, so naturally you won’t be let down. Check out their happy hour specials, and mark this place as a stop on Saint Patty’s Day if you’re looking to indulge in some serious Irish festivities.
halftimerec.com

Photo courtesy of @mnbeeractivists

Gabe’s By The Park

This warm restaurant and bar is family owned with great food and a lively patio. They serve American staples and cocktails in a woody, TV-equipped setting (for all of you sports fans out there). Well worth a stop!
gabesmn.com

Photo courtesy of @gabesbythepark

Cafe 99

Looking for some Chinese fare and some classic Bubble Tea? This is the spot. Cafe 99 is a full-service Chinese restaurant that offers Americanized as well as authentic dishes.
cafe99chinese.business.site

Photo courtesy of Cafe 99

Conny’s Creamy Cone

A must-stop during a warm summer day. This seasonal window-serve spot is ideal for soft-serve ice cream, cones and sundaes when you’re looking for a little sugar fix. It also makes a great quick stop for classic burgers and chili dogs to pair with your ice cream.
connyscreamycone.com

Photo Courtesy of Conny's Creamy Cone

Groundswell

We never leave off a good spot to grab some coffee in our Neighborhood Series. And did someone say breakfast served all day?! Groundswell is a rustic-chic hangout providing specialty coffee and baked goods, as well as a generous menu with soups, salads, and sandwiches. If you’re vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free, don’t fret. They have a friendly cafe menu for you as well.
groundswellmn.com

Photo courtesy of @groundswell_mn

Home Search In Como Park

Glance at Como Park listings here. If you're searching for the right neighborhood for you, get in touch with us by calling 651-808-VIBE or emailing info@vibemn.com. We'd love to help you with your home search.