Neighborhood Series: West 7th, Saint Paul

The West 7th neighborhood, also known as Fort Road or the "West End", stretches along the western bluffs of the Mississippi River from downtown Saint Paul to Fort Snelling. This area enjoys beautiful river views and commercial spots that are home to many historic family-owned businesses such as craft breweries, galleries and antique stores. It’s a popular dining hub, with sleek restaurants and trendy cafes in converted industrial buildings, combined with decades-old classic restaurants and dive bars. The West 7th dining district is known for the iconic Cossetta’s, Mancini's Char House, and go-to Minnesota Wild pregame spots like Tom Reid's and Seventh Street Truck Park. Victorian mansions (the ultimate eye-candy for us) cluster around Irvine Park, and it's no understatement to say that the homes in this area definitely do not lack charm. Spending an afternoon in West 7th is time well spent. Don't believe us? We've listed some hotspots below.

Seventh Street Truck Park

If you’re looking for a little bit of everything, this is the spot. This West 7th fun-house features three food trucks and two bar trucks, serving up everything from 20-pound ice cream sandwiches (you read that right, 20-pounds!) to rattlesnake pizza and s’more beer. They also have more traditional options like fried chicken and street tacos.
truckparkusa.com

Photo courtesy of Tom Horgen

Wescott Station Antiques

Seven rooms filled with a fun assortment of furniture, sports memorabilia and other treasures. The spot is especially sought out for its impressive selection of stained glass windows (because where else do you go for those?) Other standouts here include Red Wing pottery, cookie jar collectibles, Minnesota Twins bobbleheads, vintage ads/posters, and more.
wescottantiques.com

Photo courtesy of Craig Lassig

Keg and Case Market

Located on the grounds of the historic Schmidt Brewery, Keg and Case Market is like a fancy food court made up of various specialty shops. This massive space features a variety of stellar culinary options that you can find listed here. In response to COVID-19, they’ve recently moved all the common seating onto their expansive patio and park for a physically distanced (and awesome!) outdoor dining experience. No reservations are needed and while you can still shop inside the market, many of our favorite Keg and Case vendors are popped-up throughout the patio and park for walk-up service. 
kegandcase.com

Photo courtesy of @kegandcasemn

Hope Breakfast Bar

Recently opened in September of 2019, Hope Breakfast Bar is devoted entirely to the good of breakfast and putting some optimism into the world. Through it all, the restaurant is committed to giving back 3% of its profits annually to neighbors in need, and has majorly stepped up during COVID-19. The owner, Brian Ingram used his resources and connections to provide food to people experiencing food insecurity because of the pandemic and economic recession. Ingram estimates he served about 10,000 meals a week since mid-March…that’s 120,000 meals! Now, Hope Breakfast Bar has rolled up its garage door and has resumed serving to the public. They offer a fresh take on breakfast favorites and their patio is open for breakfast and brunch. Supporting this business is easy to justify. 
hopebreakfast.com

Photo courtesy of @hopebreakfastbar

Irvine Park

Irvine Park is nestled in a quiet, shady, residential neighborhood in a historic part of West 7th just west of downtown Saint Paul. With a sweet gazebo and an ornate fountain that serves as the park's centerpiece, this spot is a charming stop for a picnic in the park.
stpaul.gov/facilities/irvine-park

Photo courtesy of Visit Saint Paul

Bad Weather Brewing

Bad Weather Brewing produces ales that are untethered and unpredictable, just like the weather here in Minnesota. Approachable, genuine, and high-quality, the lineup of beers is constantly changing with fun and unique brews that capture the spirit of the season. They have a spacious patio to enjoy and accept reservations!
badweatherbrewery.com

Photo courtesy of Aaron Davidson

Summit Brewing Company

The well-known Summit Brewing Company has remained close to its roots, refreshing thirsty folks like us throughout the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes regions. Summit produces six year-round premium craft beers, four seasonal brews, and numerous other limited-release and exclusive beers. Their brewery doesn’t disappoint, nor does their beer!  As of now, there is a temporary suspension of the Summit Ratskeller (beer hall), tours and gift shop to the public for the time being, however you can still grab a Summit brew at liquor stores, bars and restaurants until you can visit their location in West 7th! Keep tabs on their site below.
summitbrewing.com

Photo courtesy of @summitbeer

Cafe Astoria

This sweet little independent coffee shop serves creative drinks topped with latte art. From matcha lattes, to smoothie bowls and a long list of crepes made to order - your fixin’s will no doubt be instagram worthy. It’s super hidden in West 7th, so make sure you don’t miss it!
cafeastoria-stpaul.com

Photo courtesy of @cafeastoriasaintpaul

Mojo Monkey

These doughnuts have been known to draw long lines out the door of their charming West 7th shop. Enjoy unique donut combos from maple bacon, funfetti, french toast, s’mores flavors, and more. In the age of social distancing and contactless delivery, online ordering is up and running! 
mojomonkey.biz 

Photo courtesy of @mojomonkeydonuts

Make West 7th Your Home

Glance at West 7th 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!