A crackling fireplace room. Baked brie wrapped in puff pastry.
A building old enough to earn a spot on the historic register. That combination stopped me cold, in the best possible way.
This Minnesota dining room leans hard into old-fashioned charm. Holiday decor has filled the main room during winter, and the lighting stays low without feeling gloomy.
I like how the whole place seems dressed for a celebration, even on a plain Tuesday.
The menu only adds to the pull. Mussels, deviled eggs, popovers, and walleye all show up here.
I can’t imagine a better answer to a January night when the wind refuses to quit.
I believe the best winter meals warm more than your hands. They make an ordinary evening feel borrowed from a slower, gentler decade.
So where exactly is this cozy time machine hiding?
A Historic Selby Avenue Landmark With Plenty of Stories in Its Walls
Old buildings rarely get a second act this charming. W.A.
Frost & Company sits on Selby Avenue in St. Paul, serving upscale New American food inside a registered historic site.
That historic status isn’t just a plaque on the wall. The structure itself feels like the main character, with an inviting, interesting layout that rewards a little wandering.
Minnesota has plenty of fancy dinner spots in shiny new towers. Few of them can match the feeling of eating inside a building that has watched the neighborhood change around it for generations.
The restaurant has long been a destination in the Twin Cities dining scene. Its reputation rests on a mix of polished food, classic atmosphere, and a sense of occasion that never feels stiff.
So yes, you can come for dinner. Just don’t be surprised if you leave talking more about the room than the bill, and planning your next visit before your coat is buttoned.
The Fireside Room Where Winter Loses Its Bite
Fireplaces are the ultimate Minnesota winter flex. Here, one anchors an entire space called the Fireside Room, and it may be the coziest reason to book a table all year.
The room works beautifully for private gatherings. Bridal showers, birthday brunches, and small celebrations can land here, with event staff helping coordinate the details ahead of time.
Intimate is the right word for it. The space feels private and atmospheric, the kind of room where conversation naturally slows down and nobody checks the time.
Fireplace mentions pop up again and again when folks describe W.A. Frost & Company.
That tells you how much the warm glow shapes the whole winter experience.
Planning a group meal for the colder months? Ask about the Fireside Room early, because a fire-warmed table in February is the kind of luxury Minnesotans truly understand.
Low Light, Holiday Sparkle, and a Lower Level Worth Exploring
Dim lighting done right is an art form. The main dining room keeps things soft and moody without slipping into squint-at-the-menu darkness.
During the holiday season, decor has filled the space generously. Garlands, sparkle, and that low glow combine into a scene that feels lifted straight from a vintage Christmas card.
The style leans timeless rather than trendy. Expect a classic, elegant setting that favors old-fashioned grace over industrial lights and exposed ductwork.
More seating waits on the lower level, giving the building a layered, tucked-away charm. Exploring a little before you sit down is part of the fun.
Big-city restaurants spend fortunes trying to fake this kind of character. W.A.
Frost & Company simply has it, built into the walls of a genuine St. Paul landmark, and that’s a quiet win for Minnesota.
Starters You’ll Want to Hog, Not Share
Baked brie wrapped in puff pastry should be enough to convince anyone. It’s one of several starters that make the opening act here feel like a main event.
Deviled eggs earn frequent praise on the appetizer list. Mussels also get plenty of attention, often singled out as a standout dish.
Spinach artichoke dip brings the comfort factor. It’s the sort of warm, scoopable classic that belongs on a snowy night table.
The menu has also featured oysters, ceviche, charcuterie, ahi tuna nachos, and roasted bone marrow. A bread basket and popovers round out the cozy carb department nicely.
Offerings may shift with the seasons, so expect some variety from visit to visit. Ordering two or three starters for the table is a smart move, though fair warning, polite sharing may become a test of friendship once that brie hits the table.
Walleye, Elk, and Other Main Courses With Upper Midwest Roots
Walleye on a white tablecloth? Only in Minnesota does that feel both fancy and like home.
The state’s favorite fish has appeared on the dinner menu, alongside heartier plates built for cold weather. Elk and braised short ribs have both shown up as recommended entrees.
Meat lovers can typically find a New York strip and a tomahawk pork chop. Duck breast and scallops have also made appearances for anyone craving something a bit more refined.
Pasta fans aren’t left out. A walnut pesto pasta and a lemon pasta have both drawn attention, while the lamb burger offers a more casual option.
Sides like Brussels sprouts deserve a spot on your order too. Save room for dessert, since poached pears have been a lovely, light finish.
Portions and prices lean upscale, so this is best treated as a special-occasion splurge.
Weekend Brunch and a Garden Patio for Warmer Days
Winter gets the spotlight in this story, but the patio deserves a confession. It’s easily the most talked-about feature of the whole property.
Trees, flowers, and greenery surround the outdoor seating. The setting feels tranquil and garden-like, a surprising escape just steps from a city street.
Even better, patio tables can often be reserved. That’s rare in the Twin Cities, so note your preference clearly when booking.
Saturday and Sunday open at 10 am, which makes weekend brunch a natural plan. Omelets, steak and eggs, croissant sandwiches, and a warm blueberry turnover have all appeared on the brunch menu.
The patio typically shines from late spring through fall. So when Minnesota finally thaws out, you’ll already know where to celebrate.
Consider it the summer sequel to your cozy winter dinner.
Know Before You Go: Hours, Address, and a Few Handy Tips
Mondays are off the table, literally. The restaurant stays closed that day, so plan around it.
Tuesday through Thursday, hours typically run 4 pm to 10 pm. Friday opens at noon and runs to midnight, Saturday goes from 10 am to midnight, and Sunday runs 10 am to 9 pm.
You’ll find W.A. Frost & Company at 374 Selby Ave #1825, St Paul, MN 55102.
It’s an easy drive from Minneapolis and a worthy road trip from anywhere in Minnesota.
A hospitality fee may appear on your bill, so don’t be caught off guard. Prices sit on the upscale side overall.
One more note for accessibility. The main restrooms are downstairs, which can be tricky for guests with mobility needs, so call ahead if that matters.
Reservations are a good idea, especially for weekends and holiday-season dinners.
Why This Old-World Supper Belongs on Your Winter Bucket List
Every Minnesota winter needs at least one night that feels truly special. This historic St. Paul spot makes a strong case for being that night.
The food lineup offers comfort with polish, from baked brie to walleye. Not every plate will feel revolutionary, but the setting lifts the whole meal into memory territory.
Anniversaries, graduations, showers, and birthdays all fit naturally here. Staff have even plated a celebration cake brought from a local bakery, a thoughtful touch for big moments.
Is it a budget dinner? No, and it doesn’t pretend to be.
Think of W.A. Frost & Company as a treat, the kind of place you save for when the occasion deserves candlelight.
So grab your warmest coat and call your favorite dinner companion. A fireplace, a historic room, and a quieter era are waiting, and honestly, that beats another night of takeout on the couch.
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