Where to Eat Near the Ordway Center

After roughly five years of planning and construction, the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts is celebrating the opening of its brand-new, $42 million Concert Hall this weekend.

If you’re coming into St. Paul to attend a St. Paul Chamber Orchestra concert in their new and improved digs, make a night of it by grabbing dinner beforehand at one of St. Paul’s classiest joints. On this week’s episode of MPR’s Moveable Feast, Rachel and John talk about their favorite spots to hit up around the Ordway.

Just steps from the concert hall, across Rice Park, is the St. Paul Grill, a classic, old-school landmark serving up favorites like chicken pot pie to St. Paul’s movers and shakers. If you really feel like getting into the celebratory mood, consider one of the restaurant’s bottles of The Macallan 55-year-old scotch. The St. Paul Grill ordered four of the 20 bottles released in the U.S. before the 2008 Republican National Convention, but what remains will cost you—a single shot runs for $750.

Longtime favorite Meritage is always a sure thing for classic French cuisine, such as their fabulous oysters, served in a charming, romantic atmosphere. If you’re dining with a big group or are looking for more of a party vibe, check out Pazzaluna for authentic Italian fare.

To listen to the full podcast, head to the Moveable Feast site.