1881 by LEI

Name: 1881 by LEI
Address: 214 4th St E suite 300, Saint Paul, MN, United States, 55101
Telephone: (952) 698-1881
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.4

4.4

111 Reviews

$30 and under

American

Make a reservation

2 people

Jan 18, 2025

7:00 p.m.

Booked 18 times today

Experiences are available.

Good for special occasions
Charming
Great for creative cocktails

Lake Elmo Inn is opened a new restaurant at Union Depot in Saint Paul. Owners Chef John and Christine Schiltz named 1881. The name “1881” pays homage to the year both the original Union Depot and Lake Elmo Inn opened, reflecting the deep historical connection the restaurant hopes to foster.

Offering a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere, 1881 by Lake Elmo Inn will merge the charm of a storied past with a modern culinary flair, becoming a destination for both locals and visitors.

1881 by Lake Elmo Inn is to be a place where families can build lasting memories. We want to offer an experience that generations can cherish, from proms to graduations to weddings, we’re here to make moments unforgettable.

The Menu is inspired by the success of the original Lake Elmo Inn and will include both favorites from the flagship restaurant as well as exclusive new offerings hand-crafted from fresh, local

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American
Hours of Operation
Wed–Fri 10:00 am–2:00 pm Wed–Sat 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Sat, Sun 9:00 am–2:00 pm Sun 4:00 pm–8:00 pm
Phone number
(952) 698-1881
Website
http://www.1881bylei.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive Chef
Ashe Wolf
Catering
Lake Elmo Inn Catering(our sister company) is the exclusive Caterer for Union Depot. We are also able to cater any off-site events within the area. For information and booking please contact us at 651-779-5994

Location
214 4th St E suite 300, Saint Paul, MN 55101
Neighbourhood
Saint Paul
Cross Street
4th Street East & Wacouta Street. Parking lot is off of Kellogg Blvd
Parking details
Public Lot
Public transit
Union Depot Station (light rail station) is outside the front of the building. Public bus stop is at Union Depot, along with the Amtrak.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

Valentine's Day Pre- Fix Menu For 2
US$160.00 per party
Feb 14, 2025 only
A Night to Remember Embark on a journey of decadence with this four-course dinner, designed to awaken your senses Savor Six Broiled East Coast Oysters, perfectly broiled and elevated by a Champagne apple mignonette—a luxurious beginning to the evening. Relish a classic Salad Niçoise: mixed greens, haricot verts, red onion, grape tomatoes, hard-boiled egg, seared Ahi tuna, capers, and olives, drizzled with a light vinaigrette. Indulge in a Porterhouse, charred to perfection, served with house-made steak sauce and horseradish cream. Sides include fried Brussels sprouts with lardons and rich Pommes Aligot. Finish with Gâteau Chocolate Cake, a decadent dessert of layered indulgence—a perfect finale to an unforgettable meal.

What 111 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4

4.4 based on recent ratings

4.4Food
4.6Service
4.4Ambience
4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Twin Cities / St. Paul
Best Overall
Twin Cities / St. Paul
Best Service
Twin Cities / St. Paul
Best Ambience
Twin Cities / St. Paul
Good for groups
Twin Cities / St. Paul
Healthy
Twin Cities / St. Paul
Good for special occasions
Twin Cities / St. Paul
Lively
Twin Cities / St. Paul
Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

1881 by LEI offers a "wonderful culinary experience" in a historic setting at Union Depot. The food is consistently praised for being "excellent," with particular highlights such as the duck risotto and sunfish. Service is often described as "fantastic," and the ambiance captures the charm of a bygone era.

111 Reviews

L
Liz
Minneapolis
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Was greeted right away, had interesting conversation about the restaurant. Seated in a very comfortable table and chairs. Food was good and good portions. Had great view of depot!
Is this helpful?
M
Margaret
Minneapolis
27 reviews
4.0
27 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Eating in historic The Depot in downtown St. Paul is a unique experience with plenty to observe while waiting for your food to be delivered. The menu is large with plenty of options. The food was excellent and the wait person very personable and efficient. We enjoyed our lunch and urge others to patronize this restaurant so it will have a long run. I can't comment on the noise level, because we visited at lunchtime and only two other tables were occupied. Parking was nearby, enclosed, at a reasonable cost, $6.
Is this helpful?
N
Nicole
Phoenix
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The location of 1881 is very unique and quite different from any other restaurant in the Twin Cities. Food portions are quite generous, and delicious. The cocktails were outstanding and the bartender was knowledgeable when we ordered off menu. Service was top-notch as well.
Is this helpful?
J
John
Minneapolis
13 reviews
4.0
13 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Vegan filet was top notch…even better than that! We enjoyed the cocktail tasting and like the hotter toddy best.
Is this helpful?
B
Bill
Minneapolis
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 2, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Perfect. Food and service were first rate. Union Depot is a wonderful and unique location. We could not have been happier.
Is this helpful?
J
Jennifer
VIP
Minneapolis
83 reviews
4.0
83 reviews
Dined on January 1, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
We were excited to try the famed Lake Elmo Inn location of 1881 in the St. Paul Union Depot for NYE! The quality of the food shone through including the extra touches of champagne and boxed little cookies to take with, at the end of service. The server was quite personable but forgetful. We were not offered bread service and had to request the cookies showing up at nearby tables. Our "NYE special" was over- priced. The location is an excellent use of the space but needs to dim the overhead lighting and rely on each tables lamp. The complimentary parking is a plus! We will go back!
Is this helpful?
M
Martha
Minneapolis
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 29, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
Our party of six had a wonderful culinary experience as we ordered 2 appetizers, 5 different entrees and 3 desserts, offering at least a bite of each to everyone. Everyone was very happy with the food and the wait staff was right on top of our every need.
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CO
CarolO
VIP
Las Vegas
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on December 29, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
You unfortunately changed the cookies you send home with guests!! But this was one of our favorite reasons why we returned. I realize the new ones are the same ingredients and just designed differently and much smaller but just not as impressive or tasty. Even if you keep them smaller can you still dip half the cookie in chocolate instead of just drizzling some chocolate over the top?
Is this helpful?
R
Rhonda
VIP
San Francisco
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on December 28, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Such an awesome venue. All our food was fantastic and the drinks equally delicious and novel. So excited they have an alcohol free Negroni that tastes so delish! And the service was fantastic and fun. Perfect night.
Is this helpful?
K
Kathleen
Minneapolis
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on December 27, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It was the same wonderful food, service, quality dining as the Lake Elmo Inn. We loved Corrie our server. She was engaging and fun. We hope more people find the treasure in the 1881 restaurant. It is a nice little find.
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FAQs

1881 by LEI is rated 4.4 stars by 111 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Jan 18, 2025

7:00 p.m.

Booked 18 times today

Experiences are available.

214 4th St E suite 300, Saint Paul, MN 55101

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross Street
4th Street East & Wacouta Street. Parking lot is off of Kellogg Blvd
Neighbourhood
Saint Paul
Hours of Operation
Wed–Fri 10:00 am–2:00 pm Wed–Sat 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Sat, Sun 9:00 am–2:00 pm Sun 4:00 pm–8:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Public Lot
Public transit
Union Depot Station (light rail station) is outside the front of the building. Public bus stop is at Union Depot, along with the Amtrak.
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Ashe Wolf
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.1881bylei.com/
Phone number
(952) 698-1881
Catering
Lake Elmo Inn Catering(our sister company) is the exclusive Caterer for Union Depot. We are also able to cater any off-site events within the area. For information and booking please contact us at 651-779-5994

1881 by LEI

Make a reservation

Dining areas

Additional information

Experiences

Valentine's Day Pre- Fix Menu For 2

Menu

What 111 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

How is 1881 by LEI restaurant rated?

Is 1881 by LEI currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Dining areas

Additional information