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

125 Reviews

$30 and under

American

Make a booking

2 people

16 Feb 2025

7:00 pm

Booked 12 times today

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
Area
Saint Paul
Cross Street
4th Street East & Wacouta Street. Parking lot is off of Kellogg Blvd
Parking details
Public Parking
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

What 125 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
4.5Service
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
Great for fine wines
Twin Cities / St. Paul
Romantic
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 "unique dining experience" with a historic setting in the St. Paul Union Depot. Guests praise the "delicious food," generous portions, and attentive service. Highlights include the vegan filet and duck risotto. The ambiance is "romantic yet good for large groups," making it a must-visit gem.

125 Reviews

M
Melissa
Minneapolis
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful! It was nice to sit up on the balcony. Server was very attentive.
Is this helpful?
J
Jim
Minneapolis
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Really enjoyed our experience at 1881! 2 couples celebrated Valentines night at the Union Depot! Service was good, and the food was very good! Free parking indoors made it even better, considering the snow falling outside! We will go back again!
Is this helpful?
C
Cristina
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food delicious. Ambiance elegant and historical. Service exceptional. Worked with my dietary restrictions and had a wonderful meal- couldn’t ask for more. Lot A for parking made it a breeze.
Is this helpful?
K
Kaye
VIP
Minneapolis
20 reviews
1.0
20 reviews
Dined on 8 February 2025
1. Overall 1
2. Food 2
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 3
Unfortunately, my experience at 1881 did not meet expectations. While the staff were all very kind and polite, their sense of urgency, attention to detail, and ability to read the room were lacking. Although the butternut squash ravioli was delightful, the steak was disappointing. Our dinner lasted nearly three hours, which was not by choice. It took over 25 minutes to receive our first round of cocktails, and our server did not arrive at our table for the first 20 minutes. Regrettably, I cannot recommend this restaurant.
1 person found this helpful
L
Laura
Minneapolis
16 reviews
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on 8 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Incredible dinner at 1881! The restaurant is small but cosy and quiet enough to easily converse. Our 3 year old fashioned cocktails may have been the best we’re ever had. Proveletta appetizer was delicious. Caesar salad, Sunnies and Seafood Medley were all top notch.
Is this helpful?
P
Patricia
Minneapolis
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on 6 February 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Great experience, but was looking for happy hour specials. Next time will sit at the bar to receive the specials. Definitely will be back , food and service was great!!
Is this helpful?
J
James
Minneapolis
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on 1 February 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The service from the bar to the table was excellent. They checked on us often and ensured everything was going well. The food was quite good, having the Steak Frites and ordering a side of mushrooms to accompany it. Wife liked the duck breast, but thought the risotto was more rice than risotto, but still had good flavor. The desserts were brought out to review and quite good. They even send you home with a small two pack of homemade cookies per guests. Prices were reasonable for the level of restaurant they are striving to be.
Is this helpful?
E
Elaine
Minneapolis
15 reviews
3.0
15 reviews
Dined on 31 January 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 2
We ae used to going to the Lake Elmo Inn in Lake Elmo. The servers are more friendly and the service is faster at that location. Food choices are the same, but service is much less professional. We will continue to go to the Lake Elmo location. We were there at lunch time and thought that the service would be quicker because of the time of dauy.
Is this helpful?
B
Barb
Minneapolis
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on 25 January 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
I have eaten here twice. Food was good, but not as good as Lake Elmo Inn. I have yet to find a favorite meal at this restaurant. Appetizers were better than the main meal.
1881 by LEIResponded on 31 January 2025
Hi Barb, thanks for checking us out! We’ve been grateful for all the feedback on our menu and are excited to launch a new one on February 19th. We’d love for you to stop by and discover your new favorite dish!
Is this helpful?
c
carol
VIP
Minneapolis
23 reviews
5.0
23 reviews
Dined on 24 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing food and service! A well kept secret everyone should know about. The Filet Meat-Non is to die for - you’d never know it’s not red meat!! It’s a must try!!
Is this helpful?

FAQs

1881 by LEI is rated 4.4 stars by 125 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people

16 Feb 2025

7:00 pm

Booked 12 times today

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
Area
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 Parking
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 booking

Dining areas

Additional information

Menu

What 125 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 bookings?

Make a booking

Dining areas

Additional information