- Attraction: W.A. Frost & Company
- Location: 374 Selby Ave, St. Paul, MN 55102
- Industry: Restaurant
- Website: https://www.wafrost.com
Where else can you dine inside a genuine 1889 Richardson Romanesque masterpiece while experiencing what many consider the Twin Cities’ finest patio dining?
W.A. Frost & Company transforms the historic Dacotah Building on Cathedral Hill into something truly magical – a restaurant that feels like stepping into your own secret garden.
The atmosphere transports you out of St Paul to your own secret garden, making it a super fun place for drinks with friends or date night out.
What started in 1975 as a lovingly restored bar with food brought in by local caterers has turned into a full service restaurant with an award-winning wine list, fine dining menus, patio dining in the summer time, fireplaces, steaming coffee drinks come fall, and catered events year ’round.
This Cathedral Hill gem occupies the same building where pharmacist William A. Frost once served the neighborhood’s elite with medicines and medicinal wines, creating a legacy that continues today through exceptional contemporary American cuisine.
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The Legendary Patio: For many visitors, W.A. Frost offers the best outdoor patio dining in the Twin Cities. The building is covered in beautiful vines, creating a multi-level outdoor sanctuary that feels like dining in a European garden.
You’ll find yourself surrounded by lush greenery and architectural details that make every meal feel like a special occasion.
Seasonal Menu Excellence: Executive Chef Grant Nelson crafts menus that change with Minnesota’s seasons, featuring locally sourced ingredients from family farms.
Current dinner highlights include the Tomahawk Pork Chop with bourbon peach glaze ($45), perfectly prepared Scallops with cantaloupe soup ($45), and the impressive 6oz Steak Zabuton with fingerling potatoes ($56).
The restaurant sources approximately 70% of its ingredients organically or naturally, ensuring exceptional quality in every dish.
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Discover MoreWood-Burning Fireplace Romance: The bar area offers its own level of class with cozy rooms featuring brick walls, dark wood paneling, and ornate ceilings.
Whether it’s burgers on the stunning patio in summer or the six-course tasting menu next to one of the roaring fireplaces in winter, Frost is a singular experience. The multiple fireplaces create intimate nooks perfect for date nights or business meetings.
Award-Winning Wine Program: W.A. Frost features a view of their award-winning 3,000-bottle wine cellar, showcasing selections that perfectly complement their contemporary American cuisine.
Accomplished service, a fine selection of regional cheeses, and a stellar wine list are all part of the package.
Artisanal Cheese Selection: The restaurant offers carefully curated cheese plates featuring selections like raw cow’s milk blue cheese from single family farms, cave-aged cheddar with earthy horseradish notes, and sheep’s milk varieties from Green Dirt Farm.
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Atmosphere & Décor
Historic Architecture: The Dacotah Building, constructed in 1889 in the Richardson Romanesque style, features arched doorways and windows, copper cornices, and walls of sandstone and brick.
The interior showcases architectural salvage, with original tin ceilings and a back bar rescued from a burned-out building in Superior, Wisconsin.
Intimate Dining Spaces: The restaurant features small rooms built in the late 1800s with tin, wood and brick decor. Private rooms like the Fireplace Room and Sophie’s Room create magical, secluded atmospheres that feel incredibly intimate.
These spaces maintain the building’s historic character while providing modern comfort.
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Discover MoreGarden Patio Ambiance: The outdoor patio provides a tranquil space surrounded by lush greenery, ideal for social gatherings and special occasions. The patio operates from a philosophy of community support, even encouraging guests to sample appetizers before exploring other Cathedral Hill dining options.
Seasonal Lighting: Evening dining becomes especially enchanting with outdoor lighting that highlights the cathedral dome visible at the end of the street. The atmosphere is stunning both inside and outside, with beautifully restored historic buildings and historic mansions surrounding the area.
Other Considerations
Upscale Pricing: The food is delicious, however portions for the price are much less than most restaurants. Some visitors note that costs can be significantly higher than other upscale establishments, with additional hospitality fees applied to bills.
You’re paying for the premium historic setting, exceptional service, and locally sourced ingredients – expect fine dining prices that reflect the quality experience.
Reservation Requirements: Patio reservations are 100% weather dependent and do not guarantee an inside reservation. Make reservations in advance, especially on weekends, to secure a table at this popular dining spot.
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Parking Convenience: The restaurant offers both a parking lot in the back and street parking options. Valet service is available during winter months, making it accessible year-round despite Minnesota weather.
Family-Friendly Options: While not listed on the dinner menu, kids meals are available, with options like cheeseburger and fries ($6), plain butter noodles, and grilled cheese sandwiches. The restaurant works better for older children rather than toddlers due to its upscale atmosphere.
Seasonal Operations: Current hours are Wed-Thu 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm, Fri 4:00 pm – 12:00 am, Sat 10:00 am – 12:00 am, Sun 10:00 am – 9:00 pm, with Monday and Tuesday closures. Summer hours extend to midnight daily from May 1st through Labor Day.
W.A. Frost & Company
📍 374 Selby Ave, St. Paul, MN 55102
