St. Anthony Park was originally planned as a suburb for wealthy Minnesotans in the late 19th century, but the elite had other plans and did not flock to St. Anthony Park as expected. Now, it is a diverse and thriving community, and it's one of the more successful St. Paul suburbs. It is a small community with more than a few notable attractions, such as the St. Anthony Park Branch Library, which is a Carnegie library that was built in 1917. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Langford Park is the biggest park in the neighborhood, and it's named after Nathaniel P. Langford, a St. Anthony Park resident who helped design Yellowstone National Park. More famous people from St. Anthony Park are Saul Bellow and B.F. Skinner.
The planning for St. Anthony Park started in the late 1800s by Horace W.S. Cleveland who envisioned a lush, picturesque suburbs for the elite through a very romantic lens. It was a popular belief at the time, and he really focused on how it would all look--and he wanted it as organic as possible. This plan did not succeed, and the next developer, Charles Pratt, introduced a more practical, middle-class plan that was implemented.
There has always been a strong sense of community in St. Anthony Park. They've had a neighborhood organization since the beginning, and it's worked hard to do what's best for the neighborhood. The city has been committed to reinvestment, and it shows.
Today, St. Anthony Park is a stable, middle-class neighborhood with a slight decrease in the number of families versus singles. In addition, there are more renters than there used to be, but it hasn't affected the overall prosperity of the neighborhood. The demographics are highly educated in general and very involved in academia. This makes sense as it's next to the University of Minnesota's St. Paul campus, which is in neighboring Falcon Heights.
Hoyt Ave. W to the north, Cleveland Ave. N/Snelling Ave. to the east, 94E to the south, and Emerald St. SE to the west.
Como, Falcon Heights, Merriam Park, Midway, Falcon Heights.
Alden Square Park (1169 Gibbs Ave., 651-266-6400), despite its name, is triangular, but it is, indeed, a park. It's a great place for a picnic or just to have a bit of fun. The main attraction is the gazebo where you can have a sit, relax, and enjoy a quiet moment.
College Park (2223 Carter Ave., 651-266-6400) is a nice place to go if you want a bit of respite in your hectic day. It has a basketball court, two tennis courts, and a playground. It also has 4+ acres in which you can play tag or just take a nice stroll.
Hendon Triangles (2260 Hendon Ave., 651-632-5111) is a unique park in that it's bisected into two triangles by Hendon Ave. The southern part has a slide, a dome climber, and a swing-set. The northern part is open for more spontaneous play.
Langford Park (30 Langford Park, 651-298-5765) is a fun place for the whole family. It offers an opportunity to use a slackline or to ice skate, depending on the season and the weather. It has baseball courts and tennis courts, swings, and plenty of other amenities to keep even the fussiest child occupied. It's a great community gathering place.
South Saint Anthony Park (890 Cromwell Ave., 651-266-6400) has many amenities that make it an attractive place to visit. It has a basketball half-court, a playground, two softball fields, and two tennis courts with plenty of open space, too. The South Saint Recreation Center is now partnered with Joy of the People Soccer Club, and you can contact them at 651-298-5770 to make reservations of space in the rec center or of one of the fields.
Caffe Biaggio (2356 University Ave. W, 651-917-7997, 651-917-9899) is a casually elegant neighborhood trattoria that is committed to serving traditional Italian fare. It opened in 2002, and they have been serving up seasonal fare such as goat cheese torta, ravioli di San Giovanni, and the seafood saffron risotto ever since. They have outdoor seating in the summer, and they serve family style, so make sure you bring plenty of people with you when you visit.
Colossal Cafe (2315 Como Ave., 651-797-4027) is an inviting and cozy eatery that serves traditional American fare. They have an extensive breakfast menu, including biscuits & gravy, pancakes, and sides such as hash browns and sausage patties. They also serve breakfast sandwiches and breakfast plates, so if breakfast is your thing, be sure to check them out. They also have take-home dishes, either pot pies or ribs.
Dogwood Coffee Co (825 Carleton St., 651-340-9248) is a quiet and contemplative coffee shop that is focused on quality, both in their coffee (and food, such as croissants and cookies) and in their business relationships. They also have an online store if you would like to purchase their beans or some Dogwood Coffee gear.
Egg and I East (Big Egg) (2550 University Ave. W, 651-647-1292) is a warm and inviting diner that has been serving breakfast to their customers for over 30 years. As you probably can guess, egg is their name, and egg is their game. Omelets, eggs any way you want them, Eggs Benedict, Eggs Commodore, Eggs Florentine, breakfast sandwiches with eggs, skillet breakfasts, and so much more. They also offer other fare such as pancakes, burgers, waffles & French toast, and plenty more.
Finnish Bistro (2264 Como Ave., 651-645-9181) is a woodsy and open restaurant that has a contemporary feel to it. The staff is friendly, and the atmosphere is comfortable. They serve authentic European cuisine such as Finnish oatcakes, Finnish traditional breakfast "Perinteiset", and homemade "Keitto" soups. They also have quiches, omelets, and soup & sandwiches. They have gluten-free options as well.
Foxy Falafel (791 Raymond Ave., 651-888-2255) is a casual Mediterranean eatery that has tasty falafel (of course) and other Mediterranean fare. But, it's all about the falafel here, and you can have it in any way you can possibly imagine. They are proud to offer plenty of organic ingredients, and they have many vegetarian and gluten-free options as well. Their sides include marinated beets, cheese curds, and baba ganoush.
Karta Thai Restaurant (2295 Como Ave., 651-330-6281) is a cozy and comfortable restaurant that serves all your Thai favorites, along with a few dishes you may never have heard of. Try the crispy Thai lobster rolls as a starter, the gang ped duck as an entry, or if you want something familiar, there's always the pad Thai, and finish up with the Thai custard or the mango with sticky rice.
Lady Elegant's Tea Room & Gift Shoppe (2230 Carter Ave. S, Suites 7 & 8, 651-645-6676, 952-393-7890) have bees serving tea in the British fashion for over fifteen years in a genteel and cozy manner. You can sit in the English cottage-style front room as you sip your tea and nibble on a four-course tea. It starts with a salad/soup, continues with sandwiches/savories, scones, and finishes with assorted petite desserts. They have gluten-free options as well. They also have tea and tea accessories for sale in their online shop.
Mim's Cafe (1435 Cleveland Ave. N, 651-646-0456) is a cheerful and cozy cafe that serves Mediterranean and American fare--mostly focusing on the Mediterranean side. They have shawarma and falafel, of course, but they also have kabob and chicken muraf. On the American side, they have cheese burgers and fries, and they have Philly cheese steaks as well--which they make with shawarma, so you can have a little of both sides.
Pho 79 (2233 Energy Park Dr., 651-644-2327) is an informal Vietnamese restaurant that serves all your favorites, such as banh mi, fried rice, and, of course, pho. No matter how you like the beef in your pho--lean, meatballs, brisket, tendons, tripe, and/or tendons, you will find it here. They also have chicken pho and seafood pho as well.
Bang Brewing Company (2320 Capp Rd., 651-243-2264) is an industrial-looking and quiet place where you can enjoy a glass of beer and, at times, live music. They are active in their community, and they are committed to providing quality brews to said community. They have a patio and beer garden so you can enjoy your beer in the great outdoors when you visit.
Lake Monster Brewing (550 Vandalia St., #160, 612-964-6288) like their namesake, likes to look beneath the depths of the lake, er, beer to see the mystery. They brew traditional beers with subtle nuances, and they have a beer that is sure to please the palate of any imbiber, be it simple or more complex. If you get hungry as you sip at your beer, they have a different food truck every day, and you can check the schedule on their website.
Urban Growler Brewing Company (2325 Endicott St., 651-340-5793) is proud to be the first microbrewery owned by women in Minnesota. They are dedicated to crafting excellent beer and to giving back to their community, and they are excited when they can do both at the same time. They have beers whimsically named such as Wake Up Taste Buds, and they really know their, ahem, craft.
Agharta Records (2512 University Ave. W, 612-871-5309) sells vinyl, yes, vinyl, and the staff is helpful and knowledgeable about their wares. They are eager to find the perfect record for you, and if it's not in their store, you can check their online shop as well. They also do special orders, so contact them if you have a hard-to-find record in mind. They sponsor concerts as well.
Bergin Fruit and Nut Company (2000 Energy Park Dr., 651-642-1234) was founded in 1951 and has always been a family-owned and operated business. At the time, their primary customers were restaurants, hotels, and clubs, and they quickly expanded to southern Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Over the decades, they expanded their customer base to include grocery chains, co-ops, and manufacturers, and they now have a presence in North Dakota and Michigan as well. They have a variety of products that include bulk dairy and nut butters.
Bibelot Shops (2276 Como Ave., 651-646-5651) is a charming gift store that is a great place to browse if you're looking for a gift--for someone else or yourself. They have women's clothing, jewelry, and accessories as well as toys that will make you nostalgic for your childhood. They also have housewares and mugs.
Carter Ave. Frame Shop (2186 Como Ave., 651-645-7862) has a staff of dedicated and friendly professionals who are committed to providing your art with the perfect frame. They have competitive prices and a quick turnaround, and they are committed to their community and the environment. They do all of their framing onsite, so you can be assured that your art is in good hands.
finnSISU (2436 Larpenteur Ave. W, 651-645-2443) is a sporting goods store that has a friendly and knowledgeable staff. It has everything from ski gear to running gear to rollerskiing gear. They also have classes in skiing, rollerskiing, and trail running. No matter your level of athletic prowess, they will be able to match you with what you need.
Knoke's Chocolate & Nuts (2305 Como Ave., 651-219-5322) has been serving delicious chocolates and nuts (and much more) since 2014, and its parent company, Knoke's Chocolate Shop, has been in operation since 2000. They have truffles, cakes, pies, barks, pops, popcorn, and so much more. If you love the cacao bean, this is the perfect place for you to visit. They also have an online shop as well.
Micawber's Books (2238 Carter Ave., 651-646-5506) is an independent bookstore that is cozy and inviting with a knowledgeable owner. He is happy to help, and he loves to talk about books. There's a homey feel to the store, and you'll find yourself getting lost in a book for hours because of the comfortable atmosphere.
Scarborough Fair Boutique (2238 Carter Ave., 651-224-4182) is a women's clothing store that handpicks their selections for women of all sizes and ages, tastes and styles. Tops, bottoms, tunics, intimates, and plus sizes--they have something for everyone. They also have accessories, jewelry, wedding options, and online only items. They have both vintage and designer clothing.
Twin Cities Reptiles (2363 University Ave. W, 651-647-4479) was opened in 1980 by one person with a passion for reptiles. It was a tiny shop, but they eventually grew over time, and now they are the largest and the premier reptile specialty store in Minnesota. They have many kinds of snakes and lizards as well as turtles, amphibians, and invertebrates. Plus, much, much more. If you have a softness in your heart for our reptilian friends, then you definitely need to check out this store.
We Are Nuts (890 Vandalia St., 651-646-3688) has been cheerfully selling their nuts for nearly 29 years, learning and growing along the way. In the beginning, they outsourced the roasting, but after the first year, they decided to learn how to do it themselves. In addition to roasted nuts and 'just' nuts, they also sell chocolate-covered nuts, and things that aren't nut-related at all. They have dried fruits, glazed fruits, and trail mixes as well. They also have gift tins in case you want to share your love of nuts with your friends and family.
Hodges Bend (2700 University Ave. W, 612-353-1403) is a cocktail bar that also serves coffee--or a coffee bar that also serves cocktails. They have a nice selection of beers and wines, too. They also have jazz music for you to enjoy as you're sipping your beverage of choice, and they plenty of food as well. Small plates such as a butcher board or deviled eggs, and more robust fare such as warm kabocha squash, steak & eggs, and the classic burger.
Station 280 (2554 Como Ave., #7, 651-233-2165) is a spacious and inviting sports bar that has pool tables, flat-screen TVs, and darts. They offer the traditional sports bar fare such as chicken wings, burgers, and pizza. They also have sandwiches & wraps, soups & salads, and entrees. Try their wild rice hot turkey or their Alaskan cod sandwich if you want something a bit different.
The Dubliner Pub and Cafe (2162 University Ave., 651-646-5551) opened in 1983 and has been serving up beer to the community ever since--and whiskey, of course. They have music six nights a week, Irish and American, and they have Irish dance lessons every Wednesday. Stop by for a pint and some lively music.
Deneen Pottery (2325 Endicott St., 651-646-0238) has been a family-owned business, on and off, for over 45 years. They have had good years, and they have had bad years, and now, they are thriving as they produce thousands of mugs every week. The clay they use was invented by the founder of the company, and they employ over 50 skilled craftspeople to create their mugs. They are proud of the quality of their wares, and they are eager to share them with you.
Eritrean Community Center of Minnesota (1935 University Ave. W, 651-646-2993) is committed to helping Eritreans find the resources they need in Minnesota in order to settle into the community. They also connect Eritreans with each other, and keep them up to date about what's happening in Eritrea. It's a way for Eritreans to feel at home when they are far away from it.
St. Anthony Park Garden Club (St. Mathew's Episcopal Church Fellowship Hall, 2136 Carter Ave., 651-917-0924) was established in 1997 by two individuals who loved gardening and wanted to discuss their passion with fellow enthusiasts. They meet on the first Tuesday of every month, and the meetings are open to the public. They sponsor the St. Anthony Park Garden tour every summer.
Saint Anthony Park Library (2245 Como Ave., 651-642-0411) is a Carnegie library that was built in 1917. It's on the National Register of Historical Places, and it's a much-beloved library. The branch has a lot of material in Chinese and Korean because of the near proximity to the U in order to aid the multitudes of Asian students. It's part of the annual arts festival and has a large used book sale during the festival.
South Saint Anthony Recreation Center (890 Cromwell Ave., 651-298-5778) is run by the Joy of the People Soccer Club, and you can contact them at the number provided if you want to rent a field or space in the rec center.
St. Anthony Park Arts Festival (St. Anthony Park Library Association, 2245 Como Ave., 612-564-ARTS) is in its 49th year of supplying art lovers with an outpouring of creativity from musicians and other artists. It's an annual celebration of arts and of the historic Carnegie branch library. It set at the library plus surrounding areas, and it's a fun-filled day for all involved. There is music, food, activities for the whole family (including henna tattooing), plus a used book sale in the library itself.
St. Anthony Park Garden Tour (starts at the St. Anthony Park Library, 2245 Como Ave., 651-917-0924) is a biennial event that has occurred every odd year for almost twenty years. You will find all the tension draining out of you as you gaze about you at the magnificent flora. There is a Ramsey County Master Gardener at each location, which is unique to this tour.
There are several bus routes that service the St. Anthony Park neighborhood, including 3, 16, 30, 63, 67, and 87. You can find the schedules and fares at Metro Transit.
The neighborhood is also served by the METRO Green Line.
Avalon School (700 Glendale St., 651-649-5495) is a public, non-profit charter school that provides their students with the space to shape their own learning, mainly through planning their own projects. They have been recognized as a pioneer in charter schools, and they believe in deeper learning. In addition to their core curriculum, they have several extra-curricular activities, including a Dungeons & Dragons club and a Knitting club. They serve students in grades 9-12.
Como Park Senior High School (740 Rose Ave. W, 651-293-8800) believes that their students and staff are part of a community, and a diverse one at that. They have the strongest AP program of all the St. Paul Public Schools, and they offer the College in the Schools (CIS) program in which students can concurrently enroll in high school and college classes as well. They are strong in their curriculum as well as with their extracurricular activities. They serve grades 9-12, and they are in neighboring Como.
Murray Middle School (2200 Buford Ave., 651-767-8100) has been teaching students from grade 6-8 since 1925. They have a strong focus on science and the environment, and they partner with the Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center to achieve their goals in this area. They also have the largest one-day science fair in Minnesota. They have a rigorous academic slate in other areas as well, and they encourage their students to thrive. They also provide the support needed in order for their students to do so. They serve a diverse population, and they nurture a sense of community in their students.
Saint Anthony Park Co-op Preschool (2129 Commonwealth Ave., 617-504-7436) is jointly owned and operated by all its members, and they believe in engaging the community in the education of their students. They respect each child's autonomy and try to tailor the learning to the individual. They strongly encourage the parents of their students to be highly involved in their children's learning, and the school ameliorates these interactions.
St. Anthony Park Elementary School (2180 Knapp St., 651-293-8735) is committed to excellence in their students, and not just from an academic viewpoint. They have enthusiastic teachers who teach a wide variety of subjects, and they are prepared to deal with students from a variety of backgrounds. They have a diverse slate of classes, including several creative classes, and they encourage their students to participate in extra-curricular activities as well. They serve students in grades K-6.
Centennial United Methodist Church--St. Anthony Park Campus (2200 W Hillside Ave., 651-633-7644)
St. Anthony Park Lutheran Church (2323 Como Ave., 651-645-0371)
St. Anthony Park United Church of Christ (2129 Commonwealth Ave., 651-6464-7173)
St. Matthew's Episcopal Church (2136 Carter Ave., 651-645-3058)
St. Panteleimon Russian Orthodox Church (2210 Franklin Ave. SE, 612-517-7496)
The Church of Saint Cecilia (2357 Bayless Pl., 651-644-4502)
