1881 By Lake Elmo Inn at Union Depot

1881 By Lake Elmo Inn is now open at St. Paul’s Union Depot.

We just got another reason to visit Union Depot in St. Paul – – 1881 By Lake Elmo Inn. Not only is the food amazing, but it’s pretty cool to eat right in the train station with its high ceilings and historic architecture.

The name 1881 isn’t a random number, but signifies the year that both the original Union Depot and the original Lake Elmo Inn opened. The menu at 1881 includes both longtime Lake Elmo Inn favorites and brand new dishes – all featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

That fresh and local piece shone through especially in the sweet corn that was the vegetable of the day when my husband and I had dinner as guests of 1881 last week. It was the best corn I’ve had in a long while!

We both enjoyed that 1881 offers both classic Minnesota dinner fair like steak and walleye, but also inventive and exciting new dishes. We tried several of the appetizers including Duck Eggs a l’Orange, eggs coated with seasoned breadcrumbs and filled with duck, Provoleta consisting of aged and grilled provolone with a delicious fire roasted tomato relish served on grilled ciabatta, and my favorite – Reuben Truffles filled with corned beef, sauerkraut, swiss cheese and Thousand Island dressing.

My husband chose the Walleye for dinner – panko crusted and served with a chardonnay butter sauce. I had what I think is the jewel of the menu, the 1881 Hereford New York Steak. Topped with roasted garlic and shallot butter, it was delicious! The quality of the steak shines through because I order my steaks well done and if a steak can still be tender and juicy after being cooked that much you know that both the quality steak and the chef are excellent!

We will definitely be back again. I actually look forward to lunch there as their sandwiches look excellent. Whether it’s for a celebratory dinner, lunch with a friend or a drink at the bar, I recommend stopping in to try it for yourself. You can see the menus here.

1881 By Lake Elmo Inn is open Wednesday through Sunday 11am to 8pm with Happy Hour from 2-5pm.