A Russian restaurant and vodka bar, Moscow on the Hill opened its doors in 1994 and describes its cuisine as ‘American upper-Midwest meets post-Perestroika Russia’. Located just a short walk from the magnificent Cathedral of Saint Paul, the restaurant offers its guests a range of hearty Russian comfort foods, with both meat and vegetarian options ranging from familiar dishes like blini to the less well-known like pelmeni – a meat-stuffed dumpling. Dine on appetisers like cured Russian herring with onion, marinated potatoes and dill and entrees including babushka stew – Duroc pork shoulder stewed in a clay pot with vegetables, parsley, mashed potatoes and buckwheat pilaf.

Approaching its quarter-century anniversary, this restaurant touts itself as “where American upper-midwest meets post-Perestroika Russia.” What, exactly, does that mean?. Think locally-sourced produce in Russian comfort foods like dumplings, borscht and caviar.Why go?. Patrons rave about Moscow on the Hill’s house-made vodka infusions—they have over 300 bottles of the classic Russian alcohol behind the bar.

I know what you’re thinking — Russians aren’t exactly known for their vegetarian fare!. But surprisingly, this Cathedral Hill gem is loaded with options for our veggie-loving friends. Starting with a rich, sweet borscht, the Georgian cheese bread that is like American garlic bread but better, and moving to Vareniki, dumplings stuffed with mashed potatoes and caramelized onions and some of the best potato pancakes (called Deruny) I’ve ever tasted, you can make a meal before ever getting to the single vegetarian entree, which is a stir-fryish dish called Givtech that is loaded with summer squash, cauliflower, sweet peppers and mushrooms, all cooked perfectly, kissed with dill and served over rice pilaf, or my preference, a hearty buckwheat.

Along Selby, beginning west of Boyd Park: an intimate, elegant patio is tucked behind Moscow on the Hill; across the street, a lush multi-level patio lays behind W.A. Frost (in my opinion, the crown jewel of the bunch); a pair of “newcomer” patios sit kitty-corner to each other at Handsome Hog and Red Cow, each with views of the sidewalk; a block west, the intimate patio at La Grolla is almost hidden between two historic buildings; a few doors farther down, the The Gnome patio sprawls around its historic restaurant; and finally, a gem of a patio sits behind Revival just past Mackubin Street.

As a happy hour snack, as an entree, as a chaser for the house-made (now cult-favorite) horseradish vodka that reminds why why Moscow on the Hill is such an important piece of the St. Paul landscape. You can have get the Peasant Pelmeni that come with cheese on top (to please any Midwesterner) or Vareneki (vegetarian) version, but the very best always have been, and always will be, the classic Siberian: pillow-soft, filled with spiced pork, topped with vinegar and sour cream. Moscow on the Hill | 371 Selby Ave, St Paul, MN 55102 | (651) 291-1236

Moscow on the Hill: With a list of martinis as long as my arm (I’m a savory, horseradish-forward Sputnik girl) and homey, delicious dishes like cabbage rolls, chicken Kiev and my beloved pelmeni dumplings, this Cathedral Hill restaurant is very often the answer for where to raise a glass (or drown our sorrows) for my bestie and me. Getting a table is usually easy — they do take reservations if you’re thinking ahead — and the gorgeous, multi-level patio here is an absolute hidden St. Paul gem. I’m hungry just thinking about it.

Located in St. Paul, Moscow on the Hill offers a unique culinary journey through traditional Russian fare, earning it a spot as one of the standout dining destinations in the area. Patrons rave about the tasty dishes like grandma cabbage rolls and beef stroganoff, showcasing the authenticity and flavors that make this restaurant a gem to discover. The extensive vodka selection and delightful cocktails add an extra layer of indulgence to the dining experience.

It's home to some of our favorite restaurants, like Moscow on the Hill, W.A. Frost and Company, Ghebre's, Cossetta, and Grand Ole Creamery. We love strolling along Summit Avenue to gawk at the historic mansions, browsing the shops on Grand Avenue, and taking long walks along the river. While Minneapolis is also located on the Mississippi, you feel it more in St. Paul—there's a certain intimacy with the water that sets it apart.

The Twin Cities boasts two permanent Parlour locations, one in Minneapolis and one in St. Paul, and the menus sometimes feature slight differences. In Minneapolis, you’ll find the “local distillery spotlight” where they partner with a local distillery to make a craft cocktail specifically around their pour. In St. Paul, the menu features “boozy malts” and the “beer & bump” which is a can of Hamm’s with the shot of your choice.

As a vodka enthusiast, I’m embarrassed to say this is only my second time visiting Moscow on the Hill in Saint Paul 😬. Lately husband and I have been stuck in a bit of a rut so when he told me it was my turn to pick date night I put together a list of places I was long overdue for a visit and when he saw Moscow on the Hill and he realized he could get some quality “beef strogo” it was an immediate yes for him.

St. Paul’s Moscow on the Hill is known for its delicious Eastern European fare, including handmade dumplings, platters of pickles and cured fish, cabbage rolls, and borscht. However, it’s worth a visit for the drinks alone. Select from a variety of their signature martinis from four categories: dry, spicy, fruity, or “self-indulgent.

It’s no secret that Minnesota winters are long and bone-deep cold, something the Russians know a bit about. Moscow on the Hill is dripping in old-world charm with rich scarlet colors and a truly stunning dining room. An ideal evening when the snow is flying includes tucking into a plate of Pelmeni with a shot of ice-cold vodka.

An old world Russian restaurant, this is a favorite of mine for a true Russian dining experience. Ukrainian dumplings, dolma, blini, tea smoked chicken, salmon - the choices seem endless (and are quite delicious!). This is a fantastic way to get your fill of Russian food without buying a plane ticket.

Red Lobster Family Meals Minneapolis Mn “I feel like red lobster can do better but this location is not it. … 4920 Central Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55421 … “I've been going to Peking Garden for 5 years now with my friends and family, and not once did the food disappoint … , 1418 reviews, 5 photos – Red

There used to be a good Russian restaurant near the cathedral - Moscow on the Hill. Don't know if it's still there but it should be. The Highland Cafe on Cleveland Ave isn't an ethnic restaurant per se, but it does great perogies and falafel.

The ice cold vodka just hits a little differently on this classic Cathedral Hill patio. Order a pile of dill seasoned potatoes for snacking or revel in the heartier entrees while sheltered from the hustle and bustle on this deck out back.

This traditional Russian restaurant brings a fun twist to maybe your normal food routine. After tasting the exceptional food and drink here, take a walk around the charming St. Paul neighborhood where Moscow on the Hill is tucked.

Mucci’s Italian: Come for the fried Montanara pizza crusts, stay for the truly soulful and flavorful Italian cooking. I’ve said before the tiramisu made me tear up…this place is a gem.

7️⃣ Duke's on 7 in Minnetonka features "a huge bar, good food, plenty of shade, if needed, and it's dog friendly," writes Kathy H. "Duke's even has a menu for your best little buddy!

Next up is Summit-University's Moscow On The Hill, at 371 Selby Ave. With four stars out of 377 reviews on Yelp, the Russian bar and restaurant has proven to be a local favorite.

Moscow on the Hill is sucked into a beautiful neighborhood in St. Pual. They offer authentic Russian dining and have both specials and some great classics.

371 Selby Ave, St Paul, MN 55102Phone: 651-291-1236 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by The Food Father (@campbelleatz)