HOURS & LOCATION

Monday & Tuesday: Closed

Wednesday-Friday: 10-9pm

Saturday: 9-9pm

Sunday: 9-8pm

Address

Inside Union Depot:
214 4th St E #110, St Paul, MN 55101

Phone
952-698-1881

Email
info@1881eatinghouse.com

Eating houses emerged out of necessity, offering meals to travelers and bringing people together. Early colonial eateries, sometimes housed in train cars, served simple, locally sourced ingredients while providing a space for social interaction. When passenger trains began running in the 1830s, chaotic station vendors struggled to meet the demand for food, often leaving travelers with poor options. In response, eating houses became a reliable solution, catering both to those needing a quick bite before departure and to others looking to enjoy a meal in good company. They were places where you could settle in, raise a glass, savor a warm meal, loosen a top button, and take a moment to unwind among fellow travelers and diners.

So central is this tradition of warmth and hospitality that 1881 Eating House was built on the very same foundation. We believe a meal should feel like a pause in the day—a moment to sit back, share stories, and find comfort in both the food and the company. Our space reflects that spirit: welcoming, unfussy, and familiar. The kind of place where a hearty dish and a good conversation can make time slow down, if only for a little while.