Looking to uncover all that West Side has to offer? Get to know this St. Paul neighborhood by browsing its most popular local businesses, from a Kurdish restaurant to a Mexican spot.
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top places to visit in West Side, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of neighborhood businesses. Read on for the results.
1. Babani's Kurdish Restaurant
Topping the list is halal and Middle Eastern spot Babani's Kurdish Restaurant, which offers kebabs and more. Located at 32 Fillmore Ave. East, it's the highest rated business in the neighborhood, boasting 4.5 stars out of 108 reviews on Yelp. On its website, Babani's says it is America's first Kurdish restaurant and named for a Kurdish tribe.
For lunch, look for menu options such as vegetarian dolma or chicken tawa, chicken breast sautéed in lemon and other spices then baked in layers of potato. Traditional Kurdish entrees are also on offer at dinnertime. Try the Kubey Sawar, a dish from current-day Iraq that includes lean ground beef, spices and onion sautéed in olive oil and stuffed in dough. Here's the menu.
2. El Burrito Mercado
Next up is bar and Mexican spot El Burrito Mercado, situated at 175 Cesar Chavez St. With four stars out of 204 reviews on Yelp, it's proven to be a local favorite. This restaurant was established in 1979 by Tomas and Maria Silva and moved into its current home in 1995. Named the 2017 SBA Minnesota Minority-Owned Business of the Year, this spot is also a grocery store, deli and bakery.
Look for weekend menudo, burritos, combination platters and protein-centric entrees on the restaurant menu. Lunch buffets are offered in the afternoon and a number of libations and beers are available.
3. Holman's Table
New American restaurant and bar Holman's Table is another top choice. Yelpers give the business, located at 644 Bayfield St., 4.5 stars out of 59 reviews.
Holman's table is designed for the traveler and, according to its website, offers "a dining experience that celebrates the spirit of travel, encouraging guests to relax and embark from the everyday."
Diners can expect fresh, modern and sophisticated dishes complemented by a classic bar and wine list. Look for notable menu options like the savory breakfast bowl with farro, red quinoa and beets; organic salmon with grilled broccolini, baby savoy spinach, caramelized lemon and pistachio pesto; or crab cakes with jumbo lump, pepper coulis and jicama slaw. Thirsty? Try one of the many signature cocktails, a craft beer or red or white wine. Here's the menu.
4. La Costa Mexican Sports Bar & Grill
La Costa Mexican Sports Bar & Grill is another much-loved neighborhood go-to, with 4.5 stars out of 38 Yelp reviews. Head over to 194 Cesar Chavez St. to try it for yourself.
This spot's extensive menu includes appetizers, house specialties, burritos, tortas, enchiladas, tacos and more. On the menu, offerings include the tampiqueña, two-mole enchiladas stuffed with shredded chicken served with salad; chicken, steak or seafood fajitas; and the La Costa Burger with bacon, ham, melted cheese, lettuce and avocado. Check out the full menu here.
