Spending time in Merriam Park? Get to know this Saint Paul neighborhood by browsing its most popular local businesses, from a Greek gyro spot to an ice cream parlor.
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top places to visit in Merriam Park, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of neighborhood businesses. Read on for the results.
1. The Naughty Greek
Topping the list is Mediterranean and Greek spot The Naughty Greek. Located at 181 N. Snelling Ave., it's the highest rated business in the neighborhood, boasting 4.5 stars out of 322 reviews on Yelp.
According to its website, this joint creates all of its food from scratch daily and features humanely raised pork, chicken and beef. On the menu, offerings include chicken souvlaki, gyros, lamb and beef kebabs, lamb chops and more. The full menu can be seen here.
2. Izzy's Ice Cream Café
Next up is Izzy's Ice Cream Café, a spot to score ice cream and frozen yogurt, situated at 2034 Marshall Ave. With 4.5 stars out of 284 reviews on Yelp, it's proven to be a local favorite.
Ice cream, sorbets and other frozen treats are available at this dessert chain. Expect flavors such as banana rum, huckleberry, marshmallow, peach and pumpkin. A full list of all available flavors can be seen here.
3. Blue Door Pub St. Paul
Pub and traditional American spot Blue Door Pub St. Paul is another top choice. Yelpers give the business, located at 1811 Selby Ave., four stars out of 732 reviews.
This spot is well known for its interpretation of the popular stuffed cheeseburger dubbed The Juicy Lucy. The Blue Door's version is called the Blucy and the small chain has four locations around the Minneapolis metropolitan area. Other available options include cheese curds with real Wisconsin cheese; Nachos Totchos with tater tots, queso, lettuce and tomatoes; and a variety of wings, salads and desserts. Check out the full menu here.
4. Stewart's
Stewart's, a bar and New American spot, is another much-loved neighborhood go-to, with 4.5 stars out of 121 Yelp reviews. Head over to 128 Cleveland Ave. North to see for yourself.
This place has been around in some capacity since the 1940s, but was reopened under the current owners in 2016. Expect an eclectic mix of American fare, including favorites such as grilled cheese with tomato soup or a walleye dinner served with potatoes and tartar sauce.
There is a reservable back room used for parties and large gatherings. Check out the website for more information and a full list of offerings.
5. Zait & Za'atar
Finally, head over to Zait & Za'atar, which has earned 4.5 stars out of 106 reviews on Yelp. You can find the Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and imported food spot at 1626 Selby Ave.
Expect classic starters like falafel, baba ghanoush and hummus; chicken shawarma and veggie sandwiches; as well as the house salad with olive oil, lemon juice and cilantro. Thirsty? Grab a coffee, espresso, soda or lemonade. Here's the menu.
