Ready to get to know the newest businesses to open in Saint Paul? From a new poke spot to a grocery store, read on for a list of the newest hot spots to make their debut recently.
Poke House & Tea Bar
1570 Randolph Ave. Highland
Poke House & Tea Bar is a spot to score poke, bubble tea, juice and smoothies.
Like the business name suggests, this new spot combines tea and poke, and hangs its hat on signature sushi burritos. Burrito choices include the Dancing Salmon, the Spicy California and Yum Yum Shrimp. Thirsty? Creamy fruit smoothies are available in a variety of flavors, as are many teas.
It's been well-received so far: it's got a five-star rating out of 10 reviews on Yelp.
Yelper Alice S., who reviewed it on Jan. 20, wrote, "This is a lovely addition to the neighborhood. The food is not high art, but it's not meant to be. What it is is a totally solid poke spot with fresh ingredients and a super friendly staff. It's great for a healthy takeout alternative to greasy fast food or pizza."
And Bridget F. added, "Delicious poke bowl and nice people. If you are looking for a healthy, nutritious meal, definitely check this place out."
Hungry? It's open from 11 am.–9 p.m. Monday-Thursday and Sunday, and 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Karibu Grocery & Deli
719 Payne Ave., Payne Phalen
Karibu Grocery & Deli is a convenience store and African and traditional American spot.
This spot is a full service grocer, but also has a restaurant on-site. Check out menu options like samosas stuffed with beef, onion and spices, and roasted chicken prepared in a clay oven with garlic, onion and peppers. (Check out the full menu with a list of offerings here.)
Local customers are excited about the new business: it has a five-star rating out of four reviews on Yelp thus far.
Melissa W., who reviewed it on Feb. 2, said, "Their food is amazing, fresh and tasty. They have a few standard American food items, but I highly recommend their Somali rice dishes. They have chicken and vegetarian options, but I highly recommend the goat dish."
John Linc S. wrote, "The owners are a family from Somalia who serve up fantastic American and East African foods prepared fresh to order."
The new spot is open from 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Monday-Saturday and from 11 a.m.–7 p.m. on Sunday.
St. Paul Tap
825 W. Jefferson Ave., West 7th
St. Paul Tap is a beer bar and traditional American spot.
This place features 25 arcade games, six consoles, high table-top games and nine pinball machines. The bar also features horse racing on Thursdays, bingo on Saturdays and DJs Thursday through Saturday. Customers can also sign up for leagues, including pool, darts and pinball.
It's getting solid feedback on Yelp so far, with a 3.5-star rating out of 19 reviews on the site.
Yelper Nicholas G., who reviewed it on Dec. 3, wrote, "The Adult Chuck-E-Cheese. Take an old bar that was honestly ready for something new, add some delicious burgers, some local craft brews, a bunch of games for adults looking to bring out their inner youth and give it a new name. That's exactly what restaurateur, Mike Tupa, did to the old Tavern on the Ave."
Stacy M. noted, "Impeccable service and phenomenal food and beer on tap. The business also has amazing customer service as they addressed an issue that had come up and took care of it, and then some."
It has yet to post its hours online.
