Great beer. But I felt like they didn't want me there. I would say that it's is more of a depressed gnome. We sat at the upstairs bar and when we requested a beer the bartender mentioned he would have to go all the way downstairs to get it. The next beer we ordered he responded with a reluctant and attitude laced "ok!". Never feels good and is honestly embarrassing to be treated as an unwelcome guest. Love the beer not a fan of the stressed out and overwhelmed wait staff.
(3)
Wayne S.
Fantastic beer selection! I can't say enough about how good the beer list is. My first pour had a bit too much foam, but the beer was great nonetheless. My second beer was basically a porter that had been aged in pinot noir barrels (I wish I could remember the name), and it was interestingly fantastic! The reason I did not give 5 stars was the aforementioned less than perfect pour and an overbearing waiter. We were also told we could only get 1 taste pour per table. We had already had 2 rounds, so we clearly were not trying to get free drinks and this really annoyed me. There's no reason to limit (within reason) the amount of tasting pours when a table is drinking and having a good time. Also, did not order food, but the menu looked unique and well thought out.
(4)
Katie M.
No longer will I confuse The Happy Gnome and The Muddy Pig (general Adjective Creature restaurant in St. Paul). There is a large parking lot and plenty of free street parking. We sat outside on The Happy Gnome's spacious back patio - complete with music and outdoor string lights. A relaxed and fun setting. Our waitress was knowledgeable and friendly. I ordered the Game Burger (sans bun) which was both bison and elk ground into a patty . It was seasoned just perfectly and paired well with the blue cheese sauteed onions on top (yum). There was a lingonberry aioli on the side. The fries were crisp and salty - just right. My friend conveniently forgot his wallet! With tax and tip it was close to $40 for two burgers - no booze. So that's a bit pricey. Definitely would go back, but with more of an understanding that the pricepoint is a bit higher (especially if you want any of their delicious cheese plates or a beer from their extensive beer list).
(4)
Magdalene N.
We had our wedding reception at The Happy Gnome this weekend and it was AWESOME. The food was to die for and the staff was so helpful and easy to work with. They specially created a lamb item for us to serve as well, which was superb. And of course the beverage variety was well enjoyed by all! Thanks to your team for giving us such a relaxing and enjoyable evening.
(5)
Terry M.
I am probably rating it too low. I wouldnt disagree with its 4 rating in that it has a good kitchen and good beer selection. If i come back i probably will rate it higher. But today it was 3. The poutine was made with beef gravy with house-made fries. It was OK. the Boom Island Hoodoo Dubbel was good. The wifi is bad. Dont sit in the northwest corner. Less than 1 Mbps. The menu has a very unusual selection if you are into Sausage stuffed quail and duck bolognese. Some interesting sandwiches that i might come back for, fried veggie juicy lucy, meatloaf sandwich, house-made bratwurst... The background music sucks, but was not loud. On the plus side, the TVs are set to the Syfy channel with CC so i got to watch an ogre eat people while i during my own meal, no thats special. Looking around, the hamburgers looked good, fries house-made, salads fresh... my impression is that the cooks here take their art earnestly. I would recommend the place and i'll probably try it again.
(3)
Jesse H.
Judging this place solely on their poutine, because I'm a poutine snob and I can. While the portion size was quite large (as was my appetite late at night), I had no desire to finish it, even after sharing. The good: The fries, pork belly and bacon were tasty The bad: I prefer when the cheese curds are still whole. Also, where is this gravy you speak of? My entire dish was rather dry. My friends enjoyed their food and I did taste some delicious pizza and heard rave reviews of the lobster mac and cheese. Ok, so I'd probably give the poutine two stars, but I think this place deserves more. I'll choose differently if I return.
(3)
Erica L.
Oh yeah this place is great! Wedge salad and corn risotto. YUM!
(4)
G B.
This was our second time here. The first time we gave it 5 stars. There a a couple of reasons why we might not go back. 1. I ordert the duck. After a couple of minutes the waitress came back and informed me that the duck wasn't cooked yet. I had to choose something else. 2. They were out of the mexican pudding for dessert. 3. They were out of the scotch my husband ordert. 4. The creme brulee was more like a creme soup. The crust was burned . 5. The light in the restaurant is so low, you need a flashlight in order to read the menu. 6. The Bison Steak was full off fat. Bison is suppose to be very lean. The service is fast and friendly.
(3)
Sheila G.
Great place to have beers, we love this place my buddie and I go here every week.
(5)
Jon B.
Great atmosphere and patio! Fantastic beer selection, larger than the food menu. Great food, a bit spendy. Pretzel appetizer was awesome, but for the price should come with 2. Game burger was excellent, but $13, really?! Will definitely be coming back, even with the prices.
(4)
Nicholas G.
If You're HAPPY and You GNOME it... Did you clap your hands or stomp your feet twice? With some 76 different craft style beers and some of the most unique foods to enjoy, I would have to agree that the Happy Gnome is definitely "one of a 100 places you must have a beer at before you die", a rather amazing and worthy list to be added to. My wife and I (who by the way come up with the title of this blog) have been to the Happy Gnome a few times to enjoy their craft beer options because trying something new and unique is so much better than always drinking water beer, a.k.a Mich. Golden Light, Coors Light, etc. the Happy Gnome is also the place that introduced me to my favorite beer of all-time, Curious Traveler Shandy by The Traveler Brewing Co. (formally, The House of Shandy Brewing Co.). So we've enjoyed the wide selection of craft beers, which by the way is ever changing and evolving, but never had the food and we've heard a lot of great things about the food. Unique, different, mysterious and unusual are all adjectives that can describe food and it's exactly what my wife and I love the most about the culinary world. For this reason, you'll be hard pressed to find us dining at a national chain store and instead finding a local, family owned restaurant serving up some of the best, freshest and locally made food you can find, but the key is..... something different! At the Happy Gnome, that's exactly what you're getting and man was it good. This trip was with the in-laws before a Gopher's hockey game and I'm sure glad they chose this place. We started the evening with of course some adult beverages and we also ordered a Canadian favorite, Poutine. What is Poutine, well my friends, it's something delicious and different! Start with the Gnomes hand cut on a daily basis fries and add some cheese curds and sausage gravy... Some damn good food! Those hand cut fries by the way... Some of the best in the Twin Cities hands down! On to the meals and it was burgers for the entire table. My wife and her sister went with a traditional Angus Cheeseburger which was pretty good with Braised Short Ribs and Garlic Aioli to top it off. Our brother in-law went with one of the burgers I was trying to decided and I'm excited to go back to try it - the Game Burger. Doesn't the name just make it sound delicious? The Game Burger was a blend of bison, elk, blue cheese-onions and lingonberry aioli... And that my food loving friends sounds mouth water and why I'm excited to head back to try it! My burger is where my adjectives listed early come into play and why I love food so much. At the Happy Gnome you will find the Duck Burger! A blend of duck, goat cheese, bacon, wild rice and cherry aioli. Absolutely insane flavors and one of the best if not the best burgers I've ever had. Who makes a burger out of duck anyways???? The Happy Gnome sure wasn't scared to try it and I'm glad they had the guts to try it! Again, remember those hand cut fries, that are cut fresh daily? Are you catching on to my madness yet? What I'm saying is more places need to do this because it's the best way to enjoy french fries! So if you're HAPPY and you GNOME it and your face will surely show it (not sure how it won't after this deliciousness I just described), than head down to the Happy Gnome in the historic Cathedral Hill area of St. Paul and try some unique and awesome food as well as some of the nations and Minnesota's very own top craft beers.
(4)
Zac L.
A little on the expensive side but if you want to go out of your comfort zone it has that kind of potential. I had an awesome first experience with duck by ordering their duck burger and the pork tot appetizer was a a different look at a conventional type of pre-food edible. Very good.
(4)
Jacky W.
I immediately felt at home walking into the Happy Gnome. Perhaps it was the growing crowd of people decked in their work finery (we got there around 6p on a Thursday) or the fact that there were many many beers on tap (oh happy day). Whatever it was, I knew immediately that I was in for a fun evening. The beer list alone should make this gastropub one of the happiest places on earth. The adult Disneyland of St. Paul. We were there on a release night (where they release a new brew or two from a specific brewery - often local), so we were able to taste the newest Fulton beers for a discounted price. We also ordered a few "table beers" that we all shared to sample. The food was decent, but a bit overpriced. I would rather spend my money on trying more beers. But I wouldn't mind another pretzel. That was the perfect pairing. Thanks for thinking of it, Germans!
(4)
Jess Z.
Cool atmosphere good service, food is amazing! It would get five stars but they were almost too heavy with the sauces, I would just order them on the side or ask for light sauce, overall great time!
(4)
Ken A.
Holy smokes! This is so much more than a pub. Yes, the home brew and wine lists are robust, but it's the food that stands alone here. I started with the daily chicken and rice soup. Big pieces of chicken. Dee-lish! My wife had the beet salad with red and yellow beets! I had a couple of bites. Dee-lish! For entrees, I had the duck with risotto and kale and she had the beef short rib with polenta and carrots. In-cred-i-ble! The duck was seared and cooked to medium well in the oven, then the breast was thin sliced and served with a leg. The short rib was thick, lean and meaty with a dark demi-glaze. When we thought it couldn't get any better, she had the stout ginger bread with orange slices and whipped cream. I had the cherry pie with semifreddo. I'm not going to ruin any surprises with these, but I will say that simply remembering them causes goose bumps to form and my mouth to water. The service was excellent. The entire staff was friendly and knowledgeable. Be prepared, this place is a bit pricey, and worth every red cent. We'll be back again and again.
(5)
Ken P.
We really enjoy the Gnome. A divvy bar with fantastic food. The Side Car martini is amazing. The squash ravioli is not to be missed. Charcuterie is classy beyond all expectation. This is a great place to go for a drink and a couple of appetizers after work that turn into dinner. Lobster macs and cheese is too salty. Nummy but too salty
(5)
Matt E.
Great beer selection, however, their food prices are pretty high. Albiet their food is good.
(4)
D B.
No. This is not our type of place. Now we know so we don't have to wonder or return. Food was completely lackluster. Bill was ridiculous. Beware there is a back room not in the pictures and it lacks character, feels like you are in the suburbs, and is cold. I don't love being cold when I eat. On the up-side, beer ordered was good.
(2)
Hanna N.
Favorite gastro pub in Minnesota. Amazing food, great ambience, excellent service and extensive organized beer list. We always go here with out of town friends because we know they'll have an awesome time! We usually share appetizers, which always keep us full enough for our favorite adult beverages. Our favorites are: -steak tartare -dry rubbed wings -mussels -poutine -chicken wild rice soup -butter squash soup This list makes me hungry...So I will stop. You can't go wrong here. Really. Just go with your first options. We always enjoy brunch on Sundays on the patio. They usually have nice music, which helps too!
(5)
Trey C.
Food was good, but not great and the beer selection was well selected. The service was slow and inattentive (at best) but the vibe, in the bar anyway, was appealing enough that I would go back to give it a second try.
(4)
Crystal T.
This was our first time at The Happy Gnome, and I have to say I was very satisfied. My husband and I were warmly welcomed in by the staff, and asked right away what we wanted to drink.....it was hard to chose cause they happen to have so many on tap beers and hand crafted drinks (great place to go out for a drink, plus they have a bar). We started with Pei Mussels in a white wine chorizo creme fraîche broth for appetizers, the mussels melted in your mouth, not that rubbery kind of texture when you order from Asian restaurants. For our main entrees: I ordered the Beef Rib Eye completed with creamy baby reds, horseradish crème, mushroom-red wine sauce, I love my steaks cooked med-rare but as for a pregnant lady I had to go with med-well and it was cooked perfectly. My husband was a little nervous about ordering Wild Boar Chops but he said that this was the best chops he has ordered. Overall, our experience was good, our food came out fast and this is a place we would definitely go back to again.
(4)
Vince S.
Did not stay here long. This place is packed days after Thanksgiving. They have a lot beers on tap, I would say about. Too bad there were only 2-3 of them that interested me when I was there. There are specific beers from Indeed, Fulton, August Schell, & Lucid that I was looking for that were not on rotation. Did not try the food. Eating & drinking simultaneously does not work for me. I am certain they are delicious though. Bartender is very quick & attentive considering how busy it was. Seems like they rotate their selections ferociously. If I live around here I would probably come here pretty often.
(4)
Chelsea T.
This place is nice for some drinks and a good time. May be a little pricey but not to the extreme. The beer list can be overwhelming. But it's cool to see all the different kinds they offer. I tried the Korean BBQ tacos. They were pretty good and filling if you aren't too hungry. Overall, it's a great place to hang out with friends if your in St. Paul.
(5)
Michael E.
Great beer selection and interesting menu. I'd love to come back here. Food was a bit salty though.
(4)
Bob B.
If it was possible to give this place a six I would. Absolutely wonderful. Great food great service great desert. Actually called the manager over and complimented her on the place. I've traveled around the world, this is only the second time I've done this. Great place !
(5)
Brittany N.
First things first, the House Made Pretzel... you MUST get this. After a few cocktails and the second time around at the Gnome, this is what I remember most and most fondly. Now, I understand this place is known for their burgers, but honestly, they've just never looked that appealing to me. My friends all ordered them when we were out to dinner and they just looked okay. I tried a bite of my boyfriends and well, whatever, nothing special. I ordered the Cioppino and it was excellent. If you like seafood and it's cold outside, definitely give it a try. You will be happy you did. On another night out I got some kind of tator tot things, I don't remember what they were called exactly but they were awesome, too...especially with a few drinks. Another thing that really stood out to me here was the staff. I didn't know what I wanted for wine and my server made fantastic recommendations to go with the food I was ordering. Most places with staff this knowledgeable are usually way too pretentious; not the case here. I always feel comfortable here and am always rewarded with the food and drinks I order. I'll definitely continue to go back. If you haven't already, give it a try.
(4)
Adam W.
Sometimes I'm real happy about going to the Gnome. This is because the beer selection is fantastic. Come for the beer. Enjoy the beer. WOOO!! BEER!!!! Sometimes I feel crappy about coming to the Gnome. This is because the rest of the experience, even with BEER, does not measure up. The menu is full of items that are just plain odd, likely the result of a chef who is trying too hard, e.g. the duck confit bruschetta and/or the "meat pizza" with peaches. The burgers are tasty, but they better be at $13/per. Entree prices are completely over the top for what is far from a fine dining experience ($42 ribeye, I'm looking at you). The BEER list draws in the crowds, so the place gets busy. It's often difficult to find a seat in the bar. Bartenders are friendly but are often so slammed that it takes a long time to get served. Happy Gnome? Crappy Gnome? We will accept both answers as correct.
great tap beer selection. the inside during the winter is super cool authentic. the summer patio rocks MN worlds. the food is ok. go for the beer! look for the bartender that looks like the Jack on playing cards.
(3)
Erik S.
Pretentious menu, mediocre food quality, grumpy life-less servers and host. I won't be going back.
(2)
Lisa P.
Happy Gnome indeed! I was meeting friends before a concert this weekend and stopped by as it had seating available and didn't look too busy. The customers were so friendly, one noticed I was standing at the door waiting for a host and told me to sit anywhere. The server was promptly at my booth, gave me an excellent recommendation for a seasonal beer, and let me wait for my lost friends. She was attentive while I waited, but did not try to rush me (or make me feel like a loser for having such directionally-challenged friends). Once my friends arrived, the server returned and took drink orders, even giving an economical suggestion for splitting Pelligrino. When she heard we had 40 minutes to eat she suggested the cream of cauliflower soup and calemari. Both were served promptly and were good. The soup had a little too much bacon for Yngve (although no amount of bacon in the world could cover up cauliflower taste in my book) and the calemari was a tad rubbery. In short, service was excellent, food was tasty, and beer was great!
(5)
Bella J.
Ohhhhh the beer.... Love the variety! It satisfies kids - light beer people - extremely anything beer people - and even cider fanatics! Vegetarian?! Get that veggie patty/burger thing! TO DIE FOR!
(5)
Chelsea L.
Came highly recommended to us by a friend and weren't disappointed. Well, maybe a little, we were having a late dinner and they were out of one of the pasta dishes by the time we ordered. That said, what we ordered was still delicious and our service was great. I had the carbonara, which with very much on the heavy side, but oh so good. Even though we were there later in the evening, their (small) lot was full and vultures were circling. Thankfully, street parking is plentiful around there, so we snagged a spot on the street quickly.
(4)
Dana L.
I've been here a couple of times over the last few years and my impression has always been the same--I really WANT to like it here, but the service staff are consistently inattentive. Went yesterday (8/09/15) specifically for brunch (I checked out their website and there didn't seem to be an end time for brunch menu) and was greeted by a pleasant hostess--she sat me while I waited for my friend to arrive and placed brunch menus on the table. The server came by and grabbed the menus off the table saying brunch was over (it was 1:58 by my watch, but that's fine...) I won't give you a play-by-play for the rest of the meal, but suffice to say our food was good, but no one ever checked on us after it was delivered, I was never offered another drink, and my water glass sat empty for a looong time before anyone stopped by.
(3)
Blondie T.
This place is great. We eat here at least once every time we come to St. Paul since my husband is a craft beer lover. The charcuterie plate is really something. The meats are cured in house and there is plenty of it!! And if you can't find a good beer to drink...... We have found the bar staff quite nice and attentive, esp. Ryan. He treated us very well and we will definitely be back next time we are in town.
(4)
Victoria N.
The bison burger was good. The duck burger wasn't that good . The outdoor seating is fun. The menu is interesting . Drink selection is great . I would Come back.
(4)
Erin G.
Yes, this place is awesome. It's been on my list FOREVER to go to. I've been here years ago, but it's been so long it was like a brand new experience. We came for brunch. The menu was amazing and it took us all forever to decide what to get! Everything sounded great. I went with the croque madame, which was on a house made biscuit with turkey, mozzarella, mornay sauce, and the egg. This was out of this world good. Rocked my socks off. It came with a delicious salad. And we split the blueberry pancakes, which were legit. The bloody mary bar was insane! It's not quite Hell's Kitchen insane, but it was amazing and well worth it. I may or may not have had a second round. Our server was very sweet and helpful. I highly recommend this place! I want to come back for lunch sometime and try that game burger.
(5)
Stacie C.
The Happy Gnome came highly recommended so when some time in our schedule opened up, I was happy to make this suggestion. I was told they had a great craft beer selection and they certainly did. Places like this are ideal for someone like me, an out-of-towner who enjoys craft beer but doesn't have the time for all the breweries individually. I was excited to try Farm Girl Saison from Lift Bridge Brewery since I wanted to stop there but had to eliminate it from our final tour around Minnesota. We ordered up a few flights to try some other local favorites, including brews from Lucid and Third Street Brewhouse. Can't speak for the food as we were only there to drink. I would have easily given The Happy Gnome 5 stars if they hadn't been out of a couple beers we wanted to try. I do love a place where the beer menu has more items than the food menu but find it disappointing when popular local items aren't available.
(4)
Sarah U.
Came here late night for a nosh Lobster mac: 3 stars Creamy and rich, lots of lobster but not enough salt and overwhelming truffle flavor. Very close but no cigar for me Regular burger & fries: 2.5 stars Burger was dry, fries were oily and soggy like the oil was not hot enough when frying. I would be back to try again just to be sure, but I was quite underwhelmed. Other than the truffle lol
(3)
Lawkong V.
One of my places I like to go to. The patio during the summer is a fun place to be to grab beers and food. They also have a great selection onbeers and cocktails.
(5)
Meredith E.
Finally made it to the Happy Gnome and I'm sooo impressed. Extensive and noteworthy beer list in good organization. Lots of local brews and top beers from afar. For lunch I had the fried vegetable 'Juicy Lucy'. AMAZING. GET IT. The fries came with 2 dipping sauces that were also very tasty. My brother had the wings and said they were really good. He also ate them with a fork. WTF Bro?!? Both bartenders were super chatty and fun. I'll definitely be back next time I'm in town!
(5)
Yunzhi W.
We stumbled upon the Happy Gnome after a day at Drive-a-Tank ( yelp.com/biz/drive-a-tan… ). The boyfriend and I were both exhausted and dusty. And, once again, Yelp did not disappoint. We were incredibly pleased with our selection of the Happy Gnome. It was located in a cute area of town - had a bit of a Boyleston Street (in Boston) feel, but with nicer looking people. The menu was quite extensive - both in food and beer selection. The crowd at the bar was incredibly friendly - maybe that's just the character of St. Paul's. No one batted an eye at our slightly bedraggled appearance. Our waitress was sweet and helpful. I changed my mind about my order, and chased her down to tell her. She simply waived away my apologies and cheerfully told me she'd take care of it. For our dinner, the boyfriend had some sort of coffee-flavoured coffee beverage, the hash taters, and the sliders. I had the mussels, a bread basket, and the duck burger. Every single item we ordered was pleasantly tasty. I really have no complaints. My duck burger had a touch too much goat cheese on it, which was overpowering. But otherwise, no complaints. Not a bad find for a blind shot on yelp. I'd return if I was in the area again.
(4)
Tony D.
We were happy to stumble upon this craft beer bar on a recent visit to Minnesota. The place was busy on a Saturday night but we did not have to wait too long for a table. The service was polite and prompt. My colleagues and I all enjoyed our meals and drinks. There was a large menu of craft beers and whiskeys which we appreciated. Definitely will be back on our next visit to town.
(4)
Gene W.
Every Wednesday at 11:30 AM the St. Paul Success BNI chapter meets here. They are very good at handling a group of 40 to 50 people. Emily was our server and does an outstanding job.
(5)
josh s.
The MN game burger is awesome, and my wife was all about the veggie juicy lucy. The gnocchi to start was incredible as well. The only complaint was that the first beer I got tasted like it was the first one poured for the day from that tap - warm, no carbonation, way too much head (but no carbonation in the beer - odd). I always feel a bit ripped off when I get a $7 beer and the top half of the glass is foam, but oh well. Switching to the standard Magic Hat #9 for my second beer was more what I expected - cold and tasty. It's always an odd catch-22 with beer places that have a ton of taps - the selection is incredible, but with so many choices, a lot of the beers just sit in the lines for way too long, waiting to be poured. Services was awesome. Decor was great. Really looking forward to the fall when I can throw on a sweatshirt and sit on the patio on a cool afternoon.
(4)
Tony H.
While the service sometimes leaves something to be desired, the beer selection and amaZing good makes up for everything. If you're a beer coneseur, definitely take a friend here and puff your chest by ordering a 1554. Enjoy!
(4)
Bee J.
Great beer, good food, bad service.
(3)
Tim F.
Great selection of beers both domestic and foreign on tap. Food is a tad pricey for what you get, but there are some menu options that are much more adventurous that other local faves. Somehow this place always makes me drunk against my will. I go with the goal of enjoying a good beer and end up being driven home by the designated driver of the group. Always have fun here, but as always, who you're with is as important as where you're at!
(4)
Scott H.
Wow, it's craft beer nirvana in the Twin Cities. I'd kill to have a place that fits the bill so completely at home in Chicago. Wonderful beer selection...check. Knowledgeable barkeeps who can recommend a beer that you'll really like...check. Great menu running the gamut from cheese flights to burgers to full-on entrees...check! Great ivy-covered historic building with a nice-looking beer garden...CHECK! Wow, this is the first place I'll return when my travels take me back to the Twins! Gotta check out one of those beer dinners too!
(5)
Brooke M.
Good lord this place was awesome! Walked in skeptical and expecting regular bar food but found out their small menu is out-of-this-world delicious. Angus burger and chicken sandwich are great! They also have a HUGE beer selection. Very impressed!!!!
(5)
Scotty B.
Good apps. Slow service.
(3)
Jessica S.
The Happy Gnome has delicious food, a great atmosphere and a HUGE selection of beer. If you like trying new kinds of beer, the Happy Gnome is your place. I give it 4 instead of 5 stars because it's a little bit expensive- it's more of a "splurge" place to go out to eat. Over all it's really solid and I would happily go there if I had something to celebrate!
(4)
Jim B.
We went to this place last night with great expectations. I knew they had great beer list and I had checked the reviews and found many that were excellent. Well, the beer was good although they only had one authentic brown ale (yes, I know it is summer) out of 76 taps. Good Belgians and a couple of good porters. So the beer was great, no complaints. The waitress said the Duck Burger was one of her favorites so I ordered it. It was very dry and spiced up with something I definitely did not like. I left at least a fourth of it on the plate because I just couldn't eat it. The fries were good. The service was quite slow. We might go back sometime for the beer but not soon.
(3)
Shannon C.
The "Gnome"....love the beer selection, food is also high point. Summer evenings on the patio are divine, and they have great events (Firkenfest, Brewers Dinners). An all around fantastic bet - a highlight on Selby Avenue!
(4)
Joseph W.
This bar has one of the best beer selections in the Twin Cities. It rotates, but they usuallly have favorites of mine like Franziskaner, Leffe Blonde, Wittekerke, and others. The menu can be good and it can be bad. They have an adventurous chef and not everything works out. They also do bar staples like wings and fries and those are always good. The music is some shitty satellite channel and there's only one television but if you want to talk with your friends over a good beer... this place is great.
(4)
Tim H.
Thought we would try the Blue Door because of all the hype around their burgers but when we got there it was a very long wait so we drove down Selby pondering where to eat. We stumbled upon the Happy Gnome and thought we would stop. The first thing I noticed was the large selection of beers available. Since we were out for a burger my wife and I both ordered the burger off the menu. What a pleasant surprise. We both agreed that it was the best burger we had ever had. Beats the Nook and Kings Place hands down! It was a little on the expensive side but it was well worth it. We will be back!!!
(5)
jenny A.
Great beer and the food I had here was excellent: steak, mashed potatoes. It was pricey but it was also really good. Yeah, it's so simple they probably couldn't screw it up which is why I often order steak and mashed potatoes. I actually like this place better than when it was Chang O'Hara's.
(4)
Ed D.
The best beer selection I've ever seen, with literally hundreds of choices from around the globe. Try the Kwak, which comes in a goofy glass (which I'm sure is vital for expressing the aroma or whatever), or really any of the Belgian beers. The food can be a bit hit-or-miss, and last time we went they apparently had pretentions towards being an upscale, $25-entree kind of place. (Child, please. You're a bar -- a very good bar, but a bar. You ain't Heartland. Stick with your strengths.) But as long as you stick to the bar menu, you'll have a good, reasonably-priced meal.
(4)
Lacey P.
I''ve been here several times (on other people's suggestions) and never really undertand why people choose to go here. The beer list is huge, yes. And they do have an outdoor patio. But that's where the joy ends. They have REALLY expensive bar food that is not impressive. The last time I went the whole table ordered these really fatty chicken wings that were $10 (!!!) and there were still feathers on them. Yes, feathers. That we had to pluck. The ahi tuna sushi thing is really just tiny slabs of tuna with wasabi, ginger, and flatbread. Their food has never really astounded me, but the high prices have. The service takes forever and is really bad at communicating. The decor is blah. I got a beer. A local beer at that. $6! Add a tip onto that and it was a $7 beer. Next time I'm dragged here, I'll just bring a flask and hide out in the bathroom.
(2)
Michael C.
I hadn't been to the Happy Gnome in a few years and the last time I went I sat outside. Becuase of this, I had no idea about the extensiveness of their draft beer list. Anyways, it is impressive and if you are a beer person, this is the place for you. As far as the food goes, I came here recently for brunch and got one of the better chicken sandwiches I have had in the long long time. So this could mean one of two things, I don't eat many chicken sandwiches or the sandwich here is really that good. I believe it is the latter of the two options.
(4)
Mark H.
Good beer and booze selection, but the food is small and somewhat pretentious.
(2)
Kevin M.
I was so offended when Chang O'Hara's closed, that I actually boycotted this place for the first year they were open. The name and sign out front didn't help - I expected hippies and hobbits. Boy, is my face ever red. The Happy Gnome has one of the best beer selections in this fair town (complete with beer dinners monthly). Their single-malt list is nothing to sneeze at either. I wish they still had the duck/goat cheese app they had when I first went in a couple years ago, but even without it the menu is excellent. Go for brunch and get the B.E.L.T. Thank me later. The salads are exceptional, and the burgers will squirt you with their liquid awesome. The fries are a great example of soda-fountain, malt-shop fries, a perfect spicy compliment to anything you have on your plate. I docked a star because they share a parking lot with the curling club, and that means I can't park for the weekend leagues. Also I wish there was more seating away from the bar. Otherwise yet another great example of the fantastic neighborhood bars in Saint Paul, despite the unfortunate name.
(4)
Kristen H.
The good: They probably do have the best beer selection in town(meaning biggest variety of quality product). There are places that have more beers but if you are interested in trying new craft beers or rare imports this is probably your best bet for experimentation. In addition, I've generally enjoyed their food. While they don't quite meet the standards set by some of my favorite gastro-pubs, and sometimes have some misses on the menu, I usually find it quite tasty. At times, it's excellent, like the butternut squash risotto i had recently. The bad: I was torn here about what to knock off for, because some of it is really about personal morals. However, - one star off for value. Best beer list yes, best beer prices, no. If you want to impress someone who's a beer snob this is an easy pick but I guarantee there are places in town where you'll drink just as well for a lot less cash. And yes, they have more options, but are you really going to drink more than 4 or 5 different beers in a night, especially if they are high gravity? Plus, as has been mentioned the food sizes are often a little small for what you are paying. - The other star is because of certain issues I have with the way the place is run and the attitude they have with local brewers and other bar owners. I'm not going to go into details because this isn't the venue (and to most it probably wouldn't matter), but suffice to say they bother me and impact my enjoyment of this establishment.
(3)
Goober G.
Stopped in for dinner last night and had a nice meal. The beer selection was great and the service was, by far, the best we ever had. We sat at a booth in the bar and were treated very well by the server.....very attentive, good recommendations, and not overly "in your face all the time".....just perfect service.
(4)
Ann S.
Beer. That's what it's all about here. Lift Bridge Farm Girl Saison- awesome! Avery Maharaja IPA- holy smokes! Anything Furthermore- hell yeah! Just last night: Tyranena Hefe-Weizen that was all tropical fruit/banana/clove-y. Excellent! Not a bad beer in the place. Food? Better than most bars, but if you're expecting to have your mind blown, well, don't go to a bar to eat, sweetie. Bars are for drinkin'. Service? Like a bar- scratch that.... like ALL dining experiences, if you treat the server like a servant, what kind of service do you think you're going to get? If you go often, spend a little money, mind your manners, don't camp out nursing your one beer for three hours, tip nicely, remember the employee's names, don't bogart their time when they've got a ton of other people to please (ie; in general, behave decently) the service will work hard for you. I love the Gnome! Thanks for being in my world!
(5)
The -.
Great beer selection with knowledgable wait staff. Surprisingly impressive food. We each had the chef's tasting menu (very reasonably-priced, for a change), and came away very satisfied. Never had kangaroo before, but the gnome made it delicious. A mix-up was made b/w our order & somebody else's (we had the same scallop dish, just sans-swine). Certainly an opportunity for a bad impression. Alas, these things happen from time to time (at ANY restaurant), and our waitress recovered gloriously. An apologetic bow, followed by speedy meal replacement, and drinks paid-for could make just about any patron forget a slight flub, and it did. Lovely atmosphere in a neighborhood establishment that caters to a wide range of dress codes. It would be really tough to feel out of place here. Most people come here to drink, and appear to by quite happy with that alone, but the menu has some culinary gems as well. Simply put, a pub is just not supposed to have food this good.
(5)
Erin S.
Great beer selection. A must-visit when my beer snobs are in town.
(4)
Ms. B.
Great beer selection, but dinner was just lame. I ordered the scallops, but when my dish came, there was ONE scallop. For $12. I asked if this was normal, and the waitress said "no," checked with the kitchen and informed me that I only got one because it was a big scallop, tough luck. I mean, really? I guess this kind of summarizes my feelings about the Gnome - it's fine, but you get the feeling that the people working there kind of hate their customers.
(2)
Ryan J.
Impressive liquor section yes, however the crowd here is somewhat awkward. The last time I went an old man was in the middle of the bar making out with someone who might have just turned 19 last month. Very creepy, and even though I was able to consume liquor at a fast pace the Woody Allen gentleman still bothered me. I went with a few friends and we had a good time, perhaps if I had a larger group with me I may have enjoyed the surroundings a little more. Gnomes, although creepy, who doesn't like them?
(4)
Morriss P.
Cute, adorable, great beer, terrific burgers, friendly staff. What more could you ask for? The only downside is that they were understaffed the day I was there. But the bartender who also had to serve had a great sense of humor about it and was very friendly.
(4)
Becca B.
Went for New Years Eve dinner. I had the cornish game hen and the gentleman friend had the bison steak. He really enjoyed his, and my food was good as well, with a few minor complaints. The rice was delicious, but only because it was absolutely soaked in butter (perhaps Paula Deen is moonlighting?) and the bird itself was slightly salty. The place strikes me as having an identity crisis: pub feel with fine dining prices (but not exactly fine dining quality food). I'm sure I'll go back, but probably for small plates and drinks rather than dinner. The waiter was attentive, but not overly so, just how I like it!
(4)
Courtney W.
I wish I lived closer! This is where I kick it with my St Paul peeps. Love the huge beer list, love the food, love the upstairs, love the building's history, love the tile in the bathrooms (is it slate?). I heart you, Happy Gnome.
(5)
Janet D.
A selection of beer to please even the non-beer drinker!
(4)
Fres T.
over priced. blah. nice patio out back though.
(1)
Kaiser K.
Two words: BELGIAN BEER!!!
(5)
Jennifer W.
This is kind of like my neighborhood bar. I go here when I don't feel like dressing up, although it is fancy and the food is expensive so maybe I should wear something nicer...but whatever. It's a chill scene inside and I am often overwhelmed by my beer choices. I wish they offered flights, but they don't. I also wish they had some normal bar food and more vegetarian options. One of these times I'm going to get dessert, because the chocolate cakes look sooooo good on the plate.
(4)
Scott J.
If you are looking for a Miller Lite and a Jucy Lucy, this isn't the place. However, if you are looking for the best beer selection in the Twin Cities and a menu that will appeal to foodies, this is the place. All the best local brews are represented and if Belgians are your thing, you won't be disappointed. I'm a hophead so I've enjoyed Surly Furious, Bells Two Hearted, Tyranena Scurvy, and some great meals. John the bass playing bartender is a nice guy to chat while you enjoy yourself.
(5)
Tom H.
This is not the place to come for a Lite beer from Miller. This place is in the top end of the spectrum for GREAT CRAFT BEERS! A bit spendy, but the selection is staggering! It is a case of what to try first! The staff is great! It has been a long time since I had a TWO BROTHERS beer. I had the Cane and Ebel... soooooo nice! I have only eaten there once.....very solid.
(5)
Kate P.
Great beer selection--find a new favorite here. It's a great haunt for post-college aged folks thirsty for good beer and hungry for off the path eats-- A must for happy hour or dinner.
(4)
Jenny R.
while i could see how some people think the food is pretentious in regard to the setting (lodge-like bar), every single dish at my table was unbelievable. the general consensus was that my dish was the best. venison osso-bucco...ugh i want more NOW! this was one of the best pieces of meat i have ever tasted. it was fall-off-the-bone as osso-bucco should be. it wasn't very gamey, and it was smothered in some brandy-type sauce that i could drink. it was served with polenta and roasted vegetables, which were fabulous as well. other dishes included scallops, duck, and some sort of shrimp dish. all which were great. we also ordered butternut squash gnocci as an appetizer...they should serve it for dessert (which could be weird, but it was really sweet). the beer list is extensive. i had a bells hopslam - 10% alcohol. i was pretty buzzed after one - which was the goal. then i had another.
(5)
Janie W.
We'd go here every night for a drink if we could. It's the perfect casual dining experience. There are gazillions of fresh and tasty brews, the cocktails are well made I would describe their food as upscale, pub-style and it's spot on. The atmosphere is comfy and spirited at the same time. We especially love going here for their delicious brunch with Jim Ouska on guitar in a very classy jazz trio. Shoot for the off-peak restaurant times unless you are okay with waiting + crowds.
(5)
E K.
I've been here a couple of times before, but went there last night (6/3/10) for dinner with a friend. The atmosphere is very nice, the food was pretty good (crab cakes were not that great--too breaded and fried), and the beer selection is excellent (lots of variety!), but the service was terrible last night. Our waiter, Dan, was inattentive--we sat there for 15 minutes before he stopped by for the first time. They appeared to be seriously understaffed for a very busy Thursday evening. The patio was packed, which is not surprising given that it was a nice evening, and the restaurant is very popular, so I was surprised to see how unprepared they were in staffing levels. I think we were there for almost 3 hours due to the slow service! I would usually give this place 4 stars for the atmosphere, food, and beer selection, but had to take it down one start because of last night's experience.
(3)
Stephanie S.
Beer sampler: to die for. You can get a sampler of any beer on the menu, and there are dozens! Many are on draft. Our server pointed us in the right direction with some choice words, which we really appreciated. The food: delicious. Not cheap, but I'd rather pay more for great food than pay less for crap (or more for crap, even worse). My favorite pub here in Minnesota, so far! (My gf: "The Happy Gnome makes us SO happy!")
(5)
Mary B.
Oh the bliss! After driving from Chicago (Surly run) we pulled into the Gnome for luncheon on a recent Friday. The outside seating is spacious and lovely. It didn't hurt that the weather was awesome. But OMG, not as awesome as the beer list. Hands down, one of the best I've seen. And as serious beer geeks, we have traveled extensively in the pursuit of craft beer and great beer bars. This is one of the best! I had a Fulton Sweet Child O'Vine. Delicious. Then I had a Grand Teton Lost Continent Double IPA. Fantastic. For luncheon, I had the Duck Confit Roquette salad and DH had the mussels. My food was good. Not great, but good. All in all, a truly memorable afternoon spent drinking great beer and eating good food in a beautiful setting. I wish I were sitting there right now!
(5)
Victor M.
good beer with a large selection.. food was good too.. the prices are a little steep but i think the taste justifys the price. the deserts are very good too..
(3)
Rob W.
certainly a welcoming pub to wash down a pint. The food is pretty good and the selection of beers is nearly endless.
(4)
Brian S.
My uncle turned me on to this place. We did not have any food, as we had just come from Punch Pizza on Cleveland. But, we decided to have a beer. I had a Belgian light beer that was clean, crisp, and full bodied. This place is known for Belgian beers, especially a lot on tap. Our sever, Emily, was bubbly, knowledgeable, and eager to answer any questions and make recommendations. Man,! the food smelled wonderful; I will have to try it when I am back here in June. So, for excellent Belgin beers in a lively atmosphere with friendly, casual service, The Happy Gnome cannot be beat. Keep up the good work guys.!
(5)
Amy G.
I will start by saying that neither myself nor anyone in my party are "beer snobs," and some reviewers have said this place is perfect for those people. They do have a very extensive beer and liquor list, but we simply wanted a nice, relaxing dinner before a concert. In a few words, this was the worst dining experience I've ever had. The place was busy for a Tuesday evening, and there were only two waitresses servicing the dining room and the patio. Needless to say, service was a major problem. We waited 20 minutes just to put in a drink order, and two people in my party who ordered from the bar waited another 20 minutes for their drinks (which we saw sitting on the bar waiting for our waitress nearly the entire time). The beer was warm by the time it reached our table. Another couple near our table waited just as long and then finally got up and left. The restaurant's website claims that it serves "Nouveau American Electic" and "delicious" food. I disagree strongly with both claims. What the restaurant does seem to have is a chef/manager that is trying too hard to be something it is not. Charging more for the food does not make it better. While the items on the menu may be interesting to read, they do not work at all in practice. Everything but the kitchen sink was the approach, and it did not work. The food was bland, overcooked, and the flavors did not make sense together. My turkey tenderloin was far overcooked, the sauce had already seeped into the meat by the time it reached me, and the stuffing of bland mushy squash, spinach, and cheese just did not work. My husband ordered the pork tenderloin, which was nearly flavorless, wrapped in limp bacon, and again had strange ingredients that did nothing to help the dish (plantains). He says that his warm curly spinach salad would have been great, had it been warm. There was another long wait for a soft drink refill after the food was served, and yet another long wait for the check. Had the waitress said 'I'm so sorry, we're short-staffed tonight but flag me down if you need something," it would have been one thing. But no apology, no acknowledgement, nothing. When the $120 bill came, we asked to speak to the manager (who, through our meal, had been sitting at the bar cutting menu pages and not helping her obviously overwhelmed staff). We explained our numerous frustrations, and she explained that it was her fault for giving another waitress the night off. Partly true, but definitely not an excuse for the many problems we had. She said she would comp us a round of drinks. Too bad that was a bottle of Miller Light and a glass of wine (the other two of us had sodas). Hardly worth it. To be honest, all I wanted from these people was a heartfelt apology for the extremely lousy food and service, not a bill comp. No such luck. If they called me tomorrow and said "Geez, we really screwed up. Come back tomorrow for a free meal with drinks and dessert" I wouldn't bother. As others have said, if you are into beer, bring plenty of $$ and sit in the bar. Otherwise, I would stay away from this place. There are plenty of other approachable restaurants in this area with great staff and great food.
(1)
Yolanda T.
The food is a bit over priced, but you can't go wrong with the beer selection. They have 70 different beers on tap! A great place for anyone that loves craft beer.
(4)
p a.
Good beers, go to the Muddy Pig if you want good beers AND service.
(2)
Meghann F.
I am so excited about my duck burger that I had last night, i just had to yelp about it!! It was juicy and tasty and perfect oh my! There was goat cheese and bacon crumbles on top and maybe some other aioli in it, but I don't remember - but dang it was amazing! The gnome has an awesome beer selection and a kickin house band on wednesday nights - the feelin' band - really soulful with a cool sound - go check them out!! Also - order the duck burger - and maybe a few beers - because there are soooo many to choose from that you can't get just one!
(5)
Bruce B.
Enjoyed a great meal at the Happy Gnome - have been there a couple of times and the food is always great, the ambiance it fabulous and I've always had a great time. I enjoyed the Brussels sprouts and a couple of beers I'd never heard of - loved it! My only issue is that it's not a cheap date! We spent over $50 on beers and apps.
(4)
Maria A.
It was very un-remarkable. I saw some of the reviews and wasn't going to make reservations but then I saw the pictures of the food and decided to go. I was a little embarrassed because we brought our friends who were a little shocked at the 38 dollar entrees at a pub. We tried 3 of the 4 salads and while our wedge salad was good, our friends salads were VERY small. They were really the only interesting food we got, the rest was just pricey pub food. Completely un-remarkable. My chicken sandwich was pretty good but average nothing that you would need to go back for. My husband had the game burger which he liked but nothing special, the pizzas were average and our fries were cooked at too low of a temp or something, they were overcooked and soggy like they had absorbed a lot of oil. It wasn't horrible but I wouldn't go back. I also was struggling that we had reservations for 5:15pm but our plans were running a bit late and we called to see if we could move them to 6 and they would not allow us to so we had to leave our summit brewery tour and not taste the rest of the beers. Now, I could understand this but they had open tables the whole time we were there so I wasn't very pleased about that. Also, there is no way to be at the bar without being in the way and there is no way to get in and out of the restaurant without trying to wedge through the bar crowd and they aren't happy about it. It's just not anything I would try again or go back for.
(2)
Alex I.
We go here occasionally with some friends of ours who live nearby. The beer list is pretty fantastic and the food is pretty good too. However, their prices are pretty extreme. The beer isn't too bad, but it's more than some of the other good beer bars nearby. The food is also pretty pricy, we've eaten there a couple of times, and it always seems pretty high for the quality of the result. It's still pretty pretty good. The service is always excellent and you pay a premium for a staff that REALLY knows their beers. Also, the sheer selection of beer is pretty epic. At any rate, I'm sure we will be back.
(4)
Amy R.
This is one I can cross off the neighborhood list. Suggested this place to some friends and really wish that I hadn't. Both of them had bad experiences. Mine wasn't that bad. Our server did not seem into being a server. Very curt and put out. One of my friends called her out on her attitude and she verified that she had a rough day and kind of brushed it off. She must have felt bad later, because the manager came over to do damage control. The pumpkin beer ale that I had was pretty good. I wasn't sure how it would be so I asked for a small sample. This place doesn't have a happy hour,but we were told that they take $1 off certain drinks. Ok, whatever. The manager offered to comp an appetizer which wasn't necessary. It all looked horribly dull and boring anyways. I thought it was nice of her to come over, but at that point our experience was just kind of tarnished. My other friend ordered the pork dish which was horribly over priced. She said it was nothing to write home about for the price, and was dull and tasteless. I would have to agree that $26 dollars for what she received was ridiculous. This place may be great for the beers and other drinks, but the service was blah and the food choices are horribly overpriced and boring. The place is really trying to be more sophisticated then they actually present and deliver. Sorry, but will most likely not be returning. Not because of the service.People have off days. The boring food choices just wouldn't lure me back.
(2)
Melly N.
If I could give a half star, my rating would be a 3.5. For starters, they have an excellent beer selection, and a seemingly knowledgable wait staff. Our server was able to recommend two great beers to go with our meals and preferences. That part of the experience alone was 5 stars. My guest had the game burger. I didn't try it, so i cant rate it. It looked nice. I had the duck burger. I've had duck before. And duck as a burger sounded incredible. But. Well. As sad as I am to say, I honestly couldn't tell the difference between the flavor of the duck burger compared to beef. If someone had served me the duck burger and advertised it as a regular burger, I wouldn't have noticed. With duck being such a lovely full flavored protein, I was really disappointed with the burger. The bun was nice and heavy to support the burger and toppings. It was also toasted. I'd give it 3 stars. Average but not "duck flavored". The fries were slightly above average. Some crispy, some soggy. They were well seasoned. I can't help but wonder how many blank stares the servers here encounter when a lady such as myself asks for ranch dressing with the fries. Blank stares? Yeah. Because they don't have ranch dressing. They will offer up a buttermilk dressing. Which I recommend you decline. Because it tastes exactly like nothing. Literally. Nothing. Wet paper would have more flavor than their buttermilk dressing. Awful. I will come back here at least one more time. Because the beer list is awesome, and I saw dishes walk past me to other tables that looked and smelled phenomenal. Specifically the wild boar corn dogs. And the heirloom tomato salad. I just hope they will live up to the menu description.
(3)
LM I.
thehappygnome.com/locati… After haggling several days via probably what for some may have seemed like bothersome / SPAM emails campaign over who is coming to dinner / who is not, Zach was able to finally get the 02 of us a table reservation for a 1930 Hours succulent dinner. Previously, we both had looked over the general public reviews, read the website's interesting information, etc., and so we were quite pleased with our initial and ongoing reaction after we promptly sat down and noticed what was going on. This place has a fast and furious ambiance second to none, even though this does not mean in the least that they are sloppy. Quite the opposite is true: These individuals working here excel at what I would call "practical, elegant laissez-faire table execution." Anyone can easily detect how they move that food with nearly ethereal powers and manners, while the presented dishes are not just sensational in taste but by any measure of the imagination, clearly unsurpassable. As usual, I prefer not to zero in on what we actually had but let's say I would ditto it at a moment's notice. The drinks were equally impressive while I can attest, due to my cultural background, that the served appetizer contained original Spanish Manchego cheese (No, these people are not liars, either!). Overall Price - Quality tandem given is a portentous 10, or the highest achievement possible. ¡Gracias Everybody! Sorry the missing guests didn't make it but there is always a happy gnome out there for all of us, if you know how to find him.
(5)
Jeff H.
Amazing beer selection, best I've ever seen. Waaaay above average food-almost gourmet and yet still matches the beer quality. Pricey? Yes, but quality is sometimes.
(5)
Jessica P.
Great beer selection! Love the atmosphere!
(5)
Christopher F.
This place is fun, has a great beer selection - scratch that - incredible beer selection and some tasty food choices. The layout is a little awkward inside but I like their big booths by the windows. The neighborhood is lovely as well. Had their dry rub chicken wings which were good but really just love the classic down and dirty buffalo wing. Their pasta was tasty but could have had a little more nuance than sauce. The crowd seemed amicable and well heeled but not snobbish. Doesn't blow my doors off food wise but I am a fan and will happily return.
(4)
Kris S.
Great beer selection. Pretzel and beer cheese is a must try, really great texture and taste on the pretzel. Heirloom salad was well done, dressing was awesome. After the starters, the entree, grilled marlin, was a bit of a let down - it was just ok, not enough seasoning or flavor from the tzatziki.
(4)
Mark R.
Before I get to the beer, I have to point out what a friendly and helpful couple of bartenders we had serving us. I wish I'd got their names. Next time I'm there I certainly will. The place was crowded in and near the bar area, with happy people conversing about whatever and watching Greenbay get smacked around. The first thing I noticed however was all those wonderful taps; 76 different taps according to the menu. It's the kind of site that draws you in. A deep breath in and a slow breath out; taking it all in with that one little smile that sneaks up onto your face without you even knowing it. Whew! I'm thinking I've found my new go place. So as i'm looking the menu over, I notice Steak Tartare. At the time I'm thinking raw seasoned hamburger. Wow! This was way more than raw meat; seasoned to perfection with this little fried quail egg on top. So good. We also had some really good bread. Now for the beer description. Have you ever watched Andrew Zimmer when he tries some food item and he closes his eyes and tilts his head and and anounces how good that bite of food was? Well that's how it was at the Happy Gnome, but with BEER instead. Did I mention 76 taps? So many exceptional choices. I can't wait for later this week!!
(5)
Mike E.
I dedicate this review (#100 for me) to my confidant and faithful friend, pioneering member of The Wolf Pack, Gabriel H. Yestereve, three members of The Wolf Pack were in the presence of two fine-looking young Lynx, who shall remain nameless to keep them sheltered from competing Wolves. We dined, drank, and made merry at The Happy Gnome. Truly I say to thee, 'twas a Happy, Happy time for all. Some would even say a gay old time. Our server, Paul, was seriously one of the finest servers I have ever encountered in all my decades and decades of Yelping. He was smooth, polite yet bitingly sarcastic, and cheerful despite working late on a Sunday night. The environment here is worth the slightly higher price point than most pubs. Killer patio, a "great room" style main hall with high ceilings and dim lighting. It's a great place to hunker down and relax for a couple hours. I noticed a couple people sipping wine while reading at the bar. It's a chill vibe. I've eaten a lot of burgers in my day, and The Happy Gnome ranks right up there with the best of em. The angus cheeseburger is phenomenal, especially when paired with the garlic aioli. And AWESOME fries. So so good. It should be noted that The Happy Gnome is also widely acclaimed for its extensive beer selection. Considering I have not imbibed those spirits, yet I still rank this spot a resounding 5 stars, that's really saying a lot.
(5)
Brian N.
I went here for Sunday brunch with my girlfriend and left a happy customer. I have no complaints. Bloody Mary Bar? Uh-huh. Best part is your beer chaser is Summit EPA. Brunch is fantastic.
(5)
Townsend F.
Great food choices for bar food, and the beer selection was awesome. Perfect place to come seasonally to get a lot of beers you wouldn't see normally.
(4)
Ali D.
Last Friday I visited The Happy Gnome for a second time, and I left feeling like one happy "gnirl"! It was a gorgeous night and we sat on the patio. Their beer selection is vast and they are great at recommending one that you would like. I loved the atmosphere, dimly lit for nice ambience and not too loud so you can have a good conversation (I believe I am getting old if this is important to me to mention, but hey!) We started with a cheese plate of their most popular selections and it was delicious. We ordered the corn risotto, scallops, and the game burger for the main course and all were very pleased with their selections. Everything was fresh and hot. I would highly recommend the Gnome if you like great beer and fare with a twist. I will definitely be stopping by again soon!
(5)
Crystal S.
This was the first brunch I have tried since moving to St Paul from Seattle and I think the search stops here because it was awesome! Everything, from the bloody mary bar, to the live music, to the cozy decor made me oh-so-happy. Of course the food was good as well. We had the banana french toast and the eggs benedict, both were awesome. The coffee and service were great. Not a single complaint, I will be back for brunch and more!
(5)
Mahesh K.
Love this bar/restaurant in my hood. Great selection of beers and good but pricey food.
(5)
Bill M.
We were there for a Sunday Brunch. They had blueberry pancakes on the menu but when we went to order them they said they were out of batter and we could not order them, that was only two hours after brunch started. Service was so slow we had to ask if our meal was coming soon.
(1)
Caitlin S.
They have a million beers (deciding is a feat in itself!) and it's a nice place to come if you're able to find a place to sit! I came here a couple weeks ago and it was extremely awkward - no where to sit and no real p-lace to stand either without being in the middle of the room. Needless to say, we left after about a minute. I gave it another shot this weekend and I'm glad I did! My friend and I did our share of standing around until a super friendly couple called us over from across the room to give us their seats :) I got a pumpkin beer, which was good, and the Manchego cheese plate. The cheese was extremely over-priced ($9 for 3 squares of cheese, some pistachios, more bread than I could ever eat and 3 raspberries) but delicious never-the-less. The crowd on a Saturday night was decent and it seemed to thin out around 11pm - this isn't a late bar by any means. I'll definitely be back if I'm in the mood for a beer or able to spring for some delicious, quality food. I've had good luck with parking, they have a pretty good size lot at the restaurant but it's always about 95% full when I've arrived. I'm not sure about the street parking.
(3)
Dan B.
Great charcuterie! I love salty cured meats, and I found a new place to get it: The Happy Gnome. The Happy Gnome is located on Selby in Saint Paul and has been serving the area for several years. I have been to The Happy Gnome several times but this was only the second time I tried the food. The majority of the time, I go to The Happy Gnome I'm headed there for their enormous beer and whiskey lists. I think it's safe to say that is the major draw of The Happy Gnome. They have won the City Pages award for "Best Beer List" several times. With 76 craft beers on tap and countless bottles their beer list will suit even the pickiest beer snob. I didn't know that some beers have vintages like wines until I saw it on Happy Gnome's beer list! They also have an extensive whiskey list. This was a big draw for me, and my local blogger buddy, when we had lunch their last Saturday. We are both big whiskey drinkers. If fact, we were meeting to discuss starting a drinking man's blog, so it was funny that we both drank beer. Locally, when someone mentions The Happy Gnome people think about those beer and whiskey lists, but they should also think about the food. The chef at The Happy Gnome has done a great job of creating dishes that set them apart from other local establishments. There is an emphasis on game across the menu, from wild boar croquettes and duck pizza to game hen. These deeper richer flavors make great pairings with their small batch beers and rare whiskeys. The menu looked tasty and interesting from top to bottom, but I was intrigued by the charcuterie plate. One of my favorite meals is antipasti. I love eating small plates of cured meats, cheeses, olives and the like, so a wood block filled with salty cured meat was right up my alley. The block came out with 7, count them 7, different selections of meat: salted beef, duck breast, pork tasso, wobble ham, forcemeat, chicken gizzards, and rabbit rillette. A few of these items I had never had before, but I will be having them again. They were delicious! The chicken gizzards were curred perfectly: meaty but not greasy at all. Not sure what wobble ham is but it tasted like a smokier, spicier version of what you have on Easter. The forcemeat tasted like grade A bologna covered in butter, so creamy and perfect on the bread they provided. I think my favorite might have been the rabbit rillette. I came out in a small mason jar and looked like a shredded chicken salad. It had the same consistence buy the flavor was much bolder and earthier. Really good on the house-made crackers they served it with. Overall, I was thoroughly impressed with the charcuterie, and will be back soon for another helping. I definitely recommend The Happy Gnome, but I caution you to understand that this in not a simple neighborhood bar. Unfairly, The Happy Gnome has a reputation of being a little pricey. This is not true if you look at the quality of the food and drinks served at The Happy Gnome. Unfortunately, I think people compare it to other bars in the area like Sweeney's, The Muddy Pig, and Fabulous Fern's. There is nothing wrong with these establishments, but they are bars serving bar food. The Happy Gnome is a gastropub and the quality of their food is on a higher level than these other places. So, thusly, you should pay a bit more. So next time you are in area and are looking for a little more than a High Life and a platter of nachos I recommend you try The Happy Gnome. Try at least one of the house-made meats, I promise you will not be disappointed!
(4)
Alicia R.
I have no complaints about the Gnome. I do have three favorite things: 1. The patio 2. The beer list 3. The tater tots First - the patio. There always seems to be room for us anytime we end up there, and the space is small enough to still have a cozy feeling. it's set off the street a bit and shaded by large trees, so it's incredibly relaxing. Two- the beer list. Truly something for everyone. They have everything from your basic local craft beers to the exotic European beers you can't pronounce. The prices are fair- no great happy hour here, but they are totally fair and worth the quality. Finally- the tater tots. The food overall is great, but the tots are HUGE. You get three in each order, but they are almost like oversized croquettes more than anything. i highly recommend these as a starter.In fact, you could easily make a meal out of splitting some apps with friends, or having your own salad and appetizer dinner. Summer and Winter- the Gnome is cozy, delicious, and a really fun place. After reading some of the other reviews, I am excited to keep going back!
(5)
Tom M.
The place isn't fancy, but it's a warm St. Paul atmosphere in a nice, old building meant for a bar/restaurant. The tap beer selection with over 70 craft brews is good enough to raise anybody's eyebrows with interest. The food is really good, and there is a beer to match, but they also serve good wine and coctails. I've been there twice having a burger the first time, and a large dish of mussels & chorizo the second time. The burger was certainly better than most, but I have to head back for the mussels & chorizo again very soon. The broth was so good I had to order extra bread to dip, but I also sipped plenty using the shells. They do some higher-end steaks, poultry, and seafood as well. This is not typical bar food from around the corner. Even if you don't know a lot about beer, they break their list down into styles with descriptions for those who are interested in trying something different or for experts wanting to make an informed choice to know which should go with the food they order. The Happy Gnome is certainly worth a trip for people who like a good beer or drink to go with some savory food. I would be surprised if anyone left disappointed.
(4)
Kirsten L.
I had the wild game poutine and rabbit lentil soup. It was divine, but a very rich combo. The poutine should really stand alone and is definitely more suited for someone who can really take their dairy. The sour beer was really, really good and they offer samples of whatever brew you'd like to try before purchasing. My friend had a seafood pasta which was also extremely delicious. Some of the better food I've had in a "bar" and I find it to be worth the cash.
(4)
Andrew P.
There is simply no better place to drink beer on a patio than the Happy Gnome in summer or early fall. Unbelievable beer list! The food is good, but their bar (and taps) and their patio are the secret sauce that makes the Gnome great.
(5)
A H.
The night started off on the wrong foot. I called to let them know I was running a bit late and the guy who I spoke to said he would hold our table. yay! We got there 15 minutes past our original reservation time and the table was not held so we had to wait an additional 20 minutes for a table. Awesome. We ordered the agnolotti to start. The noodles were not cooked all the way through. I really didn't mind much since the sauce was so fantastic. After the starter I got the caesar, which I recommend if you are an anchovy fan - which I am. My date got the hericot vert salad which was sub par. We split the vegetable pizza which was okay. The sauce lacked flavor and the pizza itself was served lukewarm. Service was good. Beer choices were exciting. We'll come back but we'll likely just sit in the bar and enjoy the beer and whiskey selection.
(2)
Rhonda G.
It was my first time here. It was nice and icy inside, and dark as it was light out. We started with the appetizer meatballs with mushroom sauce. Food here does lean toward the exotic. I loved my side of corn risotto. It tasted so fresh for a hot dish. I could picture the corn being sliced off the cob. I got the cheeseburger. Good thing I wasn't as adventurous as my husband. He got the game burger, I got the normal one, and we both loved our own. Mine came with thinly sliced pickles, they may have been homemade. Fries made the grade. Only real disappointment was the dessert. Someone's watching way too much Top Chef. A deconstructed panna cotta. Spare me. A luscious organic lemonade. Our waitress was great and most helpful. Looking forward to trying brunch and the patio.
(4)
Robyn L.
Eight of us rolled in on a Monday afternoon for lunch. It was super quiet; only 3 other patrons. The ambience leaves a bit be be desired but I think that's how they want it. Looks a bit like your average bar with black leather swivel stools. There are a few strategically placed gnomes and a huge chalkboard with specials and such written on it. Our server was awesome. He secretly knew what each of us wanted to drink and his recommendations were spot on. On this particular day, there were 73 draughts beers to choose from. They also had an impressive list of scotch, whiskey, cocktails, and so on. Me and hubby shared the steamed mussels app and the crab trio app. the mussels were fresh and cooked nicely but lacked flavor, even after a generous dousing with salt. The crab trio featured a scrumptious crab cake, marinated lump crab, and tempura battered shoft shell crab. It was a beautiful plate with 2 sauces, lemon, and spicy aoili, dotting the plate. It was also served with super yummy house pickles. Our codiners were all very happy with their lunches, the cheese plate, the MN game burger, and the marlin sandwich. The fries were outstanding. A very cool joint with an adventurous and creative menu. Come thirsty my friends.
(4)
Ken C.
Fun neighborhood bar/restaurant. Good food, fantastic brunch and tons of beers on tap. My favorite thing to do is come here for brunch. Casual place, great environment, great service and if you're in the St. Paul area then this is one of the places you have to consider for dinner/brunch.
(4)
Adrian D.
Excellent beer selection and it rotates. The beer menu has informative descriptions of the goods on tap. I had corned beef and cabbage here on St. Patrick's day and was very impressed with their interpretation. The rest of the food is upscale as well. The restaurant area is reserved for people having dinner and there is usually room available. I took a customer there and we were easily able to hold a conversation.
(5)
Jessica W.
This is a great spot in St. Paul. I love the inventive menu and great beer selection. We shared a flight of beers - great way to try a variety and not fill up on beer. We ordered the wings, the charcuterie plate and a selection of cheese. The wings were only okay. The charcuterie plate was gorgeous and flavorful and well presented. We had to bring our server back to remind us of what was on it. The cheese presentation was nice and well balanced. The service was sporadic. It was busy - but it was hard to find her to get water and and have plates cleared. The server was nice, just not around much. It was very loud, my friend and I had to shout. Way to loud for a nice dinner or good conversation. The beers were great. We made one bad choice (the Dragon's Milk) and one truly magnificent choice - the Lucid Dortmunder Gold. Parking is a nightmare and with the snow the streets are very narrow. I saw one accident while waiting there. But easy access on the #21. All in all a great spot. Creative menu. Amazing beer. Good atmosphere. Too loud. Give it a try though - especially if you like beer!
(3)
N C.
we enjoyed the food there and the service was outstanding! We have been there a few times already and will certainly go back.
(5)
Kent S.
GnomeTastic!! A co-worker recommended this place while i was in town and I'll have to pass along some of me treasures for it. The brew list was huge but was well organized to not overwhelm a person. After introducing myself to the Clown Double Brown and a housemade pretzel, I indulged in a flight of 5. I tried to walk through the menu going from light to dark but failed in a few places. A great way to introduce yourself to some new flavors! The menu had also just changed, just a 2 day old fledgling and it has many stars to be born on it. From the wild boar pate' with quail egg, steak tartare and the game burger I was in foodie heaven. A side of lobster mac n cheese was a true star although I'd go a light lighter on the asparagus. So, if you're in the area and feeling a bit Frodo or Bilbo and want to slid into a happy pub, put this place at the top of your list and enjoy the journey.
(4)
Paul S.
Have been here many times as part of a group and have never understood the draw. Too many beer choices, wimpy happy hour and almost no vegetarian options -- even the french fries have bacon. Prefer the Blue Door or Grandview Grill.
(2)
Grace C.
One Word: Putine....Hnnnrgggg SO GOOD.
(3)
David U.
Very good neighborhood pub in St. Paul. Great beer selection that rotates frequently and organized by palate. High quality food. We tried the duck burger (absolutely delicious), mixed green salad (wonderful vinaigrette), and two soups. All very good and quite pleased.
(5)
Rosie Y.
This place has an impressive liquor selection. I had the blueberry pomegranate mojito. They also have outdoor seating. The food was just mediocre. I had the tres leche chocolate cake, which was meh. My friends weren't too impressed by their food. Go for the liquor, not the food.
(3)
L J.
I have been here twice, and both times I was totally satisfied with my food. Fantastic, I had the brussel sprouts and the lobster mac n cheese on my most recent visit and tried one of their pumpkin ales. All of it was really tasty.
(4)
Scott H.
Went here as one of my many stops through all the Saint Paul great stops. I got a few beers which is so hard because there are so many to choose from. To go with my beer I got a burger cause of course there might not be a better combo. This burger was thick on a nice thick bun. It was almost too big to eat, this was not expected as it was my first stop to the gnome. It did go so well with the beer as it was nice and warm and the flavors washed down nicely with the current tap I was on. The bartender was very knowledgeable about all the different beers that they carried which made it so that I liked each beer that I chose. The happy gnome can get busy at times and they have so many events that it is tempting to be there a few times a week. I suggest going whenever you can but if you need a little extra incentive look online for an upcoming event and stop by when they are doing something special.
(5)
Elliott B.
Amazing food and Bloody Mary bar. We went here for Sunday brunch and the service was great, food was amazing, and the vibe was excellent. I will definitely return!
(5)
Kurt S.
If someone was visiting St. Paul for the first time and asked me "What is the one place I could go for some casual food and drinks that characterizes St. Paul the best?" The Happy Gnome would be very high my list of recommendations. With it's HUGE beer selection, great food and pleasant staff the Happy Gnome could be greatly more pretentious than it actually is. It has the best of many different worlds too. Quiet fine dinning? Check. Fun and comfortable patio? Check. Quick beer and burgers at the bar? Double check. It's a very versatile place! I have a number of friends that live west of the cities and lament that they cannot frequent this place as much as they'd like to so if you happen to be in the area... make sure you stop in. An excellent establishment to go for a date, have some beers with the guys/gals or take your folks out to meet the person you had a date with here previously but are now considering marrying because you had such a great time while at one of St. Paul's best restaurants.
(5)
Tiffany C.
You ALWAYS need a reservation, which is annoying when you're a spontaneous person, but I still give it five stars because the drink selection and food is great. Charcutery plate, butternut squash ravioli, and beet salad were 100% devoured (plus a couple other meat dishes I can't recall the name of). Looking forward to going back for bloody Mary's soon!
(5)
N E.
Had a wonderful dinner with the Mrs. here this week. Incredible beer list and knowledgeable staff. Shared homemade soft pretzel. Incredible. I ordered the sausage wrapped pork loin. Flavorful and juicy. Go here for an upscale dining experience with some bar influences. This is not a place for bar food and a PBR. Nice interior, but sometimes the music is a bit loud. In the summer, they have the best patio in St. Paul.
(4)
Alex M.
Tons of beers on tap, an inviting pub feel, and a great brunch menu means this place is worth checking out. I've been to the Happy Gnome several times. Located on the corner of Selby and Mackubin, ample parking is a welcome sight as the place is always packed for Sunday Brunch. And for good reason... the food is good! Prices are decent, and there is a great selection of beer on tap. If you're coming in for brunch, the Stuffed French Toast is awesome, and the Crab Cake Benedict does not disappoint. Come with friends but arrive early (I believe they take reservations but I'm not positive) because the place fills up fast!
(4)
Larry H.
Came in from out of town and loved this place. Could not have been happier with the food. Ribeye steak and walleye entrees. Wonderful presentation and huge portions. Beet salad to start. Great atmosphere. Would have been a 5 rating but for the snootiness of the bartender and server. We get it-you have a great place. We're still the customer. A business with no customers is no business.
(4)
Matthew K.
Its a beer geek mecca. One of the best tap lists I've found in the Twin Cities, served with the appropriate glassware and temperatures. Nice atmosphere. Stopped in here for the first time a few nights ago to have a few craft beers while watching the game. They've got high-end pub fare, priced accordingly. I had the duck/foigras meatballs (I know, as an animal lover I usually abstain but my conscience was weak). Meatballs were so rich and divine, but the gravy was much too salty (reminded me of condensed Campbell's cream of mushroom soup). Still, it was nice enough place that I'll be sure to return to try some of the other dishes.
(4)
Kim R.
I wish I liked the Happy Gnome, because their patio is awesome, but there are just too many things that bug me. 1. I think their food is overpriced for what you get (ie $13 for a breakfast sandwich) 2. The service is painfully slow 3. I saw our waiter pick up someone's food and box it up with his bare hands, yuk. If you want to check out Happy Gnome and their great patio, I would recommend skipping the food and just going for their extensive beer list.
(2)
Lorraine N.
I enjoy the selection of beer, interesting menu options, atmosphere......how can you possibly go wrong with a name like happy gnome----if you are ever lucky enough to venture to their top level what a treat that is...and the window booths looking out to selby are just awesome.....it is a terrific little place to hunker down during a nice thick snow in MN and just enjoy something different from the enormous beer menu....
(4)
Lindsay F.
Happy Gnome has some pretty good things going for it. I've been there several times with friends and have gotten food each time. I like to think of it as a wannabe top restaurant, but just a degree less. Almost on the same level as places like W.A. Frost, but misses the mark on a few accounts. They have an extensive beer list, and a good wine and cocktail list too. The food is very "Contemporary American" with offerings such as a duck and goat cheese tartlet with assorted berries and a very flavorful beef carpaccio. Actually, the beef carpaccio has been one of my favorites that I have had. The portion is the right size, the topping complement the beef without masking it, and the micro greens add the right amount of crunch and flavor. Their menu is seasonal and strive to use local and sustainable food sources. Yet something just is a bit...off. Maybe it is the slightly heavy hand when it comes to salt, or the degree of extra and unnecessary oil taste to some of its dishes. Either way, the atmosphere is great, the drink menu extensive, and the food creative and satisfying. Not to mention, they have a very nice patio, which usually is packed with mid-20 to 30-some year old contemporary individuals in the summer.
(4)
Tony B.
The Happy Gnome is a happy place filled with angus burgers, interesting conversations and some of the rarest bottles of Avery you can find at sea level. HG references itself as a Gastropub, which by its nomenclature means an establishment that places much heavier emphasis on beer than food. This is not accurate, and it undersells the quality of the food. My companion had what he described as one of the best burgers of 2012, and I had the dry wings, which come covered in rub and with sides of Buffalo sauce and blue cheese dressing. I look forward to trying more food on my second, third, fourth (etc.) visit(s). The beer selection is truly standout. For beer geeks, the tap list is probably the best in the Twin Cities. It's the first place outside Colorado I've ever seen to have Crazy Mountain's Old Soul (a cheeky little Belgian-style number) on tap. It also has an outstanding selection of Avery (Boulder, CO) both on tap and in bottles. My companion and I split a 2007 Samael Oak-aged (officially classified as an English barleywine), which at the time of brewing is over 14% ABV and, at least in our estimation, approached 20% last night at the time of consumption. Thick, syrupy, oaky, delicious. HG knows its audience and caters perfectly to it. Outstanding and informative wait staff, very reasonable prices, and did I mention Avery?
(5)
Angie O.
I really enjoy this establishment when I'm "back home" visiting my sister in St. Paul. Their menu changes every few months, so there's always something new and interesting to try. I had a veggie sandwich (a juicy lucy I think?) with a strawberry and fig salad. Both were very good. If you're into beer, this is the place. They have something like 70 different taps (I only know this because some Canadian dude next to me was going on and on about it...) When the weather is nice, there is a lovely patio which I understand can fill up quickly. I will definitely go back again and again!
(4)
Anisha Y.
Tried this place on a Wednesday night and it was packed. The wait for a table for 2 in the dining area was 20 mins. While my brother and I waited, we got a drink at the bar. They have a pretty impressive list of craft beer, but cider is my thing. I ordered the Ace Pineapple cider and it was delicious. Not even 10 mins later, the hostess got us from the bar and seated us. I ordered the duck burger while my brother ordered the game burger. The duck burger came with a side sauce of cherry aioli and it is the best thing in this world. Where has cherry aioli been all my life?! The fries were on par with the everything else. Delicious and crispy perfection. Service was great. Hostess was nice, the server was great, and the guy pouring our water was awesome. Great place. Check it out!
(4)
Chris X.
I went here once alone. I went to the back patio to get a burger quick. I was given a seat. I sat for 15+ minutes before any waitstaff approached me. I forgot to bring a book. Usually in this case I would look at my phone to pretend like I have people to talk with and things to do but my phone died out. There is something really depressing about sitting alone and waiting to be served when there is nothing to do but look out at all the people enjoying the company of others. This is only partially the fault of the slow service. The burger was pretty good though. Sort of overpriced. I'm glad they didn't cut down the old trees and built the patio around them.
(3)
Tiffany M.
I came a hungry and left a Happy Gnome... The bar was filled with customers while some were trolling for open seating. The dining area had 1.5 hour wait but added my name on the list --just in case. Minutes after ordering our drinks, seats at the bar and bar area opened. The hostess was right --she did say that bar seating would more than likely open sooner than the wait it in the dining area. As for the dishes, we inhaled the Pretzel and beer cheese before even capturing a pic for yelp. I'm sure we will order this again in a near future visit. The Gnome Mi was quite juicy, even after cutting the sandwich in half, as a bite was taken, the sausage juices squirted onto me, which was quite funny. The fries reminded us of Pittsburgh's Primanti Brothers fries. The dry rub wings was served with bleu cheese, hot sauce, and pickled ribbons of carrots and celery. There were plenty of wings so we took some home. The pickled veggies was nice and tangy. I can't wait until we visit again to try other dishes on the menu. You could seriously have a meal with simply ordering from the Snacks & Starters.
(4)
Ron K.
I heard about this place through Thrillist as a great craft beer restaurant. They didn't disappoint. There must have been 50+ craft beers on tap, several of which are heavily coveted. My friend and I stopped in on an early Sunday afternoon and I was a little nervous walking in that we wouldn't be able to get a seat since we were on our way to the airport. But we were able to find two seats at the bar and were able to put our orders in with the bartender pretty quickly. The prices seemed somewhat high, but other than that we were very happy with the burgers we ordered and I enjoyed a couple fabulous brews. The weekend I was here they had four Ballast Point beers on tap which I consider pretty impressive that they could get their hands on such great San Diego brews.
(4)
Amelia J.
Outstanding service, lovely menu, delicious food. The duck burger is especially fabulous!
(5)
Andrew H.
I love the beer and whiskey selection here as I mentioned earlier, but this is not the best place to hang out with friends and that has to do with the restaurant, I'm sure people dine here and its great, but with such a great bar its hard to see the benefit. I'm sure that there are places out there that are both a good restaurant and a good bar, but I feel like this place has such a great bar with so little space, it just doesn't make sense to me. If this place was more of a bar with food service I would give it five stars, but its not, the formula isn't quite right and that will always be an issue with this place. This of course is just my 2 cents and that is all my opinion is worth, but with that neighborhood exploding with great places I might start looking else were for great over priced whiskey ( for some reason it tastes better when I pay way too much for it.)
(4)
JEannie R.
Hit the spot. Been looking for a good burger. Good meat. Cooked perfect. With a little something different. The burger with short rib on top and garlic aioli. YUMMY. Husband had the one with Elk bison just what he was looking for. CAnt wait to come back and try other menu options. And of course more beer.
(5)
Shekinah S.
I've been to The Happy Gnome several times but didn't feel compelled to write a review until we visited for the Bloody Mary Bar on Easter Sunday. It was a good decision and the perfect way to kill a couple hours after church but before we headed to my parents' house. I was worried it would be very busy, but it was not and we easily snagged a window booth. It's usually busy at night so I don't know if brunch is usually a little slower (at 11:00am) or if it was slow because it was Easter. Anyways, the Bloody spread was quite impressive and we found and enjoyed all sorts of garnishes. The vodka pour was also generous and I was a bit buzzed after two drinks. There were several tomato concoctions to choose from (I may have missed one and the names may not be exact): -- Gnome Aide: standard but good -- Burn Your Face Off: my boyfriend actually found this too spicy, so take the name seriously! -- Tomato Basil: smelled and tasted familiar, yet I couldn't pinpoint it exactly -- BBQ Bacon: smelled more like BBQ than bacon so we skipped it -- Clammed Up: I miss Caesars (Canadian Bloody Mary) so I wanted to try this one but it smelled a little too fishy/clammy My boyfriend also ordered the Meat Benedict. The waitress let him change up the sauce and he quite enjoyed the dish. It was also pretty to look at. I loved the side of potatoes so much that I ordered my own! Yum!! The only other thing I recall eating at The Happy Gnome previously was a fancy pretzel. I'd say the food is more on the highbrow gastropub end and less on the "bar food" end of the spectrum. A few things worth mentioning: -- When my friend was pregnant last winter she found they have a nice faux-tail menu -- There is a more formal dining room in addition to the bar area -- In the winter it gets really cold and drafty if you are sitting anywhere near the front door in the bar -- They close at midnight and 1:00am, so if you need to stay out till bar close, you will have to relocate at the end of the night Generally I would recommend The Happy Gnome for a chill evening on Cathedral Hill. Specifically I will definitely be back for the Bloody Mary Bar!
(4)
Chris T.
I'm new to the cities so maybe having amazing gastropubs and inventive, delicious entrees at breweries are the norm around here...in any case, I'm not used to it and I'm blown away! Four of us popped in on a Saturday evening before a night at the opera (because what better to go with the opera than a gastropub?)...given how delicious the food has been the past few times we've visited, we should've known to make reservations. We didn't but were able to mill around and snag a tiny table within a couple minutes. Highlights: lobster mac & cheese (it's called a side dish but it's $14 and the portion is HUGE!), Game Burger, ribs (we all agreed they were the best we'd ever had!). We were in a rush to get to the opera...otherwise, I would've loved nothing more than to have all three of these dishes in successive courses with an assortment of beer. Service and recommendations from the staff here have always been on point; the waitress was even able to rush our food when we realized we only had about half an hour to eat/pay before making it to our show!
(5)
Vee V.
HORRIBLE SERVICE!!! I swear they must hire people with the expectation that they never smile. I've been to the Happy Gnome a few times and on my last two visits the service was enough to make me never want to come back, especially tonight. I don't want to look at another stank face server again. It's a shame because I love the beer selection here, but I won't be made to feel like an unwanted guest. I'd say the food has gone down hill too. I was meeting a girlfriend for dinner and drinks. I got to the bar early around 5:15pm because I knew I wanted a booth and there might be a wait as there usually is in the bar area. I ordered a drink at the bar, a Gnomes Knees, it was pretty strong. It was a mix of lavender and gin. Not bad, I'd order it again if I was ever back. The bartender was fine, he wasn't friendly at all, just was kinda there. I didn't mind so much since I wasn't dining at the bar anyhow. As I got my drink a booth opened up directly across the bar so I walked over, set my drink on the table, and had half my butt cheek on the chair and my other leg out in the walkway. I was digging in my purse for my wallet to pay for my drink. The server walked up to the table with no smile, she looked like she hated being there, didn't greet me, and just asked "are you going to pay for that drink?" WOW. Rude. I said yes and she walked away. I paid my tab at the bar and sat back down at the booth. There were dirty plates and glasses and the check on the table from the last group. This wasn't an issue for me initially since I snagged the table as the group was leaving. However, the problem is that the server knew I was sitting there and it still took her 8 minutes to come wipe down the table. She could have at least said she'd be right back to do it if she was busy. Apparently she was more concerned on whether or not I was going to pay for my drink. When she did come back it was dead silent. She didn't introduce herself or bother to say hello. It was awkward as heck! When she got done wiping the table down I thanked her and she said "yup," turned and walked away. I wasn't asked if I needed a menu, or if I was waiting for guests, needed a water, nothing!! My friend arrived. The server came back, I'd use her name but she didn't bother to ever tell us, same service. She asked my friend if she needed a drink, took the order and walked away. Didn't offer a menu or ask if we were dining there. When she came back I asked for menus. The service remained unfriendly and slow the remainder of the visit. We were made to feel like we were a nuisance. I was afraid to ask for anything else. On to the food. They've added a couple different items. I tried the pork belly steamed buns. Please save yourself the $13 and don't order this (or just stay away from this place). In fact just stay away from anything on the menu that you think has asian flavors. This was basically bbq shredded pork in a dense, deformed, yellow bun. It's not the crisp, fluffy, white steamed bun you get at a real asian restaurant. Okay, I get it. I'm not at an asian restaurant, I expected a variation on this dish, but come on, bbq pork in a busted looking yellow bun?? I'm extremely disappointed, this use to be a favorite place for me. I'd much rather go to Sweeneys or Muddy Pig down the street who also has a great beer selection, but much better service. A smile isn't going to kill you. Management needs to do a better job.
(1)
Linda A.
Nope. I gave it a lot of thought and I've read the other really good reviews but I just can't give 3 stars. Everything was just a little below par, and the service was quite a bit below par. Our server may be inexperienced but she seemed downright nervous and wouldn't even come close enough to the table to be able to hear us and vice versa. We mentioned my husband's allergy, it's not life threatening but he does have one...most restaurants have worked around it just fine but it really threw this poor girl. He managed fine though. So, they were out of the first 3 beers we ordered...hate that. The server had to come out and tell us that there was some kind of problem with both of our dinner orders. I ended up ordering the bratwurst dinner and it was really really subpar...dry brats...that's tough to do. My husband said his dinner was ok. The rhubarb bar for dessert was very doughy and had barely a flicker of rhubarb taste. We tried a lot of places in St. Paul this trip and this was the only clunker. I wouldn't choose to come back.
(2)
Florence S.
I've been to the Happy Gnome twice now and I can easily say it's a favorite. Too bad I live in another state. The Happy Gnome has a plethora of beers on tap that constantly change. They also serve Rye, Whiskey, and Bourbon. But if those are not down your alley, you can always rely on their full bar. I had their appetizer steak tartare and expected it to be an appetizer for one, but it is large enough to be a meal fof one or a very filling appetizer for two. I haven't experienced their dinner selections as I've gone there solely for beer and bourbon.
(5)
Mitchell F.
Love this place! Hard to get a seat sometimes but it is awesome. The duck burger and poutine are truly unique and yummy options. The chicken wings are great also. In fact I am pretty sure we have them almost every time we go here. While I am not a beer connoisseur I know a lot of you are and if so you will absolutely love this place as the selection is amazing! And for me? They have a full bar with great bartenders who have created some pretty interesting drinks and will serve you any of the standard fare you are used to ordering anywhere. They have an awesome outdoor seating area which for any Minnesotan is critical when selecting a place to eat in the two months of summer. Also if you happen to be downtown for any reason,you can easily jump on the bus to visit this joint and then bus back home. The bus system in St. Paul is really efficient and friendly for anyone to use no matter your socioeconomic background. In fact just as a tip for those from out of town who might not be accustomed to taking city buses....definitely get over your fear in Minneapolis and St. Paul because the bus system is just amazing.
(5)
Reg Z.
One of my favorite "pubs" in St Paul. Really good beer list, and consistently good food. The game burger is top notch... Overall this is my go to place in the area of town when I'm back visiting
(5)
Noel M.
I've been here 3 times. First time was over a year ago, experience was awesome, just haven't had a chance to go back until now. Oddly, I ended up here both Friday and Saturday night this weekend. Friday was for dinner. A few things were pretty off about the whole experience. If that was my only experience there I would have done 2 stars. Good - beer of course and the apps. We had the pork tots and the poutine. Both were amazing. My husband ordered short ribs for his entree and I had some. Really good. Other things about Friday weren't as good. I ordered the Duck Pot Pie - sounds good right? I love duck and I love pot pie. It was not good. Instead of having a rich and savory flavor like I would expect it tasted overly acidic and sour inside. I didn't even tell my husband what I thought and he tasted it and said "this is weirdly sour." Not really a flavor I think of with pot pie. It also came with a piece of focaccia on the side - this was a throw away, burnt and flavorless. Also, the timing of the whole meal was completely off. Entrees came out right after apps. We weren't remotely close to done with apps and had to push entrees off to the side while we finished them. It's not like we were going slow, the whole meal took 90 minutes total which I think is actually relatively quick for a Friday night. Other tables didn't seem to have this problem so maybe we were a weird fluke. Server seemed to be rushing us the whole time. She was nice but at one point she even said "Sorry for rushing you." Restaurant wasn't full so it's not like someone needed our table. The only reason I went back again on Saturday was because friends invited me. Much better experience. Group of 4 sat near the bar upstairs. Prompt service with drinks. We just ordered the charcuterie to share. Delicious and the server explained all the different meats well. This was more of a casual sit and drink for 3 hours kind of thing, maybe that is more their game than dinner. I live really close so I'll definitely be back just not sure when. The things that were off about Friday's meal would push it a ways down my list of choices for an evening meal. But good place to meet up with friends for drinks and apps. If I do dinner there again and it's better I'll update.
(3)
Chantal B.
Visiting some friends and staying in St.Paul. We're from California. I've had my eye on this place even before we arrived in town. I am obsessed with gnomes just to start, but this restaurant is so awesome! Lots of great craft beer on tap. We got a bunch of appetizers, my boyfriend and our friend eat meat. I however don't. I wanted to try the poutine so bad but it had meat in it. Our waitress was nice enough to have one without. All of the food was so tasty ! I have to say the next time I'm i'm St. Paul I will definitely be back !!
(5)
Mallory K.
As a Minneapolitan, I am not generally enthused by the prospect of going to St. Paul, but this place is definitely an unusually bright spot in a rather gray and pub-overrun city. Tap beer selection is amazing. I had my first chocolate beer here, and I will never forget that. I've also had crazy lambics and ciders and other stuff here as well. It's basically where I learned to enjoy unique and craft beers. And they have classes upstairs so you can learn how not to look like an idiot when discussing alcohol with more sophisticated drinkers. And the food is great and it's in a cute part of town. You really can't go wrong here.
(4)
Bryan M.
I rode a tidal wave of hype through the doors of the Happy Gnome late on a Friday night after mild turn up in Minneapolis. I was told St. Paul is the more chill of the Twin Cities and despite a decent crowd on a popular night and ESPN playing The Top 10 Illest Hockey Plays EVER Ever, the vibe in the spot was "repose." Neighborhood types milled about over an intense beer list, which was structured in an accessible way: asking what type of beer vibe you were feeling and listing the appropriate selections beneath. I know the entire nation is beer experts now, but to the lay man, this was a helpful guide in making an informed beer decision. Posted up at the bar, drank thick craft brews, topped it off with a generous pour of Cedar Ridge and got out right after the kitchen closed. Super pleasant experience and great way to cap off a night.
(4)
Angela W.
Their wild rice duck burger is one of my favorite dishes of all time. So rich, and with a cherry aioli sauce that is to die for.
Back a second time! Definitely not disappointed!! Both times were amazing. First time was dinner for four...Ravioli, Gnocchi, Pasta Primavera, Steak Tartare...incredible!!!! My husband ordered the game burger...best burger he has ever had hands down! The second time we came...it was with a group of 10 sat around the bar and had a great lunch!! fresh beers on tap and wonderful food. If you're thinking about coming...you should, you won't regret it!!!
(5)
Grace R.
I love the happy gnome! Go on Sundays for their bloody Mary bar - it's amazing! I have had the breakfast sammie twice - its a lot of food but it;s delicious! They have a great outdoor seating area (though the last time we ate there, we moved inside because of bees). This is one of my favorite spots in the twin cities.
(5)
Sarah B.
We had some friends visiting this weekend and had to figure out a cool place to take them to dinner on Saturday, since the original plan didn't work out. It was decided that we'd try The Happy Gnome. And it was the best decision we've ever made...well, maybe not best, but it definitely ranks up there. We initially made reservations for 9, but decided around 4 that we should change them to 8:30, which was easily accomplished. We got there a few minutes early, and found street parking relatively easy. Walking inside proved that a reservation was a good idea, as the bar area and dining area were pretty well full. We admired the bar for a moment then were immediately led to our seats. A lovely girl came by and filled our waters letting us know our waitress was Marissa. We immediately grabbed the beer menus and started looking over our choices. Luckily, our friend looked up the beers online and we semi-planned ahead with what we'd imbibe. Marissa came by and she was already awesome. We told her our beers and it was fun because she'd have silly approving comments about the choices (she liked all of ours). Drinks: Only one of these was a mixed drink, the rest were beer with epic names. Itasca Loonidragon & Todd the Axe Man Rum King & La Trappe Quad Dark Penance & Dirt Wolf The Anvil & Dark and Stormy Marissa was super patient with us, because after taking our beer order, it took us forever to figure out what we wanted. It was probably at least 20 minutes before we decided on two apps to split. We tried the Meat Pizza, which was perfect for 4 people, and the pretzel with beer cheese dip. OMG. That dip was sooo good. We started dipping our pizza crust in it. When we finally decided on food, Marissa popped up super quickly. I swear she must've been hiding nearby with how prompt she was the whole night, but with the place being packed, she had to have been super busy. Food: Ramen x2 Game Burger Duck Burger Everyone loved their meals. 2 of us got the ramen, which was a good thing, since the rest of us were able to sample it. It was really delicious, plus the pork shank was huge. It was like a pork shank accented with ramen. Really really good ramen. The game burger was pretty yummy, I was able to sample it too. It came with fries and spicy ketchup that was really good too. I got the duck burger and it was fantastic. I substituted the house salad which was probably the best house salad since it had chunks of cucumber, tomato and mozzarella balls in a delicious vinaigrette. I just finished the burger while typing the review, and it's just as good a day later and cold as it was fresh. Same with the ramen, the bf just finished his and it's still amazing. Somehow we even managed to order dessert. I'm really not sure how since we were all super full, but we ended up with a creme brulee and bread pudding. They were both awesome. Super light and delicious. Marissa was even able to split our check at the end, and didn't rush us out since we were the last table in the back dining area, luckily it was well before the kitchen closed. We were debating a short walk, since we were full and happy, and Marissa said it was a nice area to walk around. We left, had a nice walk, and can't stop talking about The Happy Gnome. We're all Happy Gnomes now.
(5)
Steve L.
Took a team of about 25 people here for a celebration happy hour/dinner earlier this week. The staff was extremely accommodating and helpful. - Limited parking + Excellent beer menu with reasonable prices + Proper stemware used for most pours + Fairly prompt service in the bar (bar area is seat yourself/first-come, first-served) - Bartenders weren't super personable; they were efficient, but not too approachable - NOISY. Even sitting side-by-side at a crammed table, we had to almost shout at each other the entire night + Table service in dining area was outstanding + Nice menu; interesting options - A bit pricey + Porktato tots -- outstanding + Dry rubbed wings -- outstanding + Pretzel -- outstanding - Bison ribeye -- not so good... perfect medium-rare, but crikey was it tough + Brussels sprouts with bacon were excellent
(4)
l s.
YUM, YUM YUM! Happy Gnome and Happy girl. We just finished the Summit Ave walking tour and needed to grab a bite for lunch and this came up on Yelp. It was D-lish. I had the pretzel with cheese fondue dip, which was tasty, a green salad that was fresh, and the bread basket. I got the carrot cake but it is rustic style, and while good, not what I was expecting. My husband got the game burger and fries and gave it a big thumbs up. He was also very pleased with all the beers on tap, especially the Sculpin IPA from our hometown of San Diego, which is one of his favorite local beers. (Of course he ordered local Minnesota beer but was impressed by Happy Gnome's selection of a San Diego favorite). Overall, we couldn't be more pleased. For a casual bar food style restaurant, the happy gnome was a very pleasant surprise.
(5)
Stephanie O.
DEFINITELY not vegan friendly, but I've heard some of their vegetarian options are okay. I've eaten a mixed greens salad here and nibbled on a few of my friends' fries but mostly stuck to beer. My biggest complaint about this place is that they take themselves too seriously. It's a tad on the expensive side and it feels a bit like they are catering to yuppies despite lacking anything particularly groundbreaking. Regardless, it can be a fun place - and the patio is pretty nice (but smokers beware: they have rules about when that's acceptable, specifically so that diners don't have to breathe in your secondhand while they eat). Disclaimer: I almost gave them a 3, but patios are just so, so good at winning me over.
Had a few hours to kill before a flight so thought I would give this place a shot based on the very favorable Yelp reviews. Grabbed a spot at the bar solo and staff was very welcoming and helpful with Menu selections. It was a cold day for a SoCal guy so I ordered up the Steak Tartare and the Ramen. Tartare was excellent. Served at the right temperature and at the right consistency. A large portion - enough for two to easily share. On the Ramen - comfort food! This dish isn't for those afraid to get a bit dirty. You need to get in there to eat the partially deboned sausage stuffed quail but it is so worth it! The menu has a little for everyone and the beer list was fantastic. Nice to see plenty of Browns, Porters, and Stouts on the menu as most menus are being dominated by the "I can out-hop you" IPA movement.
(4)
Ken L.
Love this place. Usually meet coworkers here and it always is a good time. The have a great selection and the staff is superb!
(4)
Bethany B.
The food is absolutely fantastic. My husband and I are still talking about it a day later. He has the game burger and I had the pesto chicken sandwich. Stellar. An absolute must if you are in the area. A great place for a date or a family night out!
(5)
Brent B.
The event came and went that we had originally gone there to plan out--our son's wedding rehearsal dinner. The dinner was well-guided as we shared our plans with the banquet manager, Emily. She well communicated very well all during the time leading up to it, and well delivered our event in execution. Our planned selections included the OUTSTANDING Gnome wings which flew off the serving trays (I know, cheesy pun!) and mixed vegetable platter with dip. This was followed by the salad and main dish entrees. We gave guests a choice of Beef Short Ribs, perfectly seared Diver Scallops, or an Amish Chicken Breast. These were all accompanied by starch and vegetable, such as the beef on a bed of mashed potatoes, wonderful gravy and fresh well cooked asparagus spears. I had the Scallops which was a very generous serving alongside a risotto and grilled vegetable. Dinner ended with platters of neatly prepared 'finger-sized' desserts. All entrees were reported as Delicious! Table service as well as bar service were both very attentive and professionally done. The upstairs private room was convenient (not handicap accessible thought due to a stairway). Featured plenty of room to decorate and make it our own, and with a private bar area to serve those needs. Thanks to all who combined to make our dinner event a wonderful (and well flavored) memory. Especially so to Emily and the Gnome owners!
(4)
David B.
Wow, that wild rice soup. So good. A longtime Minnesota native told me The Happy Gnome had their all time favorite wild rice soup, and it did not disappoint. Key tip: ask for the bread and butter on the side. They have deliciously crunchy bread with a soft, white interior that is just amazing with their special butter. Dip it into the wild rice soup and prepare to be blown away. Some serious comfort food here. It also appears they have a pretty large selection of beers on tap. Great little neighborhood spot.
(5)
Meggan E.
Have come here twice in the last 6 months which is good since I don't normally spend weekends in St Paul. This should be one of your go-to spots when you cross the river for events. Great beer list and a good bloody mix with a Summit chaser are pros. Wine is minimal in selection but this is a craft brew fans paradise. Have never been disappointed in the food yet. Had a delicious curry squash soup - hope it becomes a regular item. Tried the breakfast Sammy with eggs scrambled served with turkey and avocado a little twist. The menu is more lunch dinner not brunch. My partner had the Reuben and others loved the game burger and liked the vegetarian juicy Lucy. Gourmet pub food is the game here. If you like Busters in Mpls, you'll like it here. Place fills fast!
(4)
Ariel L.
A great place for happy hour! and to get together casually. If you're a big group, come early as it will be easier to scout out the spot that you like. There's outdoor seating which is great in the summer, so it becomes a little crowded inside during the winter. Appetizer choices are great and yes, they do have gluten-free selections! Overall a great place, the noise level becomes louder as you approach around 7PM but hey, it gives you a better excuse to come closer to your loved ones! Enjoy!
(4)
Dana N.
This place is pretty much the best place ever for brunch. First off, their bloody bar is PHENOMENAL! They usually have three or four different house-made mixes to choose from (like regular, spicy, bacon and Thai basil), plus their selection of accompaniments is seriously amazing for the price point. They have a huge assortment of meats and cheeses which are different every time I've been there. Basically you can load your bloody up with ten skewers of meat and cheese if you so choose. I don't remember the price, but I know that considering the money they must sink into their accompaniments, it's definitely a pretty good deal. Their food is also pretty delicious, too. Plenty of classics with delightful twists (cream cheese and blueberry french toast? Yes please!) with a few different dishes I've never seen anywhere else. However, if you plan on doing food AND the bloody bar, be prepared to split a meal with a friend or get a to-go box. The only downside is that their bloodies are so dang good that they're always packed. If you plan on going for weekend brunch, be sure to show up right when they open or you might not get in (at least not for a while, anyway).
(5)
Marshall P.
You gotta try the corned beef tater tots...great place for a beer too. Lots of choices so take a deep breath, focus, and commit.
(5)
Jason H.
Great selection of beer (over 100 and most of them on tap). The food was really good, especially their oysters. The only down side is that it's so good that it's almost always packed. Make sure to make reservations or arrive early (before 6) to avoid a wait.
(5)
Tino K.
The pork belly hash is the best brunch dish I have ever had. Two perfectly poached eggs on top of juicy, shredded pork, crisp pork belly cubes and breakfast potatoes and smothered in a creamy, flavorful and slightly spicy salsa roja hollandaise. Sheer perfection! And I adore the bloody Mary bar - several tasty house-made mixes to choose from including smoky bacon. And served alongside a selection of some of the best nibbles I've ever had - love, love, love making a skewer of cheese curds and smoked sausage. And if bloodies aren't your thing there are a ton of craft brews on tap. I've eaten here several times and it's never disappointed. Highly recommend the poutine and the duck burger as well. The service is always spot on too - friendly and attentive.
(5)
Latha P.
Getting around to write a review quite late but better late than ...... Having been to this place a few times, I finally got down to writing a review. Perfect cozy Italian restaurant offering some delightful food and great service. Love their calamari and other sea food entrees . Just another good Italian restaurant with good comfort food.
(4)
Susie A.
Great beer, good food, pass on the dessert. I really like how their beer menu is split into categories so that you can see all of the ones you are interested in listed together. Hoppy, citrusy, rich and dark, etc.... Even a seasonal category. Had the veggie "juicy lucy" burger with fries.(I love their seasoned fries. Hard to stop eating them once you start.) I have had a lot of veggie burgers, but nothing like this before. It is breaded and fried. So greasy that my stomach started hurting before I left the restaurant. I liked the mozzarella cheese in the middle though. My dad had the scallops special and he said they were "outstanding." This from a Scandinavian who says "it's good" or "fine" about everything he eats. Not much fazes him. After my greasy, salty meal I was ready for something sweet. Their dessert menu has about 4 choices with two different prices. We ordered two of the small. The cheesecake was literally one $4.50 bite. The raspberry baba rum was two bites for $4.50. Not worth it.
(3)
Marie C.
I've been here for brunch and for small plate dinner and have really enjoyed both. My girlfriends and I spent 4 hours here the other day accidentally indulging in some Sunday libations (oops, yet fun). The service was wonderful and you have to love the bloody mary bar. My friend and I split the short rib benedict and the duck confit hash and both were delicious. I find the food to be delicious, very midwestern but new interpretations but admittedly I haven't found something that I have hands down loved so much. But it's still a place that I love to frequent. And you have to love the patio when its warm!
(4)
Tom K.
Sat at bar for late dinner. Had a pull of the Empyrean Nibbed Oatmeal stout and the Game Hen. Stout had subtle chocolate tastes that paired well with the Hen which came in a bed of polenta topped with quartered carrots and such. All flavors came together with the piping hot, pan fried hen. Delicious dish and great service to boot.
(4)
Boone D.
Here's the thing about the Happy Gnome. It's fabulous. However, and this is a big however, I almost always only go there for the drinks. Here's why. The food is good, but it's a little over-priced for the portions you get. The quality is good, but this isn't a 5-star restaurant. Their drink menu, though, is fantastic, and that's why I keep coming back. They constantly rotate out older selections and bring in new brews to try. They have a solid list of beers they keep around (because they're popular), and their craft brew list is really good and varied.
(4)
Ryan M.
Great beer and not your regular run of the mill food. Its delicious food. Definitely check this spot out.
(4)
Pam W.
One of my favorite places to stop in St Paul. Especially in the summer if you are looking for a nice patio to sit outside. The patio is quaint, and private and a very relaxing atmosphere. They have Great beer options galore!! Bartenders are very helpful in deciding which beers to try. They will give samples to try before you order, and their pours are quite generous! The food has always been good as well..but I tend to go there for the beer.
(4)
Tiffany H.
Oh my goodness. I have a book sitting on my bookshelf that outlines how to handle Garden Gnomes - if they were to attack. You know what? If they all serve up the goods like this one... I don't even care. Let them take over. I went with a group and we went the sharing route. While sipping our fantastic bloody mary's (with the customary upper Midwest beer back), we decided to order the Dips, Haricot Vert, and The Game Burger. All of the dips were fantastic, but we talked about the duck confit artichoke dip for days. It was unlike any artichoke dip I had ever tasted and it was insanely good. The salad was crisp and refreshing. I really enjoyed the addition of cous cous to a crisp, cold dish. The game burger and frites were a home run. The burger was cooked to perfection and the lingonberry aioli was a sweet surprise. To be perfectly honest, I approached my trip to the Twin Cities with low expectations. I expected a lot of deep fried food and retail stores. This was our first stop though - and it blew all preconceived ideas of boretown out of the water. Simply fantastic.
(5)
Jonathan C.
Deschutes Black Butte Porter! You can't find this is Boston anywhere. I think it's great. Nice beer selection overall. We also tried the wings and the soft pretzel - Mmmm. So soft and buttery. Maybe the best one I've ever had. This place has character and I like it. I like it a lot.
(5)
Thomas D.
Went to the Gnome the first time for Farkin fest, not to be missed. Stayed for 8 hours sampled some of the best beer ever! After the fest we hung out in the bar area. Friendly crowd, which may have had something to do with people hitting up the fest all day... The place was housed in an old firehouse really cool building and awesome vibe. My buddy and I both had the burgers which were excellent as was the service. We took a uber ride from Minneapolis. Even gave some random drunk dude a ride home on the way, that's the kind of place this is. We made lots of friends. If I lived closer this would be my spot.
(5)
Aubrey L.
Small restaurant business these days can not survive on good food alone, they must have awesome service as well. I am a stickler for excellent customer service, or at least kindness seeing as I am a human being and all. The food was great, the duck burger is all everyone says it is and more! The fries are the best fries I have ever had. The drinks were great. But I won't go back. Why? Because the service was terrible. We waited 12 minutes for someone to even know we were already seated by the host (and it wasn't that busy!). We ordered right away because we were not sure when we'd see her again. When I asked for an additional sauce, she got a 'tude with me telling me they didn't have what I wanted.The food came out promptly, but we were almost done by the time someone checked on us. I had to flag her down and ask for another straw (my blueberries and mint were sticking in my straw, barely getting up any that sweet nectar of a mojito). 7 minutes later I still hadn't seen her, so got up, went inside to the bar and got one myself. She came by and dropped the bill on the table and said "Thanks". Rude. Not present. Just terrible. Worst service I've had in years. I don't care how good your food is, I won't support a business where I'm not treated with any type of respect or recognition that I'm even there.
(2)
Clare S.
It's yummy and i gnome it. This place has to be once of my favorites in the cities. Beer, food, and atmosphere are awesome. Let's start beer: I am forever on a search for the world's best IPA, and I often have problems finding new ones to try at restaurants/bars. Definitely no issue here. Food: it is awesome. They have a very crafty menu with great options. I've had the duck, rabbit and veggie burger here, and all were very good. If you're into cheese, there are some great app options too. The menu changes quite often, so there is always a good excuse to keep going back Staff: some of the best service I've had in the cities. They give great, honest recommendations (not the "oh, everything is equally great" approach but they will honestly tell you what they think is best). They also strike the friendly server balance - not too chatty but can shoot the shit a little bit. Please arrive hungry and thirsty as all get-out.
(5)
Andrew C.
First visit after hearing great things, but left very disappointed. Friend had the Chicken Sandwich, which was incredibly dry and overlooked. It had no flavor and came with giant pieces of bread, which made it a challenge to eat or enjoy... no matter how much of the sauce it came with put on it. I had the Lobster & Shrimp roll, which was unlike any traditional lobster roll I've ever had. It too came with huge Texas Toast size bread and lettuce, but little else. Couldn't see or taste much lobster and the tiny shrimp looked like the kind you might find in a can from the grocery store. Another friend had the Duck Burger, which she'd hard before and she said it was also burnt, dry and over cooked. The Chorizo Tator Tots were good, as were the fries.
(1)
Jenny A.
When I walked in here today I was really impressed at how large the dining area is. The atmosphere gives off a dark but cool vibe. I feel like this would be a place to take someone you're trying to impress on a first date but not creep out. We asked the hostess to be seated outside and she directed us to the outside hostess. Apparently we missed the big obvious sign by the front door pointing us to the patio host. The patio was quite large and maybe 5 tables were being occupied. Our waiter came over after a few minutes and suggested the Elios Mediterranean Red wine after I described what I wanted. I asked for a sweeter, -not- dry wine. He hit the nail on the head. The wine was very good and he gave me a couple options to choose from. We ordered a bread basket that came with herbed butter. Just a quick question: Why the hell is all of the bread like chewing on a raw hide in these places? I mean, I don't get whats so good about having to work out before I come here just to tear a piece of bread in half. Is it not fancy if the crust is edible? Does it not count as an Artisan loaf if you can actually enjoy it? What happened to soft warm breads and dinner rolls? And what the crap is going on with those giant crackers? Surely, I'm not the only one who feels this way. Can't a girl just get a soft loaf for once? The only upside is that it scrapes all the tartar off my teeth. Moving on.... My companion ordered the Sausage wrapped pork tenderloin. It came with Brussel Sprout petals, Bacon cheddar potato gratin and a peach salsa. The pork was pretty good. The sausage around it helped the meat stay moist. The gratin was very cheesy and turned out pretty good. My companion said she enjoyed it but once we left the restaurant she unleashed her disappointment in the price ($25) and the portion. I would be inclined to agree with her; It did seem overpriced considering you don't even get a whole sprout. Makes me wonder what they do with the rest of the poor little guy.... so cold and alone... I ordered the PEI Mussels. They are cooked in white wine, creme fraiche and chorizo. I was sorely disappointed in this dish which really sucks because it sounded wonderful. I've had plenty of different Mussel dishes and this one was definitely at the bottom. The Mussels themselves were okay but some of them varied in texture which made me worry they weren't cooked. They were oddly soft. The sauce seemed to have the orange grease from the chorizo but held no flavor. I wish I could describe it differently but it really just didn't taste like anything. The wine and creme part of the sauce also lacked flavor. I couldn't pick of any hints of the wine. The chorizo was the link-type. It was cut into small chunks and was cooked into dog chew oblivion. They were so tough my poor little fork could barely spear one enough to get a bite and upon tasting they, too, didn't have much flavor. I ate maybe a quarter of the dish and we waited maybe 30 minutes for our waiter to come back even though he'd looked at us multiple times not touching our food. When he finally returned he asked if I was finished and I said yes and that I didn't care for it. He swooped it up without expressing any concern for the fact I hadn't even eaten half of it. I can hear myself sighing in my head as I think of the overall meal. I really had high hopes for this place and I am sure I will give it another try. But, as it stand today I can only give it a three and I'm even considering dropping it to a 2. I think I might actually shed a tear over this one...
(3)
Graham T.
The dry rub wings... Best in the twin cities
(5)
Melaney S.
Having brunch with my hubby. He ordered the pork belly hash. He is in near tears because he is unable to finish even half. I tasted it yum barely covers it. I ordered a biscuit and gravy. I have to tell you if you have not had the biscuits here you are missing out. They make me want to kiss the chef. I know 3.00 seems like a lot for a biscuit it is not. Not this one. The bloody bar has a shifting selection of mixes today they had a Thai basil a real winner. A tad spicy, but all the flavors you expect in Thai food. I can not wait to try making this at home. Our bar tender today was great. I have in the past had a problem but I have not seen that girl in a long time.
(5)
Mary T.
Was here for a rehearsal dinner last Friday evening. Great selection of craft beer and the staff was friendly. Can't comment on the menu as we had a light, pre-fixed selection. What they did offer was tasty...especially liked the dry rub wings.
(4)
Kevin C.
This is a great bar for trying out different craft beers and whiskeys, I was very impressed with their selections. I was less impressed with their food. I got the Lamb Bratwurst which was decent but really messy because there was a lot of sauce on it. The fries were terrible - not very crispy and were extremely salty. Normally I'm a fan of salty fries and salt in general (I will eat the salt that falls off of soft pretzels on its own), but I could not stomach these fries, I had to push myself to eat half of them and then an hour later it felt like I hadn't drank any water all day. Drinks: 5 stars Food: 2 stars Maybe just stick with getting drinks here.
(3)
Cari S.
Great place for brunch! Great make-your-own bloody marry bar! It is a little spendy, but overall it's a great place!
(4)
Daniel D.
Always a go to stop for us when we are in town. Very cozy bar seating, amazing craft beer list and a rotating menu. Most recently had the pheasant pot pie it was out if this world good! Not sure we have had a bad meal. Also summer patio is great to!
(5)
Cindy D.
O.M.G where have I been all these years, this place is awesome. We came here with a group of us and we had the best time ever. We came here on the day they released their Odell Double Pilsner, there were about five beer. I had four different beer: Odell Double Pilsner, Odell Tree Shaker Imperial Peach IPA, Odell Myrcenary DIPA, and Odell st Lupullin Extra Pale Ale. They were tasty! It was my first time trying many beer at once. Usually I just get Miller Lite with olives, I know...lame. Their beer list is crazy huge. Their food is kinda pricey. But I will def come here again with a group of friends and just to have a great time. Free parking and enjoy the nice neighborhood :)
(5)
Johanna V.
The food is delish but the bill racks up quicker than you'd like. I actually really like their sides such as the brussel sprouts with bacon and the poutine. Not a bad spot to grab late dinner. The true expertise of The Happy Gnome is their bar service. The beer list is always stellar. Their whiskey list is also pretty extensive. The staff tends to make well-informed, helpful suggestions. It's worth a visit if you find yourself in the area. Also just look at it's name! What kind of establishment would it be if it has happy in its name and doesn't basically guarantee a good time?!
(4)
Matthew W.
No matter what the travel forums say, a visit to the Twin Cities just isn't complete without a visit to St. Paul. My friends and I Ãœbered over to The Happy Gnome on a Saturday and found the place packed. Apparently we had stumbled on Firken Fest, a fest whose origins were never quite explained during our time there. Just seemed like an opportunity to be served more beer while standing in a tent, if I'm honest. The Happy Gnome is a large place with multiple seating areas, a large wooden bar anchored in the center of the room, and booths that line the windows facing Selby Avenue. Somewhat large selection of beers, which were our beverages of choice. Lambics, Sours, Ales, Hop Bombs; if you can stomach it, they probably have it. Food options seemed to be the same sort of overpriced, profit-laden, "Farm to Table" disappointments that are de rigueur in most yuppie Chicago bars, so we decided to pass. The Cocktail menu inspired similar feelings brought on by the food menu. Beers were decently priced, but the atmosphere was so loud that decently-volumed conversation proved difficult. I'm unsure if it was the type of flooring, but average conversations and atmospheric background noise were quite loud, and I say this as a member of the beer-slugging rabble. It wasn't unbearable, but throw in several TVs tuned to different, audible channels and a table of cackling, rotund harridans, and we thought it was best to down our beers and move on. Happy to say I made it over to St. Paul during the weekend, but if ever a return visit should occur, The Happy Gnome wouldn't be the draw that brought me back.
(3)
Benjamin Y.
Another favorite restaurant of mine in St Paul. Everything I've eaten here I have not been disappointed. Their poutine is probably my favorite and the best in MN. They also have an awesome beer menu.
(5)
Trevor W.
The food and atmosphere get 5 solid stars. I had the expertly crafted BBQ chicken sandwich. Nothing short of the best I have ever had. Highly recommend it. Came with fries but the fries were all very small. I know that's probably a little picky but I like my fries eaten by hand. The service gets a cool 3 stars. They got the job done but didn't really go above and beyond nor were very excited to create a dining experience. I will definitely go back because the food IS that good. Plus they have a great off the beaten path beer selection. Meals run 13 to 25 bucks.
(4)
Amanda H.
The Happy Gnome is aptly named. This cozy, casual place has it all - good food, plenty of good beer (with one of the largest tap lists in the TC area - 77 total last time we went), and great atmosphere....unless they stick you in the back restaurant area. Honestly, that part of the restaurant I think they could do without as it reminds me of a semi-formal dining room from days past.... I love their seasonal salads and we usually stop in there just for drinks but end up getting an appetizer because, really, how can you go wrong with pretzels and beer cheese? Everything has a bit of a higher flair to it, is a little pricier but not enough to break the bank. The patio during summer is our hands down favorite! Soft lighting, cozy, and wonderfully relaxing with a view of the St Paul Cathedral (if that interests you). We usually go there after the crowds clear to have drinks and unwind, so the cozy atmosphere is a definite plus in our book. This is a lovely place and one of the many reasons I love St Paul.
(5)
Will B.
Great bar and restaurant tucked away in St Paul. Good beer selection for bar in the Midwest. Food was top quality. Parking fills up quickly but plenty of room inside. Definitely worth a visit if you're only in town for a quick visit.
(4)
Chloe C.
A bit pricy, but amazing food and beer selection. Check out the brunch and bloody bar on the weekend- you won't be disappointed!
(4)
Josh And Tanya J.
Amazing bloody mary's and great beer list! The Rueben was awesome!
(5)
Samantha K.
Food was excellent! We had a homemade pretzel for an app and the fried vegetable juicy Lucy and bison ribeye for dinner. The ribeye was HUGE. We sat on the patio which was just a great laid back atmosphere. Highly recommend and will definitely come back again.
(5)
Matt G.
Great place, packed at night for drinks. Beer glasses are HUGE.
(5)
William S.
My go to place for Sunday Brunch, always finding something interesting to eat and they know me enough to suggest something unique off the beer list. Great Jazz combo on Sunday, so a must come to spot!!!
(5)
Matt M.
I met coworkers here on a busy Friday night and I'm so glad we started the night here. Phenomenal beer selection, best taps in town. Our server was ridiculously knowledgable and helpful which made the experience that much more enjoyable. Try the fried pickled veggies and the pretzel! You won't regret it. I'll be back!
(5)
Nancy H.
We did not stay to eat the place was so loud we could not stand it. No music playing just people talking.
(1)
Elena M.
I went here for the first time for a special event last month, my friend's wedding reception. The service we received from the bartender was the worst I've ever experienced, she lacked all people skills, and couldn't even correctly do her job. I just wanted to enjoy this special day of my friends, and her attitude really ruined it for me. She forgot to charge us the first time (we weren't sure if it was open bar or not & didn't see her charging others). Then at the end she gave us the complete wrong bill. I asked for a correct one. She couldn't do that for me and instead gave me a bill with just a dollar amount owed and no breakdown. Then told me if I paid the wrong bill it would have been cheaper for me. I was shocked at the lack of basic bar-tending skills, and people skills from this woman. The worst. I do not recommenced trying your luck at this "Happy Gnome" which the workers are far from happy. Take your hard earned money elsewhere. The details: My fiance and I ordered 1 drink each (I ordered a "house red"). We received them, and waited for her to give us an amount we owed. Basic bar-tending etiquette is when you hand someone a drink, you give the amount they owe right away, or ask about opening a tab. It is how it's always done. The bar was not busy. Someone else came up to order a drink and she started on that. We waited a few minutes, wondering if maybe it was an open bar reception and that is why she did not give us an amount owed. To make sure, my fiance went over to the tip jar and put money in. The bartender looked like she saw him do that, but of course again did not say anything, especially not a thank you. I went over later to order another "house red". She then asked me, "Did you start a tab with me before?" No..."Ya I turned around and you guys were gone" (hmmm...because we had waited about 5 minutes without you saying anything to us after giving us our drinks, I guess that was our fault for not paying when we weren't sure if it was open bar or not, and you didn't seem to be charging anyone that we could see?) So I started a tab. When I went to close it out, there were 3 drinks on it total, but not what we ordered. I got her attention and I politely told her this isn't the correct bill, it should be 2 house reds and a cider. She went over to the computer and came back with a total that was even more than the first bill, except there was no breakdown of any prices, just a total amount, weird. I wanted to get her attention to ask how much everything was as I was surprised about the amount of 2 house reds (which should be the cheapest glass of red wine you have, and a cheap cider). She went to the computer and was intently looking at it for a good 5-10 mins (could you be more obvious you are ignoring us?) When we finally got her attention and asked, she said house wines are $10. (I've never heard of house wines being $10, even at much more upscale places, this is a local pub like place and was expecting more in the normal $6-$8 range.) Then with an annoyed tone she told me, "If you just paid this bill (THE WRONG BILL she first gave me) it was a dollar cheaper." So it seemed like she was giving me attitude and overcharging me for things that were her fault in the first place! I was shocked that she said that, and did not want to make a scene at my friend's wedding reception. So I just left it. I called The Happy Gnome to inquire how much they charge for a house red typically. Turns out they don't have house wines. That would have been nice to know from the bartender, or to see a wine list possibly. If I messed up a bill or an order, I would apologize and correct it. No apology from her, just attitude for making her aware of her mistakes. This place left a bad feeling on me because of this bartender and I will not be back. And I would still like to know what she really charged me for!
(1)
Gary H.
I came in on a Monday evening recently for a beer and was disappointed that there was no happy hour. The servers were friendly and professional. It was very crowded and LOUD for a Monday, so it was hard to visit with my friend. He enjoyed his food. I would come back and try a meal sometime.
(3)
Aaron R.
I couldn't picture a more ideal setting to enjoy a craft beer than on the patio at the Happy Gnome. A very cozy, wooden deck with a lot of character. However, some of the tables on the patio are far too close together to the point where it's awkward. We got the same table each time and it's literally right next to another table. The entire time I was filtering everything I was trying to say to my wife before I said it because I didn't want anything to come out that I didn't want the table next to me to hear. It shouldn't be that way. I'd much rather wait a little longer for a table then get one right away, two feet (literally) from someone else. Hopefully they rethink their patio floor plan. The server was very nice and inviting. Pleasant without it being too much. The mussels were sadly very disappointing. EXTREMELY small and the white wine sauce was pretty plain. Our meals came out half way through the appetizer. Sad face to that :( The ailoi for the burgers are extraordinary! They are on the sweeter side so just keep that in mind. Overall: there were definitely some disappointing parts of the experience and because of all that I was thinking about giving only three stars. However, the concept of the restaurant (77 tap beers with chef-inspired food) couldn't be better. Plus, they recently changed all their taps to local brews! That all brought it back to four stars and I hope I can change it to five someday because i do believe in this place. I mean, to be serious, with all the amazing breweries we have in MN there's NO reason to be importing from other states or other countries for that matter. MN brews are just as good and, because they're so close, FRESHER! People really have to understand that and it looks like Happy Gnome does, so good job!
(4)
Leo B.
Just had the game burger and a chouffe Nice beer and although the beer was great, the burger was just ok. Hearing a lot of good things about this burger I had high hopes, but sadly I wasn't impressed. First off they made a mistake with my burger giving me cheddar cheese instead of blue cheese, then they also added the bbq beef on top. I was told that the chefs just made a mistake. But I think they gave me the wrong burger. I ate it nonetheless and its was juicy and good flavor, but just not what I ordered. Walked away really not feeling fulfilled.
(3)
Jens M.
Sunday, NOT. Been here waiting for 40 minutes for my food, it arrived raw, had to turn it back. How can you go wrong with a burger????? Like the place at night not during brunch. In fact I am hating the place.
(2)
Thuy T.
Always great food, beer, and ambiance!! We love this place. We booked their banquet room upstairs for our Wedding Rehearsal Dinner and everyone just loved the food. Beer selection here is endless.
(5)
Joshua F.
This place is nice, but spendy. The wait staff uses their manners, but they don't seem enthusiastic about it. If the place was named after the wait staff's attitudes, I think it would be called, "The Irritated Gnome." The food is great. There is a nice variety, but not so much that it's overwhelming. A burger/sandwich costs about $15 to $20. A meat entree costs about $30 to $40 per plate.
(4)
Kate M.
The food is always the bomb and I love the variety of local brews on tap. The bar area is awesome and fills fast. The entree's tend to be a tad pricey but the service and ambience is great!
(4)
Jonathan T.
If you live in the Saint Paul area, attending the Happy Gnome is an absolute must. The classy pub atmosphere and decor are great. But most importantly, the food is awesome. My server recommended the steak tar tar and the bison burger. Oh my goodness, both were incredible. I left with my tummy full and a big grin on my face. Although I would love to rate this place five stars, the service could of been better. Other than that, I would highly recommend this place.
(4)
Greg S.
Once again, this place is on top of its game. I'm from Atlanta and visit the Twin Cities occasionally. I found this place about 5 years ago and have now eaten here 5 times. I went for the Sunday Brunch this time on a very blustery COLD February morning. We started with the Pork Tots - a magnificent creation of ham hock, bacon, broccolinni and cheese lightly fried in the shape of a big tator tot. It came with a homemade bacon ketchup. It was true bliss!! Next I split the poutine and the baked cinnamon French toast with my sister. These were delectable in every sense imaginable. The poutine consisted of cube shaped home fried potatoes with andouille sausage topped with cheese curds, gravy, bacon and topped with a fried egg. If you don't like that combo, you have never eaten the Gnome's poutine !!!! The French toast was huge and topped with pear compote and a cream cheese whipped cream that was out of this world. The maple syrup was the right touch. It gets better and better EVERYTIME at the Happy Gnome
(5)
Kara F.
Best spinach salad I've ever had. Period. Complete with watermelon, goat cheese and a balsamic vinaigrette. I'll be back for it as soon as humanly possible.
(5)
Benjamin D.
Been here several times, always alone and sat at the bar. Love the nice, large selection of beer. Bartender could be more knowledgeable on what they serve. Friendly, offering info they do have and offering small samples make up for the lack of knowledge. I had an elk burger and a bison burger, both served with a slightly sweet berry sauce that complements the meat incredibly well. Ambiance is nice, place is usually quite full. I wish I lived closer or else I would happily go more often.
(5)
Steve M.
I don't care for it here. Their vibe seems unhappy. I've sat at the bar 3 times and asked for bartenders to turn the Twins game on only to get a snotty attitude from them about it. Food is usually decent but servers and bartenders are not friendly and the vibe just feels negative. Put some smiles on the employees faces, that may help. When craving a burger and good beer I'm sticking with Red Cow even though they always have wait.
(2)
Ryan F.
Finally got a chance to check the place out meeting a client. Amazing beer list! Food looked good but only had a pretzel-the mustard sauce with it was great. Got there early and snagged a booth-only gripe is although my client and I must have had 8-9 beers the server seemed like he was itching to turn the table. This was on the bar side, not the dining room side, so this was a little oft-putting. It is also very loud in the bar side, FYI. Parking is easy, and the staff for the most part was really friendly. I will go back for a meal and update my review then.
(3)
Whitney F.
The Happy Gnome makes the daunting trip over the river into what I sometimes think of as Mexico, not only tolerable but a trek I look forward to. This visit was on a Saturday night with a girlfriend to catch up over yummy eats and drinks. The HG can be a hodgepodge of whatever you want it to be. Date night? Check. Place to bring your parents for a nice meal? check. Grab a beer at the bar and watch a game? check. At 730 there were a few tables available for 2 - however we chose to wait and hawk a seat at the more lively bar area. Quickly found a big booth and sprawled out after ordering two glasses of the "adventurous red". HG has the best beerlist in the cities, but the wine selection is nothing to steer away from. We split the burrata... a-maz-ing. I could have enjoyed a meal of a ball of mozz and crackers. I ordered the typical mussels and my pal went with the duck pappardelle. Both portions were HUGE and we were delighted to take some home for leftovers. Any Yelpers need an excuse to bop over to Cathedral hill? I'm your girl.
(5)
Kyle H.
Great beer selection and food is pretty darn good. We only stuck with appetizers because entrees were quite expensive.
(4)
Katie B.
The Happy Gnome never fails or falls short of delivering a wonderful dining or happy hour experience. The menu is really well out together and not once have I had a dish that didn't make my mouth do a little dance. The beer list offers a wide variety to please most anyone and I was impressed with the scotch whiskey list as well. This has been one of my favorite spots to meet with friend, coworkers or enjoy an evening with that special someone! The Game Burger is easily one of my favorites and if they ever cease to make the butternut squash ravioli I will have to go into mourning. The Poutine is not bad- definitely give it a go and decide for yourself. In summer, the outside deck and dining area is really lovely but call ahead to make a reservation or you'll likely be out of luck!
(5)
Sichen G.
Really a big fan of this place. It has so many beers that you don't know which one you should pick. They all really good. And the food there is good too. Has some very special food that you can't find in other places. Tried the boar and bison. those are really juicy and tender. Good place to go.
(5)
Natalie F.
Excellent beer selection separated on the menu by flavor profile & none of the hipster guys will b getting on ur nerves & not leaving you alone so prolly a good place to come with ur girlfriends :)
(4)
Susan G.
This is my second time here and I have not been disappointed. The mussels were wonderful and the game hen was fabulous!
(5)
Brad K.
The food and WAITER service was absolutely perfect at this restaurant. The menu was some of the most unique and delicious food I have ever eaten. I was beyond impressed and it is up there with some of the best places I have ever eaten... So why only 2-stars and not 5? Let me explain... The night we went to this restaurant we came here for dinner and to have some drinks to celebrate a friends birthday. I went to the bar to order some Fireball shots and I could not have gotten a worse response from the bartender. His response was a short, almost angry: "nope don't have it, but we have a few hundred other liquors you could try instead". I replied "Wow I'm surprised with that many liquors fireball isn't one of them". And he said "if you want fireball maybe you could leave and go to Fern's".(Fern's is a bar half a block up the road). So yeah this jerk bartender (a shorter guy, wish I remembered his name) drove us to leave Happy Gnome and spend our money at Fern's. The long and short of it was this ONE guy overshadowed the amazing dining experience we had up until that moment. With that in mind I don't think I will dine at this restaurant again...
(2)
Parry D.
Great menu and beer. One of the best bars in the Twin Cities. No better place to roll in for a quick beer or sit a in booth and have a long delicious dinner.
(5)
Nancy H.
Serious beer lovers will appreciate the variety of QUALITY brews. This is not a place for watered down American 'beer'. Staff know the menu if you need suggestions on what you prefer in a beer. Steamed mussels are good as well as the apple w/ blue cheese salad. The lobster Mac and Cheese is not what it says but rather pasta swimming in Alfredo sauce. The bar area has a great presentation with large windows and old arcitecture. It also has booth seating. The back room is best for families or large parties. Overall, we really like Happy Gnome and we are not alone. Go and relax. This is not a place to rush through your meal. Enjoy!
(4)
Tabi D.
Awesome restaurant, no wait, great food and the staff were awesome! They were always smiling very helpful I will definantly be coming back
(4)
Annie P.
Still not impressed. Asked our server Helene, to recommend their best appetizer. She said go with the pretzel and cheese. Reminded me of the pretzels I used to get at the food court in the Malls when I was a teenager. Ordered Duck burger which had wonderful flavor, but a little over salted. Hubby had Elk burger. It was good, hand cut fries were crispy. Great tap beers. Our server Helene was odd and made us feel a bit like a burden. Next time I'm craving a burger I'll stick with Red Cow.
(3)
Annie D.
I hadn't been to the Gnome in a long time, but I came with my almost-cousins-in-law for a big goodbye party for my almost-sister-in-law. It was actually supposed to be a happy hour outing, but then we got there and found out they don't technically have a happy hour. Sad face, but we got over it. I grabbed a pint of Indeed's Stir Crazy Ale (smooth and wintry and delightful) and a big, fat pile of poutine. It was freezing cold outside and I can't think of a better warmer. We also tried the dry rubbed wings (very good) and the beet salad with citrus, goat cheese and walnut vinaigrette. Between that and the poutine, it was plenty of food for three of us to split. And back to the poutine. It's an epic three-hog poutine, with sausage gravy, bacon and pork belly atop French fries. Oh, and fresh cheese curds all melty on the top. The service was excellent and especially patient with our large party of indecisive drink orderers. The beer list is just too long and beautiful to decide quickly. What's great about it is that they include more detailed descriptions of each beer, so you can make a more informed decision without having to bother the staff about the DOZENS of taps available. Our server was also thoughtful enough to ask us how we'd like our bill split at the end---much appreciated. We were in the dining room because that's the only place they could fit 10 of us, but the bar space is distinct (and busy) and they have a party room upstairs for private events. I don't come to this gastropub often enough, but it's one of those always-appropriate places for any occasion, from your mom's birthday to a first date to a night out with the (well-behaved) kids. We even brought a (VERY well-behaved) baby. Other highlights from other trips: Bloody Mary bar, the egg sandwich at brunch, the tree-shaded PATIO (one of the best in St. Paul for sure).
(4)
Rikki L.
The Happy Gnome is fantastic. The menu is unique and tasty, everything we ordered was well prepared. The beer selection is second to none, every palette has a choice, it is the best selection of beer I've happened across in MSP. Top it all off with great service and you can't go wrong when choosing The Happy Gnome.
(5)
Scott K.
Unbelievable beers with great food and service. Shhhh. . .don't tell anyone or it might get busier.
(5)
Barclay W.
First time we came here was just for the beer, second time we came here was for the beer and the food. The beer: My god what can I say about the beer here. It is a craft beer drinker heaven. You get a really solid variety for a great price. The bartenders are also very knowledgeable about what kinds of beers you might like. I appreciate that they actually take the time to know something about their massive selection. The food: Classic comfort/pub food taken to a new level. Duck burgers and wild boar chops? Yummmm. It is a very comforting but innovate taste. I think everyone left the table rubbing their bellies with happiness.
(4)
Hannah G.
A+ for the small bites & beer selection, D- for the lack of happy hour. That is truly the only reason I'm not here more often! I love the Happy Gnome- the gastropub atmosphere, the HUGE beer list, and the ahhhhmazing hot pretzel. You guys- order the hot pretzel. You will NOT be disappointed. Just wish they had some occasional specials!
(4)
Whitney G.
Fresh, fresh, and fresh! The food here was excellent, and though some of their menu items are on the high end, there is plenty to choose from no matter your budget. I was pleasantly surprised by the size of the salad I ordered, there was plenty to take home! We also ordered their bread basket, and let me tell ya, the whipped garlic butter was killer. Definitely going to return soon!
(4)
Keith S.
I just love their patio. I rarely visit in the winter since it's usually pretty busy and there's not much space. We came by for some drinks, both of us forgot our glasses. Man, getting old. So we had the server suggest beers from their very extensive list. He was more than happy to and seemed to thoroughly enjoy the task. Great service. Haven't eaten here too recently but have in the past. Food has been good. Not great. But good. Nice to have a parking lot opposed to the street parking for most spots in this area.
(4)
Jerry B.
Went here for the first time this weekend, and it was a great experience. I absolutely love the craft selections, if only I could recall the drinks I had... However, what I did remember was that the duck burger was delicious!!! A great place to refer to a friend who is new to the area or just looking for a trendy chill place to eat and drink. Anyway, If you're planning to go friday/saturday, be sure to make reservations if you want a table, otherwise you will most likely end up at the bar. I made reservations the day of attending The Happy Gnome through opentable for a friday night without any hassle.
(5)
M L.
I love the Happy Gnome so much! Their awesomeness doesn't stop at 76 craft beers on tap. The Sunday Bloody Mary bar is easily the most expansive spread (with house made mixes!) I've ever seen. Their food is consistently incredible--whether it's the steak tartare, cheese selections or poutine, it's always top notch. And the duck burger?! Out of this world! When we're in the Twin Cities, it's not a matter of IF we're going to the Happy Gnome, it's WHEN.
(5)
Patrick M.
The Happy Gnome and the Muddy Pig seem to be mentioned together a lot. The Happy Gnome has a slightly better beer menu, food menu and is generally a tad more upscale than its counterpart. Naturally, it is a little more expensive than The Muddy Pig. This place is so close to being a five-star-knock-your-socks-off-so-good-I-don't-Âmind-waiting-two-hours-to-get-a-table type place it is almost a little frustrating. The Good: -Beer selection. The best I've come across just about anywhere. Not just in the Twin Cities. -Servers. Our serve was friendly, accommodating, and always available when we needed him without being obtrusive. -The Food. Food here is delicious with many different options on the menu less common than what you find elsewhere. -The atmosphere. Dark, intimate, cozy. Perfect for sipping an exotic beer or a smooth whisky. More akin to a Ruth's Chris than a neighborhood pub. -Plating. Thankfully, they have their plating timing down perfectly. Out entrees came out shortly after we finished our appetizers and NOT before. This seems like such a hard thing for restaurants to figure out and I'm glad they have it locked down at The Happy Gnome. My main gripe with this place is that it seems to have a slight identity crisis. Is it a pub or an upscale restaurant? Is it casual or white cloth table service? Is this a kid friendly place or not? I guess that last one is not really in the restaurant's control. They charge you for a bread basket for the table, give it a fancy name and deliver store bought, cold bread. It is totally acceptable to wear a dinner jacket or a Wild jersey and trucker hat. As soon as you put the last bite of food from your plate in your mouth a hurried employee will swoop in from the shadows and nervously ask if they can take your plate. Their eyes meet yours and plead with you to comply. I'm sorry. Am I eatring too slow? Have I overstayed our welcome? Need to turn the table? This shit drives me nuts and knocks a bit of the cool, relaxed pace out of a dining experience. We would have stayed for another round of drinks if it didn't feel like they needed the table. All gripes aside, this is still a fantastic place to eat, drink, and be merry. I'm glad that we made the trip to St Paul and I'm sure we'll be back again.
I ordered take out so I can't give a very in depth review on anything beyond the food. We ordered an appetizer, a main dish and a veggie. We got there in the aloted time and ended up having to wait for the food. When they finally brought us our food it was cold, I don't even know how that's possible since we were waiting for it. The food was okay but over priced, 8$ for 5 pieces of over cooked asparagus is just ridiculous.
(3)
Heather B.
Oh, Happy Gnome, how happy I am to have found you! Since relocating to the Twin Cities, I've been on the hunt for a truly great beer bar. I've tried many and been disappointed by either the quality of beers on tap (200 beers on tap is great, but when most of them are some incarnation of Budweiser, I'm not impressed), the variety of beers on tap, or the availability of beers on tap (don't list your selection of great beer and then every time I try to order one be OUT). The Happy Gnome is guilty of none of these things. They have an amazing variety of craft brew and even better, an excellent staff who is knowledgeable about the available beer and can perfectly direct you to exactly what you're craving. To be honest, they had me at the beer selection, alone. But then we tried the food. We've never had a full on dinner here, just ordered various bar snacks. Some highlights were the quail wings, poutine, and pretzels. It's clearly elevated bar fare that might not be everyone's cup of tea. If you are an adventurous eater who loves great flavor, this place is for you! I'm hoping to be hungry enough one day to try the duck burger: word on the street is that it's amazing.
(5)
Katie K.
My husband and I call this place the grumpy gnome because of two bad experiences we've had here. The first was when we showed up for dinner and the host looked critically at us as if to say, "I don't think you're good enough for this place." She repeatedly asked us if we were going to order dinner before she sat us at a table. The second time, we came with a group of friends around 9pm and asked to sit on the patio to take advantage of a beautiful summer night. The outside host refused to push tables together to accommodate us because we might "bother the diners." I'm not sure how many of them were eating dinner at 9pm but she made it clear that we weren't up to her standard. We don't plan on returning here even though it's within walking distance from our apartment.
(1)
David W.
Great craft beer selection!
(5)
Amy T.
Love the foie gras meatballs and the patio is nice on a sunny day. It's has an upbeat bar with lots of beers! The bar can get a bit busy on the weekend nights. Street parking or there is a parking lot next to the building as well.
(4)
Jess F.
The beer! Oh, the beer! Time to get your beer on because gnomes drink beers of all kinds and for all tastes! Sadly, I didn't have any of the food, but even if the food sucks (which I'm sure it doesn't form the looks of the menu), I'd still be a fan of The Happy Gnome because they have all the beers I want on tap, and they're happy to sample you anything they have. Now that's just plain awesome.
(4)
Marsha W.
Some people love this place. I don't. I call this pub "The Crappy Gnome" because it has basically zero menu options for someone who is vegetarian and gluten-free like me. Drink menu is subpar. Wait staff is pretty nice. It's always so crowded in here which I can't understand. The patio is nice in the Spring/Summer/Fall. I think some Happy Gnome patrons must have pissed off the neighboring Curling Club next door because they seem to have partitioned off the parking lot to make it much smaller for Happy Gnome folks and parking has gotten quite bad here.
(2)
Lisa M.
Attitude + slow ass service = not my kind of place. Cripes! 1 server for the whole patio?! Went to lunch at the Happy Gnome on the patio and I was completely underwhelmed. We arrived at 11:30 and were the only people out there. Server was very prompt to get our drinks, answer questions and take our order. That's where it ended. I counted - 5 tables came in after us and got their food at the same time we did. It was over 30 minutes until we got our food. And, only 2 of the 5 of us had items that needed to be cooked. Others got lobster rolls and salads. I ordered the BBQ Chicken sandwich and the taste was okay. It had BBQ sauce, cheese, some shredded spinach and chipotle cream cheese on a nice size bun. The combo of flavor was good and the fries were decent, albeit a little cold and soggy, but the chicken had a rubbery texture to it. I can't put my finger on what the deal was, but it was strange. I planned on taking it out of the bun anyway, which is good, because I bet I would have not been able to bite it. We waited way too long for the food and the check. 2 of the tables to get there after us, were out the door before we were. The poor girl was working the whole patio alone. When I called to make note of this at 1:15, I got, "Yeah, we remedied that, so if you had to wait, sorry about that. We have 2 out there now." That's all well and good, but the lunch rush is over. Seems like a waste to me. I think if you're going to charge $12 for a sandwich at lunch, it should be a fantastic sandwich, with hot non soggy fries and should be served quicker than a 30 minute wait. Sorry Gnome, if I were a beer drinker, maybe, but you just don't appeal to me. I'm giving them 2 stars for the creative menu choices and the server who actually was quite nice.
(2)
Sarah B.
By far my favorite bar and restaurant in the area. I live a block away, but I would travel much further to eat here and sample the beer selection. Honestly, I selected my condo partly in its proximity to the Happy Gnome. The menu is seasonal and rotating, so it is impossible to get bored with the options. The brunch is phenomenal; my only complaint is that it isn't available on Saturdays. The Bloody Mary bar is excellent. Great patio; great food; great beer. What more could you want?
Happy Gnome is one of those places in the neighborhood that I've always wanted to try but always seems so dang busy. But we went on a Monday night and found the dining room pleasantly half-empty. Beer selection is solid and a lot of fun. This would be a fabulous place to sit and leisurely sample some beers and eat some good food. Dinner-wise we had an excellent time. It's a very "foodie's foodie" kind of place. So expect a little bit of froo-froo and a little bit of price to go with it. But still totally worth checking out every now and again. If I had to do it again, I really might just consider ordering meats and cheeses (charcuterie style) and just forgoing all actual entrees. We ordered one meat and one cheese (the one with truffles in it) and were delighted with the presentation, accompaniments, etc. I loved the balsamic and hazelnuts with the cheese. Honestly, I'd be pretty dang happy with a couple of cheeses, a couple of meats, a big pile of bread and a few good beers. The one criticism is that the timing was lacking a little. We took our time with our charcuterie but the wait staff and kitchen didn't seem to notice. Our entrees arrived when we were still working, and the net result was about six plates being squished onto a two-top table, and us rushing through the end of the cheese and meat so that our entrees didn't get too cold. I wish they'd timed the meal better, especially given that it was not all that busy. Sill, high marks. A really nice place if you can catch it on a slow night.
(4)
Michael F.
Great beer selection. They print new beer lists every night our server tonight said when he came in this morning there were 15 new beers on tap. The food was adventurous and interesting but I wouldn't come back for the food alone. The pretzels and cheese dip tasted like a gas station cheese and bean burrito (our booth buddies strongly disagreed), while the duck burger with goat cheese that I had was definitely not beef or turkey and was tasty in its own right, tho I will say I did add ketchup (tho I do that to pretty much everything). Overall, great place for beer and whiskey with slightly overpriced food. A good 27th birthday all around.
(4)
Kristi C.
Sunday food heaven in two words...Duck Burger. How can something topped with goat cheese & bacon be anything else? Boulevard Chocolate Ale, if you love dark chocolate, try it. Or any other of their drafts or bottles, there's something here for everyone. Our server was enthusiastic, friendly and attentive. I'll be back for sure!!
(5)
Abe M.
I've been here a few times now. Last night was the best by far. The night was perfect for a meal on the patio. No bugs and the temperature was comfortable. The server was great! The food came out at a good time...with one psych-out. It was actually for another table. It was busy so it's understandable. I ordered the Fatty Bablatty beer to go with my Marlin sandwich. Both were good. The fries were a little limp for my taste, but still delicious. The highlight was definitely my ketchup. It had some spice to it that gives it a nice little kick. I love the huge variety of beers they have. There is always something new to try.
(4)
Rachel E.
I would have given the Happy Gnome a 4, but I can't even remember what I ate, which just goes to show how memorable the meal was. I went with a large group and we had a wonderful time. Although it took an hour and a half, the patio table was well worth the wait. Everyone, including myself, enjoyed our food but if we're being honest, the food is over-priced given the pub ambiance. On the plus side, they have an extensive selection of beers and ciders (try the pear cider!).
(3)
Luke M.
Great food and fun patio! Very fresh made from scratch food and solid presentation. The service was just decent, could have been better. Awesome beer selection as well. We loved the burgers, fries and pretzels and cheese! Chicken wild rice soup was good too
(4)
Randall N.
Do you like beer? Does your definition of beer include Coors, High Life, Budweiser or Michelob? If so stay away from here. this is not your watering hole. If you can follow me when I talk about stout, porter, saison, lambic and hefewiesen come here. If you know what Pliny the Elder means...come here. If not, this is probably not the type of place you want to be for drinking. Sure they have Surly, Summit and Fulton style beers on tap but most places do and it's probably cheaper. This place should go in the "snobby beer drinkers HOF". I know they sell food but I can't speak about it. The people I was with enjoyed their food but I only drank. They mostly drank too to be honest with you. This place is for true lovers of craft beer. Decor is awesome too. Masculine and pub feeling!
(5)
Andrew B.
I used to come here a lot, but not anymore, because it's always so damned packed. Well known for the beer at this point. The patio is above average with a cozy fireplace, and the menu is oddly upscale with an attempt to be modern. It's a futile to try to stay current with beer list; too much beer everywhere.
(4)
Jared K.
Great outdoor seating, massive beer selection, and great and changing menu. The only problem is when it's busy it's hard to find a spot inside!
(5)
Salinee H.
5 stars for beer selection and atmosphere. 3 stars for food. I was a little disappointed in the menu....I liked what I ordered but the selection was a little lacking. I guess sometimes when I'm at a bar, I just want bar food and not all the fancy stuff they have here. I usually just come for drinks and the selection here is the best. I'm always impressed with how much the servers know about the beer, especially since it's a rotating selection. It's still one of my favorite neighborhood spots in my parents 'hood. PS ~ no happy hour at the Gnome....even a minimal deal would be nice.
(4)
Jim M.
I've probably been to this place a hundred times over the past 15 years. It is pretentious beyond belief. They actually have dinners here that cost $40+. That's insane. If I wanted a nice dinner, this is absolutely the last place on earth I would even consider. On the positive side, it's a great atmosphere inside and out and a great beer menu. I often come here and have a few drinks and then go somewhere good for food. The menu is like a farce of how phony a place can be. But it's always packed and I think it fits a great niche in St. Paul for people who really love to pay the maximum possible because they assume that equals high quality.
(1)
Natalie R.
The cheese plate was delicious. The duck burger was rich and delicious... incredible. I had a beer with each course, but couldn't tell you what kind except for that I wanted to try every kind. The oatmeal stout vanilla brownie float was everything I dreamer of in a beer float. Go, and eat and drink as much as you can.
(4)
Steven P.
While at the Happy Gnome I only drank, but I drank great beer! They have a huge list of beers and from what I hear the food is amazing too!
(4)
Ingrid H.
Stopped here for dinner on a Sunday night. Thanks to Yelp, we heard the patio was nice so we asked to sit outside. While we waited, we went inside to order a beer at the bar. As many other reviewers have noted, The Happy Gnome has a pretty incredible beer selection--over 70 craft beers on tap! The patio is nothing fancy, but it's really nice and very comfortable. You almost forget you're in St. Paul thanks to all the trees. I ordered the Fried Vegetable Juicy Lucy and the others ordered the Grilled Duck Burger, Grilled Marlin Sandwich, and the MN Game Burger. Everything was really, really good, and I liked the fact that they were creative with the burgers & assorted toppings. I would definitely recommend this place!
(5)
Weston K.
Where to begin... This establishment has it all. Starting with the beer list, it's unreal and any fan of micro-brews will be 100% satisfied. Try out Very Angry Beast by Clown Shoes Brewing...top notch. Bison corn dogs, crab cake, and cheese platter (up to 5 different varieties) are all great appetizers. The chicken sandwich is out of this world. favorite of ours in the St. Paul area with an extraordinary service and a mind bending menu. Check it out.
(5)
Ngoc N.
I've been working in St. Paul for 3 years now and I didn't go to the Happy Gnome until last week! What is wrong with me? I don't know. The have an awesome patio/deck. I went there with a handful of co-workers for happy hour. It was one of the cooler days this summer and was simply perfect to sit out there with a beer. I tried their Raspberry Ale which was alright. I'm not a beer drinker so I wouldn't know how to really judge it. Their beer list is quite impressive though...made me feel compelled to order a beer. For food, I had the steamed mussels. Mussels were cooked perfectly and the broth that it was cooked in...simply perfect. :) Yummy in my tummy. There were a lot of other interesting things on the menu that I definitely have to go back to try soon. I really wasn't inside, so I can't speak to what it's like there. Cathedral Hill has some real treasures around there.
(4)
Karl H.
The best burger you'll ever have at a place with one of the best beer lists in MN. If that wasn't clear... I have never had a better burger anywhere else and when you throw in some amazing beers to wash it down... awh gawd... excuse me for a moment... I've not had anything but the burgers and the cheese plater here but along with awesome craft/import beers (lots of them, like tons) and some friendly service I call that 5 stars. I preferred the angus burger slightly over the MN game burger but both are great. I'm floored that no one has mentioned this place in yelps best burger threads. If you like it rare, this place actually does that, and doesn't F it up. If you're not there early (like any day of the week) you might have to get ninja with your parking skills. The place is always packed but it's obvious why.
(5)
Cici K.
Tried their game burger, and it was amazing. Nothing beats their Crunchy fries. Tomato heirloom salad was so good! If I am ever back in the area, this is the first place I'm headed!
(4)
S R.
Rating for beer only: Excellent selection!!! I've seen larger selections, but few with so many high quality beers. Had a Deschutes Obsidian on Nitro, a Rogue Double Dead Guy, and a Founders Breakfast Stout. All hard to find in this part of the country; all very good. My colleagues had dinner and my sample rocked. I will be back. Second trip was even better than the first. Cant wait to go back.
(5)
Karin M.
If it's Sunday, that can only mean a bloody Mary bar is soon to be had. The offerings for the Bloody Mary toppings ranged from great to strange - celery, meat, cheese, pickles, and olives were great...sour patch and skittles were strange. Warning - The spicy mix had a nice kick to it. Brunch menu had some interesting offerings however it was very limited. After a night of cocktails, the Bloody Mary hit the spot; however the food just wasn't sounding great (maybe next time) They had a few guys playing jazz which was a nice touch as they were quite good
(3)
Elissa K.
Someone fell asleep at the fryer. From our, not supposed, to be blackened dry rub wings to the blah fried veggie juicy Lucy, everything came over fried and dry. Even the French fries were super greasy and over crisped. Bummer since I talked my husband into going along with my reservation. The patio was great and our servers were both very friendly but it takes more than a ton of great beers to make a place more than a bar.
(2)
Crysta M.
Quite easily the best chicken and wild rice soup I've had. Plus an enormous amount of beer to choose from. The waitstaff was very friendly and the atmosphere was laid back and pleasant. If you've got some money burn they also have a large selection of some incredibly delicious single malt scotch whiskeys. Over 40 year Balvenie, oh dear god I wish I was filthy rich! Until then I'll stick with my Left Hand Milk Stout and still be very happy. But not a gnome, too tall for that.
(5)
Charles T.
Never in my life have I had so many different, amazing beers in such succession. And even though I went for the beer, the food turned out to be incredible. The beer list gets changed out every day to reflect additions and outages; so you may never have the exact same selection twice; but I can hardly even imagine needing to drink the same beer twice anyway. Everything I consumed here was 5 stars, and as much as I enjoyed each beer, there was always another on the menu that piqued my interest enough to overcome the desire to repeat. RECOMMENDATIONS: - Beer (in order of deliciousness) - Boulevard Chocolate Ale (this will change your life) - Left Hand Smoke Jumper - Tyranena Devil Made Me Do It - New Holland Dragon's Milk - Summit Oatmeal Stout - Food - Warm spinach salad - Duck burger
(5)
Benjamin S.
this is where I take friends to explain what new American cuisine is. The Gnome's fantastic beer selection, dynamic menu, and beautiful patio make it a wholeheartedly enjoyable dining experience. This is one of the few restaurants where everything on the menu appeals to me. Thankfully, the small plates option encourages sharing and experimentation - I almost always end up trying something new. The Happy Gnome fulfills my penchant for adventurous eating, and I know I'll keep coming back.
(5)
Michelle V.
Oh Wow. This place is so good! A nice casual atmosphere with a foodie's touch. This past Saturday night, we stumbled over to the Happy Gnome after imbibing large amounts of Vodka shots, and decided to try this out. We sat at the bar. First of all, we loved the beer menu. My husband was giddy with anticipation with all the fabulous beers. He was impressed that they had a Rodenbach Grand Cru and even a Kwak with the appropriate beer glass. As for the food, the small plates (steak tartare served with grilled baguettes and the foie gras stuffed quail) were a true surprise at how delicious they were. Also very good was the MN Game burger (bison/elk) although we should have listened to the bartender when he suggested to order it medium (as the meat is not too fatty and dries out fast). I only wish I had more room to order the Roasted Pheasant! The bartenders were knowledgeable, helpful and into their jobs. What's interesting, is that they recognized when we had reached our limit and nicely said that they were "cutting us off"...which I appreciate. We enjoyed ourselves and the food very very much. A Gastropub at its best.
(4)
Jill V.
Great beer list, great ambiance but not the greatest service. We sat at the bar, and were not greeted for several minutes. We asked about a beer and rather than offering a sample, he said "I don't know; I haven't tried it."
(2)
Warner C.
GNOME G-Get off your ass N-No way you can try all the beer O-Others will follow you in M-If they wont, contact me, I will E-Everything is great at the GNOME
(5)
Erin Z.
This place is fantastic. The beer menu is overwhelming with some rare and impressing choices. The bar, although a bit crowded, was full service. The veggie pizza was heavenly. Great service and knowledgeable staff.
(5)
Sippy P.
We've anticipated dining at the Happy Gnome for a few months now. Their game burger was voted one of the best things to eat in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. We are big beer enthusiasts so the beer menu also had us excited. We got there around 11:30 after making reservations online a couple days earlier. The bartender who was also our waiter gave us a half smile and asked where we wanted to sit. He didn't seem like he wanted to be there. We chose a table near the large windows so we could have a good view outside. There were lots of gross crumbs of some kind (new and old) under the light attached to the table. After looking over their beer menu and asking a few questions (which weren't answered with any enthusiasm, in fact he seemed almost perturbed) he brought us our beers which we enjoyed despite the poor service We all ordered the game burger. It was good but a bit dry. It's very filling too and we definitely could have shared. Although it was good I'm not sure it justifies the $15 they get for it. The service was our biggest complaint. Our waiter who was also the bartender wasn't friendly at all. He acted like everything was a bother and didn't ask if my kids wanted refills. I enjoy good service when I choose an eatery, take my time to go there, and shell out good money for food and drinks. I'm from the south and I've had to get used to the Minnesota way of being, but I can't get used to bad service and I won't. Waiters that aren't friendly until they bring the check and buttering you up for a good tip are the worst. It makes me laugh. They definitely aren't amused when they see their tip. We are good tippers, but if you don't give good service, you'd better be prepared to see your tip percentage suffer GREATLY! I can't say I'd recommend this place. MEH is right.
(2)
Ashley J.
Great food split the duck burger and game burger. Manager who was working on valentine's day at around 3 was VERY rude. We brought a work party there so 12 or so people were there and some male manager or whatever he was, had no respectful communication skills for a parking issue one of our party members had. Will not go there again because of his disrespectful manner.
(2)
Mary M.
This is an excellent spot for great food and tasty drinks. The menu is interesting and dishes are beautiful as well as tasty.
(5)
Craig D.
The Happy Gnome arguably has the best tap beer selection in Saint Paul. There is a separate menu for beer, organized by style. Oh, they also have a respectable whiskey selection. To boot, they're outdoor patio is great in the warmer months. What really stands out to me is the quality and presentation of the entrees. All dishes are cooked with care and the twists on traditional bar food distinguishes the chefs from other area eateries.
(5)
Mallory B.
Perfect Friday night cocktails and dinner with the girls! And they served up possibly the best mojito I've ever had the pleasure of drinking. We decided to dine here for a Friday girls dinner and it was a great choice! I arrived around 7 and reserved a table on the patio then made my way into the bar and ordered the mojito and I was pleasantly suprised, it was AHHH-mazing, blueberry, pomegranate I do believe. It was a little on the pricey side however ($12) but totally worth it. After a hectic week at work It was exactly what I needed. I'm not much of a beer drinker anymore but the selection looked to be off the hook. Once seated, our waitress took very good care of us. I was torn between the Sausage and Olive Pizza and the Angus Cheeseburger (vastly different, I know) but our waitress settled me on the cheeseburger. I normally get my burgers well done but she convinced me to go medium well, a feat I strongly applaud her for because that was one of the best, full-flavored burgers I have had in a long time! Oh, and it helped fill me up after the mojito. (I think I figured out why it was $12, because I was buzzed after drinking only half of it) The burger and fries definitely saved my butt. Service was great and she really tried to see us some dessert asking "Would you like to share something sweet, besides the company." If we weren't so full from our dinner's we may have taken her up on the offer! She was also super nice about splitting the check up - as some waitresses are not. One negative - the bathroom is really small for the kind of crowed they host on a Friday night. But no fear - I will return to the Happy Gnome!
(4)
Carly M.
The concept for this place is fantastic: "If I were an alcoholic gnome, what would I want in a restaurant?" 1) LOTS of alcoholic drinks with all sorts of crazy names. Almost makes me wish I liked alcohol. 2) Gnome-like food of the sort you might find in an upscale forest inn, like duck burgers, wild mushroom pizza, and artisan cheeses. Because I wasn't too hungry I opted for the wild mushroom pizza which was incredibly fantastic with it's hint of truffle oil, well-diced artichokes without the tough leaves that seem to be left on by most restaurants. I was awfully tempted by the grilled Veggie Juicy Lucy, too, and will have to head back for that. 1 star off, I don't know why. The outdoor chairs were uncomfortable (too deep to lean against the back, and awkward to sit otherwise - I saw lots of other slouchers). Maybe if the outdoor fireplace had been on it would've been a 5. Maybe I'm just getting cynical.
(4)
William C.
Great beers and an interesting menu.
(4)
Anna H.
For the millionth time, the BEER SELECTION IS AWESOME!!!!!! Food is good - but overpriced. But hey, the beer selection is ridiculously awesome. You need to go here!
(4)
Mike C.
The Happy Gnome is a fun place with a great patio for outdoor eating or drinking (weather accommodating). Their beer selection is unmatched (that's right Old Chicago I just went there), in fact the only complaint that I have is that there are so many beers to choose from it makes it a bit difficult to choose (not really a complaint at all). The beer menu is organized by country of origin with beers varying from the lightest of the light (looking at you Miller 64) to the darkest of the dark. I was there a while back and I don't quite remember the brand or type of beer that I had, but it was clearly fermented in a whiskey barrel (post whiskey batch?) cause the beer tasted exactly like a whiskey sans the kick in the a$$ afterbite that made for a unique tasting experience. My favorite at the Gnome is an order of their mussels simmered in butter garlic wine (happy hour appetizer), this pairs extremely well with most beers. Pair with a lighter beer (draft) if in the "beach destination vacation" mood, and with a darker beer if attempting a more "grown-up, classy night out on the town"
(4)
Buck T.
Amazing selection of beer! The menu is rather limited, but the quality more than makes up for that.
(5)
Mitch F.
This place has a great bar & beer selection. I believe the number of beers on tap was over 80. The also make there own sausages and cure meats in house. I had their sample platter and all was very tasty. I didn't have a formal meal but would definitely try dining there when I come back.
(4)
Susan R.
Just moved into the neighborhood so we stopped for burgers. My burger was rare when I asked for medium. Sent it back and it came long after my mate had eaten his burger. When the waitress brought the bill she said, "Obviously we didn't charge you for the burger." Talked to the manager about the experience and he was too young and green to understand that dining out is an EXPERIENCE and when it's crappy a cheerful apology doesn't really make it any better. Here's the deal: I didn't get to eat dinner with my friend because you screwed up, your waitress was kind of rude, and your manager didn't offer any consolation. Not so Happy, Gnome.
(2)
Chaunce S.
Good stuff, Gnome-ski. Yes, beer, of course. But check out their Sunday brunch with BLOODY MARY BAR. I write this while still at the Gnome, staring at the gauntlet of cheese, sausage, pickles, olives, celery, etc. that I impaled on skewers for my bloody Mary. The Gnome's brunch menu has a limited variety, but it is good. My wife and I have been here twice and split an entree each time. The American fire are really tasty - nicely seasoned and not too salty. They are served with homemade ketchup that I could sip out of the little metal cup. The jazz combo does a nice job of picking low-key yet toe-tappingly cool jazz selections. Downside, the server in the bar area seems a little lackadaisical, but the bartender picks up her slack. p.s. Still not enough actual gnomes.
(4)
Sal K.
Attention all beer drinkers and patio lovers!! Sit outside and enjoy a beer flight! It's not listed on the printed menu, but ask your server about it. Our server said the flight details are written on the chalkboard inside. (Why they aren't sharing this with their outdoor dining patrons is beyond me.)
(4)
Ralph M.
If you've ever wondered why you choose to suffer through a Minnesota winter, places like the Happy Gnome are a great reminder. I want to say, first and foremost, the Happy Gnome is a beer lovers bar. They have a huge selection, and many special events centered on great beers. But are they primarily a beer lovers bar? Because the menu shows far more effort than a beer lovers bar calls for. On my most recent visit, I was only given a food menu on being seated. The beer menu came later, almost an afterthought. The food menu, like the beer menu, is a challenge to one's decision making abilities. Everything looks good! On this visit, we started with the crab trio appetizer (excellent, especially the crabcake, even if it seemed more like a crab duo dish). Then I had the MN Game Burger, while my special lady had the Veggie "Lucy". The MN Game Burger is just a damn good burger. Enough said. The Veggie Lucy was a different beast. My GF was intrigued by a vegetarian version of the cheesy goodness she has heard so much about. Meanwhile, I have had many Lucy's but am not particularly a fan of them (at least no more than a good ol' cheeseburger). Decision? My girlfriend enjoyed it well enough. It had vegetables, it had cheese, it was tasty. Fair enough. I was a little more negative, having had real Lucy's and not finding the sandwich either a good replication of a Lucy nor particularly impressive on it's own merits. Imagine a fillet of fish stuffed with zuchinni and cheese instead of fish. Still, here's your summary: veggie Jucy Lucy is less than a Jucy Lucy is less than a good cheeseburger. Look at me, talking about food when I said the Gnome is primarily a beer bar. I had some great beers there. Sure, it was Craft Brewers Week, but that doesn't matter. The Gnome always had great beer, more than you could drink in a week of dedicated beer drinking. But maybe you're really weird. Maybe you don't care about beer, or food. What does the Gnome have for you? How about a lovely patio, absolutely perfect on a spring afternoon or a summer evening? The Happy Gnome is a real treat. Can I find fault? Could I knit-pick the service (little lackadaisical, on my most recent visit) or the prices (they are a little on the high side)? Sure. But you'd be trying too hard. It's a wonderful place, and if you can you should take advantage of it.
(4)
Jonathon E.
Awesome beer selection with 72 craft brews on tap. Also a wonderful selection of foods which can be shared and pair well with the taps. I really enjoyed the wings, poutine, and the duck burger. The charcuterie was ok, but I probably wouldn't get it again, the potted rabbit tasted a bit like rabbit salad (too much mayo). It was also a bit pricey $18 for the amount of meats included in the plate. The wings and poutine are a better buy for your money. The wings were a dry rub, and came with two dipping sauces. The poutine was cheese curds, fries, gravy, and pork belly. There didn't seem to be much gravy on the fries but that was fine as they were crisp (how I like them) and there was plenty of pork belly and cheese. This was some of the best poutine I've had. We had a large group (10 people) it was easily accommodated with a reservation but I'd probably go back in a smaller (2-4) person group to have more intimate conversation. The one advantage of a big group was trying a larger range of beers. The check came out to around $25 a person after drinks including tip. Gratuity is included with groups over 8 at 18%. The biggest downside was trying to decide which beers to try!
(5)
Chris M.
This place is a beer snob's heaven. They generally have over 70 beers on tap, many of which are either limited release and/or from local craft breweries. Their draught list changes frequently - if you can't find something new to try you should be in AA. In addition to what is arguably the best beer selection in the cities they pull off some pretty good grub. While not terribly big, the menu is pretty diverse and most of the food is done well. The mussels, marlin and fish ribs (not a regular item.... yet) are always solid. The menu changes with the seasons so you will likely always be able to find something new to try out (except the pizzas - they should be avoided). Service has always been good and the ambiance of the restaurant is great - especially the patio in summer. The only beef I have is that a night out at the Gnome can get a bit spendy, but it's still definitely worth it.
(5)
Michele K.
Fabulous craft beer menu paired with an eclectic food menu with offerings that change out regularly. Their beer menu reads like a book! Great selection of Midwest craft beers. Every time we come to the Gnome we have a stellar meal. Half of the fun is just mixing and matching craft beers that you may not have otherwise ever tasted or been exposed to. Local. Cozy. Always fun. Try them!
(4)
Tori M.
It perhaps shows my complete lack of class in some ways if I start out this review with the negative, but Beard and I were very meh about the food. It's a bit too pretentious and they're trying really hard; that said, what they do have on the menu sounds great, but we both thought execution was a bit lacking. My roasted veggie pizza was super blah, and his game burger was as well. And I'm sorry, but aioli is not classy. Handcrafted sauces are. That said, the drinks were awesome. My gin rickey will probably my new favorite for a very long time. Decent wine selection for a pub, too. Definitely would come booze it up again. Beard was quite happy with his beers, too, and probably could have sampled their huge selection well into the wee hours if I didn't get tired by 10pm every night... Our waiter was also very helpful and knew his stuff when it came to the beers. The place fills up super fast and if we hadn't been meeting friends, it would have been standing room only at 7:30 on a Friday. So yeah, come early and leave late seems to be the way to do it. All in all, good, and I would definitely get drinks here any time. Not so sure on the food though.
(4)
Adam J.
I eat lunch in a networking group every week there. I've had a few of their various sandwiches and I have to say - I don't like them. The Cheeseburger is always way over cooked - I've even asked for it to be done medium and it still comes out well done or burnt. The other meals have been rather bland and tasteless. I do love the atmosphere and have not drank any beer here - but I can see I would love that. They have a tremendous selection of beer and when I finally have a few - I'll report that.
(2)
Andrew H.
My first trip to the happy gnome certainly did not disappoint. I visited during lunch hour which is my preferred time to check out a new place that's been "on the radar" for a while. Sunlight streaming through the windows on a beautiful Minnesota fall Friday day offered the perfect opportunity to spend some time matching something from the remarkable menu with a few fresh, local beers! The gnome is warm and welcoming, and instantly struck me as the kind of place I'd love to spend the better part of my weekend days with friends and/or family. I immediately noticed the extensive tap selection and comfortable barroom dining area as I stepped through the door. We grabbed a booth and began perusing the lunch menu and beer selection. With a beer selection this impressive, I figured I would be best to decide what I wanted for lunch first - and then come back to the beer. Many dishes stood out while I ran through the lunch menu, but I couldn't help but order the duck burger after a booming recommendation from the bartender. After all, how many opportunities will I have in a lifetime to enjoy a duck burger? The burger was great - enough to make me ask our server if it was purely duck. She explained that it was (locally raised) ground duck mixed with bread crumbs and wild rice. Topped with goat cheese and bacon, it came with hand cut fries, ketchup and an interesting cherry aioli on the side. Without requesting it, lettuce, tomato, and sliced onion came on the side as well. I should also mention that this duck burger was very large, seared perfectly, incredibly juicy, and unique enough to make me order it again! As an outdoorsman, I love duck meat, but even if you don't there's a good chance you'd truly enjoy this burger. In fact, if they had listed it as a "Minnesota wild rice burger" I don't believe many people would realize its ground duck meat (or order it)! Needless to say I'll be back - and will certainly look forward to introducing friends and family to the happy gnome. I've frequented many of the Grand Avenue institutions for years now without realizing the Gnome sweet Gnome that lies just a few short blocks away. I have no problem re-adjusting my compass and pointing my food and beer cravings toward the happy gnome. Side note: minus one star for the server carding me and not wishing me a happy birthday!
(4)
Dave A.
Been there 3 times. Amazing selection of beer. And it's very very good. Food is great as well. Management, here is a little checklist I made for you. As you may do at home, do the following before guests arrive: 1) Check your bathrooms. Make sure there is soap, toilet paper, etc. If a guest tells you there's something needed in the bathroom, smile and thank them, don't just say "oh, ok." 2) Check to make sure the heat is on. If you see guests wearing their coats, this may indicate it's a bit cold. 3) Put on a happy face. Afterall, this is "The Happy Gnome!"
(3)
Erik H.
All I really need to say- This is my FAVORITE pub that I have EVER visited. Their beer selection- awesome. The knowledge of their bartenders- awesome. The Veggie Juicy Lucy- best sandwich I have ever consumed.
(5)
Amy B.
I come to St. Paul about twice a year and I am really picky about the restaurants I choose so I can appreciate my "foodie nights" I have while in town. I wasn't so happy with this one. I was thrilled to come here and take my friends who are locals after reading about this restaurant and checking out reviews. We were quite disappointed, not so much about the food, but the service and atmosphere. We were place at a table in their back room which was empty, so it kind of made us feel no one was there and was away from the vibrant atmosphere by the bar. Bummer..... second, our server was unnecessarily rude to us. I asked her for suggestion on beer and she replies "well I'm quite the beer connoisseur, so I may not be able to help"... I guess she was such a beer snob, she was too good to suggest a few to me. Then when she finally did, she seemed to be quite annoyed to be bothered with this silly task of actually selling an item to her customer. Needless to say she was the same with food, and when I expressed the Brussels sprouts were a little garlicky for my taste, she shrugged her shoulders and took my dish away that I was STILL eating! I wanted to change atmospheres so we left, and most likely will not return based on the service. I do have to say their game burger was quite good, but couldn't finish since my server took my plate after my complaint about the sprouts!! It was a little pricey- $18 burger with sprouts for the amount of food I got mixed with the bad service.
(3)
Reagan H.
Great beer selection and the servers were very helpful when it came to suggesting new brews to try. The outdoor patio was clean, popular, and had great service.
(5)
Jennifer L.
I was here on a Saturday night with my girlfriends. We had a reservation, but arrived early to loiter at the bar and entertain the other patrons. Our reservation somehow entered a black hole - perhaps it was the ghost of Chang O'Hara's? We ended up waiting longer than we should have while the staff shuffled to accommodate us. Drinks were yummy. I ordered a Lemon Drop Martini that was served in an ice cold glass and was perfection. The patrons at the bar were all very friendly despite being packed in like sardines. The bar area is very inviting and warm, a good place to linger. Dinner was very tasty - I had the Angus Cheeseburger, which is topped with short ribs. Short ribs!! Dessert - I know there was dessert. But after a few more martinis I have managed to forget what we had. I am sure it was delicious. I am looking forward to my next trip and loitering on the patio in the summer. Or March. Can you believe this weather?
(4)
Ray S.
If you like good beer and and interesting menu go here. The tap beer list is enough to keep me occupied for a year. I've been more than a few times, and never had a bad beer, and I could co for a month of Sundays and still not be done trying new things. . The menu is small, but everything is amazing and thoughtful. Duck burgers, fresh pretzels, local game, and delicious appetizers. Go here, get some pretzels and barley wine, share some appetizers and an entree or two, and revel in the bliss of good brews and imaginative food.
(5)
Emily O.
My absolute FAVORITE bar in St. Paul. I love everything about the Happy Gnome. EVERYTHING... the ambiance, the food, the patio, upstairs, downstairs, the fireplace, the bar, & the dining room.... & of course... THE BEER!!!!!! The Happy Gnome has 70 taps & a great selection of import & craft beers. They also feature over 300 whiskeys. Serving brunch, lunch, & dinner, their menu changes frequently as they focus on fresh ingredients. They have small plates & appetizers, full entrees, sandwiches with fries or chips & desserts. My favorite meal thus far was they vegetable juicy lucy: a vegetable cake with parmesan & mozzarella, spinach, & sriacha aioli. YUM! Upstairs, they have the firehouse room which can be rented out for events or make for a private dining experience versus the downstairs dining room located next to the bar. The whiskey hutch against the west wall is worth a gander as well :) The patio in the summer small & walled with warm lighting. A great place to relax in the city. The Happy Gnome also hosts such events as Firkin Fest - a tented beer experience in March & various tasting dinners as well... always a plus. I LOVE THE HAPPY GNOME! If you haven't been, you should def. check it out. p.s. If you go, try Magic Hat #9 = the best! :)
(5)
Joe I.
I've been to the Happy Gnome a few times, most recently for the Surly event they had, where I actually went twice in the same day. The first time was just to drink Darkness (drool) the second was to try to drink more Darkness (though they were out) and to eat a bit. During the second visit I had a nice time sampling a few of their many beers on tap and had the veggie pizza, which I thought was very good. I sat at the bar with a friend, and the bartender was prompt and patient as we mulled over our beer choices. February is not ideal outdoor dining season, but in the summer the patio is awesome.
(4)
Rurik H.
The Happy Gnome advertises itself as dog-friendly, but my sheltie and I were asked to leave last night... not because of any difficulty, but because their 'dog friendly patio' isn't dog friendly from 5-9, which isn't posted or advertised anywhere. I don't mind that they have this policy, but it was incredibly tacky to be asked to leave because of a policy I was unaware of.
(1)
Neil B.
Drinking beer you never heard of, outside by the fireplace; perfection. Try to go when it is not crowded. The staff know their stuff and will chat with you if it is slow enough.
(5)
Paul B.
Service was adequate.. at BEST. More like... indifferent. Why don't the bartenders know about the beers they are serving?? Wow! I asked the bartender to reccommend a beer and he said... "I only drink vodka" WOW! Greeat selection though! Excellent Selection!
(3)
Sarah K.
Let me start this review by saying the only reason I am giving the Happy Gnome 4 stars instead of 5 is because they took my two favorite seasonal winter dishes off their menu a few years back and I haven't seen them on the menu again since......:( I love, love, love the Gnome! It is a great neighborhood pub. If I had to pick one place to spend my time consuming good beer this would be the place! The exterior of the building is beautiful w/ the Virginia Creeper vine. There is also a nice large patio. The Gnome is a small pub with a cool overall vibe. The inside has lots of wood, various beer signage and a slat wood floor. Taps line up on both sides of the marble/wood L shaped bar. (and yes there are hooks under the bar-Bonus!!!!) Current specials and beer events are always posted on a large chalkboard. The Gnome has a HUGE draft list with a very heavy emphasis on locals and Midwest regionals. Also a few nice Belgian and extra-regional choices. And.....you can sample for those of us that aren't sure if we are going to like our selection. Kegs get switched out quite frequently so there is always something new on tap! Two of my faves: 21st Amendment Bitter and Delirium Tremes. At over 8% -toss back a couple of these and you are sure to leave feeling warm and fuzzy!!! There are also over 200 different types of bottled beers (so they say!) If your looking for a can of Bush light this probably isn't your place. The menu is strong and changes seasonally. I wouldn't say the menu is extensive but there is certainly something on there for everyone. Best two dishes there EVER-gnocchi w/ leeks and cheese & the asapargus with egg. These two dishes were seriously eat once a week good but.....they have disappeared from the menu. Since I have been forced to break up with my two favorite dishes I have found several other apps/dishes worth trying and that have been quite delish! Although this place can get packed-my service has always been great-has have all my beer drinking experiences at the Gnome! I
(4)
Michael D.
As a dining establishment, I'd give the Happy Gnome decent marks. But as a meeting and event establishment, this place falters. In an attempt to plan an event in their Firehouse Room, they practically drove us to drink (which wouldn't have been difficult, given their extensive beer and liquor selection [this will be my only positive comment regarding this establishment]). The contact person handling our event was often unavailable both via phone and email. Questions regarding the venue and contract details often took days to get answered. After our desired date was given away without warning, our conversations with management to resolve the situation were condescending and downright insulting. The Happy Gnome is in the hospitality industry; they should act like it.
(1)
Brian S.
The place to go for beer and food lovers in St. Paul. First of great beer selection, tried a few of the local IPA's which were impressive. Then the food, fresh olives, Bison Burger, and Foie Gras meatballs! All well prepared and good sized portions, the burger was actually pretty big and since I had ordered 2 apps it went unfinished but all in all an excellent experience. Serivce was great, bartender was always watching my glass to make sure I didn't go thirsty.
(5)
Grant T.
This place keeps getting better and better each time I visit. I can go without saying the selection of beers at the Gnome covers phenomenal breadth and variety. Beer connoisseurs rejoice! For all your non-beer drinkers, the Gnome offers the standard run-of-the-mill drinks, though they boast an exceptional root beer. The Gnome's appetizers are excellent - I recommend starting with a cheese, some chicken wings (some of the best in town), or whatever gnocchi small plate is on the menu. Regarding entrees, you can't go wrong with the Grilled Duck Burger. At $14, it's relatively reasonable, and it packs a load of great taste. The bacon and goat cheese on top give it a nice touch. Also recommended is the MN Game Burger ($15), a combination of bison and elk meat. The fries served with the burger are some of the best I've had recently. On a side note, the patio is an excellent place to eat during the summer. The Gnome is certainly St. Paul's best gastropub, if not the best gastropub in the Twin Cities area. Y'all should check it out.
(5)
Melissa C.
Eeeeveryone raves about the beer selection at The Happy Gnome. (Food? What food?) Everything they say is probably true. The selection looks vast. But I don't drink beer. (I know, it's like being a diabetic in a magical forest of lollipops.) So all that is lost on me. HOWEVER--their food is consistently fantastic. Not just good. Gnome-approved. I've eaten here several times now, and everything I've tried has not only been excellent, but has also exceeded my expectations. (Summer salad? Okay, this'll be good... oh wait, it just punched me in the mouth with amazingness!) The duck burger is wonderful (moist, flavorful, tasty), the wild mushroom pizza is great, the gnocchi is VERY rich, but very good. Petite filet? My co-worker licked his plate. (Only slightly non-literally...he used some of my fries to sop up every last bit of leftover juice.) Angus burger? Glorious. Some day they might misstep here at The Happy Gnome, but this is not that day.
(5)
Lauren O.
The beer menu is the length of a Dicken's novel. The food was also good- they've got a nice selection of upscale pub food. It'd be hard not to find something to like. We sat on the tree-shaded patio which was perfect for the afternoon, but the indoor space also looked great. High ceilings, big windows, very east-coast feeling. Seriously, have a retirement/birthday/anniversary party for your dad/uncle/father figure in your life here. It'd be great.
(4)
Mellie M.
Best beer selection in town! It makes you want to just open up the menu, close your eyes and randomly pick your beer. If you like trying new selections just ask your bartender or server...they can ask what your taste profile is craving at that moment and pour you a beer to make your taste buds smile. The patio is an amazing little space to enjoy throughout the summer and fall. The sounds of chatter and laughter from the customers draws you into the Gnome and make you want to become a regular at the bar. Hey, doesn't everyone want a place where they know your name? Date night, family dinner, girls night out...whatever the occasion the Happy Gnome is a stellar location to start or end your evening.
(4)
Lauren D.
I came here on a Friday night and the place was packed. I wanted to sit outside, but there was a 30 minute wait and I was hungry! We sat at the bar and sampled some beers. I had a cream beer mixed with something like a Guinness. I had the peaches and cream plate. It came with a small pile of peaches, some peach sorbet in cinnamon crumbles, and some panna cotta. I did not enjoy the panna cotta, it was too "flan" like for me. The servings were small for the price. Not my type of place.
(3)
Kit B.
Alright, let's be honest. I walked into this place because it was named after a garden gnome. Then I heard that there were obscene amounts of beer on tap. So on a beautiful, balmy Minnesota August evening, three friends and I ventured to Happy Gnome. We arrived about 6:30 - immediate patio seating was definitely not an option. The hostess said the wait would be about half an hour, and that we should go enjoy some drinks in the bar. While in the bar, a server actually encouraged to sit at a booth while we waited - this ended up being a great suggestion as we really liked the server and ended up just eating inside. The beer list was magnificent. Seriously. When I die, if I'm fortunate enough to go to Heaven and not truly get my just desserts, I hope there is a beer list exactly like this one. It was descriptive, thorough, included the price and size of each glass. As a budding beer aficionado, this was particularly intriguing. On to the menu - after enjoying a few beers (I recommend the Fox Barrel Cider, by the way, which is a light cider combined with actual pear juice), we ordered our food. We had a burger, a chicken sandwich, a really good looking salad, and then my meal of choice, the vegetable Juicy Lucy. I wasn't really sure what to expect - the menu described it as a layered vegetable cake with two different types of cheese. What I got was seriously one of very best meals that I have ever had. It was indeed a cake - layered with spinach, tomatoes, mushrooms, cheese, roasted red peppers - then breaded lightly and fried until it was crispy. What is delivered truly looks like a large Filet-of-Fish from McDonald's, but God was it amazing. Vegetarians, this is the one meal that you will have that will leave your carnivorous cohorts envious. Let me repeat - this isn't some unoriginal throw away dish that was originally a meaty dish but now has the meat removed and replaced with something - the Veggie Juicy Lucy was meant to be a vegetable sandwich. And it is amazing. Unreal. And I have craved it daily since I had it. I need another one. Service, as I mentioned, was great. The price was reasonable. My only real complaint? It was asses-to-elbows in this place, and it was LOUD. I'm not sure how that could be solved, but I was a bit hoarse after dinner from having to speak so loudly to my dining companions. Overall though, great experience. If you're curious about The Happy Gnome, give it a try. You'll not be disappointed.
(4)
Kelsey K.
I have gone here for drinks with friends, a first date, st. patricks day (2 in a row), and so on. It works for a lot of occasions. It has a really fun and bigger than would be expected back yard porch area. Great place for a weekday date where you can just sit and talk. Great beer selection, really excellent cheese plate, and expensive but great small plates. Its the kind of place where I have the intention of spending 10 dollars and end up with a 30 dollar tab if lucky.
(4)
Anne W.
Who would have guessed a little bar would motivate me to do my fist St Paul Yelp. I stopped simply because I was starving, it was raining and I had no umbrella, and they have a parking lot. And I just moved here and don't know where anything is. Boy am I glad I did. The beer list is spectacular and is heavy on the Euro styles. Back in Phoenix is seems hoppy beers ( not my thing) dominate but there is a whole range of styles here. My beef and barley soup was fantastic. Wonder if they will sell mean tub to go? As an entree I am right now eating a lovely cheese plate with a selection of artisan breads. Normally I'd wait until I've tried more than this to give a 4 star, but the lovely food, cozy atmosphere and pleasant, efficient, but not pestering service prompts a 4 right now. I hadn't planned on dessert but hmmmm...what should I order?
(4)
Kelly E.
Kick.A$$.Pub. Tons of craft beers on tap. Cool atmosphere adorned with, well you guessed it, gnomes. Cozy, warm, and lively. I shall return.
(4)
Chris M.
Great food, great beer selection, great wiskey (whiskey) selection, what more could you ask for? Super nice people and their own private lot. Curling Club is next door so if there is an event going on, parking is at a premium. Grilled duck was great as were the scallops. Dining on two levels and upstairs tends to be a bit quieter than down. Bars on bothe levels (bonus). Great place to bookmark for a great dinner!
(5)
Leigh G.
Happy Gnome has lots of good beers. It you are overwhelmed by the beer list- which is more of a book than a list- just ask your server for suggestions, they all seem to be very knowledgeable when it comes to the beer. The food here is really good too. Lots of seasonal and local food with a fancy ingredient thrown in here and there to spice things up a bit. Their brunch is good and has a bloody bar with really good fixins. Nice big patio in the back, perfect place to come with friends on a summery evening.
(4)
Dan R.
70+ beers on tap...need I say more??? I will...the staff did a good job serving drinks to our large group (about 15-20 people). They also have a lot of insight on their drinks and make good recommendations to help you get through their monstrous list! Make sure to sit on the patio if it's a nice day...it's big, but somewhat cozy.
(4)
Dawn F.
I love going to the Happy Gnome. The beer selecton is incredible. Plus, the menu is atypical, usually introducing some items one wouldn't necessarily find on other casual dining menus. Tonight's Angus burger was fantastic, especially with side of raspberry sauce. Plus, my waitress was extremely quick to serve our food and drinks. Tonight's beer: Victory Hop. (so good!) As usual, I'll be back.
(4)
M M.
Really?? How long does it take for some "bar food" and some drink?? Really?? Gnome needs to get over itself. Just cuz ya got good beer doesn't mean ya slack on service! I don't blame the server...I watched the entire production and they were all off key. The wings saved them! Step it up Gnomes!!!
(2)
Chris K.
Wow. First off, I know they're best known for their beer, but I LOVE the Gnome's food. Stuffed salmon BLT - yeah, pretty creative and amazingly tasty. Chicken and chorizo pizza - equally as amazing. So, yeah, their beer selection makes me want to cry. It's that good. Had a breakfast stout from Founders and it was spectacular. The tap beer list here is the size of most restaurants' wine menus. The bottle beer selection is twice as massive. If you like beer, especially small-batch, local and regional beers, then the Gnome is your joint. This was only my first trip, so I don't have much more to say than that. Great service, amazing atmosphere, cool neighborhood and great food and drink. What more does a guy need?...
(5)
Nicholas L.
You do not go to the happy gnome just for food. Tasty, slightly pretentious, somewhat adventurous albeit over-priced food. The Happy Gnome however, is a BAR. A bar that happens to have pretty good food. A stellar beer selection and very knowledgeable staff. I've heard their bartenders stir a mean martini - but i wouldn't know since i never can get enough of their beer list. The ambiance is disarming enough to completely be yourself while nosing fine beer and NOT come off as douche-ey.
I met up with a friend here around 5:30 on a Friday, and the crowd of mid-20-somethings to middle-aged folks generated a fairly comfortable buzz of conversation in the cozy bar area ... maybe a bit noisy, but tolerable. The selection of beers on tap is impressive. It's almost overwhelming, but I definitely appreciate having choices, and I was thrilled to see they had a few different ciders because I'm not a huge beer drinker. I decided on a cask cider, and the bartender offered a sample before pouring a full glass. The service impressed me more than anything. The bartenders are knowledgeable about their beverage selection, they're attentive during a busy happy hour, and they anticipate their customers' needs. After finishing our drinks and passing on another round, the bartender poured us some water -- right before I was about to ask! Bravo. I'd definitely come back here, and maybe sample some of the tasty-looking food they have to offer.
(5)
Chuck K.
Holly Crap! Was out for a night in St. Paul and stopped here with friends. Their beer selection is great. Staff was friendly and quick. The bar was full of friendly people to interact with our just watch from a far. Was a great spot to get our Saturday started!
(4)
Mike S.
In continuing with my reviews of places you can order a beer that isn't Budwesier, I'm finally getting around to The Happy Gnome. I'll start by saying that I've had a soft spot for the Gnome since the first time I stood there staring at the giant chalkboard, overwhelmed by the vast selection of craft beers, some of which I didn't even know existed. That being said... The setting is basically an old mansion that has been renovated into a restaurant and bar. It's very cool. There is a huge bar in the center and the tables kind of wrap around it through the place. They also have a nice outdoor deck/patio, which is fantastic in the summer. The food at Happy Gnome is a bit of a gamble. I've had things that were incredible (grilled chicken sandwich with smoked mozzarella, oven dried tomatoes, bacon bits, spinach, avocado cream cheese, multi-grain bread) and also disappointing (dried-out chicken pizza). But I don't come here for the food. Beer, beer and more beer! The beer menu is a heavy, leather-bound classic that I'd proudly set next to a Dickens masterpiece, and it would be far more well-read. The selection is second to NONE in Minnesota. If you love craft beer, this is your Mecca. Not only do they have 50+ taps boasting rarities like Bell's Batch 9,000, they have a bottle list more than 100 deep. The menu even describes each one, helping the novice figure out what to order. The biggest issue I have when I stop in is choosing which beer(s) to have because they always have so many incredible options. Only drink Bud Light? They have that too, but you'd better drink it quick before you get your a*s kicked.
(5)
Mariel L.
Went here for brunch on Sunday, and decided to sit inside because it was insanely humid. The atmosphere of the place is wonderful, very casual, and there's live jazz outside on Sunday, which we unfortunately didn't get to hear. Anyway, they have a Bloody Mary bar, which I decided to try out, only to realize I actually don't like Bloody Mary. I should've figured that out before I shelled out $7 for meat, olives, and cheese in my alcohol. Oh well, lesson learned, and at least it's a unique experience. As for the entree though, I was torn on which one of the many delectable sounding dishes to pick, eventually settling on the Smoked Salmon Omelette. I'm VERY happy I picked that one. First off, all the dishes come with American fries, which were browned and salted to perfection. The omelette itself was very light and fluffy, and there were two huge pieces of smoked salmon, caramelized onions, and cream cheese inside. And it's really worth the $10 (what most items cost). Definitely will bring my sister & bro-in-law here when they visit in June, maybe to try the Late Rizer (which my friend had, and was delicious) and walk around the Selby Area.
(4)
Anna J.
Anytime beer comes in a big menu with lots of options...Im going to like this place. I love all the options and I love that I am in a place where everyone else likes this too. But... My first 3 selections I picked they were out of. So, the fourth one I picked I had already had...which for me sort of defeats the purpose of going to a place with lots of beer options. We had a large group so I'm not sure if that's what annoyed our waitress or not...but she wasn't the friendliest. I will say later in the night (maybe they were less busy) she did shape up. Aside from all that...I had lots of fun there. I think the atmosphere was good and I am interested in eating there. Next time I go back...I'm hoping to give this place 4 stars.
(3)
Tim S.
God! Why does Yelp make me click on the number of stars like 8 times before accepting my rating!!! Anyways, on to the Happy Gnome. This is sort of the sister bar to the Muddy Pig which is right up the street. They are no longer sister bars, but they're certainly in the same vein. The Happy Gnome is also a bit more hoighty toighty or yuppy-ish which might make sense with their proximity to WA Frost and the Cathedral. The beer is great, but the menu is overpriced and seems to be trying a little hard. For some, I'm sure that's great. For me, I don't feel like paying $25 for trout at a bar... The one thing this place has on the Muddy Pig is that it's much bigger... but they don't let you use the back room unless you're in a large enough party and/or ordering food! What is the point of that!? I waited with friends one night in the front bar (which was completely full) packed in like sardines while there were empty tables in the back. I don't rate places based on service alone, but the service here has never been anything spectacular either.
(3)
Frank B.
This is one of my all time favorite places to eat. I think I have only had one thing the three or four times I've been here. The cheese burger. It is the one constant thing on the menu and once you've had one you'll know why. Un-believeable. The outstanding beer selection is a huge draw for me as well. I have never sat in the restaurant, nor do I want to. The bar is crowded but quaint great atmosphere but always full. The downside of the Gnome is the bar fills up fast and they don't take reservations. When we go, we usually stay for a while, drink and have a desert. Parking is another problem. I have parked as far as three blocks away. There is no parking in the area and the Gnome lot is small. Have a cheese burger and stay for the beers!
(5)
Rene D.
Great beer selection! Love sitting on the patio. The tater tots were yummy. Service was great. They even kept filling our water glasses without us having to ask after our meal was over.
(5)
Geoffrey R.
Really terrific place. I've never had a bad dish on the menu (I've usually gotten fish) and the endless list of beers (especially from craft breweries) is pretty exciting. The wine selection is decent too. And when the weather is nice, the outdoor patio is a really nice place to relax and dine. Not cheap but a very good value for the price.
(4)
R P.
Oh man, this place just ROCKS! Awesome collection of small breweries beers. The staff REALLY knows their beer and wanders around with samples for you to check out. The food - equally awesome. I had the venison and it was to die for. If you're a beer snob and want some rocking good food to go with it, this is a MUST visit place to check out if you are in St Paul.
(5)
Benjamin F.
Wide selection of interesting microbrews, gourmet small plates, and a large patio make Happy Gnome a top St. Paul spot. I had the marlin sandwich that tasted similar to swordfish and was a good option. We also had the shrimp tacos which looked like a better option.
(4)
Sarah C.
So, we were supposed to go to some sorta Oktoberfest thing on Rice street. Thinking it would be one of those "we're gonna shut down the streets and allow for unlimited consumption of bratwurst and beer," we realized quite the opposite upon arriving at the "klub haus." No offense to anyone who organized the event, but it seemed like it would be a little claustrophobic, so off to the Happy Gnome we went. I was uber super crazy happy to see that they had old Rasputin on tap. Frequently when I go to restaurants claiming a large beer selection, it consists of a large selection of super duper white beers and not much else. I don't have a huge problem with wheaty and pale stuff, but I really love porter and stout. The Old Rasputin came in the traditional little glass used (which, probably makes sense to someone, but not to me) and I was immediately in beer heaven. We ordered the chicken wings which were covered in a delicious cumin dust of deliciousness and then baked until crazy crispy. The steak pizza I believe involved some sort of pesto infused buffalo mozzarella AND a nice slather of what I think was brie. I was kind of glad that we didn't order meals after the two apps as they were sufficient enough to keep us full for a few hours..although the vegetable Juicy Lucy sounded like it was made for this former vegetarian. The two of us enjoyed a nice meal on the patio and considered the next special outing we could take in order to visit our new friend, the gnome.
(4)
Cynthia B.
4 stars for the beautiful interiors and incrdible wait staff upstairs. 1 for the food. So hoooooribly disapointed. The food was overcooked and the ribs...fattttty. Very expensive, too. We'll be back for beer, but never for food. Did I mention the decor?
(2)
Jay B.
This place is awesome. The drink selection is superior. The food is petty good. Great ambiance for hanging with friends.
(4)
Jennifer L.
Dear Happy Gnome, I love you and want to have your Gnome babies. I can't remember everything that you put in your Seasonal Vegetable Salad - but it was so good I often find myself dreaming about it. Especially when I have one of my boring salads at home. You introduced me to Little Black Dress Pinot Grigio - which I LOVE LOVE LOVE. It was so good I had two glasses - something I rarely do when I am out and paying my own way. (Yeah - I am cheap - so you know I liked it if I bought two glasses!) Also high on the yum factor was the Seared Beef Tenderloin Tips. Eat them hot and dip heavy into the spicy corn and black bean marmalade that it is served with. I can't wait to come back and explore more of your menu. I also want to see if your staff is just as good the next time I come back as it was this time - cuz they were AWESOME. The only things I would change about you - cuz we always want to make the things we love a little better - would be to magically lower the noise level inside and maybe make the patio smoking in a section instead of everywhere? I hate to box in the smokers - they have so few places to free range anymore - but it was kinda distracting to have the smoke wafting into our faces from a nearby table. YUM. I will be back and I will not be alone.
(4)
Beth F.
So a pregnant woman walks into a bar... does she dare review it? It was actually for that reason that I hadn't *intended* on writing a review for The Happy Gnome after meeting here last night for the Yelp book club. Because it's a beer bar and brew is on my list of restricted food and beverages for the time being, would my opinion matter? Plus, the thought of being branded a Review Whore ( yelp.com/biz/review-whor… ) would be, like, soooo devastating...but as soon as the book club crew got settled on Gnome's sweet patio and decided to split a couple menu items to go along with our discussion, all of a sudden it was game on because preggo + food = love From the small plates menu, we ordered the Beef Tenderloin Tips, which were served in a small tortilla bowl along with a black bean & mango thing that was absolutely mmmmm! It was sweet and spicy and it easy enough to pick around my arch-enemies: the diced onions. We also ordered a small Seasonal Vegetable Salad which was not so small at all. Tons of veggies were served on a bed of bulgar wheat: beans, edamame, carrots, roasted cauliflower, beets, red onions and the whole thing was topped with feta. We're in America, land of pasteurization, so even though feta is technically on the no-no list of restricted food items, I snuck a bite and after having spent the past 6 months feta free? Oh, it was sublime. Service was also excellent, the server had a great personality and aside from the occasional whiff of cigarette smoke (a hazard of sitting on the patio) I have no complaints. And maybe the next time I come back I can booze it up.
(4)
Jon S.
I stopped in to find Surly Furious which I've heard so much about and was thankful to find The Happy Gnome had it on tap. Mission Accomplished. The beer selection was great, this will be a place I'll be sure to visit next time I'm in town. I would like to try the food and sample more beers. The atmosophere was appealing, I'll be back...
(4)
Wendy H.
This place has quite a creative chef. The menu offers some unique choices. Everything I've had here is very good. It has a nice, relaxed "hang out" type of atmosphere but with above average food! Cocktail choices are also unique and tasty. Awesome beer selection. Great patio, mostly shaded. Really good Sunday breakfast too!
(4)
Laura R.
Woulda been 4-stars had there been a gnome.... I looked high and low without any luck. not kidding. Interesting beer list, good service. Nice patio area in the back. We had the seared tuna to snack on - the food could have been better.
(3)
Adam T.
This place is a favorite of mine! Not only do they have a plethora of taps (I think 70 or so) but they also have an extensive inventory of whiskey. The parking lot is shared with the St Paul Curling Club next door.. which happens to be where I am every Wednesday... so I get to frequent this place before and after each week. Food is above average, but I'd say it's a tad overpriced for what you get. Let's face it... you don't go there for the food, you go there for the beer. Their Firkin Fest is a blast too!
(5)
John W.
I'm not a beer connoisseur, so I can't offer useful commentary on the large selection they offer ( I don't know the difference between 'lager,' 'ale,' 'stout,' and so on... to me they are all 'beer.') My beery friends all gushed, so I'll let thier raves substitute. The place is just the right size with different sections depending on what you want: cozy bar looking out on Selby Avenue; booths and tables in another room; and an upstairs where groups can be their little lively selves. There's nothing to dislike and everything to like. Here's mine: ** A great list of small plates. The entrees there were pretty eclectic, not what I was expecting at all. I had the spring rolls with coconut-almond sauce. Delish! ** Happy hour prices ** A genuine parking lot. Suburbanites like me freak out if we can't pull into a spot, straight-on. ** WiFi. The iPhoneys and Droidies in our tweetup were busy Bump-ing and 4Square-ing away TIP 1: They give a 15% discount to MPR members who have their cards TIP 2: There's a nearby curling club that competes for parking. If you're bringing a group over, it might pay to avoid 'curling' nights
(4)
Brooke S.
the happy gnome is a pretty sweet little bar. I can't effectively give a review because I was there last night for my first time, for the launch of the DELICIOUS mn brew, Fulton Beer. anyhoooooo - the bar is pretty sweet, great atmosphere, HUGE beer selection and some yummy looking cocktails too! We were in the upstairs area and it was great for the private party but seriously happy gnome, when you have 100 people and they're all sweating and the windows are fogged up....OPEN THE WINDOWS!
(4)
Maess N.
To be honest, I'm torn on how to rate this. I LOVE the beer selection they have - it's the only place I've been able to find in town that has a Flemish Sour on tap - but I am un-thrilled by the food. The food has been hit or miss, I've eaten there five times and had one great meal, three ok meals and one bad meal. A bright note on their food menu is the artisan cheese selections, I've always been happy with these and they pair great with a strong Belgian ale. Another plus is their outdoor seating. If I could give 2.5 stars I would.
(3)
Joe C.
Large beer selection and very cool outdoor patio. Food is not only just 'average', but it's a bit overpriced for 'average' food and slim in portions. However, the beer and drinks are great and I'd come here again for that.
(3)
Dolly V.
This place is still great. My boyfriend insisted that I write an updated review! It was nearly perfect this time around. Sunday evening on the patio with the sun setting. It was quite nice. We had a few glasses of draft beer and the Crab Egg Rolls for starters. We ordered the Bison Burger again (since we loved it so much the last time) and the Pear and Gorgonzola Pizza. The pizza was delicious: A crispy crust, subtle sweetness from the pear and a nice kick from the Gorgonzola cheese. After the food we sampled a flight of beers by the fire when it got a bit colder. The staff was helpful and friendly. They were nice enough to keep the fire going for us since we were the only two on the patio. One of my favorite places in the Twin Cities!
(5)
Christine D.
Some interesting dishes, a little out of the ordinary. I enjoyed the MN game burger and excellent fries.
(4)
Aaron S.
Ah, the sophisticated beer drinker. Casually sipping on an obscure micro ale while waiting to order from the equally sophisticated menu. Yikes, those dinner menu prices are going to limit the amount of cash left for more beer! Better check out the pub menu. There, that's better. And still many delicious-looking choices to pick from. Now the cerevisaphile has completed the arduous task of selecting the proper food pairing to go with one's beer. But wait, this pint is empty! Another must be ordered, but with so many choices, it would be wrong to order the same thing twice. How about that intriguing Belgian nobody's ever heard of? Why not - it'll be some time before the food arrives. Ah, the food finally arrives as the ale aficionado is finishing up the newest Surly to hit the taps. At this point, anything will be delicious. And it is. Let's pick out another new favorite drink - word has it that their current cask beer is incredible... Wait, when did the food disappear? The beer lover was engrossed in conversation and this stout pint of lurveliness. Those serverss sure are quick on their toes. Time to pick out one more libashun bffore it's time to get going. Still so many choices to shellect from... being a distinguishhing beer drinker sure is diffficult sometimes but the Gnome makes it worht it!
(4)
Kendal D.
I'm not a very adventurous eater, so I thought I'd play it safe and order the Reuben. It was very over done. Basically burnt, but it was too dark in the dining area to tell. Pretty bummed because the other people I was with loved their food. How do you screw up a simple Reuben? Especially at $12, i was expecting a lot more. Will not be returning unfortunately.
(2)
Jessica W.
How can you go wrong at a place called "the happy Gnome"...We went on a Friday night for a beer..and boy, did they have beer! pretty much anything from anywhere..(except landshark - sorry, Jimmy) We sat at the bar and reviewed the menu which was conveniently separated into different categories - light, dark, hoppy, etc. I went with the Magic Hat #9 - a great choice for summer. Our bartender check on us periodically and was a super fun guy. I would go back to the Happy Gnome in a heartbeat! Great place!
(4)
Alison M.
The Happy Gnome offers an unfiltered wheat beer tasting flight. I think I am in heaven. The food seems pricey otherwise and they dont have too much for vegetarians besides salads. I had a grilled vegetable panini once that was pretty good but at restaurants where the chef provides locally-sourced and sustainable foods by reworking the menu every now and again, it is hard for a vegetarian to count on something. Excellent for drinks though!!!
(4)
Chase B.
Obviously the beer selection is first-rate; but more importantly, the Happy Gnome has the best local beer list. I would say it is a great place to relax on a Thursday night -- good ambiance and the music is at a decent level. Now, one thing -- I would stay clear of the pizza. I would recommend the Artisan Cheese selection, but yeah, the pizza was garbage.
(4)
Brandon B.
The Happy Gnome is basically the upscale version of the Muddy Pig. The real reason to go there is for the extremely large beer selection. The dining experience is somewhat different. It's a very nice dining environment that is usually accompanied by great service. The menu however can be something else. When you go over their menu you get the feeling that the chef watches too many shows on the Food Network. A lot of the dishes are very unique and sort of off the wall. This isn't to say that they aren't good, but on occasion the chef will slip in a dish that's an absolute disaster. For example, the a week or two back i went there and ordered this Deconstructed Game Hen Pot Pie. It wouldn't have been a bad meal had it not been for two things, the price and the game hen. The dish would have been more appropriately called, "Deconstruct Your Own Game Hen Deconstructed Pot Pie". I figured I was going to get breast meat for the dish; instead i got a set of thighs and legs stacked on eachother, bone and all. It was a real pain in the ass having to carve all that meat off, and it only made it more difficult that they left the fatty skin on as well. Which raises the point, why charge me more for game hen when it's obviously farm raised and is no leaner and tastes no different than a typical chicken(which is the reason people like game animals)? By the end of the meal my plate was a huge mess of game hen skin and bones. If i'm paying $25 for a meal i sure as hell shouldn't have to deconstruct my own bird. This is the kind of thing that can happen at Happy Gnome which is why i only give them 4 stars. It's the rare dish that this problem happens with, but i just don't see any excuse for meals like that making the menu. Didn't someone try eating it first and think," Gee, this meal is a complete and utter disaster. Either i need to serve the meat off the bone or i need to scrap the whole damn thing." Plus, they should look for ways to make their food a little cheaper. That dish should have cost no more than $15-$18. If you're going to use some phony game bird that has no distinct taste from chicken, then just serve chicken! The bar is the best part, and they have a nice outdoor patio. Service is usually good to great, but the prices are little more than they should be, and you also have to beware which dinner entrees you order.
(4)
Emily M.
My husband and I fell in love with this restaurant. Found through positive reviews, we found The Happy Gnome easy to get to, even from being from out of town. We anticipated sitting out in the patio, but Minnesota weather came upon us and we opted for the bar area since the main dining room was filled. Inside, there is a warmth about the place. It felt like what a pub should feel like, with the hidden bonus of really great food. We ordered the tuna niçoise as a starter. It was so delicate and perfectly balanced. It is a light appetizer, but essentially exceeded our expectations with flavor. My husband ordered the game burger, a mix of bison and elk. It was delicious and HUGE! I ordered the duck burger, something I would never normally order. It was by far the best burger I have ever eaten. After our first two bites of the burgers, we were sold. We knew this was our to-go-to place when we come visit the Cities. Accompanying our meals were well-crafted drinks. The hubby opted for two beers on the hoppy spectrum, as suggested by our waitress. Although The Happy Gnome is most known for their extensive beer list, I was treating my husband to the restaurant, as I am not beer-savvy. That being said, their bartender crafted up a refreshing blueberry mojito for me. The service was excellent. Overall, we left full and happy!
(5)
Chad T.
The Happy Gnome is a great place to grab a beer or dinner when you're in St. Paul. Sometimes the bar gets busy, but I've never seen compromised service because of the crowds. They're always very nice and seem genuinely happy to be working there. The Gnome is also home to our favorite waitress in the Twin Cities, although we don't know her name. She works in the bar, and has a GREAT system for her customers. If you need something, set your menu on the edge of the table. If you don't, leave it somewhere else. This way, she can recognize you need something right away, and doesn't waste time checking in with customers who don't need assistance. Plus she's super cool and fast. Great beer selection, you can seemingly try something new every time you go in there. I've had a few different app's, they were all good. Move this to the top of the list if you're in the area and looking for a place to hang out for a while.
(5)
Mark H.
Just the kind of place St Paul needs more of! [Ok, "of which St Paul needs more."] They had a great beer selection, interesting and varied, both from the tap and the bottle. I had a very nice hamburger and fries, tasty and well-cooked, and other things on the menu looked good, too. I'm more of a wine guy than a beer guy, but any place that has La Duchesse de Bourgogne in the bottle gets my vote.
(4)
Noelle H.
Enjoyed a lovely brunch at The Happy Gnome this past weekend. Had the Early Rizer. Basically eggs benedict with bacon, tomato and avocado. The sauce was a chipolte sauce that I wasn't totally thrilled with. It sounded a lot better in theory - esp the avocado part, but was decent. Service was okay. Seemed like we waited quite a while for our food when there was barely anyone there. Will have to come back again to try their whole menu as well as their beer selection - which is very impressive. Gotta love the St. Paul Beer Bars!
(3)
Nick P.
Easily one of the best places I have ever dined at. The changing menu contains meals that are consistently amazing. The draft beer selection, also always changing is a real treat.
(5)
Drew B.
Building dark and wide Like an orphanage for beer Which do you fancy (Damn, this is a nice local pub. They have a VERY nice beer selection... both tap AND bottles. You can get a pint of anything from the standard Leine's to the Maredsous 10. Just be aware that if you go in later on the weekend, there's a good chance they will be out of some of the more interesting beers. You may want to have a backup picked out... They also have a VERY nice food selection. In addition to the standard bar fare, they serve a fun selection of 'small plates' ranging from mussles to gnocchi to tamales. If your hunger is more substantial, they also have a dinner menu. I had an EXCELLENT elk steak the other night, which I would recommend. The small plates are around $8 each, and the dinner entrees hover around $20. If you're in the neighborhood and need a bite AND a pint, this is the place to go. Recommended.)
(4)
Adam S.
I'm rating this on the service and beer selection. I have never eaten here, not really sure why. Their menu looks interesting, I just never do. But I do like coming here for "dessert". My fiancee has had few of their actual desserts, and she likes them. I stick to a liquid dessert. Almost always something new to try and most of the bartenders know their stuff. Nice Patio for the summer if you can get a spot.
(4)
Rebecca Y.
If you're looking for an incredible beer list, this is the place. The bar staff is incredibly knowledgeable and helped me pick out a beer that would suit my pallette. The food while very good...made me feel like I was eating at a French restaurant as the portions were extremely small. I had the fish tacos and it comprised of two very small tacos with about a tablespoon of tilapia in each. It filled me but for the guys who like hearty portions, this is not the place for you.
(4)
Dom R.
Was visiting the Twin Cities for a long wedding weekend with a day to kill. With some quick mobile-yelping, led me to a place described as "St. Paul's Finest Gastropub." A quick glance of their website and I was sold at "featuring over 75 craft drafts". I was sure I could kill a day here. Here, being the Happy Gnome. While the rest of my family got lost in the MOA, I decided my time would be better spent getting lost in the abundance of crafts on draft. And I was not disappointed. I spent about 8 hours at the Happy Gnome tasting as many craft beers as I could. They do BEER FLIGHTS, which is a great way to sample MORE beers than less beers. The Craft Beers here are awesome and just about everybody in the bar was ordering something different. I only saw one woman order a Miller Lite, shame on her. The bartenders were very knowledgeable about what they were pouring, as they should be. So we know the beers are exceptional and a plenty. How about the food? Well, the food may be equally as good. Because I was here for a marathon, I was able to enjoy both lunch and dinner. For lunch, I had the MN Game Burger - a bison and elk pattied with bacon and grated horseradish, caramelized onion and blue cheese sauce with a lingonberry aioli. The burger was great and cooked perfectly mid-rare. The fries were splendid as well. For dinner...with my now found family members, whom were inebriated from a day of shopping and myself inebriated from a day of drinking great beer....I was able to sample more of the menu. The Cheese plate was average. The waiter made a simple mistake of not identifying the cheeses arranged on the plate. We survived. The Butternut Squash Gnocchi and Lamb Meatballs were the best thing I ate here all day, which completely surprised me. I then had the Duck Burger made with wild rice and mushroom duxelle, bacon bits, herb goat cheese served with a cherry aioli. Also very good. I give the slight edge to the MN Game Burger in the Best Burger Category. This place certainly knows how to make a good burger and aioli. Skip the desserts. Yikes! Not sure what happened here??? Completely let my sweet-tooth down. I will not even name the desserts as I have nothing nice to write about them. We went back and ate chocolates from the hotel mini-bar to right the (dessert) wrong. Overall, I would love to have a place like this in Philadelphia, that can claim to have over 75 craft beers on draft. Plus the food is damn good too. 4 Stars - I will definitely stop back in during my next visit to the Twin Cities.
(4)
Michael N.
I'd probably give it a 3.5 but i'll give it the benefit of a 4 since i can't get the half star. A good place with nice selection of beer. I haven't tried too much of the food so I can't speak for that. Nice clean bar for a few good beers in a decent neighborhood.
(4)
Stephanie R.
I loved the extensive beer list here, and the patio is absolutely adorable...check this place out when the weather is nice! However, the food was wayyy to expensive as far as I'm concerned. Maybe I'm just cheap, but $15 for a small appetizer or a burger is a little more than I was expecting. The atmosphere suggests cheaper prices. However, I did try the pumpkin soup last fall, which was divine. Maybe the food was worth the money, but I certainly couldn't afford it!
(3)
Amy B.
First off, props for the name! Great place to meet a couple friends to catch up - my bff and I Neat building and good ambiance - I bellied up in the bar Original menu with fresh, distinct tastes - we enjoyed our pizza and pasta Menu and beer suggestion from the server were helpful - thank you Enormous selection of beer - we had a couple different seasonal brews
(4)
Paul P.
If you love beer (who doesn't) and you are a foodie this is the place to go. I usually need the consultation of a friend or the barkeep to pick a beer for my personal palette. That being said, I always try something new every time I go because the selection is huge and does frequently change. I also must recommend the "MN Game Burger" from the menu "Mixture of all natural, local bison and elk, house partied with bacon and horseradish, topped with caramelized onions and blue cheese, with a side of lingonberry aioli". This is one of the best burgers I have had in ages, it is more lean that a beef burger but the onion/cheese/bacon topping makes up for that. Just writing the review I am getting hungry for that burger. Paul
(5)
Kevin A.
Excellent meal. Great game burger.
(4)
Nick J.
Another great St. Paul neighborhood pub. Although the size of the place threw me off at first. I wasn't sure exactly what to do or where to go when I walked in. Don't you hate that? Ok, now that I feel kinda stupid I finally get directed to the bar area upstairs. A nice cozy corner and much quieter than downstairs. I don't think I've ever been handed a larger beer menu than the one at the Gnome. It's kind of daunting actually. But I got a great recommendation from the bartender, who seemed pretty knowledgeable. I really like their food selection. Definitely not typical for a pub. Maybe a little pricier than the places I typically go to but the food is definitely worth it. Very creative with quality, fresh ingredients. If I lived closer I would definitely be here more.
(4)
Tony G.
Great beer garden, excellent beer, great food, friendly service, reasonable prices...need I continue? This isn't the largest selection of beers around but it's a very well though-out selection with great variety. They have maybe 20-25 drafts, but probably 15 different types of beer within those drafts. Our server was well-versed in beer and was not afraid to share her opinions and tell us what she knew - which I appreciate. I don't know what else to say, other than it's worth the trip any time you're in the area.
(5)
John N.
wonderful food, great service, out-of-this-world beer/wine selection
(5)
Andrew K.
I miss Chang O'hara's and was brought here by coincidence. I was upset, but it looked the same. Great place for brunch and they have a great outdoor patio. My BLT breakfast sandwich was yummy and they substituted for a salad w/ apples and other goodies w/ no problem. I was happy as a gnome.
(4)
Jay C.
incredibly disappointing. my duck burger was undercooked, and our rude waitress refused to take it back when I pointed it out, insisting all their burgers are cooked to medium (while it was pink, fleshy, and clearly uncooked). the chicken and wild rice soup had a chicken bone in it and rice that was not crunchy - but literally not cooked at all, like biting into a dry grain, it was terrible. the beers we ordered came in dirty glasses and one had done weird thing floating in it. overall the food and service was very disappointing for what we paid. would not go back
(1)
Matthew H.
Sorry Houston, you have NOTHING like this fantastic St. Paul, MN gastropub. A massive selection of beer, wine, scotch and assorted other alcohols, this is by far and away the best bar/pub I've been to. I fell in love with a Gouden Carolous (Belgian Blonde Tripel) and am now ruined forever. The interior of the pub reminds me of something you might find in Austria or even in a Ski Resort in Colorado. Handsome wood, gorgeous fireplace, lots of seating, all in all the perfect place to spend a few hours catching up with friends. I've been told they have very good food, but to be honest, I was only there with one thing on my mind. And that was to try as many fantastic hard to find beers as possible. One caveat, if you're looking for Bud or Miller, you'll find none of that here. They serve only the finest micro and local brews in town. The only downside was parking in a lot that was completely covered in snow. Not alot of spaces to choose from, but definitely worth the wait if you have to. Now if only they'd open one up in Houston, TX so I won't have to wait so long before my next visit.
(5)
Ziomara C.
AWESOME beer selection. A bit on the pricey side, both for the beer and appetizers I enjoyed. The amazing selection and beer related events make this place a must. I found the bartenders and servers to be helpful and friendly. The old antiquey bar area makes the ambiance extra enjoyable. I highly recommend this bar for a good night with friends to enjoy some great beer.
(4)
Jason M.
Angus burger....mmmmm burger! Enough said!
(5)
Sophie R.
So glad I stumbled upon this spot after a trip to the Science Museum. I live out in the Western burbs so don't get out to St. Paul that often but we were starving and had planned to go to the Nook or Blue door pub but the wait was 90 minutes both places at 5 p.m. So - passed by the Gnome and decided to give it a try. We got one of the last tables in the bar and were first amazed by the extensive craft and specialty beer list. Tried a few different kinds all with suggestions from the knowledgeable server and all were excellent. For food, we got the house made pretzel with cheese sauce and for what it was - it was excellent. Very fresh and almost a little bit of a "fried" soft pretzel vibe with some mellow cheese dipping sauce (I would've liked a little more kick to my sauce but it was still good). We both ended up getting the Angus burgers with short rib that comes with fresh cut fries and it was fantastic. Overall, great neighborhood "gastro" pub with excellent beer choices, great food and a very fun and energectic vibe. So wish it was in my neighborhood. We'll be back!
(5)
Guya I.
I am pretty damn picky and today I was pleased as punch with Happy Gnome. Had a nice bloody mary with a founders chaser- super nice endive, chevre, beet salad-- dressed really well. And this crazy Vegetarian Juicy Lucy Veggie Burger on a like a homemadish bun with nice fries....Very Very happy.
(5)
Robert H.
The Happy Gnome is a wonderful place to eat. It has a young and lively atmosphere that is laid-back but sophisticated. The large parking lot always seems to be full with happy customers. The menu variety is excellent and the food is even better. The beer and wine selection is unparalleled. Good service, too. Only one qualm: The last time we ate there, I ordered my hamburger cooked medium, and I received it rare. The kitchen was happy to take it back though and put it back on the grill. I would definitely recommend this restaurant. One caveat: I went there a second time and the service was bad. There were probably only 10 other people dining, but it took forty minutes for them to make a hamburger and an appetizer pizza. That is simply unacceptable. What's more, it took them at least fifteen minutes to deliver my wonderfully tasty and pre-prepared raspberry-rhubarb tart. This should've taken less than five minutes. Conclusion: This restaurant is hit and miss. You can't expect good service each time you go there, but when you do get good service, the food is excellent.
(3)
Nathan N.
Came for my first time after Grand Old Day and was surprised by the amazing backyard patio/deck they have. It's the reason I love St. Paul - where else could you find this oasis for refreshments or good clean bar food.
(4)
Molly B.
Impressive but pricy beer list (why pay $5 for a local draft when I could get the same for $3 at a happy hour just down the street?). Ordered the gnocchi appetizer to share, and it ended up being really small and not worth the $9 in terms of tastiness or creativity. The outside patio is lovely, though, so my night was decent overall.
(3)
Conor W.
Very nice beer list, but not much else. I first visited The Happy Gnome when a relative was holding an event there and renting the upstairs. First of all they said they had a PA system, but they delivered an old tube guitar amplifier with a improperly compensated microphone. For those without sound board experience this meant I had to bring my personal stage gear to drive music through the venue as well as allow for speeches. It is also worth mentioning that some of this gear disappeared during clean up when only my family and the staff was working. I do not know what happened to my gear but I have theories, none of which involve my immediate family. The food is lackluster. Overpriced and suffers from "TV chef syndrome" as I call it. Overworked, over seasoned, and attempting to be heroic for no reason. Good food is tasty, overly complex food is muddled. The vast majority here is muddled. The basic appetizers they offer for catering are alright, but par at best. Their best offerings were breads and dips, but I believe they get the bread from an off site bakery. Service was a joke. The staff knows the beers from front to back, but ask for scotch from their list and they get confused. One purchase of a dram even required pointing out the bottle due to the staff's lack of knowledge. This is a shame considering they have the best Scotch listing I know of in walking distance. After fighting off random bar goers who wandered up the stairs we placed a sign written in capitals which stated the private nature of the party on the upper floor. The staff seemed to feel this was not aesthetically pleasing and removed it and we replaced it....this happened repeatedly all night. The most annoying part of the evening was when staff took breaks from serving on the upper floor. I understand staff needs to be rotated, but they didn't have a person to fill in and so that meant no one to operate the bar which was setup as part of the venue rental. People were forced to wait in line on the lower floor to get anything, even though they were paid to run bar all night on the upper floor. I am only giving them 2 star because their beer list is that good. If you are looking for rental space for an event I highly suggest looking elsewhere. If you are looking for a fun night out with nice beer then eat first and then visit the Gnome. If you want quality food then head a bit West and there are many options in a short distance.
(2)
Alec G.
This place has one of the best beer selections I've ever found, as well as a great selection of scotch. I went in with someone who was just a "Bud" drinker, and I think they had to pull a dusty bottle out of the basement; they just don't serve bad beer here! Also, they have two great atmospheres to choose from. Downstairs is a fun, pub environment and upstairs is a more relaxed, intimate experience, sometimes with a fire going in the fireplace and a live jazz trio in the corner. The only reason this doesn't get 5 stars is the food is hit-and-miss. I think their chef, who is normally fantastic, likes to experiment sometimes and once in a while will miss the mark on either design or someone in the kitchen will miss the mark on preparation. Overall, this is a great place for an evening with friends or just an intimate evening with a loved one.
(4)
Francis D.
Oh how I wish this place was my basement - I was home with my bro and two cousins looking to get drunk on really good beer and we couldn't've asked for anything more. As far as food and service review, I won't comment because my appetite was filled with beer beer beer! mmm...
(4)
Sonja R.
As others have said, awesome beer selection. You won't have a clue what to order. Been there twice now and had the Grilled chicken sandwich and the BELTA (Bacon Egg Lettuce Tomato Avacado) a newer more fabulous version of a BLT. My mom (a huge fry fanatic) loves the french fries here. They are fresh cut and peppery. All of the food was unique to the restaurant and while there I overheard a waiter saying the menu changes quite frequently, so it's good to check back for more delicious menu items.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Music : Background Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat Coat Check : No Smoking : Outdoor Area/ Patio Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Andy B.
Great beer. But I felt like they didn't want me there. I would say that it's is more of a depressed gnome. We sat at the upstairs bar and when we requested a beer the bartender mentioned he would have to go all the way downstairs to get it. The next beer we ordered he responded with a reluctant and attitude laced "ok!". Never feels good and is honestly embarrassing to be treated as an unwelcome guest. Love the beer not a fan of the stressed out and overwhelmed wait staff.
(3)Wayne S.
Fantastic beer selection! I can't say enough about how good the beer list is. My first pour had a bit too much foam, but the beer was great nonetheless. My second beer was basically a porter that had been aged in pinot noir barrels (I wish I could remember the name), and it was interestingly fantastic! The reason I did not give 5 stars was the aforementioned less than perfect pour and an overbearing waiter. We were also told we could only get 1 taste pour per table. We had already had 2 rounds, so we clearly were not trying to get free drinks and this really annoyed me. There's no reason to limit (within reason) the amount of tasting pours when a table is drinking and having a good time. Also, did not order food, but the menu looked unique and well thought out.
(4)Katie M.
No longer will I confuse The Happy Gnome and The Muddy Pig (general Adjective Creature restaurant in St. Paul). There is a large parking lot and plenty of free street parking. We sat outside on The Happy Gnome's spacious back patio - complete with music and outdoor string lights. A relaxed and fun setting. Our waitress was knowledgeable and friendly. I ordered the Game Burger (sans bun) which was both bison and elk ground into a patty . It was seasoned just perfectly and paired well with the blue cheese sauteed onions on top (yum). There was a lingonberry aioli on the side. The fries were crisp and salty - just right. My friend conveniently forgot his wallet! With tax and tip it was close to $40 for two burgers - no booze. So that's a bit pricey. Definitely would go back, but with more of an understanding that the pricepoint is a bit higher (especially if you want any of their delicious cheese plates or a beer from their extensive beer list).
(4)Magdalene N.
We had our wedding reception at The Happy Gnome this weekend and it was AWESOME. The food was to die for and the staff was so helpful and easy to work with. They specially created a lamb item for us to serve as well, which was superb. And of course the beverage variety was well enjoyed by all! Thanks to your team for giving us such a relaxing and enjoyable evening.
(5)Terry M.
I am probably rating it too low. I wouldnt disagree with its 4 rating in that it has a good kitchen and good beer selection. If i come back i probably will rate it higher. But today it was 3. The poutine was made with beef gravy with house-made fries. It was OK. the Boom Island Hoodoo Dubbel was good. The wifi is bad. Dont sit in the northwest corner. Less than 1 Mbps. The menu has a very unusual selection if you are into Sausage stuffed quail and duck bolognese. Some interesting sandwiches that i might come back for, fried veggie juicy lucy, meatloaf sandwich, house-made bratwurst... The background music sucks, but was not loud. On the plus side, the TVs are set to the Syfy channel with CC so i got to watch an ogre eat people while i during my own meal, no thats special. Looking around, the hamburgers looked good, fries house-made, salads fresh... my impression is that the cooks here take their art earnestly. I would recommend the place and i'll probably try it again.
(3)Jesse H.
Judging this place solely on their poutine, because I'm a poutine snob and I can. While the portion size was quite large (as was my appetite late at night), I had no desire to finish it, even after sharing. The good: The fries, pork belly and bacon were tasty The bad: I prefer when the cheese curds are still whole. Also, where is this gravy you speak of? My entire dish was rather dry. My friends enjoyed their food and I did taste some delicious pizza and heard rave reviews of the lobster mac and cheese. Ok, so I'd probably give the poutine two stars, but I think this place deserves more. I'll choose differently if I return.
(3)Erica L.
Oh yeah this place is great! Wedge salad and corn risotto. YUM!
(4)G B.
This was our second time here. The first time we gave it 5 stars. There a a couple of reasons why we might not go back. 1. I ordert the duck. After a couple of minutes the waitress came back and informed me that the duck wasn't cooked yet. I had to choose something else. 2. They were out of the mexican pudding for dessert. 3. They were out of the scotch my husband ordert. 4. The creme brulee was more like a creme soup. The crust was burned . 5. The light in the restaurant is so low, you need a flashlight in order to read the menu. 6. The Bison Steak was full off fat. Bison is suppose to be very lean. The service is fast and friendly.
(3)Sheila G.
Great place to have beers, we love this place my buddie and I go here every week.
(5)Jon B.
Great atmosphere and patio! Fantastic beer selection, larger than the food menu. Great food, a bit spendy. Pretzel appetizer was awesome, but for the price should come with 2. Game burger was excellent, but $13, really?! Will definitely be coming back, even with the prices.
(4)Nicholas G.
If You're HAPPY and You GNOME it... Did you clap your hands or stomp your feet twice? With some 76 different craft style beers and some of the most unique foods to enjoy, I would have to agree that the Happy Gnome is definitely "one of a 100 places you must have a beer at before you die", a rather amazing and worthy list to be added to. My wife and I (who by the way come up with the title of this blog) have been to the Happy Gnome a few times to enjoy their craft beer options because trying something new and unique is so much better than always drinking water beer, a.k.a Mich. Golden Light, Coors Light, etc. the Happy Gnome is also the place that introduced me to my favorite beer of all-time, Curious Traveler Shandy by The Traveler Brewing Co. (formally, The House of Shandy Brewing Co.). So we've enjoyed the wide selection of craft beers, which by the way is ever changing and evolving, but never had the food and we've heard a lot of great things about the food. Unique, different, mysterious and unusual are all adjectives that can describe food and it's exactly what my wife and I love the most about the culinary world. For this reason, you'll be hard pressed to find us dining at a national chain store and instead finding a local, family owned restaurant serving up some of the best, freshest and locally made food you can find, but the key is..... something different! At the Happy Gnome, that's exactly what you're getting and man was it good. This trip was with the in-laws before a Gopher's hockey game and I'm sure glad they chose this place. We started the evening with of course some adult beverages and we also ordered a Canadian favorite, Poutine. What is Poutine, well my friends, it's something delicious and different! Start with the Gnomes hand cut on a daily basis fries and add some cheese curds and sausage gravy... Some damn good food! Those hand cut fries by the way... Some of the best in the Twin Cities hands down! On to the meals and it was burgers for the entire table. My wife and her sister went with a traditional Angus Cheeseburger which was pretty good with Braised Short Ribs and Garlic Aioli to top it off. Our brother in-law went with one of the burgers I was trying to decided and I'm excited to go back to try it - the Game Burger. Doesn't the name just make it sound delicious? The Game Burger was a blend of bison, elk, blue cheese-onions and lingonberry aioli... And that my food loving friends sounds mouth water and why I'm excited to head back to try it! My burger is where my adjectives listed early come into play and why I love food so much. At the Happy Gnome you will find the Duck Burger! A blend of duck, goat cheese, bacon, wild rice and cherry aioli. Absolutely insane flavors and one of the best if not the best burgers I've ever had. Who makes a burger out of duck anyways???? The Happy Gnome sure wasn't scared to try it and I'm glad they had the guts to try it! Again, remember those hand cut fries, that are cut fresh daily? Are you catching on to my madness yet? What I'm saying is more places need to do this because it's the best way to enjoy french fries! So if you're HAPPY and you GNOME it and your face will surely show it (not sure how it won't after this deliciousness I just described), than head down to the Happy Gnome in the historic Cathedral Hill area of St. Paul and try some unique and awesome food as well as some of the nations and Minnesota's very own top craft beers.
(4)Zac L.
A little on the expensive side but if you want to go out of your comfort zone it has that kind of potential. I had an awesome first experience with duck by ordering their duck burger and the pork tot appetizer was a a different look at a conventional type of pre-food edible. Very good.
(4)Jacky W.
I immediately felt at home walking into the Happy Gnome. Perhaps it was the growing crowd of people decked in their work finery (we got there around 6p on a Thursday) or the fact that there were many many beers on tap (oh happy day). Whatever it was, I knew immediately that I was in for a fun evening. The beer list alone should make this gastropub one of the happiest places on earth. The adult Disneyland of St. Paul. We were there on a release night (where they release a new brew or two from a specific brewery - often local), so we were able to taste the newest Fulton beers for a discounted price. We also ordered a few "table beers" that we all shared to sample. The food was decent, but a bit overpriced. I would rather spend my money on trying more beers. But I wouldn't mind another pretzel. That was the perfect pairing. Thanks for thinking of it, Germans!
(4)Jess Z.
Cool atmosphere good service, food is amazing! It would get five stars but they were almost too heavy with the sauces, I would just order them on the side or ask for light sauce, overall great time!
(4)Ken A.
Holy smokes! This is so much more than a pub. Yes, the home brew and wine lists are robust, but it's the food that stands alone here. I started with the daily chicken and rice soup. Big pieces of chicken. Dee-lish! My wife had the beet salad with red and yellow beets! I had a couple of bites. Dee-lish! For entrees, I had the duck with risotto and kale and she had the beef short rib with polenta and carrots. In-cred-i-ble! The duck was seared and cooked to medium well in the oven, then the breast was thin sliced and served with a leg. The short rib was thick, lean and meaty with a dark demi-glaze. When we thought it couldn't get any better, she had the stout ginger bread with orange slices and whipped cream. I had the cherry pie with semifreddo. I'm not going to ruin any surprises with these, but I will say that simply remembering them causes goose bumps to form and my mouth to water. The service was excellent. The entire staff was friendly and knowledgeable. Be prepared, this place is a bit pricey, and worth every red cent. We'll be back again and again.
(5)Ken P.
We really enjoy the Gnome. A divvy bar with fantastic food. The Side Car martini is amazing. The squash ravioli is not to be missed. Charcuterie is classy beyond all expectation. This is a great place to go for a drink and a couple of appetizers after work that turn into dinner. Lobster macs and cheese is too salty. Nummy but too salty
(5)Matt E.
Great beer selection, however, their food prices are pretty high. Albiet their food is good.
(4)D B.
No. This is not our type of place. Now we know so we don't have to wonder or return. Food was completely lackluster. Bill was ridiculous. Beware there is a back room not in the pictures and it lacks character, feels like you are in the suburbs, and is cold. I don't love being cold when I eat. On the up-side, beer ordered was good.
(2)Hanna N.
Favorite gastro pub in Minnesota. Amazing food, great ambience, excellent service and extensive organized beer list. We always go here with out of town friends because we know they'll have an awesome time! We usually share appetizers, which always keep us full enough for our favorite adult beverages. Our favorites are: -steak tartare -dry rubbed wings -mussels -poutine -chicken wild rice soup -butter squash soup This list makes me hungry...So I will stop. You can't go wrong here. Really. Just go with your first options. We always enjoy brunch on Sundays on the patio. They usually have nice music, which helps too!
(5)Trey C.
Food was good, but not great and the beer selection was well selected. The service was slow and inattentive (at best) but the vibe, in the bar anyway, was appealing enough that I would go back to give it a second try.
(4)Crystal T.
This was our first time at The Happy Gnome, and I have to say I was very satisfied. My husband and I were warmly welcomed in by the staff, and asked right away what we wanted to drink.....it was hard to chose cause they happen to have so many on tap beers and hand crafted drinks (great place to go out for a drink, plus they have a bar). We started with Pei Mussels in a white wine chorizo creme fraîche broth for appetizers, the mussels melted in your mouth, not that rubbery kind of texture when you order from Asian restaurants. For our main entrees: I ordered the Beef Rib Eye completed with creamy baby reds, horseradish crème, mushroom-red wine sauce, I love my steaks cooked med-rare but as for a pregnant lady I had to go with med-well and it was cooked perfectly. My husband was a little nervous about ordering Wild Boar Chops but he said that this was the best chops he has ordered. Overall, our experience was good, our food came out fast and this is a place we would definitely go back to again.
(4)Vince S.
Did not stay here long. This place is packed days after Thanksgiving. They have a lot beers on tap, I would say about. Too bad there were only 2-3 of them that interested me when I was there. There are specific beers from Indeed, Fulton, August Schell, & Lucid that I was looking for that were not on rotation. Did not try the food. Eating & drinking simultaneously does not work for me. I am certain they are delicious though. Bartender is very quick & attentive considering how busy it was. Seems like they rotate their selections ferociously. If I live around here I would probably come here pretty often.
(4)Chelsea T.
This place is nice for some drinks and a good time. May be a little pricey but not to the extreme. The beer list can be overwhelming. But it's cool to see all the different kinds they offer. I tried the Korean BBQ tacos. They were pretty good and filling if you aren't too hungry. Overall, it's a great place to hang out with friends if your in St. Paul.
(5)Michael E.
Great beer selection and interesting menu. I'd love to come back here. Food was a bit salty though.
(4)Bob B.
If it was possible to give this place a six I would. Absolutely wonderful. Great food great service great desert. Actually called the manager over and complimented her on the place. I've traveled around the world, this is only the second time I've done this. Great place !
(5)Brittany N.
First things first, the House Made Pretzel... you MUST get this. After a few cocktails and the second time around at the Gnome, this is what I remember most and most fondly. Now, I understand this place is known for their burgers, but honestly, they've just never looked that appealing to me. My friends all ordered them when we were out to dinner and they just looked okay. I tried a bite of my boyfriends and well, whatever, nothing special. I ordered the Cioppino and it was excellent. If you like seafood and it's cold outside, definitely give it a try. You will be happy you did. On another night out I got some kind of tator tot things, I don't remember what they were called exactly but they were awesome, too...especially with a few drinks. Another thing that really stood out to me here was the staff. I didn't know what I wanted for wine and my server made fantastic recommendations to go with the food I was ordering. Most places with staff this knowledgeable are usually way too pretentious; not the case here. I always feel comfortable here and am always rewarded with the food and drinks I order. I'll definitely continue to go back. If you haven't already, give it a try.
(4)Adam W.
Sometimes I'm real happy about going to the Gnome. This is because the beer selection is fantastic. Come for the beer. Enjoy the beer. WOOO!! BEER!!!! Sometimes I feel crappy about coming to the Gnome. This is because the rest of the experience, even with BEER, does not measure up. The menu is full of items that are just plain odd, likely the result of a chef who is trying too hard, e.g. the duck confit bruschetta and/or the "meat pizza" with peaches. The burgers are tasty, but they better be at $13/per. Entree prices are completely over the top for what is far from a fine dining experience ($42 ribeye, I'm looking at you). The BEER list draws in the crowds, so the place gets busy. It's often difficult to find a seat in the bar. Bartenders are friendly but are often so slammed that it takes a long time to get served. Happy Gnome? Crappy Gnome? We will accept both answers as correct.
(3)Jessica L.
I can only comment on the atmosphere, not the food Décor: Quite a large space! They have an awesome patio (casual and open), inside restaurant (a bit more formal and dimly lit/dark), bar area (along with booths and bartop tables/stools). Good choice of places to sit in. Service: Fine. Drink Menu: I do think they have an impressive list of drafts. The bf was complaining that they didn't' have the best selection of IPA's though. All I wanted was a cider, so the choices other than the usual Crispin were greatly welcomed. Overall: I would love to come back for their food, but I found their restaurant great for a place to catch up with a friend!
(4)Susan A.
great tap beer selection. the inside during the winter is super cool authentic. the summer patio rocks MN worlds. the food is ok. go for the beer! look for the bartender that looks like the Jack on playing cards.
(3)Erik S.
Pretentious menu, mediocre food quality, grumpy life-less servers and host. I won't be going back.
(2)Lisa P.
Happy Gnome indeed! I was meeting friends before a concert this weekend and stopped by as it had seating available and didn't look too busy. The customers were so friendly, one noticed I was standing at the door waiting for a host and told me to sit anywhere. The server was promptly at my booth, gave me an excellent recommendation for a seasonal beer, and let me wait for my lost friends. She was attentive while I waited, but did not try to rush me (or make me feel like a loser for having such directionally-challenged friends). Once my friends arrived, the server returned and took drink orders, even giving an economical suggestion for splitting Pelligrino. When she heard we had 40 minutes to eat she suggested the cream of cauliflower soup and calemari. Both were served promptly and were good. The soup had a little too much bacon for Yngve (although no amount of bacon in the world could cover up cauliflower taste in my book) and the calemari was a tad rubbery. In short, service was excellent, food was tasty, and beer was great!
(5)Bella J.
Ohhhhh the beer.... Love the variety! It satisfies kids - light beer people - extremely anything beer people - and even cider fanatics! Vegetarian?! Get that veggie patty/burger thing! TO DIE FOR!
(5)Chelsea L.
Came highly recommended to us by a friend and weren't disappointed. Well, maybe a little, we were having a late dinner and they were out of one of the pasta dishes by the time we ordered. That said, what we ordered was still delicious and our service was great. I had the carbonara, which with very much on the heavy side, but oh so good. Even though we were there later in the evening, their (small) lot was full and vultures were circling. Thankfully, street parking is plentiful around there, so we snagged a spot on the street quickly.
(4)Dana L.
I've been here a couple of times over the last few years and my impression has always been the same--I really WANT to like it here, but the service staff are consistently inattentive. Went yesterday (8/09/15) specifically for brunch (I checked out their website and there didn't seem to be an end time for brunch menu) and was greeted by a pleasant hostess--she sat me while I waited for my friend to arrive and placed brunch menus on the table. The server came by and grabbed the menus off the table saying brunch was over (it was 1:58 by my watch, but that's fine...) I won't give you a play-by-play for the rest of the meal, but suffice to say our food was good, but no one ever checked on us after it was delivered, I was never offered another drink, and my water glass sat empty for a looong time before anyone stopped by.
(3)Blondie T.
This place is great. We eat here at least once every time we come to St. Paul since my husband is a craft beer lover. The charcuterie plate is really something. The meats are cured in house and there is plenty of it!! And if you can't find a good beer to drink...... We have found the bar staff quite nice and attentive, esp. Ryan. He treated us very well and we will definitely be back next time we are in town.
(4)Victoria N.
The bison burger was good. The duck burger wasn't that good . The outdoor seating is fun. The menu is interesting . Drink selection is great . I would Come back.
(4)Erin G.
Yes, this place is awesome. It's been on my list FOREVER to go to. I've been here years ago, but it's been so long it was like a brand new experience. We came for brunch. The menu was amazing and it took us all forever to decide what to get! Everything sounded great. I went with the croque madame, which was on a house made biscuit with turkey, mozzarella, mornay sauce, and the egg. This was out of this world good. Rocked my socks off. It came with a delicious salad. And we split the blueberry pancakes, which were legit. The bloody mary bar was insane! It's not quite Hell's Kitchen insane, but it was amazing and well worth it. I may or may not have had a second round. Our server was very sweet and helpful. I highly recommend this place! I want to come back for lunch sometime and try that game burger.
(5)Stacie C.
The Happy Gnome came highly recommended so when some time in our schedule opened up, I was happy to make this suggestion. I was told they had a great craft beer selection and they certainly did. Places like this are ideal for someone like me, an out-of-towner who enjoys craft beer but doesn't have the time for all the breweries individually. I was excited to try Farm Girl Saison from Lift Bridge Brewery since I wanted to stop there but had to eliminate it from our final tour around Minnesota. We ordered up a few flights to try some other local favorites, including brews from Lucid and Third Street Brewhouse. Can't speak for the food as we were only there to drink. I would have easily given The Happy Gnome 5 stars if they hadn't been out of a couple beers we wanted to try. I do love a place where the beer menu has more items than the food menu but find it disappointing when popular local items aren't available.
(4)Sarah U.
Came here late night for a nosh Lobster mac: 3 stars Creamy and rich, lots of lobster but not enough salt and overwhelming truffle flavor. Very close but no cigar for me Regular burger & fries: 2.5 stars Burger was dry, fries were oily and soggy like the oil was not hot enough when frying. I would be back to try again just to be sure, but I was quite underwhelmed. Other than the truffle lol
(3)Lawkong V.
One of my places I like to go to. The patio during the summer is a fun place to be to grab beers and food. They also have a great selection onbeers and cocktails.
(5)Meredith E.
Finally made it to the Happy Gnome and I'm sooo impressed. Extensive and noteworthy beer list in good organization. Lots of local brews and top beers from afar. For lunch I had the fried vegetable 'Juicy Lucy'. AMAZING. GET IT. The fries came with 2 dipping sauces that were also very tasty. My brother had the wings and said they were really good. He also ate them with a fork. WTF Bro?!? Both bartenders were super chatty and fun. I'll definitely be back next time I'm in town!
(5)Yunzhi W.
We stumbled upon the Happy Gnome after a day at Drive-a-Tank ( yelp.com/biz/drive-a-tan… ). The boyfriend and I were both exhausted and dusty. And, once again, Yelp did not disappoint. We were incredibly pleased with our selection of the Happy Gnome. It was located in a cute area of town - had a bit of a Boyleston Street (in Boston) feel, but with nicer looking people. The menu was quite extensive - both in food and beer selection. The crowd at the bar was incredibly friendly - maybe that's just the character of St. Paul's. No one batted an eye at our slightly bedraggled appearance. Our waitress was sweet and helpful. I changed my mind about my order, and chased her down to tell her. She simply waived away my apologies and cheerfully told me she'd take care of it. For our dinner, the boyfriend had some sort of coffee-flavoured coffee beverage, the hash taters, and the sliders. I had the mussels, a bread basket, and the duck burger. Every single item we ordered was pleasantly tasty. I really have no complaints. My duck burger had a touch too much goat cheese on it, which was overpowering. But otherwise, no complaints. Not a bad find for a blind shot on yelp. I'd return if I was in the area again.
(4)Tony D.
We were happy to stumble upon this craft beer bar on a recent visit to Minnesota. The place was busy on a Saturday night but we did not have to wait too long for a table. The service was polite and prompt. My colleagues and I all enjoyed our meals and drinks. There was a large menu of craft beers and whiskeys which we appreciated. Definitely will be back on our next visit to town.
(4)Gene W.
Every Wednesday at 11:30 AM the St. Paul Success BNI chapter meets here. They are very good at handling a group of 40 to 50 people. Emily was our server and does an outstanding job.
(5)josh s.
The MN game burger is awesome, and my wife was all about the veggie juicy lucy. The gnocchi to start was incredible as well. The only complaint was that the first beer I got tasted like it was the first one poured for the day from that tap - warm, no carbonation, way too much head (but no carbonation in the beer - odd). I always feel a bit ripped off when I get a $7 beer and the top half of the glass is foam, but oh well. Switching to the standard Magic Hat #9 for my second beer was more what I expected - cold and tasty. It's always an odd catch-22 with beer places that have a ton of taps - the selection is incredible, but with so many choices, a lot of the beers just sit in the lines for way too long, waiting to be poured. Services was awesome. Decor was great. Really looking forward to the fall when I can throw on a sweatshirt and sit on the patio on a cool afternoon.
(4)Tony H.
While the service sometimes leaves something to be desired, the beer selection and amaZing good makes up for everything. If you're a beer coneseur, definitely take a friend here and puff your chest by ordering a 1554. Enjoy!
(4)Bee J.
Great beer, good food, bad service.
(3)Tim F.
Great selection of beers both domestic and foreign on tap. Food is a tad pricey for what you get, but there are some menu options that are much more adventurous that other local faves. Somehow this place always makes me drunk against my will. I go with the goal of enjoying a good beer and end up being driven home by the designated driver of the group. Always have fun here, but as always, who you're with is as important as where you're at!
(4)Scott H.
Wow, it's craft beer nirvana in the Twin Cities. I'd kill to have a place that fits the bill so completely at home in Chicago. Wonderful beer selection...check. Knowledgeable barkeeps who can recommend a beer that you'll really like...check. Great menu running the gamut from cheese flights to burgers to full-on entrees...check! Great ivy-covered historic building with a nice-looking beer garden...CHECK! Wow, this is the first place I'll return when my travels take me back to the Twins! Gotta check out one of those beer dinners too!
(5)Brooke M.
Good lord this place was awesome! Walked in skeptical and expecting regular bar food but found out their small menu is out-of-this-world delicious. Angus burger and chicken sandwich are great! They also have a HUGE beer selection. Very impressed!!!!
(5)Scotty B.
Good apps. Slow service.
(3)Jessica S.
The Happy Gnome has delicious food, a great atmosphere and a HUGE selection of beer. If you like trying new kinds of beer, the Happy Gnome is your place. I give it 4 instead of 5 stars because it's a little bit expensive- it's more of a "splurge" place to go out to eat. Over all it's really solid and I would happily go there if I had something to celebrate!
(4)Jim B.
We went to this place last night with great expectations. I knew they had great beer list and I had checked the reviews and found many that were excellent. Well, the beer was good although they only had one authentic brown ale (yes, I know it is summer) out of 76 taps. Good Belgians and a couple of good porters. So the beer was great, no complaints. The waitress said the Duck Burger was one of her favorites so I ordered it. It was very dry and spiced up with something I definitely did not like. I left at least a fourth of it on the plate because I just couldn't eat it. The fries were good. The service was quite slow. We might go back sometime for the beer but not soon.
(3)Shannon C.
The "Gnome"....love the beer selection, food is also high point. Summer evenings on the patio are divine, and they have great events (Firkenfest, Brewers Dinners). An all around fantastic bet - a highlight on Selby Avenue!
(4)Joseph W.
This bar has one of the best beer selections in the Twin Cities. It rotates, but they usuallly have favorites of mine like Franziskaner, Leffe Blonde, Wittekerke, and others. The menu can be good and it can be bad. They have an adventurous chef and not everything works out. They also do bar staples like wings and fries and those are always good. The music is some shitty satellite channel and there's only one television but if you want to talk with your friends over a good beer... this place is great.
(4)Tim H.
Thought we would try the Blue Door because of all the hype around their burgers but when we got there it was a very long wait so we drove down Selby pondering where to eat. We stumbled upon the Happy Gnome and thought we would stop. The first thing I noticed was the large selection of beers available. Since we were out for a burger my wife and I both ordered the burger off the menu. What a pleasant surprise. We both agreed that it was the best burger we had ever had. Beats the Nook and Kings Place hands down! It was a little on the expensive side but it was well worth it. We will be back!!!
(5)jenny A.
Great beer and the food I had here was excellent: steak, mashed potatoes. It was pricey but it was also really good. Yeah, it's so simple they probably couldn't screw it up which is why I often order steak and mashed potatoes. I actually like this place better than when it was Chang O'Hara's.
(4)Ed D.
The best beer selection I've ever seen, with literally hundreds of choices from around the globe. Try the Kwak, which comes in a goofy glass (which I'm sure is vital for expressing the aroma or whatever), or really any of the Belgian beers. The food can be a bit hit-or-miss, and last time we went they apparently had pretentions towards being an upscale, $25-entree kind of place. (Child, please. You're a bar -- a very good bar, but a bar. You ain't Heartland. Stick with your strengths.) But as long as you stick to the bar menu, you'll have a good, reasonably-priced meal.
(4)Lacey P.
I''ve been here several times (on other people's suggestions) and never really undertand why people choose to go here. The beer list is huge, yes. And they do have an outdoor patio. But that's where the joy ends. They have REALLY expensive bar food that is not impressive. The last time I went the whole table ordered these really fatty chicken wings that were $10 (!!!) and there were still feathers on them. Yes, feathers. That we had to pluck. The ahi tuna sushi thing is really just tiny slabs of tuna with wasabi, ginger, and flatbread. Their food has never really astounded me, but the high prices have. The service takes forever and is really bad at communicating. The decor is blah. I got a beer. A local beer at that. $6! Add a tip onto that and it was a $7 beer. Next time I'm dragged here, I'll just bring a flask and hide out in the bathroom.
(2)Michael C.
I hadn't been to the Happy Gnome in a few years and the last time I went I sat outside. Becuase of this, I had no idea about the extensiveness of their draft beer list. Anyways, it is impressive and if you are a beer person, this is the place for you. As far as the food goes, I came here recently for brunch and got one of the better chicken sandwiches I have had in the long long time. So this could mean one of two things, I don't eat many chicken sandwiches or the sandwich here is really that good. I believe it is the latter of the two options.
(4)Mark H.
Good beer and booze selection, but the food is small and somewhat pretentious.
(2)Kevin M.
I was so offended when Chang O'Hara's closed, that I actually boycotted this place for the first year they were open. The name and sign out front didn't help - I expected hippies and hobbits. Boy, is my face ever red. The Happy Gnome has one of the best beer selections in this fair town (complete with beer dinners monthly). Their single-malt list is nothing to sneeze at either. I wish they still had the duck/goat cheese app they had when I first went in a couple years ago, but even without it the menu is excellent. Go for brunch and get the B.E.L.T. Thank me later. The salads are exceptional, and the burgers will squirt you with their liquid awesome. The fries are a great example of soda-fountain, malt-shop fries, a perfect spicy compliment to anything you have on your plate. I docked a star because they share a parking lot with the curling club, and that means I can't park for the weekend leagues. Also I wish there was more seating away from the bar. Otherwise yet another great example of the fantastic neighborhood bars in Saint Paul, despite the unfortunate name.
(4)Kristen H.
The good: They probably do have the best beer selection in town(meaning biggest variety of quality product). There are places that have more beers but if you are interested in trying new craft beers or rare imports this is probably your best bet for experimentation. In addition, I've generally enjoyed their food. While they don't quite meet the standards set by some of my favorite gastro-pubs, and sometimes have some misses on the menu, I usually find it quite tasty. At times, it's excellent, like the butternut squash risotto i had recently. The bad: I was torn here about what to knock off for, because some of it is really about personal morals. However, - one star off for value. Best beer list yes, best beer prices, no. If you want to impress someone who's a beer snob this is an easy pick but I guarantee there are places in town where you'll drink just as well for a lot less cash. And yes, they have more options, but are you really going to drink more than 4 or 5 different beers in a night, especially if they are high gravity? Plus, as has been mentioned the food sizes are often a little small for what you are paying. - The other star is because of certain issues I have with the way the place is run and the attitude they have with local brewers and other bar owners. I'm not going to go into details because this isn't the venue (and to most it probably wouldn't matter), but suffice to say they bother me and impact my enjoyment of this establishment.
(3)Goober G.
Stopped in for dinner last night and had a nice meal. The beer selection was great and the service was, by far, the best we ever had. We sat at a booth in the bar and were treated very well by the server.....very attentive, good recommendations, and not overly "in your face all the time".....just perfect service.
(4)Ann S.
Beer. That's what it's all about here. Lift Bridge Farm Girl Saison- awesome! Avery Maharaja IPA- holy smokes! Anything Furthermore- hell yeah! Just last night: Tyranena Hefe-Weizen that was all tropical fruit/banana/clove-y. Excellent! Not a bad beer in the place. Food? Better than most bars, but if you're expecting to have your mind blown, well, don't go to a bar to eat, sweetie. Bars are for drinkin'. Service? Like a bar- scratch that.... like ALL dining experiences, if you treat the server like a servant, what kind of service do you think you're going to get? If you go often, spend a little money, mind your manners, don't camp out nursing your one beer for three hours, tip nicely, remember the employee's names, don't bogart their time when they've got a ton of other people to please (ie; in general, behave decently) the service will work hard for you. I love the Gnome! Thanks for being in my world!
(5)The -.
Great beer selection with knowledgable wait staff. Surprisingly impressive food. We each had the chef's tasting menu (very reasonably-priced, for a change), and came away very satisfied. Never had kangaroo before, but the gnome made it delicious. A mix-up was made b/w our order & somebody else's (we had the same scallop dish, just sans-swine). Certainly an opportunity for a bad impression. Alas, these things happen from time to time (at ANY restaurant), and our waitress recovered gloriously. An apologetic bow, followed by speedy meal replacement, and drinks paid-for could make just about any patron forget a slight flub, and it did. Lovely atmosphere in a neighborhood establishment that caters to a wide range of dress codes. It would be really tough to feel out of place here. Most people come here to drink, and appear to by quite happy with that alone, but the menu has some culinary gems as well. Simply put, a pub is just not supposed to have food this good.
(5)Erin S.
Great beer selection. A must-visit when my beer snobs are in town.
(4)Ms. B.
Great beer selection, but dinner was just lame. I ordered the scallops, but when my dish came, there was ONE scallop. For $12. I asked if this was normal, and the waitress said "no," checked with the kitchen and informed me that I only got one because it was a big scallop, tough luck. I mean, really? I guess this kind of summarizes my feelings about the Gnome - it's fine, but you get the feeling that the people working there kind of hate their customers.
(2)Ryan J.
Impressive liquor section yes, however the crowd here is somewhat awkward. The last time I went an old man was in the middle of the bar making out with someone who might have just turned 19 last month. Very creepy, and even though I was able to consume liquor at a fast pace the Woody Allen gentleman still bothered me. I went with a few friends and we had a good time, perhaps if I had a larger group with me I may have enjoyed the surroundings a little more. Gnomes, although creepy, who doesn't like them?
(4)Morriss P.
Cute, adorable, great beer, terrific burgers, friendly staff. What more could you ask for? The only downside is that they were understaffed the day I was there. But the bartender who also had to serve had a great sense of humor about it and was very friendly.
(4)Becca B.
Went for New Years Eve dinner. I had the cornish game hen and the gentleman friend had the bison steak. He really enjoyed his, and my food was good as well, with a few minor complaints. The rice was delicious, but only because it was absolutely soaked in butter (perhaps Paula Deen is moonlighting?) and the bird itself was slightly salty. The place strikes me as having an identity crisis: pub feel with fine dining prices (but not exactly fine dining quality food). I'm sure I'll go back, but probably for small plates and drinks rather than dinner. The waiter was attentive, but not overly so, just how I like it!
(4)Courtney W.
I wish I lived closer! This is where I kick it with my St Paul peeps. Love the huge beer list, love the food, love the upstairs, love the building's history, love the tile in the bathrooms (is it slate?). I heart you, Happy Gnome.
(5)Janet D.
A selection of beer to please even the non-beer drinker!
(4)Fres T.
over priced. blah. nice patio out back though.
(1)Kaiser K.
Two words: BELGIAN BEER!!!
(5)Jennifer W.
This is kind of like my neighborhood bar. I go here when I don't feel like dressing up, although it is fancy and the food is expensive so maybe I should wear something nicer...but whatever. It's a chill scene inside and I am often overwhelmed by my beer choices. I wish they offered flights, but they don't. I also wish they had some normal bar food and more vegetarian options. One of these times I'm going to get dessert, because the chocolate cakes look sooooo good on the plate.
(4)Scott J.
If you are looking for a Miller Lite and a Jucy Lucy, this isn't the place. However, if you are looking for the best beer selection in the Twin Cities and a menu that will appeal to foodies, this is the place. All the best local brews are represented and if Belgians are your thing, you won't be disappointed. I'm a hophead so I've enjoyed Surly Furious, Bells Two Hearted, Tyranena Scurvy, and some great meals. John the bass playing bartender is a nice guy to chat while you enjoy yourself.
(5)Tom H.
This is not the place to come for a Lite beer from Miller. This place is in the top end of the spectrum for GREAT CRAFT BEERS! A bit spendy, but the selection is staggering! It is a case of what to try first! The staff is great! It has been a long time since I had a TWO BROTHERS beer. I had the Cane and Ebel... soooooo nice! I have only eaten there once.....very solid.
(5)Kate P.
Great beer selection--find a new favorite here. It's a great haunt for post-college aged folks thirsty for good beer and hungry for off the path eats-- A must for happy hour or dinner.
(4)Jenny R.
while i could see how some people think the food is pretentious in regard to the setting (lodge-like bar), every single dish at my table was unbelievable. the general consensus was that my dish was the best. venison osso-bucco...ugh i want more NOW! this was one of the best pieces of meat i have ever tasted. it was fall-off-the-bone as osso-bucco should be. it wasn't very gamey, and it was smothered in some brandy-type sauce that i could drink. it was served with polenta and roasted vegetables, which were fabulous as well. other dishes included scallops, duck, and some sort of shrimp dish. all which were great. we also ordered butternut squash gnocci as an appetizer...they should serve it for dessert (which could be weird, but it was really sweet). the beer list is extensive. i had a bells hopslam - 10% alcohol. i was pretty buzzed after one - which was the goal. then i had another.
(5)Janie W.
We'd go here every night for a drink if we could. It's the perfect casual dining experience. There are gazillions of fresh and tasty brews, the cocktails are well made I would describe their food as upscale, pub-style and it's spot on. The atmosphere is comfy and spirited at the same time. We especially love going here for their delicious brunch with Jim Ouska on guitar in a very classy jazz trio. Shoot for the off-peak restaurant times unless you are okay with waiting + crowds.
(5)E K.
I've been here a couple of times before, but went there last night (6/3/10) for dinner with a friend. The atmosphere is very nice, the food was pretty good (crab cakes were not that great--too breaded and fried), and the beer selection is excellent (lots of variety!), but the service was terrible last night. Our waiter, Dan, was inattentive--we sat there for 15 minutes before he stopped by for the first time. They appeared to be seriously understaffed for a very busy Thursday evening. The patio was packed, which is not surprising given that it was a nice evening, and the restaurant is very popular, so I was surprised to see how unprepared they were in staffing levels. I think we were there for almost 3 hours due to the slow service! I would usually give this place 4 stars for the atmosphere, food, and beer selection, but had to take it down one start because of last night's experience.
(3)Stephanie S.
Beer sampler: to die for. You can get a sampler of any beer on the menu, and there are dozens! Many are on draft. Our server pointed us in the right direction with some choice words, which we really appreciated. The food: delicious. Not cheap, but I'd rather pay more for great food than pay less for crap (or more for crap, even worse). My favorite pub here in Minnesota, so far! (My gf: "The Happy Gnome makes us SO happy!")
(5)Mary B.
Oh the bliss! After driving from Chicago (Surly run) we pulled into the Gnome for luncheon on a recent Friday. The outside seating is spacious and lovely. It didn't hurt that the weather was awesome. But OMG, not as awesome as the beer list. Hands down, one of the best I've seen. And as serious beer geeks, we have traveled extensively in the pursuit of craft beer and great beer bars. This is one of the best! I had a Fulton Sweet Child O'Vine. Delicious. Then I had a Grand Teton Lost Continent Double IPA. Fantastic. For luncheon, I had the Duck Confit Roquette salad and DH had the mussels. My food was good. Not great, but good. All in all, a truly memorable afternoon spent drinking great beer and eating good food in a beautiful setting. I wish I were sitting there right now!
(5)Victor M.
good beer with a large selection.. food was good too.. the prices are a little steep but i think the taste justifys the price. the deserts are very good too..
(3)Rob W.
certainly a welcoming pub to wash down a pint. The food is pretty good and the selection of beers is nearly endless.
(4)Brian S.
My uncle turned me on to this place. We did not have any food, as we had just come from Punch Pizza on Cleveland. But, we decided to have a beer. I had a Belgian light beer that was clean, crisp, and full bodied. This place is known for Belgian beers, especially a lot on tap. Our sever, Emily, was bubbly, knowledgeable, and eager to answer any questions and make recommendations. Man,! the food smelled wonderful; I will have to try it when I am back here in June. So, for excellent Belgin beers in a lively atmosphere with friendly, casual service, The Happy Gnome cannot be beat. Keep up the good work guys.!
(5)Amy G.
I will start by saying that neither myself nor anyone in my party are "beer snobs," and some reviewers have said this place is perfect for those people. They do have a very extensive beer and liquor list, but we simply wanted a nice, relaxing dinner before a concert. In a few words, this was the worst dining experience I've ever had. The place was busy for a Tuesday evening, and there were only two waitresses servicing the dining room and the patio. Needless to say, service was a major problem. We waited 20 minutes just to put in a drink order, and two people in my party who ordered from the bar waited another 20 minutes for their drinks (which we saw sitting on the bar waiting for our waitress nearly the entire time). The beer was warm by the time it reached our table. Another couple near our table waited just as long and then finally got up and left. The restaurant's website claims that it serves "Nouveau American Electic" and "delicious" food. I disagree strongly with both claims. What the restaurant does seem to have is a chef/manager that is trying too hard to be something it is not. Charging more for the food does not make it better. While the items on the menu may be interesting to read, they do not work at all in practice. Everything but the kitchen sink was the approach, and it did not work. The food was bland, overcooked, and the flavors did not make sense together. My turkey tenderloin was far overcooked, the sauce had already seeped into the meat by the time it reached me, and the stuffing of bland mushy squash, spinach, and cheese just did not work. My husband ordered the pork tenderloin, which was nearly flavorless, wrapped in limp bacon, and again had strange ingredients that did nothing to help the dish (plantains). He says that his warm curly spinach salad would have been great, had it been warm. There was another long wait for a soft drink refill after the food was served, and yet another long wait for the check. Had the waitress said 'I'm so sorry, we're short-staffed tonight but flag me down if you need something," it would have been one thing. But no apology, no acknowledgement, nothing. When the $120 bill came, we asked to speak to the manager (who, through our meal, had been sitting at the bar cutting menu pages and not helping her obviously overwhelmed staff). We explained our numerous frustrations, and she explained that it was her fault for giving another waitress the night off. Partly true, but definitely not an excuse for the many problems we had. She said she would comp us a round of drinks. Too bad that was a bottle of Miller Light and a glass of wine (the other two of us had sodas). Hardly worth it. To be honest, all I wanted from these people was a heartfelt apology for the extremely lousy food and service, not a bill comp. No such luck. If they called me tomorrow and said "Geez, we really screwed up. Come back tomorrow for a free meal with drinks and dessert" I wouldn't bother. As others have said, if you are into beer, bring plenty of $$ and sit in the bar. Otherwise, I would stay away from this place. There are plenty of other approachable restaurants in this area with great staff and great food.
(1)Yolanda T.
The food is a bit over priced, but you can't go wrong with the beer selection. They have 70 different beers on tap! A great place for anyone that loves craft beer.
(4)p a.
Good beers, go to the Muddy Pig if you want good beers AND service.
(2)Meghann F.
I am so excited about my duck burger that I had last night, i just had to yelp about it!! It was juicy and tasty and perfect oh my! There was goat cheese and bacon crumbles on top and maybe some other aioli in it, but I don't remember - but dang it was amazing! The gnome has an awesome beer selection and a kickin house band on wednesday nights - the feelin' band - really soulful with a cool sound - go check them out!! Also - order the duck burger - and maybe a few beers - because there are soooo many to choose from that you can't get just one!
(5)Bruce B.
Enjoyed a great meal at the Happy Gnome - have been there a couple of times and the food is always great, the ambiance it fabulous and I've always had a great time. I enjoyed the Brussels sprouts and a couple of beers I'd never heard of - loved it! My only issue is that it's not a cheap date! We spent over $50 on beers and apps.
(4)Maria A.
It was very un-remarkable. I saw some of the reviews and wasn't going to make reservations but then I saw the pictures of the food and decided to go. I was a little embarrassed because we brought our friends who were a little shocked at the 38 dollar entrees at a pub. We tried 3 of the 4 salads and while our wedge salad was good, our friends salads were VERY small. They were really the only interesting food we got, the rest was just pricey pub food. Completely un-remarkable. My chicken sandwich was pretty good but average nothing that you would need to go back for. My husband had the game burger which he liked but nothing special, the pizzas were average and our fries were cooked at too low of a temp or something, they were overcooked and soggy like they had absorbed a lot of oil. It wasn't horrible but I wouldn't go back. I also was struggling that we had reservations for 5:15pm but our plans were running a bit late and we called to see if we could move them to 6 and they would not allow us to so we had to leave our summit brewery tour and not taste the rest of the beers. Now, I could understand this but they had open tables the whole time we were there so I wasn't very pleased about that. Also, there is no way to be at the bar without being in the way and there is no way to get in and out of the restaurant without trying to wedge through the bar crowd and they aren't happy about it. It's just not anything I would try again or go back for.
(2)Alex I.
We go here occasionally with some friends of ours who live nearby. The beer list is pretty fantastic and the food is pretty good too. However, their prices are pretty extreme. The beer isn't too bad, but it's more than some of the other good beer bars nearby. The food is also pretty pricy, we've eaten there a couple of times, and it always seems pretty high for the quality of the result. It's still pretty pretty good. The service is always excellent and you pay a premium for a staff that REALLY knows their beers. Also, the sheer selection of beer is pretty epic. At any rate, I'm sure we will be back.
(4)Amy R.
This is one I can cross off the neighborhood list. Suggested this place to some friends and really wish that I hadn't. Both of them had bad experiences. Mine wasn't that bad. Our server did not seem into being a server. Very curt and put out. One of my friends called her out on her attitude and she verified that she had a rough day and kind of brushed it off. She must have felt bad later, because the manager came over to do damage control. The pumpkin beer ale that I had was pretty good. I wasn't sure how it would be so I asked for a small sample. This place doesn't have a happy hour,but we were told that they take $1 off certain drinks. Ok, whatever. The manager offered to comp an appetizer which wasn't necessary. It all looked horribly dull and boring anyways. I thought it was nice of her to come over, but at that point our experience was just kind of tarnished. My other friend ordered the pork dish which was horribly over priced. She said it was nothing to write home about for the price, and was dull and tasteless. I would have to agree that $26 dollars for what she received was ridiculous. This place may be great for the beers and other drinks, but the service was blah and the food choices are horribly overpriced and boring. The place is really trying to be more sophisticated then they actually present and deliver. Sorry, but will most likely not be returning. Not because of the service.People have off days. The boring food choices just wouldn't lure me back.
(2)Melly N.
If I could give a half star, my rating would be a 3.5. For starters, they have an excellent beer selection, and a seemingly knowledgable wait staff. Our server was able to recommend two great beers to go with our meals and preferences. That part of the experience alone was 5 stars. My guest had the game burger. I didn't try it, so i cant rate it. It looked nice. I had the duck burger. I've had duck before. And duck as a burger sounded incredible. But. Well. As sad as I am to say, I honestly couldn't tell the difference between the flavor of the duck burger compared to beef. If someone had served me the duck burger and advertised it as a regular burger, I wouldn't have noticed. With duck being such a lovely full flavored protein, I was really disappointed with the burger. The bun was nice and heavy to support the burger and toppings. It was also toasted. I'd give it 3 stars. Average but not "duck flavored". The fries were slightly above average. Some crispy, some soggy. They were well seasoned. I can't help but wonder how many blank stares the servers here encounter when a lady such as myself asks for ranch dressing with the fries. Blank stares? Yeah. Because they don't have ranch dressing. They will offer up a buttermilk dressing. Which I recommend you decline. Because it tastes exactly like nothing. Literally. Nothing. Wet paper would have more flavor than their buttermilk dressing. Awful. I will come back here at least one more time. Because the beer list is awesome, and I saw dishes walk past me to other tables that looked and smelled phenomenal. Specifically the wild boar corn dogs. And the heirloom tomato salad. I just hope they will live up to the menu description.
(3)LM I.
thehappygnome.com/locati… After haggling several days via probably what for some may have seemed like bothersome / SPAM emails campaign over who is coming to dinner / who is not, Zach was able to finally get the 02 of us a table reservation for a 1930 Hours succulent dinner. Previously, we both had looked over the general public reviews, read the website's interesting information, etc., and so we were quite pleased with our initial and ongoing reaction after we promptly sat down and noticed what was going on. This place has a fast and furious ambiance second to none, even though this does not mean in the least that they are sloppy. Quite the opposite is true: These individuals working here excel at what I would call "practical, elegant laissez-faire table execution." Anyone can easily detect how they move that food with nearly ethereal powers and manners, while the presented dishes are not just sensational in taste but by any measure of the imagination, clearly unsurpassable. As usual, I prefer not to zero in on what we actually had but let's say I would ditto it at a moment's notice. The drinks were equally impressive while I can attest, due to my cultural background, that the served appetizer contained original Spanish Manchego cheese (No, these people are not liars, either!). Overall Price - Quality tandem given is a portentous 10, or the highest achievement possible. ¡Gracias Everybody! Sorry the missing guests didn't make it but there is always a happy gnome out there for all of us, if you know how to find him.
(5)Jeff H.
Amazing beer selection, best I've ever seen. Waaaay above average food-almost gourmet and yet still matches the beer quality. Pricey? Yes, but quality is sometimes.
(5)Jessica P.
Great beer selection! Love the atmosphere!
(5)Christopher F.
This place is fun, has a great beer selection - scratch that - incredible beer selection and some tasty food choices. The layout is a little awkward inside but I like their big booths by the windows. The neighborhood is lovely as well. Had their dry rub chicken wings which were good but really just love the classic down and dirty buffalo wing. Their pasta was tasty but could have had a little more nuance than sauce. The crowd seemed amicable and well heeled but not snobbish. Doesn't blow my doors off food wise but I am a fan and will happily return.
(4)Kris S.
Great beer selection. Pretzel and beer cheese is a must try, really great texture and taste on the pretzel. Heirloom salad was well done, dressing was awesome. After the starters, the entree, grilled marlin, was a bit of a let down - it was just ok, not enough seasoning or flavor from the tzatziki.
(4)Mark R.
Before I get to the beer, I have to point out what a friendly and helpful couple of bartenders we had serving us. I wish I'd got their names. Next time I'm there I certainly will. The place was crowded in and near the bar area, with happy people conversing about whatever and watching Greenbay get smacked around. The first thing I noticed however was all those wonderful taps; 76 different taps according to the menu. It's the kind of site that draws you in. A deep breath in and a slow breath out; taking it all in with that one little smile that sneaks up onto your face without you even knowing it. Whew! I'm thinking I've found my new go place. So as i'm looking the menu over, I notice Steak Tartare. At the time I'm thinking raw seasoned hamburger. Wow! This was way more than raw meat; seasoned to perfection with this little fried quail egg on top. So good. We also had some really good bread. Now for the beer description. Have you ever watched Andrew Zimmer when he tries some food item and he closes his eyes and tilts his head and and anounces how good that bite of food was? Well that's how it was at the Happy Gnome, but with BEER instead. Did I mention 76 taps? So many exceptional choices. I can't wait for later this week!!
(5)Mike E.
I dedicate this review (#100 for me) to my confidant and faithful friend, pioneering member of The Wolf Pack, Gabriel H. Yestereve, three members of The Wolf Pack were in the presence of two fine-looking young Lynx, who shall remain nameless to keep them sheltered from competing Wolves. We dined, drank, and made merry at The Happy Gnome. Truly I say to thee, 'twas a Happy, Happy time for all. Some would even say a gay old time. Our server, Paul, was seriously one of the finest servers I have ever encountered in all my decades and decades of Yelping. He was smooth, polite yet bitingly sarcastic, and cheerful despite working late on a Sunday night. The environment here is worth the slightly higher price point than most pubs. Killer patio, a "great room" style main hall with high ceilings and dim lighting. It's a great place to hunker down and relax for a couple hours. I noticed a couple people sipping wine while reading at the bar. It's a chill vibe. I've eaten a lot of burgers in my day, and The Happy Gnome ranks right up there with the best of em. The angus cheeseburger is phenomenal, especially when paired with the garlic aioli. And AWESOME fries. So so good. It should be noted that The Happy Gnome is also widely acclaimed for its extensive beer selection. Considering I have not imbibed those spirits, yet I still rank this spot a resounding 5 stars, that's really saying a lot.
(5)Brian N.
I went here for Sunday brunch with my girlfriend and left a happy customer. I have no complaints. Bloody Mary Bar? Uh-huh. Best part is your beer chaser is Summit EPA. Brunch is fantastic.
(5)Townsend F.
Great food choices for bar food, and the beer selection was awesome. Perfect place to come seasonally to get a lot of beers you wouldn't see normally.
(4)Ali D.
Last Friday I visited The Happy Gnome for a second time, and I left feeling like one happy "gnirl"! It was a gorgeous night and we sat on the patio. Their beer selection is vast and they are great at recommending one that you would like. I loved the atmosphere, dimly lit for nice ambience and not too loud so you can have a good conversation (I believe I am getting old if this is important to me to mention, but hey!) We started with a cheese plate of their most popular selections and it was delicious. We ordered the corn risotto, scallops, and the game burger for the main course and all were very pleased with their selections. Everything was fresh and hot. I would highly recommend the Gnome if you like great beer and fare with a twist. I will definitely be stopping by again soon!
(5)Crystal S.
This was the first brunch I have tried since moving to St Paul from Seattle and I think the search stops here because it was awesome! Everything, from the bloody mary bar, to the live music, to the cozy decor made me oh-so-happy. Of course the food was good as well. We had the banana french toast and the eggs benedict, both were awesome. The coffee and service were great. Not a single complaint, I will be back for brunch and more!
(5)Mahesh K.
Love this bar/restaurant in my hood. Great selection of beers and good but pricey food.
(5)Bill M.
We were there for a Sunday Brunch. They had blueberry pancakes on the menu but when we went to order them they said they were out of batter and we could not order them, that was only two hours after brunch started. Service was so slow we had to ask if our meal was coming soon.
(1)Caitlin S.
They have a million beers (deciding is a feat in itself!) and it's a nice place to come if you're able to find a place to sit! I came here a couple weeks ago and it was extremely awkward - no where to sit and no real p-lace to stand either without being in the middle of the room. Needless to say, we left after about a minute. I gave it another shot this weekend and I'm glad I did! My friend and I did our share of standing around until a super friendly couple called us over from across the room to give us their seats :) I got a pumpkin beer, which was good, and the Manchego cheese plate. The cheese was extremely over-priced ($9 for 3 squares of cheese, some pistachios, more bread than I could ever eat and 3 raspberries) but delicious never-the-less. The crowd on a Saturday night was decent and it seemed to thin out around 11pm - this isn't a late bar by any means. I'll definitely be back if I'm in the mood for a beer or able to spring for some delicious, quality food. I've had good luck with parking, they have a pretty good size lot at the restaurant but it's always about 95% full when I've arrived. I'm not sure about the street parking.
(3)Dan B.
Great charcuterie! I love salty cured meats, and I found a new place to get it: The Happy Gnome. The Happy Gnome is located on Selby in Saint Paul and has been serving the area for several years. I have been to The Happy Gnome several times but this was only the second time I tried the food. The majority of the time, I go to The Happy Gnome I'm headed there for their enormous beer and whiskey lists. I think it's safe to say that is the major draw of The Happy Gnome. They have won the City Pages award for "Best Beer List" several times. With 76 craft beers on tap and countless bottles their beer list will suit even the pickiest beer snob. I didn't know that some beers have vintages like wines until I saw it on Happy Gnome's beer list! They also have an extensive whiskey list. This was a big draw for me, and my local blogger buddy, when we had lunch their last Saturday. We are both big whiskey drinkers. If fact, we were meeting to discuss starting a drinking man's blog, so it was funny that we both drank beer. Locally, when someone mentions The Happy Gnome people think about those beer and whiskey lists, but they should also think about the food. The chef at The Happy Gnome has done a great job of creating dishes that set them apart from other local establishments. There is an emphasis on game across the menu, from wild boar croquettes and duck pizza to game hen. These deeper richer flavors make great pairings with their small batch beers and rare whiskeys. The menu looked tasty and interesting from top to bottom, but I was intrigued by the charcuterie plate. One of my favorite meals is antipasti. I love eating small plates of cured meats, cheeses, olives and the like, so a wood block filled with salty cured meat was right up my alley. The block came out with 7, count them 7, different selections of meat: salted beef, duck breast, pork tasso, wobble ham, forcemeat, chicken gizzards, and rabbit rillette. A few of these items I had never had before, but I will be having them again. They were delicious! The chicken gizzards were curred perfectly: meaty but not greasy at all. Not sure what wobble ham is but it tasted like a smokier, spicier version of what you have on Easter. The forcemeat tasted like grade A bologna covered in butter, so creamy and perfect on the bread they provided. I think my favorite might have been the rabbit rillette. I came out in a small mason jar and looked like a shredded chicken salad. It had the same consistence buy the flavor was much bolder and earthier. Really good on the house-made crackers they served it with. Overall, I was thoroughly impressed with the charcuterie, and will be back soon for another helping. I definitely recommend The Happy Gnome, but I caution you to understand that this in not a simple neighborhood bar. Unfairly, The Happy Gnome has a reputation of being a little pricey. This is not true if you look at the quality of the food and drinks served at The Happy Gnome. Unfortunately, I think people compare it to other bars in the area like Sweeney's, The Muddy Pig, and Fabulous Fern's. There is nothing wrong with these establishments, but they are bars serving bar food. The Happy Gnome is a gastropub and the quality of their food is on a higher level than these other places. So, thusly, you should pay a bit more. So next time you are in area and are looking for a little more than a High Life and a platter of nachos I recommend you try The Happy Gnome. Try at least one of the house-made meats, I promise you will not be disappointed!
(4)Alicia R.
I have no complaints about the Gnome. I do have three favorite things: 1. The patio 2. The beer list 3. The tater tots First - the patio. There always seems to be room for us anytime we end up there, and the space is small enough to still have a cozy feeling. it's set off the street a bit and shaded by large trees, so it's incredibly relaxing. Two- the beer list. Truly something for everyone. They have everything from your basic local craft beers to the exotic European beers you can't pronounce. The prices are fair- no great happy hour here, but they are totally fair and worth the quality. Finally- the tater tots. The food overall is great, but the tots are HUGE. You get three in each order, but they are almost like oversized croquettes more than anything. i highly recommend these as a starter.In fact, you could easily make a meal out of splitting some apps with friends, or having your own salad and appetizer dinner. Summer and Winter- the Gnome is cozy, delicious, and a really fun place. After reading some of the other reviews, I am excited to keep going back!
(5)Tom M.
The place isn't fancy, but it's a warm St. Paul atmosphere in a nice, old building meant for a bar/restaurant. The tap beer selection with over 70 craft brews is good enough to raise anybody's eyebrows with interest. The food is really good, and there is a beer to match, but they also serve good wine and coctails. I've been there twice having a burger the first time, and a large dish of mussels & chorizo the second time. The burger was certainly better than most, but I have to head back for the mussels & chorizo again very soon. The broth was so good I had to order extra bread to dip, but I also sipped plenty using the shells. They do some higher-end steaks, poultry, and seafood as well. This is not typical bar food from around the corner. Even if you don't know a lot about beer, they break their list down into styles with descriptions for those who are interested in trying something different or for experts wanting to make an informed choice to know which should go with the food they order. The Happy Gnome is certainly worth a trip for people who like a good beer or drink to go with some savory food. I would be surprised if anyone left disappointed.
(4)Kirsten L.
I had the wild game poutine and rabbit lentil soup. It was divine, but a very rich combo. The poutine should really stand alone and is definitely more suited for someone who can really take their dairy. The sour beer was really, really good and they offer samples of whatever brew you'd like to try before purchasing. My friend had a seafood pasta which was also extremely delicious. Some of the better food I've had in a "bar" and I find it to be worth the cash.
(4)Andrew P.
There is simply no better place to drink beer on a patio than the Happy Gnome in summer or early fall. Unbelievable beer list! The food is good, but their bar (and taps) and their patio are the secret sauce that makes the Gnome great.
(5)A H.
The night started off on the wrong foot. I called to let them know I was running a bit late and the guy who I spoke to said he would hold our table. yay! We got there 15 minutes past our original reservation time and the table was not held so we had to wait an additional 20 minutes for a table. Awesome. We ordered the agnolotti to start. The noodles were not cooked all the way through. I really didn't mind much since the sauce was so fantastic. After the starter I got the caesar, which I recommend if you are an anchovy fan - which I am. My date got the hericot vert salad which was sub par. We split the vegetable pizza which was okay. The sauce lacked flavor and the pizza itself was served lukewarm. Service was good. Beer choices were exciting. We'll come back but we'll likely just sit in the bar and enjoy the beer and whiskey selection.
(2)Rhonda G.
It was my first time here. It was nice and icy inside, and dark as it was light out. We started with the appetizer meatballs with mushroom sauce. Food here does lean toward the exotic. I loved my side of corn risotto. It tasted so fresh for a hot dish. I could picture the corn being sliced off the cob. I got the cheeseburger. Good thing I wasn't as adventurous as my husband. He got the game burger, I got the normal one, and we both loved our own. Mine came with thinly sliced pickles, they may have been homemade. Fries made the grade. Only real disappointment was the dessert. Someone's watching way too much Top Chef. A deconstructed panna cotta. Spare me. A luscious organic lemonade. Our waitress was great and most helpful. Looking forward to trying brunch and the patio.
(4)Robyn L.
Eight of us rolled in on a Monday afternoon for lunch. It was super quiet; only 3 other patrons. The ambience leaves a bit be be desired but I think that's how they want it. Looks a bit like your average bar with black leather swivel stools. There are a few strategically placed gnomes and a huge chalkboard with specials and such written on it. Our server was awesome. He secretly knew what each of us wanted to drink and his recommendations were spot on. On this particular day, there were 73 draughts beers to choose from. They also had an impressive list of scotch, whiskey, cocktails, and so on. Me and hubby shared the steamed mussels app and the crab trio app. the mussels were fresh and cooked nicely but lacked flavor, even after a generous dousing with salt. The crab trio featured a scrumptious crab cake, marinated lump crab, and tempura battered shoft shell crab. It was a beautiful plate with 2 sauces, lemon, and spicy aoili, dotting the plate. It was also served with super yummy house pickles. Our codiners were all very happy with their lunches, the cheese plate, the MN game burger, and the marlin sandwich. The fries were outstanding. A very cool joint with an adventurous and creative menu. Come thirsty my friends.
(4)Ken C.
Fun neighborhood bar/restaurant. Good food, fantastic brunch and tons of beers on tap. My favorite thing to do is come here for brunch. Casual place, great environment, great service and if you're in the St. Paul area then this is one of the places you have to consider for dinner/brunch.
(4)Adrian D.
Excellent beer selection and it rotates. The beer menu has informative descriptions of the goods on tap. I had corned beef and cabbage here on St. Patrick's day and was very impressed with their interpretation. The rest of the food is upscale as well. The restaurant area is reserved for people having dinner and there is usually room available. I took a customer there and we were easily able to hold a conversation.
(5)Jessica W.
This is a great spot in St. Paul. I love the inventive menu and great beer selection. We shared a flight of beers - great way to try a variety and not fill up on beer. We ordered the wings, the charcuterie plate and a selection of cheese. The wings were only okay. The charcuterie plate was gorgeous and flavorful and well presented. We had to bring our server back to remind us of what was on it. The cheese presentation was nice and well balanced. The service was sporadic. It was busy - but it was hard to find her to get water and and have plates cleared. The server was nice, just not around much. It was very loud, my friend and I had to shout. Way to loud for a nice dinner or good conversation. The beers were great. We made one bad choice (the Dragon's Milk) and one truly magnificent choice - the Lucid Dortmunder Gold. Parking is a nightmare and with the snow the streets are very narrow. I saw one accident while waiting there. But easy access on the #21. All in all a great spot. Creative menu. Amazing beer. Good atmosphere. Too loud. Give it a try though - especially if you like beer!
(3)N C.
we enjoyed the food there and the service was outstanding! We have been there a few times already and will certainly go back.
(5)Kent S.
GnomeTastic!! A co-worker recommended this place while i was in town and I'll have to pass along some of me treasures for it. The brew list was huge but was well organized to not overwhelm a person. After introducing myself to the Clown Double Brown and a housemade pretzel, I indulged in a flight of 5. I tried to walk through the menu going from light to dark but failed in a few places. A great way to introduce yourself to some new flavors! The menu had also just changed, just a 2 day old fledgling and it has many stars to be born on it. From the wild boar pate' with quail egg, steak tartare and the game burger I was in foodie heaven. A side of lobster mac n cheese was a true star although I'd go a light lighter on the asparagus. So, if you're in the area and feeling a bit Frodo or Bilbo and want to slid into a happy pub, put this place at the top of your list and enjoy the journey.
(4)Paul S.
Have been here many times as part of a group and have never understood the draw. Too many beer choices, wimpy happy hour and almost no vegetarian options -- even the french fries have bacon. Prefer the Blue Door or Grandview Grill.
(2)Grace C.
One Word: Putine....Hnnnrgggg SO GOOD.
(3)David U.
Very good neighborhood pub in St. Paul. Great beer selection that rotates frequently and organized by palate. High quality food. We tried the duck burger (absolutely delicious), mixed green salad (wonderful vinaigrette), and two soups. All very good and quite pleased.
(5)Rosie Y.
This place has an impressive liquor selection. I had the blueberry pomegranate mojito. They also have outdoor seating. The food was just mediocre. I had the tres leche chocolate cake, which was meh. My friends weren't too impressed by their food. Go for the liquor, not the food.
(3)L J.
I have been here twice, and both times I was totally satisfied with my food. Fantastic, I had the brussel sprouts and the lobster mac n cheese on my most recent visit and tried one of their pumpkin ales. All of it was really tasty.
(4)Scott H.
Went here as one of my many stops through all the Saint Paul great stops. I got a few beers which is so hard because there are so many to choose from. To go with my beer I got a burger cause of course there might not be a better combo. This burger was thick on a nice thick bun. It was almost too big to eat, this was not expected as it was my first stop to the gnome. It did go so well with the beer as it was nice and warm and the flavors washed down nicely with the current tap I was on. The bartender was very knowledgeable about all the different beers that they carried which made it so that I liked each beer that I chose. The happy gnome can get busy at times and they have so many events that it is tempting to be there a few times a week. I suggest going whenever you can but if you need a little extra incentive look online for an upcoming event and stop by when they are doing something special.
(5)Elliott B.
Amazing food and Bloody Mary bar. We went here for Sunday brunch and the service was great, food was amazing, and the vibe was excellent. I will definitely return!
(5)Kurt S.
If someone was visiting St. Paul for the first time and asked me "What is the one place I could go for some casual food and drinks that characterizes St. Paul the best?" The Happy Gnome would be very high my list of recommendations. With it's HUGE beer selection, great food and pleasant staff the Happy Gnome could be greatly more pretentious than it actually is. It has the best of many different worlds too. Quiet fine dinning? Check. Fun and comfortable patio? Check. Quick beer and burgers at the bar? Double check. It's a very versatile place! I have a number of friends that live west of the cities and lament that they cannot frequent this place as much as they'd like to so if you happen to be in the area... make sure you stop in. An excellent establishment to go for a date, have some beers with the guys/gals or take your folks out to meet the person you had a date with here previously but are now considering marrying because you had such a great time while at one of St. Paul's best restaurants.
(5)Tiffany C.
You ALWAYS need a reservation, which is annoying when you're a spontaneous person, but I still give it five stars because the drink selection and food is great. Charcutery plate, butternut squash ravioli, and beet salad were 100% devoured (plus a couple other meat dishes I can't recall the name of). Looking forward to going back for bloody Mary's soon!
(5)N E.
Had a wonderful dinner with the Mrs. here this week. Incredible beer list and knowledgeable staff. Shared homemade soft pretzel. Incredible. I ordered the sausage wrapped pork loin. Flavorful and juicy. Go here for an upscale dining experience with some bar influences. This is not a place for bar food and a PBR. Nice interior, but sometimes the music is a bit loud. In the summer, they have the best patio in St. Paul.
(4)Alex M.
Tons of beers on tap, an inviting pub feel, and a great brunch menu means this place is worth checking out. I've been to the Happy Gnome several times. Located on the corner of Selby and Mackubin, ample parking is a welcome sight as the place is always packed for Sunday Brunch. And for good reason... the food is good! Prices are decent, and there is a great selection of beer on tap. If you're coming in for brunch, the Stuffed French Toast is awesome, and the Crab Cake Benedict does not disappoint. Come with friends but arrive early (I believe they take reservations but I'm not positive) because the place fills up fast!
(4)Larry H.
Came in from out of town and loved this place. Could not have been happier with the food. Ribeye steak and walleye entrees. Wonderful presentation and huge portions. Beet salad to start. Great atmosphere. Would have been a 5 rating but for the snootiness of the bartender and server. We get it-you have a great place. We're still the customer. A business with no customers is no business.
(4)Matthew K.
Its a beer geek mecca. One of the best tap lists I've found in the Twin Cities, served with the appropriate glassware and temperatures. Nice atmosphere. Stopped in here for the first time a few nights ago to have a few craft beers while watching the game. They've got high-end pub fare, priced accordingly. I had the duck/foigras meatballs (I know, as an animal lover I usually abstain but my conscience was weak). Meatballs were so rich and divine, but the gravy was much too salty (reminded me of condensed Campbell's cream of mushroom soup). Still, it was nice enough place that I'll be sure to return to try some of the other dishes.
(4)Kim R.
I wish I liked the Happy Gnome, because their patio is awesome, but there are just too many things that bug me. 1. I think their food is overpriced for what you get (ie $13 for a breakfast sandwich) 2. The service is painfully slow 3. I saw our waiter pick up someone's food and box it up with his bare hands, yuk. If you want to check out Happy Gnome and their great patio, I would recommend skipping the food and just going for their extensive beer list.
(2)Lorraine N.
I enjoy the selection of beer, interesting menu options, atmosphere......how can you possibly go wrong with a name like happy gnome----if you are ever lucky enough to venture to their top level what a treat that is...and the window booths looking out to selby are just awesome.....it is a terrific little place to hunker down during a nice thick snow in MN and just enjoy something different from the enormous beer menu....
(4)Lindsay F.
Happy Gnome has some pretty good things going for it. I've been there several times with friends and have gotten food each time. I like to think of it as a wannabe top restaurant, but just a degree less. Almost on the same level as places like W.A. Frost, but misses the mark on a few accounts. They have an extensive beer list, and a good wine and cocktail list too. The food is very "Contemporary American" with offerings such as a duck and goat cheese tartlet with assorted berries and a very flavorful beef carpaccio. Actually, the beef carpaccio has been one of my favorites that I have had. The portion is the right size, the topping complement the beef without masking it, and the micro greens add the right amount of crunch and flavor. Their menu is seasonal and strive to use local and sustainable food sources. Yet something just is a bit...off. Maybe it is the slightly heavy hand when it comes to salt, or the degree of extra and unnecessary oil taste to some of its dishes. Either way, the atmosphere is great, the drink menu extensive, and the food creative and satisfying. Not to mention, they have a very nice patio, which usually is packed with mid-20 to 30-some year old contemporary individuals in the summer.
(4)Tony B.
The Happy Gnome is a happy place filled with angus burgers, interesting conversations and some of the rarest bottles of Avery you can find at sea level. HG references itself as a Gastropub, which by its nomenclature means an establishment that places much heavier emphasis on beer than food. This is not accurate, and it undersells the quality of the food. My companion had what he described as one of the best burgers of 2012, and I had the dry wings, which come covered in rub and with sides of Buffalo sauce and blue cheese dressing. I look forward to trying more food on my second, third, fourth (etc.) visit(s). The beer selection is truly standout. For beer geeks, the tap list is probably the best in the Twin Cities. It's the first place outside Colorado I've ever seen to have Crazy Mountain's Old Soul (a cheeky little Belgian-style number) on tap. It also has an outstanding selection of Avery (Boulder, CO) both on tap and in bottles. My companion and I split a 2007 Samael Oak-aged (officially classified as an English barleywine), which at the time of brewing is over 14% ABV and, at least in our estimation, approached 20% last night at the time of consumption. Thick, syrupy, oaky, delicious. HG knows its audience and caters perfectly to it. Outstanding and informative wait staff, very reasonable prices, and did I mention Avery?
(5)Angie O.
I really enjoy this establishment when I'm "back home" visiting my sister in St. Paul. Their menu changes every few months, so there's always something new and interesting to try. I had a veggie sandwich (a juicy lucy I think?) with a strawberry and fig salad. Both were very good. If you're into beer, this is the place. They have something like 70 different taps (I only know this because some Canadian dude next to me was going on and on about it...) When the weather is nice, there is a lovely patio which I understand can fill up quickly. I will definitely go back again and again!
(4)Anisha Y.
Tried this place on a Wednesday night and it was packed. The wait for a table for 2 in the dining area was 20 mins. While my brother and I waited, we got a drink at the bar. They have a pretty impressive list of craft beer, but cider is my thing. I ordered the Ace Pineapple cider and it was delicious. Not even 10 mins later, the hostess got us from the bar and seated us. I ordered the duck burger while my brother ordered the game burger. The duck burger came with a side sauce of cherry aioli and it is the best thing in this world. Where has cherry aioli been all my life?! The fries were on par with the everything else. Delicious and crispy perfection. Service was great. Hostess was nice, the server was great, and the guy pouring our water was awesome. Great place. Check it out!
(4)Chris X.
I went here once alone. I went to the back patio to get a burger quick. I was given a seat. I sat for 15+ minutes before any waitstaff approached me. I forgot to bring a book. Usually in this case I would look at my phone to pretend like I have people to talk with and things to do but my phone died out. There is something really depressing about sitting alone and waiting to be served when there is nothing to do but look out at all the people enjoying the company of others. This is only partially the fault of the slow service. The burger was pretty good though. Sort of overpriced. I'm glad they didn't cut down the old trees and built the patio around them.
(3)Tiffany M.
I came a hungry and left a Happy Gnome... The bar was filled with customers while some were trolling for open seating. The dining area had 1.5 hour wait but added my name on the list --just in case. Minutes after ordering our drinks, seats at the bar and bar area opened. The hostess was right --she did say that bar seating would more than likely open sooner than the wait it in the dining area. As for the dishes, we inhaled the Pretzel and beer cheese before even capturing a pic for yelp. I'm sure we will order this again in a near future visit. The Gnome Mi was quite juicy, even after cutting the sandwich in half, as a bite was taken, the sausage juices squirted onto me, which was quite funny. The fries reminded us of Pittsburgh's Primanti Brothers fries. The dry rub wings was served with bleu cheese, hot sauce, and pickled ribbons of carrots and celery. There were plenty of wings so we took some home. The pickled veggies was nice and tangy. I can't wait until we visit again to try other dishes on the menu. You could seriously have a meal with simply ordering from the Snacks & Starters.
(4)Ron K.
I heard about this place through Thrillist as a great craft beer restaurant. They didn't disappoint. There must have been 50+ craft beers on tap, several of which are heavily coveted. My friend and I stopped in on an early Sunday afternoon and I was a little nervous walking in that we wouldn't be able to get a seat since we were on our way to the airport. But we were able to find two seats at the bar and were able to put our orders in with the bartender pretty quickly. The prices seemed somewhat high, but other than that we were very happy with the burgers we ordered and I enjoyed a couple fabulous brews. The weekend I was here they had four Ballast Point beers on tap which I consider pretty impressive that they could get their hands on such great San Diego brews.
(4)Amelia J.
Outstanding service, lovely menu, delicious food. The duck burger is especially fabulous!
(5)Andrew H.
I love the beer and whiskey selection here as I mentioned earlier, but this is not the best place to hang out with friends and that has to do with the restaurant, I'm sure people dine here and its great, but with such a great bar its hard to see the benefit. I'm sure that there are places out there that are both a good restaurant and a good bar, but I feel like this place has such a great bar with so little space, it just doesn't make sense to me. If this place was more of a bar with food service I would give it five stars, but its not, the formula isn't quite right and that will always be an issue with this place. This of course is just my 2 cents and that is all my opinion is worth, but with that neighborhood exploding with great places I might start looking else were for great over priced whiskey ( for some reason it tastes better when I pay way too much for it.)
(4)JEannie R.
Hit the spot. Been looking for a good burger. Good meat. Cooked perfect. With a little something different. The burger with short rib on top and garlic aioli. YUMMY. Husband had the one with Elk bison just what he was looking for. CAnt wait to come back and try other menu options. And of course more beer.
(5)Shekinah S.
I've been to The Happy Gnome several times but didn't feel compelled to write a review until we visited for the Bloody Mary Bar on Easter Sunday. It was a good decision and the perfect way to kill a couple hours after church but before we headed to my parents' house. I was worried it would be very busy, but it was not and we easily snagged a window booth. It's usually busy at night so I don't know if brunch is usually a little slower (at 11:00am) or if it was slow because it was Easter. Anyways, the Bloody spread was quite impressive and we found and enjoyed all sorts of garnishes. The vodka pour was also generous and I was a bit buzzed after two drinks. There were several tomato concoctions to choose from (I may have missed one and the names may not be exact): -- Gnome Aide: standard but good -- Burn Your Face Off: my boyfriend actually found this too spicy, so take the name seriously! -- Tomato Basil: smelled and tasted familiar, yet I couldn't pinpoint it exactly -- BBQ Bacon: smelled more like BBQ than bacon so we skipped it -- Clammed Up: I miss Caesars (Canadian Bloody Mary) so I wanted to try this one but it smelled a little too fishy/clammy My boyfriend also ordered the Meat Benedict. The waitress let him change up the sauce and he quite enjoyed the dish. It was also pretty to look at. I loved the side of potatoes so much that I ordered my own! Yum!! The only other thing I recall eating at The Happy Gnome previously was a fancy pretzel. I'd say the food is more on the highbrow gastropub end and less on the "bar food" end of the spectrum. A few things worth mentioning: -- When my friend was pregnant last winter she found they have a nice faux-tail menu -- There is a more formal dining room in addition to the bar area -- In the winter it gets really cold and drafty if you are sitting anywhere near the front door in the bar -- They close at midnight and 1:00am, so if you need to stay out till bar close, you will have to relocate at the end of the night Generally I would recommend The Happy Gnome for a chill evening on Cathedral Hill. Specifically I will definitely be back for the Bloody Mary Bar!
(4)Chris T.
I'm new to the cities so maybe having amazing gastropubs and inventive, delicious entrees at breweries are the norm around here...in any case, I'm not used to it and I'm blown away! Four of us popped in on a Saturday evening before a night at the opera (because what better to go with the opera than a gastropub?)...given how delicious the food has been the past few times we've visited, we should've known to make reservations. We didn't but were able to mill around and snag a tiny table within a couple minutes. Highlights: lobster mac & cheese (it's called a side dish but it's $14 and the portion is HUGE!), Game Burger, ribs (we all agreed they were the best we'd ever had!). We were in a rush to get to the opera...otherwise, I would've loved nothing more than to have all three of these dishes in successive courses with an assortment of beer. Service and recommendations from the staff here have always been on point; the waitress was even able to rush our food when we realized we only had about half an hour to eat/pay before making it to our show!
(5)Vee V.
HORRIBLE SERVICE!!! I swear they must hire people with the expectation that they never smile. I've been to the Happy Gnome a few times and on my last two visits the service was enough to make me never want to come back, especially tonight. I don't want to look at another stank face server again. It's a shame because I love the beer selection here, but I won't be made to feel like an unwanted guest. I'd say the food has gone down hill too. I was meeting a girlfriend for dinner and drinks. I got to the bar early around 5:15pm because I knew I wanted a booth and there might be a wait as there usually is in the bar area. I ordered a drink at the bar, a Gnomes Knees, it was pretty strong. It was a mix of lavender and gin. Not bad, I'd order it again if I was ever back. The bartender was fine, he wasn't friendly at all, just was kinda there. I didn't mind so much since I wasn't dining at the bar anyhow. As I got my drink a booth opened up directly across the bar so I walked over, set my drink on the table, and had half my butt cheek on the chair and my other leg out in the walkway. I was digging in my purse for my wallet to pay for my drink. The server walked up to the table with no smile, she looked like she hated being there, didn't greet me, and just asked "are you going to pay for that drink?" WOW. Rude. I said yes and she walked away. I paid my tab at the bar and sat back down at the booth. There were dirty plates and glasses and the check on the table from the last group. This wasn't an issue for me initially since I snagged the table as the group was leaving. However, the problem is that the server knew I was sitting there and it still took her 8 minutes to come wipe down the table. She could have at least said she'd be right back to do it if she was busy. Apparently she was more concerned on whether or not I was going to pay for my drink. When she did come back it was dead silent. She didn't introduce herself or bother to say hello. It was awkward as heck! When she got done wiping the table down I thanked her and she said "yup," turned and walked away. I wasn't asked if I needed a menu, or if I was waiting for guests, needed a water, nothing!! My friend arrived. The server came back, I'd use her name but she didn't bother to ever tell us, same service. She asked my friend if she needed a drink, took the order and walked away. Didn't offer a menu or ask if we were dining there. When she came back I asked for menus. The service remained unfriendly and slow the remainder of the visit. We were made to feel like we were a nuisance. I was afraid to ask for anything else. On to the food. They've added a couple different items. I tried the pork belly steamed buns. Please save yourself the $13 and don't order this (or just stay away from this place). In fact just stay away from anything on the menu that you think has asian flavors. This was basically bbq shredded pork in a dense, deformed, yellow bun. It's not the crisp, fluffy, white steamed bun you get at a real asian restaurant. Okay, I get it. I'm not at an asian restaurant, I expected a variation on this dish, but come on, bbq pork in a busted looking yellow bun?? I'm extremely disappointed, this use to be a favorite place for me. I'd much rather go to Sweeneys or Muddy Pig down the street who also has a great beer selection, but much better service. A smile isn't going to kill you. Management needs to do a better job.
(1)Linda A.
Nope. I gave it a lot of thought and I've read the other really good reviews but I just can't give 3 stars. Everything was just a little below par, and the service was quite a bit below par. Our server may be inexperienced but she seemed downright nervous and wouldn't even come close enough to the table to be able to hear us and vice versa. We mentioned my husband's allergy, it's not life threatening but he does have one...most restaurants have worked around it just fine but it really threw this poor girl. He managed fine though. So, they were out of the first 3 beers we ordered...hate that. The server had to come out and tell us that there was some kind of problem with both of our dinner orders. I ended up ordering the bratwurst dinner and it was really really subpar...dry brats...that's tough to do. My husband said his dinner was ok. The rhubarb bar for dessert was very doughy and had barely a flicker of rhubarb taste. We tried a lot of places in St. Paul this trip and this was the only clunker. I wouldn't choose to come back.
(2)Florence S.
I've been to the Happy Gnome twice now and I can easily say it's a favorite. Too bad I live in another state. The Happy Gnome has a plethora of beers on tap that constantly change. They also serve Rye, Whiskey, and Bourbon. But if those are not down your alley, you can always rely on their full bar. I had their appetizer steak tartare and expected it to be an appetizer for one, but it is large enough to be a meal fof one or a very filling appetizer for two. I haven't experienced their dinner selections as I've gone there solely for beer and bourbon.
(5)Mitchell F.
Love this place! Hard to get a seat sometimes but it is awesome. The duck burger and poutine are truly unique and yummy options. The chicken wings are great also. In fact I am pretty sure we have them almost every time we go here. While I am not a beer connoisseur I know a lot of you are and if so you will absolutely love this place as the selection is amazing! And for me? They have a full bar with great bartenders who have created some pretty interesting drinks and will serve you any of the standard fare you are used to ordering anywhere. They have an awesome outdoor seating area which for any Minnesotan is critical when selecting a place to eat in the two months of summer. Also if you happen to be downtown for any reason,you can easily jump on the bus to visit this joint and then bus back home. The bus system in St. Paul is really efficient and friendly for anyone to use no matter your socioeconomic background. In fact just as a tip for those from out of town who might not be accustomed to taking city buses....definitely get over your fear in Minneapolis and St. Paul because the bus system is just amazing.
(5)Reg Z.
One of my favorite "pubs" in St Paul. Really good beer list, and consistently good food. The game burger is top notch... Overall this is my go to place in the area of town when I'm back visiting
(5)Noel M.
I've been here 3 times. First time was over a year ago, experience was awesome, just haven't had a chance to go back until now. Oddly, I ended up here both Friday and Saturday night this weekend. Friday was for dinner. A few things were pretty off about the whole experience. If that was my only experience there I would have done 2 stars. Good - beer of course and the apps. We had the pork tots and the poutine. Both were amazing. My husband ordered short ribs for his entree and I had some. Really good. Other things about Friday weren't as good. I ordered the Duck Pot Pie - sounds good right? I love duck and I love pot pie. It was not good. Instead of having a rich and savory flavor like I would expect it tasted overly acidic and sour inside. I didn't even tell my husband what I thought and he tasted it and said "this is weirdly sour." Not really a flavor I think of with pot pie. It also came with a piece of focaccia on the side - this was a throw away, burnt and flavorless. Also, the timing of the whole meal was completely off. Entrees came out right after apps. We weren't remotely close to done with apps and had to push entrees off to the side while we finished them. It's not like we were going slow, the whole meal took 90 minutes total which I think is actually relatively quick for a Friday night. Other tables didn't seem to have this problem so maybe we were a weird fluke. Server seemed to be rushing us the whole time. She was nice but at one point she even said "Sorry for rushing you." Restaurant wasn't full so it's not like someone needed our table. The only reason I went back again on Saturday was because friends invited me. Much better experience. Group of 4 sat near the bar upstairs. Prompt service with drinks. We just ordered the charcuterie to share. Delicious and the server explained all the different meats well. This was more of a casual sit and drink for 3 hours kind of thing, maybe that is more their game than dinner. I live really close so I'll definitely be back just not sure when. The things that were off about Friday's meal would push it a ways down my list of choices for an evening meal. But good place to meet up with friends for drinks and apps. If I do dinner there again and it's better I'll update.
(3)Chantal B.
Visiting some friends and staying in St.Paul. We're from California. I've had my eye on this place even before we arrived in town. I am obsessed with gnomes just to start, but this restaurant is so awesome! Lots of great craft beer on tap. We got a bunch of appetizers, my boyfriend and our friend eat meat. I however don't. I wanted to try the poutine so bad but it had meat in it. Our waitress was nice enough to have one without. All of the food was so tasty ! I have to say the next time I'm i'm St. Paul I will definitely be back !!
(5)Mallory K.
As a Minneapolitan, I am not generally enthused by the prospect of going to St. Paul, but this place is definitely an unusually bright spot in a rather gray and pub-overrun city. Tap beer selection is amazing. I had my first chocolate beer here, and I will never forget that. I've also had crazy lambics and ciders and other stuff here as well. It's basically where I learned to enjoy unique and craft beers. And they have classes upstairs so you can learn how not to look like an idiot when discussing alcohol with more sophisticated drinkers. And the food is great and it's in a cute part of town. You really can't go wrong here.
(4)Bryan M.
I rode a tidal wave of hype through the doors of the Happy Gnome late on a Friday night after mild turn up in Minneapolis. I was told St. Paul is the more chill of the Twin Cities and despite a decent crowd on a popular night and ESPN playing The Top 10 Illest Hockey Plays EVER Ever, the vibe in the spot was "repose." Neighborhood types milled about over an intense beer list, which was structured in an accessible way: asking what type of beer vibe you were feeling and listing the appropriate selections beneath. I know the entire nation is beer experts now, but to the lay man, this was a helpful guide in making an informed beer decision. Posted up at the bar, drank thick craft brews, topped it off with a generous pour of Cedar Ridge and got out right after the kitchen closed. Super pleasant experience and great way to cap off a night.
(4)Angela W.
Their wild rice duck burger is one of my favorite dishes of all time. So rich, and with a cherry aioli sauce that is to die for.
(5)Gretchen B.
Obviously, with a solid 4 stars and 300+ reviews, Happy Gnome is doing alright for itself so there's no need for me to add to the noise. But if I don't write a review, I'll forget how I feel about this place. So this isn't for you, it's for me. I've been for brunch and dinner. By brunch, I mean it was the weekend, and I'm assuming the only reason we were seated right away was because it was 3pm. The bloody mary bar is so stacked with garnishes that you don't really NEED to order food, and for $9 you might not be able to afford to. My mom and I ordered the croque madame, the beet salad, and the steak tartar. All were good, except the beet salad was exceptionally good, and the croque madame wasn't particularly special. And for dinner. The bar area is open seating and serves the full menu. That's a godsend. Any given night, there can be a 2+ hour wait for the dining room. The bar definitely has a much more casual feel than the dining room, which is more upscale. I don't ordinarily order things like burgers and sandwiches, but I wasn't interested in ordering a $30 entrée, so I got the chicken sandwich. It was DOPE. And the fries were good, served with an aioli. Side note. Stop saying aioli is overrated, people. It's delicious. That's why it's regarded so highly by the masses. Making it perfectly, evenly rated. But there's no happy hour, which is fucked because this place is called the HAPPY Gnome. Overall, good food, but it's fairly pricey and isn't worth waiting over 30 minutes for.
(3)Rachel S.
Back a second time! Definitely not disappointed!! Both times were amazing. First time was dinner for four...Ravioli, Gnocchi, Pasta Primavera, Steak Tartare...incredible!!!! My husband ordered the game burger...best burger he has ever had hands down! The second time we came...it was with a group of 10 sat around the bar and had a great lunch!! fresh beers on tap and wonderful food. If you're thinking about coming...you should, you won't regret it!!!
(5)Grace R.
I love the happy gnome! Go on Sundays for their bloody Mary bar - it's amazing! I have had the breakfast sammie twice - its a lot of food but it;s delicious! They have a great outdoor seating area (though the last time we ate there, we moved inside because of bees). This is one of my favorite spots in the twin cities.
(5)Sarah B.
We had some friends visiting this weekend and had to figure out a cool place to take them to dinner on Saturday, since the original plan didn't work out. It was decided that we'd try The Happy Gnome. And it was the best decision we've ever made...well, maybe not best, but it definitely ranks up there. We initially made reservations for 9, but decided around 4 that we should change them to 8:30, which was easily accomplished. We got there a few minutes early, and found street parking relatively easy. Walking inside proved that a reservation was a good idea, as the bar area and dining area were pretty well full. We admired the bar for a moment then were immediately led to our seats. A lovely girl came by and filled our waters letting us know our waitress was Marissa. We immediately grabbed the beer menus and started looking over our choices. Luckily, our friend looked up the beers online and we semi-planned ahead with what we'd imbibe. Marissa came by and she was already awesome. We told her our beers and it was fun because she'd have silly approving comments about the choices (she liked all of ours). Drinks: Only one of these was a mixed drink, the rest were beer with epic names. Itasca Loonidragon & Todd the Axe Man Rum King & La Trappe Quad Dark Penance & Dirt Wolf The Anvil & Dark and Stormy Marissa was super patient with us, because after taking our beer order, it took us forever to figure out what we wanted. It was probably at least 20 minutes before we decided on two apps to split. We tried the Meat Pizza, which was perfect for 4 people, and the pretzel with beer cheese dip. OMG. That dip was sooo good. We started dipping our pizza crust in it. When we finally decided on food, Marissa popped up super quickly. I swear she must've been hiding nearby with how prompt she was the whole night, but with the place being packed, she had to have been super busy. Food: Ramen x2 Game Burger Duck Burger Everyone loved their meals. 2 of us got the ramen, which was a good thing, since the rest of us were able to sample it. It was really delicious, plus the pork shank was huge. It was like a pork shank accented with ramen. Really really good ramen. The game burger was pretty yummy, I was able to sample it too. It came with fries and spicy ketchup that was really good too. I got the duck burger and it was fantastic. I substituted the house salad which was probably the best house salad since it had chunks of cucumber, tomato and mozzarella balls in a delicious vinaigrette. I just finished the burger while typing the review, and it's just as good a day later and cold as it was fresh. Same with the ramen, the bf just finished his and it's still amazing. Somehow we even managed to order dessert. I'm really not sure how since we were all super full, but we ended up with a creme brulee and bread pudding. They were both awesome. Super light and delicious. Marissa was even able to split our check at the end, and didn't rush us out since we were the last table in the back dining area, luckily it was well before the kitchen closed. We were debating a short walk, since we were full and happy, and Marissa said it was a nice area to walk around. We left, had a nice walk, and can't stop talking about The Happy Gnome. We're all Happy Gnomes now.
(5)Steve L.
Took a team of about 25 people here for a celebration happy hour/dinner earlier this week. The staff was extremely accommodating and helpful. - Limited parking + Excellent beer menu with reasonable prices + Proper stemware used for most pours + Fairly prompt service in the bar (bar area is seat yourself/first-come, first-served) - Bartenders weren't super personable; they were efficient, but not too approachable - NOISY. Even sitting side-by-side at a crammed table, we had to almost shout at each other the entire night + Table service in dining area was outstanding + Nice menu; interesting options - A bit pricey + Porktato tots -- outstanding + Dry rubbed wings -- outstanding + Pretzel -- outstanding - Bison ribeye -- not so good... perfect medium-rare, but crikey was it tough + Brussels sprouts with bacon were excellent
(4)l s.
YUM, YUM YUM! Happy Gnome and Happy girl. We just finished the Summit Ave walking tour and needed to grab a bite for lunch and this came up on Yelp. It was D-lish. I had the pretzel with cheese fondue dip, which was tasty, a green salad that was fresh, and the bread basket. I got the carrot cake but it is rustic style, and while good, not what I was expecting. My husband got the game burger and fries and gave it a big thumbs up. He was also very pleased with all the beers on tap, especially the Sculpin IPA from our hometown of San Diego, which is one of his favorite local beers. (Of course he ordered local Minnesota beer but was impressed by Happy Gnome's selection of a San Diego favorite). Overall, we couldn't be more pleased. For a casual bar food style restaurant, the happy gnome was a very pleasant surprise.
(5)Stephanie O.
DEFINITELY not vegan friendly, but I've heard some of their vegetarian options are okay. I've eaten a mixed greens salad here and nibbled on a few of my friends' fries but mostly stuck to beer. My biggest complaint about this place is that they take themselves too seriously. It's a tad on the expensive side and it feels a bit like they are catering to yuppies despite lacking anything particularly groundbreaking. Regardless, it can be a fun place - and the patio is pretty nice (but smokers beware: they have rules about when that's acceptable, specifically so that diners don't have to breathe in your secondhand while they eat). Disclaimer: I almost gave them a 3, but patios are just so, so good at winning me over.
(4)Erin V.
Received a gift card for the Holidays to The Happy Gnome where we were under the impression this was more of a burger joint and was happily surprised with the options on the menu. We got there around 630, happily found a place to belly up to at the bar. Atmosphere was very laid back and staff was smiling almost felt like we were in uptown/hipster spot! Which we totally love! Appetizer: Pork Tots...serving extremely large and plenty for four people! Home made Pretzel and dipping sauce sooooo good! If I could have drank the cheese sauce I would have!! Entree: Since we were stuffed from the apps we decided to split the Surly Braised Short ribs and lobster mac! Short Ribs cooked perfect and I'm not a horseradish fan and I'd was soooo happy to have it again and again! Lobster Mac....cooked perfect and had a good portion of lobster!!! Dessert: Creme Brûlée was done wonderful and a great ending to a great meal! Beer selection was spot on with many choices for s beer lover!!!! So happy this place referred to us!!! :) We will be back!!
(5)Derek G.
Had a few hours to kill before a flight so thought I would give this place a shot based on the very favorable Yelp reviews. Grabbed a spot at the bar solo and staff was very welcoming and helpful with Menu selections. It was a cold day for a SoCal guy so I ordered up the Steak Tartare and the Ramen. Tartare was excellent. Served at the right temperature and at the right consistency. A large portion - enough for two to easily share. On the Ramen - comfort food! This dish isn't for those afraid to get a bit dirty. You need to get in there to eat the partially deboned sausage stuffed quail but it is so worth it! The menu has a little for everyone and the beer list was fantastic. Nice to see plenty of Browns, Porters, and Stouts on the menu as most menus are being dominated by the "I can out-hop you" IPA movement.
(4)Ken L.
Love this place. Usually meet coworkers here and it always is a good time. The have a great selection and the staff is superb!
(4)Bethany B.
The food is absolutely fantastic. My husband and I are still talking about it a day later. He has the game burger and I had the pesto chicken sandwich. Stellar. An absolute must if you are in the area. A great place for a date or a family night out!
(5)Brent B.
The event came and went that we had originally gone there to plan out--our son's wedding rehearsal dinner. The dinner was well-guided as we shared our plans with the banquet manager, Emily. She well communicated very well all during the time leading up to it, and well delivered our event in execution. Our planned selections included the OUTSTANDING Gnome wings which flew off the serving trays (I know, cheesy pun!) and mixed vegetable platter with dip. This was followed by the salad and main dish entrees. We gave guests a choice of Beef Short Ribs, perfectly seared Diver Scallops, or an Amish Chicken Breast. These were all accompanied by starch and vegetable, such as the beef on a bed of mashed potatoes, wonderful gravy and fresh well cooked asparagus spears. I had the Scallops which was a very generous serving alongside a risotto and grilled vegetable. Dinner ended with platters of neatly prepared 'finger-sized' desserts. All entrees were reported as Delicious! Table service as well as bar service were both very attentive and professionally done. The upstairs private room was convenient (not handicap accessible thought due to a stairway). Featured plenty of room to decorate and make it our own, and with a private bar area to serve those needs. Thanks to all who combined to make our dinner event a wonderful (and well flavored) memory. Especially so to Emily and the Gnome owners!
(4)David B.
Wow, that wild rice soup. So good. A longtime Minnesota native told me The Happy Gnome had their all time favorite wild rice soup, and it did not disappoint. Key tip: ask for the bread and butter on the side. They have deliciously crunchy bread with a soft, white interior that is just amazing with their special butter. Dip it into the wild rice soup and prepare to be blown away. Some serious comfort food here. It also appears they have a pretty large selection of beers on tap. Great little neighborhood spot.
(5)Meggan E.
Have come here twice in the last 6 months which is good since I don't normally spend weekends in St Paul. This should be one of your go-to spots when you cross the river for events. Great beer list and a good bloody mix with a Summit chaser are pros. Wine is minimal in selection but this is a craft brew fans paradise. Have never been disappointed in the food yet. Had a delicious curry squash soup - hope it becomes a regular item. Tried the breakfast Sammy with eggs scrambled served with turkey and avocado a little twist. The menu is more lunch dinner not brunch. My partner had the Reuben and others loved the game burger and liked the vegetarian juicy Lucy. Gourmet pub food is the game here. If you like Busters in Mpls, you'll like it here. Place fills fast!
(4)Ariel L.
A great place for happy hour! and to get together casually. If you're a big group, come early as it will be easier to scout out the spot that you like. There's outdoor seating which is great in the summer, so it becomes a little crowded inside during the winter. Appetizer choices are great and yes, they do have gluten-free selections! Overall a great place, the noise level becomes louder as you approach around 7PM but hey, it gives you a better excuse to come closer to your loved ones! Enjoy!
(4)Dana N.
This place is pretty much the best place ever for brunch. First off, their bloody bar is PHENOMENAL! They usually have three or four different house-made mixes to choose from (like regular, spicy, bacon and Thai basil), plus their selection of accompaniments is seriously amazing for the price point. They have a huge assortment of meats and cheeses which are different every time I've been there. Basically you can load your bloody up with ten skewers of meat and cheese if you so choose. I don't remember the price, but I know that considering the money they must sink into their accompaniments, it's definitely a pretty good deal. Their food is also pretty delicious, too. Plenty of classics with delightful twists (cream cheese and blueberry french toast? Yes please!) with a few different dishes I've never seen anywhere else. However, if you plan on doing food AND the bloody bar, be prepared to split a meal with a friend or get a to-go box. The only downside is that their bloodies are so dang good that they're always packed. If you plan on going for weekend brunch, be sure to show up right when they open or you might not get in (at least not for a while, anyway).
(5)Marshall P.
You gotta try the corned beef tater tots...great place for a beer too. Lots of choices so take a deep breath, focus, and commit.
(5)Jason H.
Great selection of beer (over 100 and most of them on tap). The food was really good, especially their oysters. The only down side is that it's so good that it's almost always packed. Make sure to make reservations or arrive early (before 6) to avoid a wait.
(5)Tino K.
The pork belly hash is the best brunch dish I have ever had. Two perfectly poached eggs on top of juicy, shredded pork, crisp pork belly cubes and breakfast potatoes and smothered in a creamy, flavorful and slightly spicy salsa roja hollandaise. Sheer perfection! And I adore the bloody Mary bar - several tasty house-made mixes to choose from including smoky bacon. And served alongside a selection of some of the best nibbles I've ever had - love, love, love making a skewer of cheese curds and smoked sausage. And if bloodies aren't your thing there are a ton of craft brews on tap. I've eaten here several times and it's never disappointed. Highly recommend the poutine and the duck burger as well. The service is always spot on too - friendly and attentive.
(5)Latha P.
Getting around to write a review quite late but better late than ...... Having been to this place a few times, I finally got down to writing a review. Perfect cozy Italian restaurant offering some delightful food and great service. Love their calamari and other sea food entrees . Just another good Italian restaurant with good comfort food.
(4)Susie A.
Great beer, good food, pass on the dessert. I really like how their beer menu is split into categories so that you can see all of the ones you are interested in listed together. Hoppy, citrusy, rich and dark, etc.... Even a seasonal category. Had the veggie "juicy lucy" burger with fries.(I love their seasoned fries. Hard to stop eating them once you start.) I have had a lot of veggie burgers, but nothing like this before. It is breaded and fried. So greasy that my stomach started hurting before I left the restaurant. I liked the mozzarella cheese in the middle though. My dad had the scallops special and he said they were "outstanding." This from a Scandinavian who says "it's good" or "fine" about everything he eats. Not much fazes him. After my greasy, salty meal I was ready for something sweet. Their dessert menu has about 4 choices with two different prices. We ordered two of the small. The cheesecake was literally one $4.50 bite. The raspberry baba rum was two bites for $4.50. Not worth it.
(3)Marie C.
I've been here for brunch and for small plate dinner and have really enjoyed both. My girlfriends and I spent 4 hours here the other day accidentally indulging in some Sunday libations (oops, yet fun). The service was wonderful and you have to love the bloody mary bar. My friend and I split the short rib benedict and the duck confit hash and both were delicious. I find the food to be delicious, very midwestern but new interpretations but admittedly I haven't found something that I have hands down loved so much. But it's still a place that I love to frequent. And you have to love the patio when its warm!
(4)Tom K.
Sat at bar for late dinner. Had a pull of the Empyrean Nibbed Oatmeal stout and the Game Hen. Stout had subtle chocolate tastes that paired well with the Hen which came in a bed of polenta topped with quartered carrots and such. All flavors came together with the piping hot, pan fried hen. Delicious dish and great service to boot.
(4)Boone D.
Here's the thing about the Happy Gnome. It's fabulous. However, and this is a big however, I almost always only go there for the drinks. Here's why. The food is good, but it's a little over-priced for the portions you get. The quality is good, but this isn't a 5-star restaurant. Their drink menu, though, is fantastic, and that's why I keep coming back. They constantly rotate out older selections and bring in new brews to try. They have a solid list of beers they keep around (because they're popular), and their craft brew list is really good and varied.
(4)Ryan M.
Great beer and not your regular run of the mill food. Its delicious food. Definitely check this spot out.
(4)Pam W.
One of my favorite places to stop in St Paul. Especially in the summer if you are looking for a nice patio to sit outside. The patio is quaint, and private and a very relaxing atmosphere. They have Great beer options galore!! Bartenders are very helpful in deciding which beers to try. They will give samples to try before you order, and their pours are quite generous! The food has always been good as well..but I tend to go there for the beer.
(4)Tiffany H.
Oh my goodness. I have a book sitting on my bookshelf that outlines how to handle Garden Gnomes - if they were to attack. You know what? If they all serve up the goods like this one... I don't even care. Let them take over. I went with a group and we went the sharing route. While sipping our fantastic bloody mary's (with the customary upper Midwest beer back), we decided to order the Dips, Haricot Vert, and The Game Burger. All of the dips were fantastic, but we talked about the duck confit artichoke dip for days. It was unlike any artichoke dip I had ever tasted and it was insanely good. The salad was crisp and refreshing. I really enjoyed the addition of cous cous to a crisp, cold dish. The game burger and frites were a home run. The burger was cooked to perfection and the lingonberry aioli was a sweet surprise. To be perfectly honest, I approached my trip to the Twin Cities with low expectations. I expected a lot of deep fried food and retail stores. This was our first stop though - and it blew all preconceived ideas of boretown out of the water. Simply fantastic.
(5)Jonathan C.
Deschutes Black Butte Porter! You can't find this is Boston anywhere. I think it's great. Nice beer selection overall. We also tried the wings and the soft pretzel - Mmmm. So soft and buttery. Maybe the best one I've ever had. This place has character and I like it. I like it a lot.
(5)Thomas D.
Went to the Gnome the first time for Farkin fest, not to be missed. Stayed for 8 hours sampled some of the best beer ever! After the fest we hung out in the bar area. Friendly crowd, which may have had something to do with people hitting up the fest all day... The place was housed in an old firehouse really cool building and awesome vibe. My buddy and I both had the burgers which were excellent as was the service. We took a uber ride from Minneapolis. Even gave some random drunk dude a ride home on the way, that's the kind of place this is. We made lots of friends. If I lived closer this would be my spot.
(5)Aubrey L.
Small restaurant business these days can not survive on good food alone, they must have awesome service as well. I am a stickler for excellent customer service, or at least kindness seeing as I am a human being and all. The food was great, the duck burger is all everyone says it is and more! The fries are the best fries I have ever had. The drinks were great. But I won't go back. Why? Because the service was terrible. We waited 12 minutes for someone to even know we were already seated by the host (and it wasn't that busy!). We ordered right away because we were not sure when we'd see her again. When I asked for an additional sauce, she got a 'tude with me telling me they didn't have what I wanted.The food came out promptly, but we were almost done by the time someone checked on us. I had to flag her down and ask for another straw (my blueberries and mint were sticking in my straw, barely getting up any that sweet nectar of a mojito). 7 minutes later I still hadn't seen her, so got up, went inside to the bar and got one myself. She came by and dropped the bill on the table and said "Thanks". Rude. Not present. Just terrible. Worst service I've had in years. I don't care how good your food is, I won't support a business where I'm not treated with any type of respect or recognition that I'm even there.
(2)Clare S.
It's yummy and i gnome it. This place has to be once of my favorites in the cities. Beer, food, and atmosphere are awesome. Let's start beer: I am forever on a search for the world's best IPA, and I often have problems finding new ones to try at restaurants/bars. Definitely no issue here. Food: it is awesome. They have a very crafty menu with great options. I've had the duck, rabbit and veggie burger here, and all were very good. If you're into cheese, there are some great app options too. The menu changes quite often, so there is always a good excuse to keep going back Staff: some of the best service I've had in the cities. They give great, honest recommendations (not the "oh, everything is equally great" approach but they will honestly tell you what they think is best). They also strike the friendly server balance - not too chatty but can shoot the shit a little bit. Please arrive hungry and thirsty as all get-out.
(5)Andrew C.
First visit after hearing great things, but left very disappointed. Friend had the Chicken Sandwich, which was incredibly dry and overlooked. It had no flavor and came with giant pieces of bread, which made it a challenge to eat or enjoy... no matter how much of the sauce it came with put on it. I had the Lobster & Shrimp roll, which was unlike any traditional lobster roll I've ever had. It too came with huge Texas Toast size bread and lettuce, but little else. Couldn't see or taste much lobster and the tiny shrimp looked like the kind you might find in a can from the grocery store. Another friend had the Duck Burger, which she'd hard before and she said it was also burnt, dry and over cooked. The Chorizo Tator Tots were good, as were the fries.
(1)Jenny A.
When I walked in here today I was really impressed at how large the dining area is. The atmosphere gives off a dark but cool vibe. I feel like this would be a place to take someone you're trying to impress on a first date but not creep out. We asked the hostess to be seated outside and she directed us to the outside hostess. Apparently we missed the big obvious sign by the front door pointing us to the patio host. The patio was quite large and maybe 5 tables were being occupied. Our waiter came over after a few minutes and suggested the Elios Mediterranean Red wine after I described what I wanted. I asked for a sweeter, -not- dry wine. He hit the nail on the head. The wine was very good and he gave me a couple options to choose from. We ordered a bread basket that came with herbed butter. Just a quick question: Why the hell is all of the bread like chewing on a raw hide in these places? I mean, I don't get whats so good about having to work out before I come here just to tear a piece of bread in half. Is it not fancy if the crust is edible? Does it not count as an Artisan loaf if you can actually enjoy it? What happened to soft warm breads and dinner rolls? And what the crap is going on with those giant crackers? Surely, I'm not the only one who feels this way. Can't a girl just get a soft loaf for once? The only upside is that it scrapes all the tartar off my teeth. Moving on.... My companion ordered the Sausage wrapped pork tenderloin. It came with Brussel Sprout petals, Bacon cheddar potato gratin and a peach salsa. The pork was pretty good. The sausage around it helped the meat stay moist. The gratin was very cheesy and turned out pretty good. My companion said she enjoyed it but once we left the restaurant she unleashed her disappointment in the price ($25) and the portion. I would be inclined to agree with her; It did seem overpriced considering you don't even get a whole sprout. Makes me wonder what they do with the rest of the poor little guy.... so cold and alone... I ordered the PEI Mussels. They are cooked in white wine, creme fraiche and chorizo. I was sorely disappointed in this dish which really sucks because it sounded wonderful. I've had plenty of different Mussel dishes and this one was definitely at the bottom. The Mussels themselves were okay but some of them varied in texture which made me worry they weren't cooked. They were oddly soft. The sauce seemed to have the orange grease from the chorizo but held no flavor. I wish I could describe it differently but it really just didn't taste like anything. The wine and creme part of the sauce also lacked flavor. I couldn't pick of any hints of the wine. The chorizo was the link-type. It was cut into small chunks and was cooked into dog chew oblivion. They were so tough my poor little fork could barely spear one enough to get a bite and upon tasting they, too, didn't have much flavor. I ate maybe a quarter of the dish and we waited maybe 30 minutes for our waiter to come back even though he'd looked at us multiple times not touching our food. When he finally returned he asked if I was finished and I said yes and that I didn't care for it. He swooped it up without expressing any concern for the fact I hadn't even eaten half of it. I can hear myself sighing in my head as I think of the overall meal. I really had high hopes for this place and I am sure I will give it another try. But, as it stand today I can only give it a three and I'm even considering dropping it to a 2. I think I might actually shed a tear over this one...
(3)Graham T.
The dry rub wings... Best in the twin cities
(5)Melaney S.
Having brunch with my hubby. He ordered the pork belly hash. He is in near tears because he is unable to finish even half. I tasted it yum barely covers it. I ordered a biscuit and gravy. I have to tell you if you have not had the biscuits here you are missing out. They make me want to kiss the chef. I know 3.00 seems like a lot for a biscuit it is not. Not this one. The bloody bar has a shifting selection of mixes today they had a Thai basil a real winner. A tad spicy, but all the flavors you expect in Thai food. I can not wait to try making this at home. Our bar tender today was great. I have in the past had a problem but I have not seen that girl in a long time.
(5)Mary T.
Was here for a rehearsal dinner last Friday evening. Great selection of craft beer and the staff was friendly. Can't comment on the menu as we had a light, pre-fixed selection. What they did offer was tasty...especially liked the dry rub wings.
(4)Kevin C.
This is a great bar for trying out different craft beers and whiskeys, I was very impressed with their selections. I was less impressed with their food. I got the Lamb Bratwurst which was decent but really messy because there was a lot of sauce on it. The fries were terrible - not very crispy and were extremely salty. Normally I'm a fan of salty fries and salt in general (I will eat the salt that falls off of soft pretzels on its own), but I could not stomach these fries, I had to push myself to eat half of them and then an hour later it felt like I hadn't drank any water all day. Drinks: 5 stars Food: 2 stars Maybe just stick with getting drinks here.
(3)Cari S.
Great place for brunch! Great make-your-own bloody marry bar! It is a little spendy, but overall it's a great place!
(4)Daniel D.
Always a go to stop for us when we are in town. Very cozy bar seating, amazing craft beer list and a rotating menu. Most recently had the pheasant pot pie it was out if this world good! Not sure we have had a bad meal. Also summer patio is great to!
(5)Cindy D.
O.M.G where have I been all these years, this place is awesome. We came here with a group of us and we had the best time ever. We came here on the day they released their Odell Double Pilsner, there were about five beer. I had four different beer: Odell Double Pilsner, Odell Tree Shaker Imperial Peach IPA, Odell Myrcenary DIPA, and Odell st Lupullin Extra Pale Ale. They were tasty! It was my first time trying many beer at once. Usually I just get Miller Lite with olives, I know...lame. Their beer list is crazy huge. Their food is kinda pricey. But I will def come here again with a group of friends and just to have a great time. Free parking and enjoy the nice neighborhood :)
(5)Johanna V.
The food is delish but the bill racks up quicker than you'd like. I actually really like their sides such as the brussel sprouts with bacon and the poutine. Not a bad spot to grab late dinner. The true expertise of The Happy Gnome is their bar service. The beer list is always stellar. Their whiskey list is also pretty extensive. The staff tends to make well-informed, helpful suggestions. It's worth a visit if you find yourself in the area. Also just look at it's name! What kind of establishment would it be if it has happy in its name and doesn't basically guarantee a good time?!
(4)Matthew W.
No matter what the travel forums say, a visit to the Twin Cities just isn't complete without a visit to St. Paul. My friends and I Ãœbered over to The Happy Gnome on a Saturday and found the place packed. Apparently we had stumbled on Firken Fest, a fest whose origins were never quite explained during our time there. Just seemed like an opportunity to be served more beer while standing in a tent, if I'm honest. The Happy Gnome is a large place with multiple seating areas, a large wooden bar anchored in the center of the room, and booths that line the windows facing Selby Avenue. Somewhat large selection of beers, which were our beverages of choice. Lambics, Sours, Ales, Hop Bombs; if you can stomach it, they probably have it. Food options seemed to be the same sort of overpriced, profit-laden, "Farm to Table" disappointments that are de rigueur in most yuppie Chicago bars, so we decided to pass. The Cocktail menu inspired similar feelings brought on by the food menu. Beers were decently priced, but the atmosphere was so loud that decently-volumed conversation proved difficult. I'm unsure if it was the type of flooring, but average conversations and atmospheric background noise were quite loud, and I say this as a member of the beer-slugging rabble. It wasn't unbearable, but throw in several TVs tuned to different, audible channels and a table of cackling, rotund harridans, and we thought it was best to down our beers and move on. Happy to say I made it over to St. Paul during the weekend, but if ever a return visit should occur, The Happy Gnome wouldn't be the draw that brought me back.
(3)Benjamin Y.
Another favorite restaurant of mine in St Paul. Everything I've eaten here I have not been disappointed. Their poutine is probably my favorite and the best in MN. They also have an awesome beer menu.
(5)Trevor W.
The food and atmosphere get 5 solid stars. I had the expertly crafted BBQ chicken sandwich. Nothing short of the best I have ever had. Highly recommend it. Came with fries but the fries were all very small. I know that's probably a little picky but I like my fries eaten by hand. The service gets a cool 3 stars. They got the job done but didn't really go above and beyond nor were very excited to create a dining experience. I will definitely go back because the food IS that good. Plus they have a great off the beaten path beer selection. Meals run 13 to 25 bucks.
(4)Amanda H.
The Happy Gnome is aptly named. This cozy, casual place has it all - good food, plenty of good beer (with one of the largest tap lists in the TC area - 77 total last time we went), and great atmosphere....unless they stick you in the back restaurant area. Honestly, that part of the restaurant I think they could do without as it reminds me of a semi-formal dining room from days past.... I love their seasonal salads and we usually stop in there just for drinks but end up getting an appetizer because, really, how can you go wrong with pretzels and beer cheese? Everything has a bit of a higher flair to it, is a little pricier but not enough to break the bank. The patio during summer is our hands down favorite! Soft lighting, cozy, and wonderfully relaxing with a view of the St Paul Cathedral (if that interests you). We usually go there after the crowds clear to have drinks and unwind, so the cozy atmosphere is a definite plus in our book. This is a lovely place and one of the many reasons I love St Paul.
(5)Will B.
Great bar and restaurant tucked away in St Paul. Good beer selection for bar in the Midwest. Food was top quality. Parking fills up quickly but plenty of room inside. Definitely worth a visit if you're only in town for a quick visit.
(4)Chloe C.
A bit pricy, but amazing food and beer selection. Check out the brunch and bloody bar on the weekend- you won't be disappointed!
(4)Josh And Tanya J.
Amazing bloody mary's and great beer list! The Rueben was awesome!
(5)Samantha K.
Food was excellent! We had a homemade pretzel for an app and the fried vegetable juicy Lucy and bison ribeye for dinner. The ribeye was HUGE. We sat on the patio which was just a great laid back atmosphere. Highly recommend and will definitely come back again.
(5)Matt G.
Great place, packed at night for drinks. Beer glasses are HUGE.
(5)William S.
My go to place for Sunday Brunch, always finding something interesting to eat and they know me enough to suggest something unique off the beer list. Great Jazz combo on Sunday, so a must come to spot!!!
(5)Matt M.
I met coworkers here on a busy Friday night and I'm so glad we started the night here. Phenomenal beer selection, best taps in town. Our server was ridiculously knowledgable and helpful which made the experience that much more enjoyable. Try the fried pickled veggies and the pretzel! You won't regret it. I'll be back!
(5)Nancy H.
We did not stay to eat the place was so loud we could not stand it. No music playing just people talking.
(1)Elena M.
I went here for the first time for a special event last month, my friend's wedding reception. The service we received from the bartender was the worst I've ever experienced, she lacked all people skills, and couldn't even correctly do her job. I just wanted to enjoy this special day of my friends, and her attitude really ruined it for me. She forgot to charge us the first time (we weren't sure if it was open bar or not & didn't see her charging others). Then at the end she gave us the complete wrong bill. I asked for a correct one. She couldn't do that for me and instead gave me a bill with just a dollar amount owed and no breakdown. Then told me if I paid the wrong bill it would have been cheaper for me. I was shocked at the lack of basic bar-tending skills, and people skills from this woman. The worst. I do not recommenced trying your luck at this "Happy Gnome" which the workers are far from happy. Take your hard earned money elsewhere. The details: My fiance and I ordered 1 drink each (I ordered a "house red"). We received them, and waited for her to give us an amount we owed. Basic bar-tending etiquette is when you hand someone a drink, you give the amount they owe right away, or ask about opening a tab. It is how it's always done. The bar was not busy. Someone else came up to order a drink and she started on that. We waited a few minutes, wondering if maybe it was an open bar reception and that is why she did not give us an amount owed. To make sure, my fiance went over to the tip jar and put money in. The bartender looked like she saw him do that, but of course again did not say anything, especially not a thank you. I went over later to order another "house red". She then asked me, "Did you start a tab with me before?" No..."Ya I turned around and you guys were gone" (hmmm...because we had waited about 5 minutes without you saying anything to us after giving us our drinks, I guess that was our fault for not paying when we weren't sure if it was open bar or not, and you didn't seem to be charging anyone that we could see?) So I started a tab. When I went to close it out, there were 3 drinks on it total, but not what we ordered. I got her attention and I politely told her this isn't the correct bill, it should be 2 house reds and a cider. She went over to the computer and came back with a total that was even more than the first bill, except there was no breakdown of any prices, just a total amount, weird. I wanted to get her attention to ask how much everything was as I was surprised about the amount of 2 house reds (which should be the cheapest glass of red wine you have, and a cheap cider). She went to the computer and was intently looking at it for a good 5-10 mins (could you be more obvious you are ignoring us?) When we finally got her attention and asked, she said house wines are $10. (I've never heard of house wines being $10, even at much more upscale places, this is a local pub like place and was expecting more in the normal $6-$8 range.) Then with an annoyed tone she told me, "If you just paid this bill (THE WRONG BILL she first gave me) it was a dollar cheaper." So it seemed like she was giving me attitude and overcharging me for things that were her fault in the first place! I was shocked that she said that, and did not want to make a scene at my friend's wedding reception. So I just left it. I called The Happy Gnome to inquire how much they charge for a house red typically. Turns out they don't have house wines. That would have been nice to know from the bartender, or to see a wine list possibly. If I messed up a bill or an order, I would apologize and correct it. No apology from her, just attitude for making her aware of her mistakes. This place left a bad feeling on me because of this bartender and I will not be back. And I would still like to know what she really charged me for!
(1)Gary H.
I came in on a Monday evening recently for a beer and was disappointed that there was no happy hour. The servers were friendly and professional. It was very crowded and LOUD for a Monday, so it was hard to visit with my friend. He enjoyed his food. I would come back and try a meal sometime.
(3)Aaron R.
I couldn't picture a more ideal setting to enjoy a craft beer than on the patio at the Happy Gnome. A very cozy, wooden deck with a lot of character. However, some of the tables on the patio are far too close together to the point where it's awkward. We got the same table each time and it's literally right next to another table. The entire time I was filtering everything I was trying to say to my wife before I said it because I didn't want anything to come out that I didn't want the table next to me to hear. It shouldn't be that way. I'd much rather wait a little longer for a table then get one right away, two feet (literally) from someone else. Hopefully they rethink their patio floor plan. The server was very nice and inviting. Pleasant without it being too much. The mussels were sadly very disappointing. EXTREMELY small and the white wine sauce was pretty plain. Our meals came out half way through the appetizer. Sad face to that :( The ailoi for the burgers are extraordinary! They are on the sweeter side so just keep that in mind. Overall: there were definitely some disappointing parts of the experience and because of all that I was thinking about giving only three stars. However, the concept of the restaurant (77 tap beers with chef-inspired food) couldn't be better. Plus, they recently changed all their taps to local brews! That all brought it back to four stars and I hope I can change it to five someday because i do believe in this place. I mean, to be serious, with all the amazing breweries we have in MN there's NO reason to be importing from other states or other countries for that matter. MN brews are just as good and, because they're so close, FRESHER! People really have to understand that and it looks like Happy Gnome does, so good job!
(4)Leo B.
Just had the game burger and a chouffe Nice beer and although the beer was great, the burger was just ok. Hearing a lot of good things about this burger I had high hopes, but sadly I wasn't impressed. First off they made a mistake with my burger giving me cheddar cheese instead of blue cheese, then they also added the bbq beef on top. I was told that the chefs just made a mistake. But I think they gave me the wrong burger. I ate it nonetheless and its was juicy and good flavor, but just not what I ordered. Walked away really not feeling fulfilled.
(3)Jens M.
Sunday, NOT. Been here waiting for 40 minutes for my food, it arrived raw, had to turn it back. How can you go wrong with a burger????? Like the place at night not during brunch. In fact I am hating the place.
(2)Thuy T.
Always great food, beer, and ambiance!! We love this place. We booked their banquet room upstairs for our Wedding Rehearsal Dinner and everyone just loved the food. Beer selection here is endless.
(5)Joshua F.
This place is nice, but spendy. The wait staff uses their manners, but they don't seem enthusiastic about it. If the place was named after the wait staff's attitudes, I think it would be called, "The Irritated Gnome." The food is great. There is a nice variety, but not so much that it's overwhelming. A burger/sandwich costs about $15 to $20. A meat entree costs about $30 to $40 per plate.
(4)Kate M.
The food is always the bomb and I love the variety of local brews on tap. The bar area is awesome and fills fast. The entree's tend to be a tad pricey but the service and ambience is great!
(4)Jonathan T.
If you live in the Saint Paul area, attending the Happy Gnome is an absolute must. The classy pub atmosphere and decor are great. But most importantly, the food is awesome. My server recommended the steak tar tar and the bison burger. Oh my goodness, both were incredible. I left with my tummy full and a big grin on my face. Although I would love to rate this place five stars, the service could of been better. Other than that, I would highly recommend this place.
(4)Greg S.
Once again, this place is on top of its game. I'm from Atlanta and visit the Twin Cities occasionally. I found this place about 5 years ago and have now eaten here 5 times. I went for the Sunday Brunch this time on a very blustery COLD February morning. We started with the Pork Tots - a magnificent creation of ham hock, bacon, broccolinni and cheese lightly fried in the shape of a big tator tot. It came with a homemade bacon ketchup. It was true bliss!! Next I split the poutine and the baked cinnamon French toast with my sister. These were delectable in every sense imaginable. The poutine consisted of cube shaped home fried potatoes with andouille sausage topped with cheese curds, gravy, bacon and topped with a fried egg. If you don't like that combo, you have never eaten the Gnome's poutine !!!! The French toast was huge and topped with pear compote and a cream cheese whipped cream that was out of this world. The maple syrup was the right touch. It gets better and better EVERYTIME at the Happy Gnome
(5)Kara F.
Best spinach salad I've ever had. Period. Complete with watermelon, goat cheese and a balsamic vinaigrette. I'll be back for it as soon as humanly possible.
(5)Benjamin D.
Been here several times, always alone and sat at the bar. Love the nice, large selection of beer. Bartender could be more knowledgeable on what they serve. Friendly, offering info they do have and offering small samples make up for the lack of knowledge. I had an elk burger and a bison burger, both served with a slightly sweet berry sauce that complements the meat incredibly well. Ambiance is nice, place is usually quite full. I wish I lived closer or else I would happily go more often.
(5)Steve M.
I don't care for it here. Their vibe seems unhappy. I've sat at the bar 3 times and asked for bartenders to turn the Twins game on only to get a snotty attitude from them about it. Food is usually decent but servers and bartenders are not friendly and the vibe just feels negative. Put some smiles on the employees faces, that may help. When craving a burger and good beer I'm sticking with Red Cow even though they always have wait.
(2)Ryan F.
Finally got a chance to check the place out meeting a client. Amazing beer list! Food looked good but only had a pretzel-the mustard sauce with it was great. Got there early and snagged a booth-only gripe is although my client and I must have had 8-9 beers the server seemed like he was itching to turn the table. This was on the bar side, not the dining room side, so this was a little oft-putting. It is also very loud in the bar side, FYI. Parking is easy, and the staff for the most part was really friendly. I will go back for a meal and update my review then.
(3)Whitney F.
The Happy Gnome makes the daunting trip over the river into what I sometimes think of as Mexico, not only tolerable but a trek I look forward to. This visit was on a Saturday night with a girlfriend to catch up over yummy eats and drinks. The HG can be a hodgepodge of whatever you want it to be. Date night? Check. Place to bring your parents for a nice meal? check. Grab a beer at the bar and watch a game? check. At 730 there were a few tables available for 2 - however we chose to wait and hawk a seat at the more lively bar area. Quickly found a big booth and sprawled out after ordering two glasses of the "adventurous red". HG has the best beerlist in the cities, but the wine selection is nothing to steer away from. We split the burrata... a-maz-ing. I could have enjoyed a meal of a ball of mozz and crackers. I ordered the typical mussels and my pal went with the duck pappardelle. Both portions were HUGE and we were delighted to take some home for leftovers. Any Yelpers need an excuse to bop over to Cathedral hill? I'm your girl.
(5)Kyle H.
Great beer selection and food is pretty darn good. We only stuck with appetizers because entrees were quite expensive.
(4)Katie B.
The Happy Gnome never fails or falls short of delivering a wonderful dining or happy hour experience. The menu is really well out together and not once have I had a dish that didn't make my mouth do a little dance. The beer list offers a wide variety to please most anyone and I was impressed with the scotch whiskey list as well. This has been one of my favorite spots to meet with friend, coworkers or enjoy an evening with that special someone! The Game Burger is easily one of my favorites and if they ever cease to make the butternut squash ravioli I will have to go into mourning. The Poutine is not bad- definitely give it a go and decide for yourself. In summer, the outside deck and dining area is really lovely but call ahead to make a reservation or you'll likely be out of luck!
(5)Sichen G.
Really a big fan of this place. It has so many beers that you don't know which one you should pick. They all really good. And the food there is good too. Has some very special food that you can't find in other places. Tried the boar and bison. those are really juicy and tender. Good place to go.
(5)Natalie F.
Excellent beer selection separated on the menu by flavor profile & none of the hipster guys will b getting on ur nerves & not leaving you alone so prolly a good place to come with ur girlfriends :)
(4)Susan G.
This is my second time here and I have not been disappointed. The mussels were wonderful and the game hen was fabulous!
(5)Brad K.
The food and WAITER service was absolutely perfect at this restaurant. The menu was some of the most unique and delicious food I have ever eaten. I was beyond impressed and it is up there with some of the best places I have ever eaten... So why only 2-stars and not 5? Let me explain... The night we went to this restaurant we came here for dinner and to have some drinks to celebrate a friends birthday. I went to the bar to order some Fireball shots and I could not have gotten a worse response from the bartender. His response was a short, almost angry: "nope don't have it, but we have a few hundred other liquors you could try instead". I replied "Wow I'm surprised with that many liquors fireball isn't one of them". And he said "if you want fireball maybe you could leave and go to Fern's".(Fern's is a bar half a block up the road). So yeah this jerk bartender (a shorter guy, wish I remembered his name) drove us to leave Happy Gnome and spend our money at Fern's. The long and short of it was this ONE guy overshadowed the amazing dining experience we had up until that moment. With that in mind I don't think I will dine at this restaurant again...
(2)Parry D.
Great menu and beer. One of the best bars in the Twin Cities. No better place to roll in for a quick beer or sit a in booth and have a long delicious dinner.
(5)Nancy H.
Serious beer lovers will appreciate the variety of QUALITY brews. This is not a place for watered down American 'beer'. Staff know the menu if you need suggestions on what you prefer in a beer. Steamed mussels are good as well as the apple w/ blue cheese salad. The lobster Mac and Cheese is not what it says but rather pasta swimming in Alfredo sauce. The bar area has a great presentation with large windows and old arcitecture. It also has booth seating. The back room is best for families or large parties. Overall, we really like Happy Gnome and we are not alone. Go and relax. This is not a place to rush through your meal. Enjoy!
(4)Tabi D.
Awesome restaurant, no wait, great food and the staff were awesome! They were always smiling very helpful I will definantly be coming back
(4)Annie P.
Still not impressed. Asked our server Helene, to recommend their best appetizer. She said go with the pretzel and cheese. Reminded me of the pretzels I used to get at the food court in the Malls when I was a teenager. Ordered Duck burger which had wonderful flavor, but a little over salted. Hubby had Elk burger. It was good, hand cut fries were crispy. Great tap beers. Our server Helene was odd and made us feel a bit like a burden. Next time I'm craving a burger I'll stick with Red Cow.
(3)Annie D.
I hadn't been to the Gnome in a long time, but I came with my almost-cousins-in-law for a big goodbye party for my almost-sister-in-law. It was actually supposed to be a happy hour outing, but then we got there and found out they don't technically have a happy hour. Sad face, but we got over it. I grabbed a pint of Indeed's Stir Crazy Ale (smooth and wintry and delightful) and a big, fat pile of poutine. It was freezing cold outside and I can't think of a better warmer. We also tried the dry rubbed wings (very good) and the beet salad with citrus, goat cheese and walnut vinaigrette. Between that and the poutine, it was plenty of food for three of us to split. And back to the poutine. It's an epic three-hog poutine, with sausage gravy, bacon and pork belly atop French fries. Oh, and fresh cheese curds all melty on the top. The service was excellent and especially patient with our large party of indecisive drink orderers. The beer list is just too long and beautiful to decide quickly. What's great about it is that they include more detailed descriptions of each beer, so you can make a more informed decision without having to bother the staff about the DOZENS of taps available. Our server was also thoughtful enough to ask us how we'd like our bill split at the end---much appreciated. We were in the dining room because that's the only place they could fit 10 of us, but the bar space is distinct (and busy) and they have a party room upstairs for private events. I don't come to this gastropub often enough, but it's one of those always-appropriate places for any occasion, from your mom's birthday to a first date to a night out with the (well-behaved) kids. We even brought a (VERY well-behaved) baby. Other highlights from other trips: Bloody Mary bar, the egg sandwich at brunch, the tree-shaded PATIO (one of the best in St. Paul for sure).
(4)Rikki L.
The Happy Gnome is fantastic. The menu is unique and tasty, everything we ordered was well prepared. The beer selection is second to none, every palette has a choice, it is the best selection of beer I've happened across in MSP. Top it all off with great service and you can't go wrong when choosing The Happy Gnome.
(5)Scott K.
Unbelievable beers with great food and service. Shhhh. . .don't tell anyone or it might get busier.
(5)Barclay W.
First time we came here was just for the beer, second time we came here was for the beer and the food. The beer: My god what can I say about the beer here. It is a craft beer drinker heaven. You get a really solid variety for a great price. The bartenders are also very knowledgeable about what kinds of beers you might like. I appreciate that they actually take the time to know something about their massive selection. The food: Classic comfort/pub food taken to a new level. Duck burgers and wild boar chops? Yummmm. It is a very comforting but innovate taste. I think everyone left the table rubbing their bellies with happiness.
(4)Hannah G.
A+ for the small bites & beer selection, D- for the lack of happy hour. That is truly the only reason I'm not here more often! I love the Happy Gnome- the gastropub atmosphere, the HUGE beer list, and the ahhhhmazing hot pretzel. You guys- order the hot pretzel. You will NOT be disappointed. Just wish they had some occasional specials!
(4)Whitney G.
Fresh, fresh, and fresh! The food here was excellent, and though some of their menu items are on the high end, there is plenty to choose from no matter your budget. I was pleasantly surprised by the size of the salad I ordered, there was plenty to take home! We also ordered their bread basket, and let me tell ya, the whipped garlic butter was killer. Definitely going to return soon!
(4)Keith S.
I just love their patio. I rarely visit in the winter since it's usually pretty busy and there's not much space. We came by for some drinks, both of us forgot our glasses. Man, getting old. So we had the server suggest beers from their very extensive list. He was more than happy to and seemed to thoroughly enjoy the task. Great service. Haven't eaten here too recently but have in the past. Food has been good. Not great. But good. Nice to have a parking lot opposed to the street parking for most spots in this area.
(4)Jerry B.
Went here for the first time this weekend, and it was a great experience. I absolutely love the craft selections, if only I could recall the drinks I had... However, what I did remember was that the duck burger was delicious!!! A great place to refer to a friend who is new to the area or just looking for a trendy chill place to eat and drink. Anyway, If you're planning to go friday/saturday, be sure to make reservations if you want a table, otherwise you will most likely end up at the bar. I made reservations the day of attending The Happy Gnome through opentable for a friday night without any hassle.
(5)M L.
I love the Happy Gnome so much! Their awesomeness doesn't stop at 76 craft beers on tap. The Sunday Bloody Mary bar is easily the most expansive spread (with house made mixes!) I've ever seen. Their food is consistently incredible--whether it's the steak tartare, cheese selections or poutine, it's always top notch. And the duck burger?! Out of this world! When we're in the Twin Cities, it's not a matter of IF we're going to the Happy Gnome, it's WHEN.
(5)Patrick M.
The Happy Gnome and the Muddy Pig seem to be mentioned together a lot. The Happy Gnome has a slightly better beer menu, food menu and is generally a tad more upscale than its counterpart. Naturally, it is a little more expensive than The Muddy Pig. This place is so close to being a five-star-knock-your-socks-off-so-good-I-don't-Âmind-waiting-two-hours-to-get-a-table type place it is almost a little frustrating. The Good: -Beer selection. The best I've come across just about anywhere. Not just in the Twin Cities. -Servers. Our serve was friendly, accommodating, and always available when we needed him without being obtrusive. -The Food. Food here is delicious with many different options on the menu less common than what you find elsewhere. -The atmosphere. Dark, intimate, cozy. Perfect for sipping an exotic beer or a smooth whisky. More akin to a Ruth's Chris than a neighborhood pub. -Plating. Thankfully, they have their plating timing down perfectly. Out entrees came out shortly after we finished our appetizers and NOT before. This seems like such a hard thing for restaurants to figure out and I'm glad they have it locked down at The Happy Gnome. My main gripe with this place is that it seems to have a slight identity crisis. Is it a pub or an upscale restaurant? Is it casual or white cloth table service? Is this a kid friendly place or not? I guess that last one is not really in the restaurant's control. They charge you for a bread basket for the table, give it a fancy name and deliver store bought, cold bread. It is totally acceptable to wear a dinner jacket or a Wild jersey and trucker hat. As soon as you put the last bite of food from your plate in your mouth a hurried employee will swoop in from the shadows and nervously ask if they can take your plate. Their eyes meet yours and plead with you to comply. I'm sorry. Am I eatring too slow? Have I overstayed our welcome? Need to turn the table? This shit drives me nuts and knocks a bit of the cool, relaxed pace out of a dining experience. We would have stayed for another round of drinks if it didn't feel like they needed the table. All gripes aside, this is still a fantastic place to eat, drink, and be merry. I'm glad that we made the trip to St Paul and I'm sure we'll be back again.
(4)Danielle L.
Went here for dinner and drinks with my sister and we loved it! The duck burger was fantastic, the have a great beer selection and we both really liked the ambience. Mew did not have reservations but we found seats at the bar so we didn't have to wait for a seat. Recommend making reservations if you really want a table, but you get the full menu at the bar so no biggie. We started with the tempura veggies which were tasty but only included 2 veggies. Also had dessert -- bread pudding which was very good and the creme brûlée which was just ok. My only complaint is with the hostesses. We were ignored by both hostesses who were apparently far too engaged in their own conversation to actually do what they were hired to do -- greet & seat their customers. We were finally acknowledged after my sister cleared her throat to get their attention.
(4)Andrea S.
I ordered take out so I can't give a very in depth review on anything beyond the food. We ordered an appetizer, a main dish and a veggie. We got there in the aloted time and ended up having to wait for the food. When they finally brought us our food it was cold, I don't even know how that's possible since we were waiting for it. The food was okay but over priced, 8$ for 5 pieces of over cooked asparagus is just ridiculous.
(3)Heather B.
Oh, Happy Gnome, how happy I am to have found you! Since relocating to the Twin Cities, I've been on the hunt for a truly great beer bar. I've tried many and been disappointed by either the quality of beers on tap (200 beers on tap is great, but when most of them are some incarnation of Budweiser, I'm not impressed), the variety of beers on tap, or the availability of beers on tap (don't list your selection of great beer and then every time I try to order one be OUT). The Happy Gnome is guilty of none of these things. They have an amazing variety of craft brew and even better, an excellent staff who is knowledgeable about the available beer and can perfectly direct you to exactly what you're craving. To be honest, they had me at the beer selection, alone. But then we tried the food. We've never had a full on dinner here, just ordered various bar snacks. Some highlights were the quail wings, poutine, and pretzels. It's clearly elevated bar fare that might not be everyone's cup of tea. If you are an adventurous eater who loves great flavor, this place is for you! I'm hoping to be hungry enough one day to try the duck burger: word on the street is that it's amazing.
(5)Katie K.
My husband and I call this place the grumpy gnome because of two bad experiences we've had here. The first was when we showed up for dinner and the host looked critically at us as if to say, "I don't think you're good enough for this place." She repeatedly asked us if we were going to order dinner before she sat us at a table. The second time, we came with a group of friends around 9pm and asked to sit on the patio to take advantage of a beautiful summer night. The outside host refused to push tables together to accommodate us because we might "bother the diners." I'm not sure how many of them were eating dinner at 9pm but she made it clear that we weren't up to her standard. We don't plan on returning here even though it's within walking distance from our apartment.
(1)David W.
Great craft beer selection!
(5)Amy T.
Love the foie gras meatballs and the patio is nice on a sunny day. It's has an upbeat bar with lots of beers! The bar can get a bit busy on the weekend nights. Street parking or there is a parking lot next to the building as well.
(4)Jess F.
The beer! Oh, the beer! Time to get your beer on because gnomes drink beers of all kinds and for all tastes! Sadly, I didn't have any of the food, but even if the food sucks (which I'm sure it doesn't form the looks of the menu), I'd still be a fan of The Happy Gnome because they have all the beers I want on tap, and they're happy to sample you anything they have. Now that's just plain awesome.
(4)Marsha W.
Some people love this place. I don't. I call this pub "The Crappy Gnome" because it has basically zero menu options for someone who is vegetarian and gluten-free like me. Drink menu is subpar. Wait staff is pretty nice. It's always so crowded in here which I can't understand. The patio is nice in the Spring/Summer/Fall. I think some Happy Gnome patrons must have pissed off the neighboring Curling Club next door because they seem to have partitioned off the parking lot to make it much smaller for Happy Gnome folks and parking has gotten quite bad here.
(2)Lisa M.
Attitude + slow ass service = not my kind of place. Cripes! 1 server for the whole patio?! Went to lunch at the Happy Gnome on the patio and I was completely underwhelmed. We arrived at 11:30 and were the only people out there. Server was very prompt to get our drinks, answer questions and take our order. That's where it ended. I counted - 5 tables came in after us and got their food at the same time we did. It was over 30 minutes until we got our food. And, only 2 of the 5 of us had items that needed to be cooked. Others got lobster rolls and salads. I ordered the BBQ Chicken sandwich and the taste was okay. It had BBQ sauce, cheese, some shredded spinach and chipotle cream cheese on a nice size bun. The combo of flavor was good and the fries were decent, albeit a little cold and soggy, but the chicken had a rubbery texture to it. I can't put my finger on what the deal was, but it was strange. I planned on taking it out of the bun anyway, which is good, because I bet I would have not been able to bite it. We waited way too long for the food and the check. 2 of the tables to get there after us, were out the door before we were. The poor girl was working the whole patio alone. When I called to make note of this at 1:15, I got, "Yeah, we remedied that, so if you had to wait, sorry about that. We have 2 out there now." That's all well and good, but the lunch rush is over. Seems like a waste to me. I think if you're going to charge $12 for a sandwich at lunch, it should be a fantastic sandwich, with hot non soggy fries and should be served quicker than a 30 minute wait. Sorry Gnome, if I were a beer drinker, maybe, but you just don't appeal to me. I'm giving them 2 stars for the creative menu choices and the server who actually was quite nice.
(2)Sarah B.
By far my favorite bar and restaurant in the area. I live a block away, but I would travel much further to eat here and sample the beer selection. Honestly, I selected my condo partly in its proximity to the Happy Gnome. The menu is seasonal and rotating, so it is impossible to get bored with the options. The brunch is phenomenal; my only complaint is that it isn't available on Saturdays. The Bloody Mary bar is excellent. Great patio; great food; great beer. What more could you want?
(5)D S.
We were looking for someplace new and a bit unique, after reading a few reviews we met two other couples here on a Sunday afternoon. Tried several craft beers from a huge selection, waitress was very helpful. I loved the cucumber habanero infused cider. Soups were pretty good, high marks for the chicken/kale and wild rice. The lobster bisque was a bit heavy on the tomato, light on the lobster, and lacked the creaminess we were looking for. We had several different main courses, lamb sausage was ok, duck burger excellent (cherry aioli fantastic), sliders with jalapeño cream cheese excellent, steak tartare incredibly flavorful with the quail egg giving it a wonderful richness. For dessert we had coconut cream pie parfait just ok, creme brûlée ok (little dense, not smooth and creamy), gingerbread with roasted pears fantastic. Overall great experience, nice atmosphere, easy parking, great service, we will be back!
(4)Sue S.
Happy Gnome is one of those places in the neighborhood that I've always wanted to try but always seems so dang busy. But we went on a Monday night and found the dining room pleasantly half-empty. Beer selection is solid and a lot of fun. This would be a fabulous place to sit and leisurely sample some beers and eat some good food. Dinner-wise we had an excellent time. It's a very "foodie's foodie" kind of place. So expect a little bit of froo-froo and a little bit of price to go with it. But still totally worth checking out every now and again. If I had to do it again, I really might just consider ordering meats and cheeses (charcuterie style) and just forgoing all actual entrees. We ordered one meat and one cheese (the one with truffles in it) and were delighted with the presentation, accompaniments, etc. I loved the balsamic and hazelnuts with the cheese. Honestly, I'd be pretty dang happy with a couple of cheeses, a couple of meats, a big pile of bread and a few good beers. The one criticism is that the timing was lacking a little. We took our time with our charcuterie but the wait staff and kitchen didn't seem to notice. Our entrees arrived when we were still working, and the net result was about six plates being squished onto a two-top table, and us rushing through the end of the cheese and meat so that our entrees didn't get too cold. I wish they'd timed the meal better, especially given that it was not all that busy. Sill, high marks. A really nice place if you can catch it on a slow night.
(4)Michael F.
Great beer selection. They print new beer lists every night our server tonight said when he came in this morning there were 15 new beers on tap. The food was adventurous and interesting but I wouldn't come back for the food alone. The pretzels and cheese dip tasted like a gas station cheese and bean burrito (our booth buddies strongly disagreed), while the duck burger with goat cheese that I had was definitely not beef or turkey and was tasty in its own right, tho I will say I did add ketchup (tho I do that to pretty much everything). Overall, great place for beer and whiskey with slightly overpriced food. A good 27th birthday all around.
(4)Kristi C.
Sunday food heaven in two words...Duck Burger. How can something topped with goat cheese & bacon be anything else? Boulevard Chocolate Ale, if you love dark chocolate, try it. Or any other of their drafts or bottles, there's something here for everyone. Our server was enthusiastic, friendly and attentive. I'll be back for sure!!
(5)Abe M.
I've been here a few times now. Last night was the best by far. The night was perfect for a meal on the patio. No bugs and the temperature was comfortable. The server was great! The food came out at a good time...with one psych-out. It was actually for another table. It was busy so it's understandable. I ordered the Fatty Bablatty beer to go with my Marlin sandwich. Both were good. The fries were a little limp for my taste, but still delicious. The highlight was definitely my ketchup. It had some spice to it that gives it a nice little kick. I love the huge variety of beers they have. There is always something new to try.
(4)Rachel E.
I would have given the Happy Gnome a 4, but I can't even remember what I ate, which just goes to show how memorable the meal was. I went with a large group and we had a wonderful time. Although it took an hour and a half, the patio table was well worth the wait. Everyone, including myself, enjoyed our food but if we're being honest, the food is over-priced given the pub ambiance. On the plus side, they have an extensive selection of beers and ciders (try the pear cider!).
(3)Luke M.
Great food and fun patio! Very fresh made from scratch food and solid presentation. The service was just decent, could have been better. Awesome beer selection as well. We loved the burgers, fries and pretzels and cheese! Chicken wild rice soup was good too
(4)Randall N.
Do you like beer? Does your definition of beer include Coors, High Life, Budweiser or Michelob? If so stay away from here. this is not your watering hole. If you can follow me when I talk about stout, porter, saison, lambic and hefewiesen come here. If you know what Pliny the Elder means...come here. If not, this is probably not the type of place you want to be for drinking. Sure they have Surly, Summit and Fulton style beers on tap but most places do and it's probably cheaper. This place should go in the "snobby beer drinkers HOF". I know they sell food but I can't speak about it. The people I was with enjoyed their food but I only drank. They mostly drank too to be honest with you. This place is for true lovers of craft beer. Decor is awesome too. Masculine and pub feeling!
(5)Andrew B.
I used to come here a lot, but not anymore, because it's always so damned packed. Well known for the beer at this point. The patio is above average with a cozy fireplace, and the menu is oddly upscale with an attempt to be modern. It's a futile to try to stay current with beer list; too much beer everywhere.
(4)Jared K.
Great outdoor seating, massive beer selection, and great and changing menu. The only problem is when it's busy it's hard to find a spot inside!
(5)Salinee H.
5 stars for beer selection and atmosphere. 3 stars for food. I was a little disappointed in the menu....I liked what I ordered but the selection was a little lacking. I guess sometimes when I'm at a bar, I just want bar food and not all the fancy stuff they have here. I usually just come for drinks and the selection here is the best. I'm always impressed with how much the servers know about the beer, especially since it's a rotating selection. It's still one of my favorite neighborhood spots in my parents 'hood. PS ~ no happy hour at the Gnome....even a minimal deal would be nice.
(4)Jim M.
I've probably been to this place a hundred times over the past 15 years. It is pretentious beyond belief. They actually have dinners here that cost $40+. That's insane. If I wanted a nice dinner, this is absolutely the last place on earth I would even consider. On the positive side, it's a great atmosphere inside and out and a great beer menu. I often come here and have a few drinks and then go somewhere good for food. The menu is like a farce of how phony a place can be. But it's always packed and I think it fits a great niche in St. Paul for people who really love to pay the maximum possible because they assume that equals high quality.
(1)Natalie R.
The cheese plate was delicious. The duck burger was rich and delicious... incredible. I had a beer with each course, but couldn't tell you what kind except for that I wanted to try every kind. The oatmeal stout vanilla brownie float was everything I dreamer of in a beer float. Go, and eat and drink as much as you can.
(4)Steven P.
While at the Happy Gnome I only drank, but I drank great beer! They have a huge list of beers and from what I hear the food is amazing too!
(4)Ingrid H.
Stopped here for dinner on a Sunday night. Thanks to Yelp, we heard the patio was nice so we asked to sit outside. While we waited, we went inside to order a beer at the bar. As many other reviewers have noted, The Happy Gnome has a pretty incredible beer selection--over 70 craft beers on tap! The patio is nothing fancy, but it's really nice and very comfortable. You almost forget you're in St. Paul thanks to all the trees. I ordered the Fried Vegetable Juicy Lucy and the others ordered the Grilled Duck Burger, Grilled Marlin Sandwich, and the MN Game Burger. Everything was really, really good, and I liked the fact that they were creative with the burgers & assorted toppings. I would definitely recommend this place!
(5)Weston K.
Where to begin... This establishment has it all. Starting with the beer list, it's unreal and any fan of micro-brews will be 100% satisfied. Try out Very Angry Beast by Clown Shoes Brewing...top notch. Bison corn dogs, crab cake, and cheese platter (up to 5 different varieties) are all great appetizers. The chicken sandwich is out of this world. favorite of ours in the St. Paul area with an extraordinary service and a mind bending menu. Check it out.
(5)Ngoc N.
I've been working in St. Paul for 3 years now and I didn't go to the Happy Gnome until last week! What is wrong with me? I don't know. The have an awesome patio/deck. I went there with a handful of co-workers for happy hour. It was one of the cooler days this summer and was simply perfect to sit out there with a beer. I tried their Raspberry Ale which was alright. I'm not a beer drinker so I wouldn't know how to really judge it. Their beer list is quite impressive though...made me feel compelled to order a beer. For food, I had the steamed mussels. Mussels were cooked perfectly and the broth that it was cooked in...simply perfect. :) Yummy in my tummy. There were a lot of other interesting things on the menu that I definitely have to go back to try soon. I really wasn't inside, so I can't speak to what it's like there. Cathedral Hill has some real treasures around there.
(4)Karl H.
The best burger you'll ever have at a place with one of the best beer lists in MN. If that wasn't clear... I have never had a better burger anywhere else and when you throw in some amazing beers to wash it down... awh gawd... excuse me for a moment... I've not had anything but the burgers and the cheese plater here but along with awesome craft/import beers (lots of them, like tons) and some friendly service I call that 5 stars. I preferred the angus burger slightly over the MN game burger but both are great. I'm floored that no one has mentioned this place in yelps best burger threads. If you like it rare, this place actually does that, and doesn't F it up. If you're not there early (like any day of the week) you might have to get ninja with your parking skills. The place is always packed but it's obvious why.
(5)Cici K.
Tried their game burger, and it was amazing. Nothing beats their Crunchy fries. Tomato heirloom salad was so good! If I am ever back in the area, this is the first place I'm headed!
(4)S R.
Rating for beer only: Excellent selection!!! I've seen larger selections, but few with so many high quality beers. Had a Deschutes Obsidian on Nitro, a Rogue Double Dead Guy, and a Founders Breakfast Stout. All hard to find in this part of the country; all very good. My colleagues had dinner and my sample rocked. I will be back. Second trip was even better than the first. Cant wait to go back.
(5)Karin M.
If it's Sunday, that can only mean a bloody Mary bar is soon to be had. The offerings for the Bloody Mary toppings ranged from great to strange - celery, meat, cheese, pickles, and olives were great...sour patch and skittles were strange. Warning - The spicy mix had a nice kick to it. Brunch menu had some interesting offerings however it was very limited. After a night of cocktails, the Bloody Mary hit the spot; however the food just wasn't sounding great (maybe next time) They had a few guys playing jazz which was a nice touch as they were quite good
(3)Elissa K.
Someone fell asleep at the fryer. From our, not supposed, to be blackened dry rub wings to the blah fried veggie juicy Lucy, everything came over fried and dry. Even the French fries were super greasy and over crisped. Bummer since I talked my husband into going along with my reservation. The patio was great and our servers were both very friendly but it takes more than a ton of great beers to make a place more than a bar.
(2)Crysta M.
Quite easily the best chicken and wild rice soup I've had. Plus an enormous amount of beer to choose from. The waitstaff was very friendly and the atmosphere was laid back and pleasant. If you've got some money burn they also have a large selection of some incredibly delicious single malt scotch whiskeys. Over 40 year Balvenie, oh dear god I wish I was filthy rich! Until then I'll stick with my Left Hand Milk Stout and still be very happy. But not a gnome, too tall for that.
(5)Charles T.
Never in my life have I had so many different, amazing beers in such succession. And even though I went for the beer, the food turned out to be incredible. The beer list gets changed out every day to reflect additions and outages; so you may never have the exact same selection twice; but I can hardly even imagine needing to drink the same beer twice anyway. Everything I consumed here was 5 stars, and as much as I enjoyed each beer, there was always another on the menu that piqued my interest enough to overcome the desire to repeat. RECOMMENDATIONS: - Beer (in order of deliciousness) - Boulevard Chocolate Ale (this will change your life) - Left Hand Smoke Jumper - Tyranena Devil Made Me Do It - New Holland Dragon's Milk - Summit Oatmeal Stout - Food - Warm spinach salad - Duck burger
(5)Benjamin S.
this is where I take friends to explain what new American cuisine is. The Gnome's fantastic beer selection, dynamic menu, and beautiful patio make it a wholeheartedly enjoyable dining experience. This is one of the few restaurants where everything on the menu appeals to me. Thankfully, the small plates option encourages sharing and experimentation - I almost always end up trying something new. The Happy Gnome fulfills my penchant for adventurous eating, and I know I'll keep coming back.
(5)Michelle V.
Oh Wow. This place is so good! A nice casual atmosphere with a foodie's touch. This past Saturday night, we stumbled over to the Happy Gnome after imbibing large amounts of Vodka shots, and decided to try this out. We sat at the bar. First of all, we loved the beer menu. My husband was giddy with anticipation with all the fabulous beers. He was impressed that they had a Rodenbach Grand Cru and even a Kwak with the appropriate beer glass. As for the food, the small plates (steak tartare served with grilled baguettes and the foie gras stuffed quail) were a true surprise at how delicious they were. Also very good was the MN Game burger (bison/elk) although we should have listened to the bartender when he suggested to order it medium (as the meat is not too fatty and dries out fast). I only wish I had more room to order the Roasted Pheasant! The bartenders were knowledgeable, helpful and into their jobs. What's interesting, is that they recognized when we had reached our limit and nicely said that they were "cutting us off"...which I appreciate. We enjoyed ourselves and the food very very much. A Gastropub at its best.
(4)Jill V.
Great beer list, great ambiance but not the greatest service. We sat at the bar, and were not greeted for several minutes. We asked about a beer and rather than offering a sample, he said "I don't know; I haven't tried it."
(2)Warner C.
GNOME G-Get off your ass N-No way you can try all the beer O-Others will follow you in M-If they wont, contact me, I will E-Everything is great at the GNOME
(5)Erin Z.
This place is fantastic. The beer menu is overwhelming with some rare and impressing choices. The bar, although a bit crowded, was full service. The veggie pizza was heavenly. Great service and knowledgeable staff.
(5)Sippy P.
We've anticipated dining at the Happy Gnome for a few months now. Their game burger was voted one of the best things to eat in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. We are big beer enthusiasts so the beer menu also had us excited. We got there around 11:30 after making reservations online a couple days earlier. The bartender who was also our waiter gave us a half smile and asked where we wanted to sit. He didn't seem like he wanted to be there. We chose a table near the large windows so we could have a good view outside. There were lots of gross crumbs of some kind (new and old) under the light attached to the table. After looking over their beer menu and asking a few questions (which weren't answered with any enthusiasm, in fact he seemed almost perturbed) he brought us our beers which we enjoyed despite the poor service We all ordered the game burger. It was good but a bit dry. It's very filling too and we definitely could have shared. Although it was good I'm not sure it justifies the $15 they get for it. The service was our biggest complaint. Our waiter who was also the bartender wasn't friendly at all. He acted like everything was a bother and didn't ask if my kids wanted refills. I enjoy good service when I choose an eatery, take my time to go there, and shell out good money for food and drinks. I'm from the south and I've had to get used to the Minnesota way of being, but I can't get used to bad service and I won't. Waiters that aren't friendly until they bring the check and buttering you up for a good tip are the worst. It makes me laugh. They definitely aren't amused when they see their tip. We are good tippers, but if you don't give good service, you'd better be prepared to see your tip percentage suffer GREATLY! I can't say I'd recommend this place. MEH is right.
(2)Ashley J.
Great food split the duck burger and game burger. Manager who was working on valentine's day at around 3 was VERY rude. We brought a work party there so 12 or so people were there and some male manager or whatever he was, had no respectful communication skills for a parking issue one of our party members had. Will not go there again because of his disrespectful manner.
(2)Mary M.
This is an excellent spot for great food and tasty drinks. The menu is interesting and dishes are beautiful as well as tasty.
(5)Craig D.
The Happy Gnome arguably has the best tap beer selection in Saint Paul. There is a separate menu for beer, organized by style. Oh, they also have a respectable whiskey selection. To boot, they're outdoor patio is great in the warmer months. What really stands out to me is the quality and presentation of the entrees. All dishes are cooked with care and the twists on traditional bar food distinguishes the chefs from other area eateries.
(5)Mallory B.
Perfect Friday night cocktails and dinner with the girls! And they served up possibly the best mojito I've ever had the pleasure of drinking. We decided to dine here for a Friday girls dinner and it was a great choice! I arrived around 7 and reserved a table on the patio then made my way into the bar and ordered the mojito and I was pleasantly suprised, it was AHHH-mazing, blueberry, pomegranate I do believe. It was a little on the pricey side however ($12) but totally worth it. After a hectic week at work It was exactly what I needed. I'm not much of a beer drinker anymore but the selection looked to be off the hook. Once seated, our waitress took very good care of us. I was torn between the Sausage and Olive Pizza and the Angus Cheeseburger (vastly different, I know) but our waitress settled me on the cheeseburger. I normally get my burgers well done but she convinced me to go medium well, a feat I strongly applaud her for because that was one of the best, full-flavored burgers I have had in a long time! Oh, and it helped fill me up after the mojito. (I think I figured out why it was $12, because I was buzzed after drinking only half of it) The burger and fries definitely saved my butt. Service was great and she really tried to see us some dessert asking "Would you like to share something sweet, besides the company." If we weren't so full from our dinner's we may have taken her up on the offer! She was also super nice about splitting the check up - as some waitresses are not. One negative - the bathroom is really small for the kind of crowed they host on a Friday night. But no fear - I will return to the Happy Gnome!
(4)Carly M.
The concept for this place is fantastic: "If I were an alcoholic gnome, what would I want in a restaurant?" 1) LOTS of alcoholic drinks with all sorts of crazy names. Almost makes me wish I liked alcohol. 2) Gnome-like food of the sort you might find in an upscale forest inn, like duck burgers, wild mushroom pizza, and artisan cheeses. Because I wasn't too hungry I opted for the wild mushroom pizza which was incredibly fantastic with it's hint of truffle oil, well-diced artichokes without the tough leaves that seem to be left on by most restaurants. I was awfully tempted by the grilled Veggie Juicy Lucy, too, and will have to head back for that. 1 star off, I don't know why. The outdoor chairs were uncomfortable (too deep to lean against the back, and awkward to sit otherwise - I saw lots of other slouchers). Maybe if the outdoor fireplace had been on it would've been a 5. Maybe I'm just getting cynical.
(4)William C.
Great beers and an interesting menu.
(4)Anna H.
For the millionth time, the BEER SELECTION IS AWESOME!!!!!! Food is good - but overpriced. But hey, the beer selection is ridiculously awesome. You need to go here!
(4)Mike C.
The Happy Gnome is a fun place with a great patio for outdoor eating or drinking (weather accommodating). Their beer selection is unmatched (that's right Old Chicago I just went there), in fact the only complaint that I have is that there are so many beers to choose from it makes it a bit difficult to choose (not really a complaint at all). The beer menu is organized by country of origin with beers varying from the lightest of the light (looking at you Miller 64) to the darkest of the dark. I was there a while back and I don't quite remember the brand or type of beer that I had, but it was clearly fermented in a whiskey barrel (post whiskey batch?) cause the beer tasted exactly like a whiskey sans the kick in the a$$ afterbite that made for a unique tasting experience. My favorite at the Gnome is an order of their mussels simmered in butter garlic wine (happy hour appetizer), this pairs extremely well with most beers. Pair with a lighter beer (draft) if in the "beach destination vacation" mood, and with a darker beer if attempting a more "grown-up, classy night out on the town"
(4)Buck T.
Amazing selection of beer! The menu is rather limited, but the quality more than makes up for that.
(5)Mitch F.
This place has a great bar & beer selection. I believe the number of beers on tap was over 80. The also make there own sausages and cure meats in house. I had their sample platter and all was very tasty. I didn't have a formal meal but would definitely try dining there when I come back.
(4)Susan R.
Just moved into the neighborhood so we stopped for burgers. My burger was rare when I asked for medium. Sent it back and it came long after my mate had eaten his burger. When the waitress brought the bill she said, "Obviously we didn't charge you for the burger." Talked to the manager about the experience and he was too young and green to understand that dining out is an EXPERIENCE and when it's crappy a cheerful apology doesn't really make it any better. Here's the deal: I didn't get to eat dinner with my friend because you screwed up, your waitress was kind of rude, and your manager didn't offer any consolation. Not so Happy, Gnome.
(2)Chaunce S.
Good stuff, Gnome-ski. Yes, beer, of course. But check out their Sunday brunch with BLOODY MARY BAR. I write this while still at the Gnome, staring at the gauntlet of cheese, sausage, pickles, olives, celery, etc. that I impaled on skewers for my bloody Mary. The Gnome's brunch menu has a limited variety, but it is good. My wife and I have been here twice and split an entree each time. The American fire are really tasty - nicely seasoned and not too salty. They are served with homemade ketchup that I could sip out of the little metal cup. The jazz combo does a nice job of picking low-key yet toe-tappingly cool jazz selections. Downside, the server in the bar area seems a little lackadaisical, but the bartender picks up her slack. p.s. Still not enough actual gnomes.
(4)Sal K.
Attention all beer drinkers and patio lovers!! Sit outside and enjoy a beer flight! It's not listed on the printed menu, but ask your server about it. Our server said the flight details are written on the chalkboard inside. (Why they aren't sharing this with their outdoor dining patrons is beyond me.)
(4)Ralph M.
If you've ever wondered why you choose to suffer through a Minnesota winter, places like the Happy Gnome are a great reminder. I want to say, first and foremost, the Happy Gnome is a beer lovers bar. They have a huge selection, and many special events centered on great beers. But are they primarily a beer lovers bar? Because the menu shows far more effort than a beer lovers bar calls for. On my most recent visit, I was only given a food menu on being seated. The beer menu came later, almost an afterthought. The food menu, like the beer menu, is a challenge to one's decision making abilities. Everything looks good! On this visit, we started with the crab trio appetizer (excellent, especially the crabcake, even if it seemed more like a crab duo dish). Then I had the MN Game Burger, while my special lady had the Veggie "Lucy". The MN Game Burger is just a damn good burger. Enough said. The Veggie Lucy was a different beast. My GF was intrigued by a vegetarian version of the cheesy goodness she has heard so much about. Meanwhile, I have had many Lucy's but am not particularly a fan of them (at least no more than a good ol' cheeseburger). Decision? My girlfriend enjoyed it well enough. It had vegetables, it had cheese, it was tasty. Fair enough. I was a little more negative, having had real Lucy's and not finding the sandwich either a good replication of a Lucy nor particularly impressive on it's own merits. Imagine a fillet of fish stuffed with zuchinni and cheese instead of fish. Still, here's your summary: veggie Jucy Lucy is less than a Jucy Lucy is less than a good cheeseburger. Look at me, talking about food when I said the Gnome is primarily a beer bar. I had some great beers there. Sure, it was Craft Brewers Week, but that doesn't matter. The Gnome always had great beer, more than you could drink in a week of dedicated beer drinking. But maybe you're really weird. Maybe you don't care about beer, or food. What does the Gnome have for you? How about a lovely patio, absolutely perfect on a spring afternoon or a summer evening? The Happy Gnome is a real treat. Can I find fault? Could I knit-pick the service (little lackadaisical, on my most recent visit) or the prices (they are a little on the high side)? Sure. But you'd be trying too hard. It's a wonderful place, and if you can you should take advantage of it.
(4)Jonathon E.
Awesome beer selection with 72 craft brews on tap. Also a wonderful selection of foods which can be shared and pair well with the taps. I really enjoyed the wings, poutine, and the duck burger. The charcuterie was ok, but I probably wouldn't get it again, the potted rabbit tasted a bit like rabbit salad (too much mayo). It was also a bit pricey $18 for the amount of meats included in the plate. The wings and poutine are a better buy for your money. The wings were a dry rub, and came with two dipping sauces. The poutine was cheese curds, fries, gravy, and pork belly. There didn't seem to be much gravy on the fries but that was fine as they were crisp (how I like them) and there was plenty of pork belly and cheese. This was some of the best poutine I've had. We had a large group (10 people) it was easily accommodated with a reservation but I'd probably go back in a smaller (2-4) person group to have more intimate conversation. The one advantage of a big group was trying a larger range of beers. The check came out to around $25 a person after drinks including tip. Gratuity is included with groups over 8 at 18%. The biggest downside was trying to decide which beers to try!
(5)Chris M.
This place is a beer snob's heaven. They generally have over 70 beers on tap, many of which are either limited release and/or from local craft breweries. Their draught list changes frequently - if you can't find something new to try you should be in AA. In addition to what is arguably the best beer selection in the cities they pull off some pretty good grub. While not terribly big, the menu is pretty diverse and most of the food is done well. The mussels, marlin and fish ribs (not a regular item.... yet) are always solid. The menu changes with the seasons so you will likely always be able to find something new to try out (except the pizzas - they should be avoided). Service has always been good and the ambiance of the restaurant is great - especially the patio in summer. The only beef I have is that a night out at the Gnome can get a bit spendy, but it's still definitely worth it.
(5)Michele K.
Fabulous craft beer menu paired with an eclectic food menu with offerings that change out regularly. Their beer menu reads like a book! Great selection of Midwest craft beers. Every time we come to the Gnome we have a stellar meal. Half of the fun is just mixing and matching craft beers that you may not have otherwise ever tasted or been exposed to. Local. Cozy. Always fun. Try them!
(4)Tori M.
It perhaps shows my complete lack of class in some ways if I start out this review with the negative, but Beard and I were very meh about the food. It's a bit too pretentious and they're trying really hard; that said, what they do have on the menu sounds great, but we both thought execution was a bit lacking. My roasted veggie pizza was super blah, and his game burger was as well. And I'm sorry, but aioli is not classy. Handcrafted sauces are. That said, the drinks were awesome. My gin rickey will probably my new favorite for a very long time. Decent wine selection for a pub, too. Definitely would come booze it up again. Beard was quite happy with his beers, too, and probably could have sampled their huge selection well into the wee hours if I didn't get tired by 10pm every night... Our waiter was also very helpful and knew his stuff when it came to the beers. The place fills up super fast and if we hadn't been meeting friends, it would have been standing room only at 7:30 on a Friday. So yeah, come early and leave late seems to be the way to do it. All in all, good, and I would definitely get drinks here any time. Not so sure on the food though.
(4)Adam J.
I eat lunch in a networking group every week there. I've had a few of their various sandwiches and I have to say - I don't like them. The Cheeseburger is always way over cooked - I've even asked for it to be done medium and it still comes out well done or burnt. The other meals have been rather bland and tasteless. I do love the atmosphere and have not drank any beer here - but I can see I would love that. They have a tremendous selection of beer and when I finally have a few - I'll report that.
(2)Andrew H.
My first trip to the happy gnome certainly did not disappoint. I visited during lunch hour which is my preferred time to check out a new place that's been "on the radar" for a while. Sunlight streaming through the windows on a beautiful Minnesota fall Friday day offered the perfect opportunity to spend some time matching something from the remarkable menu with a few fresh, local beers! The gnome is warm and welcoming, and instantly struck me as the kind of place I'd love to spend the better part of my weekend days with friends and/or family. I immediately noticed the extensive tap selection and comfortable barroom dining area as I stepped through the door. We grabbed a booth and began perusing the lunch menu and beer selection. With a beer selection this impressive, I figured I would be best to decide what I wanted for lunch first - and then come back to the beer. Many dishes stood out while I ran through the lunch menu, but I couldn't help but order the duck burger after a booming recommendation from the bartender. After all, how many opportunities will I have in a lifetime to enjoy a duck burger? The burger was great - enough to make me ask our server if it was purely duck. She explained that it was (locally raised) ground duck mixed with bread crumbs and wild rice. Topped with goat cheese and bacon, it came with hand cut fries, ketchup and an interesting cherry aioli on the side. Without requesting it, lettuce, tomato, and sliced onion came on the side as well. I should also mention that this duck burger was very large, seared perfectly, incredibly juicy, and unique enough to make me order it again! As an outdoorsman, I love duck meat, but even if you don't there's a good chance you'd truly enjoy this burger. In fact, if they had listed it as a "Minnesota wild rice burger" I don't believe many people would realize its ground duck meat (or order it)! Needless to say I'll be back - and will certainly look forward to introducing friends and family to the happy gnome. I've frequented many of the Grand Avenue institutions for years now without realizing the Gnome sweet Gnome that lies just a few short blocks away. I have no problem re-adjusting my compass and pointing my food and beer cravings toward the happy gnome. Side note: minus one star for the server carding me and not wishing me a happy birthday!
(4)Dave A.
Been there 3 times. Amazing selection of beer. And it's very very good. Food is great as well. Management, here is a little checklist I made for you. As you may do at home, do the following before guests arrive: 1) Check your bathrooms. Make sure there is soap, toilet paper, etc. If a guest tells you there's something needed in the bathroom, smile and thank them, don't just say "oh, ok." 2) Check to make sure the heat is on. If you see guests wearing their coats, this may indicate it's a bit cold. 3) Put on a happy face. Afterall, this is "The Happy Gnome!"
(3)Erik H.
All I really need to say- This is my FAVORITE pub that I have EVER visited. Their beer selection- awesome. The knowledge of their bartenders- awesome. The Veggie Juicy Lucy- best sandwich I have ever consumed.
(5)Amy B.
I come to St. Paul about twice a year and I am really picky about the restaurants I choose so I can appreciate my "foodie nights" I have while in town. I wasn't so happy with this one. I was thrilled to come here and take my friends who are locals after reading about this restaurant and checking out reviews. We were quite disappointed, not so much about the food, but the service and atmosphere. We were place at a table in their back room which was empty, so it kind of made us feel no one was there and was away from the vibrant atmosphere by the bar. Bummer..... second, our server was unnecessarily rude to us. I asked her for suggestion on beer and she replies "well I'm quite the beer connoisseur, so I may not be able to help"... I guess she was such a beer snob, she was too good to suggest a few to me. Then when she finally did, she seemed to be quite annoyed to be bothered with this silly task of actually selling an item to her customer. Needless to say she was the same with food, and when I expressed the Brussels sprouts were a little garlicky for my taste, she shrugged her shoulders and took my dish away that I was STILL eating! I wanted to change atmospheres so we left, and most likely will not return based on the service. I do have to say their game burger was quite good, but couldn't finish since my server took my plate after my complaint about the sprouts!! It was a little pricey- $18 burger with sprouts for the amount of food I got mixed with the bad service.
(3)Reagan H.
Great beer selection and the servers were very helpful when it came to suggesting new brews to try. The outdoor patio was clean, popular, and had great service.
(5)Jennifer L.
I was here on a Saturday night with my girlfriends. We had a reservation, but arrived early to loiter at the bar and entertain the other patrons. Our reservation somehow entered a black hole - perhaps it was the ghost of Chang O'Hara's? We ended up waiting longer than we should have while the staff shuffled to accommodate us. Drinks were yummy. I ordered a Lemon Drop Martini that was served in an ice cold glass and was perfection. The patrons at the bar were all very friendly despite being packed in like sardines. The bar area is very inviting and warm, a good place to linger. Dinner was very tasty - I had the Angus Cheeseburger, which is topped with short ribs. Short ribs!! Dessert - I know there was dessert. But after a few more martinis I have managed to forget what we had. I am sure it was delicious. I am looking forward to my next trip and loitering on the patio in the summer. Or March. Can you believe this weather?
(4)Ray S.
If you like good beer and and interesting menu go here. The tap beer list is enough to keep me occupied for a year. I've been more than a few times, and never had a bad beer, and I could co for a month of Sundays and still not be done trying new things. . The menu is small, but everything is amazing and thoughtful. Duck burgers, fresh pretzels, local game, and delicious appetizers. Go here, get some pretzels and barley wine, share some appetizers and an entree or two, and revel in the bliss of good brews and imaginative food.
(5)Emily O.
My absolute FAVORITE bar in St. Paul. I love everything about the Happy Gnome. EVERYTHING... the ambiance, the food, the patio, upstairs, downstairs, the fireplace, the bar, & the dining room.... & of course... THE BEER!!!!!! The Happy Gnome has 70 taps & a great selection of import & craft beers. They also feature over 300 whiskeys. Serving brunch, lunch, & dinner, their menu changes frequently as they focus on fresh ingredients. They have small plates & appetizers, full entrees, sandwiches with fries or chips & desserts. My favorite meal thus far was they vegetable juicy lucy: a vegetable cake with parmesan & mozzarella, spinach, & sriacha aioli. YUM! Upstairs, they have the firehouse room which can be rented out for events or make for a private dining experience versus the downstairs dining room located next to the bar. The whiskey hutch against the west wall is worth a gander as well :) The patio in the summer small & walled with warm lighting. A great place to relax in the city. The Happy Gnome also hosts such events as Firkin Fest - a tented beer experience in March & various tasting dinners as well... always a plus. I LOVE THE HAPPY GNOME! If you haven't been, you should def. check it out. p.s. If you go, try Magic Hat #9 = the best! :)
(5)Joe I.
I've been to the Happy Gnome a few times, most recently for the Surly event they had, where I actually went twice in the same day. The first time was just to drink Darkness (drool) the second was to try to drink more Darkness (though they were out) and to eat a bit. During the second visit I had a nice time sampling a few of their many beers on tap and had the veggie pizza, which I thought was very good. I sat at the bar with a friend, and the bartender was prompt and patient as we mulled over our beer choices. February is not ideal outdoor dining season, but in the summer the patio is awesome.
(4)Rurik H.
The Happy Gnome advertises itself as dog-friendly, but my sheltie and I were asked to leave last night... not because of any difficulty, but because their 'dog friendly patio' isn't dog friendly from 5-9, which isn't posted or advertised anywhere. I don't mind that they have this policy, but it was incredibly tacky to be asked to leave because of a policy I was unaware of.
(1)Neil B.
Drinking beer you never heard of, outside by the fireplace; perfection. Try to go when it is not crowded. The staff know their stuff and will chat with you if it is slow enough.
(5)Paul B.
Service was adequate.. at BEST. More like... indifferent. Why don't the bartenders know about the beers they are serving?? Wow! I asked the bartender to reccommend a beer and he said... "I only drink vodka" WOW! Greeat selection though! Excellent Selection!
(3)Sarah K.
Let me start this review by saying the only reason I am giving the Happy Gnome 4 stars instead of 5 is because they took my two favorite seasonal winter dishes off their menu a few years back and I haven't seen them on the menu again since......:( I love, love, love the Gnome! It is a great neighborhood pub. If I had to pick one place to spend my time consuming good beer this would be the place! The exterior of the building is beautiful w/ the Virginia Creeper vine. There is also a nice large patio. The Gnome is a small pub with a cool overall vibe. The inside has lots of wood, various beer signage and a slat wood floor. Taps line up on both sides of the marble/wood L shaped bar. (and yes there are hooks under the bar-Bonus!!!!) Current specials and beer events are always posted on a large chalkboard. The Gnome has a HUGE draft list with a very heavy emphasis on locals and Midwest regionals. Also a few nice Belgian and extra-regional choices. And.....you can sample for those of us that aren't sure if we are going to like our selection. Kegs get switched out quite frequently so there is always something new on tap! Two of my faves: 21st Amendment Bitter and Delirium Tremes. At over 8% -toss back a couple of these and you are sure to leave feeling warm and fuzzy!!! There are also over 200 different types of bottled beers (so they say!) If your looking for a can of Bush light this probably isn't your place. The menu is strong and changes seasonally. I wouldn't say the menu is extensive but there is certainly something on there for everyone. Best two dishes there EVER-gnocchi w/ leeks and cheese & the asapargus with egg. These two dishes were seriously eat once a week good but.....they have disappeared from the menu. Since I have been forced to break up with my two favorite dishes I have found several other apps/dishes worth trying and that have been quite delish! Although this place can get packed-my service has always been great-has have all my beer drinking experiences at the Gnome! I
(4)Michael D.
As a dining establishment, I'd give the Happy Gnome decent marks. But as a meeting and event establishment, this place falters. In an attempt to plan an event in their Firehouse Room, they practically drove us to drink (which wouldn't have been difficult, given their extensive beer and liquor selection [this will be my only positive comment regarding this establishment]). The contact person handling our event was often unavailable both via phone and email. Questions regarding the venue and contract details often took days to get answered. After our desired date was given away without warning, our conversations with management to resolve the situation were condescending and downright insulting. The Happy Gnome is in the hospitality industry; they should act like it.
(1)Brian S.
The place to go for beer and food lovers in St. Paul. First of great beer selection, tried a few of the local IPA's which were impressive. Then the food, fresh olives, Bison Burger, and Foie Gras meatballs! All well prepared and good sized portions, the burger was actually pretty big and since I had ordered 2 apps it went unfinished but all in all an excellent experience. Serivce was great, bartender was always watching my glass to make sure I didn't go thirsty.
(5)Grant T.
This place keeps getting better and better each time I visit. I can go without saying the selection of beers at the Gnome covers phenomenal breadth and variety. Beer connoisseurs rejoice! For all your non-beer drinkers, the Gnome offers the standard run-of-the-mill drinks, though they boast an exceptional root beer. The Gnome's appetizers are excellent - I recommend starting with a cheese, some chicken wings (some of the best in town), or whatever gnocchi small plate is on the menu. Regarding entrees, you can't go wrong with the Grilled Duck Burger. At $14, it's relatively reasonable, and it packs a load of great taste. The bacon and goat cheese on top give it a nice touch. Also recommended is the MN Game Burger ($15), a combination of bison and elk meat. The fries served with the burger are some of the best I've had recently. On a side note, the patio is an excellent place to eat during the summer. The Gnome is certainly St. Paul's best gastropub, if not the best gastropub in the Twin Cities area. Y'all should check it out.
(5)Melissa C.
Eeeeveryone raves about the beer selection at The Happy Gnome. (Food? What food?) Everything they say is probably true. The selection looks vast. But I don't drink beer. (I know, it's like being a diabetic in a magical forest of lollipops.) So all that is lost on me. HOWEVER--their food is consistently fantastic. Not just good. Gnome-approved. I've eaten here several times now, and everything I've tried has not only been excellent, but has also exceeded my expectations. (Summer salad? Okay, this'll be good... oh wait, it just punched me in the mouth with amazingness!) The duck burger is wonderful (moist, flavorful, tasty), the wild mushroom pizza is great, the gnocchi is VERY rich, but very good. Petite filet? My co-worker licked his plate. (Only slightly non-literally...he used some of my fries to sop up every last bit of leftover juice.) Angus burger? Glorious. Some day they might misstep here at The Happy Gnome, but this is not that day.
(5)Lauren O.
The beer menu is the length of a Dicken's novel. The food was also good- they've got a nice selection of upscale pub food. It'd be hard not to find something to like. We sat on the tree-shaded patio which was perfect for the afternoon, but the indoor space also looked great. High ceilings, big windows, very east-coast feeling. Seriously, have a retirement/birthday/anniversary party for your dad/uncle/father figure in your life here. It'd be great.
(4)Mellie M.
Best beer selection in town! It makes you want to just open up the menu, close your eyes and randomly pick your beer. If you like trying new selections just ask your bartender or server...they can ask what your taste profile is craving at that moment and pour you a beer to make your taste buds smile. The patio is an amazing little space to enjoy throughout the summer and fall. The sounds of chatter and laughter from the customers draws you into the Gnome and make you want to become a regular at the bar. Hey, doesn't everyone want a place where they know your name? Date night, family dinner, girls night out...whatever the occasion the Happy Gnome is a stellar location to start or end your evening.
(4)Lauren D.
I came here on a Friday night and the place was packed. I wanted to sit outside, but there was a 30 minute wait and I was hungry! We sat at the bar and sampled some beers. I had a cream beer mixed with something like a Guinness. I had the peaches and cream plate. It came with a small pile of peaches, some peach sorbet in cinnamon crumbles, and some panna cotta. I did not enjoy the panna cotta, it was too "flan" like for me. The servings were small for the price. Not my type of place.
(3)Kit B.
Alright, let's be honest. I walked into this place because it was named after a garden gnome. Then I heard that there were obscene amounts of beer on tap. So on a beautiful, balmy Minnesota August evening, three friends and I ventured to Happy Gnome. We arrived about 6:30 - immediate patio seating was definitely not an option. The hostess said the wait would be about half an hour, and that we should go enjoy some drinks in the bar. While in the bar, a server actually encouraged to sit at a booth while we waited - this ended up being a great suggestion as we really liked the server and ended up just eating inside. The beer list was magnificent. Seriously. When I die, if I'm fortunate enough to go to Heaven and not truly get my just desserts, I hope there is a beer list exactly like this one. It was descriptive, thorough, included the price and size of each glass. As a budding beer aficionado, this was particularly intriguing. On to the menu - after enjoying a few beers (I recommend the Fox Barrel Cider, by the way, which is a light cider combined with actual pear juice), we ordered our food. We had a burger, a chicken sandwich, a really good looking salad, and then my meal of choice, the vegetable Juicy Lucy. I wasn't really sure what to expect - the menu described it as a layered vegetable cake with two different types of cheese. What I got was seriously one of very best meals that I have ever had. It was indeed a cake - layered with spinach, tomatoes, mushrooms, cheese, roasted red peppers - then breaded lightly and fried until it was crispy. What is delivered truly looks like a large Filet-of-Fish from McDonald's, but God was it amazing. Vegetarians, this is the one meal that you will have that will leave your carnivorous cohorts envious. Let me repeat - this isn't some unoriginal throw away dish that was originally a meaty dish but now has the meat removed and replaced with something - the Veggie Juicy Lucy was meant to be a vegetable sandwich. And it is amazing. Unreal. And I have craved it daily since I had it. I need another one. Service, as I mentioned, was great. The price was reasonable. My only real complaint? It was asses-to-elbows in this place, and it was LOUD. I'm not sure how that could be solved, but I was a bit hoarse after dinner from having to speak so loudly to my dining companions. Overall though, great experience. If you're curious about The Happy Gnome, give it a try. You'll not be disappointed.
(4)Kelsey K.
I have gone here for drinks with friends, a first date, st. patricks day (2 in a row), and so on. It works for a lot of occasions. It has a really fun and bigger than would be expected back yard porch area. Great place for a weekday date where you can just sit and talk. Great beer selection, really excellent cheese plate, and expensive but great small plates. Its the kind of place where I have the intention of spending 10 dollars and end up with a 30 dollar tab if lucky.
(4)Anne W.
Who would have guessed a little bar would motivate me to do my fist St Paul Yelp. I stopped simply because I was starving, it was raining and I had no umbrella, and they have a parking lot. And I just moved here and don't know where anything is. Boy am I glad I did. The beer list is spectacular and is heavy on the Euro styles. Back in Phoenix is seems hoppy beers ( not my thing) dominate but there is a whole range of styles here. My beef and barley soup was fantastic. Wonder if they will sell mean tub to go? As an entree I am right now eating a lovely cheese plate with a selection of artisan breads. Normally I'd wait until I've tried more than this to give a 4 star, but the lovely food, cozy atmosphere and pleasant, efficient, but not pestering service prompts a 4 right now. I hadn't planned on dessert but hmmmm...what should I order?
(4)Kelly E.
Kick.A$$.Pub. Tons of craft beers on tap. Cool atmosphere adorned with, well you guessed it, gnomes. Cozy, warm, and lively. I shall return.
(4)Chris M.
Great food, great beer selection, great wiskey (whiskey) selection, what more could you ask for? Super nice people and their own private lot. Curling Club is next door so if there is an event going on, parking is at a premium. Grilled duck was great as were the scallops. Dining on two levels and upstairs tends to be a bit quieter than down. Bars on bothe levels (bonus). Great place to bookmark for a great dinner!
(5)Leigh G.
Happy Gnome has lots of good beers. It you are overwhelmed by the beer list- which is more of a book than a list- just ask your server for suggestions, they all seem to be very knowledgeable when it comes to the beer. The food here is really good too. Lots of seasonal and local food with a fancy ingredient thrown in here and there to spice things up a bit. Their brunch is good and has a bloody bar with really good fixins. Nice big patio in the back, perfect place to come with friends on a summery evening.
(4)Dan R.
70+ beers on tap...need I say more??? I will...the staff did a good job serving drinks to our large group (about 15-20 people). They also have a lot of insight on their drinks and make good recommendations to help you get through their monstrous list! Make sure to sit on the patio if it's a nice day...it's big, but somewhat cozy.
(4)Dawn F.
I love going to the Happy Gnome. The beer selecton is incredible. Plus, the menu is atypical, usually introducing some items one wouldn't necessarily find on other casual dining menus. Tonight's Angus burger was fantastic, especially with side of raspberry sauce. Plus, my waitress was extremely quick to serve our food and drinks. Tonight's beer: Victory Hop. (so good!) As usual, I'll be back.
(4)M M.
Really?? How long does it take for some "bar food" and some drink?? Really?? Gnome needs to get over itself. Just cuz ya got good beer doesn't mean ya slack on service! I don't blame the server...I watched the entire production and they were all off key. The wings saved them! Step it up Gnomes!!!
(2)Chris K.
Wow. First off, I know they're best known for their beer, but I LOVE the Gnome's food. Stuffed salmon BLT - yeah, pretty creative and amazingly tasty. Chicken and chorizo pizza - equally as amazing. So, yeah, their beer selection makes me want to cry. It's that good. Had a breakfast stout from Founders and it was spectacular. The tap beer list here is the size of most restaurants' wine menus. The bottle beer selection is twice as massive. If you like beer, especially small-batch, local and regional beers, then the Gnome is your joint. This was only my first trip, so I don't have much more to say than that. Great service, amazing atmosphere, cool neighborhood and great food and drink. What more does a guy need?...
(5)Nicholas L.
You do not go to the happy gnome just for food. Tasty, slightly pretentious, somewhat adventurous albeit over-priced food. The Happy Gnome however, is a BAR. A bar that happens to have pretty good food. A stellar beer selection and very knowledgeable staff. I've heard their bartenders stir a mean martini - but i wouldn't know since i never can get enough of their beer list. The ambiance is disarming enough to completely be yourself while nosing fine beer and NOT come off as douche-ey.
(4)Adam P.
What a great foodie/beer geek place is this? I found myself in heaven here with some amazing culinary offerings from Glazed Duck Breast to Wild Boar. As well as libations ranging from Macallan 55 yr single malt to Cantillon Rosé De Gambrinus. The downside is it is still a bar and the decor reflects that, but personally that is where I fit in anyway.
(4)Jamie T.
I met up with a friend here around 5:30 on a Friday, and the crowd of mid-20-somethings to middle-aged folks generated a fairly comfortable buzz of conversation in the cozy bar area ... maybe a bit noisy, but tolerable. The selection of beers on tap is impressive. It's almost overwhelming, but I definitely appreciate having choices, and I was thrilled to see they had a few different ciders because I'm not a huge beer drinker. I decided on a cask cider, and the bartender offered a sample before pouring a full glass. The service impressed me more than anything. The bartenders are knowledgeable about their beverage selection, they're attentive during a busy happy hour, and they anticipate their customers' needs. After finishing our drinks and passing on another round, the bartender poured us some water -- right before I was about to ask! Bravo. I'd definitely come back here, and maybe sample some of the tasty-looking food they have to offer.
(5)Chuck K.
Holly Crap! Was out for a night in St. Paul and stopped here with friends. Their beer selection is great. Staff was friendly and quick. The bar was full of friendly people to interact with our just watch from a far. Was a great spot to get our Saturday started!
(4)Mike S.
In continuing with my reviews of places you can order a beer that isn't Budwesier, I'm finally getting around to The Happy Gnome. I'll start by saying that I've had a soft spot for the Gnome since the first time I stood there staring at the giant chalkboard, overwhelmed by the vast selection of craft beers, some of which I didn't even know existed. That being said... The setting is basically an old mansion that has been renovated into a restaurant and bar. It's very cool. There is a huge bar in the center and the tables kind of wrap around it through the place. They also have a nice outdoor deck/patio, which is fantastic in the summer. The food at Happy Gnome is a bit of a gamble. I've had things that were incredible (grilled chicken sandwich with smoked mozzarella, oven dried tomatoes, bacon bits, spinach, avocado cream cheese, multi-grain bread) and also disappointing (dried-out chicken pizza). But I don't come here for the food. Beer, beer and more beer! The beer menu is a heavy, leather-bound classic that I'd proudly set next to a Dickens masterpiece, and it would be far more well-read. The selection is second to NONE in Minnesota. If you love craft beer, this is your Mecca. Not only do they have 50+ taps boasting rarities like Bell's Batch 9,000, they have a bottle list more than 100 deep. The menu even describes each one, helping the novice figure out what to order. The biggest issue I have when I stop in is choosing which beer(s) to have because they always have so many incredible options. Only drink Bud Light? They have that too, but you'd better drink it quick before you get your a*s kicked.
(5)Mariel L.
Went here for brunch on Sunday, and decided to sit inside because it was insanely humid. The atmosphere of the place is wonderful, very casual, and there's live jazz outside on Sunday, which we unfortunately didn't get to hear. Anyway, they have a Bloody Mary bar, which I decided to try out, only to realize I actually don't like Bloody Mary. I should've figured that out before I shelled out $7 for meat, olives, and cheese in my alcohol. Oh well, lesson learned, and at least it's a unique experience. As for the entree though, I was torn on which one of the many delectable sounding dishes to pick, eventually settling on the Smoked Salmon Omelette. I'm VERY happy I picked that one. First off, all the dishes come with American fries, which were browned and salted to perfection. The omelette itself was very light and fluffy, and there were two huge pieces of smoked salmon, caramelized onions, and cream cheese inside. And it's really worth the $10 (what most items cost). Definitely will bring my sister & bro-in-law here when they visit in June, maybe to try the Late Rizer (which my friend had, and was delicious) and walk around the Selby Area.
(4)Anna J.
Anytime beer comes in a big menu with lots of options...Im going to like this place. I love all the options and I love that I am in a place where everyone else likes this too. But... My first 3 selections I picked they were out of. So, the fourth one I picked I had already had...which for me sort of defeats the purpose of going to a place with lots of beer options. We had a large group so I'm not sure if that's what annoyed our waitress or not...but she wasn't the friendliest. I will say later in the night (maybe they were less busy) she did shape up. Aside from all that...I had lots of fun there. I think the atmosphere was good and I am interested in eating there. Next time I go back...I'm hoping to give this place 4 stars.
(3)Tim S.
God! Why does Yelp make me click on the number of stars like 8 times before accepting my rating!!! Anyways, on to the Happy Gnome. This is sort of the sister bar to the Muddy Pig which is right up the street. They are no longer sister bars, but they're certainly in the same vein. The Happy Gnome is also a bit more hoighty toighty or yuppy-ish which might make sense with their proximity to WA Frost and the Cathedral. The beer is great, but the menu is overpriced and seems to be trying a little hard. For some, I'm sure that's great. For me, I don't feel like paying $25 for trout at a bar... The one thing this place has on the Muddy Pig is that it's much bigger... but they don't let you use the back room unless you're in a large enough party and/or ordering food! What is the point of that!? I waited with friends one night in the front bar (which was completely full) packed in like sardines while there were empty tables in the back. I don't rate places based on service alone, but the service here has never been anything spectacular either.
(3)Frank B.
This is one of my all time favorite places to eat. I think I have only had one thing the three or four times I've been here. The cheese burger. It is the one constant thing on the menu and once you've had one you'll know why. Un-believeable. The outstanding beer selection is a huge draw for me as well. I have never sat in the restaurant, nor do I want to. The bar is crowded but quaint great atmosphere but always full. The downside of the Gnome is the bar fills up fast and they don't take reservations. When we go, we usually stay for a while, drink and have a desert. Parking is another problem. I have parked as far as three blocks away. There is no parking in the area and the Gnome lot is small. Have a cheese burger and stay for the beers!
(5)Rene D.
Great beer selection! Love sitting on the patio. The tater tots were yummy. Service was great. They even kept filling our water glasses without us having to ask after our meal was over.
(5)Geoffrey R.
Really terrific place. I've never had a bad dish on the menu (I've usually gotten fish) and the endless list of beers (especially from craft breweries) is pretty exciting. The wine selection is decent too. And when the weather is nice, the outdoor patio is a really nice place to relax and dine. Not cheap but a very good value for the price.
(4)R P.
Oh man, this place just ROCKS! Awesome collection of small breweries beers. The staff REALLY knows their beer and wanders around with samples for you to check out. The food - equally awesome. I had the venison and it was to die for. If you're a beer snob and want some rocking good food to go with it, this is a MUST visit place to check out if you are in St Paul.
(5)Benjamin F.
Wide selection of interesting microbrews, gourmet small plates, and a large patio make Happy Gnome a top St. Paul spot. I had the marlin sandwich that tasted similar to swordfish and was a good option. We also had the shrimp tacos which looked like a better option.
(4)Sarah C.
So, we were supposed to go to some sorta Oktoberfest thing on Rice street. Thinking it would be one of those "we're gonna shut down the streets and allow for unlimited consumption of bratwurst and beer," we realized quite the opposite upon arriving at the "klub haus." No offense to anyone who organized the event, but it seemed like it would be a little claustrophobic, so off to the Happy Gnome we went. I was uber super crazy happy to see that they had old Rasputin on tap. Frequently when I go to restaurants claiming a large beer selection, it consists of a large selection of super duper white beers and not much else. I don't have a huge problem with wheaty and pale stuff, but I really love porter and stout. The Old Rasputin came in the traditional little glass used (which, probably makes sense to someone, but not to me) and I was immediately in beer heaven. We ordered the chicken wings which were covered in a delicious cumin dust of deliciousness and then baked until crazy crispy. The steak pizza I believe involved some sort of pesto infused buffalo mozzarella AND a nice slather of what I think was brie. I was kind of glad that we didn't order meals after the two apps as they were sufficient enough to keep us full for a few hours..although the vegetable Juicy Lucy sounded like it was made for this former vegetarian. The two of us enjoyed a nice meal on the patio and considered the next special outing we could take in order to visit our new friend, the gnome.
(4)Cynthia B.
4 stars for the beautiful interiors and incrdible wait staff upstairs. 1 for the food. So hoooooribly disapointed. The food was overcooked and the ribs...fattttty. Very expensive, too. We'll be back for beer, but never for food. Did I mention the decor?
(2)Jay B.
This place is awesome. The drink selection is superior. The food is petty good. Great ambiance for hanging with friends.
(4)Jennifer L.
Dear Happy Gnome, I love you and want to have your Gnome babies. I can't remember everything that you put in your Seasonal Vegetable Salad - but it was so good I often find myself dreaming about it. Especially when I have one of my boring salads at home. You introduced me to Little Black Dress Pinot Grigio - which I LOVE LOVE LOVE. It was so good I had two glasses - something I rarely do when I am out and paying my own way. (Yeah - I am cheap - so you know I liked it if I bought two glasses!) Also high on the yum factor was the Seared Beef Tenderloin Tips. Eat them hot and dip heavy into the spicy corn and black bean marmalade that it is served with. I can't wait to come back and explore more of your menu. I also want to see if your staff is just as good the next time I come back as it was this time - cuz they were AWESOME. The only things I would change about you - cuz we always want to make the things we love a little better - would be to magically lower the noise level inside and maybe make the patio smoking in a section instead of everywhere? I hate to box in the smokers - they have so few places to free range anymore - but it was kinda distracting to have the smoke wafting into our faces from a nearby table. YUM. I will be back and I will not be alone.
(4)Beth F.
So a pregnant woman walks into a bar... does she dare review it? It was actually for that reason that I hadn't *intended* on writing a review for The Happy Gnome after meeting here last night for the Yelp book club. Because it's a beer bar and brew is on my list of restricted food and beverages for the time being, would my opinion matter? Plus, the thought of being branded a Review Whore ( yelp.com/biz/review-whor… ) would be, like, soooo devastating...but as soon as the book club crew got settled on Gnome's sweet patio and decided to split a couple menu items to go along with our discussion, all of a sudden it was game on because preggo + food = love From the small plates menu, we ordered the Beef Tenderloin Tips, which were served in a small tortilla bowl along with a black bean & mango thing that was absolutely mmmmm! It was sweet and spicy and it easy enough to pick around my arch-enemies: the diced onions. We also ordered a small Seasonal Vegetable Salad which was not so small at all. Tons of veggies were served on a bed of bulgar wheat: beans, edamame, carrots, roasted cauliflower, beets, red onions and the whole thing was topped with feta. We're in America, land of pasteurization, so even though feta is technically on the no-no list of restricted food items, I snuck a bite and after having spent the past 6 months feta free? Oh, it was sublime. Service was also excellent, the server had a great personality and aside from the occasional whiff of cigarette smoke (a hazard of sitting on the patio) I have no complaints. And maybe the next time I come back I can booze it up.
(4)Jon S.
I stopped in to find Surly Furious which I've heard so much about and was thankful to find The Happy Gnome had it on tap. Mission Accomplished. The beer selection was great, this will be a place I'll be sure to visit next time I'm in town. I would like to try the food and sample more beers. The atmosophere was appealing, I'll be back...
(4)Wendy H.
This place has quite a creative chef. The menu offers some unique choices. Everything I've had here is very good. It has a nice, relaxed "hang out" type of atmosphere but with above average food! Cocktail choices are also unique and tasty. Awesome beer selection. Great patio, mostly shaded. Really good Sunday breakfast too!
(4)Laura R.
Woulda been 4-stars had there been a gnome.... I looked high and low without any luck. not kidding. Interesting beer list, good service. Nice patio area in the back. We had the seared tuna to snack on - the food could have been better.
(3)Adam T.
This place is a favorite of mine! Not only do they have a plethora of taps (I think 70 or so) but they also have an extensive inventory of whiskey. The parking lot is shared with the St Paul Curling Club next door.. which happens to be where I am every Wednesday... so I get to frequent this place before and after each week. Food is above average, but I'd say it's a tad overpriced for what you get. Let's face it... you don't go there for the food, you go there for the beer. Their Firkin Fest is a blast too!
(5)John W.
I'm not a beer connoisseur, so I can't offer useful commentary on the large selection they offer ( I don't know the difference between 'lager,' 'ale,' 'stout,' and so on... to me they are all 'beer.') My beery friends all gushed, so I'll let thier raves substitute. The place is just the right size with different sections depending on what you want: cozy bar looking out on Selby Avenue; booths and tables in another room; and an upstairs where groups can be their little lively selves. There's nothing to dislike and everything to like. Here's mine: ** A great list of small plates. The entrees there were pretty eclectic, not what I was expecting at all. I had the spring rolls with coconut-almond sauce. Delish! ** Happy hour prices ** A genuine parking lot. Suburbanites like me freak out if we can't pull into a spot, straight-on. ** WiFi. The iPhoneys and Droidies in our tweetup were busy Bump-ing and 4Square-ing away TIP 1: They give a 15% discount to MPR members who have their cards TIP 2: There's a nearby curling club that competes for parking. If you're bringing a group over, it might pay to avoid 'curling' nights
(4)Brooke S.
the happy gnome is a pretty sweet little bar. I can't effectively give a review because I was there last night for my first time, for the launch of the DELICIOUS mn brew, Fulton Beer. anyhoooooo - the bar is pretty sweet, great atmosphere, HUGE beer selection and some yummy looking cocktails too! We were in the upstairs area and it was great for the private party but seriously happy gnome, when you have 100 people and they're all sweating and the windows are fogged up....OPEN THE WINDOWS!
(4)Maess N.
To be honest, I'm torn on how to rate this. I LOVE the beer selection they have - it's the only place I've been able to find in town that has a Flemish Sour on tap - but I am un-thrilled by the food. The food has been hit or miss, I've eaten there five times and had one great meal, three ok meals and one bad meal. A bright note on their food menu is the artisan cheese selections, I've always been happy with these and they pair great with a strong Belgian ale. Another plus is their outdoor seating. If I could give 2.5 stars I would.
(3)Joe C.
Large beer selection and very cool outdoor patio. Food is not only just 'average', but it's a bit overpriced for 'average' food and slim in portions. However, the beer and drinks are great and I'd come here again for that.
(3)Dolly V.
This place is still great. My boyfriend insisted that I write an updated review! It was nearly perfect this time around. Sunday evening on the patio with the sun setting. It was quite nice. We had a few glasses of draft beer and the Crab Egg Rolls for starters. We ordered the Bison Burger again (since we loved it so much the last time) and the Pear and Gorgonzola Pizza. The pizza was delicious: A crispy crust, subtle sweetness from the pear and a nice kick from the Gorgonzola cheese. After the food we sampled a flight of beers by the fire when it got a bit colder. The staff was helpful and friendly. They were nice enough to keep the fire going for us since we were the only two on the patio. One of my favorite places in the Twin Cities!
(5)Christine D.
Some interesting dishes, a little out of the ordinary. I enjoyed the MN game burger and excellent fries.
(4)Aaron S.
Ah, the sophisticated beer drinker. Casually sipping on an obscure micro ale while waiting to order from the equally sophisticated menu. Yikes, those dinner menu prices are going to limit the amount of cash left for more beer! Better check out the pub menu. There, that's better. And still many delicious-looking choices to pick from. Now the cerevisaphile has completed the arduous task of selecting the proper food pairing to go with one's beer. But wait, this pint is empty! Another must be ordered, but with so many choices, it would be wrong to order the same thing twice. How about that intriguing Belgian nobody's ever heard of? Why not - it'll be some time before the food arrives. Ah, the food finally arrives as the ale aficionado is finishing up the newest Surly to hit the taps. At this point, anything will be delicious. And it is. Let's pick out another new favorite drink - word has it that their current cask beer is incredible... Wait, when did the food disappear? The beer lover was engrossed in conversation and this stout pint of lurveliness. Those serverss sure are quick on their toes. Time to pick out one more libashun bffore it's time to get going. Still so many choices to shellect from... being a distinguishhing beer drinker sure is diffficult sometimes but the Gnome makes it worht it!
(4)Kendal D.
I'm not a very adventurous eater, so I thought I'd play it safe and order the Reuben. It was very over done. Basically burnt, but it was too dark in the dining area to tell. Pretty bummed because the other people I was with loved their food. How do you screw up a simple Reuben? Especially at $12, i was expecting a lot more. Will not be returning unfortunately.
(2)Jessica W.
How can you go wrong at a place called "the happy Gnome"...We went on a Friday night for a beer..and boy, did they have beer! pretty much anything from anywhere..(except landshark - sorry, Jimmy) We sat at the bar and reviewed the menu which was conveniently separated into different categories - light, dark, hoppy, etc. I went with the Magic Hat #9 - a great choice for summer. Our bartender check on us periodically and was a super fun guy. I would go back to the Happy Gnome in a heartbeat! Great place!
(4)Alison M.
The Happy Gnome offers an unfiltered wheat beer tasting flight. I think I am in heaven. The food seems pricey otherwise and they dont have too much for vegetarians besides salads. I had a grilled vegetable panini once that was pretty good but at restaurants where the chef provides locally-sourced and sustainable foods by reworking the menu every now and again, it is hard for a vegetarian to count on something. Excellent for drinks though!!!
(4)Chase B.
Obviously the beer selection is first-rate; but more importantly, the Happy Gnome has the best local beer list. I would say it is a great place to relax on a Thursday night -- good ambiance and the music is at a decent level. Now, one thing -- I would stay clear of the pizza. I would recommend the Artisan Cheese selection, but yeah, the pizza was garbage.
(4)Brandon B.
The Happy Gnome is basically the upscale version of the Muddy Pig. The real reason to go there is for the extremely large beer selection. The dining experience is somewhat different. It's a very nice dining environment that is usually accompanied by great service. The menu however can be something else. When you go over their menu you get the feeling that the chef watches too many shows on the Food Network. A lot of the dishes are very unique and sort of off the wall. This isn't to say that they aren't good, but on occasion the chef will slip in a dish that's an absolute disaster. For example, the a week or two back i went there and ordered this Deconstructed Game Hen Pot Pie. It wouldn't have been a bad meal had it not been for two things, the price and the game hen. The dish would have been more appropriately called, "Deconstruct Your Own Game Hen Deconstructed Pot Pie". I figured I was going to get breast meat for the dish; instead i got a set of thighs and legs stacked on eachother, bone and all. It was a real pain in the ass having to carve all that meat off, and it only made it more difficult that they left the fatty skin on as well. Which raises the point, why charge me more for game hen when it's obviously farm raised and is no leaner and tastes no different than a typical chicken(which is the reason people like game animals)? By the end of the meal my plate was a huge mess of game hen skin and bones. If i'm paying $25 for a meal i sure as hell shouldn't have to deconstruct my own bird. This is the kind of thing that can happen at Happy Gnome which is why i only give them 4 stars. It's the rare dish that this problem happens with, but i just don't see any excuse for meals like that making the menu. Didn't someone try eating it first and think," Gee, this meal is a complete and utter disaster. Either i need to serve the meat off the bone or i need to scrap the whole damn thing." Plus, they should look for ways to make their food a little cheaper. That dish should have cost no more than $15-$18. If you're going to use some phony game bird that has no distinct taste from chicken, then just serve chicken! The bar is the best part, and they have a nice outdoor patio. Service is usually good to great, but the prices are little more than they should be, and you also have to beware which dinner entrees you order.
(4)Emily M.
My husband and I fell in love with this restaurant. Found through positive reviews, we found The Happy Gnome easy to get to, even from being from out of town. We anticipated sitting out in the patio, but Minnesota weather came upon us and we opted for the bar area since the main dining room was filled. Inside, there is a warmth about the place. It felt like what a pub should feel like, with the hidden bonus of really great food. We ordered the tuna niçoise as a starter. It was so delicate and perfectly balanced. It is a light appetizer, but essentially exceeded our expectations with flavor. My husband ordered the game burger, a mix of bison and elk. It was delicious and HUGE! I ordered the duck burger, something I would never normally order. It was by far the best burger I have ever eaten. After our first two bites of the burgers, we were sold. We knew this was our to-go-to place when we come visit the Cities. Accompanying our meals were well-crafted drinks. The hubby opted for two beers on the hoppy spectrum, as suggested by our waitress. Although The Happy Gnome is most known for their extensive beer list, I was treating my husband to the restaurant, as I am not beer-savvy. That being said, their bartender crafted up a refreshing blueberry mojito for me. The service was excellent. Overall, we left full and happy!
(5)Chad T.
The Happy Gnome is a great place to grab a beer or dinner when you're in St. Paul. Sometimes the bar gets busy, but I've never seen compromised service because of the crowds. They're always very nice and seem genuinely happy to be working there. The Gnome is also home to our favorite waitress in the Twin Cities, although we don't know her name. She works in the bar, and has a GREAT system for her customers. If you need something, set your menu on the edge of the table. If you don't, leave it somewhere else. This way, she can recognize you need something right away, and doesn't waste time checking in with customers who don't need assistance. Plus she's super cool and fast. Great beer selection, you can seemingly try something new every time you go in there. I've had a few different app's, they were all good. Move this to the top of the list if you're in the area and looking for a place to hang out for a while.
(5)Mark H.
Just the kind of place St Paul needs more of! [Ok, "of which St Paul needs more."] They had a great beer selection, interesting and varied, both from the tap and the bottle. I had a very nice hamburger and fries, tasty and well-cooked, and other things on the menu looked good, too. I'm more of a wine guy than a beer guy, but any place that has La Duchesse de Bourgogne in the bottle gets my vote.
(4)Noelle H.
Enjoyed a lovely brunch at The Happy Gnome this past weekend. Had the Early Rizer. Basically eggs benedict with bacon, tomato and avocado. The sauce was a chipolte sauce that I wasn't totally thrilled with. It sounded a lot better in theory - esp the avocado part, but was decent. Service was okay. Seemed like we waited quite a while for our food when there was barely anyone there. Will have to come back again to try their whole menu as well as their beer selection - which is very impressive. Gotta love the St. Paul Beer Bars!
(3)Nick P.
Easily one of the best places I have ever dined at. The changing menu contains meals that are consistently amazing. The draft beer selection, also always changing is a real treat.
(5)Drew B.
Building dark and wide Like an orphanage for beer Which do you fancy (Damn, this is a nice local pub. They have a VERY nice beer selection... both tap AND bottles. You can get a pint of anything from the standard Leine's to the Maredsous 10. Just be aware that if you go in later on the weekend, there's a good chance they will be out of some of the more interesting beers. You may want to have a backup picked out... They also have a VERY nice food selection. In addition to the standard bar fare, they serve a fun selection of 'small plates' ranging from mussles to gnocchi to tamales. If your hunger is more substantial, they also have a dinner menu. I had an EXCELLENT elk steak the other night, which I would recommend. The small plates are around $8 each, and the dinner entrees hover around $20. If you're in the neighborhood and need a bite AND a pint, this is the place to go. Recommended.)
(4)Adam S.
I'm rating this on the service and beer selection. I have never eaten here, not really sure why. Their menu looks interesting, I just never do. But I do like coming here for "dessert". My fiancee has had few of their actual desserts, and she likes them. I stick to a liquid dessert. Almost always something new to try and most of the bartenders know their stuff. Nice Patio for the summer if you can get a spot.
(4)Rebecca Y.
If you're looking for an incredible beer list, this is the place. The bar staff is incredibly knowledgeable and helped me pick out a beer that would suit my pallette. The food while very good...made me feel like I was eating at a French restaurant as the portions were extremely small. I had the fish tacos and it comprised of two very small tacos with about a tablespoon of tilapia in each. It filled me but for the guys who like hearty portions, this is not the place for you.
(4)Dom R.
Was visiting the Twin Cities for a long wedding weekend with a day to kill. With some quick mobile-yelping, led me to a place described as "St. Paul's Finest Gastropub." A quick glance of their website and I was sold at "featuring over 75 craft drafts". I was sure I could kill a day here. Here, being the Happy Gnome. While the rest of my family got lost in the MOA, I decided my time would be better spent getting lost in the abundance of crafts on draft. And I was not disappointed. I spent about 8 hours at the Happy Gnome tasting as many craft beers as I could. They do BEER FLIGHTS, which is a great way to sample MORE beers than less beers. The Craft Beers here are awesome and just about everybody in the bar was ordering something different. I only saw one woman order a Miller Lite, shame on her. The bartenders were very knowledgeable about what they were pouring, as they should be. So we know the beers are exceptional and a plenty. How about the food? Well, the food may be equally as good. Because I was here for a marathon, I was able to enjoy both lunch and dinner. For lunch, I had the MN Game Burger - a bison and elk pattied with bacon and grated horseradish, caramelized onion and blue cheese sauce with a lingonberry aioli. The burger was great and cooked perfectly mid-rare. The fries were splendid as well. For dinner...with my now found family members, whom were inebriated from a day of shopping and myself inebriated from a day of drinking great beer....I was able to sample more of the menu. The Cheese plate was average. The waiter made a simple mistake of not identifying the cheeses arranged on the plate. We survived. The Butternut Squash Gnocchi and Lamb Meatballs were the best thing I ate here all day, which completely surprised me. I then had the Duck Burger made with wild rice and mushroom duxelle, bacon bits, herb goat cheese served with a cherry aioli. Also very good. I give the slight edge to the MN Game Burger in the Best Burger Category. This place certainly knows how to make a good burger and aioli. Skip the desserts. Yikes! Not sure what happened here??? Completely let my sweet-tooth down. I will not even name the desserts as I have nothing nice to write about them. We went back and ate chocolates from the hotel mini-bar to right the (dessert) wrong. Overall, I would love to have a place like this in Philadelphia, that can claim to have over 75 craft beers on draft. Plus the food is damn good too. 4 Stars - I will definitely stop back in during my next visit to the Twin Cities.
(4)Michael N.
I'd probably give it a 3.5 but i'll give it the benefit of a 4 since i can't get the half star. A good place with nice selection of beer. I haven't tried too much of the food so I can't speak for that. Nice clean bar for a few good beers in a decent neighborhood.
(4)Stephanie R.
I loved the extensive beer list here, and the patio is absolutely adorable...check this place out when the weather is nice! However, the food was wayyy to expensive as far as I'm concerned. Maybe I'm just cheap, but $15 for a small appetizer or a burger is a little more than I was expecting. The atmosphere suggests cheaper prices. However, I did try the pumpkin soup last fall, which was divine. Maybe the food was worth the money, but I certainly couldn't afford it!
(3)Amy B.
First off, props for the name! Great place to meet a couple friends to catch up - my bff and I Neat building and good ambiance - I bellied up in the bar Original menu with fresh, distinct tastes - we enjoyed our pizza and pasta Menu and beer suggestion from the server were helpful - thank you Enormous selection of beer - we had a couple different seasonal brews
(4)Paul P.
If you love beer (who doesn't) and you are a foodie this is the place to go. I usually need the consultation of a friend or the barkeep to pick a beer for my personal palette. That being said, I always try something new every time I go because the selection is huge and does frequently change. I also must recommend the "MN Game Burger" from the menu "Mixture of all natural, local bison and elk, house partied with bacon and horseradish, topped with caramelized onions and blue cheese, with a side of lingonberry aioli". This is one of the best burgers I have had in ages, it is more lean that a beef burger but the onion/cheese/bacon topping makes up for that. Just writing the review I am getting hungry for that burger. Paul
(5)Kevin A.
Excellent meal. Great game burger.
(4)Nick J.
Another great St. Paul neighborhood pub. Although the size of the place threw me off at first. I wasn't sure exactly what to do or where to go when I walked in. Don't you hate that? Ok, now that I feel kinda stupid I finally get directed to the bar area upstairs. A nice cozy corner and much quieter than downstairs. I don't think I've ever been handed a larger beer menu than the one at the Gnome. It's kind of daunting actually. But I got a great recommendation from the bartender, who seemed pretty knowledgeable. I really like their food selection. Definitely not typical for a pub. Maybe a little pricier than the places I typically go to but the food is definitely worth it. Very creative with quality, fresh ingredients. If I lived closer I would definitely be here more.
(4)Tony G.
Great beer garden, excellent beer, great food, friendly service, reasonable prices...need I continue? This isn't the largest selection of beers around but it's a very well though-out selection with great variety. They have maybe 20-25 drafts, but probably 15 different types of beer within those drafts. Our server was well-versed in beer and was not afraid to share her opinions and tell us what she knew - which I appreciate. I don't know what else to say, other than it's worth the trip any time you're in the area.
(5)John N.
wonderful food, great service, out-of-this-world beer/wine selection
(5)Andrew K.
I miss Chang O'hara's and was brought here by coincidence. I was upset, but it looked the same. Great place for brunch and they have a great outdoor patio. My BLT breakfast sandwich was yummy and they substituted for a salad w/ apples and other goodies w/ no problem. I was happy as a gnome.
(4)Jay C.
incredibly disappointing. my duck burger was undercooked, and our rude waitress refused to take it back when I pointed it out, insisting all their burgers are cooked to medium (while it was pink, fleshy, and clearly uncooked). the chicken and wild rice soup had a chicken bone in it and rice that was not crunchy - but literally not cooked at all, like biting into a dry grain, it was terrible. the beers we ordered came in dirty glasses and one had done weird thing floating in it. overall the food and service was very disappointing for what we paid. would not go back
(1)Matthew H.
Sorry Houston, you have NOTHING like this fantastic St. Paul, MN gastropub. A massive selection of beer, wine, scotch and assorted other alcohols, this is by far and away the best bar/pub I've been to. I fell in love with a Gouden Carolous (Belgian Blonde Tripel) and am now ruined forever. The interior of the pub reminds me of something you might find in Austria or even in a Ski Resort in Colorado. Handsome wood, gorgeous fireplace, lots of seating, all in all the perfect place to spend a few hours catching up with friends. I've been told they have very good food, but to be honest, I was only there with one thing on my mind. And that was to try as many fantastic hard to find beers as possible. One caveat, if you're looking for Bud or Miller, you'll find none of that here. They serve only the finest micro and local brews in town. The only downside was parking in a lot that was completely covered in snow. Not alot of spaces to choose from, but definitely worth the wait if you have to. Now if only they'd open one up in Houston, TX so I won't have to wait so long before my next visit.
(5)Ziomara C.
AWESOME beer selection. A bit on the pricey side, both for the beer and appetizers I enjoyed. The amazing selection and beer related events make this place a must. I found the bartenders and servers to be helpful and friendly. The old antiquey bar area makes the ambiance extra enjoyable. I highly recommend this bar for a good night with friends to enjoy some great beer.
(4)Jason M.
Angus burger....mmmmm burger! Enough said!
(5)Sophie R.
So glad I stumbled upon this spot after a trip to the Science Museum. I live out in the Western burbs so don't get out to St. Paul that often but we were starving and had planned to go to the Nook or Blue door pub but the wait was 90 minutes both places at 5 p.m. So - passed by the Gnome and decided to give it a try. We got one of the last tables in the bar and were first amazed by the extensive craft and specialty beer list. Tried a few different kinds all with suggestions from the knowledgeable server and all were excellent. For food, we got the house made pretzel with cheese sauce and for what it was - it was excellent. Very fresh and almost a little bit of a "fried" soft pretzel vibe with some mellow cheese dipping sauce (I would've liked a little more kick to my sauce but it was still good). We both ended up getting the Angus burgers with short rib that comes with fresh cut fries and it was fantastic. Overall, great neighborhood "gastro" pub with excellent beer choices, great food and a very fun and energectic vibe. So wish it was in my neighborhood. We'll be back!
(5)Guya I.
I am pretty damn picky and today I was pleased as punch with Happy Gnome. Had a nice bloody mary with a founders chaser- super nice endive, chevre, beet salad-- dressed really well. And this crazy Vegetarian Juicy Lucy Veggie Burger on a like a homemadish bun with nice fries....Very Very happy.
(5)Robert H.
The Happy Gnome is a wonderful place to eat. It has a young and lively atmosphere that is laid-back but sophisticated. The large parking lot always seems to be full with happy customers. The menu variety is excellent and the food is even better. The beer and wine selection is unparalleled. Good service, too. Only one qualm: The last time we ate there, I ordered my hamburger cooked medium, and I received it rare. The kitchen was happy to take it back though and put it back on the grill. I would definitely recommend this restaurant. One caveat: I went there a second time and the service was bad. There were probably only 10 other people dining, but it took forty minutes for them to make a hamburger and an appetizer pizza. That is simply unacceptable. What's more, it took them at least fifteen minutes to deliver my wonderfully tasty and pre-prepared raspberry-rhubarb tart. This should've taken less than five minutes. Conclusion: This restaurant is hit and miss. You can't expect good service each time you go there, but when you do get good service, the food is excellent.
(3)Nathan N.
Came for my first time after Grand Old Day and was surprised by the amazing backyard patio/deck they have. It's the reason I love St. Paul - where else could you find this oasis for refreshments or good clean bar food.
(4)Molly B.
Impressive but pricy beer list (why pay $5 for a local draft when I could get the same for $3 at a happy hour just down the street?). Ordered the gnocchi appetizer to share, and it ended up being really small and not worth the $9 in terms of tastiness or creativity. The outside patio is lovely, though, so my night was decent overall.
(3)Conor W.
Very nice beer list, but not much else. I first visited The Happy Gnome when a relative was holding an event there and renting the upstairs. First of all they said they had a PA system, but they delivered an old tube guitar amplifier with a improperly compensated microphone. For those without sound board experience this meant I had to bring my personal stage gear to drive music through the venue as well as allow for speeches. It is also worth mentioning that some of this gear disappeared during clean up when only my family and the staff was working. I do not know what happened to my gear but I have theories, none of which involve my immediate family. The food is lackluster. Overpriced and suffers from "TV chef syndrome" as I call it. Overworked, over seasoned, and attempting to be heroic for no reason. Good food is tasty, overly complex food is muddled. The vast majority here is muddled. The basic appetizers they offer for catering are alright, but par at best. Their best offerings were breads and dips, but I believe they get the bread from an off site bakery. Service was a joke. The staff knows the beers from front to back, but ask for scotch from their list and they get confused. One purchase of a dram even required pointing out the bottle due to the staff's lack of knowledge. This is a shame considering they have the best Scotch listing I know of in walking distance. After fighting off random bar goers who wandered up the stairs we placed a sign written in capitals which stated the private nature of the party on the upper floor. The staff seemed to feel this was not aesthetically pleasing and removed it and we replaced it....this happened repeatedly all night. The most annoying part of the evening was when staff took breaks from serving on the upper floor. I understand staff needs to be rotated, but they didn't have a person to fill in and so that meant no one to operate the bar which was setup as part of the venue rental. People were forced to wait in line on the lower floor to get anything, even though they were paid to run bar all night on the upper floor. I am only giving them 2 star because their beer list is that good. If you are looking for rental space for an event I highly suggest looking elsewhere. If you are looking for a fun night out with nice beer then eat first and then visit the Gnome. If you want quality food then head a bit West and there are many options in a short distance.
(2)Alec G.
This place has one of the best beer selections I've ever found, as well as a great selection of scotch. I went in with someone who was just a "Bud" drinker, and I think they had to pull a dusty bottle out of the basement; they just don't serve bad beer here! Also, they have two great atmospheres to choose from. Downstairs is a fun, pub environment and upstairs is a more relaxed, intimate experience, sometimes with a fire going in the fireplace and a live jazz trio in the corner. The only reason this doesn't get 5 stars is the food is hit-and-miss. I think their chef, who is normally fantastic, likes to experiment sometimes and once in a while will miss the mark on either design or someone in the kitchen will miss the mark on preparation. Overall, this is a great place for an evening with friends or just an intimate evening with a loved one.
(4)Francis D.
Oh how I wish this place was my basement - I was home with my bro and two cousins looking to get drunk on really good beer and we couldn't've asked for anything more. As far as food and service review, I won't comment because my appetite was filled with beer beer beer! mmm...
(4)Sonja R.
As others have said, awesome beer selection. You won't have a clue what to order. Been there twice now and had the Grilled chicken sandwich and the BELTA (Bacon Egg Lettuce Tomato Avacado) a newer more fabulous version of a BLT. My mom (a huge fry fanatic) loves the french fries here. They are fresh cut and peppery. All of the food was unique to the restaurant and while there I overheard a waiter saying the menu changes quite frequently, so it's good to check back for more delicious menu items.
(4)