"Meritage, tucked into an elegant, glass-paned storefront in downtown St. Paul, might offer the most Parisian bar experience in the Cities. The crescent bar, typically staffed by a gentleman in a black vest and tie, serves champagne infused with an absinthe-soaked sugar cube, Provençals with elderflower, and a selection of French wines — not to mention oysters and other seafood from the raw bar. There are few better places to splurge." - Justine Jones