Kevin R.
Yelp
While in St. Paul visiting family we were able to catch an early Twins game over at Target Field that ended around lunch time (Twins shut out the A's, woo!). During the game we were seated right behind the camera guy so we decided to ask for some lunch ideas within walking distance from the stadium. He immediately mentioned the Loon Cafe and the fact that it's basically around the corner from the Kirby Puckett entrance on 6th Street. Sold!
For some stupid reason we didn't eat anything at the ballpark so when the game ended we headed straight to the Loon to finally get something to go along with the overpriced stadium beers. We were expecting it to be packed since the game just ended and thousands of hungry baseball fans were pouring into the downtown area, but we were lucky enough to snag a table because most people we just crowding around the bar. (not to mention it was a Wednesday around 3:00pm).
It's obvious the management and staff at this local bar are proud of their sports teams as every professional team in the area is represented on the walls. The multiple flat screens over the bar were even playing more baseball game for those of us that just can't get enough. The menu is surprisingly diverse with the typical bar options mixed with Mexican food, their famous chilie, and also a gluten free section which we didn't see much of throughout the rest of the state! To get things going we got the Mexicali Loon nachos (tortilla chips, green onions, lettuce, olives, tomatoes, jalapeños, Monterey jack and cheddar cheese, with guacamole and sour cream). The festive 4th of July red, white, and blue chips were piled high and the bowl of salsa in the middle gave it just the right kick. After we devoured that out came my ranch turkey burger (with green chiles, onions, jalapeños, limes juice, and ranch seasoning on an onion bun). The patty was a perfect medium rare and the ranch dressing made the flavor pop even more. It was the perfect sidekick to my frothy, locally brewed, Summit EPA.
The Loon Cafe is a great local hangout which even has the slogan "Baseball Spoken Here." After watching the home team win, what more could you ask for? Plus, whether you wanted to skip the headache of finding downtown parking, or if you indulged in a few too many cold ones, the Metro runs right by the front door with a stop across the street!