Earlier this week, I stopped by Herbie’s on the Park to check out their Toast to Summer festivities! Located inside the old Minnesota Club, one of St. Paul’s original buildings, the hockey-themed restaurant is next to the Xcel Energy Center. If you have trouble finding it, just look for the Herb Brooks statue outside – he also serves as the eatery’s inspiration.

Part old world elegance and part game-day sports public room, the formal historical ambience mixed with large screen tvs playing above the massive bar help to round out the upscale atmosphere. A full bar for those who love beer and handcrafted cocktails, they even have a nod to my favorite mythical lumberjack! Try the Babe, the Blue “Mule” with Bombay Sapphire, lime, and ginger beer.

Herbie’s is walking distance from some of Minnesota’s best cultural attractions. If you are in downtown St. Paul and need a drink after a show at the Ordway, looking for WILD or Lynx pre-game merriment, grabbing dinner after a conference at the Rivercentre or need a break from studying at the St. Paul Library, Herbie’s is the perfect spot.

Pictured (with exceptional presentation): roasted pear toast with cambozola, and gemma balsamic on crostini; cauliflower salad with medjool dates, peppadew pepper, chevre, almonds, and roasted garlic vinaigrette; a BLT with hickory bacon, lettuce, tomato, avocado, jalapeno aioli, between two slices of grilled sourdough; creme brulee with macerated seasonal berries, and Bulleit Rye bourbon.