ONE DAY: ST. PAUL - SECTION THREE
- Jun 17
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 28
SECTION THREE:
MANGIAMO!
RECOMMENDED TIME WINDOW: 1:00pm - 2:15pm Disregard Time Window if doing A La Carte or going at own pace
If you’re using your own car, I’d suggest heading back to your hotel and parking if you’re staying close to the Grand Casino Arena area. If not, just head to Little Italy Parking. If that doesn’t work, the 234 W Kellogg Blvd Garage will suffice. You won’t be needing your car after this jaunt.
DRIVE 1:00pm - 1:25pm
Type in Cossetta as the destination for our Uber/Lyft ride. This will be our last Rideshare ride of the day.
We’ll be heading back to the same area we started in at Mickey’s Diner. Down the street from there is the West 7th Street neighborhood. Evolved from the connected Irvine Park historic neighborhood, this technically makes this area the first urban neighborhood in all of Minnesota. Eh, not too shabby!
West 7th is now a main hub of hotels, bars and restaurants serving both pre-gamers and post-gamers of Grand Casino Arena’s sports loving and/or music loving patrons. The street and its offerings go down to the southwest a bit from its start at the Arena. For us, we’ll stick close to the Arena area.
Cossetta Alimentari is a multiplex of Italian offerings: a Pizzeria & Eatery, an Italian Market, the Pasticceria, Frank’s Levee Tavern and an upscale restaurant, Louis Ristorante & Bar. It’s one of the more unique and revered restaurants in St. Paul, reminiscent of bustling deli’s in New York City and Chicago.
Opened in 1984, Cossetta is named after Michael Cossetta who moved here from Calabria, Italy in the late 1800’s. “He settled in a little Italian neighborhood called the Upper Levee. By 1911, he opened a tiny food market called Cossetta’s, which drew customers from everywhere who appreciated his quality foods and genuine hospitality.” (cossettas.com)
I suggest going straight for the Pizzeria and Eatery, a cafeteria style experience that is quick and to the point (we’ve got places to be). If you’re going at your own pace, feel free to choose even Louis upstairs.
You’ll have a plethora of food options: pastas, pizzas, Chicken Parmesan/Marsala, meatballs, sausages, hero sandwiches, salads, desserts desserts desserts. If you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, the Pasticceria’s where it’s at. Pastries and gelato galore.
The Market, Frank’s, even Louis is worth a look if you have time. This place is different and special. And super convenient for on the move travelers!
Mangiamo! Let’s eat!
COSSETTA ALIMENTARI
1:25pm - 2:15pm
Once we’ve had our fill of energy giving carbs (hopefully we won’t overdo it into food coma drowsiness), and it’s nearing 2:15pm, it’s time to head to one of the top tier premiere museums in Minnesota!
Comments