W. A. Frost and Company

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374 Selby Ave
Saint Paul, MN 55102

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(651) 224-5715
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Reviews
( 21 )
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Best

I went with three friends for the Sunday breakfast special and let me say it was absolutely amazing! The service was excellent, there was never an empty beverage on the table or a...

Worst

The restaurant has been through several chefs in recent years, and it's obvious why. The food was pretentious and unimpressive. The service was alright, but overall the experien...

Editorial review from Citysearch 8/29/2012

This place is one of my favorite restaurants in the twin Cities. Located in a historical building with great food and service in a beautiful atmosphere! more
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Great food and a beautiful building 7/22/2011

I went with three friends for the Sunday breakfast special and let me say it was absolutely amazing! The service was excellent, there was never an empty beverage on the table or a discarded plate. The breakfast included orange glazed cinnamon rolls, steak and eggs, fresh fruit and more for only $25, so much food that we were all stuffed. In between courses there's plenty to look at, the building is stunning inside and out and decorated in a wonderful antique style. Next time we would love to sit outside, the patio looked even more amazing! more
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Amazing Fine Dining!! 5/27/2011

I had a WONDERFUL meal at W.A. Frost my prom night this year. For those who believe that you can just walk up to this restaurant, you're sorely mistaken... I had to get a reservation about 6 weeks in advance. However, it was well worth it. We had great food, atmosphere, and service. Again, this place is pretty pricey, and unless you have a reservation, you might as well forget it, but heeding those two warnings, you'll have an unforgettable meal. Pros: Food, Service, Atmosphere Cons: Pricing, Accessibility. more
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Terrible Service!! Don't bother... 9/14/2010

4 of us went to W.A Frost on a beautiful saturday afternoon around 1pm a few weeks ago. We were surprised to see the patio only about 25% full, but soon found out why. We were told we wouldn't be served outside without a reservation. So, we tried to get a table inside, but were told it was full (even though we could see only about 1/2 the tables were taken). So, we were sent to the bar side where we waited about 15 mins for table to free up. Once seated, we sat for another 15 minutes as the wait staff repeated walked by and ignored us. We all decided this place has more customers than they can handle and that they obviously didn't need us. So, don't waste your time at W.A. Frost, there are just too many great places in the cities that also have beautiful patios and where they actually do care about customers. I'm not one to give a place a bad review first time out as any place can have an off day, but this was my second time to W.A. Frost this summer after being treated poorly the first time there also. If you like being made to feel that they are doing YOU a favor by allowing you to wait for their poor service, then I say have at it. You'll get what you are looking for... more
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Delightfully Exquisite!!! 2/19/2010

Amazing, Delightful, Romantic, Exquisite and Everything that one would expect from a 5 star restaurant! This place surpassed my expectations and inspired an elegant evening of private romance and conversation. From the first floor layout and table presentation, one would never expect the divine and cozy accommodations down below. And, a little secret if I may... I did not find this place until requesting a more 'private' setting for my date and myself. Downstairs was this very mature sitting/dinning/entertaining area. VERY impressive, art, brick, fireplaces, coffee tables, couches, romance and the best part, they even served US downstairs. It was, for lack of a better word, PERFECT. The mini coves extended from the larger room made for the perfect romantic and very private little dinning experience. This would the Perfect place to propose, have a reception, family reunion, bridal anything, or just lounge before heading out to a show, opera, night out, etc. This is a place you will want to come back to over and over again! I just moved to the Twin Cities from San Diego and have dedicated myself to dinning at 2 new restaurants a month... stay posted for more. Pros: Ambiance, Service, Food, Decor, EVERYTHING actually.... Cons: Upstairs Seating arrangments more
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I should of stayed home... 10/1/2009

W.A Frost & Company has a great atmosphere and ambiance- However, it's not worth much when you are constantly waiting for a drink and an hour for a few appetizers at 10pm. The patio was almost empty. Pros: Nice Patio Cons: Terrible Service more
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Worthless happy hour 9/28/2009

I had my stomach all set for late happy hour and I was hungry. The bartender gave me a glass of wine and then ignored me for nearly 20 minutes. There was nothing I could do to catch his eye because it was noisy and he spent all his time way at the other end of the bar flirting with another customer. The only reason I'd see to go back would be that I could get a glass of wine for free, because I seriously could have left without paying and no one would have noticed. Pros: good wine Cons: worthless service more
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WOW! 9/6/2008

If you decide to eat here, ask to sit on the patio you will love it! One of my best dinning exp. ever we sat outside on a perfect night, ordered a great drink vodka bootleg. The service was super always is when your server has a helper to do the water and bring the bread out. The food reminds me a lot of what you see on top chef very trendy and up scale! Check this place out!! Pros: patio, great menu, and service! more
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Impressive patio ,but not so impressive about service 7/24/2008

We went there on Friday for my friend's birthday. Hostess led us to the table ,then\r nobody came for next 20 min. Finally waitress showed up ,but not a word of apology. She couldn't even explain very well about food. It is over rated. I recommend to sit yourself at bar and order foods from bar menu. You still\r get to enjoy the atmosphere. more
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What a special evening 7/21/2008

I took my date to this restaurant for her birthday. We had 7pm reservations and were seated right away. The dining rooms looked full but not crowed and we felt very comfortable in our corner. My date was wished happy birthday by our attendants which made her feel special. We were served promptly but we never felt rushed. We started with the Tapas Trio which was an excellent combination of shrimp, beef and salmon bites each with their own delicious seasoning. Peaches our my dates favorite fruit so she loved the fennel and peach salad with crumbed blue cheese and walnuts while I had a simple mixed green salad. We both had the filet which was also out of this world. My date loves red meat if it is not red but I like mine on the rarer side. Both were cooked to perfection and hot at the same time. They melted in out mouths. The filet was served on a bed of mascarpone herb polenta and mushroom ragout that was very good. We finished off our meal with the Mini Trio Plate for dessert which was also an excellent combination of creme brulee, strawberry-rhubarb cobbler and dark chocolate cherry cake . My date had a very good port to go with her dessert. We felt like we could linger and enjoy finishing our drinks and talking for as long as we wanted. I would recommend this restaurant. Pros: pleasent staff, ambience Cons: small parking lot more
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Best patio in the twin cities 3/8/2008

My wife and I love W.A Frost. It is always our first choice for date night. We especially love it at the bar - always great service and the bar menu is great food to share in a more relaxed setting. Our current favorite is the BLT with fries - it is so good. We highly recommend the bar for a great dinner or a relaxing drink. Can a brag about the patio in March? The patio is the best in the twin cities. Pros: great service & great ambiance Cons: it is a popular place, Valet parking is great on the weekend more
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best service, top notch flavors, cozy romantic ambiance 1/29/2008

We called ahead and made reservations for our 2nd wedding anniversary. The staff wished us as we entered and got us the best spot on the floor by the fire. Our waiter was very knowledgeable about the food. We ordered their goat cheese pizza which just melted in our mouth, so heavenly, then got the cauliflower soup which was even better, absolutely smooth and drizzled with a sundried tomato pesto oil, just delicious. For salad, we had the beet/goat cheese, it had a yum dressing and was excellent. My husband had the fish for maincourse and cleaned his plate clean! after all that before. I had a yaki soba with leek preparation which was alright, the waiter noticed my reaction and just took it off our bill!!! It was good but he wanted me to say it was excellent :) Our dessert - a perfect not too sweet, pumpkin cake with spiced icecream and a pistachio cream. I cant praise this place enough. They were so mindful and the decor was warm, cozy, perfect for a romantic date. Pros: best service, top notch flavors and a very warm cozy ambiance more
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Impressive Chef's tasting menu and a great date night location... 1/28/2008

I took my husband here for his birthday. I had zero expectations and turned out to be extremely happy with my choice to take him here. The environment is dark and homey with a subtle hint of your grandma's tchotchke-filled parlor. I assumed it was dressy but people were there in jeans and sweatshirts and it didn't seem to be a problem. Ask for a table by the fireplace or along the back windows for maximum privacy and romance. We had the 6 course chef's tasting menu with wine pairings. It was expensive but when you see what you get, it's a great value. Delicious food we were talking about days later and very nice wine pairings. You get an amuse bouche (+ wine), a fish course (+ wine), a fowl course (+ wine), a meat course (+ wine), a cheese course (+ wine) and a dessert (+ wine). Despite all the courses and wines, you leave pleasantly satiated rather than painfully overstuffed. We made the mistake of ordering cocktails before dinner so by the time we got to the fowl dish, we were googly-eyed. I dreamt of the duck with apples last night, it was so good. We were seated by the server's path to the bar and even the bar food looked delicious. Service was very nice and unobtrusive. Our server was able to answer any questions we had. Food was delivered promptly and we never felt rushed. Can't wait for the weather to get good so we can dine al fresco on their patio. more
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Not Worth It 1/27/2008

The restaurant has been through several chefs in recent years, and it's obvious why. The food was pretentious and unimpressive. The service was alright, but overall the experience was not one to be repeated. more
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Great location and ambience. 1/1/2008

I've been here twice, both times were related to an anniversary, and both times were great. The lighting and decor is very warm and romantic. The service is excellent from all of the staff and the food is just delicious and well presented. I haven't eaten anything bad there. The parking is somewhat limited in this St. Paul neighborhood, but that's the only real downside to this restraurant. Pros: Food and service Cons: Parking more
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Great restaurant!! 1/1/2008

My husband and I enjoy every minute spent at W.A. Frost. We've always had great food, great service, and enjoy the wonderful ambiance!! Good job W. A. Frost!! We'll be back again and again! Pros: Ambience!! Cons: Parking is limited more
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Bland, bland, bland 12/25/2007

We went to WA Frost for the first time in late November for our Anniversary. It was a Saturday night and the restaurant was not too busy but the service was quite slow. The best part of the whole meal was the ambiance and the beauty of the interior since the food was horrible. My husband ordered the seafood stew and I ordered the fish special. Our food was cold and was incredibly bland. It did not appear that much thought went into the seasoning and preparation of the dishes. Thank goodness the martinis were good. I would consider going back and giving it one more chance for the ambiance alone but was really not impressed with my first visit. Pros: Ambiance, martinis Cons: Food not good, service slow and unattentive more
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I always love to go here! 9/26/2007

This is one of my favorite restaurants in the Twin Cities. I love the historic building with its high ceilings, beautiful antiques, exposed brick, and wonderful outdoor patio. Even the bar area is beautiful. The atmosphere, service, and food are all consistently fantastic. I have been here many times over the years for brunch, lunch and dinner--always great! I have so many good memories of this place, so I hope it stays here forever. more
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Medicore food over priced food 6/15/2007

Three of us ordered a burger - we asked for med. rare - we got a range of medium to well done - the bun was tough and it was pretty tasteless. The 4th person in our party ordered soup and salad. The salad more
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A perfect evening 4/15/2007

We started the evening in the bar with drinks. It was dimly lit and very romantic. They offered a flight of champagne which we were happy to try. It was fabulous! For dinner we got a nice table by the fire (I called ahead and requested this) which made the evening seem even more romantic. We both got the New York Strip and it is still the best one I have ever had. I have had the steak at Manny's and while it is great there, whatever sauce they have made it to die for. The service and desert were also great. Pros: Food, drinks, service, ambience Cons: Pricey more
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Menu for W. A. Frost and Company


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This romantic Cathedral Hill institution's primarily Mediterranean cuisine has aroused appetites for 30 years.

Owner Message

  • W.A. Frost is located in beautiful Saint Paul, not far from the capitol. W.A. Frost has been providing the ultimate in dining pleasure since 1975. Enjoy the open-air setting in the summer and enjoy the spectacular turn-of-the-century architecture year-round. W.A. Frost's sensational wine selection, cuisine and ambience provide you with the perfect dining experience for lunch, dinner or any occasion.

    "Best Wine List (Twin Cities)" -City Pages, 2005
    "Best Restaurant (St. Paul)" -City Pages, 2004-2005
    "Most Romantic" -Gourmet Magazine, Mpls./St. Paul, MN Monthly
    Best of Citysearch Lunch 2008
    Best of Citysearch Fine Dining 2008
    Best of Citysearch Brunch 2008

Editorial

  • In Short
    Located in the shadow of St. Paul Cathedral, this refined 1889 brownstone is the essence of romance. The handsomely elegant dining rooms with fireplaces, oil paintings and...

  • 2/14/2007 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-12am Fri-Sat 11am-1am Sun 10:30am-12am
  • Neighborhoods: Summit - University
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