One of St Paul’s most walkable streets is a burgeoning arts and culinary destination. Payne Avenue, on the capital city’s East Side, is a thriving commercial corridor that isn’t on everyone’s radar – yet. A leisurely stroll will take you past dozens of storefronts that house myriad restaurants, art galleries, small businesses and civic organizations. Here’s a quick walking tour of our favorite street in St Paul.
Near the intersection of Payne and Pierce Butler Parkway, you’ll see an Ace Hardware and Bymore Supermarket – two of the trappings of a healthy, working neighborhood. Bymore caters to the area’s Latino community, and if you’re looking to cater an event, ask in their deli; the food is spectacular.
Here are some highlights on this stretch of Payne Avenue.
Marquez Grill
870 Payne Avenue
This busy eatery serves up Mexican favorites (with many ingredients sourced from Bymore) at reasonable prices. If you’re hungry, try the alambre, but be warned: You might be heading home with leftovers.
Sweet Sensations Mexican Bakery
886 Payne Avenue
If the aroma of fresh baked goods doesn’t lure you in, the colorful décor will. This family-run bakery has freshly baked goods every day, and their tres leches is to die for.
Caydence Records & Coffee
900 Payne Avenue
Great coffee and vintage vinyl make Caydence a great place to take a break, read a book, work remotely or shop for some smooth sounds.
Plaza Latina
927 Payne Avenue
Inside this mall you’ll find small shops and Gorditas El Durango, a restaurant that specializes in tasty gorditas (a corn or wheat pastry filled with meat and/or vegetables; you’ll currently find more than 10 filling options on the menu).
Brunson’s Pub
956 Payne Avenue
This eatery offers its own creative take on old pub standards like wings and burgers. Sit near the large picture windows and watch the traffic flow by as you enjoy a meal or beverage.
East Side Arts Council
977 Payne Avenue
You’ll find some great pieces in here, like greeting cards, jewelry, paintings, pottery and more—all made my local artists. And if you’re looking for a space to create, the East Side Arts Council offers low-cost or free arts programs that are run by working artists.
Tongue in Cheek
989 Payne Avenue
The arrival of Tongue in Cheek marked a moment of maturation in the development of Payne Avenue. This standout, chef-driven restaurant has elevated the avenue’s gastronomy with their locally sourced, New American cuisine. Don’t miss their ever-changing tasting menu.
Plaza del Sol
990 Payne Avenue
Yes, it currently looks like a construction zone. That’s because we’re rehabbing the building and turning it into a cutting-edge business incubator, community event center, offices and more. Once it’s completed in the third quarter of 2025, this already-vibrant avenue will have even more reasons to come back time and again.
