Best Steakhouse in St. Paul, Minnesota: Mancini's Char House

A St. Paul tradition for over 50 years, Mancini's Char House is a testament to the loyalty of Minnesotans to their favorite steakhouse. Located on West 7^th Street just a stone's throw from downtown, Mancini's is a massive restaurant encompassing an entire block. Just when you think there can't be any more twists and turns to the building, a hostess will lead you to yet another room.

Nick Mancini started his place as a small 3.2 beer joint in 1948 and the business morphed into a home style steakhouse in 1965. In addition to its huge digs, Mancini's is known for the extra large dose of hospitality provided to each and every one of its guests. Here factory workers and other common folk can literally rub elbows with politicians, CEOs and celebrities and enjoy the same enthusiastic service.

When Nick Mancini passed away last summer at the age of 80, he was given a funeral fit for heads of (Minnesota) state. More than a thousand mourners turned out for the occasion. Since then, Mancini's has been operated by Nick's sons, John and Pat.

During my college days, I rented an apartment just across the street from Mancini's, and the delicious aroma of char grilled steak was a nightly assault on my senses. Mancini's char grills everything, including steak, lobster and chicken. You won't find fussy sauces or weird menu items here. Unlike other chi-chi and trendy steakhouses, Mancini's has a limited menu. It's steak, steak and more steak. You can also get surf and turf with the addition of a lobster tail, and there is also one chicken breast and a walleye entrée for those who would rather not partake of the carnivore action.

Prices for the steak dinners are reasonably priced from $18.25 for the 8 ounce sirloin to $26.95 for the 13 ounce New York strip. I've dined here many times, and if you have a craving for good beef, this is the place to come. Mancini's was one of the first restaurants where I had experienced the wondrousness of a steak quickly grilled over a red-hot flame. Quick cooking seals in the juices and the steaks are tender as a result. All dinners are served with salad, baked potato and rolls. Likewise, the appetizer menu is Spartan, with only shrimp cocktail, herring and crackers, mushrooms and an antipasta plate as offerings. Dessert choices include ice cream or cheesecake, thus eliminating the need for heavy pondering for those who need a sweet ending to their meal.

Mancini's has available banquet facilities, and offers live entertainment.

Mancini dinner hours are Sunday through Thursday from 4:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 4:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. While the restaurant is in an enormously huge facility, it is best to call to make a reservation, especially for large parties. More information can be obtained on their web site at www.mancinis.com.

Mancini's Char House

531 West 7^th Street

St. Paul, Minnesota 55102

651.224.7345

651.224.7346