Review of Mancini's Char House in St. Paul, Minnesota

Nick Mancini originally opened a bar in 1948 at the old Hathaway Bar location and later added a steakhouse in 1965. As business grew, so did the restaurant, which added a Vegas style lounge in 1987 with Tony Bennett being the opening act. In 2005 Nick Mancini was inducted in the Minnesota Hospitality Hall of Fame and in 2007, Mancini's Char House was the first recipient of the Minnesota Restaurant of the Year award given by the Minnesota Restaurant Association. Mancini's Char House has that old classic feel to it and even though Mr. Mancini passed away last year, but the 300 seat restaurant is still turning out great meals and appeal thanks to his family. Approximately 1,000 people attended his memorial where he was taken in a horse drawn carriage down Seventh St. and past his landmark restaurant one final time. This goes to show what an impact he had on the neighborhood and the people who dined at his restaurant. Over the years, Mancini's was basically a political hangout and the customer base grew due to fantastic reviews of the food and Mr. Mancini's generosity.

Mancini's Char House is located at 531 Seventh St. W in St. Paul and is open Sunday through Thursday from 4:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday from 4:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. The outside is fairly unassuming, however once inside you can imagine what this might have been like back in the day with the classic decor and elegant atmosphere. The main restaurant features maroon booths with brass accents and there are also banquet facilities available for larger parties. You'll find the setting in the bar a little more intimate, but just as classy. Live entertainment is offered Thursdays through Saturdays and there is a small dance floor to work off some of that dinner on. The live music in the lounge is on from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. and is performed by a variety of acts such as Midas Touch, Mancini Players, Steve Miller Band and Rich & the Resistors. Check out their website for the dates these bands will be there.

Another interesting aspect is Mancini's Sports Hall of Fame wherein local St. Paul athletes are honored by having their names on a plaque that hangs in Mancini's. Each year five athletes are inducted and honored at a grand banquet. See the list of all past inductees to find out if maybe someone you know was honored (and didn't tell you). What are the odds?

Of course the main attraction here is the steaks which are broiled over open charcoal broilers to perfection. You can't go wrong with any of the choices, whether you try the 8 oz. or 12 oz. filet mignon or sirloin steak or the 13 oz. New York strip. The prices begin at $18.25 for the small sirloin up to $26.95 for the N.Y. strip. Other options are an 8 oz. chicken breast for $15.95. Feeling a little hungrier and adventurous, then try a surf n' turf dinner of a steak and lobster tail at market price. All the dinners here start with a house salad and come with a baked potato. The bread brought out when you're seated is even to die for and comes with a nice relish tray. There are a few appetizers to pick from including a shrimp cocktail and antipasti salad plate. The dessert choices are limited.

If you feel like stepping back in time, then this is a good place to enjoy a good steak. The great thing about this restaurant is that even with Nick Mancini gone, his family attempts to please the customers just as he did for decades. Don't go in here and feel you are limited. If there is something you would like to substitute, just ask and they will probably do what they can to accommodate you. Feel free to enjoy a family night out with the kids or, better yet, this is a great place for a dinner date and atmosphere may be having some of you feeling a little nostalgic.