The Muddy Pig in St. Paul, Minnesota: Among Area's Best Restaurants

The Muddy Pig is a bistro/pub in St. Paul, Minnesota. According to it Web site, the establishment's focus is on "quality beer and better than pub fare." This eatery successfully does that.

Because this establishment is more of a bar than a restaurant, the specialties are not what I would consider a specialty. These items are more on the line of things that the restaurant gets right. In the appetizers, the Hummus, which is paired with Pita Bread, is a great way to start with something a little different. If you are a true Crabcake fan, stay away from the ones offered here. They do not compare with many that I have experienced as a seafood connoisseur. The Sausage & Kraut Bake is another dish that is a little different, but it is actually much better than it sounds. Moving on to the entrées, the Linguine and Clam Sauce is an excellent choice, as is the Pastalaya. The sandwiches available are almost endless. The Blackened Salmon, which is a Salmon fillet covered with Tomato Aioli with the addition of lettuce and tomato is a wonderful meal. Of the sandwiches include a Half Pound Certified Angus Burger, Buffalo Chicken, Ruben, Clubhouse Wrap, and the Ham & Cheese, just to name a few.

For vegetarians there are a few options. They offer several salads including the Apple Walnut Salad, which is available in a large or small size. The Apple Walnut Vinaigrette for the salad makes this a hit for even the meat eaters. There is also a Grilled Portobello Sandwich, which is being marinated and grilled Portobello Mushroom Cap, served with goat cheese, roasted red pepper, lettuce and tomato. Now on to the beers.

The number of beers that are available at this place is unreal. For the drafts alone, there are over 45 beers on tap. The beers available come from all around the world. There are some from California, Colorado, Scotland, Michigan, England, Belgium, Ireland, Wisconsin, New York, The Netherlands, Germany, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Sri Lanka, and of course Minnesota. The bottled beers are almost as extensive, including beers from Belgium, Canada, California, Pennsylvania, The Netherlands, England, Czechoslovakia, Mexico, and Jamaica, just to name a few. There are multiple wines, single malt scotch, Bourbons, and Irish whiskey.

Prices for food range from four dollars for the soup or little mixed salad to $14 for the drunken flank steak. Sandwiches range from $7-$10. Appetizers range from $6-$9. Salads range from $4-$9. Entrées range from $10-$14.

Free parking is readily available. All items on the menu are available for takeout, but I do not suggest it as the ambience of this establishment would be lost by getting the food to go. The dress code is casual. The muddy pig does not accept reservations, but even on a weekend night the wait time for party of four is usually no longer than 10 minutes.

This eatery is really not a kid friendly environment, as he is for the most part a bar. Nothing is posted that states that children are not allowed. However, it is suggested that you use your best judgment.

The Muddy Pig is located at 162 Dale St., St. Paul, Minnesota 55102. The phone number is 651 .254.1030. The hours of operation are Sunday through Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m., Friday to Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Source:

www.muddypig.com