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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Saint Paul's best

Lunch spots for soup

Made for those who want a substantial, warming meal in the middle of the day and prioritize efficiency without sacrificing the quality of their bowl.

Based on 653 Opinions
+650
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Updated May 2026
01
Dao Thai Pho image 1
Dao Thai Pho image 2
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Pho restaurant

Small space offers authentic Thai cuisine with flavorful pho and boat noodles that stand out in the city. Atmosphere feels welcoming and accommodates dietary needs like gluten intolerance. Parking and entrance can be challenging, but food quality and value remain strong draws.

Soups feature real galangal and kaffir lime leaves for authentic flavor. The tom yum soup is hot and flavorful, and the boat noodles come with a tasty pork skin garnish.

Offers a quick 30-minute lunch stop with satisfying meals. The spot delivers a pleasant surprise for midday dining.

People are saying

"The pho here is really flavorful and the broth is excellent."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is really good."

"I thought the boat noodle soup was the best I had."

Good to know

1

Parking is available, but be cautious of the surrounding area.

2

Most dishes can be prepared gluten-free upon request.

3

Expect to spend around $40 for two people.

02
ZAO Bakery + Cafรฉ image 1

Bright, clean space with modern design and natural light creates a welcoming, peaceful atmosphere. Seating is spacious and self-service amenities like microwaves and water stations support a relaxed pace. The vibe blends cozy comfort with a fresh, airy feel reminiscent of morning street food scenes.

Chicken congee and roasted duck noodle soup stand out with generous portions and rich flavors. Broth in wonton egg noodle soup tastes light and pho-like, while chili oil adds a noticeable kick.

Busy Sundays do not slow down the quick service. Options include congee, noodles, and drinks paired with pastries for a solid sit-down lunch.

People are saying

"The bakery's savory pastries are a taste from childhood."

"The beef noodle soup here has a really rich and flavorful broth."

"The buns and pastries here are fresh, flavorful, and delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is available, but it can be limited on weekends.

2

The bakery sells out of items quickly, so arrive early.

3

A minimum purchase is required for card payments.

03
Vina Vietnamese Restaurant image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Renovated space combines modern design with warm lighting and stylish artwork, creating a spacious and clean atmosphere. Casual dining area features a long mural and collections of mopeds, adding unique character. Noise level varies, with occasional doorbell sounds and electronic cover music, but overall maintains a balance suitable for conversation.

Broths range from rich and comforting to savory and delightful, with options like hot and sour and fully vegetarian soups. Wonton soup features fresh veggies and tender wontons, often paired with egg rolls or included in meal deals and lunch specials.

Lunch combos offer great value with options like Sweet & Sour Chicken and Sesame Chicken served with soup and wonton. Meals include fresh veggies, fried rice, and sides like cream cheese puff, making lunch both filling and varied.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food here, especially the pho, has an amazing, rich, and flavorful broth."

"I love adding an egg roll to my lunch spot order."

"I loved the fresh tasting and satisfying hot and sour soup."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

The restaurant offers takeout options for all menu items.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but cash is preferred for small orders.

04
Sole Cafe Korean restaurant image 1

Renovated interior blends chic modern design with authentic Korean utensils, creating a cozy and aesthetic atmosphere. Soothing music and thoughtful amenities like high-quality lotion add to the calm, safe vibe. The space feels both elegant and welcoming, reflecting a family-owned character.

Soups come thick and flavorful, never watered down. The spicy beef Yukgaejang offers a hearty, aromatic experience, while the ox tail and ox bone soups deliver rich, satisfying tastes.

Lunch offers dishes like tofu bibimbap that can be split for multiple meals. Service includes friendly staff such as Mark, the new owner.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and authentic."

"The renovated interior feels so cozy and warm."

"This Lunch Spot's food is amazing, especially the pancakes."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended during peak hours to avoid long wait times.

2

Expect a wait of 30-60 minutes during busy dinner hours.

3

The restaurant offers a late-night menu until 11pm on weekends.

05
Karen Thai Food image 1
Thai restaurant

Small, cozy space with a quiet, authentic vibe and limited seating. Family atmosphere draws steady customers who often order boat noodles and Pad Thai praised for their flavor. Food shows bold Thai spices but can vary in spice level and sweetness.

Broth in the soups tastes real and rich. Boat soup comes packed with plenty of flavorful meat. Tom Yum soup offers a choice of protein including chicken and tofu.

Large portions during breakfast make it a solid choice for lunch. The spot often goes unnoticed but serves filling meals suitable for midday.

People are saying

"I thought their Pad Thai was the best I had ever tasted."

"The pho here is authentic with a great broth."

"The boat noodle is the best thing for lunch here."

Good to know

1

Seating is very limited, making it hard to find a spot during busy times.

2

Food prices are not clearly stated on the menu, so ask before ordering.

3

Each dish costs about $16-18, which is surprising for a casual restaurant.

06
HOT GRAINZ - Thai Street Food image 1

Small dining area mimics Bangkok street food shops with metal cutlery and table condiments. Atmosphere stays casual and cozy, featuring a modern, clean design and a self-serve station for utensils and condiments. Space feels bright and vibey, suitable for relaxed meals and casual selfies.

Soups here are super flavorful and come with dishes like larb moo and kao man gai. The Tom Saap soup is warming and meaty, while the egg noodle soup Ba Mee Nam has a street-style vibe similar to Thai soups.

Lunch features Thai street food with fresh flavors and quick service. Multiple visits confirm it as a solid spot for midday meals.

People are saying

"The Thai food here is so authentic and flavorful."

"The bitter beef soup was delicious and unique."

"The pork belly at this Lunch Spot is smoky and tender."

Good to know

1

Expect a 30-minute wait time during peak dining hours.

2

Parking is very limited, especially during busy times.

3

There is an additional $1 charge for a side of rice.

07
Thai Boat 89 image 1
Asian restaurant

Small space with a hole in the wall vibe offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere despite occasional cold drafts near the entrance. The menu focuses on authentic Thai noodle dishes like boat noodles and pho, drawing a local following for flavorful, well-prepared meals.

Boat noodle soup offers awesome flavor similar to what you find in Thailand. You can add heat and chili vinegar to customize the spice level. The Moo Manao noodle soup is a good choice if you like spice.

Busy lunch hours bring a lively atmosphere with quick seating and great service even when packed. Fridays tend to be especially busy but staff handle it smoothly.

People are saying

"The food, especially the crispy pork belly, has an amazing crunch."

"I thought the spring rolls were so fresh and good."

"I loved the spring rolls; they were nicely wrapped."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging; consider arriving early or using street parking.

2

The restaurant has limited seating, suitable for small groups of 2-4.

3

Menu features authentic Thai dishes, including boat noodles and pork belly.

08
1881 Eating House image 1

Union Depot's grand space with 80-foot high ceilings and historic architecture creates a unique, lively atmosphere that echoes with activity. The setting blends historic ambiance with modern touches, offering both casual bar energy and quiet lounge areas. The layout supports easy conversation despite the station's natural loudness.

French onion soup offers a perfect balance of salt and sweet with a comforting, luxurious taste. Cream of mushroom soup features tender mushrooms and rich flavor, making both soups delicious and filling options.

Lunch features delicious French onion soup and fresh salad. Meals throughout the day, including lunch, maintain an exceptional quality.

People are saying

"I thought the food was great and tasty."

"I had an incredible lunch; the food was fantastic."

"The French Onion Soup was delicious and comforting."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour runs from 2-6 PM with new menu items available.

2

Reservations are recommended as walk-ins are not accepted after a certain time.

3

Parking in Union Depot Lots A and B is validated with your meal or drinks.

09
Joseph's Grill image 1
Bar & grill

Large indoor space combines dark wood decor with multiple TVs for sports viewing. Atmosphere stays busy but manageable, with outdoor patio and private rooms adding variety. Shuttle service and homemade Bloody Marys enhance the casual dining experience.

Soups include Italian sausage and French onion, both flavorful and satisfying. Homemade options pair well with sandwiches and classic American dishes.

Offers value prices and excellent service at both the bar and tables. Meals come out quickly, often within 45 minutes, making it easy to get a satisfying lunch without a long wait.

People are saying

"I found the breakfast food to be delicious and amazing."

"You have to try this breakfast sandwich at the Lunch Spot; it's awesome."

"I found the French onion soup to be good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

2

Joseph's Grill offers a shuttle service to home Wild games for $2.

3

Open mic night takes place on the patio every Wednesday at 7pm.

10
Bennett's Chop & Railhouse image 1

Old-school steakhouse with a double-sided bar and dark interior creates a local neighborhood feel with a classy atmosphere. Noise level runs high, especially with lively groups, making it less relaxing. Plenty of TVs and a free shuttle to games add to the casual vibe.

Soups come seasoned well and include options like cheeseburger soup and a soup of the day. They often come with meals or as part of combos, sometimes alongside salad and vegetables without extra charge.

Lunch offers great food and a pleasant atmosphere. It works well for casual stops during the day.

People are saying

"I thought the steak was amazing and perfectly cooked."

"The food at this lunch spot is delicious and flavorful."

"I thought the soup was seasoned so well."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on Saturday nights due to high demand.

2

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers during weekdays.

3

Wednesday night special includes steak, potato, vegetable, and a beer for $16.

11
Tay Ho image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Cozy, ethnic setting with dated diner style decor and close tables creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Regulars include Asian diners, reflecting its authentic Vietnamese roots. Known for affordable lunch specials and carefully prepared pho, it maintains traditional flavors without Americanization.

Hot soup comes with lots of extra meat, making it a good value. The hot and sour soup stands out alongside tasty spring rolls.

Lunch specials cost about $8.50 and come with huge portions that provide a filling meal plus leftovers. Pho features as a delicious option among the great lunch choices available.

People are saying

"I tried the Bun Bo Hue; it's the best Vietnamese food I've had."

"The pho broth here is excellent and nicely balanced."

"The soup here is amazing and packed with extra meat."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are priced at $8.50, offering good value.

2

Parking is ample in the lot and on the streets.

3

A 15% service charge is automatically added to the bill.

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