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Guide to Payne - Phalen

Food

Made for those who want to explore the culinary landscape of their community and need a comprehensive guide to every local kitchen.

Based on 592 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Burnt Chicken image 1
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Cajun restaurant

Historic bar setting with original woodwork offers a cozy, old-school vibe. Food shines with seasoned perfection and outstanding quality. Lively music adds warmth, making it ideal for relaxed dining or intimate date nights.

Food comes out seasoned to perfection with consistently phenomenal flavor. Every dish shows outstanding quality and care in preparation.

People are saying

"The bourbon chicken sandwich here is delicious and unique."

"The Mac and Cheese is nice and creamy."

"The food here is fresh, juicy, and perfectly fried."

Good to know

1

Street parking is available near the restaurant.

2

The restaurant does not have a liquor license at this time.

3

The menu features a selection of Cajun/Creole and soul food fusion dishes.

02
Chances Tavern image 1

Small, bright bar with a chill vibe and amazing bar food. Walls lined with lots of TVs for sports and music plays loud. Crowded yet inviting with a friendly, family feel and diverse hot sauces.

Food here is consistently great and often described as amazing. The bar food stands out as surprisingly good and enjoyable.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be fantastic and tasty."

"It's a great little neighborhood bar."

"The bar food here is surprisingly great for watching Live Sports."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers discounted beer and cider prices on weekdays.

2

Football season brings special events and promotions every weekend.

3

Karaoke night is popular on Thursdays with a lively atmosphere.

03
Marquez Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small dining area with a fresh salsa bar offers a cozy, lively vibe. Scratch made dishes deliver authentic Mexican flavors with standout best-in-state carnitas. Affordable prices and a welcoming atmosphere make it a top spot for Mexican cuisine.

Scratch made dishes deliver authentic Mexican flavors with a focus on Platillos de Baria. Food consistently tastes delicious and excellent.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and made with fresh ingredients."

"The Mexican food here is delicious, especially the tacos."

"I found the steak burrito here to be amazing."

Good to know

1

Prices are reasonable for the quality of food offered.

2

Expect a little longer wait for dishes compared to fast food.

3

Two orders of enchiladas and tacos cost roughly $50.

04
Kong's Kitchen image 1
Southeast Asian restaurant

Small Southeast Asian spot offers amazing quality dishes with rich flavors. Cozy vibe shines through natural lighting and lush plants. Friendly staff and smooth R&B music create a relaxed, inviting space.

Food here stands out for its amazing quality and excellent Asian flavors. Every visit delivers great taste and consistent satisfaction.

People are saying

"The fried rice here is flavorful and the portions are amazing."

"The vegan pho broth here is amazing."

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

Good to know

1

Expect longer wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

2

Prices at Kong's Kitchen are considered high compared to similar restaurants.

3

Kong's Kitchen offers a variety of authentic Chinese dishes on its menu.

05
Sweet Sensation Bakery & Cafรฉ image 1

Bakery offers authentic Mexican breads with soft, fresh textures and affordable pastries. Pink decor and neon lights create a charming retro vibe that feels cozy and inviting. Friendly service and late hours make it a great spot for same-day cake customization.

Soft, fresh breads stand out alongside consistently great food and service. Every dish served maintains a high standard of taste and quality.

People are saying

"The pastries here are delicious, flaky, and sweet."

"The staff here are so kind and patient with the bread."

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

Good to know

1

The bakery offers convenient late hours for evening visits.

2

Prices for pastries are very reasonable, with many items under $10.

3

Pre-ordering cakes is available for special occasions.

06
Hoa Mei Market & Deli image 1
Asian grocery store

Large Asian grocery store offers Hmong groceries and live seafood with clear prices. Kitchen serves hot Hispanic foods but charges by weight, which can be pricey. Warm atmosphere makes shopping pleasant and inviting.

A kitchen in the back serves a wide variety of hot and ready-to-eat foods, including many Hispanic options. Hot food prices are high and charged by weight, which some find less straightforward.

People are saying

"They had every kind of Asian instant noodle I could imagine."

"You have to try the ribs with sticky rice and pepper."

"I could not find any other market that could match their delicious pork sausage."

Good to know

1

Hoa Mei Market & Deli offers a wide variety of meats, seafood, and live blue crabs.

2

The produce at Hoa Mei Market & Deli is fresh and abundant.

3

Prices at Hoa Mei Market & Deli are fair and consistent from shelf to checkout.

07
Carnitas don Tacho image 1

Small Mexican eatery serves best carnitas with perfect salsas in a busy, authentic setting. Food is fresh, fast, and full of delicious flavors that shine outside Mexico. Prices stay affordable in a clean, humble spot.

Food here offers an authentic taste with fresh ingredients and quick service. Every dish delivers excellent, delicious Mexican flavors that stand out outside of Mexico.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food here was the best ever."

"I thought the carnitas here were the best in Minnesota."

"The salsas here are fiery red and mild green, offering contrasting flavors."

Good to know

1

Prices are affordable, with six tacos costing about $20 without drinks.

2

Expect longer wait times during dinner hours, especially on weekends.

3

The restaurant often runs out of burgers during lunch, so arrive early.

08
HEAT - Thai Street Food image 1

Cozy spot with a chill vibe and loud TV feels like home. Food is very spicy and bold, especially the signature dishes like Yen Ta Fo. Affordable prices and generous portions attract families despite some wear in the space.

Food here is very spicy and flavorful, with options to order extra spicy. Signature dishes like Yen Ta Fo and boat noodles stand out for their bold taste.

People are saying

"This Thai food is incredibly spicy and flavorful."

"The boat noodle broth is savory and flavorful."

"I thought the green Thai tea was perfectly sweet and balanced."

Good to know

1

Parking lot fills up quickly, so arrive early to secure a spot.

2

Mini bowl special is available on Saturdays for $5.

3

Expect large portion sizes; a single mini bowl can feed a moderately hungry customer.

09
Gorditas El Durango image 1
Mexican restaurant

Offers authentic Mexican flavor with fresh, homemade dishes served in generous portions. Atmosphere is family-oriented with colorful traditional decor and sturdy furniture. Service is simple with plastic cutlery, creating a homey vibe.

Food features authentic Mexican flavor with fresh, homemade touch. Portions come generous and flavorful, prepared to perfection.

People are saying

"The Mexican food, especially the gorditas, is super delicious and flavorful."

"The salsa here is seriously hot, a lovely heated kiss."

"The food here is delicious and authentic."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time of 30-35 minutes after placing an order.

2

Gorditas are served without vegetables, only pickled options available.

3

Prices are inexpensive, with gorditas costing around $4 each.

10
Golden Harvest Foods image 1
Asian grocery store

Asian grocery store buzzes with hot food deli offering egg rolls and brisket. Shelves brim with fresh ethnic foods and snacks at fair prices. Spotless layout and water refill station add to the clean, convenient shopping experience.

Wide variety of fresh ethnic foods and snacks fills the shelves. The hot deli counter serves cooked foods like BBQ pork, eggrolls, ribs, and sticky rice. Prices stay fair and the store stays clean and organized.

People are saying

"It's a great Asian grocery store with a good selection of products."

"I loved their deli, especially the steam rolls loaded with meat."

"The deli food here is amazing, especially the brisket and ribs."

Good to know

1

The store offers a wide variety of Asian groceries and snacks.

2

Expect higher prices compared to local grocery stores.

3

The deli section has a great selection of hot food options.

11
Caydence Records & Coffee image 1

Eclectic space with vinyl records and local art offers a vibrant, artsy vibe. Cozy cafe meets trendy record shop with live music and outdoor seating. Excellent food and delicious coffee come with friendly service.

Excellent food pairs well with delicious coffee here. Staff serve up tasty treats with friendly service.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the great coffee and friendly staff."

"The vibe here is so chill and welcoming with an eclectic crowd."

"I thought the food here was excellent."

Good to know

1

Live music happens every Friday and Saturday night.

2

A bluegrass jam occurs on the first Sunday of each month.

3

They have a wide selection of new and used records.

12
Sui Yep Cafe image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small, charming spot with an old-school vibe and peaceful feel. Family-run with organized stations and quick, fresh dishes. Offers affordable, flavorful Chinese take-out showing real care and experience.

Food comes out quickly, even with just two staff members working. Dishes are freshly made, full of flavor, and offer great value for the price.

People are saying

"This Chinese food is flavorful, fresh, and made with skill."

"I found the food to be delicious and freshly made."

"Their Fried Rice has excellent wok technique."

Good to know

1

The cafe offers take-out only.

2

Prices are very reasonable, with meals under $50.

3

The restaurant is run by a dedicated older couple.

13
Baybay's Eastside Eatery image 1
Soul food restaurant

Soul food shines with well-seasoned wings and amazing flavors. Community vibes create an immaculate atmosphere that feels like a hidden gem. Service is friendly and complements the delicious dishes perfectly.

Food features amazing flavors and immaculate vibes. Service complements the delicious dishes well.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and on point."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger groups to ensure seating.

2

Credit cards are accepted, but cash is preferred for smaller purchases.

3

Happy hour deals are available from 4-6pm on weekdays.

14
Bymore Supermercado image 1
Mexican grocery store

Grocery, restaurant, and deli blend under one roof with a friendly atmosphere. Mexican food shines with homemade tortillas and tripe tacos. Service can be slow, sometimes over 20 minutes, but the wide selection makes it worth the wait.

Mexican food offers a good selection with great flavors. Service can be slow, with orders sometimes delayed beyond 20 minutes.

People are saying

"I loved their food, especially the tripe tacos."

"I thought the carnitas were great."

Good to know

1

Delivery services are available for groceries and meals, making it convenient for customers.

2

Credit and debit cards are accepted, along with mobile payment options.

3

Parking is available on-site, making it easy to stop by for quick shopping.

15
Karen Thai Food image 1
Thai restaurant

Small, cozy spot with a quiet vibe and family atmosphere draws steady customers. Food is authentic and bursting with flavor, featuring boat noodles and Pad Thai praised for bold Thai spices. Meals come fast with excellent service and affordable prices.

Food here is authentic and bursting with flavor, featuring dishes like pho, fried rice, curry, and pad Thai. Meals arrive quickly even when busy, and prices stay affordable with excellent service.

People are saying

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

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

"I found the food here to be delicious and authentic."

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.

16
Great Dragon Chinese Restaurant image 1

Small dining area offers a clean setting with quick service and generous portions. Food is always fresh and flavorful, making it a great value. Atmosphere stays quiet and functional, perfect for efficient meals.

Food here is consistently fresh and full of flavor. Dishes taste delicious and maintain a high standard every time.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

"The delivery food arrived hot and fresh."

"The takeout here is delicious, especially the egg rolls."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has only four tables available for dine-in.

2

Expect fast service with orders typically prepared in under 5 minutes.

3

The lunch special offers great value for the price.

17
Cora's Best Chicken Wings image 1
Chicken wings restaurant

Wings shine with sweet and spicy sauces that deliver bold flavor. Casual vibe and fast service make dining easy and quick. Prices rose but portions still offer great value and satisfy many appetites.

Food comes out fresh and fast with a unique taste that satisfies many appetites. Portions offer great value for the price and the flavors are consistently delicious.

People are saying

"I thought the American food, especially the chicken wings, was awesome."

"The food, especially the chicken wings, had the best sweet and spicy sauce."

"I found the chicken wings to be awesome."

Good to know

1

Prices are generally considered reasonable for the portion sizes offered.

2

The restaurant has a reputation for fast service and satisfying meals.

3

Expect a variety of wing options, though some may be smaller than expected.

18
Casa Azul Agave Authentic Mexican Restaurant image 1

Mexican restaurant offers authentic dishes like street tacos and aguachile with fantastic flavors. Atmosphere is loud and hot, which may affect comfort. Watch for hidden costs that impact the overall experience.

Food comes out hot and made to order with an emphasis on authentic Mexican flavors. Dishes and drinks consistently taste delicious and fantastic.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is amazing, especially the tacos."

"I found the food delicious and authentic, with no added sugar."

"I found the Mexican food here to be amazing."

Good to know

1

The restaurant charges $4.00 per taco, despite menu prices being $3.50.

2

There is a $0.99 charge for to-go orders.

3

A $4.00 fee applies for using a debit card.

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Payne - Phalen, Saint Paul

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