Best Restaurants Near Xcel Energy Center for Wild Game Night
TL;DR: The best restaurants near Xcel Energy Center for Wild game night span downtown Saint Paul - from upscale steakhouses to casual pre-game spots, all within walking distance. Hockey night in Saint Paul brings a different energy than football or baseball - faster-paced, more intense, with an atmosphere that builds throughout the evening. The restaurants around Xcel Energy Center understand this rhythm, offering everything from quick pre-game bites to celebratory dinners that can stretch late into the night after overtime victories.
Downtown Saint Paul's restaurant scene has flourished around the Wild's success, creating a dining landscape that rivals any NHL city. Whether you're grabbing dinner before a weeknight game or making hockey night part of a larger evening out, these restaurants deliver the goods.
Where to Eat Before the Puck Drops
Zamboni's
145 W 7th Street, Saint Paul, MN 55102
Located practically in the shadow of Xcel Energy Center, Zamboni's understands its mission: get hockey fans fed and ready for action. The menu covers all the bases with burgers, wings, and sandwiches, while the bar keeps a steady flow of beer and game day cocktails. The hockey memorabilia covering the walls reminds you exactly where you are.
What makes it perfect for game day: The proximity means you can eat, pay, and be in your seats in under 20 minutes if the game starts earlier than expected. The atmosphere is pure hockey, and the prices won't drain your wallet before you hit the team store.
Herbie's on the Park
317 W 7th Street, Saint Paul, MN 55102
This upscale sports bar brings a more refined approach to hockey dining without losing the game day energy. The menu features elevated versions of classic bar food - think gourmet burgers and craft mac and cheese - while maintaining the casual atmosphere that makes everyone feel welcome. The craft beer selection is particularly strong.
What makes it perfect for game day: The balance between casual and upscale means it works whether you're taking clients or hanging with friends. The location keeps you close to the arena, but the atmosphere is sophisticated enough for special occasions.
Smorgie's
275 W 7th Street, Saint Paul, MN 55102
This Norwegian-inspired restaurant brings Scandinavian comfort food to hockey night. The lefse wraps and Nordic meatballs offer something different from typical arena-area fare, and the cozy atmosphere provides a warm refuge before heading out into Minnesota winter nights.
What makes it perfect for game day: The hearty, warming food is perfect for cold-weather hockey games, and the cultural connection to Minnesota's Scandinavian heritage creates a sense of place that feels authentically local.
The Loon Cafe
500 E Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55414
While technically in Minneapolis, The Loon Cafe's late-night hours and casual atmosphere make it a favorite for post-game dining. The menu covers American classics with generous portions, and the bar stays busy until closing. The location on Hennepin Avenue puts it in the heart of Minneapolis nightlife.
What makes it perfect for game day: The late hours mean you can grab a proper meal after night games, and the lively atmosphere continues the celebration (or helps process a tough loss) long after the final horn.
Downtowner Woodfire Grill
253 W 7th Street, Saint Paul, MN 55102
This wood-fired grill specializes in steaks and chops prepared over open flames. The menu changes seasonally but consistently delivers high-quality preparations of Minnesota-sourced meats and produce. The atmosphere is upscale but not intimidating, making it perfect for special hockey nights.
What makes it perfect for game day: When you want to make Wild night feel like a special occasion, the wood-fired preparations and quality ingredients justify the splurge. The location keeps you close to the action.
Louis Ristorante
900 2nd Street South, Minneapolis, MN 55415
This Italian restaurant has been a Minneapolis institution for decades. The classic preparations of pasta, veal, and seafood maintain old-school standards, while the wine list offers both familiar and adventurous options. The formal atmosphere provides a change of pace from typical sports dining.
What makes it perfect for game day: When hockey night is part of a date night or celebration, Louis provides the kind of refined dining that makes the entire evening feel special.
Kincaid's
380 St. Peter Street, Saint Paul, MN 55102
This upscale chain location delivers consistent steakhouse quality in downtown Saint Paul. The steaks are properly aged and prepared, the sides are generous, and the service maintains professional standards even on busy game nights. The atmosphere strikes a balance between special occasion and accessible.
What makes it perfect for game day: The location puts you within walking distance of Xcel Energy Center, and the steakhouse format works well for business entertaining or celebrating special occasions with hockey as the evening's entertainment.
Cossetta
211 7th Street West, Saint Paul, MN 55102
This Italian market and restaurant combination offers both quick counter service and full restaurant dining. The deli serves excellent sandwiches and prepared foods, while the restaurant side offers full Italian dinners. The market section stocks everything from imported cheeses to house-made pasta.
What makes it perfect for game day: The flexibility means you can grab a quick sandwich if you're running late, or settle in for a full Italian dinner if you have time. The market section lets you take home ingredients for your own game day cooking.
Hockey Night Strategy
Wild games have their own rhythm that differs from other sports. Hockey moves fast, intermissions are longer, and overtime can extend the evening unexpectedly. The best pre-game restaurants understand this and plan accordingly.
Weeknight games often start at 7 PM, which means dinner service needs to be efficient without feeling rushed. Weekend games might start earlier or later, creating different dining patterns. Many of these restaurants offer game day specials or adjust their service timing to accommodate hockey schedules.
The playoff atmosphere in Saint Paul is electric, and restaurants near the Xcel Energy Center become gathering places for fans arriving from across the region. If you're planning to dine during playoff runs, reservations become essential, and the energy level throughout downtown Saint Paul noticeably increases.
Getting There
Downtown Saint Paul parking presents unique challenges during Wild games. The Xcel Energy Center area offers several parking options, but popular games fill quickly, and prices can jump significantly for playoff games or weekend matchups against division rivals.
Street parking becomes scarce hours before puck drop, and the nearby parking ramps fill with both restaurant diners and game attendees. Walking distances can be significant in Minnesota winter weather, and navigating icy sidewalks while wearing dress shoes to a nice dinner isn't ideal.
Professional car service eliminates these concerns entirely. Your driver drops you at your restaurant, then at the arena entrance, and picks you up after the game - even if it goes to triple overtime. No scraping ice, no waiting for your car to warm up, no navigating downtown traffic in the dark after spending three hours in arena lighting.
The service is especially valuable during playoff runs when the entire downtown area buzzes with energy but also becomes more crowded and challenging to navigate. Contact NS Limo for quote on hockey night transportation that lets you focus on enjoying both the meal and the game.
Need a ride? Book with NS Limo or call (320) 223-8146.