West Seventh Street in St. Paul has long been a bustling thoroughfare.

And recently, the stretch of road in the West Seventh neighborhood, starting near the Xcel Energy Center to just past Interstate 35E, has been undergoing a renaissance. In addition to classics, new locally owned restaurants and breweries seem to be popping up every time you turn around.

West Seventh Street is also home to unique fashion, home and gift stores. Here, we highlight some places to shop, eat and drink along West Seventh Street.

SHOP APPAREL, HOME AND GIFTS

Close to Xcel Energy Center, you’ll find Maharaja’s offers an eclectic mix of gifts, including rock T-shirts, sports memorabilia, posters, masks, tiaras and jewelry. Also nearby, for almost 40 years, the two-story Wescott Station Antiques has filled seven rooms with a fun assortment of furniture and sports and other memorabilia. The spot is especially sought out for its impressive selection of stained glass windows. Other standouts here include Red Wing pottery, cookie jar collectibles, Minnesota Twins bobbleheads, vintage ads and posters.

Dilly Dally relocated its downtown Hudson, Wis., gift shop to West Seventh in St. Paul. The shop was slated to open in May in the vacated John’s Antique space. Like the Hudson location, the store will carry favorites it’s known for, including clothing and gifts for women, men and children. The store also will bring some love from Hudson, with a selection from Knoke’s chocolates.

With more than 5,000 square feet, SophieJoe’s Emporium is a hub for vintage and contemporary fashion, home pieces and collectibles. More than 45 dealers contribute to the eclectic array of merchandise. At last glance, quality finds included designer handbags such as Kate Spade and Coach as well as pretty cup and saucer collectibles. On the same block, the sizable Society of St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store, an arm of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, houses a large mix of gently used clothing, kitchenware and cooking aids, toys as well as school and senior equipment/medical supplies. The spot is also a draw for its daily food giveaways with donations from local grocery stores and bakeries.

A few blocks down, J.W. Hulme has been handcrafting quality leather goods sourced from small craft tanneries for more than a century. The headquarters houses a small retail area in front, where you can shop leather goods such as wallets, handbags and luggage. Styles range from classic to contemporary.

Art lovers won’t want to miss shopping at Artista Bottega, where attention to detail starts right when you walk up to the regal doors at the entrance. Once inside, you’ll find a haven of fine art and artifacts for the home, garden and beyond. The well-curated, design-savvy assortment includes knit copper and aluminum jewelry, colorful rugs and wall art. You might even spot the resident cat hanging about.

Speaking of art, at press time, St. Paul Gallery & Thune Studio was slated to open soon. Retired St. Paul City Council member Dave Thune, who has run several galleries in St. Paul, plans to feature his artwork as well as host occasional art shows highlighting other artists.

Coverall Doll, open by appointment only and for special events, offers a wide variety of unique furniture and clothing. Next, make your way to The Bearded Mermaid Bazaar. Open the first and third weekend of the month, the shop offers a curated assortment of clothes that are timeless yet stylish. Pieces included vintage Lee denim and Red Wing shoes at the time of our visit. Other finds include quality jackets and sweaters. Art and decor pieces can also be found here. Continue west, where you’ll come across Center for Lost Objects, offering antiques, upcycled pieces, jewelry and home pieces. The space is also a hub for promoting interactive arts and the arts community with live music performances, live figure drawing sessions, an “art material swap” and artists’ marts, according to the website.

Further west, Urban Relic is an occasional and by-appointment gift shop that carries a mix of vintage and artisan pieces. If you’re a beer connoisseur, you’ll want to check out The Beer Dabbler Store for a mix of items that are all things beer. Apparel including hats and shirts as well as barware such as tulip glasses and bottle openers can be found here. Next along the street is Mississippi Market, which features organic, fair-trade and non-GMO groceries along with a wellness section for health and body care products. Just west of I-35E, Highland Nursery has been a family-run spot for more than 60 years and is worth a stop for its shop and attached greenhouse.

SHOP SPECIALTY

In addition to shopping apparel, home and gifts, West Seventh also features several specialty shops. Beyond plants and flowers, you’ll find Jandrich Floral carries accessories for assembling arrangements and gift baskets such as stuffed animals, cards, and vases in a range of sizes, shapes and colors. Event planners and party throwers won’t want to miss browsing the boutique rental company Rudy’s Event Rentals. The selection is one of a kind, from the handcrafted farm tables to vintage furniture pieces. Stunning serving ware, bar sets and decor are also offered here.

Down the street, West Seventh Pharmacy has a selection of gifts, such as Willow Tree figurines, picture frames, jewelry and candles. Next, EYES All Over is a place to shop for frames and glasses.

Music lovers — there’s something for you, too. West Seventh is home to Music Go Round, which buys, sells and trades new and used music equipment that has gone through its full-service repair shop. Then there’s St. Paul Guitar Repair, offering a place to get your instruments repaired as well as a retail area to shop stringed instruments. The selection includes a unique assortment of handmade acoustic and electric guitars.

EAT AND DRINK

West Seventh has long been a hub for quality eats. And the scene keeps getting more interesting as new dining and drinking establishments continue to pop up.

If it’s the classics you’re going for, West Seventh has plenty in the form of family-run supper clubs, steak places and more. Treat yourself to steak at the timeless Mancini’s Char House or supper club fare at Bennett’s Chop and Railhouse. Classic Italian at DeGidio’s is also always a treat, as is heading to the Downtowner Woodfire Grill for steak, chops and fish.

Cossetta Alimentari houses several options for both fancy and casual fare. The building is not only home to the newer Louis Ristorante & Bar for upscale, sit-down Italian, but the long-standing St. Paul institution Cossetta Eatery & Pizzeria, the cafeteria-style spot that has been feeding generations of families with its varied menu of everything from pizzas to pastas. Also housed in the building is the Pasticceria dessert cafe for pastries or gelato along with the market with a deli and grocery store for picking out artisanal foods. Another classic farther west is Day by Day Cafe, which draws crowds for its reliable breakfast and lunch fare.

For a restaurant with a bar and pub feel, Shamrocks Irish Nook is famous for its juicy lucys that use the restaurant’s proprietary Angus chuck. Speaking of Irish nooks, Patrick McGovern’s long has been a destination for drinks and food. Among the many menu items the spot is known for is the roast turkey. Our favorite is an open-face sandwich that comes piled high with turkey and served with mashed potatoes, stuffing and gravy.

MORE NEIGHBORHOOD RESTAURANTS AND BARS

Looking for more places to pre- or post-game near the Xcel Energy Center? Another Irish bar and restaurant, The Liffey is a place to grab a pint and dine on a menu of pub classics from fish and chips to burgers. Burger Moe’s is another place for a quick drink before an event at the X or for a full dinner that includes more than 20 burger varieties. Not too far away, Tom Reid’s Hockey City Pub offers a range of burgers, ribs and walleye. Grand Seven Saloon offering burgers, sandwiches and pizza, is another option. Eagle Street Grille on the corner of Kellogg Boulevard and West Seventh is another popular place to grab a beer, burger and other bites before the game or concert. Also nearby, Zamboni’s Pizza Pub is a place to grab not only pizzas, but pastas, burgers and sandwiches.

Farther down West Seventh, several spots that double as restaurants and bars await. Joe and Stan’s is a regular haunt for its casual vibe and menu that includes broasted chicken, specialty pizzas and tasty burgers. Keenan’s Bar is popular not only for its “everybody knows your name” feel, but for serving one of the best coney dogs in the Twin Cities. The burgers are just as popular.

Hot dog lovers also should consider Chris and Rob’s Chicago Taste Authority, dishing up not only Chicago-style dogs on its sizable menu, but also sandwiches, burgers and pizza. J.R. Macs is another neighborhood hangout and offers salads, sandwiches, burgers and daily specials. At the casual Gordy’s Hot City Pizza & Subs, pizza, calzones and hoagies make up the menu. Skarda’s Bar on the corner of West Seventh and Armstrong is a place to kick back and have a drink and a Heggie’s pizza.

On the other side of I-35E, more restaurant options await. Head to 7th Street Social for elevated fare of shared plates, salads, sandwiches and burgers. For classic diner fare, there’s Mickey’s Diner. And for barbecue, try Famous Dave’s.

West Seventh is also a destination for ethnic eats. Head to Tavial Grill for authentic Mexican, Golden Chow Mein for Chinese or Supatra’s Thai for Thai.

EAT NEW ST. PAUL

West Seventh has added an impressive list of new eateries to the neighborhood in the past two years. Near the Xcel, New Bohemia Wurst+BierHaus specializes in brats — from traditional to off-the-beaten path varieties — and local craft beer. Next door, the campground-themed Seventh Street Truck Park aims to bring the great American road trip indoors with a food truck court offering tacos, pizza, chicken and ribs and more. Kool-Aid cocktails are even on the menu. Look closer, and you’ll find the nearby Boomshack Market is not only a spot for shopping groceries, but it also features a menu of made-to-order foods such as burritos, soups, salads and paninis.

Parlour recently opened an east metro outpost. Parlour St. Paul is restaurant, bar and lounge that serves a range of fare, from casual bar to fancy dinner food.

Farther down West Seventh, Pajarito offers craft cocktails and Mexican fare in a contemporary setting. The bike delivery service Brake Bread now has a bricks-and-mortar storefront for its baked goods operation. Head there for some delicious bread, pastries and cookies, as well as locally sourced java.

COFFEE AND DOUGHNUTS, OH MY

The area is not lacking in locations for coffee and pastries, either. Claddagh Coffee is java at the top of its game. In addition to specialty coffees, house-made baked goods, soups, salads and paninis are also offered. Mojo Monkey Donuts has gained a cult following for its always-fresh, top-quality doughnuts and other pastries. Also on West Seventh, Fresh Grounds is another option for a cup of joe, pastries and other bites.

The Drink Well House offers pure glacial water from the Mount Simon-Hinckley aquifer, the deepest bedrock aquifer of east-central Minnesota. The water can be purchased at the Historic Well House from vending machines at $1 a gallon.

The West Seventh neighborhood is also flowing with places that specialize in brewskis. For more than 20 years, Vine Park Brewing Co. has been offering one of the rare places where you can brew your own beer. The grounds include a brewery — growlers to take home included — as well as provides equipment for brewing your own beer or making your own wine.

Bad Weather Brewing brews are as unpredictable and constantly changing as the weather here, which makes it part of the fun.

OFF THE BEATEN PATH

We would be remiss if we didn’t mention a few of our favorites off West Seventh Street but still in the West Seventh neighborhood.

Forepaugh’s is a classic institution for its pretty, well-composed plates and for the charming Victorian mansion it is housed in. Mucci’s Italian is another favorite for its classic Italian fare in a quaint, neighborhood setting. During the warm weather months, the seasonal Red River Kitchen at City House features a riverside food truck restaurant with plenty of indoor and al fresco dining. Enjoy uninhibited views of the Mississippi River, Harriet Island and paddle boats that take you back in time. The chef-driven menu and draft-only beverage program is also a draw.

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As memories of George Floyd fade, activists make sure his legacy does not The iconic Minnesota beer brand Summit Brewing Co. features a beer hall, patio and gift shop to pass the time away. Just off West Seventh and sharing an alleyway with Bad Weather Brewing, Waldmann Brewery & Wurstery recently opened and is serving up house-made brews and brats. If it’s a cup of coffee you’re craving, Cafe Astoria on Grand Avenue just off West Seventh is serving up some fun concoctions. The matcha latte is not to be missed. The food menu features crepes and smoothie bowls.

COMING SOON

The boom in the West Seventh neighborhood shows no signs of slowing down, with more projects in the works. Some were slated to open soon, but had not yet rolled out at the time of publication:

Keg & Case food hall (tenants that include In Bloom, Sweet Science Ice Cream, a cheese shop, Five Watt coffee shop, Clutch Brewing), 928 W. Seventh St.

(tenants that include In Bloom, Sweet Science Ice Cream, a cheese shop, Five Watt coffee shop, Clutch Brewing), 928 W. Seventh St. Firehouse Wine Bar , 1 South Leech St.

, 1 South Leech St. Unnamed brewery in Historic Fire Station #10, 754 Randolph Ave.

DIRECTORY

> SHOP

Artista Bottega, 937 W. Seventh St.; 651-493-0861

937 W. Seventh St.; 651-493-0861 Center for Lost Objects, 957 W. Seventh St.; 651-504-2356

957 W. Seventh St.; 651-504-2356 Coverall Doll, 945 W. Seventh St.; 651-387-0411

945 W. Seventh St.; 651-387-0411 Dilly Dally, 261 W. Seventh St.; 715-381-8424

261 W. Seventh St.; 715-381-8424 EYES All Over, 506 W. Seventh St.; 651-333-4420

506 W. Seventh St.; 651-333-4420 Highland Nursery, 1742 W. Seventh St.; 651-698-1708

1742 W. Seventh St.; 651-698-1708 Jandrich Floral, 976 W. Seventh St.; 651-292-8833

976 W. Seventh St.; 651-292-8833 J.W. Hulme, 678 W. Seventh St., 651-222-7359

678 W. Seventh St., 651-222-7359 Maharaja’s, 205 W. Seventh St.; 651- 292-1623

205 W. Seventh St.; 651- 292-1623 Mississippi Market, 1500 W. Seventh St.; 651-690-0507

1500 W. Seventh St.; 651-690-0507 Music Go Round, 933 W. Seventh St.; 651-695-9630

933 W. Seventh St.; 651-695-9630 Rudy’s Event Rentals, 1044 W. Seventh St.; 651-493-0872

1044 W. Seventh St.; 651-493-0872 Society of St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store, 461 W. Seventh St.; 651-227-1332

461 W. Seventh St.; 651-227-1332 SophieJoe’s Emporium, 453 W. Seventh St.; 651-224-1357

453 W. Seventh St.; 651-224-1357 St. Paul Gallery & Thune Studio, 943 W. Seventh St.; 651-227-2511

943 W. Seventh St.; 651-227-2511 St. Paul Guitar Repair, 1101 W. Seventh St.; 651-224-4168

1101 W. Seventh St.; 651-224-4168 The Bearded Mermaid Bazaar, 953 W. Seventh St.; 651-788-3645

953 W. Seventh St.; 651-788-3645 The Beer Dabbler Store, 1095 W. Seventh St.; 651-528-8752

1095 W. Seventh St.; 651-528-8752 Urban Relic, 1062 W. Seventh St.; St. Paul; 651-235-8883

1062 W. Seventh St.; St. Paul; 651-235-8883 Wescott Station Antiques, 226 W. Seventh St.; 651-227-2469

226 W. Seventh St.; 651-227-2469 West Seventh Pharmacy, 1106 W. Seventh St.; 651-228-1493

> EAT AND DRINK