Best of Saint Paul 2017
Introducing the winners of our second annual Best of Saint Paul survey.
Saint Paul is a place where community could be called the melody behind the charm of this city, as it is neighbors who become customers, and sometimes even friends, who are the key to success for many local businesses. Karin Tappero of Patina says the store – winner for Best Gift Shop – values the support of neighborhood shoppers and Emily Brink of the Happy Gnome – winner of Best Tavern/Bar—says “there is joy in the relationships you form” with customers.
Adding richness to the melody are some special local businesses and organizations, both longtime and new to the spotlight, which are literally bringing music to Saint Paul and were selected as editor’s picks for this special issue. Who hasn’t heard about the renovated Palace Theatre and the boost it already has brought to downtown Saint Paul? And do you know about a great new shop on Payne Avenue called Caydence Records & Coffee? We also visit with Nate Westgor, owner of the literally world famous Willie’s American Guitars (just ask Bruce Springsteen) and Joan Gacki, who tells us about the fulfilling work of the Friends of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra.
The lively stories of the people and places in Saint Paul are music to our ears as we celebrate the Best of 2017. We hope you’ll feel the same way.
FOOD & RESTAURANTS
W.A. Frost
Best Patio Dining
John Rupp, owner of W.A. Frost, literally had to fight city hall to create the glorious patio that has become a beloved Selby Ave. destination. In a story featured in the July 2016 issue of Saint Paul Magazine, Rupp says that someone from the health department balked at his request for the patio, concerned that “bugs would get into the food.” The restaurant owner congenially replied, “Have you ever been at a picnic?”
The elegant charm of the W.A. Frost patio definitely elevates the atmosphere past a picnic and for the second year in a row, readers have selected it as their favorite.
Runners up Patrick McGovern’s Pub, Burger Moe’s
Café Latte
Best Restaurant
Is the chicken Caesar pasta salad your go-to favorite? Maybe it’s the chipotle bean chili, or the three-spread sampler. Above all, Café Latte fans know it’s imperative to save room for dessert, whether the lingonberry tart or the classic turtle cake, at this Grand Avenue institution.
Runners up The Commodore Bar & Restaurant, Boca Chica
The Happy Gnome
Best Tavern/Bar
For more than 10 years, the Happy Gnome has been a Cathedral Hill fixture, growing from a neighborhood bar into a craft beer destination. Happy Gnome features 89 taps and craft, domestic and imported beer, along with a full lunch and dinner menu each day. “But at the core, we will always be a neighborhood joint,” says operations manager Emily Brink. “Our regular customers and neighbors are a large part of our continued success.”
Brink, who started at the Happy Gnome as a hostess seven years ago, has enjoyed growing the establishment. “I have made many friends, seen regulars get married and have kids,” she says. “There is joy in the relationships you form.”
Runners up: Shamrocks, Groveland Tap
The Buttered Tin
Best Breakfast
As The Buttered Tin prepares to celebrate five years in 2018, owner Alicia Hinze says her biggest joy is working with so many talented people. “They have taught me personally so many things and have shared so much talent and caring that it has truly been a blessing,” she says. Not only does the comfortable atmosphere attract customers, but favorites such as the cinnamon rolls, breakfast tacos and the banana foster French toast bring them back time and time again.
The Buttered Tin recently expanded; last summer they added seating and “much needed kitchen space,” says Hinze. Plans call for the back room to eventually be able to be reserved for bridal brunches, meetings, etc.
Runners up Keys Café, Highland Grill
HOMES
Castle Building & Remodeling
Best Remodeler
Since 1977, the family-run Castle Building & Remodeling has helped more than 3,000 clients, 70 percent of them living in Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Castle co-owner Loren Schirber has enjoyed remodeling the unique older homes of St. Paul, maintaining their classic and ornate styles. Whether a young family just moving in or folks who have lived their whole lives in Highland, clients have impressed Castle with their pride in the historic value of their homes and their loyalty to period-appropriate remodeling.
Runners up Custom Renovations & Builders, LLC; Authentic Construction
Castle Building & Remodeling
Best Builder
Working with clients to avoid any unforeseen costs and providing a guaranteed completion date, Castle Building & Remodeling builds additions that balance the internal space of any historic home with the external aesthetics. “This yin and yang, along with designing to a budget or within constraints, is very important,” says Loren Schirber, co-owner.
Runners up Custom Renovations & Builders, LLC; North Star Remodeling
Traditions Classic Home Furnishings
Best Interior Designer
Along with a furniture purchase at Traditions comes the complimentary expertise of the store’s discerning design team. And according to Lauren LaGoo, being part of that team means “having access to the greatest companies in terms of furniture, fabrics and accessories” to offer customers. “We have the ability to pull products from our sales floor for instant gratification as well as the option to special order to fit every client’s unique wants and needs,” she says. What’s on trend now in the world of interior design? Think neutral. “Our clients want neutral fabrics that withstand every day use. We find ourselves pulling high performance fabrics for almost every project,” LaGoo says. “Manufacturers are catching on and starting to offer durable patterns as well. We think this trend is here to stay!”
Runners up David Heide Design Studio, Indicia Interior Design and Furnishings
Bachman’s
Best Landscape Designer
In July, gardens are in full bloom. Bachman’s has helped St. Paul residents add to and manage their landscapes for more than a century. With garden coaching, clients receive a visit from a horticulturist, who will advise on anything from pruning shrubs to reviving plants that aren’t thriving, or from planning veggie beds to nurturing hybrid roses and peonies.
Runners up A. Johnson & Sons Florist, Fleur de Lis Fresh Flowers
Carondelet Village
Best Senior Living Residence
Since December 2011, Carondelet Village has opened its doors to seniors of diverse backgrounds and faiths, offering many different spiritual enrichment programs and fostering friendships in their Wellness Center. Based in Highland Park, many St. Catherine University alumnae and people taught by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet have friends and family here. “I don’t know that other big cities offer such a close-knit feel,” says Lisa Kalla, campus administrator.
Runners up The Waters of Highland Park, Episcopal Homes
HEALTH & WELLNESS
The Saint Paul Athletic Club
Best Fitness/Yoga Studio
Winners for the second year in a row, the SPAC continues to expand its class offerings to include options such as strength and conditioning for runners, express cycle and Torch (a fat burning, muscle toning, full-body burn). They have also added private and semi-private yoga and Pilates training to the mix.
Fitness director Michael Zuehl also touts the club’s Fusion program (read more about that in the January 2017 issue of Saint Paul Magazine). “We have launched a new Intro to Fusion eight-week course that breaks down the fundamentals of the program so each athlete can understand what they are doing and why it is so effective,” says Zuehl, adding that a new course starts every eight weeks and is open to non-members.
Runners up CorePower Yoga, Lifetime Fitness-Highland Park
Children’s Hospital and Clinics
Best Pediatric Clinic
As one of 12 Children’s Minnesota pediatric clinics, the Smith Avenue location offers everything from immunizations and well-child visits to management of asthma in young ones through its comprehensive treatment program. Not only does the clinic feature longer hours on nights and weekends, there are also nurses on call around the clock to answer questions. With a convenient location, and the ready availability of a host of educational resources for families, Saint Paul Magazine readers trust the providers at Children’s Hospital and Clinics to offer the best care for their child.
Runners up Pediatric and Young Adult Medicine-St. Paul, Central Priority Pediatrics
ChiroWay
Best Chiropractic Clinic
Since 2010, ChiroWay has focused on providing affordable, high-quality chiropractic care to clients so they can come in on a regular basis “and benefit from all the things chiropractic has to offer,” says owner and chiropractor Michael Madison. Open during core business hours downtown, the clinic accepts walk-ins, so clients can stop by on their lunch breaks. This way, “people can form good habits instead of having to change their entire schedule,” Madison says.
Runners up Caron Chiropractic Clinic, HealthPartners Highland Park Clinic
Dermatology Consultants
Best Dermatology Clinic
Dermatology Consultants has provided high-tech dermatology since 1949, covering everything from skin cancer treatment and reconstruction to laser cosmetic services. Its 20 full-time, board-certified dermatologists offer same-day and next-day access, with schedules flexible enough to fit clients’ needs for full-day exams. “We’ve lifted schedule restrictions to get our patients in,” says CEO Bill Kenney.
Runners up Allina Health Clinics, North Metro Dermatology
Park Dental
Best Dental Clinic
Park Dental has provided comprehensive dental service since 1972 with a focus on families, as well as the community. Students from Saint Paul charter schools might drop by for free toothbrushes or a Saint Paul nursing home might receive dental care supplies. At Park Dental, their goal is to see everyone in the community smile.
Runners up Dr. Bob Maley Family Dentistry, Associated Dentists
St. Paul Eye Clinic
Best Eye Clinic
“You may have been the tenth cataract surgery I’ve scheduled, but it’s your cataract surgery, so I do it with the same compassion as I did earlier in the day,” says Dr. Dave Rothschiller, CEO of St. Paul Eye Clinic, where the independent group practice focuses on patient experience. They expanded hours for patients who need to come in earlier in the morning or later in the day. Offering high-deductible health care plans, the center has provided surgical and diagnostic resources, plus an eyeglasses shop, since 1969.
Runners up Highland Family Eye Care, Grand Spectacle
Spa MD
Best Medspa
“We schedule more time for appointments than most med spas, so we can really listen to our clients and customize treatment,” says Maury Danielson, owner of Spa MD. Danielson recalls a patient sharing how much the improvement of her skin had affected her life. “That sunk in that what I do for people is more than cosmetic, or skin deep. I’ve seen clients’ self-esteem boosted.” Offering Botox, dermal fillers, dermaplaning and more, the service has operated in St. Paul for more than ten years.
Runner up LifeSpa at Life Time Fitness
Editor’s Pick: Caydence Records & Coffee
Best Combo Vinyl/Coffee Shop
Chad Medellin, along with friends Mat Graske and Gregg Schmitt, thought Payne Avenue would be a perfect place to open Caydence Records & Coffee, and so far, their intuition has been spot-on. “There hasn’t been a music store on this side of town since the 1980s, and there wasn’t a specialty coffee shop nearby,” says Medellin. “This area really spoke to us and we wanted to be part of it.”
Since last October, the trio has been selling what Medellin calls “a pretty curated selection of vinyl” both new and used, offering space for occasional live music performances and featuring coffee from Bootstrap Coffee and pastries from St. Agnes Baking Company. “Both are in Saint Paul, and we wanted to carry Saint Paul stuff,” says Medellin.
The three have fully embraced what Medellin refers to as “our corner” of Payne Avenue: they actually live in an apartment above Caydence. “It’s like the mom and pop shops of the old days,” he says. “We live above the store.”
Other Saint Paul vinyl shops:
Eclipse
Barely Brothers
Agharta Records
Meister Orthodontics
Best Orthodontic Clinic
Meister Orthodontics has offered all types of braces—metal if you’re traditional, Invisalign or clear ceramic if you’re eager to get all of this over with, and gold if you’re flashy—since 1996.
Runners up HealthPartners Como Dental Clinic, Tom Vukodinovich
KIDS, FAMILY & PETS
Faithful Beginnings at Highland Catholic School
Best Preschool/Childcare
Preschool director Kassy Kenney calls Faithful Beginnings “a school within a school” which allows Highland Catholic’s littlest students, ages 3 to 5, the opportunity to be part of the bigger school community from the beginning. “They really have such a smooth transition from preschool to kindergarten,” says Kenney, who launched the preschool program six years ago.
Preschoolers learn all the age-appropriate fundamentals, mixed in with curriculum like STEM, all in a faith-based environment. Kenney credits her “excellent staff” of teachers who bring enthusiasm and excitement to the classroom each day. Above all, she believes that it’s the Highland Catholic community, led by principal Jane Schmidt, which makes the school “such a special place.”
Runners up St. Paul’s Childhood Center, Macalester Plymouth Preschool
St. Paul Pet Hospital
Best Veterinary Clinic
Growing up on a dairy farm in central Minnesota, Dr. Eric Ruhland had plenty of experience with large animals, so when he went to veterinary school at the University of Minnesota, he turned his focus to small animal medicine. Pets and their families in the Cathedral Hill area – and beyond (they have patients from New York, Colorado and Wisconsin)– are glad he did because in the five years since Ruhland opened St. Paul Pet Hospital, the practice has steadily grown. “The neighborhood has been extremely supportive,” he says, adding that building relationships with clients and meeting their expectations for pet care is a key to the clinic’s success.
Runners up Grand Avenue Veterinary Center, Highland Animal Hospital
Minnesota Children’s Museum
Best Place for Kids’ Activities
Saint Paul families – come and play! Last month, the Minnesota Children’s Museum unveiled its brand new look as it invited kids and families back into this popular Saint Paul landmark after months of renovation. New features include The Scramble, the Super Awesome Adventures gallery and the Tip Top Terrace, a revamped rooftop space.
In a story on the Minnesota Children’s Museum featured in the May issue of Saint Paul Magazine, museum president Dianne Krizan says, “In our new exhibits, we put the power of open-ended play front and center.” Other new MCM amenities include a café, a coffee bar, an additional elevator and more restrooms.
Runners up Choo Choo Bob’s Train Store, The University Club – Camp U Club
Editor’s Pick: The Palace Theatre
Best New Venue
This buzzworthy new home for music in downtown Saint Paul has already hosted top talent like The xx and Regina Spektor, with more to come including Ryan Adams, Belle and Sebastian and The Pixies…and that’s just the beginning. Opened in March, the Palace Theatre has been getting great feedback, both locally and nationally, and according to general manager Nate Kranz, the venue is already on the radar for a lot of major performers and managers.
“We knew there was a need in the Twin Cities to fill a gap in the concert market,” he says. “It’s a unique space and a great spot to see a show.”
Originally a vaudeville house built in 1916, the $15 million restoration – but not a total one – “froze the decay,” according to Kranz. “The goal was to save as much of it as possible, but to update it with all the modern technology,” he says, adding that SRO capacity is approximately 2,600.
Kranz, who is also the general manager for First Avenue and the Turf Club, came on board the Palace project about five years ago. When asked to describe a highlight of the opening weeks, he didn’t hesitate. “The first night with Atmosphere. It’s not going to get any better than that,” he says. “They are my friends and they are really excited to have another venue in town.”
The guy who logs a lot of hours downtown has already found a few favorite local go-to spots to grab a bite: “It’s the St. Paul Grill, Meritage and if I’m in a hurry, the Afro Deli is great and it’s right nearby,” says Kranz. “We’ve also ordered more than a few Red’s Savoy pizzas.”
Dog Days
Best Doggy Daycare
At three locations, Dog Days has helped St. Paul pet owners exercise and socialize their dogs since 2004, offering daycare, grooming services and overnight boarding for dog owners on the go. Wendy Harter, Dog Days owner, says of the relationships between her clients and their dogs, “They love their dogs just like their children.” Dog Days prides itself on client trust and knowledge of the dogs. “We’ve even found illnesses and ailments with dogs that the owners haven’t noticed yet,” Harter says. “They trust our judgment and get them treated sooner.”
Runners up Urban Tails Waggin’, Now Boarding
College Nannies & Tutors
Best Tutoring Center
Tutors with College Nannies & Tutors help students in problem areas, through the college application process and through high school social issues, meeting their clients wherever they are at the moment. College Tutors sets up each client with a role model whom they see weekly, prepped to help in everything from middle-school math to grad school issues.
Runners up Learn to Learn, Mathnasium
Editor’s Pick: Willie’s American Guitars
Best Specialty (and Famous) Instrument Store
When a Saint Paul shop owner talks about longtime customers “Bruce and his wife, Patti” and means Bruce Springsteen and Patti Scialfa, you know that his place of business has moved far beyond the reach of Cleveland Avenue. Nate Westgor has owned Willie’s American Guitars for 30 years and like other independently owned businesses, word of mouth and outstanding customer service at this specialty guitar shop have been the keys to its success. Springsteen, Pete Townsend of the Who, Sheryl Crow and countless other musicians, famous and otherwise, have become loyal customers. “When The Who comes to town, we check over all their guitars – they trust us and value our level of expertise,” says Westgor. In addition to a wide range of new, used and vintage acoustic and electric guitars, the shop features top-notch guitar repair services and a unique acoustic listening room.
SHOPS & RETAIL
A. Johnson & Sons Florist
Best Florist
For the second year in a row, Saint Paul Magazine readers chose the oldest florist in the city as their favorite, but many might not know that A. Johnson & Sons is also committed to a new trend – recycling and composting old plants and flowers. According to owner Tom Johnson (whose wife Heidi and sons Blake and Ryan are also integral to the shop’s success), A. Johnson & Sons started consistently recycling in 2013, and Johnson admits he was skeptical at first about whether it would save his business money while also helping the environment. “We do save roughly $1,000 per year,” says Johnson. “We compost or recycle between 90-95 percent of our trash.”
A. Johnson & Sons received the F.R.O.G. award from the Grand Avenue Business Association for their green efforts. “We’re kind of the poster company for Ramsey County as a success story,” he says. In addition to being good for the environment, the beautiful bouquets and plants you’ll find at A. Johnson & Sons will brighten anyone’s day.
Runners up Fleur de Lis Fresh Flowers, Bachman’s Flowers
Editor’s Pick: The Friends of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
Best Music Ambassadors
The Friends of the SPCO was started more than 30 years ago. Today, in addition to fundraising activities on the orchestra’s behalf, they serve as ambassadors by sponsoring pre-concert talks as well as a yearly music lecture series, hosting biannual luncheons for SPCO musicians and staff, and organizing the annual SPCO Youth Chamber Music Competition (past participants pictured above).
Joan Gacki, who has been the public relations chair for the Friends for the past seven years, says that the first SPCO Youth Chamber Music Competition, held six years ago, remains a highlight of her volunteer experience. “I had agreed to photograph the event and spending time with these young, amazingly talented musicians was one of the most inspiring and fulfilling moments for me as a member of the Friends,” she says. “It still is.”
According to Gacki, volunteers are welcome. “I think the Friends are amazing,” she says.
Cossetta’s
Best Specialty Foods Store
The best thing about its location next to the Xcel Energy Center is that the family-owned Cossetta’s gets to see regulars from West Seventh Street stop in every week for Italian sausages and meatballs—people who can relate stories about what it was like coming to the store 40 years ago—and then the next day sees kids stopping in before a Lady Gaga concert, dressed in Italian sausages and meatballs. In the summer, the market makes burger and brat buns in-house, good for a bratwurst from the meat case.
Runners up Golden Fig Fine Foods, Penzeys Spices
Patina
Best Gift Shop
Who are the typical Patina customers? “Our neighbors! We are so fortunate to be supported by the people that reside in the neighborhoods where we are located,” says manager Karin Tappero. The eclectic mix of gift items inspires those neighbors, too, and attracts multi-generational shoppers. “We do that by carrying a variety of products and merchandising them in a beautiful and inviting way,” she says. “We have a constantly changing mixture of unique products that are sourced locally, nationally and internationally, all with price points that are value driven.”
Runners up The Bibelot, Candyland
The Bibelot
Best Apparel Boutique
According to Bibelot clothing buyers Heather Emery and Sarah Franklin, the clothing selection at the shop can be hard to resist. “We hear many times, ‘I just came in to buy a card and I am now leaving with a beautiful sweater,’” says Emery. Customers also realize time is of the essence when it comes to selecting an item. “Our customers know that if they do not get it when they see it, the item will be gone. We do not buy deep so that allows us to have more breadth – we shop different venues to insure uniqueness and try to source locally and support small entrepreneurs. Our philosophy is to get it in and let it go.”
Franklin says the typical Bibelot customer is seeking something unique and interesting, but also easy to wear. “The selection of clothing enables many different body types and taste levels to find the perfect items,” she says. “The combination of mixed textures, colors and silhouettes allow customers to be creative and work in pieces to their already existing wardrobe.”
Runners up Heimie’s Haberdashery, Evereve
SERVICES
Tricia Runyon from Euphoria Salon
Best Hairstylist/Barber
Born and raised in Saint Paul, Tricia Runyon, a stylist who specializes in color at Euphoria Salon, says that she’s always gratified by how hometown clients want to support small businesses, adding that word of mouth has helped her thrive in her profession. Runyon has been working in the hair industry for 11 years, spending the past seven at Euphoria, where she works with clients she says “have become my friends and I love that.”
Runners up Meghan Johnson (CaJah Salon), Jim Halvorson (CaJah Salon)
Phresh Spa Salon
Best Salon/Spa
As Phresh prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary next year, Rick Fiebiger says he attributes the salon/spa’s success and growth over the years to its loyal guest following. “We love how our guests communicate with us about their needs, their experiences and their ideas in a caring way,” says Fiebiger, who owns Phresh with wife Tracy. “We aspire for 100 percent service excellence with our team and we strive to provide them with the best workplace possible.”
According to Fiebiger, something that sets Phresh apart is its team-based model. “Our team is paid based on how well we service our guests as a team, not how many services and products they are selling,” he says, adding that there are only two price levels in the salon. “Every team member at their level is trained and certified to deliver a luxury experience with a great result.”
Runners up CaJah Salon, Juut Salonspa
Steve Woog, State Farm
Best Insurance Agent
Insurance agent Steve Woog has worked in risk management for more than two decades in St. Paul. “What’s interesting is to see kids get their license at 16, and you add them as a driver in the household. When they get older, they come back to buy a home in the neighborhood. I’m fascinated by how loyal the St. Paul community is.”
Runner up Ian Davy, State Farm
Walsh & Gaertner
Best Law Firm
Since 2000, personal injury plaintiff firm founders Greg Walsh and Mark Gaertner have covered car accidents, medical malpractice, slips, falls and more in their hometown of St. Paul. “People come to us when something bad happens,” Walsh says. “You can’t bring a body back to a pre-injured state, but you can bring some relief.”
Runners up Larson King, Yaeger and Jungbauer Barristers.