Brunson's Pub image

Brunson's Pub

Bar Gastropub

Traditional hangout offering creative gastropub fare & a full bar, plus happy hours & patio seating. People often mention good, burger, great, cheese, chips, curds, delicious, chicken, amazing, fries,


Address

956 Payne Ave, St Paul, MN 55130, United States

Website

www.brunsonspub.com

Contact

+1 651-447-2483

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (1.8K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: good (16) burger (12) great (11) cheese (9) chips (8) curds (8) delicious (8) chicken (8) amazing (7) fries (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 M R. 1 year ago on Google • 173 reviews
    We checked out this place for burgers which the newspaper said it was the best in Minnesota..I disagree. Although I took a chance on my burger choice, it was good, the best? no. They do have unique toppings/ burger choices.Their chips were on point. The curds were delicious and their wings were alright, too much dry rub, it was overpowering. Their sauces were delicious though and their service was great! Glad we checked it out cuz now we know.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Katie S. 1 year ago on Google • 53 reviews
    Pros: - Loved the cheese curds, especially since they're the hand-battered kind, just like the kind you get at the fair. - The bacon mac & cheese was delicious with the warning that it's super rich! (That didn't stop me from finishing the whole bowl, though! It was also a hit with our toddler who plate-shared with us.) - We sat inside, but the patio looked amazing. Cons: - Very small serving of curds for the price, so even though they were fantastic, not sure we'd order them again. - My husband got the fish and chips, and it was disappointing that he had to choose between fries or coleslaw, since a customary fish fry comes with both for the same price at other restaurants. (He said the fish was just fine, but when we go back, he'd order something different.)
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Roe B. 8 months ago on Google • 42 reviews
    NEW EDIT: Not a single item on this menu is bad. The burgers are the best burgers I've ever had in my life (and I've had ALOT of burgers) the sauces and dips are to die for, the sides are so unique and mix perfectly. The staff is amazing and the atmosphere is so welcoming and cozy. Definitely one of my favourite resteraunts and bars. OLD REVIEW: Such a great pub!!!! my first time there was such a good experience, the businesses set up is very welcoming, the staff is SO friendly and they care about their customers comfort! THE BURGER I HAD WAS SUPERB!!!!! unfortunately I was too full to finish it but I wouldve devoured that whole thing on an empty stomach because it was perfect. I will be coming back and ordering more, I have yet to try the bahn mi and I'm expecting it to be just as good as the burger....UPDATE : First Burger I've ever had was The Bandito, second burger was the Rueben Burger / TRULY delicious pattys, I'd say that these are some of THE BEST BURGERS I've ever had.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sheila B. 1 year ago on Google
    So I went to visit my son for the weekend I live 5hrs away. They took me here and it was awesome. The staff were friendly and met our needs. I had fish and chips I think it was called. It was good! The pieces of fish were huge! And they didn't skimp on the fries either. The decor was awesome too. I'd go back there when I visit my son.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jake N. 6 months ago on Google • 90 reviews
    East Side Pride. One of my favorite neighborhood spots on Payne, especially for burgers & craft cocktails. They also sport a decent sized patio for warmer months and host trivia nights (from what I hear). Excellent Old Fashioned and Bad Hombre, the marg not being too spicy but had a nice zip. Had a wide selection of MN beers as well as some other out of state darkhorses some might like to explore. This time around I ordered the BBQ Brisket burger and it was delicious. I'm kicking myself for not subbing a bun for the Texas toast, a little too much bread-to-meat ratio for me. The patty and toppings were spot on though -- It's not pictured, but a past visit I ordered the Reuben burger and it knocked my socks off! Highly recommend. Brunson's has a stellar bar and kitchen program, bringing quality & intention to what some might overlook as "just a dive bar". Definitely worth checking out if you're in the area!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mary Anne W. 1 year ago on Google • 13 reviews
    We tried this local neighborhood pub with great reviews and found out why! The food menu was your typical pub/bar items but what made it stand apart is the attention to details. Everything was homemade with quality ingredients. We tried the fried chicken sandwich with homemade chips and onion dip. The chicken was crispy and juicy and the bun was homemade. We also had the brisket tacos which where served on blue corn tortillas that were warmed on the flat top. No boring and cold flour or corn tortilla here. The beef brisket was flavorful and the veggie slaw a perfect compliment. We recommend the drink, Pilot Episode which our Server explained as a cross between an old fashioned and a Manhattan.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 DaMarcus Z. 1 year ago on Google • 122 reviews
    We went to Brunsons for lunch on Sunday. The restaurant has a nice bar feel and the wait staff is attentive. This is our first time here but first review! I ordered the chicken wings, which they make out of chicken thighs. My favorite are the maple soy wings which have a perfect sweet soy flavor and nice crispy texture. I split my order and got half BBQ wings which are tasty but the skin was soggy due to the layer of sauce. My wife got the fried chicken sandwich (which I ate half of) and it was so good. The chicken was crispy, flavorful and juicy, layered on a toasted pretzel bun (amazing) with lettuce and tomato and a grainy mustard sauce. The sandwich normally comes with coleslaw but she ordered without. The fries are golden and crispy, perfect side to any meal. I normally order the braised beef sandwich which is absolutely killer. Love Brunsons, always great food and service.

  • 5/5 A R L. 2 years ago on Google
    Had a craving for a good burger, so I decided to stop by Brunson’s to indulge. I enjoyed the locally focused draft list, as in my opinion nothing goes better with a burger than a beer. I elected to go with a side salad rather than chips or fries, which was well dressed with mixed greens, cheese, onions and tomatoes. My burger was awesome, the confit bacon has a unique texture that paired well with the onion jam, cheese, and meat. The inside was cooked medium just as I requested. The meat was well seasoned, and the burger held together nicely without falling apart. Great beer and burger stop!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 mark G. 1 year ago on Google
    Very good food. The cheese curds and the sauce with it was amazing! The menu has some pretty cool and interesting things for sure! 4 stars only because my friend had one of the burgers and it was dry. All of my food was great
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 J F. 1 year ago on Google
    Very disappointing given the high ratings from others. We attended on a Sunday night around 5pm. We were seated immediately and there were many open tables, so I don't think they were super busy. We ordered right away because we browsed the menu ahead of time. It took nearly 50 minutes for us to get our food. We started with the cheese curds, which were excellent. They are served with two unique dipping sauces. The sauces alone are odd, but the flavors compliment the cheese curds really well. I ordered a Classic burger. It was good but messy and hard to eat due to its size. My wife ordered the BLT. It was okay but really heavy. And, likely her fault, but she was not expecting it to be a wad of pulled bacon (basically pulled pork) instead of bacon slices. It definitely wasn't close to a traditional BLT. We upgraded our chips to fries, which were pretty good. I do think they make their own ketchup because it tastes a little different. So overall, I'd rate the food a 4/5 - mostly good but nothing great except the cheese curds - and the service a 2/5 - 50 minutes to serve two sandwiches in a half-empty restaurant is too long.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andrew S. 2 years ago on Google
    We came here for the outdoor patio late on a Monday evening, not sure what to expect but looking forward to the experience either way. The atmosphere was pleasantly inviting, and we found a table easily on the patio area. I must say the highlight of the night was the charmingly kind and courteous staff member who served us. She was extremely attentive and helpful, and get positive energy and kind attitude made the night. The food/drinks were delicious; the cheese curds were perfectly battered and fried, the fries were superb and layered with toppings, and the drinks were top notch. I'd definitely recommend Brunson's for an understated, high quality local pub experience.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Savannah L. 7 months ago on Google • 41 reviews
    You wouldn't expect this place to be amazing by looking at it from the outside, but it's fantastic! They have great specialty cocktails, wonderful pub style food (their homemade chips are to die for!), and that bread pudding...mmm! Can't decide if it's good or dangerous that we live so close 😆

  • 5/5 Nichole B. 2 months ago on Google • 41 reviews New
    Brunson’s is the best! They have a large variety of craft beer on tap, which they rotate so there’s always something new to try. I’ve always had great service plus the food is amazing. You absolutely must try their house made chips with the dill dip - so good!! I had the fried chicken sandwich last time I went and it was delicious.

  • 5/5 Connor C. 4 months ago on Google • 27 reviews
    Best wings in the Twin Cities. Seriously. Technically, it’s not a wing because they are actually chicken thighs…but let me tell you, they are better than normal wings. Crispy yet juicy. You just have to try them. You can get half of one sauce and half of the other. They are all delicious, so you can’t go wrong with any of them. I believe almost everything on the menu is made from scratch. You can tell they really take their food seriously and don’t skimp on anything. A local gem and worth seeking out even if you don’t live very close!

  • 4/5 Jacob M. 1 year ago on Google
    Good but not amazing. I have a feeling we did not order what they are best at or we came at an off time. We will have to come back at some point and try again!

  • 5/5 Kathleen F. 1 year ago on Google
    Does the pub exactly like a pub does need to be done. Great fries, lovely atmosphere. Plants & flowers adorn the outdoor patio, good food and attentive staff.

  • 5/5 Jon P. 6 months ago on Google
    Kitchen is in full view, and is very clean. Food comes out fast. We have liked everything we have tried so far. Good beer selection, drink menu is also good. The service is solid. Standard small bar atmosphere. Patio is better than the inside, room wise, and is rather pleasant. Overall, this is a great place, I drive 40 mins 1 way to come here on occasion.

  • 5/5 Nealikus 5 months ago on Google • 2 reviews
    Everything about this place is what I look for in a pub. It has great food that punches far above its weight in terms of style and execution without becoming unfamiliar or “exotic.” It has a group of employees who are enthusiastic about their work and appreciate the history of the area and the impact the pub has had on the community. They’re knowledgeable of the food they sell and very helpful in finding the right meal for your taste. It has good prices, well worth the quality of food you get. The owner is working alongside his employees, cleaning tables, talking to guests, and made sure everyone was enjoying their time here. He clearly cares deeply for the establishment and wants to provide excellent service. The beer list highlights local brews, participates in the local beer scene, and above at has good prices per pint, especially during its great happy hour. This is my new favorite pub. It is exactly what I look for in a neighborhood spot, and is possibly the best business the Eastside has. If you’re looking for a pub, this is it.


Call +1 651-447-2483 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed
  • Parking
    • ✓️ Free parking lot
    • ✓️ Plenty of parking
    • ✓️ Free of charge street parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Food
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Halal food
    • ✓️ Quick bite
    • ✓️ Food at bar
    • ✓️ Comfort food
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Happy-hour food
    • ✓️ Late-night food
    • ✓️ Happy-hour drinks
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Brunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Breakfast
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeaway
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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