W. A. Frost and Company is an upscale American restaurant at 374 Selby Avenue, St Paul, Minnesota, United States of America, in the Cathedral Hill neighborhood. Serving diners since 1975, it occupies the historic Dacotah Building at Selby and Western avenues. Travelers come for seasonal cooking, an extensive wine list, atmospheric dining rooms, and an outdoor patio that makes dinner feel like an occasion rather than a stop between sights. This is a sit-down restaurant, not a ticketed historic attraction.
What to Expect at W. A. Frost and Company
The building and the meal share the spotlight. Historic interiors provide a distinctive alternative to a contemporary hotel restaurant, with intimate table settings and a setting closely associated with Cathedral Hill’s architectural character. The restaurant’s own history connects W. A. Frost with the Dacotah Building; appreciate the surroundings as part of dinner rather than expecting museum displays or a self-guided historical exhibition. Inside, wooden chairs, marble-topped tables, glassware, and carefully set places establish the dining-room tone.
The central experience is upscale New American dining accompanied by wine or cocktails. Approach the menu seasonally rather than planning around a particular dish: check the restaurant’s current menus before choosing between a full dinner and a lighter visit. The patio is an important part of the restaurant’s appeal, especially when outdoor dining fits the weather. For an anniversary or a first evening in St Paul, allow enough time to enjoy the setting instead of squeezing dinner between tightly scheduled activities.
- Established in 1975: A longstanding Cathedral Hill dining destination.
- Dacotah Building setting: Historic surroundings at the Selby–Western intersection.
- Seasonal American cooking: An upscale meal rather than quick counter service.
- Extensive wine selection: A major reason to plan a leisurely dinner.
- Outdoor patio: An alternative to indoor dining when weather and seating availability permit.
W. A. Frost and Company at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 374 Selby Avenue, St Paul, MN 55102, United States of America. |
| Neighborhood / Area | Cathedral Hill; Selby Avenue at Western Avenue. |
| Operating Hours | Monday closed; Tuesday–Thursday 4–10 p.m.; Friday noon–midnight; Saturday 10 a.m.–midnight; Sunday 10 a.m.–9 p.m. These are venue hours; check menu-specific service times. |
| Admission & Ticket Prices | No admission ticket; food and drinks are charged separately. $$$ dining. See official menus and reservations for current prices. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 2.5 hours for a leisurely meal. |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Use Selby Avenue and Western Avenue as your arrival landmark. Check current bus stops with Metro Transit and consult the restaurant’s Hours & Location page for parking guidance. |
| Official Website / Phone | W. A. Frost official website; 651-224-5715. |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Reserve through the official website, particularly when a specific dinner time matters. Choose an early seating if you want daylight for a neighborhood walk, and request outdoor seating rather than assuming a reservation includes the patio. Friday opens earlier than the other weekdays, while Saturday and Sunday begin at 10 a.m.; consult the menu schedule before treating opening time as confirmation that every menu is available. Leave a little flexibility for parking and settling in.
For public transportation, enter the exact street address in the Metro Transit trip planner to obtain the current route and closest stop. Drivers should read posted parking restrictions rather than assume neighborhood spaces are unrestricted. For wheelchair or stroller visits, call ahead to establish the entrance, table location, patio access, and restroom route; do not assume every part of a historic property has the same access. Pair dinner with the Cathedral of Saint Paul, roughly a 10-minute walk east, or Nathan Hale Park, about 5–10 minutes away. Allow longer in snow or icy conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit?
Choose an early dinner for daylight and a neighborhood walk. The restaurant is closed Monday; weekend opening is 10 a.m. Check holiday and menu-specific hours before traveling.
Are tickets or reservations required?
There is no sightseeing ticket. You pay for your meal and drinks. Reserve a table through the official website, especially for celebrations or a tightly timed evening.
How much time should I budget?
Allow 1.5 to 2.5 hours for dinner, with additional time for parking or a walk to the cathedral. Multiple courses and wine naturally favor the longer end.
What should families and wheelchair users arrange?
Families should request suitable seating and discuss stroller storage when booking. Wheelchair users should call 651-224-5715 to confirm a step-free entrance and the route between their table and restroom.
When planning your Saint Paul travel guide or comparing verified restaurants and nightlife in Saint Paul, pair this stop with standout local spots including The Buttered Tin – St. Paul (Lowertown), Tori, Hotel Ivy, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Minneapolis, and Red Cow St. Paul (nearby).
