Our Picks: Best Cocktails of 2019

Nancy Ngo • December 26, 2019

We don’t just eat for a living, we are also charged with keeping track of the ever-changing food and drink scene in the Twin Cities.


We try a lot of beers and cocktails throughout the year, so it has to be really special for one in particular to stick out. Here are our five favorite drinks from 2019. Cheers!


The Celeste Negroni at Celeste St. Paul Hotel + Bar ($12)

The Celeste Negroni, top left, along with the Bad Habit and Sister Jane. (Courtesy Celeste St. Paul Hotel + Bar)


Negronis are hot right now, and the one at St. Paul’s newest cocktail spot is oh so smooth. Mixed drinks here use spirits from women-owned or -operated distilleries. And this combination of Dampfwerk London Dry Gin, Dampfwerk Hergolander, BroVo Jammy Vermouth is a tasty version of the classic cocktail.


Celeste St. Paul Hotel + Bar: 26 E. Exchange St., St. Paul; celestestpaul.com

City Pages : Best Hotel of 2020

August 10, 2020
A stately hotel with beautifully decorated rooms in a fabulous location doesn’t need a charming backstory. This one’s got one anyway: Celeste sprung up in the building formerly occupied as both a convent and a music conservatory, and takes its name from its original mother superior. Some rooms boast views out onto the Capitol, while the Xcel Center and Mississippi River are short walks away. Convince a friend to stay there for an excuse to check out Celeste’s classy little cocktail bar.

St. Paul’s newest hotspots for your holiday guests

By Nancy Ngo • December 18, 2019
Looking for a place to take your out of town guests over the holidays? Consider some of St. Paul’s latest hotspots that have opened in the past year where you can grab great food and linger after over a decent beer, wine or cocktail. As the fast-casual trend continues to grow, some of St. Paul’s newest hotspots are order-at-the counter, which we’ve noted with an asterisk (*) in case you have a preference on whether your group wants to dine on the more casual or full-service sit down side.