COOK
| Address: | 1124 Payne Ave, St Paul, MN 55130, USA |
| Phone: | +1 651-756-1787 |
| Site: | cookstp.com |
| Rating: | 4.8 |
| Working: | 6:30AM–2PM 6:30AM–2PM 6:30AM–2PM 6:30AM–2PM 6:30AM–2PM 7AM–3PM 7AM–3PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 15
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Justin V
Some of the best and most interesting bloody marys Ive had: they dont look like your typical glass of thin, store-bought mix hiding under an over-compensating array of garnishes. These are deep red, totally opaque, almost gazpacho-thick concoctions filled with an intensity and density of flavor that quickly puts your mouth on notice that this beverage demands your full attention. Youll need to stop talking and take another sip, and then perhaps one more... And the then maybe just a moment of silence to recover and process before you need to talk to whoever is with you (even if thats just yourself) about what the heck is going on in that glass. All the expected notes are there: sweet, tangy, and fresh tomato, savory salty pickel, ice-defeating spice, and the sneeky, lurking bite of vodka. However, theres also more: a dash of toasty smokey sesame, a tang of fermentation, and a brave buiding heat thats more than most mixologist think is safe to give to a mid-west audience. I dont want to tell you all of whats in that drink, both because i really dont know and because you should try it and experience the fun of puzzling over it yourself. But its emblematic of the rest of the menu: its American, Korean and honors tradition while also providing a very unique experience . Most importanty its really, really good stuff made by and servered by people who cleary care about what they do. The last restaurant to occupy the same space was a cherished neighborhood diner for a generation and Cook is off to a very good start of continuing the spirit of that tradition but with a whole new level of flavor.
AN
Andre Balian
Had the greatest first experience here today! Already cant wait to go back. The owner, Eddie was cool and personable, we couldve chatted all day. The food was extraordinary. Nothing was lacking. Its a laid back atmosphere, and the prices are not at all unreasonable. They are open until 3pm on weekends, whereas many brunchy places are only open until 1 or 2. Even their website is on point, and reflects the artistry and quality of the food. This place is at the heart of Twin Cities food culture, dont miss out on it.
DY
Dylan Bode
By far one of the best breakfast spots in Saint Paul. The Short Rib Eggs Benedict are out of this world! This is going to be a place that you will have to plan to visit more than once. OR at least take an order to go. By far the best cinnamon roll I have had in the Twin Cities. An exciting thing about COOK is that they have fun specials depending on the season. This is a MUST STOP place if you are visiting the cities. And if you are not sure, just let all of the awards they have won speak to you!
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Dylan Strub
Its my fault really. I went in with high hopes that it was similar to Serlins cafe. The food was over priced for what you get and it doesnt taste good. I got the pancakes and eggs with OJ. Total came to $14. I soaked the pancakes in syrup to get some flavor, eggs were fine, but the sausages I couldnt eat. Also the white walls and maps of St. Paul make the inside dull and cold. Only positive thing i have to say is the wait staff is pleasant and attractive.
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Nikole Mitchell
One of THE BEST restaurants on the East Side (St Paul). Love that its small and cozy. The food is so freakin delicious and comes in HUGE portions. So plan on leaving stuffed or with leftovers for another meal (my personal preference!). Being half-Korean, I GREATLY appreciate the Korean fusion they add in a few of their meals and am so impressed with their homemade kimchi. This is definitely a spot we try to hit every now and then!
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Ian Buck
Cook has a very relaxed, hole-in-the-wall vibe; only one room and a couple of servers. I was not expecting so much of their food to be Korean influenced, but even someone who cannot handle spice can find something to their taste on the menu. They serve breakfast until they run out, which seems to usually be all day. Normally I expect to spend twice as much to get this much quality food with such classy presentation. Great deal!
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Stephani Horstman
Saw the amazing reviews and decided to check it out on a rare Monday morning we had free. Great coffee, good chai. We got the K-fries with the short rib and added fried eggs on top as well as the short rib Benedict. The food was delicious but the service was the best part. Candy was friendly, talkative and happy to work with a few special requests. Very happy that we took the time to check out Cook.
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Jessiclaire Wolf
Above and beyond expectation. I found Cook on Instagram. I came for the Korean pancakes and short ribs eggs Benedict. They were both so delicious and flavorful! (Homemade sriracha was an added bonus) I cant believe how much awesome is packed into this little building! First place Ive gone that I feel needs a rating over five stars. Service was fantastic.
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Vitor Yamaoto
Have been coming here ever since I moved to St. Paul from Dallas about 2 years ago. Let me tell you, the onwer is a great guy, very inviting and gregarious. The staff is also excellent as well and I come here so often, they know exactly what I want. The food is amazing and the price is too fair for the quality. Go try it, my favorite is Skips Choice.
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Marcos Delgados
Highly recommend going to Serlins for breakfast. It rivals all the competition and is probably the least expensive out of all of them. They have been around for over 60 years now, but unfortunately it is currently for sale as the owners are retiring. So....you better get to Serlins ASAP before its too late! Also, highly recommend the pie.
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A Private User
Their rhubarb pie is the best! Just like moms and mom is a great cook. I also appreciate that they are family-friendly and do NOT have the sleazy tabloid City Pages on their premises like some other East side neighborhood restaurants I wont mention by name. Tiny booths, cozy atmosphere - great home cooked food! Ann R. S. Minneapolis
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Judy Park
Pop kitchen experience was great! Eddie Wu and Yia Vang did a great job prepping dishes for Korean Night. Every dish was delicious and brought out promptly. There was barely a wait for the food. I love the fact that the space is intimate and simple. Plenty of parking is available around the corners and streets.
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Elizabeth McGathey
Stopped in by chance for lunch and was blown away. The food is so so good, and it left me wondering how I hadnt heard of this place and come in sooner. We got the K-Fries, Bi Bim Bop, and Breakfast Nachos. Everything was amazing and generously portioned. We were stuffed and still had plenty of left overs.
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Bryon Wheaton
Creative and tasty dishes. Korean influence really shines in the choice on the menu. Restaurant is small, but some of the tastiest dinner food you ever had rolls out of that tiny kitchen. So refined, good coffee, just a great spot. A series of pop ups in the space has also been a exciting experience.
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Michael Arnold
Best bibimbap Ive ever had and great service! They do it with a fried rice ball that has this perfect, almost caramelized exterior, reminiscent of the paella socarrat which adds layers to the great variety of textures and flavors typical of bibimbap. Complex and rich, yet all a very harmonious balance.
