With its most ingenious of names, the Strip Club (Meat and Fish) on the east side of St. Paul never fails to raise an eyebrow. Even when you are amongst friends who all know it, there is inevitably a “what?” or a wink and a nudge if you introduce the restaurant at just the right time and in just the right way. I have to admit, I kind of don’t get tired of that. If that were all that this club-like restaurant had going for it, the gag would have been over long ago.

That is where delicious food and drink, atmosphere, and genuinely attentive service come in. On the corner of Maria and 6th (by Metropolitan State University), in its narrow brick old-school storefront, the Strip Club offers up the cure for what ails ya. Hungry? Locally raised grassfed beef (“Strip” refers to their namesake New York Strip) is some of the best you’ll ever have. Thirsty? Well, the owner/bartender will mix up something special just for you, after a few intriguing questions. Jaded? The nostalgic backdrop rings with the voices of people truly enjoying themselves, and the owner/server engages in the true art of conversation. When was the last time you experienced that? Anywhere? Let alone in a place you will leave fully content, gratified by all that the land and the good people working it have to offer. Seriously, that is how good the inventive food–who grills a Caesar salad, anyway?–and drink, the spectacular view, and authentic rapport will make you feel.

Strip Club Meat & Fish
378 Maria Ave
St Paul
651.793.6247