SELECTED RESTAURANTS AND POINTS OF INTEREST (moving west to east from Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity/Fairview Station)

Snelling Avenue Station The intersection of University and Snelling Avenues is one of the busiest in all of the Twin Cities. Recently Snelling Avenue north of University has been branded Little Africa due to the prevalence of African themed restaurants and markets. These include stellar Ethiopian restaurants Fasika (510 Snelling Ave) and Ghebre’s (512 Snelling Ave). Additionally, some say the best Thai food in all the Twin Cities is at On’s Thai Kitchen (1613 University Ave). And if a burger and great music is your thing, head into the Turf Club (1601 University Ave).

Hamline Avenue Station Hamline Station, which shares the name of the actual station, is one of the larger transit- oriented, affordable, mixed-use developments in the Twin Cities, occupies the northeast corner of Hamline and University. For more East African dining options, go to Flamingo (490 N. Syndicate Ave.), which is co-owned by an Ethiopian and Eritrean woman.

Lexington Parkway Station Minor League baseball used to be played on the southwest corner of Lexington and University Avenues until 1956. This is now the location of the Wilder Foundation which provides many essential services to low-income and refugee populations in the East Metro. Hoa Bien (1105 University Ave W) is a good spot for Vietnamese food, especially if planning for a large group.

Victoria Street Station This is the heart of the Historic Rondo neighborhood, which was the center of Saint Paul’s African-American population for many years before Interstate 94 destroyed many homes and businesses – check out the station platform artwork. Homi Mexican Restaurant (864 University Ave W) has excellent, authentic food. Trung Nam French Bakery (739 University Ave W) has wonderful baked goods in addition to fantastic bahn mi sandwiches. Finally, Ngon Bistro (799 University Ave) is a good choice for more upscale Vietnamese options and is noted for the large number of craft beers on tap.

Dale Street Station This is another historic intersection within the Rondo neighborhood and it is home to the excellent mix of uses that is the Rondo Community Outreach Library and University- Dale affordable apartments. Frogtown Square, on the NE corner of the intersection opened in advance of the rail and houses low-income senior citizens and a variety or minority-owned businesses. If you need a sweet treat, go to SugaRush (712 University Ave W) for a fresh baked donut. There is first rate pho at iPho Saigon (University Ave W) and lip-smacking barbeque at Big Daddy’s (625 University Ave W).

Western Avenue Station This station is the center of Little Mekong, which is home to the popular Little Mekong Night Market in summer. There are several restaurants in the neighborhood, all representing countries that the Mekong River goes through. Pho Ca Dao (439 University Ave W) has some of the best Pho in the Twin Cities. Little Szechuan (422 University Ave W) is, according to it’s website, “the only authentic Szechuan hot pot restaurant in the Twin Cities. Lao Thai (501 University Ave W) and Thai Garden (432 University Ave W) are solid Thai options as well.

Capitol Rice Street Station The highlight of the Capitol Rice Street Station is the Minnesota State Capitol. The building was designed by Cass Gilbert and modeled after Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome. It recently underwent extensive renovation and is open again to the public.

>>>We’re skipping Robert Street, 10th Street, and Central Stations which take you to state office buildings and into downtown Saint Paul.>>>

Union Depot Station The Green Line’s final stop is across the street from Saint Paul’s historic Union Depot located in Saint Paul’s arts-oriented Lowertown neighborhood. Union Depot itself is worth a walk through as it was restored in 2012 (utilizing federal stimulus funds). Nearby Mears Park (221 5th St E )is a wonderful public park that hosts an annual Jazz Fest and Music in Mears a weekly summer concert series. Nearby restaurants include the Mexican-forward Barrio (235 6th St E), hamburger joint Bulldog (237 6th St E) and Public Kitchen + Bar (229 6th St E) where you can spot stylish downtown employees in a light-filled dining room.