Iron Ranger — Restaurant in Saint Paul

There are places to go for the food. There are places you go for the drinks. And then there are places you go for experience. Case in point— regarding the last option, should you travel to the upper shore of Wisconsin and cross by ferry to Madeline Island, my signature recommendation for relaxation and mental reconfiguration is Tom’s Burned Down Café. As stated in the name, after a fire burned the original establishment to the ground in the 1990s, the bar was reinvented out of a trailer of alcohol, a tarp-covered deck and seating improvised from beer cases, lawn chairs, bucket car seats and other makeshift materials. Although the patchwork décor clearly could have been updated and modernized since their conflagration, that would completely negate the let-it-go and live-in-the-moment experience Tom’s delivers.

That comparable experience is what came to mind recently while having drinks at The Iron Ranger. Don’t get me wrong. The Iron Ranger is not improvised at all. However, what I like most about The Iron Ranger is that it makes the best out of their limitations. Firstly, it’s easy to miss among the many similar Grand Avenue storefronts. I must have walked past it for six months before a friend pointed it out to me. Step inside, and you might find it equally nondescript. A few tables and booths bookending the narrow space for the bar. Still, it is a cozy meetup spot if you’re seeking conversational privacy over food and drinks. However, should you continue to the patio space, you’ll discover a hidden gem fenced off from the surrounding storefront parking facilities. Even with simple décor of umbrella tables and planter-trimmed wood fencing, the space is bright and inviting to make one oblivious to the stark blacktop parking space beyond its boundary.

Even more inviting is the service from the staff. Upon each visit I have felt catered to as if in a high-end establishment, yet still comfortable enough to engage with the staff on a friendly basis. Truly, each time I have been to the Iron Ranger I have been treated as a guest, whether with a table of friends or sitting single at the bar. On two occasions there was confusion with my order, that I, or a table-mate contributed to a delay in service, and immediately it was rectified and compensated in a matter that did not need to incur. When we assured the staff it was not a problem, each time apologies were given before being told, “That’s on us.” Suffice to say, the owner and staff are there to serve and make you feel comfortable as all establishments should, but few do. They strive to go out of their way.

Their menu is equally comfortable. You’ll find typical bar fare, such as nachos, sandwiches, and pizzas. However, the food is not typical either. Numerous dining companions have noted their delicious surprise at their savory sandwiches or outstanding flatbread pizzas that stand out without being pretentious. Should your in-laws or siblings drive down from Grand Rapids, Bovey, or Chisholm and want a scenic place that didn’t make them feel out of place, while still providing an upscale memory; or if friends are in town from Chicago, New York, or Los Angeles, you could happily reconnect while feeling comfortable listening to a guitarist play standards from Dylan, Petty, Wilco or other easy-groovers. Because, at The Iron Ranger it’s not really about the food, or drinks, or even the space. It’s all...

The waitress was very rude with eye rolling and unaccommodating. We had a large group and we're never told or asked about how the check would be separated instead they demanded we pay in groups of 6 divided in equal parts. The waitress tried to backtrack by lying saying most of the group were told and had no problem when in reality no one was told until after they ordered and received there food. When we asked for a separate check(we were at a completely different table from the larger group not sitting or eat with them)the waitress refused and got the owner Tom who just kept saying "Wow, wow" (he couldn't even give an actual response or reason like most people who know their wrong) when I asked for my check to pay for my items which is how restaurants work and should've be completely fine. He said I was rude for requesting this as if I was asking for anything more than service and payment. I wasn't yelling, I wasn't cursing, I wasn't raising my voice. He went on about how the waitress was one of his best and we must be lying, like a group of 20 professional adults have nothing better to do than lie about your waitress, mind you, I didn't even ask for the manager to complain she brought him over because she couldn't get out of her lie that we all knew about the split the check policy. The food was gross and bland and the cocktails were undrinkable but I was more than willing to pay for what I received, I wasn't willing to wait around until 5 other guests were finished and ready to leave so that I could pay as a random group. Absolutely laughable...

We had a great time at Iron Ranger the other night. We did not realize the atmosphere of the back patio is exactly what we have been looking for in Saint Paul. The shade, the real plant dividers, and incredible food certainly will have us coming back.

I gave it 4-stars because we did experience some delays in getting our first round of drinks, which sounds harsh, but I'm much happier waiting on food (we knew we arrived at the end of the dinner rush) if I at least have a drink in my hand. Our waitress was attentive, who stopped by occasionally to simply tell us she had an eye on food, drinks, etc. (Nice to know we were at least being seen - great hospitality training.)

My girlfriend and I chose to get the (what look like) homemade chips and guac with salsa on the side. We then split the Big Dill pizza and the Bourbon burger. Both hit the spot for a sweet and savory mix. Pizza was bigger than expected, which was nice since I was hungry! Our tab was $108 before tip, but we also had two drinks each when you could certainly get bye with just one a piece.

We will be coming back for a patio chill more often this summer! Dog friendly patio is a...