There’s something magical about stumbling upon a neighborhood gem that feels like it’s always been part of the community.
This Saint Paul institution proves that great food and genuine hospitality can transform a simple corner bar into a beloved gathering place.
Word spreads fast when a restaurant consistently delivers meals that make people’s faces light up with pure satisfaction.
Regulars return week after week, not just for the incredible burgers, but for the warm sense of belonging they find inside.
How Brunson’s Pub won local’s hearts
Brunson’s Pub didn’t just open its doors and hope for the best when they first welcomed customers to the East Side.
It stepped into a neighborhood legend that had been brewing for decades in this very space.
The space was once Schwietz’s Saloon, a post-prohibition bar that ruled the East Side through the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s with loyal patrons.
When owners Thomas and Molly LaFleche took over in 2017, they honored that history while building something entirely their own from scratch.
They kept the original mahogany bar, refinished wood floors, and tin ceiling that echo with decades of Saint Paul stories and memories.
The result is a place that feels both nostalgic and fresh for every single person who walks through the door.
What really sealed the deal was the absolutely incredible food that started drawing crowds from across the Twin Cities area.
Head Chef Torrance Beavers brought Southern flair and Le Cordon Bleu training to create a menu that’s eclectic, approachable, and scratch-made daily.
Locals rave about the cult-like fervor surrounding dishes like the #No Payne No Gain Burger and house-made cheese curds.
The LaFleches also embedded themselves in the community, organizing fundraisers for neighborhood nonprofits like Cookie Cart and partnering with organizations.
They even earned the Outstanding Minnesota Employer Awards in 2019 for their inclusive hiring practices that changed lives.
This isn’t just a restaurant serving great food to hungry customers every single day of the week.
It’s a neighborhood pillar that stands strong and proud in the heart of Payne Avenue.
Food Highlights
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#No Payne No Gain Burger: This double Angus patty creation comes loaded with Pepper Jack, onion, cilantro, chipotle salsa, cumin lime aioli, and tortilla strips on a milk bun 🍔
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Classic Double Burger: Two Angus patties with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and their signature fancy sauce on a milk bun 🧀
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Schwietz Burger: A nod to the building’s past, this burger pairs an Angus patty with a sausage patty, Swiss cheese, onion, kraut, and ale mustard on a pretzel bun 🥨
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Braised Beef Sandwich: Well-browned, griddled beef with onions, mushrooms, zingy red-pepper aioli, and arugula on a chewy roll with Swiss cheese 🥩
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Pulled Bacon BLT Sandwich: Smoked and shredded pork belly brined 24 hours, braised until fork-tender with all the BLT essentials 🥓
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Cheese Curds: Crispy, squeaky Wisconsin-style curds that are some of the best in the Twin Cities according to the owners 🧀
Atmosphere
Dark, welcoming, and steeped in history, the original wood floors, 13-foot tin ceilings, and black-and-white photos of old Payne Avenue create instant nostalgia.
The gleaming mahogany bar and refinished tabletops upgraded the old dive-bar feel without losing its soul.
Bottom Line
Scratch-made, chef-driven pub food keeps locals coming back for more while deep neighborhood roots with community involvement and inclusive hiring make this place special.
Historic charm meets modern hospitality in a welcoming space with 19 taps featuring local beers and creative cocktails plus a free parking lot.
Address: 956 Payne Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55130
📞 (651) 447-2483
🕔 Open Sun-Thu, 11 AM–11 PM | Fri-Sat, 11 AM–12 AM