The Blue Door Pub

The Blue Door PubThe Blue Door Pub
The Blue Door PubThe Blue Door Pub
Bar, Eatery

1811 Selby Ave
Saint Paul, Minnesota, 55104-6031
United States

(651) 493-1865 | map
thebluedoorpubmn.com
PLACE STATS
Average:
4.27
Reviews:
16
Ratings:
34
pDev:
9.37%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
 
Rated: 4.53 by U2Chaser from North Dakota

Oct 15, 2018
Photo of cfitzsimmons
Reviewed by cfitzsimmons from California

4.15/5  rDev -2.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 5 | service: 4 | selection: 3 | food: 5
The Blue Door is a small pub, but a great place to grab a bite. Seating is limited, so either come at off hours or be prepared to wait. The service is prompt and the food arrives quickly. The specialty at The Blue Door are their signature "Blucys" (Juicy Lucy burgers). You can't go wrong with any of them. The tap list at the pub is somewhat small, generally around 10-12 beers, but in addition to local staples such as Summit and Surly, there is a rotating selection of craft beers from regional breweries. Overall, if you're looking for a place with a large beer selection, this spot might not be the best. However if you're in the Twin Cities and want to sample a local craft beer with your amazing burger, The Blue Door is the place for you.
Mar 14, 2016
 
Rated: 4.25 by Josholson666 from Minnesota

Dec 09, 2015
 
Rated: 5 by MattMorin from Illinois

Nov 26, 2015
 
Rated: 4.69 by DissentFatsquirrel from Minnesota

Sep 06, 2015
 
Rated: 4.09 by XmnwildX12 from Minnesota

Feb 23, 2015
Photo of SerialTicker
Reviewed by SerialTicker from Michigan

4.16/5  rDev -2.6%
*My review from Yelp*

I think having a phenomenal burger at The Nook 24 hours earlier keeps me from giving this place five stars. Well, there are a few other things...

But first of all, the food. I felt obligated to order the Blucy, and so I did. Bleu cheese with garlic? That's just about right up my alley. While I thought it had a really nice flavor to it, it wasn't as jacked with filling as I was expecting it to be. I just wanted more of it. Maybe even something as simple as raw onions on top of the burger as well, rather than just a pretty lightly stuffed burger on a bun with nothing else.

The tater tots were a bummer. How they can charge what they charge for these things when the waiter and owner admitted they were frozen is staggering to me. Do they taste bad? No, hell no, but the pricing of them had me expecting something home made.

The beer selection is quite good here though, and the prices for them are more than fair as well, so I suppose that balanced things out a bit.

Other than the fact that the tater tots are insanely overpriced and frozen (and the fact I had a legendary burger at The Nook the day prior...), another downfall for Blue Door is just its space. As said, it's super crammed, and makes for an uncomfortable, if not impossible, place to stand around and wait in. Combine that with the fact that the parking situation in the lot is a mess, and you've got a place that's just horribly located.

I'd go back, but after having The Nook, I guess my hopes were just a little too high. I will say that the owner (one of the owners? I didn't get his name) is awesome. Chatty, loves his job, and really likable.

So... basically... give Blue Door a go.
Dec 03, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by CCutch from Minnesota

Nov 12, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by KAF from Iowa

Nov 09, 2014
 
 
Rated: 4.8 by Bottleopterus from Minnesota

Sep 05, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by fuzzcherry from Minnesota

Aug 28, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by JackFlash from Minnesota

Jul 20, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by DaftPatrick from Minnesota

Jun 22, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by Dwarven_Ale from Minnesota

Jun 18, 2014
 
Rated: 5 by Chudem from Wisconsin

Jun 13, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by kmahe from Washington

Apr 29, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by AmandaSchaefer from Wisconsin

Apr 20, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by ABVMVP from Minnesota

Jan 26, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by MNBeer1017 from Minnesota

Dec 06, 2013
Photo of Jodi215
Reviewed by Jodi215 from Arizona

3.39/5  rDev -20.6%
vibe: 2.75 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3.25 | food: 3.75
This is a very small and popular pub. The noise level was horrible and the seating was very crowded. I probably wouldn't go back because of those two things. Service was friendly but slow and we ordered a sandwich without cheese and it was delivered with cheese so I didn't get to eat any of it. I did try the beer battered green beans and they were delicious. The sandwich I didn't get to try was called a pub sandwich and it was basically a BLT with a fried egg added. My husband said it was delicious. Beer selection was above average but the nice thing was they were really cheap. Value on beer was $ while food was $$.
Sep 04, 2013
Photo of Ungertaker
Reviewed by Ungertaker from Minnesota

4.4/5  rDev +3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 5 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 5
The Blue Door is small, but a great place to go for a burger and a beer! Their happy hour is great, with $2 taps and selected appetizers. The burgers are some of the best I have ever had. The tap selection changes on a regular basis, but you can always did Surly and Summit offerings. In addition to those, the BDP usually has a popular seasonal (right now, they have Hop Slam). The appetizers are almost as enticing as the burgers, with deep fried pickles and spam bites being my favorite offerings.
If you go, get there early and enjoy a couple beers. Otherwise, kill some time in the antique mall next door; there is always interesting stuff in there.
Jan 21, 2012
Photo of KarlHungus
Reviewed by KarlHungus from Minnesota

4.65/5  rDev +8.9%
vibe: 4 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4 | food: 5
Blue Door Pub is the place to go for a burger and a beer in the Twin Cities. As others have stated it is extremely small. Three booths, five tables, and five bar stools is all they have. There are a few more tables on their patio, but they aren't allowed to serve alcohol out there. There is almost always a waiting list so plan accordingly. It also gets very loud inside, but there is no denying the energy of the place. The beer selection consists of twelve taps all of which are craft beers. They carry a couple Surlys, a few Summits, Tallgrass, Stone, and Fulton among others. Service is top notch. They are always busy enough that they have the incentive to get you your food and drinks quickly as to allow for quicker turn over. However, they do so without rushing you. With that said the Blue Door isn't the place to go if you want to talk beer with the barkeep as they simply will not have the time even if they wanted to. The food at the Blue Door is excellent. I would go here regularly even if they didn't serve beer. They make the best burgers I've had in the Twin Cities hands down. My favorites are the Cajun Blucy, the Bangkok Blucy, the Bacon Cowboy Blucy, and the Burger of the Moment. Overall, the Blue Door Pub is a must stop for anyone who loves drinking a great beer with a great burger.
Aug 22, 2011
Photo of Alacy
Reviewed by Alacy from Minnesota

4.7/5  rDev +10.1%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 5
This is my favorite place in the cities for burgers, they offer some really unique choices. As far as beer goes they have approximately 10-12 taps, all of the tap choices are pretty decent. They have a really nice happy hour twice a day with cheap beers and some cheap appetizers. Not the widest selection of beers but I think they offer consistently solid choices. The biggest issue is the wait times as the place is really small. I find the wait usually goes by pretty quick when you have a beer in hand.
Aug 04, 2011
Photo of tavernjef
Reviewed by tavernjef from Minnesota

4.13/5  rDev -3.3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4
A solid and very small neighborhood bar. This place is tiny. You could maybe fit 50 people total amidst the few tables, window seating, and the bar. The three booths are heavily seeked as they have the most room and you can write on the wall with chalk as its painted with that special chalkboard paint. Out of the few times I've found myself visiting for a quick bite and brew, I have yet to land in one of the booths.

The Blue Door has a pretty steady place for patrons. Being so small, however, it has tremendous turn around. Not much to look at once inside really. Most suburban two car garages have more room then this place does. Maybe even one garage?

Small bar for three to five people facing the street side with a large window facing out. Walking traffic stained wood floors and simple decor. As stated, its pretty much always busy here, and being so small, it's pretty loud in there, plus they play the music a bit too loud on top of it. But overall its a nice place to grab a quick brew or bite. Not really a place I'd hang out at for a extended time. Plus, you kind of feel bad when seeing people constantly coming in and having no where to sit so they lurk and stare as you finish your meal and pay the bill.

Great service, friendly, attentive, always quick, a plus for this place, and a must, its so small, its not like they have alot of tables to cover. Plus, I'm sure they like to try to crank out the food and drinks fast in order to get more customers through.

Selection is made up of about 12 taps, mostly local micro and few other popular craft supported seasonals always rotating. Listed simply on a chalk board. Or you could just glance over at the bar and see what handles might appeal to your thirst. Surly, Summit, Bells are the staples while a few others might catch you by surprise. OK prices for the most part. About what you find in bigger bars. And they'll run cheap specials on something they may be trying to kick a keg of. Last lunch there they were doing $3 Alaskan Ambers.

Food is some major artery thickening pub grub. Known for their Juicy Lucy burgers, or Blucys? Some have unique cheeses, a fried egg, and the famous peanut butter soaked one. All menu items are mostly served in a little basket like a small cafeteria. Nearly everything else with apps and sides is deep fried; Chicken strips, cheese curds, tots, fries, etc. Don't get me wrong, it all tastes damn good, but you may need to be packing an extra artery with you.
Jun 06, 2011
Photo of ElectricBoogaloo
Reviewed by ElectricBoogaloo from Minnesota

3.85/5  rDev -9.8%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
Stopped in here for a late lunch and a study session. yes, this place is tiny so make sure you leave some time to procure a table.
They have about 10-15 taps, 4 of which are dedicated to summit. This served me well, as I had a couple unchained #6, the belgian golden. They also have various basic local beers around---furious, bender, farm girl and others. while they don't have the greatest selection, they are dedicated to craft.
Where they really excel is the food. I had the blucy with fries which blew me away for the price. I think I spent 16 w/ tip for a spectacular burger and great fries and a beer. right up the alley for a broke college student.
the staff were really friendly, and were totally cool with me taking up two spots at the bar for two hours. the bartender knew his beer, and the waitresses knew their music.
a great experience for the food and the beer, I will definitely return for more.
Mar 24, 2011
Photo of jera1350
Reviewed by jera1350 from Minnesota

3.95/5  rDev -7.5%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 3.5 | food: 4
Well, the place is very, very small. There is a small patio out front, but no alcohol allowed there. It took a few minutes to be seated, but no problem. Service was very good. We were checked in on several times and received our beers and food promptly. There are probably about 8-10 beers on tap and the ones they have are of good quality. Furious, Bender, two Summits, Tallgrass Oasis to name a few. We were in during happy hour and paid a mere $2 for a Bender and a Bell's Oberon. That's as cheap a Surly as I've ever had out. Their food is good, but they are not the best Jucy's in town. I like the uniqueness and choices of their burgers, but they are not "true" Jucy's that can be had elsewhere in town. Still, damn good burgers with some unique ingredients that you can't get on burgers anywhere else. A good place that is worth checking out, especially at happy hour.
Sep 12, 2010
Photo of oner0002
Reviewed by oner0002 from Minnesota

3.95/5  rDev -7.5%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
I just moved in down the street and couldn't wait to check out the Blue Door since I had heard great things. I was a little disappointed upon my first visit, but the second, third and fourth visit has flipped my opinion over to the positive!

First, the place. As has been said before, this place is small, crowded and stinky. But so was the Triple Rock before they opened the music stage area. Get on the list for a spot ASAP if you need a table. They only have beer/wine, no cocktails nor are you supposed to drink outside.

Second, the beer. This was my big let down when I first visited. They only have 12 taps ... 2 Surlys, 3 Summits, a Bell's etc. I was hoping for more. But, 4 visits and 10 Surly's later I think I can deal with the small-ish selection. Especially since pints are $2 during happy hour.

Third, the food. This is the Blue Door's big claim to fame. They serve, among other things, a wide variety of "stuffed" burgers (Lucy's to the rest of you). I thought they were great. Not quite the dive charm of Matt's, nor the airport noise of the 9-8-7 club ... whatever that place is called. I signed up for the Blucy Club thing where you get a t-shirt once you have every one of the Blucy Burgers. Haven't had a bad one yet, though the Luau was a bit messy.

Fourth, ummm did I mention this place is crowded as hell? Yes? Well be careful of this if you are in the habit of getting a table right away at Toxic Hell or TGI McFunsters. As I said, get your name in right away with the hostess, or whom-ever is seating people. Be patient and dream of your "Breakfast" ... you'll see what I mean when you get there.

Yep, I can get greater selection somewhere else, but since I can stumble 3 blocks to the Blue Door, y'all can find me there sucking down $2 Benders and Tots.
Sep 07, 2010
Photo of Buebie
Reviewed by Buebie from Minnesota

4/5  rDev -6.3%
vibe: 1 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
I went to this place last winter in the middle of the week and again last week on a wednesday pre dinner rush.
In the winter, be prepared to wait outside, wear warm cloths. The line is typically about 40 mins long. It was a drag waiting outside in the hot sun and sweltering heat, but worth it completely. In the winter, not as fun standing outside when its cold as hell. But again worth it.

Walk inside, its very small, about the size of my living room. Several tables line the room as well as a few booths against the wall. The booths do offer some decent space, but at 6'6'' the arm space is not pleasant, I had to tuck my arms in like a T-Rex.

The bar is on the left, also small, but offering a few good options, as well as a local tap or two.
The menue is large and there are many things to choose from, while prices are reasonable. The burgers here are what I go for.

Service was prompt and precise and the food arrived hot. Always a pet peeve of mine when the food is not hot but comes out just warm. Here its hot and brought out about as soon as its taken off the grille.

Really an enjoyable, quaint neighborhood joint. The only thing that keeps me from becoming a regular is the pain in the ass long wait to get into a table. And when you do get one, the people that are now standing in line are standing practically in the middle of the dining room, rubbing shoulders with you while you sit and glaring at you to leave so they can sit.
Plus, everytime the door opens, because its such a small place, that winter air hits you like a knife. They need a double door here badly.
Aug 22, 2010
Photo of jjanega08
Reviewed by jjanega08 from Minnesota

4.5/5  rDev +5.4%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 5
I've been to this place on a number of occasions. It's typically SUPER busy. There's sort of a cult following when it comes to their burgers forming. The Atmosphere is cool small place. Really small but comfy. You can write on the walls in the booth seating if you get one of those which is cool. The servers are nothing special to look at but they are very nice and friendly. Never had a bad experience in here with service. The beers rotate all the time with a chalkboard tap list. There are only about 8 to 10 taps but they are all nice local brewerys or fun craft brews. The food is AWESOME! They serve the Jiffy burger which is a hamburger with peanut butter on it and it's amazing. The juicy lucys have all sorts of things besides cheese in the inside. Delicious. All the prices are reasonable and I actually can't ecen finish the meal for some reason.
Mar 23, 2010
Photo of kruse
Reviewed by kruse from Minnesota

3.1/5  rDev -27.4%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3 | selection: 3 | food: 2
The Blue Door is a very small pub located in a largely residential area of St. Paul. It opened in November 2008 and quickly became popular. Can become crowded quickly on weekends. Draws a mix of people from the neighborhood and students from the nearby University of St. Thomas. Parking on street and in small lot. Food is only so-so; generally very greasy). Small, but decent selection of beers - 12 taps mostly local products (Summit, Surly, Lift Bridge, etc.). Service is o.k., but can be a bit slow when the pub gets packed.
Apr 01, 2009
Photo of objectivemonkey
Reviewed by objectivemonkey from Minnesota

4.05/5  rDev -5.2%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 3.5 | food: 5
Thank goodness this place finally has a page. Have been to Blue Door several times now, just a mile from my place. Wouldn't have know of it but for my buddy, who comes in to town from Kansas and knows more about my scene that I. Darkness to be had, so close to home, you say? Why, sign me up. Little did I know, it was home to a fabulous array of Jucy Lucy's.

Yes, for the uninitiated, the Jucy Lucy is a (supposedly) south Minneapolis invention, cheeseburgers with the cheese inside the burger. Sound trivial? You kid yourself, foo!

So, small place, could drive by the place on your way home from work for years and never even guess the joys in this little nondescript one-story building. Inside, a bar to the left, a few booths to the right and far left, several tables, a few TV's, all packed together in a room a lot smaller than you'd imagine, and you have Blue Door Pub. Get the menu, all kinds of culinary masterpieces, State Fair kind of delicious goin on here.

What do I order? The Breakfast Blucy, a Jucy Lucy with bacon and a fried egg on top. Outrageously good. With a Darkness. Watching the Vikes suck it. How classic is that.

Service is good, friendly, attentive, a actually funny. Sat down right with us and joked around for a bit. They had several taps, a handfuy of Surly, quite good for a place of its size.

Quite simply, I'd go more often, but my arteries would protest.
Mar 12, 2009
Photo of mjryan
Reviewed by mjryan from Minnesota

3.88/5  rDev -9.1%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5 | food: 4
A tiny little neighborhood burger joint. Nice and cozy, with a good friendly vibe. About 7 or so drafts with a well thought out selection of craft beers. They do burgers at this place, more specificaly, juicy lucys, which if you are form the Twin Cities you dont need an explenation, but if you arent they are cheese filled burgers. They make an array of these "Blucys", filled with all kinds of creative stuff, and overall they are a decent attempt. Still not as good as the kingpin of Jucys, but good none the less. Service is top notch, rarely have I had better service in town. They also make awesome tater tots, with cajun seasoning that you can dip in house made ranch. While the place is small and can get absolutly packed, Ive never had to wait for more than fifteen minutes. Nice place and a great addition to my hood.
Feb 18, 2009
Photo of CHSLBrew
Reviewed by CHSLBrew from Minnesota

3.83/5  rDev -10.3%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5 | food: 4
Now in the winter, a quick drive by this small pub and all you'll see is a row facade of fogged up windows. Pull over and walk inside and you'll find a cozy neighborhood bar, packed with people with beer a-flowing.

I really liked the atmosphere of this place. It feels so neighborhoody and friendly before I even talk to any of the staff. I docked a half point because I think it's a bit too small, but it's size is perhaps a reason that this gem feels so friendly.

Another reason is the friendly, helpful, and attentive service. I had a great experience with my waitress, who provided tips on their menu and chatted up my friend and me. Don't know if the staff is entirely knowledgable on the brews, but I did overhear some beer-related comments at other tables.

The Blue Door has a relatively small number of taps, but all except one are dedicated to quality craft brews, many of which are local.

Their food was better-than-average bar food. Their signature item is their Bluecy (SP?), a series of Blue Door's interpretation of juicy lucy burgers. Delicious every time, with several styles to choose from. With the higher quality of the food, it does run a bit more expensive, but it's worth every penny.
Jan 21, 2009
The Blue Door Pub in Saint Paul, MN
Place rating: 4.27 out of 5 with 34 ratings