Welcome to MN. Downtown St. Paul is very quiet compared to Minneapolis. Restaurants tend to fill up for the 6 - 7:30 seating and are very empty afterwards. If there are a couple events going on in the evening you'll want to call ahead if your dining early. After 8:00 it's very dead in general. If you like a good beer selection I highly recommend The Bulldog (Will be busy) or if you like wine Bin Wine bar.