The Ultimate Guide To Rival House St. Paul: Why This 'Sporting Parlour' Is Still A Downtown Must-Visit In 2025
Rival House Sporting Parlour remains a dynamic and essential destination for both locals and visitors in the heart of Downtown St. Paul, Minnesota, as of late 2024 and heading into 2025. This venue successfully blends a vibrant sports bar atmosphere with a high-quality dining experience and a unique "sporting parlour" concept, making it far more than just a typical hotel restaurant.
Situated conveniently within the DoubleTree by Hilton St. Paul Downtown, Rival House continues to draw crowds with its vintage-industrial design, extensive local craft beer list, and a full slate of interactive entertainment options that encourage friendly competition and social interaction.
Rival House St. Paul: The 'Sporting Parlour' Experience
The core appeal of Rival House is its unique concept as a "Sporting Parlour," a modern homage to the classic social clubs of a bygone era.
This retro-inspired approach creates a captivating vintage-industrial space that is both lively and relaxed, serving as a perfect gathering spot for a variety of occasions, from a quick lunch to a pre-game celebration.
Location, Atmosphere, and Connectivity
Rival House is strategically located at 411 Minnesota Street, directly connected to the DoubleTree by Hilton St. Paul Downtown.
Its downtown location makes it an ideal spot for anyone attending events at the nearby Xcel Energy Center, home of the Minnesota Wild, or catching a game as a designated "Loons Watch Spot" for Minnesota United FC (The Loons).
The venue is also accessible via the Saint Paul Downtown Alliance Skyway system, offering a comfortable, climate-controlled path during Minnesota's colder months.
Interactive Entertainment: More Than Just TVs
While the venue features multiple large-screen TVs for optimal sports viewing, the "Sporting Parlour" truly comes to life with its array of competitive games.
Unlike many sports bars, Rival House provides interactive entertainment beyond just the screen, fostering a genuine social club environment.
The key entertainment options available include:
- Shuffleboard: A favorite competitive game for groups.
- Dartboards: Classic pub entertainment for friendly rivalries.
- Board Games: A selection of board games can be checked out for free at the hostess desk, perfect for casual fun.
- Electronic Games: Available for private event buy-outs.
This blend of dining, drinking, and playing ensures the atmosphere is always energetic and engaging, living up to its name.
The Updated Rival House Menu and Culinary Focus
The culinary program at Rival House is designed to complement its sporty, social atmosphere, focusing on elevated pub fare and signature items that are perfect for sharing.
The kitchen is known for its wood-fired oven, which is central to one of the restaurant's most popular offerings.
Signature Dishes and Must-Try Items
The menu is anchored by comforting, high-quality bar classics and unique takes on popular appetizers:
- Wood-Fired Pizza: This is a major highlight, with fire-cooked pizzas generally receiving positive reviews for their flavor and quality.
- Tater Tots and Cheese Curds: Popular starter options perfect for fueling a night of gaming or sports viewing.
- Rival House Cheese Burger: A classic, substantial option for a main course.
- Chicken Club Sandwich: Featuring Swiss, American cheese, bacon, and aioli on ciabatta bread.
While the menu has evolved since its initial opening under Chef Andy Vyskocil, who introduced Southern-inspired small plates, the current focus remains on satisfying, high-quality, shareable dishes and snacks.
The Beverage Program: Local Craft Beers and Cocktails
Rival House prides itself on an enviable selection of beers and craft cocktails.
The bar features an impressive rotation of local craft beers on tap, solidifying its commitment to the Minnesota brewing scene.
Whether you're looking for a refreshing local IPA or a meticulously mixed cocktail, the drink menu is robust enough to satisfy any patron.
Rival House as a Premier St. Paul Event Venue
Beyond its daily function as a bar and restaurant, Rival House Sporting Parlour also operates as a dynamic event venue, offering a unique blend of style and versatility for private gatherings.
The space is frequently utilized for semi-private and private events, from corporate functions to wedding receptions, leveraging its fun atmosphere and comprehensive food and beverage service.
Seamless Event Planning
Event organizers appreciate the venue's flexibility and its convenient location adjacent to the DoubleTree by Hilton St. Paul Downtown.
This connection offers guests seamless access to hotel accommodations, making it a highly practical choice for events with out-of-town attendees.
The venue's dedicated event team can manage everything from custom banquet menus to the exclusive use of all the interactive games, ensuring a memorable and entertaining experience for all guests.
Why Rival House St. Paul Remains Relevant in 2025
In a competitive downtown St. Paul dining landscape, Rival House Sporting Parlour stands out by offering a cohesive experience that goes beyond mere food and drink.
Its blend of a retro "social club" concept, modern amenities like wood-fired pizza and craft cocktails, and a genuine commitment to interactive entertainment (shuffleboard, dartboards, board games) makes it a truly unique destination.
Whether you are a Minnesota Wild fan looking for a pre-game spot near the Xcel Energy Center, a hotel guest seeking a vibrant dining option, or simply someone looking for a fun night out with friends, Rival House continues to deliver a lively, engaging, and delicious experience in the heart of the city.
Its sister location at the Grand Casino Hinckley further attests to the success and popularity of the Rival House concept as a premier pub and entertainment complex.
For the most current hours of operation and event booking details, checking the official DoubleTree and Rival House event pages is always recommended.
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