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I’d like to consider myself an adventurous diner. Although some would call my vegan diet restrictive, I’ve learned most restaurants have a least a few items that can be slightly tweaked, and I am the last person to veto a restaurant for fear there’s nothing I can eat – there’s always a drink menu, right?

But when the Russian restaurant, Moscow on the Hill, was suggested, I must admit I was a bit hesitant. Besides tall fuzzy hats and vodka, my knowledge of Russia is severely lacking, and my familiarity with  Russian cuisine is even worse. Assured on the car ride over that the borsht was not only delicious but could be made vegan, I was sold.

Located on Cathedral Hill across from W.A. Frost, Moscow on the Hill is St. Paul’s only Russian diner and boasts a menu of traditional and highly authentic food and drink, not to mention the most comprehensive and rich vodka collection in the Midwest.

While the dining room décor is nothing impressive (souped up cafeteria-style, hanging lamps draped with embroidered scarves and a few ornamental knick knacks), the patio is quite large yet intimate, privately enclosed by gorgeous vines and tall fences.

One of the best kept secrets of Moscow on the Hill is their happy hour offering half-price specials on rail drinks, house vodka, beer and a $7 Pirozshok and Borsht combo. Since we were a few minutes early to take advantage of the specials, we ordered regular priced drinks. The extensive 20+ signature martini menu (all for only $7.95) made the decision a bit difficult, but I finally decided on “From Russia with Love,” a classic martini made with Tanqueray gin, Stoli, and dry vermouth, after salivating for minutes over the “Red October” – Stoli Vanil, 3 Olives Chocolate, Pepper vodka and a dash of dark Crème de Cocao. My fellow diners ordered the Troika martini- brandy, Stoli Citros and Chateau Marusya – and the Pear Pressure, a house specialty drink made with Absolut Pear vodka, Ace Pear Cider and a splash of brandy. Delectable sips from all three confirmed that the Moscow on the Hill bartender is definitely skilled.

When happy hour arrived, I ordered the Pirozhok and Borsht special, minus the sour cream topping. The Pirozshok is traditional Russian “pie” consisting of a warm yeast dough bun stuffed with either cabbage or beef, but it was the Borsht, a vegetable soup made from beetroots, that I was most excited about. And thankfully, the soup did not disappoint. It was a gorgeous, deep crimson, hot bowl of perfectly favored red beets, cooked onions and delicious potatoes, the epitome of Spring itself.

And because no Russian dining experience is complete without vodka (or claims the menu), we finished our meal off with Garlic and Dill and Chateau Marusya (cherry) house shots. The Chateau Marusya was a bit too Robitussin for my taste, but the Garlic and Dill, garnished with a pickle, was crisp and savory.

I will definitely be returning to Moscow on the Hill, if only to try the 6 shot Vodka Flights, featuring a $20-35 medley of house, international, flavored and elite vodkas.

As they say in Russia, Na Zdorovie (“to your health”)!

Moscow on the Hill Happy Hour:

Monday – Thursday: 5-6 PM and 9-10 PM
Friday, Saturday and Sunday: 4-6 PM

Moscow on the Hill

371 Selby Ave

St. Paul, MN

(651) 291-1236