University Avenue is home to some of the Twin Cities’ most unique, community-rooted businesses. Through the Saint Paul Commercial Corridor Program, Neighborhood Development Center (NDC) is spotlighting businesses between Lexington Parkway and Rice Street throughout June and July, sharing the stories that make this stretch of University Avenue special.
As part of the Hidden Gems on University Avenue campaign, visitors may notice window clings, yard signs, billboards and digital content highlighting participating businesses throughout the area. The campaign also includes an online business directory at www.ndc-mn.org/gems, making it easy to discover restaurants, retailers, service providers and community spaces along University Avenue. Local influencers will also be exploring the district and sharing their experiences throughout the summer, helping introduce even more people to the businesses that call University Avenue home.
At its core, the campaign is an invitation to the community. Whether you’re a longtime resident, a frequent Green Line rider or someone simply looking to try something new, Hidden Gems on University Avenue encourages people to stop in, explore and support the businesses that help make this corridor what it is.
To better understand the stories behind the campaign, we spent a day experiencing the corridor from a different perspective. We rode the Green Line, stopping along University Avenue to visit businesses and connect with the people behind them. We know this avenue well, but experiencing it one stop at a time served as a reminder that even familiar places can hold unexpected discoveries. Throughout the day, we found ourselves uncovering new stories, meeting new entrepreneurs and gaining a deeper appreciation for the businesses that make this stretch of Saint Paul so distinctive.
reflects a new generation of entrepreneurs building businesses in Saint Paul. Credit: NDC
Starting near Lexington Parkway, we worked our way east, using the Green Line to connect us from one stop to the next. One of our first stops was The Best Steak House, a neighborhood staple that has operated at the corner of Victoria Street and University Avenue for more than 40 years. Just across the street, we stepped into Brick By Brick, a business created by young entrepreneurs selling collectibles, sneakers and apparel alongside artwork from local Minnesota artists. The two businesses couldn’t have felt more different, but together they reflected one of the things that stood out most throughout the day: a place where longtime business owners and a new generation of entrepreneurs are building side by side.
longtime part of the neighborhood. Photo courtesy of NDC
Our next stop brought us to Dale Street, where we visited Flava Coffee and Trung Nam French Bakery. Flava is a familiar stop for many of us, a place where people gather over coffee, hold meetings and catch up with friends. Throughout our time there, customers flowed in and out, creating the kind of energy that makes a neighborhood coffee shop feel like part of the community. Just down the avenue at Trung Nam, customers moved steadily through the doors for pastries and baked goods. Together, they offered a glimpse into the everyday life of the neighborhood.
owned businesses her family has operated along University Avenue. Credit: NDC
Continuing east, one of the most memorable conversations of the day took place at ZAO Bakery + Cafe. The food was wonderful, but it was the owner’s story that stayed with us. She shared how her family business began with 88 Oriental Foods, expanded to Basil Café and eventually grew to include ZAO Bakery + Cafe. What stood out most was how proudly she spoke about her children stepping into leadership roles and carrying the family business forward. Watching her greet regulars, check-in with her team and welcome us like old friends, it was easy to see the care she brings to every interaction.
University Avenue restaurant. Credit: NDC
We wrapped up our day in the Little Mekong Cultural District, which spans University Avenue between Mackubin Street and Marion Street. The area is home to a wide range of Asian-owned businesses, restaurants and cultural spaces. One stop that stood out was XIA Books & Cafe, a bookstore and cafe dedicated entirely to books by Asian authors. We also stopped by Peking Garden to take in the restaurant’s storied koi pond. Like so many of the businesses we visited that day, both offered experiences you wouldn’t expect to find just a few Green Line stops from where we started.
University Avenue. Credit: NDC
As the day went on, we continued to encounter businesses, stories and experiences that deepened our appreciation for University Avenue. But what stayed with us most wasn’t any one meal, shop or purchase. It was the business owners who had spent decades building something for their communities, entrepreneurs just getting started and the stories behind each storefront. By the end of the day, we were reminded that this district isn’t defined by any one business. It’s defined by the people who make it what it is.
The Hidden Gems on University Avenue campaign invites the community to experience the area the same way we did, with curiosity and a willingness to explore. Whether you’re taking the Green Line, meeting friends for lunch or simply looking for somewhere new to spend an afternoon, the stretch between Lexington and Rice Street offers countless opportunities to discover something unexpected.
While our day only scratched the surface, there are dozens of businesses throughout the district worth exploring. Community members can find a directory of participating businesses at www.ndc-mn.org/gems.
Business owners located along the avenue who are interested in learning more about the campaign or getting involved are encouraged to connect with Neighborhood Development Center by emailing communications@ndc-mn.org.
