Gabe’s by the Park

Today we had a St Paul Saints baseball game planned for a beautiful Thursday night in the Twin Cities. Knowing that Gabe’s by the Park offered a shuttle to the games we opted for this option rather then dealing with the parking around Midway Stadium.

At first this seemed like a great idea. A couple drinks along with some food, some great company and a ride to and from the game. What better way to get geared up for a hot summer evening ball game?

Our experience started with fresh air. My previous experiences at Gabe’s had been prior to MN going smoke free. What a relief that was. The eye-burning haze that caked your clothesusedto fill Gabe's woudl stiffen your clothing and required removal from a sandblaster upon returning home.

With Tickets to the 7pm game and a scheduled time to meet friends, I figured if we walked in an hour or so prior to game time we would have no trouble making it on time. That is where I was wrong. We were sat and then left to wonder if anyone was coming to fill the water glasses already on the table or even take an our order. Once our server finally made it to our table, I realized that she was the same one that had walked by us a half dozen times for the past 15 minutes, never once giving us a reassuring “I’ll be right with you”.

Watching our 60 minutes drizzle away we placed our entire order. The BLT on wheat (remember that) and the “Don’t Buffalo Me” chicken sandwich. And to start, yes, Buffalo Wings. I must try them everywhere. (My favorites will be revealed at a later date).

While we waited…….and waited, we tried a few of the free appetizers on the Happy Hour Bar while being serenaded by the piano player. Yes, Gabe’s sports a live piano bar during happy hour. While still on the Happy Hour topic I must say their salsa is wonderful. Rich thick and full of flavor and spice. A must have if you are there between 3 and 6 M-F. After a little while our beers finally came to cool the heat of the salsa!

Food was not far behind now, ALL AT ONCE!! In fact the wings came out shortly after the main courses. The BLT was as typical as any BLT and even came on white bread. Wait a minute, we ordered wheat didn’t we? The Don’t Buffalo Me chicken sandwich was awesome. One of the best I have had. Lightly breaded so as to soak up the sauce a little but not mask the fact that there is actually a large chicken breast under there either. And the flavor was supurbly spiced like real buffalo sauce should be. The thin cut fries that accompanied were above average. I must say the wings that we ordered were very good as well. (not my favorite, but I would order them again). The side of blue cheese flavored water was a disappointment however.

My summary. Great bar food. Will I return? Sure, if I am in the neighborhood. Plenty of other thingson the menu to try. and the slow service? Maybe our wait person’s rhythm was just thrown off by all the St Paul Saints fans who were there prior to the 45th home game of the season. With only 7 more regular season home games she will soon have the entire off season to get her routine down for next year!! I will say we did make it to the game just in the nick of time, but we had to slam our food down to make the last bus before game time.