The High Hat

The High Hat opened in 2023 on Selby Avenue, taking over the charming Cathedral Hill space that previously housed Bon Vie Bistro and A Piece of Cake bakery. The restaurant is the project of Michael Noyes, a longtime Twin Cities restaurant veteran whose résumé includes years as general manager at W.A. Frost & Company just up the street, along with roles at Blue Door Pub and the former Neighborhood Cafe.

By day, The High Hat is one of the most beloved new breakfast and brunch destinations in Saint Paul. The menu fuses classic American fare with bold flavors drawn from the Southwest and South America — think blue corn pancakes, a Cornbread Benedict, and a now-legendary breakfast bowl. Pastry chef Andrew Dinsmore's cinnamon and caramel rolls, baked individually in cast iron skillets and served piping hot, have quickly become a signature.

In the evening, Wednesday through Saturday, the space transforms into a relaxed lounge with small and shareable plates, craft cocktails, beer, and wine. Live music several nights a week gives The High Hat its jazzy, neighborhood-gathering-place atmosphere, and walk-in seating keeps the vibe casual and unfussy. Weekend brunch parties are capped at six to preserve the convivial, close-knit feeling that has made the restaurant such a quick success on Cathedral Hill.