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Papa's Rooftop Restaurant
Consistently Ranked One of the Top Patios & Bars in Stillwater
One of the reasons the Water Street Inn is consistently ranked among the best hotels in Stillwater, MN, is our 4th-floor gem. Papa’s Rooftop is one of the most spectacular of the rooftop bars and restaurants in Stillwater. Papa’s boasts beautiful 360-degree panoramic views of Downtown Stillwater and the St. Croix River. It’s no surprise that Papa’s has been consistently voted as one of the top 10 patios in Minnesota since it opened!
The menus at our rooftop bar in Stillwater feature a carefully curated wine list, creative and classic cocktails, and seasonal pizzas, sandwiches, salads, and shareables. Outfitted with fire tables for cozy evenings, umbrellas for sunny days, and spacious areas to take in these beautiful views. There’s no better choice of waterfront Stillwater restaurants to enjoy a colorful sunset over the bluffs and the Historic Stillwater Lift Bridge.
Papa’s Rooftop is one of the best downtown restaurants in Stillwater for casual get-togethers, romantic getaway date nights, group gatherings, and more. Papa’s is also one of the best places for brunch in Stillwater! There’s something special about enjoying a mimosa with this view as your backdrop. This rooftop bar is open to the public, so join us on your next visit!
The rooftop restaurant is open seasonally, depending on the weather. As an overnight guest at our Stillwater Hotel, check in with the front desk about availability at our on-site restaurants.
View Our Menus
Open to the Public. No reservations available. First-come, first-served waitlist.
Why the name Papa’s?
How This Stillwater Rooftop Bar Got Its Name:
Papa’s is the namesake of “Papa” Joe Carroll, a notable and beloved member of the Stillwater community, who spent 45 years as the ticket agent of the Union Depot, which stood in the footprint of where Papa’s Rooftop Bar stands today, as the crown jewel of our historic hotel in Stillwater.
Carroll was born in St. Flavie, Quebec, Canada, on July 14, 1873. He attended local schools and was brought up speaking only French. As a 12-year-old, he came to Minneapolis to visit his uncle, a visit that lasted three years. During that time, he attended the Lincoln School in Minneapolis and learned to speak English. He also worked part-time at the Bemis Bag Factory and delivered messages for Western Union– using a bicycle!
He returned to Canada and learned telegraphy at the railroad station near his home. Leaving Canada again, he obtained work as a telegraph operator for the Great Northern Railroad at Stanley, North Dakota.
He later went to Fort Benton, Montana, and then to Butte, Montana. After being laid off in 1896, he returned to the Twin Cities, MN. He gained employment with the Northern Pacific Railroad as a telegraph operator in September 1897 in Carlton, Minnesota, and was stationed at multiple locations throughout Minnesota until he was appointed to head the Union Depot in Stillwater in 1903.
Joe Carroll and The Depot
For the next forty-five years, Carroll was the ticket agent, but also so much more for the people of Stillwater. In 1936, he moved his family, his wife, and 10 children into the depot apartment on the second floor. In the early years, the depot sold tickets to lumber companies for lumberjacks returning from winter camps. The depot also sold tickets for the Cunard line of Steamships for vacations. The Carroll family would live in the depot for the next twelve years.
One of the more important things individuals could do is be polite, Carroll once said. “During the years that I have been selling tickets in Stillwater,” Carroll said, “I have answered a number of foolish questions which if tabulated would reach into the several million mark, but to keep the records straight and also be polite and accommodating, it is necessary to answer all of these and explain all of the smallest details regarding a trip over any of the roads running out of Stillwater, whether it be for a trip to the Twin Cities or around the world.” The staff at our Stillwater restaurants aim to follow Papa Joe’s wise words!
The name Papa's in Honor of Carroll
He retired from the Union Depot in 1948 at the age of 75. Only six years later, passenger service at the depot was discontinued in 1954. In 1970, Carroll wrote and published a book entitled “Exploring the Great Northwest and the St. Croix Valley.” In 1973, when he turned 100, he was the Grand Marshal of the Lumberjack Days Parade, and a large celebration for him was held at the Lowell Inn.
On March 11, 1979, just before his 106th birthday, he passed away. The service was held at St. Michael’s Church, and he was buried at St. Michael’s Cemetery. We have chosen to name our rooftop restaurant in Stillwater after “Papa” Joe Carroll to honor his memory and the impact he had on the Stillwater community.
We hope to see you at the Water Street Inn at one of our restaurants in Stillwater, MN, someday soon, where we can all raise a toast to those who helped build our charming community on the banks of the St. Croix River. Join us for delicious dining in a relaxed atmosphere, craft cocktails, and beautiful views of the Stillwater riverfront!
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A very nice stay!
We stayed at the Water Street Inn for two nights when in Stillwater for our daughter’s wedding and it was a very fine experience. The staff was friendly and helpful. The room (modern) was clean, comfortable and had a great view of the ice sculptures! My wife uses a wheelchair and the room was very accessible. Michelle, the manager, was very friendly, accommodating and helpful from start to finish.