Holman’s Table & Cora’s Lounge (Saint Paul, MN)

I recently visited Holman’s Table for weekend brunch with friends for a birthday celebration. What a wonderful experience! Located in the Saint Paul Downtown Airport (STP), Holman’s Table provides an unforgettable dining experience in an atmosphere that celebrates the spirit of travel. This gorgeous space captures the beau monde essence of jet set travel!

Before visiting Holman’s Table I wondered where the restaurant got its name. Holman’s Table was named after Charles W. “Speed” Holman. According to the Minnesota Aviation Hall Fame, Holman who was born in Minneapolis was inducted in the Hall of Fame in 1988. Holman’s early pranks and motorcycle racing earned him the nickname “Speed.” He learned to fly at the Security Aircraft Company at Speedway Field (currently the Minneapolis – Saint Paul International Airport) and cross-country racing became his passion. His name became a household word, and when the newly organized Northwest Airways looked for its first pilot, they hired Speed. He became Operations Manager and pioneered air mail routes across Wisconsin and into North Dakota. His airline career was punctuated by wins in national air races, including the prestigious Thompson Trophy Race in 1930, part of the National Air Races in Chicago. Holman set a looping record that stood for many years; visited every corner of the State, lobbying the cities to build airports; and was considered one of the country’s top aerobatic pilots.

During my visit to Holman’s Table I couldn’t get over the luxurious atmosphere it offered for indoor dining. The classic bar where cocktails can be enjoyed is straight out of the tv show, Mad Men! I loved it! In the warmer Minnesota months, there is tarmac outdoor seating where a delightful meal can be enjoyed while watching the planes land and take off on the runway. Whether you sit indoors or outdoors, you’ll definitely enjoy the atmosphere!

Breakfast and lunch items are on the brunch menu, and my friends and I chose breakfast. I ordered the meat omelet and hash browns, and my friends chose the Holman’s breakfast (eggs, hash browns, meat, and toast). We all raved about how amazing the food was…especially the fresh squeezed orange juice. I highly recommend the most amazing fresh squeezed orange juice – so delicious! Not only was the food amazing, so was our server! We definitely felt like special guests!

Besides weekend brunch, Holman’s Table serves lunch and dinner Tuesday through Friday (with dinner on Saturday as well). The restaurant offers everything from salads to pasta to meat dishes…oh, and of course, dessert made by their very own in-house pastry chef!

After enjoying a delicious meal take a look around the historical Saint Paul Downtown Airport (STP) and enjoy a cocktail in Cora’s Lounge located outside the Holman’s Table dining area. The historical airport terminal has been converted into a luxurious lounge, and it is the ideal spot for sipping craft cocktails. This area will take you back in time, and I think you’ll agree that it is so very cool! You can even send a postcard from Holman’s Table to family or friends and tell them about your amazing experience!

Here’s a little information about Cora from the Martin County Historical Society. In 1931, Cora M. Fuller from Fairmont, Minnesota, was the first female licensed to pilot an airplane in Minnesota. She obtained her pilot’s license by flying a Stinson-Detroiter monoplane solo over Hall Lake, making two trips of approximately five minutes each and attaining an altitude of 500 feet. There may have been other women that piloted airplanes in Minnesota before her; however, she was the first to be issued a pilot’s license, that being on April 30, 1931. Cora Fuller was married to Roy Fuller, also a pilot. In addition to her accomplishments in aviation, she was an ardent golfer, she worked in her husband’s produce company, and she also worked as a bookkeeper at Paulson’s Pharmacy.