Nina’s Coffee Cafe – mugslattesandsisterhood.com

Stepping into time at Nina’s

Tucked into the historic Blair Arcade building, Nina’s isn’t just another coffee shop—it’s a stroll through St. Paul’s prohibition-era stories. Named after notorious madam Nina Clifford (with rumors of tunnels and scandalous whispers still floating around) and nestled in a building that once hosted Gatsby-style debauchery, every sip here feels steeped in legend. Imagine high ceilings, roomy arches, and cozy alcoves galore—perfect for solo writers or private conversations. The café layout offers everything from grand communal tables to tucked-away nooks. Friendly baristas and chatty locals add warmth to the stone-and-wood atmosphere. Just note—only one bathroom for a sprawling spot this size? Yeah… there’s always a line.

_{Food & Drinks: Hits and Misses}

Butter croissant – flaky and pleasant
Iced blackberry-caramel latte – hold the skepticism—this fusion is phenomenal! Fruit-balanced sweetness meets coffee kick. I’ll raise a glass (or rather, a tall, frosty cup) to that choice.
Ham and cheese croissant – whoa! This thing was not playing around—it was huge, loaded with melty cheese and salty ham, and it absolutely hit the spot. Definitely not your average flaky sidekick.
Iced Madame Nina – it had just the right balance of flavor and cream—rich but not overpowering, sweet but not cloying.
Iced blackberry-caramel latte X2 – a little too sweet for our second drinker’s taste, but refreshing with great flavor.
Hibiscus rhubarb in coconut cream tart – this little beauty was a perfect balance of tangy and sweet, tucked inside a golden, flaky shell that held its own. Bright, punchy, and totally unique—just like Nina’s.

_{Community + Charm = Vibe Check}

Owner June Berkowitz, a former teacher, made this space about more than coffee; it’s community central. There’s a book exchange, a board of “buy‑a‑coffee‑for‑a‑friend” sleeves, and spaces encouraging you to linger and chat—or just daydream. The ambiance is lively but not oppressive—usually buzzing with students, locals, and occasional live music.

_{Final Take: A Quirk-Filled Crown Jewel}

In short, Nina’s Coffee Café is where history and hipster meet—where dusty novels brush stolen glances across tables, and random whispers of the past mix sweetly with lattes. This place feels like a character in a novel: a bit rough around the edges (we’re looking at that bathroom line), but utterly irresistible. Worth a visit—even if only to sip something adventurous and imagine flappers dancing in the archways.

Pro Tips for Visitors

Tip	Why
Go early	Beat weekend lines for seats—and the loo 😉
Try quirky combos	Like that blackberry‑caramel idea—don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it
Be prepared to allow time for parking	Mostly street parking with just a few small lots

In Summary:

Atmosphere: Arch-filled grandeur with cozy escape zones
Baristas: Warm, friendly & local
Pastries: Good—but not show-stopping
Coffee: Innovative and tasty (especially fusion lattes!)
Downside: One bathroom = constant queue
Worth it? Absolutely—for the vibe, history, and that daring iced latte.

Stop by 165 Western Ave N, St. Paul—Nina’s door is always open (6:30 AM–5 PM daily), a portal into St. Paul’s past… with excellent caffeine on the other side. https://ninas-coffee-cafe.restaurants-world.com