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Name: Casper’s and Runyon’s Nook
Address: 492 Hamline Ave S, Saint Paul, MN, 55116
Telephone: (651) 698-4347
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 4.32

Casper’s and Runyon’s Nook

492 Hamline Ave S, Saint Paul, MN, 55116

(651) 698-4347
Store is closed

Casper’s and Runyon’s Nook Menu

For Starters Or Anytime

Nookie Wings

Boneless Wings

Naked Skewers

Fried Shrimp

Colossal Breaded Wings
Soups And Salads

Chili

Classic Wedgie Salad

O'caesar Salad

Buffalo Chicken Salad

Black & Blue Steak Salad

Chicken Breast Salad
Nook Burgers

Mickey's Original Hamburger

Cheeseburger

Bacon Cheeseburger

Casburger

Patty Melt Burger

California Burger
Heggies Pizza

Deluxe

Sausage & Pepperoni

Sausage

Pepperoni

Double Cheese
Specials

Emerald Isle Steak Sandwich

8 Oz. Ribeye

Fried Shrimp Dinner

Walleye & Chips
Desserts

Icecream Cones

Soft Serve Shakes Or Malts

Root Beer Floats

Healthy Meal suggestions for Casper’s and Runyon’s Nook

For Starters Or Anytime

Nookie Wings [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Boneless Wings [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Naked Skewers [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fried Shrimp [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Colossal Breaded Wings [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Soups And Salads

Chili [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Classic Wedgie Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

O'caesar Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Buffalo Chicken Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Black & Blue Steak Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Breast Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Nook Burgers

Mickey's Original Hamburger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cheeseburger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bacon Cheeseburger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Casburger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Patty Melt Burger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

California Burger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Heggies Pizza

Deluxe [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sausage & Pepperoni [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sausage [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pepperoni [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Double Cheese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Specials

Emerald Isle Steak Sandwich [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

8 Oz. Ribeye [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fried Shrimp Dinner [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Walleye & Chips [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Desserts

Icecream Cones [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Soft Serve Shakes Or Malts [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Root Beer Floats [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Visit below restaurant in Saint Paul for healthy meals suggestion.

Buffalo Wild Wings ( 8340 3rd St N )

Auntie Anne’s ( 1595 Highway 36 W )

Visit below restaurant in Saint Paul for healthy meals suggestion.

Buffalo Wild Wings ( 8340 3rd St N )

Auntie Anne’s ( 1595 Highway 36 W )

Write An Anonymous Review

Jake H.

A must stop in your hunt for great burgers! One of the mainstays for jucy lucy's in St. Paul, you won't be disappointed in the burgers and other grub. Has a nice divey, local neighbor hood haunt fell to and expanded seating in the basement bowling alley. Don't fret if you sit down here as the service and food are the same as they are on the main floor. You would be a fool not to grab a burger and beer here if you are in the area.
(5)
Jack F.

The Nook is a true treasure of a restaurant, besides the delicious food, they have friendly staff, a bowling alley, and ambiance of a classic dive embracing its position as a cultural/historical landmark. The food is definitely not the healthiest option in the Twin Cities, but it is definitely some of the best tasting. Their variation of a Juicy Lucy, "The Juicy Nookie" is excellent -- just make sure to wait a bit for the hot cheesy stuffing to cool down a bit. For me, the highlight is an order of the fried cheese curds. With the perfect balance of crisp and salt this appetizer is a spiritual experience for your mouth. Definitely not something to pass up!
(5)
Ryan H.

My girlfriend and I went to The Nook for the first time last night, and it was great! We were greeted by the bartender right away. He was friendly without being overbearing, and did a great job of guiding us through their extensive food menu, as well as recommending drinks to our tastes. His beer knowledge was especially helpful. The menu had a little story about the history of the location, and inside was a photo of five beautiful children with a caption declaring the bar as family owned. These were really nice and welcoming touches. I got the Walleye Sandwich, substituting onion rings for the fries. The walleye was tender, moist and flaky, not at all greasy from the fryer. The onion rings were unimpressive - just your run-of-the-mill onion rings - so I won't be getting those again. The tartar sauce was REALLY good! I don't even really like tartar sauce, so I ordered it on the side; I don't exaggerate when I say this is the best tartar sauce I've had in recent memory. My girlfriend got the roasted chicken entree. It came with two really decently sized, lean, skinless chicken breasts, a side of broccoli and toast, with a choice of teriyaki or bourbon sauce. My girlfriend went with the bourbon sauce, and everything came out fantastic. The chicken was moist and succulent, the broccoli bright and fresh and the bourbon sauce was delicious, if just a little sweet in my opinion. Regardless, my girlfriend cleaned her plate. I had a Sam Adams, and my girlfriend the house Pinot Grigio. Nothing fancy, but the perfect match to tasty food, good service, and a comfortable atmosphere. The bill came to just under $40 before tip, and we feel we got the best bang-for-our-buck we've had in months. The only minor complaint I've got aside from mediocre onion rings, is that The Nook was a bit too brightly lit. Everything else was phenomenal, and I expect to make The Nook a regular haunt!
(4)
Katie C.

I have been here quite a few times with my husband and friends. When I was pregnant, it was right by my doctor's office and was a must for lunch. Decided to bring my mother and son here today and they both kept telling me I needed to write a 5 star review for it. I have never had bad service, or a bad meal here. Everyone is generally very friendly and helpful. I can't tell you if one burger is better than others, because I never stray from the Juicy nookie. Today, my husband, mother, son and I all had a juicy nookie with fried onion and added bacon...I wish I was a competitive eater, and could have ate all 4. These burgers are so ridiculously good, that I usually finish it even though I am full halfway through. The other part that kills me, is their fries! Fresh cut, perfectly done...just try them! You can not go wrong with a burger and fries from here!
(5)
Ej F.

The name Juicy Nookie.. aka Juicy Lucy. It lived up to the hype. Nothing was more agonizing than waiting a few minutes after it was served for the molten cheese inside to cool down enough so I could dive in. Much respect to this cheeseburger. I bite and it oozes and I lick it up as best I could and repeat. Messy. Delicious. A wise fast food slogan once said, "If it doesn't get all over the place, it doesn't belong in your face."
(4)
Virginia Y.

Perhaps these juicy lucys aren't my thing. But who am I to say this? I'm not even a true Minnesotan. After two juicy lucy attempts, I am still far from being blown away by it. In the end, I prefer my bacon guac burgers over any burger filled with melted cheddar. The juicy nookie is better than the one at Matt's bar and the servers are MUCH more friendlier. Service can still be approved, at Casper's and Runyon's, they need more servers and possibly a hostess to seat people. But again who am I to judge? This is Minnesota, this is a bar. On to the food now, after my first not so great experience at Matt's. I learned to be extremely cautious with juicy lucys/nookies. I thought waiting a couple more minutes and biting slowly and in smaller bites would do the trick but NOPE hot lava cheese still burned my thumb anyways. The meat could be more juicy ironically. The cheese doesn't do much, plus I'm not a big fan of cheddar, I prefer swiss or mozzarella. Portions are pretty big though, much bigger than Matt's, plus it includes a huge side of fries. The Wisconsin cheese curds are the first I've ever tried, they remind me of mozarella sticks but saltier. I sure hope the bacon ones are less salty. I recommend eating it with ketchup because it balances out the saltiness. The sauce it comes with doesn't compliment it too well. All in all, I'd say it's only worth trying if you're visiting. It's kind of a gimmicky thing to eat.
(3)
Kara D.

Forgive me, Burger Father, for I have sinned. I went to 5-8, not once, but twice, thinking that that was where I could find a decent Juicy Lucy. I confess my ignorance, and I have since seen the light... shining out of a Juicy Nookie at The Nook. I feel like Lucy has cursed me. Whenever I try to get a Juicy Lucy, I am the one who gets shafted with the deflated cheeseless burger. It's really quite sad and it causes me to reflect on the lengthy list of what I could have done to deserve this (But we don't have time for that right now). But at C & R's Nook, I finally found redemption in a glorious velveeta-combo cheese filling that flowed out of the patty like delicious... yellow lava goo stuff. It was great too that there were more toppings beyond one pickle slice (I got grilled onions and several pickles). The service is usually great here too. I could drink their ranch, that pairs dangerously with their perfect cheese curds. One time, I had the honor of witnessing Sam W. kick the Hot Damn Wing Challenge's ass - he housed down 14 of their devilish chicken wings within 20 mins, sans beverage, dipping sauce, or joy. Well that deal with the devil backfired, as Sam enjoyed the flavor, did not find them that hot, and went home with a sweet T-Shirt, bragging rights, and a Porky Pig bobble head that Jenny bought him there. It was very impressive and entertaining. The Nook can get crowded, but at least there are two levels. The downstairs is mostly a bowling alley, though. This isn't a full five stars because though it can be considered charming, being packed in that dingy setting can also be... kinda gross. But it's got character! I've also had a disappointing and flavorless chili cheese dog there before, but I'll stick to the heavenly burgers from now on.
(4)
Jana H.

The Nook is hands down one of the best burger joints in the Twin Cities.The Nook offers a divey vibe and cozy feeling to the hungry and burger lovers of America! Don't come here for a salad; come to The Nook for greasy, filling, belly loving American Food. How can you not appreciate a place that sticks to what they know and has cheese curds that are almost as good as the Minnesota State Fair's? Psssst the Nook has to die-for Maple Bacon Cheese Curds, no lie! The staff is friendly, the owner's are down to earth and the menu has something for everyone (except for people that only eat rice cakes and almond butter). Although my favorite Juicy Lucy goes to Matt's Barr, the burgers are on point and will make your stomach happier than a bagel in a cream cheese factory. Word to the Wise: The restaurant is small and popular. On nice summer nights and weekends you'll more than likely have to wait outside in a line. Street parking only; work on your parallel parking. You can sometimes get seated faster if you eat downstairs in the bowling alley area. The Nook is definitely on my list of top ten places to eat in Minnesota and should be added to your foodie bucket list immediately!
(5)
Erin G.

This place is so legit. Worthy of every star. My burger was TO DIE FOR. I am not exaggerating at all. Even my kiddo, who is hard to please, said his burger was the best burger he's ever had and he liked the fries a lot "even though they aren't McDonalds" so that is saying a lot coming from him. Word on the street was that they had a Homer Simpson burger for the month of April as a special. I even called ahead of time to confirm. My dreams were coming true. A burger with a DONUT for a bun? I put on my leggings (fatpants) and away we went. Sunday nights after 4 pm is kids eat free and I am frugal, so we showed up right after 4 pm. I ordered mine to be a bison burger instead of regular beef (trying to make a donut burger healthy. Lol) and it also came with cheese, bacon, and I added an egg to it because eggs on everything make it even better. All on a donut. It was intense. And sweet potato fries. I told my kiddo that this place was known to be some of the best burgers in MN and he agreed with that statement. I've been here before for Lucy's and turkey burgers and they are all amazing as well. Service was great- I am a pain in the ass to wait on sometimes and I know it but my server took my indecisiveness well and was great.
(5)
Geno B.

Small place and usually long wait lines. But it is worth it!! I love the nookie burger and Paul Molitor burger. I need to try their famous wings yet.
(5)
Melissa L.

This place and its counterpart Shamrocks have the best burgers I've ever had...EVER. I love the big slice of real cheese, the quality of the burger itself is top notch and the fresh bakery bun ties it all together. My favorite is the Lodge Burger. Have your napkins ready and prepare yourself for a great burger experience!
(5)
Sonia C.

We wanted to unwind after arriving to St. Paul, and found this place on Yelp. It was only a few miles so decided why not. The Nook has a charm to it, kind of like your neighborhood "Cheers". Service was so attentive even with the place being a bit loud. I had the bacon cheese burger, the beef was well cooked but dry. What caught me off guard was that the waitress asked me if I wanted my onions raw or sautÃ©ed. Well when I got my burger it only had pattie, bacon and onion. I was taken back a bit. My partner in crime ordered the juicy Nookie burger and it was medium ( as stated in the menu) that is a turn off for me). Again, only onions. I'm thinking what the hell? I was going to give them 3 stars but then a week later, the Nook was featured on triple D and only onion is their signature trademark. The fried cheese curds were great and the beer on tap was refreshing. The nook was a nice place to spend our first evening in St. Paul. Oh yes, there is a bowling alley in the basement, how cool is that?
(4)
Lindsay H.

After living in Minneapolis for five years, I have ventured to seek out the best Juicy Lucy's. Of the big hamburger restaurants, I have only tried 5-8, Matt's, Blue door, and the Nook. You guys have the best patty, Nook!
(5)
Chung Kit T.

The juicy lucy burger I got was off the chains. I mean chedder cheese melted on top of roast beef on top of a juicy lucy patty stuffed with pepperjack!! WTF? The hell did I just eat?! A damn good burger. That's what went in my belly. Don't even get me started on their honey glazed bacon bitty cheese curds. Their burgers are out of this world along with their crispy and fluffy fries. Sometimes words don't do justice and this is one of those times. You ought to try this place out. There really is no good time to go there because it is always packed. It's well worth the wait though. Parking can be difficult. Just find a spot to park. It's worth walking a mile to get to this place. Even in minus 20 degrees.
(5)
Chris C.

My husband watches Triple D all the time, and we saw this place on it, so when we visited the area from Cincinnati we had to stop here. We brought our daughter & her husband, who have lived here for years but never had been here. They WILL be back! We may also come back when we visit again. The 3 hamburger experts ordered a variety of burgers: hubby had the Guys Big Bite and loved it. My daughter & hubby also loved their choices. I had the 2 fillet Walleye & Chips and it was also very good. We also shared some JalapeÃ±o Poppers that were very tasty. So all the food was good tasting, but all the greasy fried food caused my stomach to revolt because I'm not used to it - I knew it was bad for me. Our waitress was very friendly & provided great service. We arrived about 4:30pm on a Saturday night and we only waited about 20 minutes for a table. I noticed there was a big step up to the floor with the tables, so handicapped people beware.
(4)
Jenny A.

I'm updating because Juicy Nookie. Yeah, I know I didn't change the rating but it can't get any better. My first attempt at a juicy lucy was at the 5-8 Tavern in Maplewood. It was a wet, gross mess and I was convinced that MN claimed another food that other states would frown upon (Like Spam.. Except for you crazy Hawaiians. You guys rock!). I was actually really butthurt that it was so awful that it took a lot in me to order the Juicy Nookie at the Nook. The Juicy nookie is far beyond anything the 5-8 dishes up. The cheese is thick and oozey.. and thick. It's a mouthful of delicious artery cloggin' good fun and always cooked to perfection. I know this because I order it constantly and Sam is even planning an intervention, BUT I DONT LIKE EVEN HAVE A PROBLEM. The hot cheese will burn the shit out of your face though, so really listen when they tell you to wait to eat it. And then you're sitting there with this delicious sexy burger just waiting for you to ravage it and you can't because 3rd degree burns are pretty serious. It's like trying to get laid in high school except the other person is way out of your league. It makes sense, just think about it.
(5)
Josh K.

Saturday afternoon, I get nudged and told "I want burgers and curds." Now, sure we could have went somewhere closer, but, to complete my Nook/Shams collection, I decided a drive was in order to go here. Entirely street parking, as you'd expect over here. There was a wait, but, if you're willing to sit in the dungeon, you can likely grab a spot at the bar downstairs - which we did. Otherwise, a quoted 30 minute wait for 2 around 1.30 on a Saturday. We swing downstairs, pull up a spot at the bar and throw in the order. Curds, nookie supreme with sweet tater fries, and a bacon cheeseburger for the more beautiful half. Very brief wait and the curds are flying down the bar our way. You know how you get those perfect curds? Perfect, light, salty, batter... gooey, stringy, creamy cheese... we got those. That first bite, I'm not sure if I was actually spinning in the bar stool, or if it was just the curds, but, I was on cloud nine ripping these deep fried heavenly bites apart. I didn't realize I was going through them so fast until I got "the glare" to slow down and share. Oopsie doodle. About 5 after the curds are gone, burgers are up. Now, I know how wonderful the Nookie supreme is. I've had my run in with this pig before, and tell everyone around me not to judge, it's gonna get messy... and it did. A mess of cheese, beef, sauce and amazingness. None of those veggie things to tarnish the experience, just straight amazing beef and cheese and bread and sauce. I had to come up for air a couple of times and actually set it down once or twice to start mowing down my incredible sweet tater fries, which I swear are dusted with either pixy dust or powdered sugar. Who knows? Either way, god damn delicious. Just as I'm about to order another and get the t-shirt again, Ashley throws in the towel and I'm eating half a bacon cheese and her fries. Oh darn........... Bacon cheese was great. Good quality, thick, bacon. Perfectly done beef, and the original fries are some of the best you'll ever have. It's just that simple. Service at the bar was great, we watched some of the Wild game with other fans, and had an amazing time in a STP institution. A must stop for anyone who craves burgers and curds... which should be everyone.... unless you're a commie.
(5)
Josh F.

It's been 1/2 hour and I am wondering how many days it will be until I'm ready to eat again. To be clear, I'm not upset about that, at all. Upon arriving to this Mecca of meaty deliciousness, we were surprisingly seated immediately and greeted by a friendly waiter. I would've waited several hours had I known what was in store. After canvassing the menu and profusely weeping in the presence of its beauty, I landed on The Nookie Supreme. You will find a shameless photo of this epic specimen attached below but I feel obligated to describe it, as well. First of all, this burger is massive -- I believe it is two, 1/3 lb patties served "Big Mac Style" with a bun in the middle, lettuce, pickle, onion and special sauce. Don't let the similarities fool you, though. The Nookie Supreme dwarfs the Big Mac in size, flavor and everything else...I actually hate that I even brought up the Big Mac but am too lazy to erase this and start over. The beef and cheese were nothing short of perfect in preparation and taste and the veggies didn't take anything away like they do on many burgers. This baby has the meat/cheese/veggie/sauce/bun ratio spot on. The bakery bun was like a pillow - soft, chewy, buttery and sweet. I am crying again, so I'll stop now. Go immediately. Indulge with confidence.
(5)
Dan R.

After thorough Yelp research I decided on the nook for my first Lucy experience. Place was slammed on the Sunday night when I got into to town so I grabbed a spot at the bar. Food was high quality, staff was friendly, and a pic of Triple D can be seen behind the bar. The Lucy itself was just OK for me. I guess I prefer the cheese on top of the patty because it seems extremely difficult to cook correctly. The patty was very tender and juicy in the center but overlooked and tough along the edges. Fries are made fresh and fried to perfection.
(4)
Vanessa H.

Best burger I have had in years and sweet potato crinkles were tasty. I wanted to try every burger. There is a bowling alley and bar that makes for a keeper. Hope this gem sticks around forever!
(5)
Katherine S.

Amazing burgers! Bowling was worth the reservation too. Sweet potato fries are awesome. Always busy so think ahead and if you want to bowl put in a reservation!
(4)
Philip B.

Favorite place to grab a burger in the twin cities. Cant beat the lodge burger.
(5)
J.C. L.

The Nook is an institution ... and with good reason. They may not have invented Juicy Lucy's, but they may have perfected them. The Paul Molitor is my go-to. Don't get cute... just get a burger, fries and a drink. Ok, you can add some cheese curds, too. TIP - Crowded upstairs? Head down to the bowling alley in the basement. There's a wicked cool bar on the side that has the same menu as they do upstairs... with rarely a crowd.
(5)
Alex K.

It's hard for me to rank things like... "best burger I've ever had", but if the Spanish Fly at The Nook isn't the best burger I've ever had, it's certainly right near the top. Coming in at Friday at about dinner time I was expecting a massive wait, but got sat immediately. My first thought of The Nook was, "Wow. This place is dingy... I like it!" It had the look I pictured it would have. Alright so the food and all of that. Like I said, I got the Spanish Fly. Ground beef patty mixed with chorizo and stuffed with cheese? Why the hell not? Was cooked perfectly, tasted just as perfect, and served "third-degree burn in your mouth hole" hot. The fries were fresh cut and simply seasoned with salt -- very good. The thing that really got me was the fried cheese curds with bacon and honey. Yes, you read that correctly. I know Wisconsin is supposedly "Cheese Head" country, but I've not had better fried cheese curds before. No doubt the honey and bacon aid in that... but yeah, if you want to punish your arteries something fierce, ORDER THEM! The prices at The Nook are also nothing out of the ordinary, which came as a bit of a surprise for a place with such awesome food. The cheese curds were a little pricey, but I guess that makes up for the great value from the burger. For craft beer fans, there are a decent number of taps from craft breweries and also from the "big boys" (more like "little girls", but whatever). If you're ever in about a 30 mile radius of The Nook and don't visit, you should be sentenced to lethal injection... it's seriously (well, almost seriously) that delicious.
(5)
Rachel P.

We saw this joint on Triple D and since we just moved in a few blocks away, we naturally had to try it. We went at 2:30 pm so it was not busy, and it's a small place so for that I was happy. I ordered the Juicy Nookie. It was good but I don't think I'd write home about it. They told me the cheese would be hot and it damn well was, especially when it squirted out all over my hands with each bite. I'm glad I tried it though. I'll just try other things next time. BF ordered Guys Big Bite. He loved his and remarked that the bacon is among the most wonderful bacon he's had on a burger. Their fries were eh. I didn't notice that you can ask for cole slaw or chips instead and next time I will try cole slaw. I love me some slaw so I look forward to trying theirs. That being said, we will definitely be back to try more of their menu.
(4)
Doua L.

Best burger joint in Minnesota! I love the supreme burger! I still need to take the "eat 2 supreme burger challenge" win a tshirt
(5)
Dave K.

Cheese curds were awesome. Burgers great and fries were also good. Waitress could not have been nicer. Very busy place and always full. Wait was 15 minutes at 5 pm. Not bad. Parking is hard to find.
(5)
Cathy F.

The burgers are flat awesome and the fries can be as well, but tend to be hit or miss (sometimes limp, sometimes too salty). I like the juicy lucy, but the regular burgers are better in my opinion. If they can work on consistent good fries, I'd give them 5 stars. As a tip to fans of their food, try heading a little east to their sister place Shamrocks. Same food without having to wait 45 minutes for a seat.
(4)
Khaled A.

Okay, I've eaten in the most common places that offer the juicy Lucy, and by quite a far, this place was always my favorite! The burgers come with the right amount of cheese, the patties don't seem frozen, and their sides are to die for. I would recommend the guys big bite, with sweet potato fries. If you're hungry and with a group, don't miss out on their chicken wings or their cheese curds. My ranking: 1. The Nook 2. The Blue Door 3. Mats 4.5o8 Club
(5)
Jessica M.

I so wanted to love this place after seeing it on Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives, but it just wasn't happening. Le sigh... I ordered the Juicy Nookie and a coworker got Guy's Nookie, and we both just felt underwhelmed. It wasn't that we didn't like juicy lucys, which we do, but we both felt that it was the meat. I didn't think the beef tasted much better than fast food beef. The buns were really good and didn't fall apart, but were about twice the size of our patties. It's a weird thing to be annoyed by, but I get so irritated when the bun & patty aren't even close to being the same size. The cheese was perfectly melted in the middle and piping hot, but it still couldn't quite make up for the beef. We did nibble on the cheese curds and they were good, but I just walked away feeling "meh." Sorry, Nook!
(2)
BK B.

First off, I go downstairs every time. It's a dive bar and bowling alley that combine for an laid back atmosphere. Their burgers are wonderful. The appetizers are great. The beer on tap is great. If you're looking to impress with surroundings, don't go here. If you want great food and beer with just wearing the legally required garments, this is the place. The staff is as great as the food.
(5)
Ness H.

Had their Nookie Wings with the MN Wild Wings rub. The chicken itself was super tasty and the rub/sauce was too! But it was overly salty. Tried their Leprechaun Legs and those were bomb. Fried green beans and chipotle ranch? For a burger I had the Juicy Nookie Burger. It was bomb! Super flavorful and juicy! I would go there again. Also bought a shock top.
(5)
Margaret N.

Cardiac food but really good. Tiny restaurant but atmosphere and friendly vibe worth the wait for a table.
(4)
Alex C.

Pretty damn delicious. Wings were good. Juicy Nookie was strong. There's a reason why this burger is ranked among the best in Minneapolis. Fries are addicting. Cool place with a bowling alley. Awesome atmosphere and great service.
(5)
Matt K.

I visited based on a recommendation from a friend and was not disappointed with the food, prices or service. As a non-native, it was my first "juicy loosey" burger and while tasty, I must admit that I wasn't astounded by any means. Good beer selection and the bowling alley -- while under renovation at the time -- seems like it would make for a fun and quaint experience.
(3)
Sarah S.

This is a great neighborhood gem. Freshly made stuffed "juicy nookie"burgers. I take out -of towners here for a great local specialty. I always order the Paul Moliter, and get it with sweet potato fries. It gets packed, so come early, or plan to wait. Their takeover of the basement bowling alley helps deal with the overflow. The basement bar is a pleasent place to imbibe as you wait.
(5)
Jaime J.

The food was great. Have to say the best burgers in town. We had the Juicy Luicy and the Bacon Cheese burger with fries. The skin on fries are the best. Crisp and hot and full of flavor. The price is very reasonable and the food is worth the wait to get in the door. The only reason I gave them 4 out of 5 stars is that the food is ALWAYS slow. No matter what time of day or when during the week it is always 30 - 40 minute wait on food. Not to be seated but waiting for the food. I get it!! It is always a busy place but the wait for food is a bit slow. Definitely a family atmosphere and great place for burger. BUT, make sure you set time aside for the experience. Will always come back here.
(4)
Amanda B.

The Nook is off the Hook! It's true... if you are anywhere near here- you have to eat here. We came for lunch. It is a total dive from the outside and heaven inside. We sat in a nice corner booth/table near the kitchen. We ordered buffalo wings which were perfect. they served them with ranch and bleu cheese. The bleu cheese is made in house and is thick and delish. Then we got juicy nookies and juicy cuties (sliders). The sweet potato fries that came with my nookie needs their own 5 star review. They are crinkle cut and dusted with cinnamon and what tastes like brown sugar- just like dessert but not super sweet. I was in love. We all could not get enough. To top it off we were served by Molly who was a total professional. I don't get service that great anywhere, let alone a dive bar. I will never not come to the uptown/minneapolis area and not go here. It is THAT good. We were so obsessed we found them on You Tube and watched their clip from diners, drive ins and dive hosted by that bleach haired Guy guy- it's worth a google. The buns are made around the corner - you can not get fresher!
(5)
Katie S.

LOVE! LOVE! LOVE! It was seriously worth the hour wait! The burgers had great flavor and they have such a great variety that I found my ultimate burger...the Lodge Burger. Normally when I'm in the mood for a burger, I toggle between a California Burger or Bacon Cheese Burger - this was an enhanced combination of both of those. Bacon, smoked cheddar, lettuce, tomato, sautÃ©ed onion and Chipotle mayo. FANTASTIC! My husband was excited for his burger because they always give the option of putting an over medium egg on top. Not for me, but the smile on his face said that it was a damn fine burger. We WILL be back!
(5)
Jonathan C.

This place is effing awesome. The Guy's Big Bite is a great burger. The fries are good to. The basement is the place to be. It has an old-school feel you can'y buy. I saw a dude that kind of looked like Zach Galifianakis from the side, but it was just a local MN guy. Next time I'm bowling!
(5)
Nick T.

Most delicious burgers and greatest french fries this side of 94. Don't pass up on the cheese curds and the Malts if you want to round out a great family meal. Our kids gave it 10 stars.
(5)
Elizabeth P.

Stopped by for a quick burger with my daughter & was surprised by the number of people waiting for a table as it was well past lunchtime. Since there was seating on 2 levels, we only had to wait about 15" for a table. We were seated in the lower level by the bowling alley. The service was friendly & efficient & the food was great. I ordered the Juicy Nookie & my daughter ordered the fried shrimp. Both entrees were hot & delicious. We would definitely go back again.
(5)
Tina Y.

The Nook is known for their Homemade Wisconsin Cheese Curds for $7.95 that is always at the State Fair. These finger food, deep fried cheese curds that were awesome! There was a crispy texture on the outside like onion rings or tater tots. Then the inside was all cheesy like a mozzarella stick. These little poppers can be addicting and fill you up easily so make sure to share! For the real meal deal, I ordered their one of a kind Juicy Nookie Burger that is a stuffed cheeseburger served only as medium for $9.25. he patty was stuffed with cheese that was oozing out of it! The waiter told me that I had to wait for the burger cool down or else I would burn myself! Even after I waited for a few minutes, it was still pretty hot but it was darn good! With the cheese curd and this burger, it's really best to eat them when they're fresh. Once it's cold, it's just not the same. Eating these two can be pretty heavy and savory, so make sure to treat yourself to some salad or some sweets to balance things out.
(4)
Nicholas C.

Any burger is worth it but I say if it's your first time get the regular Lucy and grab the cheese curds for a special treat that Pooh bear would appreciate
(4)
Kimberly F.

The Nook! A St. Paul legendary restaurant! I've only been her a few times but every time I walk away with a new favorite burger. The small restaurant is tucked away in small corner alley way, across from Cretin-Derham Hall. We stopped by the Nook before a concert at Xcel Energy center on a Monday night--which is a perfect night to go because it's just the right amount of busy (not too loud but it's lively, ya know). The Nook is known for it's Stuffed Juicy Burgers--which is a MUST if you haven't tried one. There is an on-going debate in the Twin Cities about who has the best Juicy Lucy and the Nook has got to be in the top 2. Believe me--celebrities such as Babs Streisand have stopped at the Nook just to try the legendary burgers! Anywhoozle, back to the good stuff. I ordered the Paul Molitor Burger, which is the the Juicy Nookie stuffed with pepper cheese! They give you an option for sauteed or fresh onions amongst other toppings. CAUTION, please let burger cool off--there is a lava of hot cheese in the center, people! Magnificent juicy and very tasty burger--my recommendation is to try a different one each time you go! Service was also very attentive and informative (we asked him about memorabilia on the walls). HE was funny, quick, and easy to bring us our check. Just how I like it! Tip: Order the wings--the Nookie Wings...they were voted best in the TC's by Mpls-St. Paul Magazine!
(5)
Jack K.

Totally worth the hype. Awesome Juicy Lucys were enjoyed by all. I had the double decker, which was one of the more awesome burgers I've consumed in my burger travels. The Paul Molitor was special too. I think the wings were fine too, though the "damn hot" label didn't quite apply I thought. Really great service and good beers on tap.
(4)
Samantha R.

Exactly what you want in your local burger joint: unpretentious setting, nice selection of taps, and of course, an incredibly good burger! The Twin Cities have a pretty competitive field of contenders for "best Juicy Lucy", but in my book, the Nook takes the crown.
(5)
Susannah H.

Oh Nook. I can't believe it's taken me this long to try one of your delicious burgers, but better late than never, right? Place was packed, but there was seating downstairs, which ended up being perfect for us. Loved the small bowling area and old bar staying true to their hole-in-the-wall roots. It had the right amount of legitimate kitsch without being cheesy or overwhelming. Juicy Nookie = win. WIN. Molten, cheesy, golden goodness oozed out of my burger upon my first bite. Extra napkin? No way, this extra cheese is going on my perfectly fried/salted fries. Burger had that perfect medium char...well worth the wait. I'm not one to usually finish everything at a burger place...but I was definitely a member of the clean plate club at the Nook (as was nearly everyone else judging from the empty baskets at each table). I will be back soon, Nook. Even the jacked-up with potholes Hamline Ave can't keep me away!
(5)
David B.

Classic dive bar if I've ever seen one. The wait can get pretty long upstairs, so we opted to eat in the basement which is shared with the bowling alley next door. How am I going to order anything except a Jucy Lucy with fries at a place famous for its Jucy Lucy and fries? Ok I lied, I ordered the cheese curds too. And they were worth every bit of cardiac damage I'm sure they did to me. Those were some amazing, crispy, deep fried (and cheesy!) cheese curds. My personal highlight of the meal. The Jucy Lucy and fries were delicious as well, although I'm not sure it's worth the hour+ waits this place routinely stacks up.
(4)
Joel C.

I've been wanting to make a trip to the Nook since I saw it on Diner's, Drive-Ins, and Dives. Finally, we had a weekend where we could get over there, and decided to grab some late lunch on a Sunday afternoon. First impressions...the upstairs bar area is tiny. We got a table downstairs near the bowling alley area - this is also a pretty small place. We ordered some cheese curds for an appetizer, and I got the "Guys Big Bite" - a pepperjack cheese stuffed burger with bacon, roast beef, and cheddar. Yum. Positives: -Really fun vibe in this place - if we would've had the time, I would've liked to bowl a game or two. -Awesome, awesome burgers. I've only had 5-8's Juicy Lucy's...but I think this one beats it. -Really good cheese curds...I'd say near-State Fair level. -Good root beer on tap Negatives: -Small, and tends to be quite busy. I'd recommend avoiding around standard lunch and dinner times. This might be the best burger place in the Twin Cities...I will certainly be back to try more.
(5)
Laura B.

*oops forgot to click on post for my review lol* I am so happy I found this place on yelp. My bf and I stopped by here before we headed back home to Illinois (this was in march). The wait was definitely worth it. I had the Paul molitor with a fried egg. dabomb.com Who doesn't like melted cheese oozing out of their hamburger patty??? Definitely going back here next time I'm in town.
(4)
Eric G.

Had the juicy nookie burger and fries. The fries were first rate. Thick and crispy and the perfect thing to munch while you wait for the molten cheese inside the burger to get somewhere near edible (they warn you not to go straight for the burger as the cheese is scalding). The burger was also delicious and the cheese bomb in the middle was a lock to make every bite yummy. I'm only knocking Thelma star because the bun. Simply to much plain bread, good, but far to much and detracts from the stellar beef they use to make the patty. Would have been better on white bread I think. Overall this is a good bite to eat at a great cost.
(4)
Jovanae H.

I am not a burger eater but thought I should eat one since The Nook is known for its burgers. I had the Bleu cheeseburger and it was delicious. It was juicy and a great taste of mushroom and Bleu cheese. I had the sweet potato fries and the sauce that came with those was very good. Mimosas were a great price. There was a lot of choices for IPAs. It was a small atmosphere on the main floor. We got in right away since we got there when it opened. A lot of people waiting in line as we left. We would come back again.
(5)
Stacey M.

Best. Burger. In. My. Whole. Life. I had the Juicy Nookie, with fried onions and cajun fries. The fries were a little too spicy for me, but the burger... perfection. I love that it is cooked medium. We had an appetizer of honey glazed bacon cheese curds. Yeah, I said that. You can only imagine how spectacular they were. I come from a town that has amazing burger joints (some were on DDD), but they don't even compare. The service was incredible, the beer was cold, the food was AWESOME.
(5)
Nick F.

HELL YEAH! Another stop i made do to the Triple D show. And i LOVED IT! i got the guy's big bite and it was amazing one of the best burgers i have ever had. The fries are also quite good. My fiance got a burger as well the lodge burger and she said it was the best burger she has ever had. For an appetizer we got the cheese curds which were fantastic, I'm not sure how i've lived in Wisconsin for 27 years and these are the best cheese curds i've ever had. Even though this place is 5 plus hours from home i will be back!
(5)
Stephanie S.

Laaaaaadies. Ladies. Ladies. Leave your lipstick at home. Their is no point in wearing any with all the juicy goodness you're going to be wiping off your face! Oooooh. Mah. Gawd. Hello, heaven! Juicy Nookie? YUP! Lodge Burger? YUP! Homer Simpson Burger? Whaaaaat!? A burger on a DOOOOONUT!? YUP! That salty sweet savory party happening in my mouth! Oh, And the fries? You may call fries an afterthought, but I say, "NO POINT IN SERVIN FRIES IF THEY AINT THE NOOK FRIES!!" Get some chipotle mayo! You just need a vehicle to get that WHOA in your mouth! Wear your burger! Eat your burger! Go to The Nook!
(5)
Andrew T.

This place caught my attention while watching Diners Drive-ins and Dives. I guess their claim to fame is the juicy lucy, so that's what I ordered. I mean it's a nice big hot burger with cheese in the middle. How could you go wrong? My fries were a little on the lukewarm side, but the burger was ok. Plenty of beers to choose from and a pretty cool atmosphere. Another thing: great service!!
(4)
Sarah U.

Small and easy to pass by but always a sure fire for a juicy burger. Just enough food and to die for sweet potato fries. Probably the best SPF I've had so far. Will be back for more juicy Lucy :)
(4)
Koral S.

This place has been highlighted for its cheesy burgers on a few different shows and magazines so of course I had to try it when in town. While waiting for a table we got a drink downstairs (beer and wine only) in the bowling ally (which was super quaint and cool). The food a def a solid experience, especially for a cheese lover, like myself. I got the Juicy Nookie and was happy with the flavor, texture, size and oozing cheese. The bread was a bit dry and bigger than necessary. The fries were fresh and decent (not the best). I did try the coleslaw and enjoyed that. We started with the Beer battered walleye fish and that was a local treat I would have to indulge in again. Overall worth the drive over to find it and the wait ...
(4)
Sarah S.

Had to try this place after seeing it on DDD... I got the guy burger... I bit in too early and got squeezed with cheese, but it was delicious... Home made fries were also great. Pass on the sweet potato fries... Not worth the up charge. Great staff and quick service.
(4)
Hemant T.

This was my first visit to the nook, Sunday brunch with family. We tried the nookie, black bean burger, cheese curds and leprechaun legs and a coney island dog. The nookie was great (way better than 5-8 club) and so was the black bean burger. On the flip side, the cheese curd was tasty but it was dripping in oil. The service was prompt and courteous. I'd definitely come back.
(5)
Daisy H.

Absolutely amazing! Staff was so attentive and helpful with suggestions. Our servers name was Kayla, she was also working with an adorable blonde girl named Jenna! Both were the sweetest. They helped us on deciding on beers, cheese curds (to die for) and burgers! I had a Ruben sandwich and my girlfriend and I shared a Paul something burger. All in all the food was great, service even better. Will definitely be coming back!!!!
(5)
Melaney S.

They don't clam to be the first but they do have the best juicy burger around. I have had them at both places that claim to have made them first they don't compare. I am sitting here now waiting for it to cool enough not to cause third degree burns then this review will be
(5)
The L.

Tried The Nook for the first time today. I ordered the Guys Big Bite burger with fries. First off, the fries are just about the best I've ever had. I love good fries and the Nook has just raised the bar on what a great french fry should be. Perfectly crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside. Fan-freakin-tastic!! Now the burger. Guys Big Bite is a pepper jack stuffed burger with bacon and roast beef on top. Holy crap! This was an awesome burger. The roast beef really adds a little something to the burger. Warning! Eat your fries before the burger or you'll have pepper jack napalm squirtin' all over. The place was packed for lunch, but our waitress handled it with ease. I (we) will definitely be adding the Nook to our lunch rotation.
(5)
Lauren Z.

I've been on the hunt for the perfect J.L., and I gotta say- The Nook really knocked it out of the park. I cannot express fully the joy that I felt when I bit into my burger and felt that molten cheese dribble down my chin. Finally! A juicy lucy that truly delivers. I'd like to revisit The Nook and explore a bit more of their expansive menu before I write too much more (after all, one burger didn't build Rome....or something?), but after our dinner last week I have no interest in pursuing any other Juicy Lucy burger joint for quite some time (yeah- I'm talkin' to you 5-8 and Blue Door...)
(4)
Holly H.

Our family has been a quest to find the best Juicy Lucy burger in Minneapolis! I think we found our favorite at the Nook! There is nothing fancy about the place, but the burgers are fantastic! The meat has a great flavor. The bun is just right. To top it off, you have multiple options for stuffed and non-stuffed burgers! The cheese curds are amazing (skip the fair! Seriously, why deal with the crowds when these are better!) This truly was the best Juicy Lucy style burger we've had! 5-8 has great tasting meat, but the bun doesn't hold up. The Blue Door seemed to be trying too hard with all sorts of fancy combinations. Matt's had a good bun, but the meat was ok. The Nook had it all! Now, for a fun afternoon, take the kids and you can bowl with them and get a great burger all in the same spot!
(5)
Leon F.

I was able to visit The Nook today. I am in Minneapolis on business and I was about 20 minutes away. I saw the episode about The Nook on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and wanted to try the famous Juicy Nookie. It was worth the time to try. Excellent grade of meat made the burger and the smoldering American cheese really set it off. The meat was cooked a perfect medium rare and the bun was great. The hand cut fries were perfect. There was nothing negative to say about the food. The atmosphere was great. Just friends having dinner with friends. Met a local names Eric that walked me through the history if the place and the owners. Great time. It is a small area to eat but there is a basement area. It was great to walk out and see the high school field where Joe Mauer played ball! If you are in the area make your way to The Nook!
(5)
Derek F.

Very good food with a really unique atmosphere. We've been here several times, most recently this past week. When we arrived and told them we needed a table for four, the host said it would be a half hour wait or we could be seated in the basement right away. One of the girls in our group said the basement would be fine and my first thought was "oh great the basement...where they put the overflow". I was wrong in every way. I had no idea they even had a basement much less that it was that cool. There's a four lane bowling ally down there and then an entirely spectate bar. It felt like an old school diner down there. So cool. You don't hear the pins smashing from the bowling ally because they have a glass divider between the ally and the bar and it does a deceivingly good job of drowning out the sound. When we come back, I think I would actually prefer the basement next time. Certainly for the winter months at least. It was nice and warm and no draft from the front door. Food is always great. My favorite part about this place is that they offer the Juicy Nookie and know that it's their specialty, but they still offer other good burgers too. They understand that not everyone is going to go nuts over the juicy nookie and they have plenty of other tasty options.
(5)
Jason B.

Went there last night and was amazed at how good the food was. We did have to wait in line for about an hour but it was well with the wait. If you go check in on the main floor but go down stairs to wait. They have an 8 lane blowing alley down stairs!!! Plus additional seating is down there as well. We had a mushroom n Swiss and a nookie supreme. Both were super good. The supreme was Hugh and amazing. The French fries are all fresh / hand cut and perfectly fried so they were crispy. Top 3 I'm burgers I've ever had! Right up there with the anchor bar in superior, WI and burger jones in Burnsville, mn! The Nook is amazing though!
(5)
Heidi E.

OK burgers, but too many calories - we were very fatted out after our late lunch on a Sunday. My husband put ketchup on his burger, and the burger slid all around the bun. His first 3 bites were nothing but bun, ketchup, and lettuce. Good service. The sake-based Bloody Mary rated a 4/5.
(3)
Sara H.

We waited about 30 min for a table on a Sat. night around 8:30p. Not bad! Everyone was friendly, food was delish! Definitely try the cheese curds :) and of course a Juicy Lucy! Good atmosphere for a little neighborhood bar.
(5)
Samuel W.

Startling new biblical documentation has been unearthed. Indeed, it has long been known that Jesus wept; but why? All the speculations, rumors and facts-schmacts can now be laid to rest. Jesus wept when he came to the bleak realization that The Nook couldn't cater the Last Supper. That dude can't catch a break. I'm splitting a firehouse burger with him next week.
(5)
Marina R.

I'm not a burger fanatic, but I'm married to one. I've been to countless burger joints so my husband could satisfy his hunger for the dish. Most of the time I underwhelmed by the burgers, so my expectations are not that high. My desire to go back a burger joint is even lower than my expectations. The Nook is one exception to the rule. I find myself craving for their delicious Juicy Lucy's. Their French Fries are great as well. Their staff was beyond friendly and helpful. I would go back at any time. Too bad I live in DC area and I can't go there more often.
(5)
Smitha A.

Okay, I debated A LOT about what rating to give this place. I feel like they have to live up to really high standards what with being featured on Diners, Drive Ins and Dives. Here we go...8 of us walked in at 5 p.m. and asked for ...you guessed it. A table for 8. The upstairs bar area is not very big and would not fit all of us. So we were led downstairs to the subterranean level where there was an HONEST to GOODNESS BOWLING ALLEY! How fun! Not that we partook in it but it was fun to have nearby. My mother in law ate the steak sandwich and she said it was the best one she has ever had. I got the 1/2 chorizo 1/2 beef burger stuffed with queso. YUM! My only complaint was that it didn't come with lettuce, tomato or anything resembling rabbit food. I know I know, if I wanted a salad I should have ordered one. But this California girl likes her veggies. So I made up for it by ordering some heavenly sweet potato fries lighlty dusted with cinnamon. The kids got chocoolate shakes for $1.95 extra and ice cream cones for licking their plate clean. This is just a ruse and the nice server will get the 3 year old that refused to eat anything a mini cone as well. Everyone else got some variation of the stuffed burger and there was lots of satisfied silence. Finally, a HUGE shout out to the winner of the Best Shirt I Have Ever Seen at a Restaurant award - The Nook. The back of the shirt says, "Meat is Murder. Tasty, Tasty Murder." Sorry if that offended anyone!
(4)
Cyril J.

Seriously beyond anything you could possibly be expecting! The burgers here are as close to perfection as you get this side of heaven. Alright so we saw that on D,D,&D like so many other places on TV you never really get what you see. Let me tell you not at this Joint, if you find yourself anywhere near here you must go. Major props to the owners, cooks, and bartenders for a hell of a damn good meal.
(4)
Michelle V.

Our family loves the nook! The only negative about the place is that it is ALWAYS BUSY no matter the time of day so you never know if you'll have to wait 5 or 40 minutes, but that is really just a testament to how good the food and service is there. I like that out of all the awesome burgers they offer they still have the bean or garden burger for those of us who don't eat meat. The waiters are always very courteous and the kids always enjoy the extra fun things to do (video games, bowling, etc...) that is offered in the lower level of the restaurant.
(5)
Mike B.

After all of the publications, reviews, and friend accounts raving about this place, I was expecting a transcendent experience that would forever warp my view of what a burger should be. What I got instead was a very solid burger and fries, but not quite the hallowed morsel of food I had heard about. People aren't kidding when they say the place is small. It's essentially a hole in the wall, which is kind of charming in it's own right. The tables are close together, and it's almost impossible not to listen in on the conversations around you. I like this kind of place, so it's not a negative for me. The downside of the size is the wait, both for seats and for your food. Even during a non-peak hour, Sunday afternoon, we waited 20 minutes for a table for two and about another 40 after we had placed our burger orders. This was expected because of how packed it was and the popularity of the place, but the food had better be worth the wait. It was...but probably not something I would do it for again. In order to wait out our burgers, we put in an order of Spicy Honey BBQ wings for an app. These came out in a reasonable amount of time and were above average for wings. Good amount of kick to the "medium-spice" sauce and an equal coating of it all around (one of my pet peeves if it isn't this way). My burger-of-choice was the Paul Molitor, a Juicy Lucy filled with pepper cheese instead of the usual cheddar. It was cooked to a nice, medium char, and the cheese was scorching hot, like it should be. A damn good burger, but not a five-star one. The fries that came with it were simply okay...very ordinary. The tap Summit EPA did go fantastically well with everything. My girlfriend got the Spanish Fly, a 50/50 blend patty of beef and Spanish-spiced pork, filled with queso cheese. This thing was legit -- a nacho burger that still tasted like a burger. The cheese was spicy and oozed out of the perfectly-cooked meat. I liked it more than my own burger. The service was excellent for the amount of people they had, even if the wait time was longer than it should be. The servers were always flying around with the plates being constantly kicked out from the kitchen, and I never had to wait for my beer or refills of water. Overall, The Nook was a good experience, but not the life-changing burger nirvana I was expecting from everything I had heard. In fact, it wasn't even the best burger I've had in The Cities (Red Cow has that distinction). However, it is a worthwhile jaunt due to being a St. Paul institution, the quaint, divey, community feel, and the solidness of the burgers. Definitely worth the try, but not something I would wait an hour for again.
(4)
Matt E.

Master craftsmen of the uniquely Twin Cities inside out cheeseburger. They're taken some creative twists on the stuffed burger, and have a deeper menu selection than a lot of the other well traveled purveyors of the "Juicy" Style burgers. I really enjoyed the fries here with seem to take after the pomme frites school of fry prep. You'll get a lot of them along side your burger. There's a lot of traffic in and out of this place and seating is at a premium. Be prepared to wait in a cramped front area with a lot of people traversing between the downstairs bowling alley and the door.
(4)
Jerry V.

We arrived around 6pm on a Thursday to a 20 minute wait for a first floor table. 5 minutes later we were offered a downstairs table. We were very very nervous about what we might find... A freaking bowling alley and what reminded us of a 50's diner! Are you kidding me?? This place is like stepping back in time. Our waiter was awesome! Very attentive and read my mind when it came to beer re-orders. I had the "nookie", a juicy Lucy Barbara Striesand claimed to be the best she ever had. I may not be able to sing but I have that in common with her now. This place is a real destination! Oh and don't forget to ask for a marker so you can personalize a dollar bill and pin it to the ceiling with your burger tooth pick!
(5)
Kyle M.

Bomb dot F***ing com. A pioneer of the Juicy Lucy or Juicy Nookie. You may never find a more satisfying burger and fries in your life, it's that good. I grew up less than a mile from this place and went to school across the street and it is easily one of my all time favorite restaurants. Proud to say I have completed the Nookie challenge! Some of the best servers in the Midwest too!
(5)
Ramsey B.

I ordered the Paul Molitor juicy lucy. It has pepper jack cheese stuffed inside the beef patty. Also, I ordered the wings as an appetizer. The wings were very tasty. 8 come in the smallest order and it was perfect for 1 person (me). They are not large wings so there should be plenty of room to enjoy an entrÃ©e as well. The burger was average at best. It was no better than a fast food burger except for the melted cheese inside the patty.
(3)
Tim M.

Dive looking place inside and out, but don't let that keep you away. Famous for burgers and they were solid for sure. But wings and apps were outstanding. Decent beer selection and the vintage bowling lanes and signage add to the atmosphere. We tried 2 jucy lucy burgers and they held their own to others in town Definitely on my regular.rotation now when in town on business. In St. Paul but only about 15 min from airport hotels. Don't waste your time on mall area chains. Get out and explore. It's worth the effort.
(4)
S W.

Ummmm okay? I was looking around for BIG pitchers of Kool Aid on every table but mine. Here I am. Finally made it in for THE ULTIMATE BURGER IN THE TWIN CITIES. I can haz cheezburger And fries. Because stuffing cheese into meat just doesn't make me pee my pants that much, a cheeseburger seemed like the ideal intro. The meat is stellar. Don't get me wrong. It's the best sub-nine-buck burger I've had in town. Fantastic meat ruined by awful peripherals. The bun and cheese were like hanging a brick from a butterfly, This puppy could just not decide whether to be great or so-bad-it's-good and the net result? The essence of meh. That and the long wait and the endless hype just made this a depressingburger for me. My fries were good, the fries in the other person's bucket sucked mightily. How do you even do that?
(3)
Cindi R.

I have a crush on this place. I was going to say I'm in love with it, but let's start with a crush. I've only eaten there once. If it was closer to my home-away-from-home for the next 2 months, I'd go at least every other day. Fast, super friendly service, fantastic wings, delicious fried cheese curds, and amazing burgers. I will remember to order some extras on my burger next time. While the cheese-stuffed meat is good enough on its own, I'm sure it's even better with tomatoes, grilled mushrooms, onions, etc. I didn't booze it up since I had to go back to work, but they have a great selection of local beers (which, btw, I'm also falling in love with). They have a bowling alley in the basement that looks like it hasn't been touched since the 1950's . . . in a GOOD way! Love love love this place. And I'm not leaving MN without a "Meat is murder . . . tasty, tasty murder" t-shirt.
(4)
Jami Jo H.

Holy poo this place is fabulous. I found this gem with the help of my Yelp App. It's a dive for sure, but a clean on at least. My friend and I were waiting for a table and the hostess said there was a bar downstairs if we wanted to go sit. Not only is there a bar, but a bowling alley! I didn't bowl, but it was fun to watch. We decided to sit at the bar and eat instead of waiting for a table upstairs. We got the honey glazed bacon cheese curds and it was like heaven exploded in my mouth. I was hesitant to order them as it sounded like it would be too rich, but they were perfect. I had the juicy nookie and sweet potato fries. Very awesome food. I didn't want to move after I ate everything. Several beers on tap...no liquor tho! Staff was super friendly. Would love to visit here again next time I come to town.
(5)
Alexandra Z.

wow! so Dive Bar is totally cool.. not my type of place but these burgers are AMAZING!!!!! I am craving another one NOW. the staff is awesome and just overall great service/vibe.
(5)
Joel H.

Stumbled into this place thanks to Yep reviews.. It's not to far from the airport and is an excellent place to kill an hour or two if you got into town a bit early. It looks like a dive bar from the outside but don't let that keep you away. The staff is super nice, the food was delicious, and the ambiance of the place is classic. Order the leprechaun legs (delicious appetizer) and make sure to check out the small bowling alley downstairs before you leave.. I have no doubt's you'll be back a second time if you do.
(5)
Christina G.

Best dive bar burger of my life. Oh! Please one can not forget the Cajun fries. Highlighted on the 2nd page are the stuffed burgers. You need not look further burger lover. Pick one, it will not disappoint. Plan accordingly and wait for the burger to cool and take in the glory before you. This also prevents burning your tongue. If you like chorizo. That burger is great. Fantastic! Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Kailey O.

Don't come here when you're absolutely starving. It took about 25 minutes from the time i ordered my burger for it to actually arrive. I sat at the bar alone and had a great view of everyone going to the bathroom. The food was good, but also along the lines of a heart attack. The Jucy Lucy is what they're famous for, and it was definitely that. I ordered the one with pepper jack cheese. The fries were also good, but to save my arteries, i did not finish them all. Service was great, and he was apologetic for the long wait. I probably won't come back (it's a tourist trap because of diners drive-ins and dives), but it was fun to check out
(3)
Jenni B.

Now this is what I call a guilty pleasure. This place is tiny but I love that despite its wild success it's stayed true to its roots and kept the building vs. moving into a bigger space. We budged the line by grabbing a spot at the bar and we had excellent service despite the number of people our bartender was taking care of. I was so glad we sat at the counter because our wait would have been crazy long, but also they have a pretty awesome beer list. I had the Third Street Brew House maple stout which was absolutely delicious. Rich, sweet and creamy, yum yum yum. The burgers were out of this world though. I had the juicy lucy stuffed with pepper jack cheese on a wheat bun with some fantastic crinkle cut sweet potato fries and a side of sinfully delicious chipotle ranch. These are burgers that just make you feel good inside. Perfect temperature for the ooey gooey cheese, delicious fresh bun and perfectly crisp fries to alternate with every bite. And the Bf loved his just as much as I did. He got the chorizo/beef blend juicy lucy stuffed with queso and Cajun spiced fries. The patty was just right, you taste the chorizo, but it's still a burger and the fries were straight cut and crisp. Everything was heavenly, we absolutely loved it.
(5)
Andrew H.

I was here about two weeks ago and then again this last weekend. While my wife liked it fine, my father in law and all our other guest whom wanted to go there based on the Food Network, we were not disappointed. This is what the Cities does best, little hole in the wall places with outstanding quality and lacking any class while promoting nostalgia. Not my favorite place for Burgers but a solid choice for anyone in the mood for the most true to the Twin Cities experience.
(4)
Renisha P.

Loved Guy's Big Bite stuffed burger! Was amazing! Will definitely be trying out other burgers!
(5)
Jessica T.

This place is one of my favorites! Total dive bar with amazing food! Always a little wait when I come, but it's totally worth it. Waiting area only has like 4 chairs so it's a lot of standing around while waiting. But once you get seated life is good :) Amazing burgers & fries & beer! Great prices too. And kids eat free Sunday night! I've ate upstairs and down in the basement. I prefer upstairs because it's a better environment. The basement is kind of stuffy with no windows and it's really hot down there. Gotta get a juicy Lucy here for sure! YUM
(4)
John G.

I can finally write this review now that I'm sufficiently recovered from last night's Nook-induced food coma. Before finally trying the Nook, the only bad thing I'd ever heard was that it gets packed and can have a long wait. This was true even on a Monday night, though there was space at the bar downstairs for us to enjoy a beer and work up an appetite for the amazing deliciousness that was in store. Once seated, our server promptly and courteously took our order, and we were left to admire this true dive of an establishment. There is a bowling alley in the basement that doesn't look like it's been updated in years, yet appears fully functional. There are illustrated dollar bills hanging from the ceilings (reminds me of Cuzzy's) and vintage signs here and there. We were taking it all in and just when we wondered where our food was, it magically appeared. I ordered the Nookie Supreme burger with sautÃ©ed onions and fries. I knew I had my work cut out for me but had eaten a relatively early lunch and hit about 100 golf balls at the driving range beforehand, so I was up for the challenge. One bite confirmed everything I'd heard: simply amazing. Juicy and incredibly tasty, with delicious hot cheese and a zesty special sauce. It was a moment I had to relish before I continued to devour the whole thing. The fries were excellent as well, but they could have put virtually any side next to that burger and it wouldn't have mattered. I feel like I will be comparing all burgers I have from here on out to this one, which really isn't fair. There's quite the array of choices on the menu, virtually guaranteeing you'll be back. And they pay omage to Cretin Durham Hall right across the street with burgers named after Paul Molitor and Joe Mauer, though I feared if I got the Joe Mauer burger I'd injure myself walking up the stairs and out of the bar. If you haven't experienced the Nook, you need to. Don't let the fact that it's packed or has a long wait deter you. Come hungry, and don't plan on doing much of anything for a good period of time afterward.
(5)
Sherri L.

This is a total dive bar and I had to try it after seeing it on Triple D. I went with the Juicy Nookie burger which was stuffed with cheese. Mmm Cheese...can't go wrong with that. This is one of my favorite spots in Minnesota. The burger was moist and full of flavor. The bun was also surprisingly so good, tasted like it was freshly baked. Fries tasted like they were freshly cute and perfectly cooked with crisp outside and soft inside. This is a must try for all Burger Lovers!
(5)
Steve P.

Best dive hamburger place in the twin cities. Bacon cheese curds were fantastic. My first time to the Nook and they had the "Homer Simpson" special burger. Bacon cheddar burger with a glazed doughnut as its bun. Next time "Guys Big Bite"!
(5)
Mel B.

Triple B Burger and Leprechaun Legs make for an excellent meal. I wish they took reservations for large groups. They do a good job of getting your food out even when busy, and the servers are all very friendly and helpful.
(4)
Senie S.

I went here for the first time when I was in Minneapolis for work. Everyone talks about this place and how it is very good and unique. I know it was also featured on the Food Network show Diners, Drive ins, and Dives so it made me want to go try it out even more. When i got there I loved the whole atmosphere of the place. It was very relaxing and had casual environment where you see people going after work to grab a quick bite/ happy hour. When i went there I was seated downstairs which is also where there is a bowling alley. If I lived in Minneapolis I could definitely see myself going here often. It is a great place to go with groups and also relax and talk without feeling like you have to yell because the noise was loud. I liked how the decor was unique as well. The basement ceiling is decorated with $1 bills from customers. Their drink selection is also unique and they have a lot of local beers on tap which I liked. The price was fair and worth the price for not getting standard beer you would any other place. I ordered the fried cheese curds and they were by far my favorite. I love fried cheese in general but i always love getting cheese that's not always in the stick form. I ordered wings as a meal too and they have a lot of sauces you can choose from. The wings were very well seasoned and also not dry like some of them can be. The people I went with got the burgers and what they also refer to as a "juicy lucy" which apparently means that it is stuffed with cheese in the middle. It looked delicious and also was a great portion size. Overall I really enjoyed the experience I got from eating here. I always love going to local places you cant find anywhere else and this place is definitely unique from places you would typically eat out of town. If you are interested in eating at local and popular places this is a good place to go. They also have great specials during the week so you don't have to spend a lot of money to go here.
(4)
Anya C.

Fried beans was good. Burger was good, but my fried egg was over-cooked. My sweet potato was not very warm and some of them was under-cooked. Overall, food is good but with 30mins wait for table and 40mins wait after order and dirty environment, i think it's only 3 stars.
(3)
Keith A.

Top 10 Burger in the country with delicious fries for under $10. He'll yeah! I got the Paul Molito Burger stuffed with pepper cheese topped with some sautÃ©ed onions (no extra charge) and a side of fries. Absolutely delicious. Tender, juicy, perfectly cooked with a soft bun. Friendly and punctual service, wouldn't change a thing. Gotta come back next time I'm in the twin cities! Awesome find!
(5)
Chris J.

Was traveling in Minneapolis and was told I had to come to Nook and try the juicy Lucy. This burger is stuffed with cheese and is really good. However, the item that is off the charts are the Maple Bacon Cheese Curds! Oh my goodness, these were amazing!!!! You are missing out if you don't have the maple bacon cheese curds! Wow!!!
(4)
Andrew L.

Best burgers!
(5)
Keena S.

My husband and I decided to come here based on Yelp reviews and a craving for greasy fried food. It's in a pretty easy to find location and it's pretty small inside (reminds me of Matt's a little bit) but boy is the food good! For appetizers we ordered the wings with half buffalo sauce and half spicy honey bbq sauce. The crispy fried deliciousness was perfect. I only wished they were a little bigger but that wouldn't stop me from ordering them again. We also ordered the honey glazed bacon cheese curds. This delightful twist was surprisingly perfect. YOU MUST ORDER THEM. I've never seen them anywhere else. For our meals I ordered the Juicy Nookie (their take on the Juicy Lucy) and my husband ordered the Reuben Burger. They cooked ours perfectly (we like them a little pink since they use high quality beef) If you like very well done, I'd make sure to say that. The gooey cheese in the Juicy Nookie is delightful, and I thought the taste of the beef was fantastic. My husband enjoyed his Reuben Burger, he only wished there was a little more Thousand Island on it, but he could've asked for more on the side. The hand cut fries were delicious, they tasted just like Convention Grill's to me. We ended on a vanilla malt. It was nothing to write home about, just an average malt. Overall service was great and attentive and the food was fantastic. Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Art M.

go hell river bluff dental
(1)
Sarah G.

Amazing!!!!! I can't say enough. We had the California burger, juicy burger, and the lodge burger. Sweet potato and regular fries. And since we aren't locals we tried a local beer October feat summit season very very good. Personable servers, clean, seriously amazing.
(5)
Sichen G.

Love this place. Went there several time, I can say it is one of the best burgers in Twin Cities. Tried juicy Lucy and premium. They are really tasty and fill you up easily.
(4)
Tasha G.

Hands down, The Nook serves THE BEST Juicy Lucy's in the Twin Cities. My co-workers and I did a Juicy Lucy challenge last year and after all was said and done, we agreed The Nook was our favorite. Of course I had to try the original during my first visit, but when I went back, I tried The Spanish Fly with the sweet potato fries, and oh my... DELISH! I'm looking forward to making another appearance in the future. I give The Nook two thumbs up!
(5)
Alex K.

I like to go here whenever I feel the need to have high schoolers tell me to wait an hour for something (they're nice). But easily this place has the best juicy lucies (I don't know the plural form of "Lucy") in town.
(4)
D.R. M.

One of the best burger joints in either twin city. Learned about it from Guy Fieri's show and now try to get there a few times every year. The best plan is to get there a little early about 11, to beat the crowd; or well before the dinner hour.
(4)
Navid R.

Best Burgers in Town!!
(5)
Jenni R.

I have to admit, I am a little baffled by the reviews and talk that this place gets. I've heard about 'The Nook' for years and was beyond excited to finally try it out. I've tried Juicy Lucys and love them and was very excited to try one that has been stated to be one of the best. Unfortunately, my dining experience didn't live up to the talk at all. I went to The Nook this past Saturday during lunch as part of a group of six people. Among the six of us, a ton of stuff was ordered at the table and I was able to try a fair amount of it. Below is a description of the stuff I tried: Cheese Curds - Absolutely incredible (and this is coming from someone who has eaten cheese curds all over Wisconsin). These cheese curds alone are enough to tempt me to come back Nachos - Fine... similar to nachos you would get anywhere so not really worth the money or the calories. Wings - Good flavor to both the buffalo and spicy honey bbq. The spicy honey bbq weren't spicy at all, so I'm not sure the name is a good description. I've certainly had way better wings so I didn't agree with the Minneapolis/St. Paul magazine calling them the best in the twin cities. French Fries - eh, not my type of fries, too thick cut for me. Onion Rings - good taste, nice and crispy. The Juicy Nookie Burger - Didn't live up to the hype. The cheese all spilled out after the first bite. I've had many a Juicy Lucy where this did not happen. Other than that, the burger didn't pack a ton of flavor, so wasn't anything special. The Spanish Fly Burger - again, the cheese all spilled out after the first bite. That being said, the flavor of the chorizo in the burger was out of this world! It would have been better as just a burger since the cheese all spilled out anyway. Overall, I give The Nook a rating of 3, because that's just what it was, 'A-OK' but nothing special. There were some things that were great and some things that were disappointing. With so many fantastic options for a Juicy Lucy in the twin cities, I won't be coming back here specifically for the Juicy Lucy and didn't really find anything else that was enough of a 'wow' alone to have me running back.
(3)
Carl P.

#1 burger in the universe. Make sure to squeeze the Jucy Nookie cheese onto your fries.
(5)
Destiny P.

I have been to The Nook countless times from working nearby in St. Paul and not once have a been disappointed. The servers are full of energy and helpful and the food is beyond amazing. Anybody who wants a good burger with great service, this is the place to go.
(5)
Tino K.

The Nook is where you go to achieve burger bliss. After what seems like an impossibly long wait, enlightenment is reached once you take your first meaty bite. The journey, the quest for parking, the uncomfortable and cramped waiting quarters and the hunger pangs are instantly forgotten. You just can't go wrong with a molten-hot cheese-filled Juicy Nookie... with a side of fries or onion rings.
(5)
Gene H.

Fantastic Burgers! The Mrs had the original Juicy Nookie and I had the Guy's Big Bite Burger....Damn Tasty!
(5)
Andrew H.

Minnesota is the best place in the WORLD to get a burger. There I said it, I really said it but after traveling the States and 5 other continents I have now come to realize this amazing feat. And The Nook helps bump Minnesota into this number 1 spot...a lot. Seriously though, they rock. Try any burger on the menu and prepare to be blown away by juicy beef goodness. The Big Bite is my personal favorite and although a whole roast from my ma' couldn't fill me up, this did. It really is that much grub. As far as juicy's go, this place rocks as well. Their original may be a little undersized if you ask after a couple of their great tap beers but it really is delicious and their other varieties beat out the competition in this great burger State. The rest of these reviews can tell you all about the other many great specials, foods, and other atmospheric things that will bring you to love this joint like so many of us do but for my sake, for me, I had a mission and The Nook accomplished it. This North Star state knows how to cook up the beef, better than anywhere I have tried thus far and The Nook is at the top of the list making Minnesota so great at burgers. Enjoy, just enjoy.
(5)
Dave H.

Great burger , great service. We has 'Peter' Best server I've had in a while. Got everything we needed but was never annoying. He's a+. Like I said the burgers are the best!!!! I'd have given 5 stars but the fries ain't so great. This place is one of the best spots in town
(4)
Emma C.

Simply one of the best places to go to in the metro area to get an amazing burger. The juicy nookie is not just a burger, but an experience. I fully recommend it for anyone looking for a good MSP experience.
(4)
Matthew O.

I would get the juicy Lucy 5 nights a week if I lived closer! This is a nice small Saint Paul bar and grill.
(5)
Raquelle Z.

Paul mailer, sweet potato fries and root beer were perfect offerings for a Friday after work dinner. The place was crowded but I was able to find a spot at the bar.
(4)
Andrew L.

Good burgers. Fun low key atmosphere. Great service but be ready to wait an hour or two for a table.
(4)
Jay B.

I was told I had to have a Juicy Lucy while I was in town and chose the Nook from suggestions on Yelp local. The burger was amazing! Everything about it was perfect. The root beer on tap was fantastic as well. My only issue with the Nook is the size. It's absurdly small for the amount of customers they have. The first time I went was at about 3pm on a weekday and I had a 30 min wait. But then I came back a second time with a co-worker at about 11pm on a Sunday, and there was a hour and a half wait. There were enough people in line to fill the restaurant another time over.
(3)
Jonathan T.

On a Friday at 6 PM, my girlfriend and I found ourselves speed-walking/ slow jogging against several grandpas and grandmas attempting to get in line for The Nook. After realizing that it was poor taste not to let the elders go first, we waited and let them go first. We noticed that the Nook had a wonderful buzz spilling out from the doors and the smell of food had me salivating. I got anxious thinking about stabbing the Juicy Nookie (the Nook's spin on the Jucy Lucy) with my teeth. It was like a food porn role play in my mind. My belly was grumbling. I needed food. Thankfully, my belly would wait a shorter amount of time to eat since my girlfriend figured out that small parties (three or less) could sit at the bar instead of waiting for 45 minutes to an hour. Yes! It had to be fate, because by sitting at the bar, I had the opportunity to ask the bartender what to get. He validated what I read on Yelp by saying "bro, just get the Jucy Nookie with the sweet potato fries man. Trust me." Damn, he was so right, because, the JUCY NOOKIE AND THE SWEET POTATO FRIES WERE OFF-THE-HOOK! Oh my goodness, during the first three bites, my belly and taste-buds sang "hallelujah." It was better than the first time I beat Street Fighter II on seven stars (maximum) or when I asked the girl I loved to prom and she said "yes." I'm pretty sure someone could have stolen my cell phone or insulted my mother right in front of me, and I would have continued eating the sweet potato fries. Is the Jucy Nookie as good as Matt's Bar? I don't know, because that's sacrilegious. Matt's Bar is the delicious originator, but the Juicy Nookie has its own style. Nonetheless, they are both delicious. Go eat the Jucy Nookie and the sweet potato fries, asap.
(5)
Good E.

i came here based on guy's praise on DDD i got the juicy lucy and fries the burger was a bit on the small side but ok i didnt like the fries , they were stiff and not very good and a lemonade which was fine nothing to rave about but i am glad i tried this minnesota burger
(3)
Ben J.

The Nook may not always have the best service and the wait times can be pretty crazy, but the food is worth it. This isn't about a fine dining experience. It's about greasy, meaty, delicious burgers and that's an amazing thing.
(5)
Clayton K.

A st.paul establishment in my eyes. If you have not been, leave your house now and go there. Seriously don't walk run here to me it's that good. Cool atmosphere, there's a bowling alley underneath the resturant!!! The food is always good the service is usually very good. Just go there get anything but I do recommend you get a stuffed burger. They are big and mean and will fill you up but don't be intimated by the burger just devour it. You will not be disappointed by this place.
(5)
Greg B.

service good. juicy nookie was very blah, no seasoning, like eating ground beef which was days old ....no flavor. Cheese was melted but burger all in all not memorable..........
(2)
Tammi W.

Friendly service, awesome food & large portions to share. I love the cozy atmosphere. It's one of my go-to burger spots.
(5)
Sarah S.

As a Minnesota transplant, I was excited to have access to the Juicy/Jucy Lucy as often as I wanted. The more popular locations offering the MN favorite have become boring. The Nook has brought me back and I am so glad to be back. Service and location were great! We started off with an order of leprechaun legs, which are deep fried green beans. Doesn't sounds like your thing? Well it is. I had the Spanish Fly, which is a 50/50 chorizo and beef burger FILLED with queso cheese. The first bite caused an eye-widening-roll-back-in-your-head reaction. I am picky about the meat seasoning and I had nothing to complain about. I can take or leave fries and there was nothing left in my basket at the end of this meal. My only tip would be to eat any cheese filled burger quickly. I am a slower eater and by the last third of the burger the cheese was not as hot and melty as when I started.
(5)
Maggie H.

I've been here twice so far. It's a fun, small place. The food for me is so-so. The fish and chips were nothing spectacular and the veggie burger is in no way worth your money. I know The Nook is known for their burgers so I thought they would at least have a decent, edible veggie burger but I was mistaken.
(2)
Angie K.

BEST BURGER. I rarely get over to the nook, because it is always SO packed, but when I do, it is well worth the wait. If I have friend in town that I want to share the experience with, we often make reservations at Shamrock's. Same grub, bigger seating area, AND you can make reservations!
(5)
Taylor H.

Burgers were good but not ground-breaking. Service was absent-minded.
(3)
Renee O.

Went there 2011 absolutely best triple B burger I've ever had couldn't wait to go back Wish I never did it spoiled the memory. Went this year 2015 now that we moved back to MN Sent to the basement dungeon dirty and old The triple B was bad bad bad the sauce was yucky the burger was old tasting like pre made and slightly burnt Never brought our frys the service was even worse took forever super crowded very tight sandwiched in feeling !! This place can no longer hold up to Guys expectation I know I will not be back biggest disappointment ever the place is no longer on my list Too bad it won't let me give "0" stars 5 yuks!
(1)
Ramen N.

Great burgers. Great bacon coated cheese curds! We were definately not sorry for making the trip out of our way to the Nook.
(5)
Natasia M.

I'm a fries girl. I love thick, ever so-slightly browned, sea salted perfection hand cut fries where you can just taste the potato and the skin but still soak up the grease of a tasty fry. And there is something about the green checkered basket that brings out the old fashion in me. Pouring out that ketchup into that basket and dunking away never felt so good! YUM! Just the right amount of everything! But honestly. The Burger. I don't need to stray from the classic when it is THAT GOOD. Hands down. I got the Juicie Nookie Burger. The bun temperature, toasted moistness. The toppings slopped on. One of my first experiences with the oozing cheese. Salvation as we speak! It is my favorite place to get my burger in the Twin Cities....although I have an extremely close second now and I probably need to have a St Paul Burger dual now (The Blue Door.) The place had character. (It burnt down. I cried. My Burger Club had a moment of silence in honor.. it was official on our facebook group.) It was cute as all get out. So charming. Stuff all over the walls telling stories and depicting life. Small little kitchen. You feel right in the action, the staff whizzing right by so that may not be for you. Old school booths and chairs. They write your name on a chalkboard for you to wait, And yes.. the wait can be long. Expect it.. it's a given. Minneapolis loves their burgers. And it's the BEST burger and fries in TOWN. I'm a big Nook fan :)
(5)
JW S.

Worth any wait, this is truly one of the great burgers in America and love the vibe inside. I can't wait to get back!
(5)
Jim S.

Great burger...good beef taste. Fries are just ok. I went on a Thursday (burger,fries,malt special). Malt didn't seem to have malt. Tasted more like a Frosty from that burger chain. The burger made up for the fries and malt.
(4)
Jerry M.

Matt Birk burger with smoked cheddar cheese cooked rare. YUM!!!!
(5)
Jon S.

All I want to know is: HOW GREAT DOES A BURGER HAVE TO BE BEFORE YOU SAINT PAULITE'S GIVE IT A 5 STAR RATING? This place is unbelievable! The only gripe I could possibly have is that it is always full. If it is, you can always go down the road to their sister restaurant, Shamrock's, but you have to wait if possible. The Nook is the best burger I've ever eaten, hands down. If you haven't been there, what are you waiting for?
(5)
Joshua B.

I've had Matt's and 5-8, but my expected holy grail was going to be the Juicy Nookie. After seeing it on Triple-D, I was expecting the Lucy killer. After finally making the pilgrimage *all the way* to St. Paul, I finally bit into what was supposed to be perfection, and...!?!?... Meh. There was pretty much no flavor. Even the grilled onions were difficult to find. Onion rings were good, my friend's fries were closer to the not good category. Tough and chewy when they actually looked like they were cooked perfectly. So sad. I feel let down.
(3)
Tony B.

I live and work in Minneapolis and thus rarely go across the river unless lured by something worthwhile, such as winning combinations of cheese, carbohydrates and alcohol. The Nook provided such an impetus, especially being the fourth out of four venues I needed to visit to complete my personal, made-up "Lucy Slam" (the other three being Matt's Bar, 5-8 Club and Vincent's). How does the Juicy Nookie compare? To food, generally, it is incredible. To the other cheese-in-the-beef burgers offered by the Twin Cities, I have to say it is fourth place. The cheese was a bit too overwhelming and runny. The cheese was not "one" with the burger, and it seemed a bit like forcing the issue. It was messier than other Lucy's I've had. But, again, it's probably unfair to stack it up against the perfection of Matt's and 5-8. It's like finding 19 dollars in your pocket instead of 20. And, anyway, I didn't mind dipping my fries inside the burger cheese so much. Notwithstanding the above, The Nook wins big on beer, appetizers, service and atmosphere. The mini corn dogs and sweet potato fries are outstanding, especially when coupled with a pitcher of Summit Oktoberfest. Our waitress was awesome.
(4)
Katherine Z.

If I lived within walking distance of The Nook my waistline would be in serious trouble. I LOVE The Nook. Love. I don't think there's anything I don't love about it. Get your name on the whiteboard if there's a wait. Order a beer. Maybe even order some cheese curds if there's a super long wait. Admittedly, the only burger I've ever eaten there is the Juicy Nookie. I can't get off it! I need it. This is the place I take all my out-of-town friends (immediately after picking them up from the airport) and there has not been a single person who doesn't love it. And really, unless you suck, you will love this place too.
(5)
Franz V.

Great Jucy Lucy! Keep it up guys!
(5)
Jordan H.

Classic Twin cities neighborhood bar. I haven't been back to this place since they had the fire there, but I'm sure that the owners have tried to recreate the place as best as possible. This is one of the few bars that claims to have the TC best Juicy Lucy, I am not one to judge but they do have a fantastic Juicy Lucy. This is very much a local place often frequented by Cretin HS kids and college students from near by. There is pretty limited seating in this place and you will often have to wait for a table but it is well worth it. Very casual atmosphere, and pretty cozy due to lack of space but everyone always seems pretty friendly so usually don't mind.
(4)
Alex I.

I love their burgers. A few years ago there was some article about the 10 best burgers in the twin cities. I visited each one, but in my opinion none of them compare with The Nook. We also love going to shamrocks, their other location. It's a little bigger and a little less busy, but still just as delicious. I love the Juicy Nookie burger, it is the best.
(5)
Matt M.

I really enjoy scouting out new diners and dive bars with great food and thanks to YELP we discovered Nook in St. Paul this summer when we were visiting family. I LOVE this place! The wait staff was super friendly and welcoming. The sport's bar ambiance isn't a big draw for me, but the food sure is! Next time we visit our family I want to drive from the airport directly to Nook for lunch for their Bourbon Bacon Chicken Sandwich. It is so amazingly good and though I'm sure their other sandwiches and burgers are great too, I can't imagine going there and not having this sandwich. Orgasm on a plate! Period. End of story. Just try it and you'll know why I'm raving about this absolutely taste bud pleasing sandwich. We ate at Nook half way through our trip and I wanted to go back everyday for lunch just for this sandwich ... it was that good. Not to totally ignore their other offerings, my partner in crime had the very tasty Pork Tenderloin Sandwich. He said it was the best Pork sandwich he had ever eaten and he scarfed it down in about 3 minutes flat. I had the incredible sweet potato fries with my sandwich for and extra $1.50 while Ron had the regular fries. The regular fries were everything they should be ... very tasty indeed, but the sweet potato fries were incomparable and we devoured them between bites of our sandwiches. What a bargain! Food this good at such reasonable prices just can't be beat! Leave Nook with a full and very happy tummy without leaving a dent in your wallet. Having eaten at Nook only once, I can't pretend to be an expert, but I will bee line it back here in a heart beat the next time we visit Minnesota! Hey owners of Nook, anytime you want to venture west and open a Nook in San Francisco you will be greeted with open arms and endless adoration ... and probably a hug and kiss of gratitude too!
(5)
Steve Japan 4.

Best Juicy Lucy burger in the state / country. Matt's bar is great, and if you're in town long enough to have both, you should, but The Nook has the best burger bar none. That said, the Homer Simpson Burger (Bacon / Cheddar / Doughnut for a bun) might be my new favorite.
(5)
ryan w. v.

Okay, so I knew I was making a special trip up to the twin cities for the first time and decided to partake in finding some dive restaurants that were recommended by Guy Fiery on the Food network. Once I found them I consulted with Yelp.com to back up Guy's recommendation... the more recommendations the better. I'm not sure when he visited the Nook, but I'm glad he did and I'm glad I decided to visit too. Everyone's opinion listed below is fairly correct. Do yourself a favor and take the time to visit this dive bar for their awesome juicy burger. It's quality. FYI - the Nook doesn't complicate things by adding what some might consider to be necessary burger toppings like lettuce, tomato, bacon etc. (you can, however, order onions - raw or sautÃ©ed) to the juicy burger. But, if you are one of those people (like I am) you won't miss the toppings. Some people have said the fries at this establishment are too greasy, but that wasn't the case when I was there. I thought they were perfect. Visit the Nook. They can make a mean burger and you'll enjoy the atmosphere. It's one of those places with old photos nailed to the wall of celebrities, friends, family and the Pope!
(5)
Jeffrey D.

Can't beat this place for a great burger in and around the twin cities. Burned down a few years back, but they've reopened in style. Great beers on tap (including tap rootbeer), tasty fresh cut fries, but people go there, unmistakably, for the burgers. My favorite, a stuffed burger, is the Paul Molitor Burger--a Jucy Lucy (no, not a Matt's original) packed with pepper jack cheese. Get it with fried onions, skip the ketchup and mustard, and chow down. Slowly now, it's hot. (I like to bite a small hole and dip my fries into the center of that cheesy ground beef pocket of deliciousness.)
(5)
Dan G.

The Juicy Nookie was the best burger i've ever had! Wait staff was friendly and accomodating (would let me add bacon to the burger)--fantastic. I also tried Matt's--bad service, inferior burger, no add-ons (their's is the Jucy Lucy), but also no plates, no silverware, no good. Get thee to The Nook!
(5)
Joe M.

Best burgers around
(5)
Marcia S.

Stopped here for lunch because I was in the neighborhood and wanted to try the Juicy Nooky (cheese stuffed burger) everyone has been raving about. Gotta tell ya, it didn't rock my boat. I am more enamored with the burgers at Five Guys because their burgers have a boat load more flavor and the sea of fries they serve (I like the cajun) are enough to share with a small village. I also didn't care for the dark, hole-n-the-wall vibe The Nook served up in the middle of the day. Again, I'll take the bright lights, colors and loud classic rock music they pump out at Five Guys any day.
(3)
Michael K.

I lucked out on my visit and was able to immediately grab a spot at the end of the bar, so, no wait for me. This place was very crowded, even on a Thursday. Service was super friendly and fasat. I had to try to Juicy Nookie on my fist visit and the burger did not disappoint. Great amount of cheese inside so you did not run out half way through eating. The sweet potato fries were just OK. They look like your standard frozen crinkle cut fires and are dusted with sugar/cinnamon which makes them a little over sweet for me. I will be back here or their sister location for the Paul Molitor.
(4)
Nancy G.

Love this place. Even though I now live in Chicago. I still go every time I visit St Paul. I was there last week and it was just as amazing as always. The lodge burger is the way to go!!
(5)
James W.

Get a Juicy Lucy...I mean you have to right? I wasn't blown away by it (got the Paul Molitor) but it was good. We have these cheese stuffed burgers back East too so I am not sure what the fuss is about though I do enjoy them. One weird thing was my friend got another Lucy that had bacon and beef on top of it and it cost .25 less?? The cole slaw on the side was top notch and I highly recommend getting it. I think this place is a must stop though because the staff is great and the atmosphere is unreal. Just go downstairs and you will see what I mean.
(4)
Kristina S.

I love a great burger and their Juicy Nookie Burger really hits the spot, I noramlly can't finish it all. The cheese is melted inside and it's served medium only- which works because that's how I order it anyway. :) This is a place a friend and I like to go to enjoy a great burger and fries. While you will probably be waiting in a cramped space the food, beer, atmosphere and service more than make up for it all. It's fun to go watch part of a game or to have some QT with a small group..
(4)
Justin D.

The place is smaller than I had thought, so larger parties would be a problem. I went here to try the juicy nookie, it was great. We tried some of the wings and they weren't so good. The flavors were okay, but nothing special we thought. I'd say it's a great place to grab a decent burger. I'd say my review is highly based on my experience with the juicy nookie, had I ordered something else, might just be another burger joint. They do have a very in-depth menu though....
(4)
Dee T.

I FINALLY MADE IT TO THE NOOK! I've kept getting derailed and defaulting to Shamrocks, but we finally went. And...I'm totally fine with heading back to Shamrocks from here on out ;) Of course, I could just be feeling self-conscious because I was the only one at the bar and probably in the whole restaurant who didn't order a Lucy. I swear, the waitress set my cod sandwich down and the other 8 peeps at the bar swiveled their necks to ogle me like I suddenly revealed that I was a Vulcan. No, that would be sometimes vegetarian... The food is still totally rock solid. The fries are yummers and the beers are crisp and smooth. Like everyone else has mentioned, the wait is ridiculous. Since I don't go for the Juicy Nookies then there's no reason for me to put up with the wait.
(3)
Lori R.

Great neighborhood feel with decent selection of beer on tap, great burgers and LOVE the leprachaun legs (fried green beans). It is a neat St. Paul area across the street from Twin's pitcher, Joe Mauer's HS...
(5)
Jasmine C.

Apparently you can't call them Juicy Lucys if you get them from the nook but if a Juicy Lucy is a cheese stuffed burger... then this is where Juicy Lucy lives! We had the pleasure of visiting the Twin Cities from Los Angeles where you can get a burger every half block and we were on the hunt for the awesome JL. Thank goodness we did some research and had the Nook on our list. This was the best JL we had on our trip and still crave the meaty goodness. We really enjoyed the options of stuffings, the ambience, and service. We sat at the bar and could watch our JLs being cooked to the right of us. We can't wait to come back and grub on the sweet sweet murder that is the Nooks burger! The place is narrow and seating is tight but we were comfortable and felt at home at the bar.
(5)
John B.

I would have given this place three stars for the burger and the wait, but both of our appetizers were comped for the wait and the bartender was nice and attentive. Additionally, the bowling alley in the basement provider a unique ambiance. The cheese curds were pretty tasty.
(4)
Adam W.

The other reviewers hit both sides of the burger question. Personally, I find the Juicy Lucy here just as good as the Gold Standard served at Matt's Bar over on Cedar in Minneapolis. I also find the fries to be quite good in a greasy but fun way (And with respect to Dan P's review, Mickey's fries--and his burgers--were always greasy, but in a good way, with love, same as now.) The purpose of my review is to turn you on to the fantastic BLT that is served at the nook. This BLT meets with my approval because they do not stint the bacon. You will get your fair share of bacon with your lettuce and tomato, and not gobs of mayo which is a plus. Add this fine BLT to an order of fries and mirth ensues. Three stars instead of four because for reasons that are never clear, it seems to take forever to get your food. When it comes you will be pleased, but I am not patient by nature and we're not talking haute cuisine for bog's sake. So go (for lunch, and early if you want to beat the crowds) and have a fine BLT and some of those lovely, greasy fries and you will be pleased.
(3)
Todd J.

The burgers were good and the price was reasonable, what more can be said. The downside if I had to name one was the lack of seats. The place was small, so plan on wait time if you are dropping in at busy times of the day.
(4)
Liu M.

Had a very nice time at The Nook last summer (August 2011). I heard about the place on the Food Network and just had to try it on my first trip to Minn/St. Paul. The Juicy Nookie is that I ordered. Perhaps because it was built up in my mind so much, I wasn't mind-blowing. I remember it as being just a very tasty burger. I went for the novelty, but probably won't go again the next time I visit the area. I would recommend it to others, though.
(4)
Shawn G.

Always looking for the best Juicy Lucy led myself and my girlfriend to try out Nook on a gorgeous Saturday. Having heard about the bar, the fire and the rebuilding afterwards we were excited to see if Nook came out of the ashes greater than we had heard before. We walked in and definitely noticed it wasn't a dive bar anymore...which isn't a bad thing. Service right off the bat was very friendly. Ordered the Nookie (their own take on the famous Juicy Lucy). Very, very good. Great melted cheese- not a block of unmelted cheese - in the middle. Sauteed onions and pickles on top. Enjoyed every minute eating it. Best thing is that I didn't feel that sick feeling when you're too full after I finished my meal. Perfect portion sizes with the fries. But...there's always a but... Matt's Bar still takes the cake for the best Jucy Lucy. The only thing they had on Nook was their bun and onions. But if I am in the area in the future, I wouldn't think twice about going here again. Top Notch.
(4)
Trenton M.

After a disappointing trip to Matt's Bar, a co-worker and I went to The Nook hoping to experience a better Juicy Lucy (Nookie if you will). All I can say is WOW! Everything about The Nook is better than Matt's Bar. The quality of the burger, the fries, the cheese, the taste, the service... Everything was just better. There was a bit of a wait, but that's to be expected since it was around 7pm. If you're looking for a good burger, give The Nook a try. You won't be disappointed.
(5)
morgan c.

For me, at the moment, the best burger in the twin cities. Makes it hard for me to want to give up meat.
(5)
Paul S.

I had heard about this place and didn't want to believe the hype. I mean, it's only a stupid hamburger, right? Well, I was NOT disappointed! Excellent bacon, cheese coleslaw burger! Great bun. And the sweet fries were really tasty, with their cinnamon spice. And the service was really friendly. Tip: If it's too busy upstairs, go down to the bowling alley and order from the bar. Same food.
(5)
Erin S.

Worth the wait every time. For a burger place known for it's Lucys, I can't order anything accept the Burbon bacon chicken sandwich. Ah-mazing.
(5)
Jon G.

I love this place and I always take family that are in town to this spot for a great burger.
(5)
Ivan L.

I always feel a little food-baby sick after I leave this place because I eat way too much greasy food, but it's good going down! The one "negative" I have is that I've always had to wait to get a table since it's so crowded and there really isn't a good place to wait. The fried green beans are great. And the Tuesdays $1.50 cheeseburgers are the right price and the right size for most late night appetites. Fun place!
(4)
Thomas R.

Tasty burgers, but the salt hangover is not worth it. Dollar burgers on Mondays are a definite budget saver. Nice little family Saint Paul joint. Seating is limited. Good for a first date or to watch the game with one friend.
(3)
Susie S.

Really great food here. Jucy Lucy was awesome and the super hot wings are tasty too!
(4)
Jeffrey V.

My plans for Manny's fell through, so I decided to take a trip to the Nook (as seen on "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives"). I'm a beef/burger lover, so I had to experience the Juicy Nookie and fries. Got there on a Wednesday, 8:30pm and lucked out to get a seat at the end of the bar, right next to the kitchen! It was fascinating to watch the guys at the grill, making the burgers fresh and piling on the toppings. It took about 2 Summit Ales before my food came out, not too bad. There's something about the potato fries - really fresh and tasty. My first bite into the Nookie was heaven! The cheese was melty... I had to grab a napkin after each bite! The guys and gals at the Nook are attentive and friendly. They seem to enjoy being there. I'll be sure to eat at the Nook on my next visit!
(5)
Mark S.

Hmmm. this is one place that, I think, is a little emperor's new clothes-ish. I mean, it is pretty cool inside, but the burgers were very ordinary state fair venue. I was thinking big thick juicy burger with cheese in it, but really what you get is two almost pre-manufactured burgers sealed together around the edges with cheese inside. It was o.k., but nothing really to write home about, or wait in line for.
(3)
Shay T.

That damned Guy Fieri is at the very top of my s--- list for outing the Nook on his Food Network show last year. This was one of my favorite places -- really, the best burger place I've possibly ever been to, whatwith the to-die-for burgers and juicy nookies and fresh fries and canned beer and old mounted TVs and kids running around and Space Invaders game ... The past three times I've attempted to eat there, the line has been out the door and the wait list over the half hour mark. I suppose it makes me want the place all the more (I love how all these reviews are filled with sexual metaphors, by the way) knowing that I'll never get back into it. Maybe we could start a letter-writing campaign to pull the episode out of the "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives" rotation?
(4)
dave b.

I love the nook!.It's an institution here in saint paul.They have the juciest,messiest burgers,i have ever tasted.The hand-cut french fries,are good too!.The place has a very relaxing,neighborhood vibe going on.They have a pretty decent menu,and serve more than just burgers&juicy lucies.Plenty of fine beers on tap,to wet your whistle.This place seems to fill up fast,especially on weekends.parking,is on street,which kinda sucks,but the nook,is located in a residential area,so that is the way it is.waitstaff,are friendly and knowledgeable.prices are moderate.the food coming out of the postage-stamp size kitchen,can be slow,especially at busy times of the day.I liken the nook,to "cheers"....a place where everybody knows your name.(and they are always glad you came)!.
(4)
Ryan B.

Easily one of the, if not THE best burgers in the Twin Cities. Customer for life.
(5)
Erik U.

I had been doing some research on what to eat that personifies the twin cities. I thought it might be a gravy on gravy sandwich, but I found out, it's really about this burger...with the cheese....on the inside. I verified 3 locations for my possible attack and decided the Nook the was the spot. I sat at the bar, tried a few good locals beers and consumed a Juicy Nookie. I can liken it to an in and out burger but this is something different, something delicious. you have to try it. The place itself is a nice joint too, i'd like to get a beer there again and kick it. Love it!
(5)
Luke S.

I saw this place on Diners Drive ins and Dives. I like to sample the local restaurants that are on that show and this one definitely did not disappoint me. The Juicy Nookie was amazing, and it was a cute little bar, I can see myself coming back again many times.
(5)
Lauren H.

It can't get any better than this! Although I love Matt's, the Nook wins overall because of their awesome fries! They soak them in a vinegar mixture and fry them until deep brown, and they are simply delicious! I can't recommend anything on the menu other than the juicy nookie, but trust me, you really don't need anything else. If some of the cheese drips out, don't worry, just let it drip over your fries, and voila free cheese fries! If you are there around lunch or dinner time be prepared to wait, but know that the wait is well worthwhile!
(5)
Heather R.

My husband and I watch way to much Food Network and saw this place on Guy's Dinner, Dive In's, and Drives. My husband loves his burgers and one of his requests while on our trip to Minnesota was to eat at this place. So we took my parents and the two of us and headed over to St. Paul and found it! I had to have the Juicy Nookie! It was so yummy...yes, it was a sloppy mess, but well worth it! The I had to steal a few of my hubby's onion rings and they were piping hot and good! It definitely is a hole in the wall, but I'm pretty sure the next time we are back in MN we will make a point to come back! Gee my mouth is watering for one of those burgers! They were delish!
(4)
Rochelle N.

YES! Thank you Juicy Nookie Burger! You're oozily deliciousness alone is enough to get me back to Minnesota. I can't believe I'd never thought to put cheese in the middle of the burger patty so that it melts on the inside and oozes out. I heart beef. I heart cheese. What's not to like?
(5)
Todd A.

Best burgers in Minnesota! Try the juicy bookie.
(5)
Susan H.

I had the pleasure of trying the Nook for the first time and I purely enjoyed my whole experience and the food. I had the triple B- (aka) Bourbon Bacon Burger and it although it was on the sweet side because of the brown sugar, it was very juicy and finger-lickin good. I gave it 4 stars because I didn't expect it to be as sweet as it was but the burger itself was done right. The ambiance was laid back and casual and also kid friendly. Although it was packed on a random Tuesday evening it's plain to see that the Nook really knows how to perfect a burger. It's also a small joint with a max capacity of 62 people and a bit hidden but definitely a whole lot of traffic. They also had a wide range of domestic and imported beer and I was surprised to see they carried a Jamaican beer called red stripe! Overall, I definitely would come back again only this time I'm not going for appetizers because I couldn't finish my burger.
(4)
Dara T.

If you're dieting, this is not the place for you. The burgers here scream thousands of calories, but hits the spot for your burger craving. A friend suggested this place over all the other burger joints in the twin cities, so I had to try it. Seemed like almost all the burgers here are stuffed with everything and anything. I tried their version of the philly cheese burger, which was delicious with a fulfilling side of onion rings. Our group of six also ordered their pitcher of wings, "damn spicy" (not spicy enough for me, but the spice was close enough to the wild sauce at BW3--not the blazin'). I wanted to give Nook 5 stars, but I will say that I had to deduct one because of the wait time. We did have a larger party (6), but we waited about 25-30 minutes for a table, on a Tuesday. The place was packed, but the capacity is about 65 people or so. Definitely need to expand the joint. Our waitress was definitely very friendly. So all in all, a great experience, good atmosphere, great food, and happy belly. :)
(4)
P X.

Great place to go for a burger and beer....even better if not on a Friday or Saturday night! The service is good regardless, but come early if you want to sit in a comfortable spot and avoid waiting in long lines. A classic spot for an easy meal with great friends.
(4)
Jen B.

The bottom line is that the Nookie Lucy is a solid burger. But, it's not as good as Matt's and the wait is ridiculous. Go anytime around the dinner hour and expect a half hour wait - if you're lucky. Maybe I'm just being crabby, but this place is a BAR. And a dive at that. Add to this the fact that there is no waiting area. I stood over a family of three for basically their entire meal, which was awkward for all involved. Anyway, the routine is, you walk up to the bar and put your name on the list. The bartender puts your name on a dry erase board behind the bar, so you can see how close you are to the top and decide how long you are willing to wait. There were six tables ahead of us, and it took 35 minutes to get sat. If this is acceptable to you, by all means, wait. Honestly, I'm not willing to wait that long at even the classiest joint, so I was definitely contemplating leaving to find the nearest fast food. I'm glad the BF talked me into staying. Funnily enough, he liked his burger less than I liked mine. The patty comes out more done than Matt's, and a little crispy around the edges. I liked it but it didn't do it for me the way Matt's does. I am at least glad I had a chance to make the comparison. The fries and cheese curds are pretty good. But the server took our curds to another table, then told us she forgot about ours. Whatever, the new batch came out pretty fast. The server also walked past our burgers sitting under the heat lamps a few times before bringing them out. Nothing major, but couple this with the fact that this place is in St. Paul and that I like Matt's a bit better, and it equals me not coming here again. I reiterate that there is nothing wrong with the Nook - it's just not convenient enough for me. If it was in my neighborhood, I'd probably make it a staple.
(3)
satchel b. m.

great version of the juicy lucy...think it's called the nookie. classic st. paul spot.
(5)
E J.

I like the nook. I just wish they could step up the service a bit. I'm not as crazy for their fries as a lot of folks are.
(4)
Chris H.

This is for sure one of the best burgers in town. I love the juicy nookie/grilled onions and fries so much. While I normally don't venture to St. Paul, this is one exception!! It's very small so I avoid lunch/dinner rush as people will stand at your table and wait for it to open up. Additionally, they serve Heggies pizza which is effin awesome!!
(5)
SHARIE J.

I would have gone for 5 stars except for the wait for seating.....do you suppose it's because it's so good???? Yes, the Juicy Lucy's are to die for but those sweet potato fries are pure heaven. Never had them so good.....lightly dusted with cinnamon, crispy and never greasy.....what every sweet potato is born to be.
(4)
Dan P.

This joint has more history than a glacier! Currently, they serve an average burger on the "too large" size. The fries are extremely greasy. Now that it's an apparently "hip" place, it's hard to get a seat at all. Our last visit, the food took forever to come. This has NOT historically been the case. Serve us poorly, and we'll not only walk out, we'll not return. The burgers currently served at this establishment are but extremely "minor league" (and too big) next to what has been historically served at this 3.2 Bar. I know this as I grew up next door to the original owner, (Who lived in a nice home about 1,000 ft. From the present/original location.) Wally Rikow (Wally's Nook) It had a few subsequent owners, then Mickey Brausen bought it in the 70's. She, like Wally, Irv and Jack, served up a burger you would walk over hot molten glass to partake in. Mickey operated this place with her Son Bill, for many, many years. The owners prior to current, pair I believe, split ways, and sold off the place after lengthy court issues I'm sure. The current burger is comparitively lame. Ask anyone who used to frequent the nook in the old days; they'll tell you in a heart beat, you won't find a better burger anywhere, and no it's NOT anywhere near the same burger today by a stretch. The old Nook, would get 6 out of 5 stars! Currently, not a Bad burger, but not exactly "eventful" either. An Average good burger. No more. Greasy fries. It's now also VERY loud in there. Years ago, blue collar guys would frequent the place, and it was decidedly a quieter place...a nice kind of place. That has changed. They closed in the grill, that still has the original bar rail there, and put that space to productive use. It's a way different look and feel than the old Nook. Not tragic, if ya got a couple hours to eat. Mickey used to throw some great holiday parties at the Nook. It was a true Neighborhood bar. Kids from Cretin would come in for sacks of these golden burgers. Neighbors would stop by and play Cribbage with Mickey or some of the other friends. The customers all pretty much knew each other. For years there was never a Juke Box. Great place. Wish it was more as it was, but time changes everything eh?
(2)
jim I.

Best burger I have ever had. Nice selection of local beers on tap. I strongly recommend this place for all.
(5)
Michael N.

came here after a round at highland national golf course. they have a 2 for 1 beer deal for golfers and i tried the paul molitor - pepper jack cheese stuffed burger with fries. as i expected, it was excellent. the cheese was oozing hot, dripping out of the burger. the bar itself is rather small but cozy. plenty of tv's and is located in a good neighborhood. definitely be back and would also like to try shamrock's one of these days.
(4)
Jennifer W.

Although I live in Boston now, every single time I come home, the first place I head is to the Nook for a Juicy Nookie. They are the best burgers you will find anywhere! AMAZING!
(5)
J B.

Seriously... Every time I go to this place, I end up having an orgasmic experience at the table. That's right, people. I don't want till I get home. I just do 'er up right there. That first bite into my precious, sweet, Juicy Nookie Lucy with a side of mayo and two strips of bacon with ketchup on the bottom bun has me just QUIVERING every time. Sometimes it gets a little too intense so I switch off for a sip of my Newcastle or a bite of fry that I have just used to sop up some of the heavenly cheese oozing from the meat onto my sweet little fingers... I force people to come with me to this place to experience the magic. Usually they don't believe me. "No one has better Juicys than the 5-8/Matt's/someotherplacethatisnotNook." But then they bite in... and all else is forgotten. Really, people. Isn't that what a real burger should be like? If this place ever leaves, I will be but an empty shell of a woman, ruined for all other burger establishments.
(5)
b g.

#1 burger in the Twin Cities at this hole in the wall. I love the juicy nookie with grill onions. The fries are also muy bueno! Also, they have Hedgies Pizzas which are freakin' amazing. Only complaints are that it sometimes take forever to get your food and when it's busy, once you finally have a table, people (waiting for a table) will stand over yours and !#%^! The burgers are worth it, however! A TC MUST!
(5)
Dan C.

Welp, in my recent Minnesota adventures, I was on a journey of real midwest amazing food. And I found it here. I brought my staff here for our Christmas party. We called ahead to let them know we'd have a bigger group and they were very cool about it. Although they don't have a huge establishment, they were ready for us with a long table and place settings upon arrival. The Juicy Nookie (St. Paul's Juicy Lucy) was the great and the cheese curds were by far the best I had in the cities. Since the company was paying, the ordering was simple enough (bring us what we want and keep it full). The team had a blast and the service and food was great. If you want a Juicy something or other and don't want to wait in Matt's or 5-8's lines, this spot is worth the drive.
(3)
Tim F.

Ahh to write a review destined for oblivion (#84!). Good Juicy Lucy, but excellent fries and regular burgers. Sad that a place with such delightful blue collar ambience has become a sought after destination with long wait times.
(4)
Guillermo H.

The Nook has probably the best burgers in Saint Paul. They are fall apart tasty and the fries are just as good. Appetizers are also great (Cheese Curds, fried Green Beans, etc.). My only issue with the Nook is that occaisionally the cooking quality can be lacking (I.E. overcooked burger). Needless to say, when they are on their game, the Nook is a great place for a burger.
(4)
Jess R.

wow...wonderful experience and great food. Went here on a date and it was a fun atmosphere. Our waitress was attentive, yet not overbearing. Got the blue cheese/mushroom burger...and started inhaling it immediately, i had to force myself to put it down between bites, which was no easy task. Why the missing star...the fries...while very tasty, were overkill on the grease. I only ate the top layer as the bottom were a bit too soggy.
(4)
TJ M.

Haven't been back since the fire and rebuild, but used to frequent this wonderful joint every business trip to the Twin Cities. Great attentive service. The Paul Molitor (pepper jack melted inside delicious meat on a bakery-fresh bun) is one of my favorite burgers all-time. Excellent fries. Very reasonable prices. Even as a visiting traveler, I've never felt anything but at home at the bar at the Nook.
(5)
Derek B.

Great service, great beer selection and an unbelievably good burger. The meat, cheese and bun are really high quality and it shows once you take your first bite. Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Y P.

A nice mix of great burgers, cold beer and awesome attitude from the barman. Definitely will visit it again.
(5)
Larren M.

This little spot is the bomb for anything burger! I had a friend take me here when we were in town. Wish I lived closer, this would be a regular spot.
(4)
Charlie K.

Best burgers in the Twin Cities and the atmosphere is incredible! If you haven't had the Nook Burger you are missing something truly epic
(5)
Michael C.

Made my first trip to the Nook a little over a week ago. Given my love of cheese burgers, and my recognition that the TC seems to secretly specialize in burgers, it is amazing that it has taken me almost 3 years to finally make it to this place. Upon arriving at the place, it was clear that this place is an institution, it was a little past 1PM on a Saturday and the place was packed. After about a 30 minute wait, we finally got a seat at the bar and ordered our requisite jucy lucys. I got the juicy nookie and my girlfriend got the Paul Molitor. After sampling a number of these in the area, this one definitely is worth the wait and the reputation it has garnered over the years. The cheese did burn my mouth and hands a little bit, which slowed down my progress, but I guess that is all part of the experience right. I am holding off on the 5th star because I didn't feel so great for a few hours after inhaling this wonderful ball of greasy perfection. Sadly, I just can't eat like I used to. Perhaps I shouldn't hold that against them. I mean it ultimately is my fault that my body is weak and can't handle the awesomeness of the juicy nookie.
(4)
R P.

How about the french fries at this place its almost like there using to many potatoes. They also make a good juciy lucy that go's along great with the fries. Nice bar with a bowling alley down stairs. The kids love the childrens meals.
(4)
Robert M.

I traveled from RI to have a shot at the Nookie Lucy. The staff was great, the NL was really good. The onion rings were not to my liking, but I am sure folks that like beer battered onion rings would. The meat in the burger was really good, the bun was great. I don't think from a pure burger perspective it is as good as Matt's Bar, but it was dang close.
(4)
Joe M.

Now its called Casper and Runyon's Nook. The cheese filled Juicy Nooky is awesome. Its only served medium rare. Fresh cut fries. Definitly a local spot. Staff were freindly. I also had a soft serve mini ice cream. Hit the spot.
(4)
Adam B.

Still the best burger and fries basket in town, no matter what you order! My choice is the Casburger...green pepper wheel, cheese and bacon.
(5)
Laura P.

This is the closest I have gotten to a perfect Juicy Lucy. Honestly folks. This place is a win for me for sure. We had to wait 45 minutes to get a table, but there were 7 of us, and the Nook really is as the name claims, it's a little nook in the wall. Super charming though. When we got there, it was pretty packed. There were 3 couples ahead of us that were waiting for a table. It was a hustley bustley little bar and grill, it looks like they are doing pretty good for themselves business-wise. I figure that this is the first indicator of some damn good chow. Then when I looked at the menu and saw that this place had been endorsed by Barbra Streisand, WHOA! Hold the phone! Was I sold! If Babs is down with the Nook, I was down with the Nook. A schnoz like hers should be able to sniff out a good burger. So after our wait, we were seated and waited on by a delightful girl named Nicole. She's great! Great personality, super upbeat and with a good sense of humor. But not too over-the-top to make you feel like she's whoring it out for a good tip. I really really enjoyed her as our waitress. When we were originally sat, I was a little apprehensive about the seating demands of 7 people with the table space we were given. I mean, come on, we're going to be eating some Lucy's tonight, we need some space!!!! I noticed the table next to us was getting ready to pay and leave, so I spoke to Nicole about taking over their table as well, and she made it happen. We had all kind of room to sprawl out, which was asking a lot, I think, because of how busy the restaurant was. But Nicole accommodated to us wonderfully! So out of the 7 of us, 5 of us tried on the Juicy Lucy. Me and another decided to go with the Paul Molitar, which is a Juicy Lucy that has pepper jack cheese in the middle. It was SO GOOD!!!!!!! The cheese was like a molten core of dairy danger when I got it, just how I like it!!! I want that sucker fresh off the grill, no time to sit and cool, I want it immediately. The best way to approach the deadly burger is by chewing a small little vent hole in the side, just big enough to release some of the heat and pressure that is building up inside. Let a little cheese ooze out and wipe it up with your tasty fries. Once the burger has cooled slightly, still proceed with caution. This is an unpredictable scenario you are walking into. Hot cheese could shoot out and burn your lips, chin, mouth and tongue, so be careful! I was completely in heaven as I ate my burger. The pepper jack cheese is the perfect choice for a juicy lucy filling. My friends that had the american cheese filling were satisfied, but after trying a bite of my burger, I think they felt a little disappointed for having not ordered mine :) One of the american cheese orderers had a bad experience. His burger must have fallen apart a little when it was coming off the grill, so all of his cheese leaked out all over the bun and fry basket before he could really experience it. He basically ate a hollow burger. Sad!! He was disappointed. I shared some of my burger with him, but I think he knew what I was up to. . . I was making a Nook peace offering and trying to campaign him over to my side of loving the Nook. But he saw through my transparent attempts to sway his vote. There were 2 other dishes ordered and I believe that each of those diners were pleased with what they received. One person ordered a rueben and someone else ordered jumbo batter fried shrimp. I saw smiles all around the table, except from the guy with the leaky Lucy. The Nook is, to me, the perfect combination between Matt's Bar and the 5-8 Club Tavern. Matt's Bar has a better Juicy Lucy than the 5-8, but the 5-8's restaurant is nicer looking and has better service. Matt's Bar is divey as hell, which appeals to me, but I don't like having to wait in agony for a glass of water as the cheese from my Juicy Lucy scalds my poor mouth. The 5-8 isn't that happening so it loses in that aspect. It's a quaint, quiet place that lack the character of Matt's Bar. But, atleast you get what you need from the waitress when you need it. Their recipe of The Juicy Lucy is lacking though, Matt's Bar kicks their behind. However. . . The Nook has it all. GREAT service (praise Nicole, she's amazing) Awesome atmosphere. The food was delicious!!!!! They kept the beer coming, which was nice. It's kinda cramped in there, so you'll have to wait a bit, but the food makes it worth the wait for sure. I highly recommend checking this place out. It's my number one favorite for Juicy Lucys!!!!!
(5)
Fres T.

i loves me a burger from the nook. extermely busy in the evenings. mildly busy at lunch. go big or go home. nook supreme all the way.
(4)
Michael B.

Hidden little bar with really good food. Great hand made type of fries and pretty good burgers. Good tap beer selection.
(4)
Joseph D.

The best burger I've ever had. Period. Better than Shake Shack and the other NYC burger joints. Better than Spruce and the other SF burger joints. And better than Father's Office and the other LA burger joints. It's the best in the country.
(5)
Adam S.

I've been coming here for years and it seems to only increase in popularity. There was a time when I came in and I only needed to nod "Summit?" Nod Juicy? Nod..... Probably added 10lbs by going there so much. Moved further away but still make the trek, but sadly not as often. But they have best burgers in town. Travel Channel keeps going to Matt's and 5-8, but hte nook is where it is at. Oh, and the owners and staff are great people. One of the owners was tending bar one day and me and two buddies ordered a pitcher, he made sure we were properly warmed up by filling our 3 pint glasses AND our pitcher.....(basically 2 for 1 pitcher). I think all the staff is friendly, even while busy (yes, they may occasionaly be overworked and cant stop to gab).....
(5)
Courtney B.

best juicy lucy in the city can be found here. the spicy honey bbq wings are also excellent.
(5)
Corey C.

Second time around at this place, its awesome!!! This time I got um... the same thing!!! The Supreme with sweet potato fries *drools on keyboard* This is the best burger place in the TC for sure, the supreme is huge so if your a wimp you could split it, or just order the california burger with the special sauce. The service was better this time, and we got in right away, but thats prolly because we showed up at 230 on a Tuesday afternoon and not 6pm on a Friday. But even tho we showed at a "slow" time, they were still pretty darn full, we took the last table and there were only a few places left at the bar. So if you go on a Friday or Saturday, expect to wait a very long time!!! Enjoy
(5)
Jeff A.

This is one of my favorite places to eat in the Twin Cities. In fact, a few years ago, my wife and I made a stop here for wedding pics b/w our ceremony and reception. The owners (in their late 20s) actually let us take pictures from behind the bar and even came out and gave us a case of beer for the wedding party bus! Now to the food... in my opinion, the Nook is home to the best Juicy Lucy in the Twin Cities (Matt's would be my #2). The popular Juicy Nookie (Juicy Lucy with American) is a good option if you're a Nook first-timer, but another diner-favorite is the Paul Molitor (Juicy Lucy with pepperjack). Aside from the Juicy Lucies, the rest of the menu is equally impressive, and the fries have received many accolades for best in the cities. Other highlights: perfect neighborhood bar, creative nightly specials like Cheap Date Night (beer served in champagne glasses), and quintessential dive decor (walls covered with random photos - i.e. Paul Molitor - who went to Cretin-Durham across the street - next to a picture of the pope). If you've never had a Juicy Lucy or are on a quest to find the best of the best in the Twin Cities, please check this place out. I promise... you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Ariel K.

Don't let your loved ones do the food challenge (two juicy lucys with ALL the fries). Its an absurd amount of food that left me dragging James H. back to my car and buying him ginger ale. I don't think he ate for 24 hours after completing this challenge. If you're not stupid enough to attempt the challenge, this place is top notch for Minnesota dive restaurants. The burger was good, as were the fries and I'm not usually a fan of either. They had interesting appetizers I would like to try--some vegetables that had been deep fried or something a long those lines. The atmosphere is really what kills in this place- great service, cooky pictures on the wall etc. Great place to go out, but as everyone has said: be warned of a long wait.
(4)
Evan E.

I used to come here all the time when I lived off of Hamline and Elanor. This place is amazing. By far some of the best burgers in town. The people working there are always very friendly. In fact, come in on your birthday and they usually give you a free Hamm's Beer! I felt obligated to comment about this place because it is a hometown favorite. Clearly some people on here are a over critical because this place is awesome!
(5)
Chris C.

Came here for lunch. The atmosphere was clean and comfortable. the staff was warm and welcoming and the food was amazing. In the top 3 for burgers I've had in the twin cities!
(5)
Cortney G.

When you really want a greasy burger and fries, this is the spot to be. Their food is delish, the servers are great, and you will be full of greasy goodness when you leave. And if you're really looking to experience the Ran-Ham area, head to the belly of the beast (the basement of the building) for a little hole-in-the-wall bowling at Ranham Lanes. You know, one of the old fashioned alleys where you have to actually record your score with a pencil and paper. It is just a bitty of a place, so be prepared to wait for a table when you get there. But trust this: it's worth the wait.
(5)
Becky L.

Try the Triple B (Bourbon Bacon Burger) with the fantastic fries (included) and you'll get hooked.
(4)
Sophie R.

Ok - wrote a review about a week ago or so where I gave the nook 5 stars and I truly did have a 5 star experience. However, went back again and this time had a very mediocre experience. It was around 4:30 on a Saturday evening and this time we decided to try non-stuffed burgers and I got the bacon cheeseburger and my husband got the one with Chorizo and both were very mediocre. Mine was overcooked and over-salted and quite dry and his was the same. The fries were much better this time around so that's a plus. My husband was still hungry after his first burger so he reverted back to the juicy nookie and he said it was good but a little to undercooked and not nearly as good as the first time we came here. So - as is the problem for most restaurants - consistency is tough. We also tried to deep fried green beans this time (leprechaun legs) and they were not that good - heavily breaded and not as good as the ones you can get at Friday's. So - all in all - I still gave a 3 rating this time since our first time was so good and I still think they are good but just need to deal with consistency issues.
(3)
Meredith T.

I love this place. I have had dreams about the Triple B. The food is excellent. The service is excellent. The fries are excellent. The decor is excellent. Whenever I go back to St. Paul, this is the first place I need to go!
(5)
Sam O.

Hands down the best burger in the cities. Not much more to say about it. My friends and I have been going to The Nook for almost 10 years and the burger is consistently great. Sometimes the fries can leave you wanting that's for sure. I have had the Jucy Lucy and it's good but the real reason to go is to attempt the Nookie Supreme. It's burger that once you pick it up you can't put it down. Partly because it is so delicious you won't want to but the main reason is that once you take the first bite the structural integrity of the burger is comprised and your hands are the only thing keeping this beast together. By the time you finish the burger your hands and most of your forearms will have a good amount of cheese and juice on them. It is more than worth the wait.
(5)
Whitney G.

The wait in line is totally worth it. Be patient, these are some of the best burgers in Saint Paul (and MUCH CLEANER THAN MATT'S BAR IN MINNEAPOLIS). The wait staff are very sweet and funny. Helpful hint- if you're just a party of two, just sit at the bar. You don't need a table.
(5)
Rhonda G.

The way I found out about it reopening was it made the front page on the Pioneer Press. I tried to make it in for lunch, left ran errands, got back at 4:30 and found a parking space across the street. Really nice inside. A hostess up front and the kitchen in back. We sat at a roomy table, it happens to be kitty corner to the now very large single bathroom. Not sure if they plan on putting a changing table in (enough tots come here), but there is plenty of room for one. Note to patrons: please close the door after you leave or turn off the light. Viewing the toilet doesn't exactly rouse the appetite. As far as use of space, they didn't go for the long bar effect, they kind of cut it off with a seating area that faces a wall. So I got curious, and behind the wall is a solo table. Almost like a private VIP section, never mind. Onto the food, same tender cheesy cheeseburgers. Medium well is the way to go. Basil had the walleye, and enjoyed it. No all you can eat fish fry here. It's just as well, people don't want to leave as it is.The volume of the background music wasn't too loud, a good thing. No tacky games and machines anymore, the fun is in the eating.They're back in black!
(5)
John W.

The place has old-fashioned fried hamburgers and many variations thereof. I had a mushroom Swiss burger with fried onions. I was in heaven. Fries are only two star events (greasy). DO NOT wear business attire because you will get splattered. White- shirted business types unabashedly tucked napkins into their collars a la Kramer. The place is narrow and crowded. Large people may have problems taking their seats.
(4)
James H.

- 2 pounds of beef - 1 pound of cheese - 1 pound of french fries - Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Special Sauce I ate it. I ate it all. For a t-shirt. I think I still had to pay for it, I don't recall, the food caused massive hemorrhaging in my brain. I really w
(5)
Lev M.

We went to the Nook on a Sunday night, and it was packed; but, by and large, the food was well worth the wait. Three perfect, greasy, melty cheeseburgers; heavenly sweet potato fries, and sweet, tangy malts that measure up to any I've had in the Twin Cities. But one thing, the thing I came there for, was a disappointment. My party got regular cheeseburgers that were fresh, juicy, and hot off the griddle. But me, I was savvy- I read about their Molitor, a pepperjack Juicy Lucy, on Chowhound, so that was what I got. That is, what I got was a desiccated shell of beef filled with a pasty, rapidly congealing mass of cheese. Even though the place was packed, somehow this sad burger got the chance to dry out like the Sahara. So, what's the upshot? If you want a top-shelf burger, wicked fries, and a killer malt, go to The Nook. If you want a Juicy Lucy, you could probably find a worse one somewhere.
(4)
Michael J.

So I was searching for a good burger in St. Paul an was extremely pleased with the service, food, and atmosphere at The Nook. The "Juicy Lucy" was the sloppiest burger I have ever eaten to date and it was totally worth it! The sweet potato fries sprinkled with cinnamon with chipotle ranch was an interesting concoction of biochemical responses that was foreign at first but very appeasing. The staff was awesome and the atmosphere was exactly what I was looking for. Apparently this place burned down but the remodeling looks great!
(5)
Katie L.

This is my favorite spot for a Juicy Lucy in twin cities. Jordan and I started with the Minnesota Wild Wings. These are bar-none the best wings I've had (a close second are Big Ten's wings). They were a dry rub, which i prefer to a saucy wing. The rub had just the right amount of spice that I didn't want to run my mouth under the faucet after I had a bite. They were crisp on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside. Not fatty, just a lot of delicious meat. Then came my Paul Molitor burger. The twist with the Molitor is that it's stuffed with pepper jack cheese! They ask you if you want onions on the top, so I ordered raw onions on mine. Simple. Delicious. This burger doesn't need to hide between layers of lettuce, tomato, pickles, mustard or ketchup. Really, all you need are the onions. The burger is served with hand-cut fries that are fresh out of the fryer. I couldn't have been happier when I left. Well, maybe if i would have gotten a malt, too...
(5)
Aaron S.

Not like this place needs another positive review, but yeah - it really is that good. Great dive atmosphere, great burgers, and quirky feel due to the downstairs pairing with the other-side-of-the-glass RanHam bowling. I love the standard option of raw or sauteed onions on your burger.
(5)
Bruce J.

Here's the deal. I've been a huge fan of Matt's Bar and its Jucy Lucy for most of my adult life. Sure, I've heard about its imitators over the years, but I always figured, "What's the point?" After all, the original is just so darned good. Then I started hearing about the Nook. Cool place, friends said. Good food. Little neighborhood hole-in-the-wall. Intrigued, I kept asking around, checking with reliable sources. Ultimately, this led to Jonny, the guy who cuts my hair in St. Paul. Jonny's been a big fan of Matt's even longer than I have. One of his big thrills was buying a house close to Matt's so that he could easily get a fix whenever he wanted. An even bigger thrill was discovering, shortly after moving in, that Matt Bristol, founder and long-time owner of Matt's Bar, was a neighbor. So, I wondered, what did Jonny think of this relative upstart across the river? Turns out Jonny holds the Nook in high regard. Likes the Juicy Nookie. Thinks the fries do circles around Matt's. He also appreciates that the Nook has an actual menu. Gotta say I've never felt the need for such a thing at Matt's, but hey, whatever. I guess if you're a regular it's okay to have options. Regardless, talking with Jonny was the push I needed. I met my friend after her class let out at 9:15 and we headed over. Like Matt's, the Nook is one of those hidden gems, slightly off the beaten path, located in a largely residential neighborhood--although in the Nook's case there are some cool businesses nearby, notably Kopplin's, Ran-Ham Bowling, Copper Dome, and J & S Bean Factory. Step inside and you'll find that the Nook is indeed small, and that it has a good, old-fashioned neighborhood bar vibe going on. Small. Dark. Cozy. A nice place to go on a cold Minnesota winter night. No lines when we went, so we headed to a table towards the back. Upon sitting I was happy to find that the Nook features a decent selection of tap beers. Even better, drinks were 2 for 1, so we enjoyed a couple of rounds. Service was friendly and attentive, maybe more so than at Matt's, and yes, the fries are superior. I'd say they're more in league with Annie's Parlor's. And the Juicy Nookie? Very tasty. Sure, it's sloppy, but that's part of the whole deal. By the way, no warnings, ala Matt's waitstaff, about the piping hot cheese in the center. The Nookie is a rounder burger than the Lucy, more like the kind I grew up eating and making at home as a kid, but there's something about the seasonings of the original, the Jucy Lucy, that I prefer. For now (and no doubt forever more) I will remain loyal to my beloved Jucy Lucy. Still, the Nook is a good place, one that I plan to return to, probably very soon. And who knows, maybe some day I'll check out the rest of the menu.
(4)
Cory S.

After seeing them on DDD and trying several times to get in I finally tasted the food. All I can say is it doesn't live up to the hype. The burgers although decent weren't as crazy good as everyone makes them out to be. I'm no slouch folks,searching out fantastic grub is my lifes calling and my 243 lbs is here to prove it. Hell I take vacations where restaurants and breweries/wineries are my main destination. Was it a decent burger , yes, was it worth the wait and all the hype no. Chances are there is a place not to far from where you are right now that serves up something quite equivalent to The Nooks burgers and fries.
(3)
Robert M.

Great beer selection and great burgers. Homemade fries were fantastic
(4)
Jackie L.

I'm not a big burger fan, but I'd have to say that this place has the best burgers I've ever had, and I will probably refer to them as the standard of what a great burger should be from now on. I brought my sister and her best friend (who now both live in Arizona) to The Nook this evening for cheese-inside-the-burger specials; I guess you can't get them in AZ. Despite it being a Tuesday evening, there were people lined up out the door waiting to get into this place. It is a small place, and yes, very dive-y, but in a charming, St.-Paul-hidden-neighborhood-gem sort of way. Service was exceedingly friendly and fast, despite the crowds-- our waitress deserved the nice tip she got from our party. The burgers were thick and juicy and the buns were soft (yum). I got the Shwishshroomburger (or something like that) with mushrooms and Swiss cheese; sis and friend both got the Juicy Nookie burger (i.e., Jucy Lucy). Oh yeah, it was totally worth the cholesterol hit. The fries were excellent too, not too greasy but well-done, just as I like 'em. The walls were splashed with all kinds of oddball stuff, such as a picture of the Pope next to a baseball bat autographed by Cretin grad Paul Molitor, juxtaposed with a print of pool-playing dogs. Can't beat that for primo dive decor. My suggestion is to go early to avoid the crowds, which are inevitably drawn to this place by the great burgers and the friendly oddball atmosphere.
(5)
Brandon Y.

Best Juicy in the Twin Cities (shared with Shamrocks). 4 stars instead of 5 only because the food isn't as consistent and it's hard to get a table. Visiting St. Paul? Definately check this place out.
(4)
Emily O.

One of the best burgers that has ever touched my taste buds. I had the Lodge Burger: bacon, smoked cheddar, lettuce, tomato, grilled onions, & chipotle mayo. I ordered the mayo on the side. The burger was amazing. My bf ordered a burger with ham, Swiss, & Dijon mustard. We sat downstairs. Bowling lanes, an old time bar feel. It was nothing short of a great Saturday afternoon lunch. & no wait!
(4)
Rachel G.

This was my last meal as a meat-eater (ok - just during the 40 days of lent...but still). I came here wanting THE BEST BURGER EVER. It was close. I got the famous Jucy Lucy...which was top-of-the-mouth-burning good. But then I tried my boyfriends burger...and sighed (I needed a cig after that kind of relief, and I don't even smoke). He got the mushroom swiss. Big. Thick. Flavorful. We both skipped over the fries (maybe we were already too full from the beer and burgers)...they were ok - just not our style. They are dark brown, kind of "nutty" for fries...their secret is to soak the freshly cut potatoes in water - then throw them in the hot oil. I can see people loving them - but I'm not one of those people. Expect to wait for a table - which is fine, because they have beer. :-)
(3)
Libby B.

Great atmosphere, and actually much more vegetarian friendly than one might guess. I went with a huge meat-eater, and he completed the Nook challenge -- the first burger went down great for him, but he was feeling a little overwhelmed by all the cheese by the second. He's convinced that eating both for the challenge was closer to two pounds of meat rather than the advertised 1.2. Still, both were very good (though he seems to like Lion's Tap and Matt's better). As for me, I got a very solid grilled cheese with delicious fries! It's fun to sit at the bar and watch them make the giant burgers! The beer list is also pretty extensive -- a lot available on tap, in bottles, and in cans, and all very reasonably priced. Overall, recommended and will be returning.
(4)
Hector S.

Great burger. It's worth the wait. Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Mister T.

Paul Molitor is king!
(5)
Erica K.

Best burger of my life...and I really love a cheeseburger and fries. Food took a bit long for a mid-afternoon lunch and bun a little plain, otherwise would have been 5 stars.
(4)
Alec W.

I live about 50 feet from The Nook which means I live next to simply the best burgers you can find the Twin Cities, perhaps the Midwest. Go on Monday nights and be willing to wait for a table to do 'dollar cheeseburger night'. The Nook is already very cheap, but dollar cheeseburger night is so cheap it is almost ridiculous. Yeah, the place is a little small, the wait staff has too many tables to wait on and there is no place to wait for a table, but the food and the general 'this-is-St.-Paul' feeling you get while you are there makes up for EVERYTHING. The wait staff (although maybe a little overworked) are really great as well. They will go above and beyond for you even though there are people waiting for your table. Go to the Nook (if you don't want to wait, go for a later lunch on a weekday), have a burger and you will not regret it.
(5)
Jeff M.

I admit it, wherever Guy Fieri eats I'll follow. But there was something about how he reacted to eating The Juicy Nookie. Something that made me go, "I must have one!" I grew up on the East coast, where the cheese-stuffed burger, Jucy Lucy, Juicy Lucy, and all its variants are unknown. Then Guy Fieri went back to The Nook, after a fire devastated the place and it was rebuilt, and reacted the same way and I figured, "Enough is enough, I must go now!" Be prepared, The Nook will derail your attempts to being healthy for the day and perhaps that week. The Juicy Nookie was the amazing cheesy and meaty gloriousness I had expected it to be. There's always the fear that building something up in one's own mind will lead to disappointment. No disappointment here. Just satisfied taste buds (and mild heartburn). The burger is so basic, but the beef and cheese unify in a way you don't have with standard burgers. DELICIOUS. If you've premedicated with say Zantac or Prilosec, definitely give the wings a try. Hot, juicy, tender, and mouth-watering. There are enough items on the menu that you could safely try a new item per day for several weeks and leave incredibly satisfied. That's how I left: satisfied. But then the sad reality hit: I don't live in Minneapolis. That left me dissatisfied. To all those natives of this city: Man, am I jealous!
(4)
Andy G.

You know how I said I'd make babies with the egg rolls at Cali's? Well, I would cheat on said egg rolls to bump uglies with the Juicy Nooky. These burgers are the stuff of legend and will be written about in children's books in another hundred years. Two burgers with hot bubbly cheese in the middle is meat eating genius. The fries here are also fresh cut daily and very tasty. I'll quit talking about the food since I'm sure you've all seen Guy Fietti give us his O Face over this place on Food Network. One more thing on that though. Because of the G.D. television show it's even busier in here than it used to be. The beer selection is also pretty good. I believe I enjoyed some Schells Dark during my last visit. One more thing on the food. They have a fantastic creation called the Nookie Supreme which is pretty much a big mac type burger except that it tastes good and it's really freakin big. If you can eat two of them in one sitting you get a tshirt. I've already begun my training.....
(5)
Michael P.

The Nook is great, the atmosphere & the burgers are very good. Their juicy lucy's are very good and well made and the service was good, I wouldn't say prompt but efficient. When I went I was a juicy lucy virgin, I ordered a paul molitor, it was very good, hot and melty! The fries are nothing to go home and tell your friends about but compliments the burgers very well. I'm definitely going back again now that I live in the area!
(4)
Jessica P.

Only place I will order a burger! Seriously the best in Minnesota!
(5)
David K.

Wow. All that it's cracked up to be!! Love the Nookie!!!
(5)
Jeffrey A.

The burgers are fantastic (especially the Triple B) and the new layout is so much better. While I hate saying it, the fire may have been a blessing in disguise. My only complaint is the fact that you can rarely get in without a 30 minute wait. I try to go at odd times to minimize that, but even that fails because they are always busy. I think that's a good thing in the end, because otherwise I would be here all the time.
(5)
John S.

The place is definitely a dive, but if you're looking to get your hands on a burger, this is hands down the best burger in the Twin Cities.
(5)
Dan S.

The nook is a tiny burger and beer joint across the street from Cretin DH High School. There are only 8 or 10 tables, so the place is usually full and it can take awhile to get your food. It is worth the wait. They have hands-down the best fries and jucy-lucy around. It has an awesome neighborhood feel to boot.
(5)
Brian G.

Wow was this good. I had the Paul Molitor which is an augmented version of the standard Juicy Lucy by adding pepper jack cheese into the center of the burger. This means that when you bite in, the cheese comes rolling out. Wow. So good. We also had the chipotle garlic wings. Very very good. Not the very best I've ever had. but up there for sure.
(5)
Bill K.

I'm more of a Matt's guy myself when it comes to the Jucy Lucy. Still, there's no denying that this place has a competitive Lucy, as well as really good french fries. I particularly like the Paul Molitor because the spicy cheese is really good in the Jucy Lucy Format. Love the nook for all its charm and keep going back.
(5)
Amy S.

I liked it, but I didn't LOVE it. Overall, the famous Juicy Nookie burger was good, though. I didn't find the meat itself to be outstanding. It wasn't seasoned deliciously and my husband had a very tough burger to boot. I will say that the cheese was outstanding and I absolutely loved it. Though the 35-40 minute wait really soured the experience for us. We hadn't heard about the wait prior to our going, so I suppose that's why we were so annoyed by it. I honestly wouldn't have minded it if I had the burger of my life, but I can't say that was the case. These burgers didn't come close to Lion's Tap!
(4)
Keith S.

Well "I'm a fan" might be untrue, as I didn't get to eat there, but based on how jam-packed it was, many many people are obviously fans. I tried to eat here last night. I say "tried" because we waited an hour and still were a 9-person and 4-person table before being called. I was really looking forward to eating at the real deal, but was shut down. We got there at 4:30 too... thought we'd beat the dinner crowd. We tried! :) We'll try it next time when I can wait over an hour and not care. Someone needs to get the entrepreneur in them and set-up a lemonade stand or something on the sidewalk out front. They'd make a killing while people wait.
(4)
Ewj J.

This is a great neighbor Burger place.. It is the type of place you invite out of towers to see what a small good burger can do for you and them.
(4)
Marie C.

Yummy Juicy Nookie. Messy, but good messy. Probably the best burger I've had in the cities. It is crowded, and this was on a cold weeknight, so it'll probably be awhile till we go back unless we can beat the crowds.
(5)
Mark H.

Unfortunately, the Nook closed due to a fire last weekend. I have heard that the building may be razed. Hopefully they rebuild. For now, get your Juicy Nooky fix at Shamrock's on W 7th, although the regular burgers are much better.
(4)
Kelsey K.

I have been hearing about this place for years. Finally stopped in with my dad while he was in town. The place was fairly packed by 6pm on a friday (not surprising). Line out the door. By the time we left there was a row at the bar a row of people standing behind that, people outside the bar all waiting for a table. Food and beer were good. Seemed like a bit of a wait for the food to arrive but I saw there kitchen and that makes sense cause its tiny. I have heard they have a sweet date deal where they will serve pbr in champagne flutes. I probably wouldn't recommend this place if you were with someone that had something better to do or is not prepared to wait. If you have time its a fun place to check out. Also they have dive bar bowing in the basement.
(4)
Fouad B.

This was my 2nd time to the Nook, I went there with the whole family (2 kids), the atmosphere is really good but the burgers and fries are the only things bringing us back, the service is outstanding too.
(4)
Beth F.

Things I Learned after Moving out of My Parent's House: --you won't die if you drink soda before noon --it isn't always bad news when the phone rings after 8 p.m. --Big Buck Hunter is everywhere --its okay to turn the air conditioner on before the thermostat reaches 95 --sometimes people have sex for reasons other than to produce children and sometimes it's sloppy The Nook is one of those sloppy places. And lord love them for it!!! Burgers were perfect. Buns were fresh and obviously not the generic Cub Foods version. Fries were greasy and overabundant, but good. No forks (this place is totally hardcore, so don't ruin the experience by being one of those wimps who breaks down and asks the server for silverware). I'm also a little torn on the Cheese Situation because on one hand, melted, dripping cheese that oozes all over is just about as fan-friggen-tastic as it can get, but on the other hand, I know they had to use processed cheese to get it that gooey and I'm sort of an elitist when it comes to fake cheese. Minus one star because the price of beer was a bit steep and the wait for our check was longish (which is always more noticeable once the food is gone and your glass is empty).
(3)
Fr. Nels G.

This is a dive bar that does it perfectly. If you want the dive bar experience, then this is the place for you. It is friendly, tucked in the neighborhood with a long tradition. No, this is not a fancy restaurant, nor is that what it is meant to be. The burgers are FANTASTIC, especially the Juicy Nookie.
(5)
Shaggy V.

I am a straight up carnivore and thank god for The Nook! The Nookie Challenge is a hardcore carnivores delight. Two Doublestack Nookies with fries (those fries are amazng too) all in one sitting. I did it and well the shirt was well worth the distended stomach from the gorging. This place is great. Just try to avoid the damn lines.
(5)
Nathan C.

Had the chance to drop by on a weekend night. The place was packed to the rafters upstairs! We ended up hitting up the lower level to enjoy some cheap beer until our table was ready. Once we were seated, our orders came through in a reasonable amount of time. The food was quite tasty and enjoyable, and the pub/bar ambiance was a nice change of pace (though, it did feel a bit cramped at times!). Worth checking out, for sure!
(4)
Joel M.

Paul Molitor Burger and some cheese curds.. HEAVEN!
(5)
Goos Y.

Saw this place on triple D. I had the juicy Nookie. It was great. The cheese oozed out after the first bite. It had the same texture as a busted egg yolk. The service staff was great. Will definitely come back if I'm ever in the area.
(4)
Bill H.

Wow, this place is amazing, seating is a little cramped depending on the time of day, but the burgers are just awesome. I had the burger of the month back when it was the jalepeno burger and it was so delicious that I had to go back for it again by the end of the month. Their beer selection is decent, but I wish they had a full bar so you could get mixed drinks as well. Definitely go here for their food, it's some of the best stuff around!!
(5)
John E.

Okay, we arrived mid-week and mid-day @ the Nook which was about 50 percent full. We're given a table and then became invisible to the 3 person wait staff for the better part of 10 plus minutes (no water, no beer). I give the wait staff a "one star" performance. Juicy Luce and Paul M. Luce were order with fries. Fries were not hot, have to believe the fries stood around for the burgers to be completed. We would rate the burgers maybe 2 or 3 best in the Twin Cities. I think the Juicy Lucy @ Bennett's Chop House on West 7th is better choice and better value than the Nook Juicy Lucy. I would like to try maybe just one of the Nook's regular burger, which by the way most of the people were ordering during our visit.
(2)
MALEAH A.

so we finally got around to trying this place (in a group of six) just one week before it burned. talk about lucky timing! i feel bad only giving this place three stars, but i think that's because from all the reviews on here i had such high expectations. the Nook is in NO WAY bad. the service is great, we didn't have to wait for a table (got in right before rush hour), and the food was prompt. I was happy with the menu selection and i ordered the blue cheeseburger with the sweet potato fries. they were both good, but nothing "extraordinary" that i felt like i'd never had before. I thought it was smart to do the crinkle cut fries with the cinnamon and sugar on top, but I would still LOVE to see a restaurant out here do them my favorite way.... drizzle honey over the sweet potato fries and sprinkle with fresh ground rock salt. that is the best way i've ever had them (at kitchen24 in LA) and i wish i could find a place out here that did that. i'm not hating on the Nook by any means. i would eat there again with no complaints. but- would i choose to go there specifically??.... nah. I still give the best burger award in the twin cities to the 112 Eatery.
(3)
Mary G.

Nothing else compares to this Juicy Lucy! Though the Blue Door Pub is fine and all, especially with their unique options of Blucy-ness, they are sort of the "gourmet" juicy lucy with a bit of that snobbishness along with it. The Nook is just plain and simply dang good food and exactly what you are looking for when all you want is a juicy lucy done right. Love this place, and after the fire, it may not have quite the same dive feel, but it's still the same hotness. And if you want old school, just wander downstairs to the old bowling alley and find a table there - they serve food there too, and you'll forget there was ever a fire or a renovation.
(5)
Nathan L.

Great Burger!!! When I lived in Denver my friend and I searched for the greatest burger in the Denver area and this place would have won that search. What sets it apart is the cheese in the middle of the burger. It did get a little sloppy towards the end but overall very good. Also I would highly recommend the friend green bean appetizer "Leprechaun Legs". And the homemade fries were also delicious. It is a smaller place so you might run into a problem getting a table during your typical dinner or lunch times. But I will be going back.
(5)
Davin D.

I'm sure I won't feel the love for saying this, but the Juicy Nookie was "just another burger." Sure, the cheese oozed out, but that's about it. The inside of the patties was not really cooked and there was not much flavor overall. Fries were ok, not outstanding. The fish in the fish fry was very moist and tender, but the portion was a bit small. My root beer was room temperature. Would I go back? Probably not. Off to Blue Door or Matt's next.
(2)
Sara R.

Awesome burgers, amazing sweet potato fries. The wait can be painful, but sometimes there is a game going on at Cretin and you can watch it during the 40+ minute average wait. Very loud so be prepared to shout across the small table to your companion.
(4)
Serena P.

The food was great! But the wait was 40 minutes. After waiting for a while a random person leaving informed us that there was no wait downstairs at the bar. Why didn't the employees tell us that? It was worth the wait for once, but Matt's Bar has better juicy lucys. If I have to wait, I'm going there.
(3)
Katrina B.

The Nook is in my top 3 burger joints in St. Paul. I've had several of the burgers on their menu and have loved each and every one of them. I've always had amazing service. Worth the wait, I promise.
(5)
Jessica G.

The Nook is the site of the best burger I've ever eaten in my life. I don't remember the clever name, but it was a double cheeseburger (I chose pepperjack) with their house sauce and then the usual pickles, onions, lettuce, etc. It is so incredibly delicious. The quality of the meat is fantastic and all of the burgers are drippy and oozing in the good way. What's more is that you can order sweet potato fries which, if you're a sucker for sweet 'n salty combos like myself, you absolutely must try. They sprinkle the fries with a cinnamon/sugar/salt type mixture that makes me do that weird little kid happy dance you do when something tastes amazing. A-mazing.
(5)
Matt H.

I haven't been to the Nook for sometime now. Been since before it burnt down I know that. When I was younger my father would take me to the Nook after hockey games in the area for burgers and fries. Always have been fantastic. Wouldn't change them for anything. Juicy nookie is something too try. Also I believe their california burger as well.
(5)
Amy C.

I've also tried Matt's and 5-8 Club's Juicy Lucy's and the Nook's is my favorite. 5-8 boasts more cheese options but the one I had there was virtually devoid of cheese and the atmosphere was pretty bland--but more family oriented so if you have kids this is probably a better option than Matt's or the Nook. I loved the kitschy, dive-bar appeal of the Nook, located across from Cretin Derham Hall in St. Paul. Matt's has that too but there was just something I liked better about the Nook. Don't get me wrong, Matt's is good but I thought my burger was the bomb at the Nook. The bartender suggested I let the dripping cheese coat my fries, which was pure genius. While it does mean crossing the river into St. Paul (wink wink), it's well worth the drive.
(5)
ChefRD M.

Can only speak about the burger and fries. (and that's what I recommend for you as well) they are juicy and delicious....no matter which one you decide to order! We recommend you sit at the bar downstairs and order...
(4)
Kevin H.

I have been here a few times for lunch, and the burgers and fresh cut fries are awesome! The layout is much better since they remodeled, and the service is good.
(5)
Valerie B.

As a recent Chicago-transplant, my move to Minneapolis would not be complete until I tried a jucy lucy. A dive bar, burger joint, Nook is the place to go when a greasy, yet absolutely delicious burger is all you need. I tried the burger with maple roasted bacon and was left completely satisfied. Definitely get the sweet potato fries. They are crinkle cut and too have maple syrup on them. As far as I can tell, you'll always have to wait, especially if you go on a Saturday afternoon. So grab a beer and a seat at the bar (if you're lucky) and relax.
(4)
V K.

I ate here after seeing it on Diners Drive-ins and Dives. I had low expectations since a lot of other places reviewed by the show are over-rated, but the Nook lives up to the hype. We got there around 9PM on a weekday and it was pretty crowded. We had to wait about 45min. for a table. Even after we got seated, people kept coming in. I ate the juicy nookie and i thought it was one of the better burgers i've had. So, definitely worth a try! And multiple visits thereafter.
(4)
DeDe K.

Okay I'm not gonna lie.... I was nervous when I stepped through the door and I was told they don't have hard liquior but.... our fill in waitress with rad peircings and a fab tat changed my mind. My husband spent two weeks worth of his red meat quota on this place. It was worth it. They do have the best fries, hot and crisp!! His Paul Molitor Buger sent him to another world. I had the Triple B-Nourbon Bacon Burger and though it was a bit beyond medium, I ate the whole thing. I think this is a place we will visit when the burger crave hits.
(4)
Matt K.

No long review needed. Some of the best burgers I've ever tasted! I drive 80 miles just to eat here at least once a month. Juicy Lucy is to die for, plenty of other great burgers on the menu, allll good! Buns are fresh baked at bakery around the corner from the Nook! Mmm Awesome fries as well! Love a good burger and fry basket? Go here you WONT be sorry!
(5)
Emily H.

The Nook is a great burger joint, but for some reason I always prefer to go to its competitor, the Blue Door Pub. Their food is awesome, but they don't seem to have as great of a beer selection as the Blue Door and the waiting time at both places is usually just as bad during peak hours.
(4)
Ben K.

Outstanding. The best burgers, fries and onion rings in St. Paul.
(5)
Eddy V.

Yippee this is a good solid tasty burger they seem to have it going on here sometimes it seems they can't make up there mind on which fries there going with but usually the burger is spot on careful of that first bite that cheese is hot!!!!!!!
(3)
Jess J.

The juicy lucy is the best here. Definitely worth the wait time to get in. I've tried to go on "off" times and it is always packed! Disregard your calorie counting and eat all of the french fries.
(5)
Tony K.

This place makes unbelievable burgers and am getting hungry for a juicy nookie just writing this review.It is tied with my other favorite burger/wing joint for the burgers here with the D-Spot in Maplewood.If im hungry and am near Highland Park area this is probably where im stopping.
(5)
John B.

Probably the biggest problem with the Nook is that there just isn't enough of it. They have great burgers and sandwiches, but there is often simply not enough room to put all the people that want to come in for dinner or to hang out later at night. But when it isn't jam packed, they really just treat you like family. Oughta try to actually imbibe an adult beverage there one of these nights.
(4)
Scotty B.

Juicy Nookie. Love it.
(5)
Randil P.

EXCELLENT. Friendly waitress and a very good burger. Nice job by all.
(5)
Jennifer J.

A hole in the wall pub that serves phenomenal burgers and is jam packed all day. You're not going here for the ambience (big screens and even bigger boys). But the bacon cheddar burger was one of the best I've had. And I've had my fair share of burgers. Honestly, I need to get the hell out of the Twin Cities or I'm gonna end up one fat chick!
(5)
L S.

Great place to sit and have a drink! Every time here it reminds me of a younger person's drinkin' bar, a little bit nicer than the hole in the wall bar but still a very enjoyable time. The food is good, not great compared to Blue Door Pub, Bulldog NE or 508 but is still tasty and I always order something. The burgers always taste good, and because they are served in baskets, I enjoy them even more.
(4)
Thaddeus S.

Good beer selection and spicy wings for an appetizer started the evening off with bang. But even the great fries couldn't keep the Juicy Nookie from being below average IMO. The cheese was runny and bland, but most disappointing thing was that the bun and the burger were a little dry. Cool place however, and if I'm in the area I defiantly give it another try, I'm more of a bacon cheese burger kind of guy anyway.
(3)
JL S.

For what this place is and does it gets 5 stars. Its the home of the Juicy Lucy, a burger with cheese inside. OK, big deal you say. The BURGER is high quality beef, they give a crap what they put in your tum tum. The bun is perfection. The other things like dill rounds make this a burger joint. I love it, I can walk it from the sis in law's house, and no one will know that I have been eating instead of walking. HA. The bartenders are sweet, the line moves slow, so get there early. I love a good joint and this one is it.
(5)
Oscar C.

Short wait ...but great burgers! Come again someday while in St. Paul.
(4)
Jason W.

The Nook gets a lot of hype and it deserves all of it plus. My brother and dad were in town for the weekend and I had to take them here. It was only 11:30 on Saturday, but the place was already full. We got lucky and was able to sit at the bar right a way. I basically told my family that they were getting supremes so they went along with it. They had never had fried green beans so I also placed in order of the leprechaun legs to split. The legs came out right away and were nice and crispy. Shortly after finishing the last leg the burgers arrived. This has to be the biggest, messiest burger I have ever eaten, but it is also the best. My dad and brother agreed and liked this place so much that we came back the next day to soak up all the beer we drank at the beerfest. We all got the Paul Molitdor, but I was saddened to find out they were out of sweet potato fries. Oh well, I will just have to try them on my next trip because I will definitely be back. The only negative I have for this place is the fact that you cannot find their hours anywhere on the Internet.
(5)
Nicholas P.

My cousin is going back to school for his Senior year in Ohio and before returning to his dreaded final year, he wanted to get a Juicy Lucy. Being that he grew up in St. Pissy, and I'm from the burbs of Minnie, I've never been to the Nook. We ended up meeting at the nooky nook, and here is what went down. The place is a great neighborhood bar in St. Paul. Not pretentious, not trendy, not anything other then a place for the locals to gather. Great beer on tap, and amazing burgers. I had the Juicy Nookie, which is a plain Juicy Lucy. It was pretty dang good. I must say though, my wife ended up getting the plain cheese burger and I actually liked that better then the Juicy Lucy. I'm not convinced that cheese needs to hide out in between the meat. The burgers, while thick, are soo very tender and perfectly cooked. If you don't like red in your meat, then don't go with the Juicy Nookie as they cook that meduim. The fries are good, and the onion rings were delicious. Summit Winter on tap and it was a good start to the evening. Probably not the best idea though right before my first hockey game of the season. Burp!
(4)
Carey G.

I feel that this is the best burger place I have been to in years. The meat seems so fresh and juicy as the bun is super freshly baked. The service is a bit better at Shamrocks, since the place is smaller though.
(5)
eddie d.

Sometimes I really find myself craving these burgers.
(5)
Lan N.

This place was bomb. It's definitely sport bars-esque, but I didn't pay any attention the screens. It was loud - everyone was chatting away and happy. There was a long wait but then I finally order the Juicy Nookie (lol) and it was delicious! The cheese inside is HOT. Even after taking a tiny bite to let the hot air out, you have to be careful of the oozing cheese. It's truly delicious. There's so much grease and ooze it's wonderful. Burgers: 10, even without the standard lettuce, tomatoes or pickles. Wait: 1, it's a terrible long wait on a Saturday night. The wait staff is friendly once the crowd dies down a little. I got a big beer for a small price. Lovely! It feels like homey! Definitely coming back!
(5)
Tara M.

The Nook gets my vote for best juicy lucy in the Twin Cities. Great fries too!
(5)
Bo T.

Waited a bit to get seated on a Saturday evening but the line went pretty fast. I didn't order my usually juicy nook and went for the lodge burger instead. It's a seasoned burger with lettuce, tomatoe, and bacon. I also love that at the Nook you can ask for fried or fresh onions for your burger - a definite plus at any burger joint. The burger was yummy and you bet I'll be going back to the Nook again.
(4)
Ema N.

This review is for the Classic stuffed burger only. The fries were terrible but it's probably one of the best burgers I've ever had.
(5)
Betsy F.

Beer list is short and great ( which I love) the Paul Moliter Burger is the best in the world.
(5)
Sindy G.

I love the Nook! We have went numerous times, taken friends and family. We know there will be a wait, but know the food will be worth it. Love the Juicy Lucy's and sweet potato fries with their special sauce.
(5)
Jason O.

Ordered two burgers for take-out. Liked the unique idea of putting stuff in middle of burger and the fries were crispy, skin on. What I didn't like; both burgers were raw in the middle and I was not at a place I could finish cooking them. I do not recommend leaving there without checking it is fully cooked.
(2)
Nadine G.

Amazing burgers! Our order of cheese curds were forgotten but we quickly forgot once our burgers came, delicious, must go back!!
(4)
Jennifer S.

When in Minneapolis,you've got to try the Juicy Lucy. They've got the best one in town. Great place!
(5)
William C.

This is one of my top burger places in the Twin Cities (maybe the best?!). I've been to all the other places that serve the Jucy Lucy (or Juicy Lucy if you're a grammar freak). I have to say that this place has the best Jucy Lucy, at least in my book. I've been to the The Nook once before (before it burned down) and to their sister location, Shamrocks. At Shamrocks, I dominated the Nookie Supreme Challenge, got my picture and my shirt! The newly renovated Nook is similar in look like it was before, just a lot newer and maybe not as divey as it once was. But give it a few years and I'm sure it'll feel like it once did. The decor is cozy and very much a bar scene. Lots of pictures of the local area and old signs from back in the day. When we got there, the main seating floor was full and there was a 45 minute wait. We decided to head down into the dungeon, a.k.a. second bar with bowling alley (which I had NO IDEA was down there) and found space at the bar. I ordered the Guys Big Bite (yes, Guy Fieri was there and they made a sandwich after him). This thing is loaded with bacon, roast beef and a jucy lucy patty packed with pepper jack cheese. If you love a great burger, you'll love this one. I got it will grilled onions on top and fries. It arrives on wax paper in a green basket and my mouth begins water, well it starts to water MORE. This is a burger you don't put ketchup on. I take my first bite and the roast beef, bacon and pepper jack hit me right away. You can taste the meat and there is a hint of the grilled onions. It's simply an amazing burger, something that you can get anywhere else (don't even try!). Go to the Nook, don't go anywhere else, just go to the Nook (TRUST ME!).
(5)
The M.

Terrible cheese curds (over friend and dried up cheese) but best stuffed burgers I've ever had to date.
(5)
Nicholas G.

Too much hype, not enough substance... Fries are awesome, but per a certain TV show, it's not the best Juicy! Well..... there was definitely plenty of hype surrounding The Nook's juicy and it was worth the visit. It's sitting in third place because you really couldn't keep the cheese in, which was plentiful, but by the time you got to the last 3 or 4 bites there wasn't any cheese left in the burger. I like cheese with my burger, especially when it comes to a juicy! It was lacking a little meat flavoring, but their version was still a fantastic juicy and still put a smile on my face. Be certain to get their fries and if I ever do a fries challenge, I found a competitor!
(3)
Jose N.

OMG, Best wings I've ever had. Juicy Lucy was good too. Can't forget the amazing draft root beer on tap. I will go back EVERY time I'm in MSP
(5)
Justin H.

Quite simply the best burger joint anywhere....ever. I recently read it was # 8 or #9 on a CNN poll.....they rated it 7 or 8 spots too low. I have been to the Nook many times over many years and can't wait to go back.
(5)
Kitty T.

I LOVE The Nook. They have the BEST burgers anywhere in the Cities. Nowhere else lives up or even makes a scrape at it, except maybe The Blue Door. Matt's fell off the chart a long time ago. The beef they use is fantastic quality, and they cook it RIGHT. It isn't chewy or over done, and it is obviously fresh and hand pattied. I've only had one sub-par burger in nine years of coming here. I generally get The Lodge Burger, which is fantastic, with smoked cheddar, thick, crispy bacon and an amazing chipotle mayo. Even the kid's cheeseburger, which our six year old gets, is good, which isn't always the case at other restaurants for some reason. My husband and step-son get the Nookie Supreme, which they both swear by. I'm glad we don't come here often, because that delicious monster is a heart attack waiting to happen! My ONE complaint, and the only reason this isn't five stars, is the fact that I was sadly disappointed by the sweet potato fries. They are CAKED in cinnamon and sugar...and I couldn't eat them. They just icked me out. It didn't say on the burger portion of the menu that they are done this way, and so I ordered them and was sad. I see now that they have this listed in the appetizers. Unless I can somehow get them without the ishy coating, I will never order those again. Otherwise, this is the perfect place for artery clogging deliciousness.
(4)
Jeremy B.

I would rate it higher but the bartenders in the downstairs are occupied with doing whatever bowling alley employees have to run to the back and do when balls get stuck and- yeah it is way cool to have bowling there but Jesus- I feel bad for them. Decent beer selection and that burger is worth the shitshow.
(4)
Cassie J.

Delicious burgers! That is the main reason I come here! I can't say I've actually had much else off the menu. The bar is a little cramped, so if you're not willing to wait & it's not during an off-peak time I wouldn't suggest it.
(4)
Jake M.

If you're in the twin cities, The Nook is a must. Hands down the best juicy lucy, the best wings, awesome fresh-cut fries; its all good. The place is small, but the portions are big and the prices are great.
(5)
Jennifer H.

I think after I finish school and return home to California, this is one of those things I am going to miss. The Juicy nookie here is much better than the Juicy lucy at Matt's. It's less greasy and there was no line. The meat was incredibly rare (which scared me a little) and red, but the amount of cheese oozing out was sooo good. It's way more juicy and less oily than Matt's bar. If you are looking for the "original" juicy lucy, try Matt's. If you want the best Juicy Lucy and not have a tummy ache later- try The nook.
(5)
Anna T.

My husband and I each had a burger and fries and shared a chocolate malt tonight, and the total came to just around $20 before tip - definitely a good deal. He had the special, which had smoked gouda and a pesto-type sauce on it. It tasted really fresh and was very flavorful. I had the bleu cheeseburger, which comes with mushrooms and I got the grilled onions on top. The burger was perfectly cooked and juicy, with just enough bleu cheese to make it melty and delicious without being overwhelming. The malt was very chocolatey and I liked that you could really taste the malt powder in it. The service was very friendly and I noticed how all the staff said goodbye to everyone as you walked out the door. This was the second time I've been here, and we had a late lunch/early dinner around 4 pm on a Saturday. The wait was less than 5 minutes. On weeknights we've been seated right away, but I've heard the wait can be a bit longer around lunch/dinnertime on weekends. Nonetheless, cannot wait to trek across the river to go here again, even if we have to wait for a table next time.
(5)
Chris M.

The Nook, as pretty much everyone and their brother knows, is a neighborhood institution in St. Paul and is definitely one of the better places to grab a burger in the Twin Cities. Since everyone has already waxed poetic about their burgers (both Jucy's and regular burgers) I'll simply reiterate what is already widely known - yup, they're tasty. With that said, they have a pretty extensive menu of typical bar favorites and comfort foods that have all been pretty solid as well. And if you're feeling particularly shameless and hungry (which has been the case for me), you can take their Hot Damn wing challenge and polish off 14 wings for a free t-shirt and false pride. Regardless of what you order, definitely stop downstairs for a game of bowling and a pint or two.
(4)
Paul W.

Really enjoyed the Paul Molitor Juicy Lucy with pepper cheese and their fries are good. Ate downstairs at the Ham-Ram bar-bowling alley between a couple games of bowling. Can not recommend the bowling at $4 a game + shoe rental. The pinsetting machines are ancient, our front pin would be fallen down in front of the rest of the pins about 40%(making a strike very difficult) of the time and then for the second frame you could expect 1 or 2 random pins to fall down in the pin setting process.Plus for our last game the front pin got jammed in the machine and never came down for the second frame. $16 + about $4 more for shoe rental for 2 of us to play 2 games was too much. For half that price it'd be worth it.
(4)
Emily S.

Some of the best Juicy Lucys in town. Be prepared to wait for a table, this place is popular.
(5)
Gary S.

I"ve eaten at the Nook for years- hands down my favorite burger in town. Tonight I took a friend visiting from the UK. The burger tonight was unlike any I'd ever had at the Nook before. It was very very average. The patty was small, the flavor was lacking, there was no garnish on the burger. I kinda wondered if something was up or if they changed something? I'd eaten in there February and the food was fantastic. Maybe I caught them on bad night.
(2)
Walter C.

Came here for the first time last year and found that I do like it. I do like the stuffed burgers. On a side note, give the burger a couple of minutes to cool, that liquified cheese is a bit clingy. The look of the bar is cool, the level of background noise is low enough to make conversations feasible. Leprechaun Legs are good. I do like the 1919 root beer, the mug needs to be bigger though. Overall, despite the look of the place on the outside they have good food and it lacks the bar feel or smell on the inside.
(4)
Jordan G.

Its hard to beat the Spanish fly. A chorizo juicy Lucy that does not disappoint. From the outside the place looks tiny, but good there is a basement! Wait was short, service was friendly, and the food was grand.
(4)
Heather R.

Who doesn't love meat filled with things? Especially cheese. I know I do and if you're like me and always searching for a good burger bar with a good selection of Jucy Lucy's, this should make your list. The Nook is a cozy old hallway-type space in St. Paul with friendly staff. I had the Spanish Fly - pork and beef burger with gooey cheese queso in the middle. While I did come to the realization that spiced pork in burger form is not for me, I still appreciated the presentation and flavor of this burger. The side of seasoned fries were excellent and plentiful, not too many of those short, brown, overcooked ones in the pile either. My friend loved the Guys Big Bite - pepper jack filled burger, topped with roast beef and bacon. We also had an excellent Bloody Sake, which, along with mimosas are only $4 on Sunday. There are a bunch of tvs along the petite bar which had the game on. Every table was filled most of the time (Sunday afternoon). In all, it was a solid choice for burgers. Ooey, gooey burgers.
(4)
Gilbert R.

This place was legit. Upon my visit to the twin cities I asked for a great steak house and a chill burger joint, where I could have great convo and brews with some friends. Wasn't disappointed at all! Def a must visit. Make sure you stop by when you're in town
(5)
Kelly S.

The Nook is great and it's not a secret. It tends to be busy most nights and on the weekends there can be quite a wait for a table. Rest assured that there's typically plenty room to spread out and catch a beer at the upstairs or downstairs bar while you wait. The staff has been consistently very nice and helpful. The beer selection is awesome with plenty on tap to choose from. Although their sweet potato fries are on the sweet side I love them. I'm a fan of their plan ol' juicy lucy. My husband's favorite is the Paul Molitor burger with fried onions. The nook is a great neighborhood establishment that I enthusiastically support
(5)
Ameena R.

Juicy Nookie n Guy's Big Bite was awesome. ..! Must try the homely french fries n sweet potato fries as well. Cheese Burger on the kids menu was really good that my lil one had most of it. She usually eats v lil...lol...been there once earlier. Would be definitely there again. Its the best. The best. .best and best of the best!
(5)
Sean N.

Tried the Philly cheesesteak burger and it was delicious can't wait to visit again and try something else. Also be sure to get a 1919 root beer on tap
(5)
Leah O.

One thing on the list of ailments I worry about (which includes scurvy, appendicitis, and restless leg syndrome) is anemia. Plus side of worrying about anemia is the guilt-free burger I have every once and awhile "for my red blood cell count." So I met my friend at The Nook for a medicinal burger. It was Thursday, and the wait wasn't bad at all- only 30 minutes, and we got seated at the bar even sooner. The ambiance of this place was great. There were TVs, but not screaming, drunken college students. There were people of all ages talking amicably amongst themselves, and while it was busy it didn't feel crazed or slammed. The bartender was our de facto server, and super helpful. She made the dynamite suggestion to put "the crack" on the fries. What's "the crack" you ask? Some combo of garlic/onion/pepper salt that makes the fries good enough to snort. And by snort, I mean stuff in your mouth as fast as possible. I ordered the mushroom-and-blue-cheese burger, and it was... fine. I had really high expectations because of the rep of this place, so I was surprised to discover... I've had better. Like, lots better. The burger was actually kind of dry. So while I'd come back to watch basketball somewhere chill, I won't be encouraging buddies to stand in line for hours.
(3)
Mike O.

I do not understand all the good write ups for this dump! Its very uncomfortable. Both times I ate there the waitress was very rude. The burgers are very average, and they refuse to cook them the way you want. LOL That cracked me up.Fries were just ok. Coke tasted like it came out of a dirty fountain. 5-8, Matts, Blue Door, Freds Tiki Hut, Jimmy's, and even 5Guys are better than this place,
(2)
Randall N.

Favorite place for a Jucy Lucy in Minneapolis. Damn you Guy Fieri yet again for outing a good place and making me wait an hour to calm the rumbly in me tumbly. Seriously though this is the best jucy lucy. The burger alone is tastier than 508 (#4) or Matt's (#3) and while less creative than the Blue Door (#2) still gets a few points for having more than just the standard jucy. I get the paul molitor with the pepper jack cheese in the middle and grilled onions....and guess what the cheese actually melts. Both times I've been to 508 the pepper-jack simply warms and gets gooey. Not here. Plus the bun is perfect. They grill it a bit for a tiny crunch and you can tell these are fresh baked within the last 24 hours they are so pillowy. And while to me tots are superior to fries, they do have killer fries. They leave the skin on the potatoes and run them through the hand slicer. I have no idea what seasoning or process these go through but they are perfectly in bewteen crispy on the outside and soft tender inside. It's going to make you feel Thanksgiving fat but get the Guiness shake as well. Sooooo good. The guiness and the ice cream really complement each other.
(5)
Danielle G.

So much to say thats really great about this place. Firstly, The Nook shouldn't be classified as a dive bar. Old school cool is much better. I wanted to try this place out for two reasons. One, because of it's notoriety as the Best Juicy Lucy...Secondly, because we had a bad experience at Shamrocks and I wanted to compare. We showed up at 12:30 on Friday the 13th...no sweat. Place was busy. Told 20 minute wait, soooo took the bar ledge instead. Greeted by the bartender...great guy, lost his name. :/ Asked if we'd been there before and once he understood we were first timers....he made great suggestions. Bar stools opened up and we grabbed ' em. Best decision ever. Our new bartender turned out to be Ted, one of two owners. Perfect! Didn't know this at the time, but he overheard us talking about our bad experience at Shamrocks. He identified himself as owner and apologized. Asked us to give it another try and gave us a couple coupons for a free drink each. Nice touch, excellent customer service and a cool surprise! This experience more than makes up for our bad one. We will give Shamrocks another try and will no doubt return to The Nook. Ordered Juicy Nookie and Buffalo wings... wings very good, a little hotter than traditional buffalo, but well cooked. Not rubbery. Juicy Nookie is amazing. Homemade blue cheese dressing is excellent!!! Looking forward to trying other items on the menu next visit which, because of our great experience, will be very soon! Thanks Ted!
(5)
Sam A.

One of the best burgers I had ever had in my life! Great sweet potato fries as well. Just wish the place was bigger!
(4)
Paul P.

My Dr. is gonna smack me upside the head if he finds out I had 2 Jucy Lucy's this week. But it is what it is. I got here just after they opened, so I was seated promptly. The wait staff is friendly and attentive. After looking over the menu, I decided on the Pepper Jack Jucy Lucy with the regular fries. The order was served quickly, about 20 minutes. I was reminded to wait a few minutes to let my burger cool a bit. So I started on the fries. And fries they were. Very good fries. Would be nice if they had a seasoned version of these fries. But that is why I bring my own along!!! I seasoned them with a seasoning that I keep with me at all times.. These fries were well done. Very crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Perfect for me.. Now the burger. The burger does not cover the entire diameter of the freshly baked bun. The burgers could have been flattened out a bit more or a smaller bun. The burger was very good and a good amount of cheese. Something happened towards the middle of the burger. I took a bite and got a larger than bite size piece of meat and the cheese fell out. Was the burger not molded properly? Was it cooked to well on the outside? I do not know. Disappointing to see a hole in the middle of my burger. The waitresses seemed to stay on top of things for beverage refills, etc. It did not matter who my waitress was. Any time they walked by, they would glance at my beverage to make sure I was not in need of a refill. I give an extra point for service. If I was much younger, I would make sure I got to this place more often. The burgers are very good and the waitresses very nice and attentive. Would be nice to see if I can flirt with one of them enough to maybe date her. But being over 50, I am not so sure these pretty women would be interested.. I now need to pay more attention to my red meat consumption. After this past week of beef in one form or another, I need to concentrate on chicken for a while. I will be back. Just not sure when.
(4)
Stan C.

Unbelievable sweet potato fries, great wings, awesome and delicious burger and fries! Outstanding place! Well done
(5)
Lorraine N.

before the fire I went here on a weekly basis----it was my favorite place to go in the twin cities---always sat at the bar ---we moved away and go when we visit and the burgers are still wonderful but something has changed---they are not as good as they were before and I miss the old place---however if I still lived in st. paul---i would still be there frequently enjoying my burger and beer and just the regulars and hannah our cute little bartender/waitress.... excellent fries, burgers, beer.....you will not be disappointed in the food......
(4)
Denise D.

I don't care if the Juicy Lucy was invented in South Minneapolis; The Nook is the best place to get one. (It's a Juicy Nookie here). They're deadly, sure, but there is no more amazing way to die. The onion rings are fantastic and they have Hamm's on tap. If you're a vegetarian or looking for healthy options, this is not the place for you. If you're with a large group or are unwilling to grab a spot at the bar, this is not the place for you. If you're impatient and get ticked off because you have to wait outside, don't come when it's cold. If you're anti-pickle and anti-fried onions, it's not really a Juicy Lucy, but it'll still taste good, I'm sure.
(5)
Scott H.

Delicious burgers, fries and beer! I must have eaten here literally 30-40 times in college. I still go back nearly every time I am in MN. The burgers are awesome! I recommend the nookie supreme with fried onions. This is a monster of a burger... the big mac's better big brother. The cheese curds are also pretty good but nothing like they used to be before the fire. Now that they have bowling downstairs the waits have seemed to be slightly less. However, if you go here anywhere close to normal eating times expect to wait. It's worth it.
(5)
Karyn P.

Probably one of the best burgers I've ever had. The buns are great. The meat cooked perfectly. Great service too.
(4)
Monique H.

The best Juicy burger I've had by far. I had the Jucy Lucy at the 5-8 Club and it was just dry and gross. I tried the one at Newt's in Rochester and while pretty tasty, did not even come close to the Juicy Nookie burger at Nook's. Living close to this place is not going to help the waistline, but good Lord it's a great burger. Our waitress had kind of an attitude. Not sure if that's supposed to be part of a gimmick there or she was having a bad day, but I was kind of put off by that. I'll pay for the burger, but snotty waitress get unholy tip. Just sayin'. Pretty sure the folks next to me didn't have an understanding of what a Juicy burger was as he sent it back because it was too bloody. What a waste of a burger. Would love to try some of the other items on the menu, but it will be hard to pull myself away from old faithful.
(5)
Paul D.

Great tasting burger. Had the cheese curds as an app, amazing as well. Fresh gooey while not being 'heavy', very good. The burger patty is cooked to Medium unless requested. Tasty patty by itself, lightly salted and peppered, probably a 80/20 protein/fat patty. There's lots of local favorites from their own takes on the Juicy Lucy to the Paul Molitor and the Joe Mauer. Draft selection is about 12 beers and a few rotating taps. It's a small hole in the wall place, but very much a great burger if you're lookin for a beer and a burger fix. They also have a burger eating challenge for a free t-shirt. Eat 2 Supreme Nooks and the fries and you get a free t-shirt.
(5)
John W.

Matt's and 5-8 have nothing on these cheese filled burgers! 1 of the best burgers in the Twins Cities 1919 root beer on tap! They would get a 5 star review, but the service is lacking a bit. Servers are friendly, but not the most efficient. Its a small place and they usually have 3-4 servers. There was a line out the door last time I was in and it took 10min for server to greet us at the table and 20+min after eating for server to bring my check in run my card. We were in for about an hour and we knew what we wanted before walking through the door. Overall, great food, good prices, below average service
(4)
Qaiser B.

The word nook might mean "A corner or recess, esp. one offering seclusion or security" but this restaurant stands right on the top of my list of best places to eat in St Paul. No wonder last time I went there, we were told to wait for an hour at least meaning there are others who agree with me. I love their burgers especially Juicy Lucy which was so good that I think Almighty should serve it in heaven to all the good people. The servers were a pleasant bunch of people, courteous and yet never overbearing. With great pleasure i would like to declare that The Nook has made it to my list of "Seven Miracles of St Paul" List on Yelp.
(5)
Firstname L.

I saw it on DDD I was in Minnesota on business in Jan 2013 I came to the Nook at opening time (11AM) I ordered a Juicy Nookie and fries I consumed said burger and fries It was good.
(4)
Ryan L.

The Juicy Nookie burger is to die for! I absolutely love it!!! All the food there is fantastic though. If you haven't tried this place. It is a must.
(5)
Jason D.

I had my first Juicy Lucy here, the Juicy Nooky. I'll just say that I'm glad that I did it at least once in my life, but I'm okay if I don't do it again. It was good, although weird to have cheese oozing down my hand. The service was good, the prices were good, and my wife loved her regular hamburger. This is a really cool place, that has a bowling alley downstairs, which was cool.
(4)
Drew R.

Had my first Nook experience last night before the Wild game, and as they got killed 4-1 in a noncompetitive effort against the Canucks, dinner was easily the best part of the night. I sat at the bar with a buddy, and the bartender was chatty and very nice. We both got the Guy's Big Bite burger - stuffed with pepper jack and topped with fried onions, roast beef, and cheddar. It was delicious, that's all I can say. Burger was great, bun was perfect, and the fries were terrific. And then I realized that they had Hopslam in bottles. Bonus.
(5)
Mere W.

To be clear this review it for the turkey burger. I know, I know, why order a turkey burger when they're known for their "real" burgers. Well the thing is that I don't eat red meat so this was my best option. The burger was okay but nothing amazing. I loved the guacamole but the rest was pretty standard. I also went during a week when I was trying to eat healthy. I asked if they had any healthy side options and they were able to give me some steamed broccoli. I was pleasantly surprised by this option and the broccoli was actually done well. I would stop by if I was in the neighborhood but I'm not sure I would go out of my way for the Nook turkey burger.
(3)
Elyssa H.

I am not a burger girl. In fact, I was a vegetarian for 7 years until a few months ago. My boyfriend and I were watching an episode of Diners, Drive Ins and Dives and noticed that this restaurant was about 10 minutes away from our place. The next evening we decided to give it a shot. Let me just say, The Nook blew my mind! The food was absolutely incredible. Everything we ordered was fantastic, reasonably priced and just plain delicious. I absolutely would return without a doubt! If you get the chance, eat at The Nook. You will not regret it!
(5)
Erica C.

Holy smokes. This divey restaurant don't play! The Nook is #1 in my book for burgers. I love me a good burger. I love it even more when juicy chicken wings precede it. The November special was the sweet chili chicken wings. These motherpluckers were sweet, juicy, tangy, and delicious. I hope they keep them on the menu! Their jucy lucy's come medium so it was an immediate turn off for me. I can't do anything less than medium well. I got a standard cheeseburger instead but don't underestimate it. It was one of the best burgers I've ever had. The bun was soft and toasty. The meat was so flavorful, and the oozy cheese complimented the beef in a perfect ratio. Mmm, mmm, mmm, get in my belly!
(5)
An D.

I've been here twice now, eating upstairs once and downstairs once. Overall, their burgers are pretty great. The wings are even better. The fries, however, were a let down both times. Most recently they were clearly stale and/or overcooked to the point that we didn't even eat them. My girlfriend had the Triple B and it was great. Good flavor, good bacon, cooked just right. I had the Spanish Fly and it was a major miss. The Chorizo just wasn't that great and didn't add up to a tasty burger. In retrospect I'm not sure what I was expecting as it's not like the Nook is cooking up or sourcing quality chorizo for one of the two dozen burgers on their menu. On the plus side, we had their boneless wings and the buffalo sauce was great with a subtle but tasty kick.
(3)
Crystal S.

Super cute little place, great ambiance, and awesome food!! There will be a wait, there will be many people crammed in, but it's worth it!
(5)
Melissa H.

I have gone back. I have to say that they blow 5-8 Tavern and a lot of other places right out of the water. Their Fries and Cheese Curds are so addictive and so delicious. I love them. I have had the Bleu Cheese Burger (so good) and the Walleye and Chips. If locals are a fan of Mac's Fish and Chips, try the Nook's Walleye, it is far better, and the fries are way better. I would go back every weekend. You can sit in the basement as well, it's less crowded and quieter. A good tip is to come around opening, far less busy.
(5)
Nate A.

Fantastic Juicy Lucy. I got the chorizo con queso. Yum. Great small bar atmosphere. A little tight on space but fun. Bowling alley and more seating downstairs. Hamms on tap! This place has a lot if charm and would be something I'd recommend checking out.
(4)
Sue S.

The Nook aint fancy. There are no frills. But it's a darn good burger joint in my book -- and I happen to be a burger craving fool. Our neighbor first told us about the Nook, and the first time we went, we were blown away. On busy nights, it's tough to find a seat and there's often a wait because there are really only a handful of tables plus the bar. But the food is worth the wait. The very first time we went, we wound up sitting at the bar and actually had some of the best service we've ever had at any dining establishment. The beer selection is also quite good and the beer is really fresh, which makes the food taste even better. My personal recommendations are any burger with cheese, including of course the Juicy Lucy, sweet potato fries and a chocolate milkshake if you're bypassing beer. The shakes are handmade, come in the metal tin like they should and are humongous. Thumbs up to our go-to burger joint!
(5)
Andy H.

Server: 3.5 Seemed pushy rather than efficient and attentive. I think she wanted to turn her tables too quickly. App (-etizer, not -lication): 4. Buffalo cheese curds could have been more "buffalo", and less greasy. Burger: 5. The only reason it gets a five is because there isn't a higher score on yelp. The perfectly seasoned, filled, and cooked"Guys Big Bite" burger is DEFINITELY one of the top three burgers I've ever had...PERIOD. I'm a burger guy, and the only others residing in the top three are the "Merriam Park" at Blue Door Pub in STP and The "Fifty" at the Fifty/50 in Chicago.
(4)
Kaiser K.

What happened to the good service or service for that matter. At least the food is still good, or at least I hope so!
(3)
Kim K.

Talk about being at the right place at the right time! This was close to my hotel. Between Yelp & DDD's, I decided this would be perfect. Luckily, I got the on-street parking right in front of their door! Walked in & it was crowded. There was one seat at the bar & all other tables were full. Next thing I knew, there were several groups waiting to be seated and their wait times were over an hour- on a week night! None of them seemed to care. The place is tiny, including their single-use rest room. Very clean & cute. I ordered the Juicy Lucy. After about 3-4 bites, I was done. I hate to admit, I did like the cheese and grease that dripped all over my fries. This was a great experience. This place was for hipsters, preppies, Gen X, Y, Z, etc!
(4)
Krissy W.

Now, before I get started, let me say that this was only my second stop on the Mpls/St. Paul "Juicy/Jucy Lucy" tour (the first being Blue Door). So I can't compare it to Matt's or 5-8. I'll give you my thoughts anyways. The atmosphere inside is great. It's small without being claustrophobic (how Blue Door can get sometimes), with fun reviews & pictures on the walls. Their beer list is pretty decent, but only a select few taps are available on Happy Hour. But the burger! Oh the burger! I had the Juicy Nookie, & it was to die for. So amazing. The way the cheese oozes out of the meat pocket. Unreal. Loved, loved, loved it. The fries were pretty dang good, too. Overall, I really enjoyed the Nook & am excited to go back & try their sweet potato fries. While Blue Door specializes in a variety of "Juicy Blucys," the Nook aims for the simple joy of oozing cheese (just check out my photo). Winning.
(4)
Ryan F.

Man, I really love this place. The owners are absolute Rock Stars. I am soo glad it is accessible for my bro in a wheelchair now. That being said, we usually go to Shamrocks just because its bigger. If you have the appetite, do the Nookie Supreme Challenge. If you complete it, it means you get a sweet souvenir T-shirt and 2 of the most amazing burgers you can possibly eat for around $20. I am hard pressed to find a better deal! The Guys Big Bite burger is friggin awesome, too. The server explained it to me as "Meat, on top of meat, on top of meat" How can that not lead to anything but a life-changing meal?
(5)
Jess V.

Juicie Nookie Burger- 4 stars (may adjust this rating as this was my first juicy lucy) Sake Bloody Mary- 5 stars Sweet potato fries dusted with cinnamon sugar- oh dear god thank you for giving me a discerning palate, 5++ stars Unpretentious regular folk who just want some darn good food- 5++ stars
(5)
Anna M.

Dang this place has good burgers! I went with my boyfriend for a fun Friday night out, and we were both very pleased with the service, the quality of the food, and the taste. It is a bit noisy and hard to find a table during busy hours/weekends, but the burgers were amazeballs and well worth the wait. The sweet potato fries were also fantastic. I loved the hint of brown sugar on them. Yummy! It can be a little pricy depending on what you get (you could probably split a Supreme or some of the other burgers if you wanted to save. It's a lot of food!) Also, they don't offer free refills on sodas (or at least not the root beer. The server asked if I wanted more, and then at the end I found I'd been charged for two. No biggie, but something to look out for).
(4)
Abdallah A.

Great burgers, great service and great atmosphere. highly recommend the burgers, I personally didn't like the fries but others on the table did.
(5)
Shamus M.

Seriously, who can say anything negative about this place? Excellent food? YES Excellent Service? YES Excellent choice of adult and children's beverages? YES & YES! Buddy of mine and I took the voyage from the land of cheese to check it out since the rebuild, and cozied up to the bar. Bar service was prompt, and samples of cider were had. Food was pretty prompt considering how packed it was. The bar keep was even nice enough to throw me a cider on the house given how far we had traveled that day just for burgers, fries, and drinks. All and all, if you plan on going, plan on waiting for a table, plain and simple. Don't complain about the wait, that just tells you how great of a joint this is. Props to the staff and owners on the rebuild!
(5)
Steve T.

Same info as before but an update is needed because I had a new burger, The Philly. Wow. Raw onions, green peppers and mushrooms and Swiss cheese stuffed inside a burger. Now I didn't think I had a lot of mushrooms in it which is fine because I'm not that big of a fan of the canned ones but everything else rocked my world! The raw onions and peppers were steamed to perfection inside the burger with the Swiss cheese melting perfectly around everything. It was crazy delicious. Again, this place is tough to get into and I was there on Tuesday around 1:30 and people were waiting. But oh man. I'm going back for more.
(5)
Dan P.

Hamburgers and fries can't be beat- consistently excellent. Chicken sandwich experiment failed on this visit- the chicken was rubbery (not freshly prepared). Rootbeer on tap served at room temp in a room temp mug- they're doing it wrong. Service was curt but correct. Wild hockey game on every screen with volume turned up to 11. Been here before and liked it- today was a miss.
(3)
Rob T.

We were looking for a local lunch spot on our way to the airport at noon midweek. A Yelp search brought us to the Nook and it's burgers. It was a solid experience. We were seated in the small downstairs area near the classic bowling alley. While no one was bowling I can see this would be a fun place to eat and hang out for an evening. I opted for the Spanish Fly burger which is a 50/50 mix of black angus chuck and spicy pork chorizo with queso inside. My friend ordered the Guy's Bug Bite burger stuffed with pepperjack cheese and bacon, topped with inside topped with roast beef and cheddar! Wow! Both burgers were indeed juicy and tasty. Although I did not find the chorizo spicy in the least, it did have a nice flavor mixed with the beef. Grab the fries as well. They are fried In peanut oil and tasty! We will be back.
(4)
Katie K.

It's hard to stay away from the Nook once you know how good their burgers are. My husband and I only order from the list of stuffed burgers (juicy lucy burgers) and we've never been let down. The fries are equally delicious and the beer list is ok- could have a few more options. We prefer to sit upstairs even if it means a longer wait so we don't need to cram downstairs with the bowlers and the bowling smells.
(5)
Amy E.

Amazing burgers. Hands down delicious. We had an awkward server, and seating took much longer than we were told. We liked the two worlds inside, with a bowling alley being in the basement. It wasn't noisy eating downstairs. I'd go back again. For those darn burgers.
(3)
Homie Style M.

Great! Had the Juicy Nookie. Cant go wrong w/ burger n fries. Met up w/ friends and had a great time. Gave it the squeeze test and yep the cheez oozes as it comes out from the middle. :-)
(4)
Jackie S.

A co-worker had seen this place on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives so when we were in St. Paul for work last night, we decided that we had to check the place out. Loved the atmosphere - it's definitely a dive (but in the best way possible). Staff was friendly and the burgers were great. I had the Juicy Nookie - a burger stuffed with Cheddar and American cheeses. I also added grilled onions per the server's recommendation which was a nice touch. If you're in the area, you should definitely check this place out!
(4)
Drew S.

I'm not claiming to be a burger connoisseur, but let's put it this way - you'll NEVER see me belly-up to McWherever and choke down a $0.99 double cheeseburger. I'd heard everything there was to hear about The Nook: Joe Mauer ate / eats here; the locals rave about it; the critics rave about it; it's overrated; it's a total dive; it's cramped inside; it can be a long wait; it got charred on the inside but was re-built by a group of devoted people who wouldn't let it disappear with the soot; the burgers are amazing; you have to go. And then, I went. I couldn't have left with a more blown away expectation of what I was about to experience. I ordered my standard burger choice, inspired by my Father (who was with me for my first visit): classic cheeseburger cooked medium-rare with fried onions. The arteries in my heart fluttered when the waitress mentioned the smoked cheddar - yes please! When the beauty arrived at the table, the conversation my Father and I were having abruptly stopped and all attention was given to the burgers. The first bite is hard to remember, but it danced along the verge of food nirvana. The spices of the fresh pressed burger, mixed with the velvety smooth goodness of that smoked cheddar and the al dente texture of the caramelized onions put me in a place that I hadn't been to since I had my first cheeseburger at Armstrong's Burger Stand in Jefferson, WI. But let's digress back to The Nook. The french fries are exactly what french fries should be: hand sliced, simply seasoned and double fried. French fries that can keep you up at night and that make you forget that catsup ever existed. I had to dabble with some of the sweet potato fries as well, and I'm glad I did: crisp on the outside with a soft (but not soggy) inside, a gentle dusting of cinnamon-sugar seasoning with a zippy chipolte ranch dipping sauce - the best I've ever had. Even with all of my taste buds hallucinating from the food ecstasy, I wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere else eating this burger. I still had the never-dying fond appreciation of food place that lacks adequate seating versus the constant demand. I still had the fond appreciation of the brisk service without the intrusiveness of the waitstaff. I still, and always will, have the fond appreciation of quality over quantity. And that is exactly what The Nook is - quality over quantity.
(5)
Kristofer W.

Best Juicy Lucy in the Cities. Was visiting the Cities for the first time and first went to the 5-8 Club to try one of the "original" versions of the famous burger. It was alright, but felt like it didn't have enough cheese. The Nook did not let me down. There was cheese to the last bite how it should be. The Nook also had a way cooler and younger vibe to it which made it a happier experience all around. Had the "Guys Big Bite" which takes the Juicy Lucy to a whole new level with the addition of bacon and roast beef. If some one were to ask me where to get the best Juicy Lucy in the cities, I would tell them The Nook. They would thank me later for it.
(5)
Brian H.

All the superlatives out there are accurate when describing burgers at the Nook. They are the real deal and delicious. If you're going for the first time just get one of the Jucy Lucy style burgers so you know what the place is all about. I had the Paul Molitor and it was delicious. The location is small and the lines can be long but it is worth the wait. There's nothing fancy about the place and don't expect white table clothes and linen. The staff is efficient and friendly but not hovering over you. In the end, it's a bar that makes killer burgers but sometimes that is all you want.
(5)
Mike E.

There's something you need to know about me: I won't back down from a challenge. And The Nook decided to challenge me. Let me paint this picture for you - it's Saturday night and I'm out with the Wolfpack (7 of the brothas), famished after a long day of man shopping and golf. On the Nook's menu I read, "Challenge: Eat two Nookie Supremes and the fries and win a free t-shirt!" Immediately, a sensation comes over me...a welling up of deeply rooted emotion. This. Is. My. Destiny. When I order up the Nookie Supreme Challenge, our server looked at me incredulously. We ask him how many guests have completed The Challenge: "Only one on my watch (in the past year)." The first order went down great - the burger patties were enormous (had to be at least 1/2 pound per burger, so a pound of meat for $8.95), the special sauce was a perfect touch (not too overpowering), and the fries were some of the best in the Twin Cities. By the time my second Nookie Supreme came out about 15 minutes later, I figured there was no way I could even eat half of it, much less win the t-shirt. But I was forgetting one simple X-Factor: The Wolfpack. I was not going it alone...The Wolfpack was there to defend My Honor. And defend they did, with loud, bass-filled chants of "Mike...Mike...Mike". I was their William Wallace. I was their Maximus. Actually, I was really just their Kobayashi. And when the gods decreed that no 5'9", 170-pound man should be able to eat 2 pounds of meat and 200 grams of carbs, they had forgotten The Wolfpack that was the wind beneath these wings. I finished that second order, and I won that damn t-shirt. And I questioned whether I would survive. And there may have been a "cleanse" that took place moments after stumbling out of The Nook that Saturday evening. And I didn't eat for most of the next day.
(5)
Sharon T.

A Minnesota fave for locals, this place is truly a dive in the best way! There's two levels to this place. The upper level is a bar & restaurant, while the underbelly is an old fashioned bowling alley/bar/restaurant. So far, the divey tone of this place is pretty cool! Place was packed, and there was a 1/2 hour wait on a Saturday afternoon (~230pm). Ordered a Minnesota specialty: a Juicy Lucy! The Nook's is called the Juicy Nookie, and it doesn't disappoint. These things are cooked only to medium, so if you like your hamburger fully cooked (a cooking state that no piece of steak should ever be subjected to), bypass any cheese filled meat patty. These things just come out pretty plain with only yellow onions (a travesty as red would have tasted WAY BETTER!), grilled or raw. I would have liked some lettuce and tomato, but the pickles were a nice touch, and you can add whatever accoutrements you like. The whole show is the meat and hot melting cheese oozing out... and it was truly delicious. The meat isn't overly seasoned, but you can definitely taste the melting cheese (I believe they used cheddar) which is the highlight of the burger. Take a bite or two before doctoring it up with ketchup, mustard, etc. You'll enjoy the simplicity of the flavors! The fries were okay. Nothing special to them, but they were a good accompaniment to the burger. My friends had the dry rub chicken wings and bleu cheese burger. Took a bite of the burger...also delish. But the real surprise were the dry rub wings...now, if you can't handle heat, this things are not for you. Personally, I like to add Sriracha hot sauce to my ketchup to make it spicier and tastier, just to give you a reference point. The wings were spiced to this level, and boy they were tasty. Again, I recommend taking a bite just the way they're cooked...and then doctoring them up or softening them up with ranch/bleu cheese dressing. These things were the BOMB! Good food and a good selection of beers...I would recommend more IPAs as they are a good way to balance all the flavors of the food. TWO THUMBS UP FOR THIS PLACE!!
(4)
Josh W.

This is without a doubt, the best "jucy lucy" burger joint in the Twin Cities. How do I know this? Because I went to Matt's, 5-8, Blue Door and the Nook all in one night to settle this brawl once and for all! I think some people forget about the two major St. Paul joints, because Matt's and 5-8 get all the publicity. But while they're busy cockfighting about who invented the Cheesy Ooze-Burger of the Gods, St. Paul bitch-slapped them both with better ingredients, better taste and better third-degree cheese burns. My buddy, who was an ardent Matt's supporter, laughed at me when I told him he'd like the Nook the best. And then he tried both, cried a little (tears of happiness, of course) and pledged the sacred oath to the Paul Molitor. Our final rankings ... The Nook, Blue Door Pub, 5-8 and then Matt's. And while you're at the Nook, don't miss the chance to have a malt to wash down your belly-full of glory. They're pretty bad-ass, too.
(5)
Kristi C.

In my humble opinion, the Nook serves up a good burger. With lots of menu options, I've been here a few times over the years and have never been disappointed. On another note, I will say I nearly slapped the hand of my table mate when he reached towards the basket of my sweet potato fries. Hold the cinnamon sugar, the chipotle mayo was all these delicous crinkle cut morsels needed. I won't get into the debate over who has the best burger &/or juicy lucy, but I will say these are the BEST sweet potato fries, EVER!
(3)
Travis L.

Great burger, good atmosphere. The only down size is it's such a popular spot and it's so small. All around an awesome place to go check out for a great burger and some beer!!
(4)
Rachel C.

I love the blue cheese burger!!! and the coleslaw is great too!!!!
(5)
Alex R.

come here and at shamrocks a lot.. my go to is the firehouse burger medium rare.. sweet basement with bowling and a dumbwaiter..
(5)
Bill W.

My wife and I were in town for a wedding and decided to check this place out after seeing it, not once...but twice on Food Network. I ordered the "Guy's Big Bite" with fries. My wife ordered the "Alumni Burger" with chips. The burgers were pretty close to being the best we've ever had and my fries were delicious. We ordered the chips to share....and were disappointed that they weren't house-made chips. Overall it was a great experience and it would certainly be a place we would revisit of we lived in Minnesota rather than Tennessee.
(4)
Mallory B.

Worth the wait & probably one of the best burger's I have ever had! I thought about going for the 4-star rating on this one, but decided against it because the only thing I didn't care for was the wait. But, ladies & gentlemen, the wait was worth it. If you find yourself waiting be sure to check out the bar downstairs for seating. I had the Paul Molitor and it was TO DIE FOR. The perfect amount of kick and cheesiness. The BF had the standard juicy lucy which he also said was very good. I can't wait to go back and try one of the hot dogs!
(5)
Amanda A.

Dude, I was told when I moved to Minnesota that I had to try this burger called the Juicy Lucy. Lots of bars had it, but the best were at 5-8, Matt's and The Nook. We picked The Nook and it was delightful. I didn't have a traditional Juicy Lucy--mine came with pepperjack cheese in the middle. I want to say it was called the Paul Molitor? But damn, totally tasty.
(4)
Noah G.

While I doubt anything could be more delicious than the Juicy Nookie, I haven't tried everything so I don't know if there is a better burger waiting to be eaten. Below are the three steps for eating a Juicy Nookie. Step 1: Take your first bite and be careful for explode-in-your-face cheese. Step 2: Do NOT suck out the cheese! Extra cheese makes the rest of the burger better! Step 3: When you finish the Juicy Nookie, make sure you eat the fries. They are delicious!
(5)
Molly A.

I don't mind the inevitable wait--amazing food, great service, and warm atmosphere. I love the changing burgers of the month, too!
(5)
Jen B.

Oh good Lord....please believe the hype! This place, hands down serves the best hamburger in the world. I took my husband there, who is constantly in search of the best burger. His search is over. We both sat there in amazement at how delicious our food was. We both left on a total food high. Can't wait to go back! Also.....yes there was a wait, but TOTALLY worth it!
(5)
Jon L.

Well here we are at the Nook. Saturday at 4:00pm and the place is packed. I thought because it was "earlier" than dinner, we would be fine. Well, I was wrong. Got put on the waiting list and they said it would be 25-30 minutes. The place is pretty small and the waiting area, if you can call it that, barely holds more than 4 people. They said it was first come first serve at the bar and also downstairs. Well the bar was full, and since we were under a time crunch, I thought I would meander downstairs to check it out. The downstairs was pretty retro cool. I had a 8 lane bowling alley and a bar that held about a dozen people and a few tables. We decided to head downstairs. We snagged a table and my wife and I ordered the Juicy Nookie Burger. I with fires and she with onion rings. My daughter ordered a cheeseburger and fries. Within 20 minutes we had our food. The Juicy Nookie Burger is a burger stuffed with american cheese. It is a take off on the classic Juicy Lucy. We have had the Jucy Lucy at Matt's Bar and the 5-8 club. Even though we are not the biggest fan's of the juicy lucy, this was by far the best. The meat had a nice pink hue and the bun was freshly made from a neighborhood bakery. I had fried onions and was disappointed that they skimped on the quantity of onions supplied. The fries were very good and they had a nice sweet taste to them. They were skin on and cut to about a 1/4 inch in size. If anything, they may have been slightly overcooked. The onion rings, we very good and perfectly done. My daughter thought the cheeseburger was OK. For a 16 year old, it is hard to get any lengthy description of how she liked the meal. So, I guess OK, means, well, OK. Overall the wait staff was terrific, the atmosphere (at least downstairs) was pretty cool, and the food was very good. The menu is fairly extensive, so I think another trip would be in order to explore the other food items they have on it. Well done Nook, well done.
(4)
Sharon C.

Love the nook! We used to go to blue door pub frequently, then we discovered we can enjoy an amazing burger without waiting forever for a table and when we sit down we feel comfortable. Great burgers!
(5)
Tyana S.

I was not a huge fan of the nook... I had heard a lot about it and it did not live up to its name. The burger I had was not even better than a burger I could get at an Applebee's. The fries were kinda good because they were homemade, but they were a little burnt. The cheese curds also were not that good. I wouldn't recommend.
(2)
Michael P.

They're Back! Excellent Juicy burger stugged with cheese on a fresh bakery bun - this was a burger that was put together very very well. Though the burger come medium, my burger was clearly medium-rare to rare. Other than that, excellent food. Kid friendly and kid ready! We took our 16 month old boy and they were quite accommodating to his terror.
(4)
Katie S.

You can't go wrong by stepping in the door of The Nook. Even if you only go for a few beers (but why would you, with the amazing burgers?) you will still walk away satisfied with the service and ambiance. The Nook is just that, a little hole-in-the-wall establishment across the street from Cretin Derham Hall high school in St. Paul. It's owned and run by 2 guys who know their stuff. They have perfected the "jucy lucy" burgers and created a menu which is bound to satisfy anyone. My favorite burger is the Pepperjack Hannahan burger, filled with pepperjack cheese. The burger has always been cooked perfectly with oozing cheese coming out with each bite. The fries are hand cut, and for someone who doesn't care for french fries all that much, I always seem to finish them. My other favorite is the Paul Molitor burger, which also has pepperjack cheese (uh, I kinda like it, ok?). I've always wanted to try the Matt Birk but it has 2 hamburger patties and I'd never be able to finish it. Or, if I did, I'd probably puke from overeating. They have stuff for the kids, too. My daughter is 2 and she loves the mac and cheese - yes, it's just Kraft Mac & Cheese, but they sprinkle a little extra REAL cheese on top of it, which is a little more than any other place does when we order it for her. And then there are cheese curds. No, they're not State Fair quality, but I have yet to find someplace that really is. They're darned good, though. And I always wash my meal down with a Leinie's Honey Weiss (or two). The staff is all friendly, the cooks are excellent - you just can't miss with this place. We live in Denver and come home to Minnesota every summer to see my family and we have to stop at The Nook at LEAST once, if not twice. If you don't want a wait, make sure to get there right when they open, or wait until after the traditional lunch hour (about 1:30), or for an early dinner.
(5)
Tim P.

This is my favorite Burger place without a doubt. Everyone who i have brought here also loves it. I hope it comes back as good as it was before the fire. The juicy nookie and paul molitor, both stuffed with cheese, the second one with pepper jack, are the two best. They are soft, juicy, lightly seasoned and contain cheese that is runny, but not liquid, (Perfect!) All on a nice soft bun that does not fall apart on you,(hate that.) Fries and chicken wings are good too, if you have room. Dang it. Now I've made myself hungry.
(5)
Rita S.

This is the place to go if you're in Saint Paul(being the other is Matt's Bar in Mpls!) This place get packed cause of the small space but it's worth it! Downstairs is the Ran Ham bowling alley to bring friends and family for fun,named after the intersection streets Randolph and Hamline where the Nook is at. If you want you most cheesy,smoky,baconiest burger get the Lodge burger (Joe Mauer's favorite) and for the smoky flavor is of course the Bourbon Bacon burger! Those are my two favorite burgers there. I frequent often cause its closer to home and it's actually my brothers favorite place to go...seriously! Lol!
(4)
Lea S.

I love a place that is so greasy that your food could make a table top translucent! The Nook is one of those places! For a Saturday night at 7pm I feared long lines, and long waits at this popular burger joint. To my surprise the wait was manageable, because the staff are super friendly, and expedient. The atmosphere was like any other bar. I appreciate (about St. Paul in general) that it looks like everything stopped building up or out around 1962. I was blown away when I found out the place was remodeled after a fire to go back to the past! Pair all this with sports on more than 2 televisions, and I am sold to go back again. The only reason I am dropping the place down a star is because of the tons of kids that were at a bar on a Saturday night. I understand alcoholic parents have to eat too, but the place is really small, AND A BAR, which in my book means don't bring families. I know there is a bowling ally next door, but leave bowling to the over weight balding dudes of the twin cities, not your kids. I suggest ordering the cheese curds. Mostly because I don't have much self-respect, but they were also delicious. I do feel conflicted about who has a better Juicy Lucy. I mean the Nook's burger seems bigger, BUT something about the dive appeal of Matt's still confuses my judgement. I think the only solution is to go back to both several times to do some deep investigating. Oh one thing, the fries at the Nook are way better, so that might be a tie breaker.
(4)
P W.

My husband and I are from northeast Wisconsin and staying in Cannon Falls for business. I read the reviews of the Nook and watched the DDD piece on line and decided it was worth the 45 minute drive. Boy, was I right! I had the Paul Moliter and my hubby had Guy's Big Bite. Both were amazing! The hand cut fries were some of the best I have ever had. There is a great variety of beers available on tap, bottle or can to wash it all down with. We went on a Saturday night and there was an hour wait for a seat. However, we were able to get seats at the bar fairly quickly. The bartender took our order and the food arrived much sooner than I had anticipated. Does anyone know how to remove the "Closed" posted on Yelp? This place was definitely open for business!
(5)
Nicole N.

We went to the Blue Door Pub but when we arrived it was so insanely busy and looked frightening. So I directed the man toward The Nook since neither of us had been there either. Perfect choice! I wanted Crispin on tap and he wanted Hamm's on tap. They had both. Effff yes! It's almost as if god came down from the heavens above and directed us to The Nook! But, I digress. The juicy nookie was so good. Oh dear. The blood-stained cheese gushed all over my hands and I thanked my lucky stars that it was dark in there... because I looked like a disgusting slob. More so than usual, anyway. The cheese curds were so close to the state fair curds that I wanted to give up all other foodstuffs and eat them for the rest of my life. MMM. Finally, the fries were fresh cut and delicious as well. Overall, they had the cider/beer we wanted on tap, FANTASTIC food, good prices, and the service was great! I cannot wait to go back and get my fat on!
(5)
Ronnie G.

Now this place is what I'm TALKING about. We waited about 90 minutes for a table but I'm still giving them four stars. Why is this Ronnie? Simple. One Star for the extensive beer list for a burger joint. Founders Dirty Bastard, Flat Earth Porter. Speaking my language Nookie. Two Stars for the fantastic service. The bartender and waiter were both extremely accommodating despite the crazy crowds. Three Stars for the fries. The fries are really crispy and done very well. Chipotle Ranch is a nice touch. Four Stars for the Nookie! I had the Spanish Fly, half chorizo, pepperjack cheese. Very very tasty. Five stars was not attainable because we waited so long but I'll definitely come back because even the wait is enjoyable. Well done boys.
(4)
Juliann M.

TOTALLY WORTH SPECIAL REQUEST FOR GARLIC PEPPER on fries. I adore the bacon cheeseburger, but now also have an addiction to the Garlic Pepper seasoning on the fresh handcut fries with their own chipotle ranch dipping sauce. I even shake excess garlic pepper flakes onto my burger...
(5)
Annie D.

I tried to come here a year ago and was foiled by the long wait. Luckily, I had another shot when my mom and sister both wanted to come here this week for their birthday dinner (they have the same b-day). Glory be, it was as amazing as I had imagined. The Paul Molitor is where it's at, guys. Who picks Velveeta over pepper jack cheese? OK, so the pepper jack is kinda Velveeta-ish too, but it still tastes so good and it's really the best kind of cheese for a Nookie. I got the onion rings, which were just about perfect, and also had plenty of fries since we all like to share. The fries are the ideal vehicle for re-organizing all of your melty cheese that spews out of the jucy lucy after every bite. The service could have been a little more attentive, though it's hard to be upset about anything when you are eating one of the most delicious burgers in the state. Obviously, I'm aware of the great jucy lucy debate that goes on in this town. I hate to choose sides, but I'll put my vote in for The Nook over Matt's any day.
(4)
Angie S.

With the competition between the different juicy lucy's in the metro, I made it a point to do my research. The location is very easy to get to, but depending on the time you go to this place, your wait might be a while. It is tight spot to navigate through, but it is visually stimulating. Very snug seating, but the buzz that it creates allows you to still be comfortable in the company. I tried the burger, and I am a 'original is better'. I do give them props, the selection on how you can customize your burgers is very impressive. The burger was great and fries were delicious. I don't think it holds my heart for the best Lucy in town, but you cannot go wrong.
(4)
Brandon B.

i went there for the first time in years when it re-opened after the fire. I was completely disappointed. Then my mom wanted to take me out for an early dinner there and i decided i'd give it a second chance. Guess what? Still disappointed... Lets start with the first experience. I got some pepperjack cheese filled Lucy, i think it's called the Paul Molitor Burger. They didn't even put real cheese in the burger. It was some cheap tube crap. After it leaked out of the back on my first bite i prodded it at the end of my meal, after it should have at the very least partially solidified; but instead it was still this pasty nasty glob of crap. The texture is just absolute garbage. It's like eating pepperjack flavored toothpaste. My friend got some normal California burger thingy and it came with so much Mayo that i'd swear they put it on with an ice cream scooper. The pile of Mayo was almost as big as the burger itself. It was disgusting! Who serves that kind of crap??? The Nook, that's who... So after i had given up on it, i gave it another chance. My mom wanted to go there and i figured since so many people rant and rave about hwo great it is that i at least should give it one more chance. My mom tried the pork tenderloin sandwich and it wasn't bad, but it wasn't good either...just meh. I got the burger of the month which was billed as a "Bacon and Jalapeno Juicy Lucy." I figured it was probably a burger stuffed with Jalapenos, monterey jack or REAL pepperjack cheese, and then topped with bacon. Instead it was stuffed with bacon, jalapenos and crappy american cheese. Which by the way, what up with that name? America is a huge producer of great cheeses, and some how our great country had its name sullied and stamped on the cheapest crappiest cheese that has ever been created. Why didn't they give it a more proper name of some crappy historical country, like Fascist Germany cheese or Communist Russia cheese? Why the hell did it have to be the one cheese we got our name stamped on? Anyways, back to amateur hour at The Nook. So its bad enough they stuck that crappy cheese in my burger right? Wrong. Someone had the bright idea to actually stuff the bacon in the burger. Anyone with an inkling of cooking knowledge would know that doing that would make the bacon soggy and nasty. This isn't even something you'd have to test, just use a little logic and reason and you'd figure it out before you even attempted it. The next big mistake was using jarred jalapenos. Jarred Jalapenos suck donkey balls! They have no taste and the spice level is absolutely non-existent. How hard is it to chop up some REAL jalapenos each day and stuff them in the burger? All of these things point to two really horrible restaurant habits, being cheap and being lazy. You might get away with being a little cheap, or slouching off here and there, but in my book you can't get away with doing both constantly. I think people just like The Nook because of the nostalgia, because personally i think it's the most overrated food in Saint Paul. If you want to drool over pictures of the Joe Mauer, the most overpaid and overrated player in baseball; save yourself the money and just Google it.
(2)
Anjo B.

Best Juicy Lucy in the twin cities, hands down. Great fries. Great atmosphere.
(5)
Jacque U.

After a 2+ year hiatus, I finally made it back to the Nook and seriously had a "Where have you been all my life" moment. It's not that the Nook wasn't good before, but I was trying to compare it to the Blue Door and that wasn't fair. Nook was offering the January Special - the Bada Bing Burnger which was a 50/50 combo of ground beef and italian sausage, stuffed with peperoni and cheese curds, topped with marinara and served on a toasted garlic bun. I'm pretty sure that they can't mention it on the menu but they put something else in there like nicotine or crack because holy hell that was a good burger. It was so good that all conversation at our table pretty much stopped while we ate. My one beef (get it, beef?) was that it could have been a little warmer over all because the cheese just wasn't quite melty enough. But a little thing like that didn't stop me from downing the entire burger. And some onion rings. And some of my friend's fries. Come to think of it, I may actually need 2 years between visits if I'm going to stuff my face every time I go. My waistline hates you but my taste buds love you and I can always buy new pants.
(5)
D R.

I had several of the stuffed hamburgers and fell in love with them. The wild wing rub was some of the best wings I have ever tasted.
(4)
Anna J.

It took me a little while to try this place. I have heard that's its the best jucy in the twin cities but this is a gourmet burger place. We came here on a busy Friday night and we were able to grab two seats at the bar. We both loved our burgers and the fries were fricking awesome but what makes me want to come back to this place was the service. Everyone was soo nice. Like super nice. The bartender was talking it up with us and suggested the yummiest of the burgers even though they were super busy. Good service goes a loong way in my book. What a special gem you have in St. Paul. Can't wait to go back.
(4)
Adam K.

OK - was in st. paul today on business and I finally was able to check tihs place out....let me just say, I think I ate the best burger I've ever had in my life! Fries are crunchy and light...I wish I lived here cuz I'd be going to this place numerous times. I went on a Thursday night around 9pm, wasn't too corwded, just right, my waitress was sweet and accomodating. I ordered the Guys Big Bite and it was everything I dreamed it should be. When you get your burger, just relax, eat a few fries and let the burger cool down cuz it's full of molten cheese!! I loved everything about this place...
(5)
Micki C.

Not much new to report here--like everyone else, I love their juicy lucy. Had the traditional nookie, subbed some sweet potato fries (they made me feel like I was being a little healthier), and a honeyweiss. I think a better review mission would be to hit up The Nook, Matt's, 5-8 Club, and Blue Door Pub and REALLY have a show down as to which is the best juicy lucy in town. We went on a Thursday night at 7pm and the place was packed. Believe we waited about 30-45 minutes. Ample free street parking around the restaurant. Staff is nice but BUSY. Expect to wait to order once you are seated, don't expect to see your server except to order, get your food, and pay. Don't have high expectations of getting drink refills or be ready to set up a display to get their attention and flag them down.
(4)
Chris E.

Living in California, I've wanted to try a Juicy Lucy for a long time. Problem was, when I was in Minnesota I had to decide between The Nook, Matt's, and the 5-8. Based on Yelp reviews, I went with The Nook. My family and I were greeted by a gentlemen at the hostess podium. When I asked him about the burgers, the restaurant and some recommendations; I was met with a bit of hostility. I know the rivalry between the three aforementioned restaurants is fierce, but to get hostile with your patrons who are just uninformed about the history of the burger and restaurant is unacceptable. Any other day, I would have walked out but since I'm only in Minnesota a couple of times a year, I had to suck it up. We started with a round of beers. I was pretty disappointed with the lack of selection here. It's just your basic set domestic beers with one or two imports, such as Dos Equis which is off the menu (if you really consider that an import). As an appetizer we ordered the Homemade Wisconsin Cheese Curds. They were very delicious, a tad bit salty, but perfect with a beer. We were told the Leprechaun Legs were one of the best items on the menu, so I'd recommend people try them both. I ordered the Paul Molitor Burger (Juicy Lucy stuffed with pepper cheese) and grilled onions. The burger was amazing. Super fresh, delicious, oozing with cheese, and quite filling. I also tried the Juicy Nookie (just their name for a Juicy Lucy) with American cheese and I have to admit, this was a better cheese to use for the burger. Both are good, but the American Cheese felt more appropriate for the meat. The chips and fries were nothing amazing, simply edible. Normally, I'd give a restaurant like this a 2 star, given there is no real beer selection, we were greeted terribly, and the sides that came with our meals were sub par, yet I felt the burgers were so good that it deserved a little bump.
(3)
kyle t.

Another Juicy Lucy - oops Juicy Nookie, sorry. I have been looking forward to this place since I saw it on DDD a few months back. I have been roving around trying various Juicy Lucy's in the city and this was one I really wanted to try. The place is great, nice little dive bar in a city neighborhood. I would love to live down the block from someplace like this but alas, the Burbs. From the entrance to the back wall this is a nice homey place. Service was good, beer nice and cold and they had a much larger menu than I was expecting. I will admit I was fixed on the Juicy Nookie and probably passed up a better burger in one of the others. The Nookie was OK. The bun didn't seem real fresh, the cheese inside the burger was way to runny. I don't know if they use Velveeta or something like it (which I don't consider being real cheese..any cheese that doesn't need to be refrigerated, beware) but it melted to a sauce like consistency and didn't have a great taste to it. The fries were fantastic, worth the trip alone and the burger itself was tasty. Again the beer was nice and cold. Next time I will try one of their other burgers and steer clear of the stuffed one. For the record in my opinion Matt's Bar still has the best stuffed burger to date. The quest continues. KT
(3)
Kimberly T.

Tried to go to Blue Door last night but the wait was out the door. So, fortunately for us, we headed to The Nook. About a 5 minute wait & we were seated. I ordered the regular cheeseburger with sweet potato fries. Both were absolutely excellent! Next time I'll man up & try a Jucy Lucy. Maybe that next time will be tonight?!
(4)
AMBER N.

My friend and I are from Colorado and we had to go to Minnesota for a business trip. I came across this place on Yelp and she saw this restaurant on Diners Drive in's and Dives. Let me tell you.... this place is delicious! She had the Juicy Nookie Burger and I had the Caprase Juicy Burger (which was on special). We also had the cheese curds. Everything was delicious! It is a cute little place. My only recommendation is to try to come early as it is very small and there isn't a whole lot of seating in here so you may have to wait. We went at about 5 on a Tuesday and got right in, but as we were leaving there were people waiting to sit down. Both of us got a Burger and drink and shared the cheese curds and I think it was about $30 for both of us! Super cheap and extremely yummy! Who can resist molten cheese oozing out of your burger?!?
(5)
Sam M.

OK, you got me ... Its true. The food here is just flippin' awesome. Tender tasty burgers accompanied by fresh delicious fries. All washed down with an atractive selection of craft beer (Lift Bridge, Founders, etc...) Its worth the drive, parking issues, and wait to eat here. Which is better, the Nook or the Blue Door? After a few dozen more trips, I'll let you know.
(5)
Michael W.

Overpriced, under seasoned, sweltering inside ambient heat, rude employees... Just nonsense... BTW... I ordered a Tea WITH Sweet & Low on the side, not Splenda... I'll just have a water then... Oh, I stilled paid for the unconsumed tea... Tacky
(1)
Kari E.

I think its about time for me to admit that I'm a sucker for hype. With that said - while I do not believe the Nook necessarily lives up to it's hype - they do provide a tasty burger! I have been once before and had (if I remember) the blue cheese burger. This time I went for the Juicy Nooky. It was full of cheese - for sure. Very tasty - and I love that they use a good bakery bun. Homemade fries are 'eh'. I mean, they were good, but I can't quite put a finger on why I don't love them. Maybe because there just weren't enough! (I can tell when this is the case when my boyfriend starts eating my fries after he's done with his!) We all have our favorite neighborhood burger bars (our first loves!), but I would definitely go back if I were in the area.
(3)
J W.

Great stuffed burgers. I mean, really good. Really really good. I had the Juicy Nookie, their standard stuffed burger. Yummy. My wife had the Spanish Fly, which is 50/50 pork chorizo/beef. It was even better than mine. And the hand cut fries were really good, too. For an appetizer, we had the "Leprechaun Legs," which are battered and deep-fried green beans. They were pretty darn good, too. We could get the boys to eat green beans like that. Tiny restaurant. Another Triple D experience. Service was great - friendly and attentive, even though they were pretty busy for late lunch (1:30-2:00) on Monday.
(5)
Jake R.

I know all my reviews have been 5 stars, but aparently I only eat at the best!! The nook special is a must have when you go here. You must love American cheese, though. This thing is cheeeesesy! I hate the "big mac" comparison. It's a club burger (minus the bacon). I've been here 20+ times and every time, the burger has been cooked exactly as ordered. The patties are thick, so a medium rare is hard to get perfect. These guys do it at 100% consistancy. The fries are like Five Guys, but better. I think it's the oil they are cooked in. The atmosphere is great. Dive bar at it's finest. If you come here and it is way to packed, just head down the street to Shamrocks. Same owners, a little bigger menu. Watch out though, the burgers are slightly better at the Nook.
(5)
A. R.

The stuffed burgers here are magnificent and make up for most any compliant I've had. My personal fav is the Philly. However expect to wait for a table--and be strategic about when you go. If you go at the wrong time, you can wait up to two hours before you actually get to eat anything. One experience I waited over an hour for a table (they said 40-45 minutes when I put our name on the list), and then it was another 45 minutes before the food arrived to the table after putting in the order.
(4)
Ben S.

Hands down one of the best burgers I have had. My family and I went on a Sunday afternoon for lunch. We were able to get a table down in the basement. Everyone one got a Juicy Lucy and I ordered the one with peperjack. It was awesome. If you like fries they received high marks as well. Only draw back is it felt like it took forever to get our food. Only giving it 4 stars because of the longer then expected wait to get our food.
(4)
B. Nicole G.

Omg how effing awesome is this place??!! I started this review a month ago and have just now had the chance to stop long enough to finish it. Being busy with transplanting your entire life above the Mason Dixon line can keep a gal from yelping, unfortunately. But seriously, I don't think I could have picked a better place for my inaugural burger. I'd heard about juicy lucy burgers while living in Atlanta, and knew one of the first things I'd have to do is eat one upon my arrival to Minnesota. So the first weekend the Man and I had alone we packed up the car and headed out for a "retreat" for the adults. The only condition I placed upon the weekend was that we had to eat a juicy lucy. After perusing yelp for a bit we settled on The Nook. Not only am I utterly impressed by the folks who run this place, but I have to admit that Ms Ann's ghetto burger has been replaced in my heart with The Nook's juciy lucy. So favourful, so fresh, so different and interesting, this juicy lucy is where it is AT, y'all! Now while I've never tried any other juicy lucy burgers, and I've been told there are others out there that are "better", I think The Nook will forever be my favourite by far. Food this good, combined with a staff that treats you like family (once you find a seat that is) is what it takes to hook me. And hooked I am! We will be back. Totally worth the 3 hr drive from Moorhead.
(4)
B C.

Great food, best juicy lucy in the city by far. But avoid the long waits and crammed space at the Nook, and go to Shamrock's on West 7th. They have the same owners and the same food.
(5)
Jason K.

The 6 of us climbed out of the SUV for a team outing on a frigid 0 degree day to head into a place I have heard great reviews of for the last couple of months. A couple blocks off of Snelling is The Nook. A small bar next to another institution I have heard great things about, Kopplin's Coffee. Next time after leaving The Nook, I'll have to check out the coffee I have heard so much about. We entered The Nook and headed towards the back of the relatively empty bar about 11:30 and quickly ordered our drinks and our main reason for trying out The Nook. The Juicy Nookie. A couple of the guys got it with pepper jack cheese, but I decided to try it with cheddar, I'll leave the pepper jack until next time. I wanted to try the original for my first time. The pepper jack stuffed one is called the Molitor, I wonder if Paul liked the pepper jack instead of the cheddar? Some other patrons started to enter around 11:45 and someone ordered the Nookie Supreme, which is a double cheese burger and I was told if you can finish two of those and fries, you get a t-shirt for completing the feat. I think I can do it. The baskets came out and looked delicious. I started out with the splash of mustard on the side to greet the crispy looking fries. I then added the pickle slices and some more ketchup and mustard to the two slabs of meat surrounding the pool of cheddar between the ground patties. The cheddar explodes in your mouth on first bite and I let the burger sit a couple minutes before trying it, as I have heard it is like cheddar lava if you don't let it cool off a little bit. The patties were cooked perfectly with a nicely toasted bun, the fries were extra crispy and the service was also fantastic. We all sauntered out the door satiated and with grins on our faces. The Nook met every expectation, the best Juicy Lucy I have experienced.
(5)
Mike and Joelle O.

So appreciative to have this fine establishment within 2 blocks of home. I was fortunate enough to get my fix 2 days before the infamous fire that put the Nook out of commish for about 3 months. Well worth the wait though....and love the vintage bowling alley and bar area in the basement now connected. As for the great Twin Cities Juicy Lucy debate...The Nook is the crowning champion. Matt's, 8-5, and Blue door Pub are all good, don't get me wrong - but there's just something about these burgers that is magical. Make sure you haven't had a bi-pass recently though, because these burgers are going to take at least a day or two off the most healthy person's life. Paul Molitor, Joe Mauer, The classic Nookie, Bourbon Triple B burger, Philly - all solid choices. Enjoy a vanilla malt or shake made from one of the porters on tap. Buffalo Zingers aren't a bad choice for appetizers as well...all though you won't need it if you're ordering a burger. The place can get crowded as one can expect with all the hype and the small stature, but nice that theres the option to wait it out and drool over everyone elses burger choices, go downstairs and bowl a frame or two, and talk to the bartender and get it to go.
(5)
Lisa H.

We didn't think cheese curds could get better. WELL, The Nook has done it! Honey glazed bacon cheese curds are curdtastic! We are talking curd hall of fame! And then came our ever so tasty burgers! The buns from PJ Murphy's bakery are little clouds of deliciousness. I can not say enough!
(5)
Mahva J.

Now, I want to start by saying that I'd love to give this place a higher rating than I am currently. The burger (Firehouse) was delicious and wonderful. The problem comes in where I made the mistake of ordering the sweet potato fries. Maybe someone high or drunk thought that it was a good idea to add cinnamon and sugar to these things. I was neither, so I took no pleasure at all at trying them. The dipping sauce with which they come is highly inappropriate, especially as the fries have already been destroyed by the sweet treatment. The regular fries are pretty good. Maybe the terrible sweet potato fries are their way of encouraging people to stick to the regulars. My husband also got The Firehouse burger and loved it. Son got a kid's cheeseburger and also enjoyed it. He suggests they use a different apple (Red Delicious) as the choice for future diners. Red Delicious apples do not belie their name other than that they are red. They are the most bland apple one can buy. Yes, they're cheap too, which has that appeal. So, on the burger, I'd give this place four stars easily. Unless I can get my sweet potato fries naked, I'll get either regular fries or nothing. I don't typically spend my calories on burgers and fries, so it MUST be worth it to me when I do indulge. On the burger front, definitely worth the four hours I'll be working out today and tomorrow to prevent this thing from settling on my butt. Unless you like actual sweet sweet potatoes, skip them and order something else.
(2)
Patrick M.

Stopped in here with my wife to grab a drink and compare the Nook's juicy lucy to the rest of the field. The place is small and we had to wait in line for nearly 30 minutes despite the fact that it was 4:00 PM on a Sunday. There is not much of a waiting area and you'll probably spend a portion of your wait outside (not awesome considering how long the winters are here.) They do have plenty of TVs around to give you something to look at while you wait. The overall decor and presentation was old-timey, well kept, and friendly. We finally squeezed into a couple seats on the back side of the bar. Our server was timely and pretty friendly. We ordered our Lucy's and drinks. Along with my burger I had the sweet potato fries. The fries were a little too sweet for me. I prefer sweet potato fries with salt on them to offset the sweetness. These had a cinnamon and sugar dust on the outside make them more of a desert. The lucys were on the larger side--more like the 58 Club than Matt's--and the cheese was thick (again, like the 58 Club.) The beer selection was acceptable with the typical Minnesota favorites and a couple harder to find selections (like Red Hook ESB, Yum!) The prices were fair. The whole experience was pretty good and mostly satisfying. However, I'm not a fan of waiting to be seated-- especially for bar food that is only slightly above average. Although overall enjoyable, I doubt we'll be back here anytime soon.
(3)
Sarah S.

Heard this place was amazing and wasn't disappointed. Ordered a bacon cheeseburger to see how good they could do the basics. Might just have been the best burger I've ever eaten and the coleslaw was superb. Great beer selection rounded out the evening.
(5)
Valerie S.

What can I say that hasn't already been said about The Nook? Not much, so I'll get to the basics. If you're looking for a burger- which 99% of people who come here are- This is the place to go. Before venturing here- I frequented Blue Door Pub pretty consistently but find The Nook's burgers win hands down. The Nook's meat has a much fresher, better taste and the toppings aren't as heavy as Blue Door. Oh the fries? OUT of this world and you can tell they're hand cut. They come standard WITH the burger- at Blue Door they're considered extra. The other 1% of people who go here may order a salad. Also a great choice here. Large, fresh vegetables, and well marinated chicken. Service could have been a bit better- but it happens.
(4)
Keshar N.

I lied! I am sorry fellow Yelpers! I know I said that you can eat at Shamrocks if the Nook is packed, but if this is your first time going to the Nook, make sure to wait! The Juicy Nookie is infinitely better, cheesier, gooier and messier at the Nook! I apologize again Yelpers... please forgive me.
(5)
Jeff Z.

This Place Is Utter Crap!!!! The burgers are disgusting!!! Fries are bad!!! Jon Taffer needs to rescue this place Soon!!!
(1)
Joel R.

Great burgers. One of the few Twin Cities burger spots to have on your Juicy Lucy tour. I prefer other Lucys, but their incarnation is fine. Honestly I find it a little too sweet: next time I'll have the Nookie with raw onions rather than fried. Their fries are great though - house cut.
(4)
Trish H.

I have been to most of the "best" burger places in the cities and can still say that this is my favorite! Love this place and will return many times over!
(5)
Pascal M.

A cook with a hook, took my rook. He said try The Nook, I was shook. I wrote a book, take a look, its all, about...The Nook! *APPLAUSE'S* As an outsider, I've had my fun investigating the Juicy Lucy scene in the Twin Cities. The Nook was my first ever, boy o' boy did it leave a lasting impression. They've remodeled, but when I visited it had a dive feel to it. And when it comes to burgers and beers, that's what I'm lookin' for. Our bartender was busy during lunch, be she had no problem serving up a little bit of sass as she catered to our needs. The burger itself was as comforting as lounging in a giant Lazy Boy while wearing your favorite sweatpants. Piping hot, perfectly oozing cheese, and a nice ratio of burger and bun. Definitely a good idea to eat your fries, or onion rings, first. That cheese could probably char any piece of flesh it connects with. Of all the Lucy's I've had, I thought their amount of cheese was awesome. You can actually dip your burger into whatever falls out. HIT THE FATTY ALARM!!!! I love the Juicy Lucy, so therefore I love The Nook.
(5)
Kellye K.

The sweet potato fries are well worth substituting for an extra $1.75. And that sauce that comes with them? Delicious. Why didn't I rate the Nook at four or five stars? Simply because I didn't enjoy my Juicy Nooky (my apologies if I've spelled it wrong.) The pickles and raw onion were good, but the American cheese didn't taste like American cheese. I also didn't enjoy how pink my burger was--I prefer medium well at minimum (according to the menu, the Nooky can only be prepared medium.) My fault for not realizing how pink medium would be. The Nook could stand to hire another server to take care of the dinner crowd--ours was marginally attentive (but really nice and helpful!) due to the amount of people inside.
(3)
Mike B.

Nice people but the food was OK for the price. The burger was medium sized and the best part was the bun. Nice to have done it, but probably won't come back with the number of great places in the Minn/St. Paul area.
(3)
Mark K.

Home town living, beer and a juicy hamburger.
(4)
Dwight C.

Went here with my son's on a visit to Minn. Awesome burgers and fun place. Juicy Lucy is the way to go.
(5)
Terry B.

Maybe I had my expectations set too high or this place is just average. I think the latter...
(2)
Kay N.

The Nook is great. Best burgers and fries in town.
(5)
Melissa C.

Oh Nook. I want to love you so much because, well, molten-cheese-stuffed-burgers. But things keep going off the rails for me. The positives: --The Nook serves a truly tasty juicy nookie--that's the cheese-stuffed-burger that will burn your mouth if you don't wait a moment to eat it. It's easier to eat, I've found, substituting the bun for a fork-and-knife eating style. Less cheese dripping down the chin that way. --The burger is served medium. Mine was pink. I LOVE a place that will serve a less-than-medium-well burger. Love. --Charm. This is a small establishment, dearly loved by locals with friendly service all around. The negatives: --It's hard to get a seat. They can't really be blamed for this, exactly, but the place is TINY. I came in for lunch on a non-busy Monday and there was STILL a wait. --The nookie could use a bit more flavor. There, I said it. It's juicy and cheesy, but not seasoned. --Getting a soured half-and-half container for my coffee and watching it instantly curdle when hitting the beverage. The waitress kindly and apologetically brought another cup and another batch of creamers--which did the same thing. I took the coffee black after that, but the experience was just kinda weird. I guess people don't drink much coffee 'round here.
(3)
Heather S.

Delicious food and great service. We sat at the bar to avoid the 40+ minute wait time for a table.
(5)
Courtney H.

The Lodge burger is the best burger in the world. That is all.
(5)
Tomas M.

Great food. There keeping up to the reputation that was here for years
(4)
Nicholas L.

I vaguely remember how it was like before the fieri, but it had lost a lot of its dive-ey charm. Not that its a problem. They cleaned it up, opened up the basement and now have nice lighting for your low-brow awesome jucy lucy. Fantastic service, great lucy's, small but solid beer selection, and a bowling lane! I was super tempted to run the wings challenge, but i dont know if i have enough motherfieri in me to do it. perhaps that'll push me over to the 5 stars. FIERI!!!
(4)
Chance G.

Perhaps the best burger I have even had. So incredibly juicy and flavorful! Amazing. Great fried and cheese curds as well. Oh....and Surly on tap? Perfection!
(5)
Shanna K.

Most unique burger I've ever had, that's for sure. A local friend took me here during my visit in June, specifically to experience the Juicy Nookie and I'll tell ya.. It's a good thing I live in California otherwise I'd be in trouble. I could see ending up here far too often after a few drinks. m00. As someone else said though.. whatta way to die. Great vibe. Love the sweet potato fries, too. Hope to come back next time I'm in town.
(5)
Mike W.

Went back, nothing changed. Still love this place
(5)
Freddie D.

if you like hamburgers and have an ass to sit down with you REALLY need to sit the fuck down with a juicy lucy. It will enhance your situation.
(5)
Leah H.

There is not much to say about the Nook that hasn't already been said. It is by far the best place in the cities to get a Juicy Lucy- their Juicy Nookie is just simply the best. Stuffed full of molten cheese (the cooks are very generous) and topped with fried onions it just can't get any better. Although there is usually a wait, you can get a seat pretty fast if you are okay with sitting at the bar. We arrived at 12:30 on a Saturday and only had to wait ten minutes for a seat on the rail. The waitstaff is amazing at moving people in quickly and are very, very friendly. If it is your first time at the Nook they are great at answering all your questions and once you become a regular you can get some great 'dive bar' conversation and snarkyness! In addition to the burgers, they have 1919 root beer on tap (seriously the best root beer ever, anywhere) and they have a unique spin on sweet potato fries. They are crinkle cut and served with a traditional spicy french-style dipping sauce, but they are given a shake of brown sugar before serving. This makes them the sweetest sweet potato fries I've ever had. I don't personally love them this way, but they still tasted amazing. Try the Nook, it's worth the wait.
(5)
Kim M.

After seeing this on Diners Drive ins and Dives and planning a trip to the twin cities, we thought we would give the Nook a try. It was BUSY! We were told it would be at least an hour wait, but we could try our luck downstairs at the bowling alley. Score! We walked downstairs and snagged the first and only available table with no wait whatsoever. Since I had the kiddos with me, I did like the daytime vibe of the bowling alley a little better than the space upstairs. Even though we were seated near the bar, it was more like a lunch counter that time of day, and there were a few arcade games and a juke box to keep them occupied. I had to order the juicy lucy, and it didn't disappoint. We also had an order of buffalo wings which were good as well. For the most part, it was pretty solid bar food. We left our mark by coloring on a couple dollar bills and sticking them up on the ceiling like many of the patrons before us. We even managed to squeeze in a round of bowling. It was a fun experience.
(3)
Molly O.

I was so excited to try another great Twin Cities restaurant featured on The Food Network, but boy was I disappointed! Their Juicy's only come with American cheese in them - gross goo. And their fries always have the same slightly burnt taste. Yes, I've been back a few times when others have wanted to eat there, but the fries were the same and I now just order a plain burger.. Give me The Blue Door ANY day compared to The Nook. The Blue Door has many options of REAL cheese in their Juicy's and they have awesome fries.
(2)
Felix H.

Excellent juicy lucy's, great Sunday night kids menu, kids 1 child per paying adult eats free, fun atmosophere. Service was extremely slow, but the place was packed to the gills. In fact, I would give the Nook 5 stars, but this was my umpteenth visit there and everytime I've gone it's been slooooowww. Having said that, once the burgers arrived they were fabulous. I find the food at the Nook to be superior to it's "sister" restaurant, Shamrocks. Are they the best hamburgers in town? I'm partial to Matt's Bar, but both locations are Twin Cities Treasures.
(4)
Kee V.

I'm surprised at some of the negative comments towards the service. Maybe it was because I was eating at the bar but the bartender was friendly with everyone and my Diet Coke was refilled constantly. It was my first time here so I went for the Jucy Nookie with fried onions (carmelized onions not in oil). Overall, I thought it was pretty good. The patties were overcooked but the cheesy center was perfectly oozy with every bite. The surprise for me were the fries. At first glance, they looked a little underdone and I regretted not getting the potato chips instead. How I was wrong because the fries were great! They were crisp but not overfried and the insides were pillowy soft. I did notice that they were served unsalted so I had to do that myself. Not a big deal, maybe the kitchen just forgot since they were slammed for lunch. I don't know if I would go out of my way to eat here but if I happen to be in the area again, I wouldn't hesitate coming back.
(4)
Lisa M.

Lies on the menu, grease in the basket! Never been there before and never need to go again. We went to the Nook for a non-romantic, but hopefully tasty Valentine's dinner with some friends. Over the course of the 1 1/2 hours were were there, here is what we attempted to order - Coors Light Bottle - nope, only in cans A glass of Cabernet - nope, we only have Pinot Nior - this was for a hard liquor drinker who doesn't really care for beer. Miller Lite Bottle - got that Mich Golden Light Bottle - got that Busch Lite can - nope, don't have it - even though it's the special from 10 until midnight Cheese curd appetizer - nope, she forgot those 3 burger baskets, 2 with fries, 1 with onion rings - nope, out of onion rings Chicken tender melt, no onion with fries - got it, but 2 chicken strips between gross white greasy bread and some weird mayo does not a chicken sandwich make I should say we did get the appetizer after the food came out and we asked where they were. Maybe she couldn't hear us over the LOUD FREAKING MUSIC PLAYING IN THE JOINT! One of the members of our party called to complain, but the manager was too busy to take the complaint, but sassy molassy who answered the phone would pass the message on - yeah right. Go back there and spend another $45 on nothing worth while, me thinks NO WAY!
(1)
Annie P.

Best sweet potato fries I've had in a long time . Matt Birk burger was cooked to perfection, a little too big for me but my son enjoyed the leftovers. Only bummer was all the people lingering at their tables who were finished eating. Rude and entitled pompous asses. We waited 45 min for a table and had to eat at the bar.
(4)
Gus G.

I went to The Nook and cannot believe how amazing the Jucy Lucy was! Meat quality and cheese were phenomenal. Dont even bother wasting your time going to the 5-8 club or Matts. Those places are no match for The Nook
(5)
Lu E.

So divey, so perfect! Loved the juicy nookie...hmm that just doesn't sound right. May have had a heart attack but it was worth it! It's a great dive bar so don't go in looking for fancy cocktails and cloth napkins. They have a good selection of beer and some tasty pub food. In addition to my heart attack inducing burger we also had the fried cheese curds and some onion rings. I've never been the same since. Will i return? Oh yeah...
(4)
Sean R.

How does this place get such rave reviews??? My Juicy Nookie burger was over cooked and served sitting in a pool of cheese (which was once in the burger) and my father's fried shrimp was so over cooked that they resembled small brown briquets....we pointed this out to our server who replied "yeah that is what they always look like"...if that is the case then they should probably discourage anyone from ordering them! Now the worst part...the bathroom...we were in the basement section and I cannot believe the health department allow an establishment to have a restroom like that. It may be the most disgusting toilet I have ever encountered! See photos...wish I could give this place negative stars!
(1)
Carolyn C.

I saw this on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and decided we had to stop after getting picked up in the cities. The burgers were delicious, the staff was very friendly. The waiter even brought out our fries early because we were starving after a long flight. Even though it has a bar there is nice nice seating in the back and the noise wasn't too loud. I can't wait to go back and try the bowling or get a few drinks on game day.
(4)
Pat D.

Great menu choices and great prices. I've been there a couple times now and worth a review.
(4)
Andrew D.

Without a doubt the best Juicy Lucy in the cities. Fries are really good too which important to balance the amazing burger. If you like thousand island dressing the sauce on the Nookie supreme is amazing! after a couple of times going back and forth from the Lucy to the Supreme, I now just ask for the Lucy with the Sauce from the Supreme and it is absolutely amazing.
(5)
Kelly F.

Stopped in before heading to a St Paul Saints game. It's my favorite juicy lucy. The onion rings are also awesome. Friendly staff and agood beer selection.
(5)
Forest E.

Went here before the fire and before Diners, Drive ins and Dives ever happened and loved it it sooo very much, but since then the nook has changed much, the burgers don't taste the same, as if they are no longer made fresh and with love. Also had a very bad experience with the serving staff had a very indifferent teenage girl who was "bitchy" to us. Mediocre Food, Bad Service, Bad Value, Good Atmosphere.
(2)
Andie M.

The juicy nookie here is amazing. The best jucy lucy in MN! And they also serve 1919, which in my opinion is the best root beer in the world.
(5)
Tony D.

These burgers hit the spot. I was working with some colleagues in the area and this placed had some good reviews online. The place is small so you have to wait a while, but the food is worth it. The service was just average, but the stuffed burgers made up for it. I picked the stuffed philly, while my associates went with the bacon burgers.
(5)
Ahmad R.

This place is fine. I didn't find that the burgers here outdo another local burger spot that gets good Yelp ratings. The server we had was quick and nice. The fries and burger were decent.
(3)
Jason B.

Best burger "juicy nookie" and fries I've had in a long time. Definitely worth the trip
(5)
Rebekah W.

They have a bowling alley in the basement. I'm not even kidding- right in the basement! We stopped in to the Nook for a burger and a beer. It was late lunch time, around 3:00 pm, and we were seated almost immediately in the basement. Going down the steps, I wasn't took sure about what would be waiting for me at the bottom but it opens up into a nice area with a bar, bowling alley!! and a lot of seating. Once seated, we were promptly served our delicious draft beers and put our orders in. Our waitress, Michelle I believe, was very nice and seemed almost happy to be there My husband ordered the Double Nookie burger and I had just the regular Nookie with fried onions and sweet potato fries. The burgers were fantastic. Perfectly medium with nice warm cheese and we could tell that they just came off of the heat source. My Hottie Hubby's fries were standard fries, nothing exceptional. When I ordered he sweet potato fries, I didn't see that they add cinnamon and sugar on them. It really wasn't my thing but completely my fault that I didn't see it. I did really enjoy stealing my husband's fries and dipping them in my chipotle aioli. Pretty darn delicious.
(4)
Julian S.

This place has the best burger in town. unfortunately its a small space. if you cant find a seat head on over to Shamrocks.
(5)
Dan M.

Excellent divey place, and worth begging a friend with a car to take you here if you are staying in Minneapolis. I think the Juicy Nookie is one of the best Juicy cheesey burgers in the area and I've tried the Cardinal, Busters and Matt's. I think it has the whole package - the fries are excellent and so are the cheese curds if you don't get enough cheese inside your burger. Oh, and they have a decent draft beer selection, and they do have a wedge salad so you can have a little health on the side.
(5)
Lisa E.

A+ wonderful cheese burger and fries! SO GOOD! I was too drunk with cheeseburger goodness to even notice my juicy Nookie dripping on my shirt. This passed my 5 napkin test. ... the messier the better! And the fries were awesome too! Nice caramel brown and slightly mushy! YuMmy! Good service. .. get there early!
(5)
Tony M.

Awesome burgers & fries...Busy and very small but well worth the wait! I have been her 5 times or so and have never had a bad experience... parking is not the best but again well worth it.
(5)
Jeff S.

It's a must go place, at least once. Great fun & food. if you can deal with the crowd and elbow to elbow seating.
(3)
Peter B.

When they say the cheese is "EXTREMELY HOT" they are not kidding!!!! I ordered the Juicy Nookie and a winter ale and as I waited, 5 whole minutes, for the cheese burger to cool down thinking it would have been cool by then I was wrong!!! lol My first cautious bite yielded cheese on my cheek that was still extremely hot. Second bite seem to be the same but with pain comes the cure for hunger and you manage to make it all work. I ordered the sweet potato fries and I sort of wish they would let you choose if you wanted them to add the cinnamon and sugar combo that they lightly put over them. I say Leave it out!!!! It is not needed and makes you wonder why you went with the healthier option of fries if they are going to add sugar and cinnamon.... Great attentive staff!!!
(5)
Eric S.

Best Jucy Lucy in the state. Sorry Matt's, BDP, 5-8 and any other joint. The Nook has hands down the best burger in Minnesota. Fresh, hand ground beef, with buns from P.J. Murphy's and the fresh cut fries are also not to be trifled with.
(5)
Jeannie V.

The Nook is legendary for a reason - they do the traditional Juicy Lucy best! While others may have a stuffed burger that squirts oil in your face and the cheese itself disappears, the Nookie's Velveeta center turns into a smooth, creamy, dreamy glob of heaven. I can never manage to take it slow enough not to burn the crap out of my mouth, but it burns so good! Plus their apps and sides are are all fantastic. If you haven't tried a Juicy Lucy yet, this is the place to do it!
(5)
Brooke M.

Love this place. It never disappoints! Took my parents here to celebrate my dad's birthday and they loved it. We all had the juicy Nookie and we shared cheese curds. Being from WI, we know what they are supposed to be like and these are the best you can get this side of the border. My go to place when craving a great burger.
(5)
Melanie D.

The Nook is a place I like to take out-of-towners to so they can experience what Jucy Lucys are all about. Since I am vegetarian, I really can't say if they are all that good (if someone knows of a veg version please let me know!), but so far the consensus among my non-Minnesotan friends is they are delectable. As far as I know, the black bean burger and garden burger are the only vegetarian burger options. I have only tried the black bean, and it's very tasty. With fries and a beer, it's often difficult to finish my burger. Fries are good and taste fresh. There was one time my order of fries were WAY overdone. When I told my waiter about it he was happy to bring me a new basket. I have never been here when it's not busy. It seems there's always a wait. You may be able to find a table downstairs where the bowling alley is, so I suggest trying that out. As for the beer, they have good options on tap. I think they charge a bit more for a pint than some other burger joints, but prices aren't outrageous. Service is usually very quick and efficient. Parking can be annoying if it's busy, but I can always find a spot within a few blocks from The Nook. I want to give four stars, but there are cheaper options for similar burgers and beer close by ;)
(3)
Bert K.

Great burger! Definitely having another one of those. Onion rings aren't the best I've ever had, but they're good. JalapeÃ±o poppers are cream cheese filled (I like that better than cheddar) and were a little over cooked, which made them crispy, but not burned... Fries are VERY good. I Gotta try the sweet potato fries next time. The place is an old bar, pretty much a dive. Laid back and enjoyable.
(4)
Jeff D.

I am a vegetarian and have been going to the Nook for many years and always get the garden burger with fries. I used to think they had the best veggie burger and French fries in the Cities, but have been disappointed the last two times I've been here. The burger is pretty ordinary, the bun is stale, and the fries are under done and a little soggy. Both times have unusually been for lunch, so maybe the food improves at dinner. I think the veggie burger is better at the nearby St Clair Broiler where there is never a wait, so I'll probably stop coming here.
(3)
Andrew B.

I never made it to this place pre-fire; luckily the renovations don't detract from this ultra casual burger joint. It took a couple a visits to discover the bowling alley downstairs. It is a very broken in, busy space, that the new upstairs no longer reflects. It's among the top five jucy lucys. Only beer served!
(4)
Christian C.

Went to St. Paul for a music festival ...Drove in from NJ. It was the last night I was there when I realized I was about to leave the twin city's without having a juicy lucy....no way. So I informed my girlfriend we would be leaving St. Paul a bit later than planned on the account we had to hit The Nook before we leave. They open at 11 and to not seem like a weirdo we went inside at 11:10....real nonchalant. It was only about 20 minutes into being at the Nook before EVERY SEAT WAS TAKEN. I was impressed 11:30 on a Monday and this place was packed. I'm not gonna say it's a huge place because in fact it is quite small but none the less full. Sorry about the babbling now to the food...... WARNING: All Juicy Lucy's are cooked the way I feel a burger should be Medium Rare! It is that way so the cheese is perfectly melty DO NOT ASK FOR IT ANY OTHER WAY THEY WILL NOT DO IT! (you'd be better off growing a pair and eating it Med. Rare) I got the burger Guy from DDD created it was a Pepper jack stuffed burger with bacon and topped with roast beef and cheddar....my mind was blown. I also ordered a side of sweet potato fries....they forgot them so I had to mention it when my food came out. Since they were so damn good I did not mind the wait. The side of fries was HUGE and I ate everyone. I do not remember if my girlfriend got the Black Bean Burger or the Garden burger but I remember her saying it was very good. I over heard some guys talking about some of the good beers they have so I tried something I've never heard of a 212. I think it was a Chicago brewed beer. Very good and I actually found it in one of the bigger liquor stores by my home in NJ months later. If I'm ever anywhere near St. Paul again The Nook is definitely a go to spot.
(5)
Carrissa B.

Awesome food!! The burgers were the best I've had of the "juicy lucy" variety. The bartender was awesome. We ended up sitting there be/c the wait for a table was so long. When you go, not if, when you go, order the sweet potato fries. They shake them after they've fried in something sweet, maybe sugar and cinnamon, or nutmeg? I'm not sure, but what ever it is, they taste so damn good! Run, don't walk, to The Nook. These guys were on Triple D twice, once before the fire, once after and they are hopping busy! They will get my dollar anytime I'm craving meat stuffed w/ cheese!
(5)
Tai F.

One of the first things that I said to my MN hosts was that I was looking to get my juicy lucy on. Ohman were they pumped up to hear that. Within the hour we were out the door on our way to The Nook. My hosts insisted that while The Nook did not invent the juicy lucy, they do make the best one. I may never know if it was the best one but it was still pretty good. Now, I didn't actually think the juicy part of the lucy was all that great. I liked the burger but the gooey cheese was sort of weird for me. Luckily, much of it exploded out of the bottom on my first bite. But it was still a very good burger and fries. The real gem though was my host's Homer Simpson burger. Um, hello burger with doughnut buns! This is what dreams are made of. If I'd been in MN much longer I'm sure I would have been back there getting my doughnut buns on. I really loved it. So bad but so very good. The Nook is good. Juicy lucy isn't as memorable as I thought but there's still some great burger action happening in this joint. Get it on!
(4)
Ryan S.

This restaurant might single-handedly keep me from moving away from the cold tundra of MN. In short, I think this is the best burger and beer joint. Ever. The burgers are so good: juicy but not overly greasy, large but not too big, and filled with just the right amount of cheese. The fries are great too, a generous helping and well cooked. And the beer list is wonderful. They always seem to have a few new beers on tap each time I go. Ask your server or bartender for specials; they usually have one tap on sale. The insider of the restaurant, again, is perfect. It's nice and small enough to feel cozy in, but they space it out enough to keep it from feeling cramped (like a couple other burger competitors nearby). There are a few booths, some tables, and a 8-10seat bar. Lots of local history on the walls, and some TVs to watch sports. And there's a bowling alley downstairs! It does get pretty busy on weekends, so if you can't wait for some grub, go visit their shamrock's location instead.
(5)
Christina H.

Wow this is truly super good. First of all I walked in at 5pm with a party of 5 (three children) no wait :D Next perfect spot and quick with high chairs. The server was amazing and said she works at both the Nook and Shamrocks. The appetizer on special was chili fries, felt a little like Elvis but hey the fries are amazing!!' Next the Juicy Nookie. Wow. In a word wow. Amazing I love this place and the food and service all I can say is I am a nookie for Vida:) Oh by the way prices are fair and not bad for feeding a family. I would recommend having kids 8 and younger share a normal portion rather than the kids meal but whatever works for your family. Ask for the Crack season for your fries talk about heaven. Honestly Yelpers try this place for Amazing food. Amazing.
(5)
Peter H.

Went there on an idle Sunday evening. . . line was out the door and with good reason. The food was delicious. Amazing burgers. Friendly service. A new favorite place. . .
(4)
Jennifer S.

I loved The Nook!!! We made a weekend trip to visit our cousin and her fiancÃ© in Minnesota. They took us to The Nook for lunch. I feel like a lucky duck. :-) We were going to sit upstairs, but the bowling alley is downstairs and so is another bar, so we ventured down and sat at the bar for lunch. The guys each indulged in a beer. I had a fabulous root beet that was on tap. We started with fried green beans with a super tasty dipping sauce. We moved on to the best cheese curds that I have ever had! I love The Nook's cheese curds!!! I want to shout this from the rooftops in the hope that someone will pick me up here in Illinois and drive me back to Minnesota to snack til I burst! Everyone had a burger and fries. Two of us tried the special burger of the month. I think it was stuffed with cheese and jalpenos. I had the Alumni burger and added crisp bacon to it. Talk about delicious seasonings and a great bun! My mouth is actually watering two weeks later as I type my review. It was sooooooooo good! I don't know how else to convey this to you. It loved it!!! That's it. I can't do anymore. I'm exhausted from thinking about the two tastiest things on my trip. Cheese curds and the Alumni burger. Yum!!!
(5)
Hugh C.

The Nook is so good! But of course if you're going to go there, go for the infamous Juicy Lucy, it is so good, and comes right off the grill, perfectly cooked, with hot cheese right in the middle! On top of that, they stuff whatever room you have left in your stomach with a huge helping of French fries, that are absolutely delicious! Overall, one if the best burger joints around the Twin Cities! I would recommend that everyone go try it out at least once!
(5)
Shawn S.

The burgers are the best.
(4)
Tim L.

I had a layover in Minnesota and wanted to try something that was a staple in the Twin Cities. I consulted some friends from the area and they all said that the one thing that I absolutely had to try was a Juicy Lucy. I put my trust in Yelp to choose the best place for a these burgers and this place topped the list. My sister just moved here so I dragged her along because she's never had a Juicy Lucy before. The place was packed when we walked in, which gave me time to explore the place. There are a few bowling lanes in the basement. Yeah, really. You can't help but love a place that puts two totally random things together and make it work. I could see how it would be good way to accommodate a larger party. About 5 minutes later we were seated and greeted warmly by our waitress. I decided on the Juicy Nookie (their name for a Juicy Lucy) with a fried egg and my sister got the Paul Molitor, which is the same thing with Pepper Jack Cheese filling. Our order took a bit longer than we expected, but that probably made our burgers that much more as we were both starving. When we finally got our food we were warned to go easy since the cheese was piping hot. I couldn't wait so I cut it in half. Blasphemous? Maybe. But I was on the verge of dying of hunger. The cheese and yolk oozed out all over my fries. How anyone can get that much cheese in the center and still cook it so evenly is beyond me. I'll let them worry about the logistics. Back to the food. Looks aside the burger was so damn good. I took one bite and thought I had gone to heaven. It was the perfect amount of beef, cheese and onions. I couldn't stop until I had devoured the whole thing. The fries that came along with it had really good flavor and had close to perfect texture. There were a few that were soggy, but for the most part the crunchy exterior and soft center made for a delightful surprise. From a food standpoint this place kicks some serious ass. Don't let the exterior of The Nook fool you. It may look like a place to avoid, but take one step in and you'll see why so many people love it. The atmosphere is upbeat and happy. The staff is very attentive and make the experience that much more enjoyable. Thanks for making my limited time here in the Twin Cities a good one!
(5)
Mike F.

Embarrassed to admit that as a native of St. Paul (albeit long since relocated) that I'd never had a Jucy/Juicy Lucy. Out of the 2 or 3 names that kept coming up in the Twin Cities - the Nook seemed like the kind of place that would do it right. I won't wade into the argument of who's is best - particularly since I've only still had one - but the Nook does it pretty darn well. In my case, I opted for the Paul Molitor. The burger was great. The bar is nothing fancy - but in the best possible way. Service was of the Goldilocks variety - just right. This place will definitely be on my "to do" list next time I'm back in town.
(4)
Vishal S.

Ok one if their claim to fame is their cheese curds, they claim that it's the best in town. Not true when the MN Stare fair is in town, my crew and I all agreed that the cheese curds were ok.... However the rest of the food was great, we all had burgers with the exception of 1 who had boneless buffalo wings( nothing special about the wings). The service was top notch even though the place was packed, we were a party of 6 and was able to get seating rather quick. The prices were very reasonable also..... I had the "Mickey Special" and that was about $6.99+\-.
(4)
Big S.

This is my favorite place on earth for Burgers... specifically the incredible Jucy Lucy California style! Forget Matt's Bar and I love you 5.8 Club but the Nook has the best Burgers in and out of town depending on where you are from! Oh and let's not forget about the incredible fries! They can get real busy so be prepared to wait but know that it will be well worth it! Get a beer and enjoy the crazy and friendly atmosphere!
(5)
Jessica T.

Ok its the Nook so everybody loves it...but...here's the deal. I'm an atmosphere, all about the packaging girl. The Nooks food is scrumptious, but the long wait standing smooshed or being bumped into at the bar makes me hyperventilate. Seating is better since the remodel, but then there's the LOUD noise level. I know, I sound so old. As a parent a great plus is the kids can go downstairs to the Ran Ham bowling alley and play video games while you and your spouse shout at each other until the food comes. Coolest thing: the Tshirts "Meat is Murder-yummy yummy murder"
(3)
Keith P.

The Nook is just a hometown staple with one of the best burgers and fries in the city. It's hard to say it's "the best" but it's right up at the top. This was my first visit since the remodel after a fire. I was very pleased to see that they recaptured the same charm as the original. Service has always been good, but this trip it was exceptional. The hostess went way out of her way to accommodate our party for my daughter's birthday. The server was excellent. Very knowledgeable, attentive, and just a perfect disposition for serving. Food was great. Burgers and fries came out hot and very tasty. I will be coming back to the Nook for many years to come.
(5)
Mark J.

First time get the famed Juicy Lucy. Let it sit for a few minutes or you'll get an explosion of hot cheese. After each bite sit the burger against the wall of your food basket so you don't lose any of the tasty cheese.
(5)
Emma E.

Delicious burgers and fries! Friendly service. Small pub type restaurant with great greasy food! Very easy to get to by train and bus from the MOA. Also next door there was a cute little old timey ice cream parlor for dessert!
(4)
Justine L.

Overall, love the Nook as a great neighborhood bar. Pros: the bar/wait staff are great (friendly and cool). The sweet potato fries are out of this world. They have great beer selection. Their Jucy Lucy's are one of the best in the Twin Cities. Cons: Super long waits, and it turns me off from coming on a Friday or Saturday (typically an hour). Also, on my last 3 visits, the burgers have been overdone and are getting smaller and smaller (last one was barely 2.8" in diameter). The Nook was a bit snarky when I posted about this on Facebook, which I didn't appreciate (hey, the customer is generally right). Regardless, it's a great place to socialize. You can always get quicker seating down in the basement, but the ambience isn't as great as upstairs. Just be prepared that the burgers are typically overdone and small. The Jucys are good, but I'm leaning more towards Matt's. now.
(3)
Trevor L.

We saw this place on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. So we stopped in on our road trip from Denver to Michigan. The atmosphere was cool--especially the bowling alley downstairs. The food was just okay. Got the Juicy Nookie and it wasn't seasoned with lackluster cheese. Not even the best burger I've had this month.
(2)
Brit B.

It's small, crowded, and cozy--just like a good "dive bar" should be. Good service and great food. Their cheese curds are fantastic and rival the state fair cheese curds in their greatness! My burger was a good size (not one of those huge ones you can hardly eat but not small, either) and was cooked very well. Delicious! Their burger selection is nothing short of impressive--so many choices to fit whatever you like and whatever you're in the mood for! Their fish and chips is also great. Overall a fun place to be and reasonably priced!
(4)
Annie N.

Annnnnnnd...I think I've finally discovered the secret to getting a juicy burger at the Nook: order it medium-rare, emphasis on RARE, and it'll come out perfectly medium. At least this is what (FINALLY) happened on my last visit. Hate to be a hardass, but am deducting a star because the fries weren't hot. And this was on a super-busy NCAA quarterfinals night, so no excuse for getting fries that had been sitting around getting cool.
(4)
Peiran S.

One of a kind burger, with melt cheese/sauce in the patty. Juicy stuff, but as you can imagine it is way too unhealthy. Make sure to hit the gym in the following 3 days after you enjoy the juicy burger, sweet potato fries and fried mozzarella. The fried mozzarella is phenomenal by the way. Just bite the bullet and order it. I will worth the extra workout
(4)
STEVE T.

Whenever we travel, I always have a list of local burger places to visit. While in St. Paul, we got to visit The Nook and I have now moved "The Juicy Nookie" to the top of my list. The idea of melted, gooey, oozing cheese in the middle of a perfectly cooked burger makes me dizzy just thinking back on the experience. Service was fast and friendly and the burger was heaven on a bun. Just so you know . . . the kitchen was immaculate. Can't write anymore, getting light-headed just thinking about it. GET YOUR BUTT AND TASTE BUDS IN THERE NOW
(5)
Stephanie B.

I was in Minnesota on business and was racing to the airport to try to get an earlier flight. En route, I discovered that would be an impossibility, so I asked for directions to The Nook. As a fan of Diners Drive-Ins and Dives, I remembered that it was in St. Paul. (Yes, their segment was very memorable.) Although I would have preferred to see my family a couple hours earlier, I am so glad that I stopped in The Nook for what would be the best chicken sandwich that I have EVER had. The Nook is a divey bar that has expanded since its original location. Near the southeast corner of Hamline and Randolph, parking is at a premium in this residential area right across from a school. I was arriving at 3PM and was fortunate when a spot opened up right out front. I was surprised by how many people were inside eating in the middle of the restaurant. It started as an absolutely tiny place. They have expanded a bit upstairs and added a downstairs (at least, that was my understanding in hearing the bartender tell the story). It is nothing to look at - a typical bar with plain tables and wood chairs, some wood booths and a short skinny bar. They have a full bar - lots of beer on top, many wine selections, and hard liquor. The bartender was manning the upstairs dining area by herself despite the crowds. A little short staffed, I think! Despite that, she patiently answered questions, provided opinions on request, delivered hot food, kept beverages full, and all with a smile. Whitney - you are awesome! The menu is huge - a LONG list of burgers, many appetizer, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs and some "regular" entrÃ©e selections. Despite the long list of burgers, I was tempted by the Bacon Bourbon Chicken Sandwich (I think it was $8.25), which reported a fresh bun with chicken, bacon, smoky cheddar cheese and bourbon sauce. I ordered it substituting blue cheese for the cheddar, adding fried onions and getting the coleslaw rather than the fries. OMG!!! First of all, the coleslaw was awesome. It was creamy and tangy, well-seasoned, and very crisp. I was disappointed by the size - about 1/3 c. - considering the amount of fries delivered with other meals, but it was really good and I left so full. Why do you ask? Because of this DELICIOUS chicken sandwich! The bun was bakery fresh - soft like a cloud - and had great flavor. This was not your standard white bread. It had two pieces of bacon that were cooked to still be chewy, rather than crunchy (a.k.a. burnt) - perfect. There was a VERY generous layer of blue cheese next and then the moistest chicken breast that I have experienced in a sandwich. The salty-creamy was a perfect complement to the sweet and sassy bourbon sauce. Topped with those fried (really they are caramelized) onions with a little sweet and juicy crunch. This was all that I could hope for in a sandwich. The Nook is five stars in my book. An awesome chicken sandwich, with great sides, and fantastic service with the bonus of being cheap - who could ask for anything more? Not I, not I.
(5)
Elka M.

Very loud, very long wait for food and it didn't seem all that crowded. When the food came, it wasn't "worth waiting for" quality. Our burgers were ok, Swiss Mushroom and Bleu Cheese, but nothing worth coming back for. Regular fries were hard, tasted either overdone or that they had sat for quite a while waiting to be delivered. The coleslaw was good. The beer list was nothing to brag about either. Honestly, just wait for Buster's on 28th to reopen.
(2)
Mollee F.

Shame on me. I lived in this area for several years during college and never went to The Nook. I'm totally regretting that now. We have friends that recently moved to the neighborhood and are obsessed with this place. We were happy to join them there on a recent Saturday night. This place is busy and for good reason. They're cranking out tasty burgers like nobody's business. Our group tried the juicy nookie and the guy's big bites. The table got super quiet when the food came because everyone was too busy enjoying their food to talk. This juicy nookie is one of the best burgers I've ever had (and yes, I have had some of the competing jucy lucys). Even without the oozy cheese in the middle, this is just a tasty burger. Well seasoned and perfectly cooked. So perfect on a cold winter's night. Service is friendly and quick. Can't wait to go back.
(4)
Rick T.

My first juicy Lucy experience was here at The Nook. Oh my God best burger ever! The hand cut fries and root beer were also a hit in my book. Every time I get off the plane I always like to come here. I think The Nook is better than Matts bars juicy Lucy I've tried several years ago. You can get different cheeses stuffed inside your burger to get a whole different mouth enlightenment. Best burgers in town period dudes!
(5)
Randy B.

Spent a week in Minnesota and hit several places from yelp, Matt's bar, 5-8 club...but this was are favorite. Burgers were just better. From the seasoning to the bread, and especially the french fries were awesome...Service good, friendly people. My number one spot to go. Fun Place!!! From California and have never heard of Cheese Curds...the were incredible, light and tasty. You got to try them!
(5)
Joelle P.

I appreciate that The Nook has some bomb burgers and that I'm not the only one in the twin cities who knows this. But, I can't help but dread the lines and the crowding and shoving, yes shoving, and rude hungry people. As such, I have always, ALWAYS taken my food to-go. Having said that, the atmosphere is pretty cool. The location has been through a fire but still has a lot of original pieces. There is also a bowling alley in the basement. The burgers are good. Sometimes I get a craving that just can't be cured by anything except a Juicy Nookie burger. However, I have to say these cravings are rather few and far between. I've had better burgers *cough*The LIffey*cough* and so I can't give the Nook a full 5 stars, even though I am a fan of their food. Maybe someday I will even brave the line and wait for a table. One time I tried going around 3 because I thought it was between lunch and dinner. There was still a 25 minute wait. Alas, the food is good, so I can't blame everyone flocking to The Nook.
(4)
Jeff Jfood S.

It has been several years since my last visit to The Nook, in fact prior to the fire of 2010. But the Juicy that I enjoyed prior to the catastrophe was one of MSP's best burgers, so I was excited when my navigation system told me I was but a few miles away after a late afternoon meeting. The interior is reflective of the former configuration with a notable exception, the previously small kitchen near the front of the restaurant is now located in the rear with and open pass-through that allows the cooks to oversee the dining area. I was also in the mood for some wings and The Nook has also received raves about theirs. They offer nine different sauces and the menu guides the guests to the level of heat. I chose a conservative approach and ordered the "Honey Stinger," rated #3 on their 1-9 scale. Eight wing sections make up an order. The wings were perfectly cooked, crispy on the exterior while still moist on the inside. The sauce was more sweet that spicy so if you are looking for heat, move up the scale. It did leave a mild tingle to the lips. I would probably try #5 next time. True to tradition, I ordered the Juicy Nookie Burger with fried onions and a basket of fries. When it arrived it looked delicious, but as I would learn over the next few minutes, looks can be deceiving. I grabbed a few fries. They were limp, cool and without any salt. This was not a good start. I cut the Juicy in half and the cheese gushed out from the middle, not an ooze, but an enormous gush. What was left was a thin shell of meat plus an enormous chasm. It was more cheese than meat. My first bite was incredibly disappointing. The once flavorful meat was flavorless, no seasoning at all. What happened to one of my favorite burgers? And the bun was even worse, crumbly, and flavorless; it did not even meet the low standards of bagged supermarket buns. This may be sacrilege, but this burger and fries were some of the worst I have ever eaten. What used to be one of my favorites is now on the DNR list. After two bites of the burger and a handful of fries, I pushed to the corner of the table, not worth the calories. Needless to say that even with a pretty good set of wings, The Nook is a Juicy destination, and after this last experience, it will be a hard call to return.
(2)
Jen S.

This place is so deceiving from the outside. It looks small but the capacity is really phenomenal when you factor in the downstairs. The place gives a vibe of hole in the wall, but it has so much character from the dollar bills on the ceiling to the bowling alley. I tried the Spanish Fly Juicy and it was soooooo good! It's a 50/50 blend of beef and chorizo and stuffed with queso cheese. Not the queso cheese Minnesotans know as Velveeta and Rotel, but actual white, melty and tasty queso cheese. And the amount they put in...it's like heaven on a bun! Don't forget the fried onions either! Yum!
(5)
Sheila G.

Not the same since remodel!
(2)
Andrea S.

With a burger named the "juicy nookie" how could you not want to try it? It was really a 5 star burger, however, we also ordered a lodge burger and I was less than impressed. The lodge was mediocre, a little dry and wayyyyy to salty (and that says a lot because I love salt). The French fries were alright, not horrible but not wonderful. Their chicken tenders were pretty impressive....We always order a plate of chicken tenders for our daughter so I have tried many, these were tender and tasted fresh. Our waitress was very friendly and prompt, however I felt that the other staff could stand to be a bit friendlier. Overall it was a good dining experience with above average food.
(4)
Ken C.

OMFG! Stop on in you won't be sorry. Slight wait, so worth it. Good service ., nice selection of beers & friendly staff.
(5)
B N.

Easily the best wings and burger I have had .. :) .... Very friendly staff as well .. Would go there again soon possibly on a friday night . :)
(5)
Matt M.

I've been going to the Nook for years (St Paul boy at heart, here) and am an avid and stubborn proponent for it's Juicy Lucy's. The amount of times I argue in the Nook's favor over Matt's or 5-8 is actually hard to estimate. A friend of mine from studying abroad came to visit, and after hearing about Juicy Lucy's, this was his only mission of the weekend in the Twin Cities. Of course we brought him here, and he ate it up (literally and figuratively). It's divey and the service is pretty bad, but that's not why you come here. You come here for the Lucy. Personally, I always go for the Paul Molitor. Pepperjack cheese just makes everything better. You must get the fried onions on top, as well. Wait for the cheese to cool as the servers tell you, and then bite in. AMAZINGNESS IN YOUR MOUTH. I also think that the wings here are amazing. Jumbo wings, fried and crispy, are great, albeit a little on the pricey side. They have a pretty good tap list, with a lot of MN basics (Honeyweiss and Summit are basically everywhere...). There was a huge fire here, and luckily they renovated but kept the exact same vibe. I'm actually happy that they have seating now in the basement- it's fun to watch the bowling, and you feel like you are in this secret, neighborhood joint (which, in a way, it is). If you haven't had a Lucy at the Nook yet, you really must. It's about as Minnesota as it gets.
(4)
Jennifer S.

Always busy. Always loud. Always good service. Always tasty. * Their burger with Worcestershire sauce in it did not taste any different to me than a regular burger. * Excellent french fries * Stella Artois on tap * Very loud noise level make it difficult to have a conversation across the table
(4)
Mindy T.

Overall: Casual bar & restaurant with many choices for burgers, the food was wonderful, service was great, all worth the long wait. Small tables, not good for big group. Will come back to try more.
(4)
Joshua W.

This place was great, and just around the corner from my friend's apartment. We just had appetizers because we had already had dinner, bar style. It was packed, even after 8 pm, and all the tables were taken, as well as the bar seats, we were lucky enough to grab two when some people left. The green bean "leprechaun legs" were really good, and the green beans were definitely fresh and crispy. They have a great beer and wine list, but I wished they had hard liquor as well. One thing I found semi-disturbing was there were a couple girls sitting at the bar drinking virgin teas, soda, etc. That were obviously under 21. I think the best thing about the place is it definitely is a neighborhood place... the bartender knew most everyone who came in, but also what they drink and had their drink ready by the time they sat down.
(4)
Tiffany L.

If it weren't or the crazy long wait for a table, and to get our food I would have given Nook here a extra star, I do have to give them the benefit though that it was during a lunch rush and when kids were off from school which means more bodies to feed. The jucy lucy burgers are definitely the way to go. I love their fries nice and thick with lots of potatoes, my brother ordered his with onion rings they are the thick cut versions that the onions come out once you take a bite and separates from the batter which isn't my favorite but it was good. Going downstairs to play some old school bowling where you have to keep tabs of the score yourself with a pencil and paper, or try the fun old school arcade games hidden in the back, orrr try your hand at skeeball. If you are short on time try hitting the bar and see if they have seats otherwise you're are gonna have to wait.
(4)
Thomas C.

After seeing The Nook on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives, I had to make a stop to have a burger on my next trip to the twin towns. An I am soooo happy I did. What has to be the single best burger I have ever had, and I eat a lot of burgers a year, I have never ha one so juicy, full of flavor, cooked perfectly as the one I had. I will be back again. The Nook is officially on my list of places to go EVERY time I come to Minneapolis.
(5)
Kevin S.

I visited the Minneapolis, St Paul area this last weekend and on the top of my list was getting the local "juicy" burger. A friend of mine said if you want a "juicy", you have to go to The Nook and not the 5-8 tavern. Well, he was correct. I had the Juicy Nookie and it was incredible, you bite into the burger, cheese splatters on your face and drips over the fries. So, clearly not a first date type place. The fries were incredible, fresh cut fries and clearly double fried. They were super crispy on the outside but perfect on the inside. The atmosphere was great, the beer selection was fantastic and the service was better than expected. On top of the burgers, our server asked us if we wanted another beer before we finished our first which is a huge plus in my book and made me realize, I am not in Utah anymore. Go check this place out, looks like a dive from the outside but it is not a dive once you walk in. I would give it 6 stars if I could, simply for all the old school Ham's signs though out the bar.
(5)
Joe W.

Spanish Fly Burger was tops. Curds for appetizer was darn good, too. Great service.
(5)
Amanda S.

This place has ruined me for every other burger I might ever encounter. Simply the best. **Edited to Update: I originally gave this place 5 stars with no hesitation, but... Went there again on Saturday for my boyfriend's birthday party. Our order took a full hour to arrive after ordering. I asked for my burger medium rare to rare. It showed up well done. Sent it back; it came back medium well. I wasn't going to say anything, but my boyfriend complained. They said they'd comp the burger, but our waitress descended on me and asked, hands on hips, in front of the WHOLE TABLE OF GUESTS, "So, what's going on here?" while giving me the evil eye. When I declined to have them remake it - AGAIN - she simply sniffed, said "OK. Guess we'll take it off the bill." and whisked my (incorrectly cooked, but unfinished) burger, along with all its fries, and my boyfriend's unfinished fries, away without asking. I was really disappointed, because my first two visits were so awesome. I'll give them another chance, but this was sadly a very negative experience.**
(3)
Ms C.

When I first came to MN I was told about the juicy Lucy and to go to the Nook but noooo...I was told M**** was good. Make no mistake ABOUT IT go to the NOOK. The food best burgers best service that's what always makes this pfat girl go back!
(5)
Nathan F.

I went here for lunch around 12:45 and was immediately seated at the counter. A table would have been about a 20 minute wait. Though the restaurant was busy, service was prompt and the smallish dining room didn't feel too crowded. I ordered the cheeseburger (with grilled onions, as recommended), which came in a basket with fries. The burger was very good--quality bun, good mouthfeel for the burger, ample and delicious melty cheese. The fries were good too. With tax, the bill was a very reasonable $7.26. The burger here is at the top of many lists of "best" burgers in the Twin Cities. I can see why, but at the same time it's difficult for me to concur that this is the best of something so ubiquitous. It's certainly a very good burger, and it's very reasonably priced, but nothing about it stood out to the point where I'd say it is "the best." Now that's not a knock at all. I'm going to conclude with a mini-rant in favor of grass fed beef, which the Nook (along with 95% of places out there) does not offer. Today, in 2012, I think to really qualify for "best" anything--particularly with something as standard as a burger--you need to be using the highest quality ingredients that are readily available. In this case, that objectively means grass-finished beef. I don't want to be too snobby on this point, because obviously I will eat corn-finished meat and, in fact, I'll even succumb to the temptation of a McDonalds cheeseburger every now and again. However, until more mainstream pubs like Nook make the switch, the best burger in the Twin Cities right now may just have to be a pre-made patty at Clancey's served on a Turtle Bread potato roll and prepared in the privacy and comfort of my backyard. Not counting propane, that burger comes to just $3.38.
(4)
Lovetoeat T.

I do not understand all the bragging about the Nook's burger! It's just OK, steamy and juice yes, but no taste. No seasonning to the burger. The fries are the worst, soggy ano no salt
(2)
Curley L.

Well, I'd never had a Juicy Lucy and so my friend and I set out to find the best one since it was going to be a first for us both. According to YELP the Nook has the best in the Minneapolis area. We hit there on a Saturday night and were surprised that there was no waiting. We chose to sit at the bar and were greeted by a nice bartender who had been with The Nook for 8 years. (By the way, they only serve beer and wine). Ordered the deep fried cheese curds for an appetizer and a Juicy Lucy for each of us. Cheese curds were just "okay"....pretty salty. Yes I know that curds are salty but these were way salty. Then along comes the Juicy Lucy. Best described as two non-descript hamburger patties pressed together with process (Velveeta) cheese in the center. What a disappointment!! If they would use a good burger, season it well and then put some aged cheddar in the center, they would have something to boast about. Should have been suspicious when I see that Guy Fieri had visited the place twice and recommended it. I am convinced that Guy looks at quantity and not quality. They offer bowling in the basement, so we went for a look. What a musty, smelly spot. Not my idea of a fun night out. There are so many good "dives" in the area, I wouldn't waste my time unless you just want to say "I've eaten there"!
(2)
Michelle A.

The Nook puts all other dive bars I've visited to shame. It has an old-school, neighborhoody, feel good vibe that permeates through the walls like their hamburger grease that embeds into your arteries. If I lived nearby, the Nook would likely be my favorite spot to meet friends. Sitting on a barstool, I could easily imagine crowds of old buddies meeting up here like in Cheers. I'd be Rebecca (before Kirstie Alley gained all that weight, of course), and play the barfly who isn't actually a gross drunk, but rather the classy broad who is always at the bar. The Nook is just that kind of a place. The most exciting discovery about the Nook is the basement bowling alley. What fun! It's a mini bowling alley in the least expected spot. Again, I would just love to live nearby. Least fantastic about the Nook? The Jucy Lucy. Granted, I'd never had a Jucy before, so I'm not much of a judge, but it just wasn't very good. I guess I didn't expect Velveeta cheese inside of flaps of meat. It was kind of gross, honestly, though I'm sure for a Jucy it was quite good. I'd definitely go back, but I'll forgo the meal next time and head straight for the booze. I'm sure Rebecca would approve.
(4)
Tony K.

Came Sunday a little before dinner. Sun was kids eat free day so perhaps that explains the wait, which wasn't long. Less than 10 min. Came for the Juicy Nookie and wasn't disappointed. It was definitely juicy and stuffed with cheese galore.. I took a really short video with the cheese oozing out so my friends could see this delight. Can you teach someone from KC this marvel? Fries were good and they got a nice little bar setting with articles about the place along the wall where we were sitting. Might have to make it my yearly stop when I'm in the twin cities.
(5)
Denise D.

The boyfriend and I went here for a late lunch today. Walking in, it seemed a little cleaner and nicer than your standard dive bar. That was unexpected. Looking at the menu, the prices are pretty standard. We each ordered a juicy nookie burger with fries. I ordered a water, he ordered a coke. The drinks were brought out and my water tasted like sewer water so I didn't drink it. His coke tasted like it didn't have any carbonation. He switched it for a Mr. Pibb. Started drinking that, and it tasted awful as well. The server switched it for root beer they have on tap. That was delicious. Our food came out and it was piping hot and delicious. We each started on the fries and I loved them. I asked for extra pickles as well, and they were very generous with the pickles. I started on the burger, and all the cheese dripped out the bottom upon picking it up. The burger was cooked barely to medium when the menu says they only cook the juicy nookies to medium. The flavors were pretty good, but I had to dip my burger in the cheese and it was extremely sloppy. The cheese became harder to dip so I ended up eating it with my fries. It was a decent experience, but nothing special.
(2)
Veronica B.

FINALLY made it to The Nook!! Wasn't as crowded or small as I was expecting! Yay! The service was great and food was good! I had the same burger I get at Shamrock's... The Triple B!!! mmmm the only issue I had here was the burger could have been cooked a little longer... A little less pink would have been preferred. It was so pink there were parts of the bottom bun I tried to rip off because they were full of meat juice...too wet for me. Not a bad experience or meal by any means! Just the next time I go I will be sure to mention the burger prep to the server to pass on to the cook....I'm sure that will go over REAL well! But all in all, The Nook is great food, great service and a great atmosphere!!
(4)
Jess R.

Best juicy lucy in MN. Fries are reminiscent of the delicious MN State Fair fries
(5)
Tiffany C.

Wings and burgers are seasoned and cooked to perfection. I haven't tried their Juicy Lucy (not a fan of undercooked hamburger meat) but everyone I know who's tried one raves about it. They make a great Chillata too!
(5)
David C.

The finest display of American comfort food if you're a sucker for burgers! While their other dishes are solid performers (steak special on Wednesdays, wings, and sweet potato fries), their burgers really take the trophy home. There is a reason this place is featured on the food network. Not only does the Nook provide great value (portions and taste for price), their burgers are simply delicious. Perfect midrare patty, about two inches thick, served over a toasted bun with all the fixings your heart desires. I also really like the atmosphere. It is completely laid back and casual, and part of their seating is in an underground bowling alley, but they still manage to maintain a courteous and professional waitstaff. Try it, you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Christopher H.

My coworkers and I have ventured over to The Nook a few times for Friday lunch. Yes, it's pretty much always packed from what I can tell, we usually end up having to sit at the bar but that's OK. Generally if a place is that busy, it must have something going for it and The Nook definitely does. I usually go with the Juicy Nooky (cheese stuffed burger) or some variant of that. I know Matt's and the 5-8 are supposed to have the best but honestly, I prefer The Nook. Tons of flavor and overflowing with cheese, just how I like it! The last time I went, I tried the Guy's Big Bite, a burger, stuffed with pepper jack and topped with roast beef and bacon. Crazy. Their fries are outstanding as well, hand cut from what I can tell, hot and crispy. Considering their size, they've got an OK beer selection as well. Of course they have a number of the macro-brews that people still inexplicably like, however they have a few local and non-local craft beers on tap. Last time I went in I had a Founders Breakfast Stout and it was a great accompaniment to my burger.
(4)
Dennis N.

Went to the basement as an option to waiting...it was crowded place. To my surprise, there was a small bowling alley downstairs...OMG! How retro is that....had the Juicy Nookie, my first loaded Minnesota burger, and it wont be my last.....Only a 4 because of the crowd.....
(4)
Matt G.

The Nook is your typical beer and burger joint. They have all the usual suspects like cheese curds, buffalo wings and of course an entire page of specialty hamburgers. To start with the most important app, I have tried a sampling of their wing flavors. They seem to take pride in their wings and they even have a super hot wing challenge. The Wild wings are a bit on the tame side, but have a good flavor. The buffalo on the other hand are surprising hot even though they are only one point higher on their spicy scale. Now I have only been there three times and therefore only had the occasion to try three different burgers. All three were quite good, the best perhaps being the Reuben burger. I know that's a bit weird, but I my German heritage comes out when I see sauerkraut. However, it is worth noting they also have a number of juicy lucy type burgers, with the star being the Spanish Fly according to my friends. Finally, I shall discuss the most important aspect of the place, the beer. This is the one major drawback of the place as I see it. They only really have ten or so beers on tap and they unfortunately have to dedicate a couple of those taps to people whose taste buds never quite left the frat party. They do tend to have a couple good fall back taps like Summit EPA and a Founder's IPA, but I am never quite satisfied by my beer. One last note, the atmosphere is good, but the last time I was there I had a poster of the biggest D. Bag (Guy Fieri) staring me down like one of those haunted paintings that follows you around the room. I Just thought I would put that out there.
(4)
Master A.

One of the best burger joints in town. Service isn't that fast (because they're so busy), but who cares because the burgers will make up for it. I usually sit down stairs in the bowling alley. Price is good too. You will need to run 10 miles to burn off the calories after eating here. I will always come back unless I find some boogers and spit in my burger.
(5)
Jon V.

Quite simply, this is one of the best places to grab a burger in the Twin Cities. While the Juicy Lucy wasn't invented at the Nook, it was perfected there. The fries and cheese curds are excellent as well. If there is a downside to the Nook, it's the wait times. It is not unusual to wait for 45 min. to an hour around peak meal times. Still, I have to say worth it.
(5)
Michellea D.

OMG...If you are in MN, anywhere in MN. Minneapolis or St. Paul, take a drive out to this place. We were in Eden Prairie and took a detour from the airport to The Nook. Only 10 min from the airport. BEST..I mean BEST...Burger ever. I go the stuffed cheese burger with American cheese on top and fried onions. The sweet potato and garlic fries are to die for also. Street parking, always a wait to get a table because it is a small place. OOOHHH...I dream of The Nook Burger. Wish I lived there.
(5)
Glenn L.

Always a crowd here, so you know that they are doing something right. Several great takes on the "cheese stuffed inside the burger" technique, known locally as a "juicy Lucy." Love the "Juicy Nookie" here. Watch for occasional special burgers. Recently they featured one stuffed with Gouda cheese and garlic that I wish they would add (permanently) to the menu. Make a night of it by bowling in the connected Ran-Ham bowling alley downstairs where the full menu is available.
(5)
Linda H.

We have been on a quest to try all the different Juicy Lucy's around town so of course the Nook was on our list. If I had done the review after our first visit, I would have given this place a five star rating. The original Juicy was awesome, sweet potato fries were yummy, and the service was good. The second time we came on a Monday night, a little less busy but we still had to wait. They wanted us to sit in the basement where the bowling alley was but we declined and waited for a table. We ordered the same exact thing as our previous visit. The food came out surprisingly fast and I know why. My burger was really rare in the middle almost raw, and the other burger was done except towards the middle it too was pretty rare. I guess it was our mistake for not asking that they be more well done but we figured since the first time, there was no red in the burgers, they might be the same the second time around. It was pretty gross so much that I probably don't want to eat another Juicy for quite some time...Well...Maybe at Matt's where in 15 years have never had a rare Juicy... Despite this, the waitress was very nice, and they did take half off my burger which I thought was very fair. She offered another one but I really did not want to eat anymore meat at that time... I will try the Nook again sometime but it will probably be awhile. Good news for the rest of you standing in line waiting!
(3)
Peter B.

When they say the cheese is "EXTREMELY HOT" they are not kidding!!!! I ordered the Juicy Nookie and a winter ale and as I waited, 5 whole minutes, for the cheese burger to cool down thinking it would have been cool by then I was wrong!!! lol My first cautious bite yielded cheese on my cheek that was still extremely hot. Second bite seem to be the same but with pain comes the cure for hunger and you manage to make it all work. I ordered the sweet potato fries and I sort of wish they would let you choose if you wanted them to add the cinnamon and sugar combo that they lightly put over them. I say Leave it out!!!! It is not needed and makes you wonder why you went with the healthier option of fries if they are going to add sugar and cinnamon.... Great attentive staff!!!
(5)
Eric S.

Best Jucy Lucy in the state. Sorry Matt's, BDP, 5-8 and any other joint. The Nook has hands down the best burger in Minnesota. Fresh, hand ground beef, with buns from P.J. Murphy's and the fresh cut fries are also not to be trifled with.
(5)
Jeannie V.

The Nook is legendary for a reason - they do the traditional Juicy Lucy best! While others may have a stuffed burger that squirts oil in your face and the cheese itself disappears, the Nookie's Velveeta center turns into a smooth, creamy, dreamy glob of heaven. I can never manage to take it slow enough not to burn the crap out of my mouth, but it burns so good! Plus their apps and sides are are all fantastic. If you haven't tried a Juicy Lucy yet, this is the place to do it!
(5)
Brooke M.

Love this place. It never disappoints! Took my parents here to celebrate my dad's birthday and they loved it. We all had the juicy Nookie and we shared cheese curds. Being from WI, we know what they are supposed to be like and these are the best you can get this side of the border. My go to place when craving a great burger.
(5)
Melanie D.

The Nook is a place I like to take out-of-towners to so they can experience what Jucy Lucys are all about. Since I am vegetarian, I really can't say if they are all that good (if someone knows of a veg version please let me know!), but so far the consensus among my non-Minnesotan friends is they are delectable. As far as I know, the black bean burger and garden burger are the only vegetarian burger options. I have only tried the black bean, and it's very tasty. With fries and a beer, it's often difficult to finish my burger. Fries are good and taste fresh. There was one time my order of fries were WAY overdone. When I told my waiter about it he was happy to bring me a new basket. I have never been here when it's not busy. It seems there's always a wait. You may be able to find a table downstairs where the bowling alley is, so I suggest trying that out. As for the beer, they have good options on tap. I think they charge a bit more for a pint than some other burger joints, but prices aren't outrageous. Service is usually very quick and efficient. Parking can be annoying if it's busy, but I can always find a spot within a few blocks from The Nook. I want to give four stars, but there are cheaper options for similar burgers and beer close by ;)
(3)
Bert K.

Great burger! Definitely having another one of those. Onion rings aren't the best I've ever had, but they're good. JalapeÃ±o poppers are cream cheese filled (I like that better than cheddar) and were a little over cooked, which made them crispy, but not burned... Fries are VERY good. I Gotta try the sweet potato fries next time. The place is an old bar, pretty much a dive. Laid back and enjoyable.
(4)
Jeff D.

I am a vegetarian and have been going to the Nook for many years and always get the garden burger with fries. I used to think they had the best veggie burger and French fries in the Cities, but have been disappointed the last two times I've been here. The burger is pretty ordinary, the bun is stale, and the fries are under done and a little soggy. Both times have unusually been for lunch, so maybe the food improves at dinner. I think the veggie burger is better at the nearby St Clair Broiler where there is never a wait, so I'll probably stop coming here.
(3)
Andrew B.

I never made it to this place pre-fire; luckily the renovations don't detract from this ultra casual burger joint. It took a couple a visits to discover the bowling alley downstairs. It is a very broken in, busy space, that the new upstairs no longer reflects. It's among the top five jucy lucys. Only beer served!
(4)

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Address : 492 Hamline Ave S
Saint Paul, MN, 55116
Phone (651) 698-4347
Website https://www.crnook.com/
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :11:00 am - 1:00pm

Specialities

Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Music : Juke Box
Good For Dancing : No
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Happy Hour : Yes
Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat
Coat Check : No
Smoking : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Drive-Thru : No
Caters : No

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Burgers

Burger or Hamburger is savored as the most desired fast food meal in the United States. A hamburger is basically a sandwich prepared by stuffing ground meat patty, generally beef, between two slices of a bun cut in half. Hamburger is also famous for its seasoning. Most popular condiments used in hamburgers in the United States are mustard, mayonnaise, and ketchup. Besides ground meat patty, hamburgers are also stuffed with lettuce, onions, tomato slices, pickles, and cheese.

Hamburgers are also categorized into two types in the United States. Fast food hamburger and individual hamburgers served at restaurants are two basic types of burgers served in the United States. The individual hamburgers served at restaurants are prepared using everything including lettuce, onion, tomato, and sliced pickles as well as melted cheese on the patty or crumbled on top. American restaurants also serve veggie burgers for those who don't relish meat. Cheeseburgers are also hot favorite in the United States.

McDonalds is the most popular fast food burger restaurant serving different types of burgers in the United States. On the other hand, there are several restaurants such as Burger King are famous for serving the best hamburgers in the United States. Most burger restaurants in the United States often serve hamburgers with French fries and other condiments. If you have a liking for burgers in the United States, then you won't be disappointed. You can easily find the best burger restaurants in your city on our Restaurants Listings directory. Check the reviews and ratings of the top burger restaurants and savor yourself with the best hamburger in the city.

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Casper’s and Runyon’s Nook

492 Hamline Ave S, Saint Paul, MN, 55116

Casper’s and Runyon’s Nook Menu

For Starters Or Anytime

Soups And Salads

Nook Burgers

Heggies Pizza

Specials

Desserts

Healthy Meal suggestions for Casper’s and Runyon’s Nook

For Starters Or Anytime

Soups And Salads

Nook Burgers

Heggies Pizza

Specials

Desserts

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