Nina's Coffee Cafe: A Gem in Cathedral Hill, St. Paul

Step back in time with a cuppa at Nina’s Coffee Cafe in St. Paul – you’ll feel like you’re in a F. Scott Fitzgerald novel! ☕🏰

Quick Summary: Nina’s Cafe In Cathedral Hill, St. Paul

Soak up the historic charm of Nina’s Coffee Cafe in St. Paul. 🌟

Nestled in the iconic Blair Arcade Building with a vintage vibe.
Offers a delightful blend of community, coffee, and local delicacies. ☕🍪
Perfect spot for reading, people-watching, or soaking in the ambiance. 🛋📚👀

*Old European flair in the heart of St. Paul.*

Taking You To The Best In The Midwest Everyday

Hey there, it’s Kitty! 😸👋

Jack and I have been grooving around the Midwest for two decades as traveling musicians and filmmakers. Born in Minneapolis and now in Winona, we’re true Midwest souls. 🌾 We’ve penned Amazon best-selling Midwest travel guidebooks and our daily podcast and blog are all about Midwest adventures.

Speaking of adventure, where am I taking you today?

Quite possibly the most beautiful coffee shop in all of the Twin Cities. 😻

How’s that for raising your expectations? Ok, enough of my rambling. Let’s get on over to Nina’s! 🚗

Bonjour, Nina’s!

Welcome to Nina’s Coffee Cafe, the heartbeat of Cathedral Hill in St. Paul. 🏰

Situated at 165 Western Avenue, this classic coffee house is more than just a caffeine pit-stop. It’s a blend of history, community, and of course, delicious brews. 🍵

*You’ll always be in good company at Nina’s. Even Lady Liberty chills here!*

Stepping into Nina’s is like taking a journey back in time. Imagine sitting in a Parisian cafe, but right here in St. Paul.

I know, I know, the building is classic Victorian and we’re not anywhere near Europe, but let a girl dream about Paris for a bit, will ya? 🥐

Whispers of the Past

The vintage vibe is palpable; from the soaring ceilings, brick archways and intricate lighting fixtures, to the immaculate woodwork that hints at its past life.

When sitting in this cool old building you can’t help but picture the people who once lived and loved here. 💘

Imagine spending this much time designing and crafting all these elegant details ...simply for a hallway! — *Imagine spending this much time designing and crafting all these elegant details …simply for a hallway!*

Maybe an old heiress who watched horse-drawn carriages rumble by on Selby Avenue, or maybe a wild flapper during the roaring twenties, living a life of carefree decadence – these old walls seem desperate to whisper their secrets to anyone listening! 🤫

Inside the Blair Arcade Building

Nina’s is nestled in the iconic Blair Arcade Building, a red Victorian masterpiece built in 1887 – that spans almost an entire block on Selby. The building isn’t just home to the cafe.

*The building’s interior atrium is strikingly gorgeous. You can see the layers of history from every angle.*

Explore further and you’ll find fancy salons, spas, and other commercial and residential spaces.

Exploring the Blair Arcade’s corridors feels like an adventure in history, with its preserved architecture offering endless fascination.

Heavy interior doors of Nina's Coffee Cafe. — *Heavy oak interior doors of Nina’s Coffee Cafe.*

Community at Its Best

The cafe itself is spacious, filled with ambient chatter and laughter. On weekends, it bustles with life, from students engrossed in their books to groups of friends catching up. 📚😊

But what sets it apart is the palpable sense of community.

*Chill vibes with large windows to people-watch as you sip.*

Signs encourage you to “Share a table with your neighbor”, and the friendly baristas, often local students, serve up a variety of delightful drinks and baked goods with a smile. 🍪

Tantalizing Tastes

Speaking of drinks, ever tried a locally grown mint mocha? It’s a local favorite!

But that’s not all. The menu, inspired by F. Scott Fitzgerald (who once lived a few blocks away), caters to bibliophiles and coffee lovers alike. 📖☕

The menu is a nod to F. Scott Fitzgerald, the author of The Great Gatsby. He lived near Nina's Coffee Cafe. — *The menu is a nod to F. Scott Fitzgerald, the author of The Great Gatsby. He lived near Nina’s Coffee Cafe.*

*Look at the stonework, fountain and grand chandelier in the atrium! Gorgeous.*

And if you’re looking for a bite to munch on, the pastries are a treat, especially the gluten-free chocolate donut.

A huge shoutout to the cafe’s commitment to local ingredients. They pride themselves on using products that are good for everyone, focusing on sustainability and animal welfare. 👍

So, every sip you take is not just tasty but also supports local businesses and beebs! 🐄

More Than Just a Cup of Coffee

While the coffee and food is good, it’s the ambiance that keeps people coming back.

With a mix of cozy nooks, comfy chairs, and seats overlooking the bustling streets, it’s the perfect place for people-watching, reading, or just soaking in the atmosphere. And if you’re lucky, you might even catch some live music in the evenings! 🎶

➡️ Get your coffee or food fix in our related blog posts: Best Twin Cities Coffee Shops and Best Food in Minneapolis. ☕️🍔

*Friendly staff and gluten-free options are always nice touches.*

Summary: Nina’s Cafe in Cathedral Hill, St. Paul

In conclusion, Nina’s Coffee Cafe is a must-visit if you’re in St. Paul. It’s not just a cafe; it’s an experience.

Whether you’re looking to work, relax, or just savor a good cup of coffee, Nina’s has got you covered. See you there! 😉🌆

Know Before You Go

Nina’s Coffee Cafe is located at 165 Western Ave. N, St. Paul, MN 55102
They are open daily from 6:30am- 5:00pm.
There is free street parking nearby, but it can get busy. You may have to park a block or two away depending upon the time of day.
We recommend strolling through the Blair Arcade Building (there are other cool businesses in addition to Nina’s). Bring your camera, it’s gorgeous!