The Nook

"The Nook made its name serving one of the Twin Cities’ best Juicy Lucys, a.k.a. the Juicy Nookie. Matt’s Bar has its ride-or-die crowd — but so does this place. The Nook is a Twin Cities gem in terms of ambiance, too: The small downstairs bar is papered in dollar bills, and there’s a bowling alley with arcade games. Keep an eye out for the nightly food specials and $3 happy hour beers." - Justine Jones

"The Juicy Nookie, a local cult favorite, is classic and unassuming. Gooey American cheese is well distributed throughout the not-too-thick patty. The Nook is a Twin Cities gem in terms of ambiance, too — downstairs there’s a small bar papered in dollar bills and a bowling alley with arcade games. Note that you can get this same burger at sister restaurant Shamrock’s on West 7th in St. Paul." - Justine Jones, Serena Maria Daniels

"St. Paul bar the Nook is famous for its gooey, cheese-stuffed Juicy Lucy burger, which was mentioned by Gov. Tim Walz during a CNN interview as he received a call from President Joe Biden thanking him for his support." - Justine Jones

"Bowling, burgers, and beers, the Nook has mastered the art of cheese stuffed burgers, fresh cut fries, and a long list of cold beers. If the date is going well: Grab a bowling ball, pencil, and a score sheet and hit the lanes downstairs. Prepare to keep score, because this old-school joint makes you keep track yourself. It’s a good way to test your date’s math skills." - Megan Sheley

"Since 1938, the Nook has been a neighborhood staple serving up some of the most praiseworthy and mouth-watering bar food this side of the Mississippi. From the moment you walk into the Nook, you can see the long history of the space through the throwback sports memorabilia, senior pictures posted above the bar, and newspaper clippings about the award-winning Juicy Nook Burger. This place is friendly, nostalgic, and delicious -- the best possible combination. In the door and down the stairs is the best kept secret of Saint Paul: The Ran-Ham Bowling Alley. Below the Nook, you will find old school bowling lanes, hand tallied score sheets, thousands of dollar bills pinned to the ceiling, vintage posters and pinball machines. You can bowl the night away while enjoying a pitcher of beer, late night snacks, and the full menu of Nook favorites." - Jenny Bookler