The Nook

Beef, beer, and bowling

The Nook, the tiny bar that is the home of arguably the best burger in St. Paul, had a fire last winter. St. Paul wept! They recently reopened. St. Paul rejoiced! You should, too. A recent visit revealed that even though the kitchen moved to the back and a lot of charming clutter was lost, the soul was retained: memorabilia on the walls, plenty of good local beers, burgers with that savory beefy char, and those same great French fries. Please note that before the fire, the Nook annexed the old bowling alley downstairs. Today, it’s just past the bar to the left, a must-visit for fans of intact 1960s bowling alleys and anyone looking for extra seating.

492 Hamline Ave. S., St. Paul, 651-698-4347, crnook.com