- Attraction: The Nook (Casper & Runyon’s Nook)
- Location: 492 Hamline Ave S, St. Paul, MN 55116
- Industry: Restaurant
- Website: https://www.crnook.com/
When Guy Fieri declared this unassuming neighborhood spot “off the hook” on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, he wasn’t exaggerating.
The Nook has been serving up Minnesota’s most legendary stuffed burgers since owners Ted Casper and Mike Runyon took over in 2000, transforming what was once Mickey’s Nook into a pilgrimage destination for burger enthusiasts across the Twin Cities.
Located directly across from Cretin-Durham Hall High School, this compact establishment perfectly embodies its tagline as “a small place with big burgers.”
What sets The Nook apart isn’t just the quality of their food, but the complete dining experience that includes a vintage bowling alley in the basement and an atmosphere that feels like stepping into a beloved neighborhood hangout where everyone becomes a regular.
Signature Burger Creations
The Juicy Nookie: This is the crown jewel that put The Nook on the map. Made with butcher-cut ground Black Angus chuck, the burger is stuffed with molten American cheese that coats every single bite.
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Keep Exploring →The patty is cooked to a perfect medium with a gorgeous pink interior surrounding the cheese core, creating a sunset-like blend of colors that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. The cheese literally fills the serving basket, and you’ll want to use your fresh-cut fries to scoop up every last bit of that gooey goodness.
Guy’s Big Bite: Created in honor of Guy Fieri’s visit, this monster features a pepper jack-stuffed patty topped with bacon, roast beef, and cheddar cheese. It’s an over-the-top creation that perfectly captures the spirit of indulgence The Nook is known for. The combination of the spicy pepper jack inside with the savory toppings creates layers of flavor that make this burger truly unforgettable.
Paul Molitor Burger: Named after the local baseball legend, this version takes the classic Juicy Nookie and stuffs it with pepper jack cheese instead of American. The slight kick from the pepper jack elevates the entire experience, making it a favorite among regulars who want something with a little more personality.
Spanish Fly: For the adventurous eater, this unique creation blends ground beef with chorizo and stuffs it with queso cheese. The chorizo adds a smoky, spiced dimension that transforms the traditional burger concept into something entirely new while maintaining that signature cheese-stuffed experience.
Beyond the Burgers
The Legendary Nook Cheese Curds: These aren’t your typical cheese curds. Hand-battered and deep-fried to golden perfection, they’re served with bacon and honey – a combination that sounds unusual but creates an addictive sweet-savory experience.
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Discover MoreThe curds are massive, gooey on the inside with a perfectly crispy exterior that shatters when you bite into them.
Fresh-Cut Fries: The hand-cut fries are made exactly right – crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, with the peels left on for extra flavor. They’re seasoned simply with salt and fried until the natural sugars caramelize, creating fries so good you’ll barely want to dip them in ketchup.
Buffalo Wings: Surprisingly excellent for a burger joint, these wings are fried until crispy and tossed in a house-made hot sauce that focuses on spice rather than butter, creating an authentic Buffalo-style experience that rivals wings from New York.
Atmosphere & Décor
Classic Dive Bar Charm: The interior feels like it hasn’t changed much since the 1970s, and that’s exactly the appeal. The walls are covered with old-time memorabilia, vintage photographs, and sports memorabilia that tell the story of this neighborhood institution.
The lighting is dim and cozy, creating an intimate atmosphere despite the constant buzz of conversation and clinking glasses.
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Keep Exploring →The Famous Basement Bowling Alley: Ranham Bowling Center in the basement is a time capsule featuring about six vintage lanes, complete with classic arcade games and its own bar called the Dollar Bar.
Food is transported down via a dumbwaiter system, adding to the quirky charm. The basement offers a quieter dining experience when the main floor gets too loud, though cell phone service can be spotty down there.
Compact but Lively: The main dining area is long and narrow with limited seating for maybe 40-50 people, which contributes to the intimate, neighborhood feel. The small bar area up front is perfect for solo diners or couples wanting to watch the game while they eat.
Other Considerations
Pricing and Value: The Nook offers exceptional value for the quality and portion sizes. Burgers are reasonably priced for the amount of food you receive, and even adding appetizers like the famous cheese curds won’t break the bank. The generous portions mean you’ll likely leave satisfied without feeling like you’ve overpaid.
Wait Times and Seating: Expect a wait during peak hours, especially on weekends when 25-30 minute waits are common.
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Discover MoreHowever, the bar seating often has shorter waits, and the basement bowling alley provides immediate seating if you don’t mind dining downstairs. The wait is consistently worth it, as evidenced by the locals who return regularly.
Parking Considerations: Street parking is the only option, with limited 30-minute spots on surrounding streets. The parking situation can be challenging during busy periods, but the neighborhood is walkable if you’re staying nearby.
Free Game Day Shuttles: One of the unique perks is The Nook’s free shuttle service to all Minnesota Wild and Vikings home games, making it a perfect pre-game spot for sports fans.
Family-Friendly with Character: While it’s definitely a bar atmosphere, families are welcome and kids will love the novelty of the basement bowling alley. The staff is accommodating to all ages, though the environment is more suited to casual dining than special occasions.
The Nook
📍 492 Hamline Ave S, St. Paul, MN 55116
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