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Nina's Cafe Bar
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
Nina's Cafe Bar
8.5
Nina's Cafe Bar is a neighborhood brunch cafe on Atlantic where crepes, omelets, and espresso drinks lead a big breakfast menu. Locals lean on it for sit-down weekend breakfasts with plates that feel closer to brunch than diner, from Benedicts to loaded French toast.
Must-Try Dishes:
Latin Omelet, Salmon & Spinach Benedict, La Bechamel Crepe
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Brunch-focused cafe with crepes, Benedicts, and espresso in a casual setting.
Who should go: Brunch fans wanting sit-down plates and good coffee.
When to visit: Weekend late mornings before peak brunch crowds hit.
What to order: Latin Omelet, Salmon & Spinach Benedict, La Bechamel Crepe.
Insider tip: Ask about seasonal crepe or waffle specials that don’t always hit the printed menu.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Atlantic Avenue is the main option; spots are easier before 10am but tighten during peak brunch hours.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; typical brunch attire like jeans and light layers fits right in.
Noise level: Moderate during weekends with steady conversation hum; quieter on weekdays with easy table talk.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — the cafe focuses on breakfast/brunch and closes before traditional dinner hours.
Weekday lunch: Generally minimal wait; most guests are seated immediately or within 5–10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — crepes, omelets, and breakfast plates include several vegetarian options.
Vegan options: Limited — a few items can be modified (e.g., fruit crepes without cream), but the menu isn't heavily vegan-focused.
Gluten-free options: Some dishes can be made gluten-leaning (omelets, salads), but crepes and specialty items are not offered in gluten-free versions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it works well for casual daytime dates with approachable brunch plates, friendly service, and a relaxed setting that doesn’t feel overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — the cafe operates on a walk-in basis. Arrive before 11am on weekends for the shortest waits; weekdays rarely require waiting.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — families frequent the cafe, and the menu suits kids of all ages with pancakes, simple eggs, and crepes. High chairs are typically available.
Best For
Better for: Sit-down brunch with crepes, Benedicts, and espresso-based drinks in a relaxed, family-friendly dining room.
Skip if: You need fast counter-service speed, extensive vegan options, or trendy Instagram-forward brunch presentations.
Nina's Cafe Bar
8.2
Nina's Cafe Bar is a French-inspired cafe and bar that opened in 2023, blending brunch favorites, crepes, pastas, and cocktails in a cozy Atlantic Avenue space with live music on select nights. It works as an approachable date-night option where you can linger over French toast or risotto, then stretch the evening with wine or coffee on the patio.
Must-Try Dishes:
French Toast, Smoked Salmon Salad, De La Mer Risotto
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 6.5
What makes it special: French-leaning cafe-bar with brunch, dinner plates, cocktails, and occasional live music.
Who should go: Couples wanting a relaxed, slightly upscale cafe-style date.
When to visit: Evenings Thursday through Saturday for live music and fuller menu.
What to order: French Toast to share, Smoked Salmon Salad, De La Mer Risotto.
Insider tip: Call ahead or check socials for live music nights if you want extra atmosphere.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Atlantic Avenue and adjacent residential blocks; generally manageable before 7pm but can tighten on live-music nights. No valet.
Dress code: Smart casual—date-night outfits fit right in, but nice jeans and a button-up or blouse are perfectly appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate indoors with occasional livelier moments during live music; outdoor patio allows for easier conversation.
Weekend wait: 25–45 minutes without a reservation, longer during events or live-music sets.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; easy to walk in and sit immediately.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection—crepes, salads, pasta dishes, and appetizers that can be made meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 menu items may work with modifications, but options are not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Some salads and proteins are naturally gluten-free; crepes and pastas generally are not. Ask about substitutions as availability varies.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the cozy lighting, cocktails, and French-leaning dishes create a warm setting that feels special without being too formal or intimidating. The patio is great if you want a quieter environment.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Most weeknights you can walk in easily. On weekends or nights with live music, arriving before 7pm increases your chances of getting seated quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat—families come for brunch, but the vibe skews adult in the evenings. Best for teens or older kids; not ideal for toddlers during live-music nights.
Best For
Better for: More approachable French-leaning plates and a breezy patio than other nearby date-night spots, plus live music that adds ambiance without requiring a full fine-dining commitment.
Skip if: You want a fully traditional French bistro, extensive vegan options, or a very quiet dining room during peak hours.
Nina's Cafe Bar
8.2
Nina's Cafe Bar is a French-leaning cafe and bar on Atlantic Avenue where brunch plates, risottos, crepes, and cocktails stretch easily into lingering celebrations. A cozy, slightly dressier room, outdoor seating, and occasional live music make it an easy pick for birthday brunches, girls’ night, or casual anniversaries. It’s the rare neighborhood spot that works for a cappuccino and crepe by day and a risotto-and-wine celebration at night.
Must-Try Dishes:
French Toast with Nutella and fresh fruit, De La Mer Risotto, Nina's Crepe with Nutella, banana, strawberries, and mango
Scores:
Value: 6.3
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: French-inspired cafe-bar where brunch favorites, crepes, risottos, and cocktails share one festive room.
Who should go: Birthday brunch crews, date-night couples, and small celebration groups.
When to visit: Weekend brunch or Thursday–Saturday evenings for fullest menu and music.
What to order: French Toast, De La Mer Risotto, Nina’s Crepe with Nutella and fruit.
Insider tip: Time your visit for live-music nights and linger on the patio with cocktails.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Atlantic Avenue and nearby residential blocks; generally manageable but can tighten during weekend brunch and live-music evenings.
Dress code: Smart casual with a slightly dressy lean — brunch outfits, nice jeans, casual dresses, and button-downs all fit the room.
Noise level: Moderate — lively during brunch and live music nights, but still workable for conversation at most tables.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during peak hours, especially on live-music nights.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; immediate seating at most times.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection — several brunch items, salads, and crepes work well without meat.
Vegan options: Limited — a few modifiable salads and sides but no dedicated vegan entrées.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-light dishes (salads, proteins), but limited fully gluten-free crepe or pasta alternatives.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the cozy atmosphere, patio seating, and cocktail program make it relaxed but still special without feeling too formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weekdays, but weekend brunch and evening music nights can fill fast. Arrive early or be prepared for a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably — daytime visits work well for families with older kids; evenings lean more adult due to cocktails and live music.
Best For
Better for: Celebratory brunches, relaxed date nights, and gatherings where guests want both brunch classics and French-leaning dinner plates.
Skip if: You need extensive vegan options, a very quiet dining room, or high-end fine-dining polish — this is casual-festive rather than formal.
Nina's Cafe Bar
8.3
Nina's Cafe Bar is a French-leaning cafe and bar on Atlantic Avenue where crepes, risottos, brunch plates, and cocktails move easily between daytime and evening. The front patio and terrace give it one of the more comfortable outdoor setups in the ZIP, ideal for slow brunches or casual date nights with live music on select evenings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Brioche French toast, Prosciutto bruschetta toast, White truffle risotto
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 6.4
What makes it special: Cafe-bar with crepes, brunch, cocktails, and a comfortable street-side patio.
Who should go: Brunch groups and couples wanting a relaxed, stylish patio.
When to visit: Late-morning weekends or live-music evenings for peak atmosphere.
What to order: Brioche French toast, prosciutto bruschetta, white truffle risotto.
Insider tip: Ask if upstairs seating is open for a quieter outdoor-feeling perch.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Atlantic Avenue is the primary option; it’s generally manageable before noon and after 8pm but tight during peak brunch hours. No valet.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but most guests lean slightly dressy for brunch or evening cocktails.
Noise level: Moderate. Patio tables allow normal conversation, but live-music nights can raise noise levels inside.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes for the patio during live-music nights; walk-in indoor seating is usually quicker.
Weekday lunch: Almost always seatable immediately, even for small groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several solid choices including salads, crepes, risottos, and vegetable-forward brunch dishes.
Vegan options: Limited—usually 1–2 modifiable dishes; best to ask staff for substitutions on salads or sides.
Gluten-free options: A handful of GF-friendly items (salads, proteins, some brunch plates); crepes and pastas are not GF.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its airy patio, approachable French-leaning menu, and comfortable noise level make it an easy choice for a relaxed first date without feeling overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes. Walk-ins are generally fine on weekdays and early on weekends. For peak brunch hours or live-music evenings, arriving 15–20 minutes before your ideal time greatly improves your chances at a patio table.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably. The menu has approachable brunch and café items for kids, and the patio makes stroller seating easier. Evenings with live music are better suited for older kids or teens.
Best For
Better for: One of the most comfortable outdoor setups in the area, with a brunch-to-dinner menu that works for groups, couples, and casual celebrations without feeling cookie-cutter.
Skip if: You're seeking a fully vegan menu, very quiet dining room, or late-night dining—hours and offerings skew toward brunch and early dinner.
Nina's Cafe Bar
8.4
Nina's Cafe Bar is a French-leaning cafe and bar in Bell where crepes, risottos, salads, and brunch plates are built around fresh ingredients and a full espresso and cocktail program. Locals treat it as an all-day spot, from Latin-influenced omelets at brunch to pastas, steaks, and live-music evenings on the patio.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crab Benedict, French Omelet, Nina's Crepe
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: French-Latin cafe-bar with fresh, from-scratch brunch and dinner plates plus cocktails and live music.
Who should go: Brunch groups, date nights, and relaxed cocktail meetups.
When to visit: Weekend brunch or Thursday evenings with live music on patio.
What to order: Crab Benedict, French Omelet, Nina's Crepe.
Insider tip: Reserve for live-music nights; patio tables and bar seats go first.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Atlantic Avenue is generally available before 6pm; after that, expect moderate competition and consider using the small adjacent public lot behind the building.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning stylish—jeans are fine, but many guests dress up slightly for brunch and live-music evenings.
Noise level: Moderate indoors; the patio can get lively during music nights but still allows comfortable conversation.
Weekend wait: 25–45 minutes without a reservation, especially on live-music nights.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; small parties are seated immediately.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong support with multiple salads, crepes, omelets, and pastas easily adapted meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—2–3 dishes can be customized by removing dairy or swapping sides.
Gluten-free options: Moderate options—several salads, risottos, and proteins are naturally gluten-free; crepes and pastas have limited flexibility.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The patio lighting, cocktails, and French-leaning plates create an inviting atmosphere that feels special without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually on weekdays and early brunch hours. For weekend brunch or any evening with live music, a reservation is strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids and teens; the menu has approachable items, but the vibe is more adult-leaning during evening service and live-music nights.
Best For
Better for: Brunch variety, fresh-from-scratch dishes, lively patio energy, and stylish cocktails make it a top pick for groups and date-oriented meals.
Skip if: You want a very quiet dinner, fast-casual pricing, or a fully vegan/gluten-free menu with extensive substitutions.
Nina's Cafe Bar
8.0
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Brunch Bliss Spots
Girls Night Out Approved
Trendy Table Hotspots
Nina's Cafe Bar functions as an all-day cafe-bar where crepes, salads, sandwiches, and espresso drinks make it easy to mix work talk with a more relaxed setting. It works especially well for cross-functional teams or creative meetings that benefit from a casual but put-together room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Savory crepe of the day, Chicken chipotle panini, House brunch omelet
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 6.4
What makes it special: Cafe-bar setup that feels casual enough for brainstorming but polished enough for clients.
Who should go: Teams wanting flexible menus and a relaxed meeting environment.
When to visit: Weekday late mornings or early afternoons between rushes.
What to order: Savory crepe, chicken chipotle panini, espresso-based drinks.
Insider tip: Use the bar or window seats for one-on-one check-in lunches.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Atlantic Avenue and nearby residential blocks; generally available on weekdays but can tighten during brunch hours.
Dress code: Smart casual; work-appropriate but relaxed. Jeans and button-downs or clean casual wear fit the room.
Noise level: Moderate; daytime meetings are workable with normal conversation volume, though brunch hours can get livelier.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on live music nights; bar seats often open faster.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, with open tables during late-morning and early-afternoon windows.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — salads, crepes, omelets, and several pasta dishes offer strong vegetarian coverage.
Vegan options: Limited — a couple of salads and customizable plates; verify dressings and sauces with staff.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free salads and proteins, but crepes and pastas are not GF; ask about substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the cafe-bar vibe is warm and stylish without being intimidating, making it ideal for a casual but elevated first meeting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes during weekdays; walk-ins are rarely an issue. For weekend brunch or evenings with live music, plan to arrive early.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — daytime service works fine for kids ages 6+ thanks to approachable menu items, but evenings can skew louder and more adult-focused.
Best For
Better for: More flexible than traditional business-lunch spots, especially for teams wanting a relaxed environment with full coffee and cocktail service.
Skip if: If you need a quiet, enclosed space for confidential discussions or require extensive vegan/gluten-free options, consider alternatives.