Ginkgo Coffeehouse — Restaurant in Saint Paul

Really, the best part about this coffee shop is the community. The employees are cheerful and friendly. The music played gives a warm atmosphere to the place. While being a bit cluttered and unhygenic, the art gallery and small music stage are always inviting. I don’t eat from the baked good displays for I doubt it’s been cleaned and there are very few sweet goodies. (Ironically, there are a ton of toys and small but quirky gifts). It feels asymetrical and lacking in aesthetics. But this aesthetic adds some sense of this being a place for wallflowers. It’s a great place for neighboring college students from Hamline who need some caffeine to keep them alert during classes, or highschool students studying for their exams. Perhaps for a two old friends can come in to have a nice chat, or professionals might feel comfortable enough to choose to arrange to have an interview or meeting with a client. A solitarian might read the newspaper, solve a puzzle or two, little ritualistic activities to start the day before going on their way. This coffeeshop holds a lot of nostalgia for me, and the location (though not always the same business) is quite old. I think, with a few changes, it will continue to be a special marker in...

With very reasonable prices, a homey atmosphere, and broad menu to choose from, Ginko is the perfect place for casual meetups over a warm beverage. They’ve got it all from coffee to tea to smoothies and ice cream. I will say the salad and black bean soup I ordered one night left much to be desired. You’re probably better off with their all-day breakfast items and sandwiches. The cinna-mint tea served in a pint glass was awesome though. I’ll probably be back at some point to try more of their menu and to see a performance on their stage. I got the sense that Ginko is a cornerstone of the community, feel happy to support it, and have no trouble recommending it. There’s something there for everyone, regardless of age or outlook. That said, if you’re trying to have quiet, productive work time, don’t be surprised by the parents bringing in restless kids for ice cream on a...

Artsy hip trendy environmentally forward Cafe serving mainly the neighborhood, friends (live music some weekends) and the college crowd from nearby Hamline University. Two major bus routes cross by the front door so it's also ultra convenient.

Coffee and food here is middling but you won't mind too much as you soak in the environment and your unusual company while surfing or working happily on free wifi

Long long ago, remember coming here one morning to relax with coffee and noticing a small group of friendly young people at a nearby table discussing politics. Hearing a certain name repeated again and again, I guessed correctly they were volunteers helping to organize the presidential run of a certain young senator from Illinois named Barack Obama. I wished them luck as we left, but I never dreamed they'd be so...