Location

308 Prince St., St. Paul
GOOGLE MAP • YELP • WEBSITE

Ratings

Pros

Cavernous space; decent coffee; interesting (if slightly out-of-the-way) location.

Cons

The whole experience leaves me slightly underwhelmed.

Review

Yes, two reviews in one day! Kopplin’s and Black Dog provide an interesting contrast: Kopplin’s obviously takes itself very seriously, especially where its coffee and upscale pastry options are concerned. Black Dog seems more laid back and loose: my cappuccino is good, but not prepared with great care; the space is huge but sparsely and somewhat haphazardly decorated; comments on Yelp suggest the food can be hit-or-miss, and in general reinforce my sense of ambivalence about the place. (I should note that I am not eating here because after Kopplin’s, SLP and I headed next door to the Nook for a greaze-burger lunch, and we’re both still stuffed from that.) Kopplin’s is tiny and cramped; Black Dog is huge and spacious. Kopplin’s is in Highland Park; Black Dog is in Lowertown. You get the idea. Contrast.

I don’t spend a lot of time in Lowertown. It has somewhat of a similar vibe to the Warehouse District in Minneapolis, but less gentrified. Black Dog is located diagonally across from the St. Paul Farmer’s Market (not currently operating), and there’s ample, cheap (but not free) parking nearby in a huge lot tucked in between warehouses and Highway 52.

I give the Black Dog high marks for musical selection — we’ve been grooving on Fela Kuti (whose music I appreciated well before it caught the attention of Broadway, I feel obliged to mention) since we arrived. There’s also some interesting local art on the walls, although overall the space feels a little bare. The unfinished antique hardwood floors help convey a sense of the history of the space, but not necessarily in an appealing way. There’s also a “wall” comprised of old, multicolored doors. It took me a while to pinpoint the hazy memory that triggered, but eventually I realized it reminded me of the alley on Sesame Street where Oscar the Grouch and Big Bird live.

Black Dog offers a variety of food options (as you can see for yourself), as well as beer and wine. I might like to come back at another time and try them. The availability of WiFi, espresso drinks, and a lot of open space (not to mention the possibility of hearing Fela Kuti) are enough in themselves to make this a place worth recommending — even if I’ve only been able to spot one single table in the entire establishment (the one I’m sitting at) that has ready access to a power outlet.

In the end, I do recommend the Black Dog, at least if you’re in, or have any reason to go to, Lowertown St. Paul. But it’s not a strong, enthusiastic recommendation.