This place lives up to the hype. I had my hopes up prior to eating at Nina's and was not disappointed. Nina's sits in a strip mall near a few other gems in Kzoo, Tiffany's and Saffron. There isn't a ton of seating inside the restaurant but we were able to walk in and get seated within 10 minutes for a Sunday morning brunch. By the time we left, though, there were many people waiting for tables. The food came quick and was beyond good. I had the Southwest Mess with spicy hash browns. Being the first time eating at Nina's, I had to ask what the spicy hash browns were. They are hash browns cooked in Franks hot sauce. Delish! Highly recommended. Especially if you're a fan of Franks or hot sauce in general. My wife ordered the Banana Nut French Toast. Also delish. They use homemade banana bread which was a nice touch. We will definitely be back. Keep up the good work Nina!
(5)
Shane H.
My Dad says they've got some of the best sausage gravy he's ever had, and he's an expert on the stuff. I got the breakfast wet burrito (a huge, delicious breakfast burrito smothered in gravy) and couldn't agree more. The potatoes are excellent, and the toast was made from fresh homemade bread. I look of Nina's is old school and a little sloppy, it's definitely easy to underestimate the food based on the Cafe's appearance. Unfortunately, I've heard it gets a little crowded inside sometimes, but I guess I've happened to show up on days where seating was readily available. My only complaints are, yes, the place is a little dirty (as other Yelpers have mentioned) and for some reason every time I've got our waitress has been slow with getting us our coffee. If you go to Nina's and order a cup of joe, make sure and get it filled up quickly before your service gets too busy. The problem is that they usually will only have 1 or 2 servers working at a time, despite an obvious need for more. The cooks are quick in the kitchen, too. Overall, delicious breakfast and great prices, but the place could use a few more employees to help clean up and take orders.
(4)
Ezra R.
The homemade bread is awesome and so is the Southwest Mess.
(5)
Ana P.
Amazing breakfast!! Best French toast I have ever had...and I know my French Toast. Very welcoming and family friendly atmosphere. Do it.
(5)
Roshan R.
Awesome breakfast place. The food is just delish. I ordered the steak n eggs with spicy hash browns n it hit the sweet spot. I highly recommend it!! The ambiance is more like a diner with available counter seating and a display of various local art they feature every month which can be purchased off the wall anytime. This place does get busy so if u decide to give it a try call in ahead n get ur name on the list.
(5)
Young O.
Dam this place is the bomb. Waking up buzzed and heading to Nina's to have three scrambled eggs, two sausage patties, 4 slices of toast and Nina hash browns. The portions are very large, and they come out very clean and orderly.
(5)
Jackie N.
Stopped in for breakfast for the first time about a month or two ago. Service from the waitress (and later the cashier) was fine. However, this place is pretty darn dirty... We were seated at the counter and had to eat with a filthy splattered trashcan in our view, just a few feet in front of us. Plus, the ketchup bottle they gave us was so crusty, I can't imagine how long it's been since it has been wiped down/washed. The stainless steel counters/drawers in front of the kitchen looked like they haven't been wiped down for a while either. Just a really dirty place overall... As unappetizing as all this was, they could have redeemed themselves if the food came out decent. Unfortunately, they didn't even know how to make an omelette correctly... A total waste of $20 for breakfast for the two of us.
(1)
Shuan C.
I love breakfast food so I was excited to come try Nina's Cafe. It fulfilled all my expectations and more. It has a great, casual atmosphere and you can tell that the restaurant frequently has regulars. I heard on multiple occasions the servers greeting people by name as they came in. If you are looking for a yummy breakfast, this is definitely the place to go in Kalamazoo.
(5)
Robert S.
I cannot believe anyone would give this place a 4 star review. The oatmeal is microwave oatmeal. I asked for blueberries and they where spoiled . The place is filthy. First time I find the reviews on yelp ridiculous
(1)
Hannah K.
Went here for a small brunch with my friends. I had heard good things about this place and decided to try it out. It is a small restaurant with a bar to sit around and if you have a small group or are going solo I recommend the bar rather then wait for a table. All in all it was a fine place. Had a small but nice selection for the breakfast menu but the food was nothing spectacular. Just a good place for a quick breakfast.
(4)
Wayne W.
Just not what I expected.hash browns average eggs over cooked. Coffee decent. Service great. Guys work on being different from every breakfast place in town. Build for the future
(2)
Jesse G.
Great breakfast spot. I've been eating here for 10 years now, whether it's carry out or done in the food is amazing and the service is great! Today I tried the breakfast burrito for the first time and it was amazing! Dining can get packed some mornings but it's worth the wait!
(5)
Kari C.
This is a super cute little diner, and I can't believe I just went for the first time. It's quite small and has a counter and diner type feel. They're menu is thorough with options to satisfy everyone. I had a veggie scramble and it comes with toast but don't be fooled- get their homemade banana nut bread! They promote local businesses and have some local products to purchase in the waiting area. We went on a mid Sunday morning and didn't have to wait too long for a table, but it was definitely busy. The service was fantastic-friendly, prompt and they worked together- it was an overall great atmosphere!
(4)
Cami S.
Went there with my husband for our breakfast date a few times. Loved it there! Great service and yummy food. Very reasonable prices. Would recommend this to anyone.
(5)
Sam S.
I'd give it 5 stars but the waitress never came back and refilled our waters so 4 is what they're getting. Food was excellent though ;) Went for lunch so busy but not crazy.
(4)
Amanda L.
Had delicious banana chocolate chip WAFFLES--It was like a sundae for breakfast! Cute small diner and a definite student stomping ground. You can tell that they serve up hangover treatments-- and with a smile. Diner style service for cheap quick eats. Nothing over the top and no long wait like Crow's Nest.
(4)
Julie D.
As far as greasy spoon diners go, this is a good one! They keep the coffee coming, and the food came out super fast (important with three young kids). The food itself was pretty standard diner fair; the bacon was nice and crispy, and the portions of everything were really big. None of us liked the syrup (definitely the fake stuff, not real maple), but no complaints otherwise.
(4)
Asa D.
This was better than I expected. I have never been a fan of diners or eating out for breakfast, but I was pleasantly surprised by Nina's. The food quality was decent, the service was swift and friendly, and the atmosphere was appropriate. The restaurant is smaller than I expected, so on a busy day, you might have a hard time getting a table. We were there in a Wednesday, and had no trouble getting a table for 5. I had a 3 egg scramble with bacon and hash browns. I think my wife had the same. Pretty standard fare. The kids had bacon or sausage and pancakes; they liked the meat, but both my wife and my oldest said the syrup was pretty bad (they are spoiled with maple syrup at home). To quote my 5 year old, "Best breakfast food ever!" I won't go that far, but Nina's is a pretty good bet for breakfast.
(4)
Stefanie N.
When I roll up to any greasy breakfast diner, I don't have much expectations except my eggs better be cooked how I ordered it, my bacon comes out extra crispy, bottomless lackluster coffee (which always add to the whole-in-the-wall breakfast experience) and my pancakes served with syrup and butter. Well, I finally had a chance to check this place out and my breakfast order was solid. The service was friendly, my breakfast was perfect and it came out quickly. I would definitely come back here again.
(3)
Tyler K.
Food was great but for how small it is the waitress could've been better. I got the breakfast wet burrito. Comes with sausage gravy over it. Will come back!
(4)
Johnny D.
If you enjoy waiting, Nina's is the place for you. Between waiting to be seated, waiting to order, waiting for drinks/food, and waiting for the check, we were there an hour and a half for food that was less than mediocre. It definitely wasnt busy enough to merit such poor service. They also ran out of 3-4 items our group attempted to order. Kalamazoo has a lot of solid greasy spoons, but Nina's isn't one of them.
(1)
Nicole V.
Nina's Cafe needs a good bath! Mr. MVP, the B family and I had Sunday morning breakfast at Nina's recently and the place was filthy. Our coffee cups were covered in grime, the silverware was caked with food stuff and the tables had a thin layer of grease. We arrived at 8:45 a.m. and the floor looked as though it had been already been through an entire hard day of business. My tote went on a chair. Ick! Our waitress was obviously not having a very good day because her irritation with us was apparent. She handed us the menus and immediately asked if we were ready to order. When we said we needed a minute she actually sighed. I'm not sure if she thought we had planned ahead and reviewed the menu in the car, but breakfast for us is a social event. We are polite customers and we are excellent tippers. Jeesh, she tried my patience. Our breakfast was only so, so. Even Mr. MVP who likes most anything said his meal of hash was only okay. My veggie omelet was not bad. The mushrooms were fresh and the green peppers were not mushy. The B family did say they had issues with runny whites on the eggs they ordered specifically the opposite way. Nina's Cafe until you, literally, take a bath, our breakfast will be served someplace else.
(1)
Liz V.
Food is ok, pretty heavy and greasy for me so early in the morning but somedays that's just what I crave. Eggs and omelettes are usually pretty good. The problem here is that the food is just ok and doesn't make up for the staff and atmosphere. There's usually only one waiter/waitress working who also works as a cashier and host. This results in terrible service, no matter how nice that person is. I've never gotten my food without a mistake made. Overall, this is a fun greasy spoon to go to with a few friends on a morning after drinking. If you have a huge appetite for breakfast foods, Nina's is your place. But don't go for the atmosphere or staff, you'll be disappointed.
(3)
Carolyn K.
Still one of my favorite breakfast restaurants in Kalamazoo. The hash-brown potatoes are made from fresh potatoes, not frozen. It really does make a difference. The coffee is good enough as is the service. The quality of the food is pretty consistent.
(4)
michael s.
classic breakfast place. my uncle was a regular here when he lived in kalamazoo. nothing fancy, but the few times i went there the staff was always wisecracking with my uncle and the food was always good. weird art on the walls gives it "character".
(3)
Brian D.
Great diner. Tasty, quicks and friendly.
(5)
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Address :1710 W Main St,Ste G
Kalamazoo, MI, 49006
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Breakfast Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Jimmy H.
This place lives up to the hype. I had my hopes up prior to eating at Nina's and was not disappointed. Nina's sits in a strip mall near a few other gems in Kzoo, Tiffany's and Saffron. There isn't a ton of seating inside the restaurant but we were able to walk in and get seated within 10 minutes for a Sunday morning brunch. By the time we left, though, there were many people waiting for tables. The food came quick and was beyond good. I had the Southwest Mess with spicy hash browns. Being the first time eating at Nina's, I had to ask what the spicy hash browns were. They are hash browns cooked in Franks hot sauce. Delish! Highly recommended. Especially if you're a fan of Franks or hot sauce in general. My wife ordered the Banana Nut French Toast. Also delish. They use homemade banana bread which was a nice touch. We will definitely be back. Keep up the good work Nina!
(5)Shane H.
My Dad says they've got some of the best sausage gravy he's ever had, and he's an expert on the stuff. I got the breakfast wet burrito (a huge, delicious breakfast burrito smothered in gravy) and couldn't agree more. The potatoes are excellent, and the toast was made from fresh homemade bread. I look of Nina's is old school and a little sloppy, it's definitely easy to underestimate the food based on the Cafe's appearance. Unfortunately, I've heard it gets a little crowded inside sometimes, but I guess I've happened to show up on days where seating was readily available. My only complaints are, yes, the place is a little dirty (as other Yelpers have mentioned) and for some reason every time I've got our waitress has been slow with getting us our coffee. If you go to Nina's and order a cup of joe, make sure and get it filled up quickly before your service gets too busy. The problem is that they usually will only have 1 or 2 servers working at a time, despite an obvious need for more. The cooks are quick in the kitchen, too. Overall, delicious breakfast and great prices, but the place could use a few more employees to help clean up and take orders.
(4)Ezra R.
The homemade bread is awesome and so is the Southwest Mess.
(5)Ana P.
Amazing breakfast!! Best French toast I have ever had...and I know my French Toast. Very welcoming and family friendly atmosphere. Do it.
(5)Roshan R.
Awesome breakfast place. The food is just delish. I ordered the steak n eggs with spicy hash browns n it hit the sweet spot. I highly recommend it!! The ambiance is more like a diner with available counter seating and a display of various local art they feature every month which can be purchased off the wall anytime. This place does get busy so if u decide to give it a try call in ahead n get ur name on the list.
(5)Young O.
Dam this place is the bomb. Waking up buzzed and heading to Nina's to have three scrambled eggs, two sausage patties, 4 slices of toast and Nina hash browns. The portions are very large, and they come out very clean and orderly.
(5)Jackie N.
Stopped in for breakfast for the first time about a month or two ago. Service from the waitress (and later the cashier) was fine. However, this place is pretty darn dirty... We were seated at the counter and had to eat with a filthy splattered trashcan in our view, just a few feet in front of us. Plus, the ketchup bottle they gave us was so crusty, I can't imagine how long it's been since it has been wiped down/washed. The stainless steel counters/drawers in front of the kitchen looked like they haven't been wiped down for a while either. Just a really dirty place overall... As unappetizing as all this was, they could have redeemed themselves if the food came out decent. Unfortunately, they didn't even know how to make an omelette correctly... A total waste of $20 for breakfast for the two of us.
(1)Shuan C.
I love breakfast food so I was excited to come try Nina's Cafe. It fulfilled all my expectations and more. It has a great, casual atmosphere and you can tell that the restaurant frequently has regulars. I heard on multiple occasions the servers greeting people by name as they came in. If you are looking for a yummy breakfast, this is definitely the place to go in Kalamazoo.
(5)Robert S.
I cannot believe anyone would give this place a 4 star review. The oatmeal is microwave oatmeal. I asked for blueberries and they where spoiled . The place is filthy. First time I find the reviews on yelp ridiculous
(1)Hannah K.
Went here for a small brunch with my friends. I had heard good things about this place and decided to try it out. It is a small restaurant with a bar to sit around and if you have a small group or are going solo I recommend the bar rather then wait for a table. All in all it was a fine place. Had a small but nice selection for the breakfast menu but the food was nothing spectacular. Just a good place for a quick breakfast.
(4)Wayne W.
Just not what I expected.hash browns average eggs over cooked. Coffee decent. Service great. Guys work on being different from every breakfast place in town. Build for the future
(2)Jesse G.
Great breakfast spot. I've been eating here for 10 years now, whether it's carry out or done in the food is amazing and the service is great! Today I tried the breakfast burrito for the first time and it was amazing! Dining can get packed some mornings but it's worth the wait!
(5)Kari C.
This is a super cute little diner, and I can't believe I just went for the first time. It's quite small and has a counter and diner type feel. They're menu is thorough with options to satisfy everyone. I had a veggie scramble and it comes with toast but don't be fooled- get their homemade banana nut bread! They promote local businesses and have some local products to purchase in the waiting area. We went on a mid Sunday morning and didn't have to wait too long for a table, but it was definitely busy. The service was fantastic-friendly, prompt and they worked together- it was an overall great atmosphere!
(4)Cami S.
Went there with my husband for our breakfast date a few times. Loved it there! Great service and yummy food. Very reasonable prices. Would recommend this to anyone.
(5)Sam S.
I'd give it 5 stars but the waitress never came back and refilled our waters so 4 is what they're getting. Food was excellent though ;) Went for lunch so busy but not crazy.
(4)Amanda L.
Had delicious banana chocolate chip WAFFLES--It was like a sundae for breakfast! Cute small diner and a definite student stomping ground. You can tell that they serve up hangover treatments-- and with a smile. Diner style service for cheap quick eats. Nothing over the top and no long wait like Crow's Nest.
(4)Julie D.
As far as greasy spoon diners go, this is a good one! They keep the coffee coming, and the food came out super fast (important with three young kids). The food itself was pretty standard diner fair; the bacon was nice and crispy, and the portions of everything were really big. None of us liked the syrup (definitely the fake stuff, not real maple), but no complaints otherwise.
(4)Asa D.
This was better than I expected. I have never been a fan of diners or eating out for breakfast, but I was pleasantly surprised by Nina's. The food quality was decent, the service was swift and friendly, and the atmosphere was appropriate. The restaurant is smaller than I expected, so on a busy day, you might have a hard time getting a table. We were there in a Wednesday, and had no trouble getting a table for 5. I had a 3 egg scramble with bacon and hash browns. I think my wife had the same. Pretty standard fare. The kids had bacon or sausage and pancakes; they liked the meat, but both my wife and my oldest said the syrup was pretty bad (they are spoiled with maple syrup at home). To quote my 5 year old, "Best breakfast food ever!" I won't go that far, but Nina's is a pretty good bet for breakfast.
(4)Stefanie N.
When I roll up to any greasy breakfast diner, I don't have much expectations except my eggs better be cooked how I ordered it, my bacon comes out extra crispy, bottomless lackluster coffee (which always add to the whole-in-the-wall breakfast experience) and my pancakes served with syrup and butter. Well, I finally had a chance to check this place out and my breakfast order was solid. The service was friendly, my breakfast was perfect and it came out quickly. I would definitely come back here again.
(3)Tyler K.
Food was great but for how small it is the waitress could've been better. I got the breakfast wet burrito. Comes with sausage gravy over it. Will come back!
(4)Johnny D.
If you enjoy waiting, Nina's is the place for you. Between waiting to be seated, waiting to order, waiting for drinks/food, and waiting for the check, we were there an hour and a half for food that was less than mediocre. It definitely wasnt busy enough to merit such poor service. They also ran out of 3-4 items our group attempted to order. Kalamazoo has a lot of solid greasy spoons, but Nina's isn't one of them.
(1)Nicole V.
Nina's Cafe needs a good bath! Mr. MVP, the B family and I had Sunday morning breakfast at Nina's recently and the place was filthy. Our coffee cups were covered in grime, the silverware was caked with food stuff and the tables had a thin layer of grease. We arrived at 8:45 a.m. and the floor looked as though it had been already been through an entire hard day of business. My tote went on a chair. Ick! Our waitress was obviously not having a very good day because her irritation with us was apparent. She handed us the menus and immediately asked if we were ready to order. When we said we needed a minute she actually sighed. I'm not sure if she thought we had planned ahead and reviewed the menu in the car, but breakfast for us is a social event. We are polite customers and we are excellent tippers. Jeesh, she tried my patience. Our breakfast was only so, so. Even Mr. MVP who likes most anything said his meal of hash was only okay. My veggie omelet was not bad. The mushrooms were fresh and the green peppers were not mushy. The B family did say they had issues with runny whites on the eggs they ordered specifically the opposite way. Nina's Cafe until you, literally, take a bath, our breakfast will be served someplace else.
(1)Liz V.
Food is ok, pretty heavy and greasy for me so early in the morning but somedays that's just what I crave. Eggs and omelettes are usually pretty good. The problem here is that the food is just ok and doesn't make up for the staff and atmosphere. There's usually only one waiter/waitress working who also works as a cashier and host. This results in terrible service, no matter how nice that person is. I've never gotten my food without a mistake made. Overall, this is a fun greasy spoon to go to with a few friends on a morning after drinking. If you have a huge appetite for breakfast foods, Nina's is your place. But don't go for the atmosphere or staff, you'll be disappointed.
(3)Carolyn K.
Still one of my favorite breakfast restaurants in Kalamazoo. The hash-brown potatoes are made from fresh potatoes, not frozen. It really does make a difference. The coffee is good enough as is the service. The quality of the food is pretty consistent.
(4)michael s.
classic breakfast place. my uncle was a regular here when he lived in kalamazoo. nothing fancy, but the few times i went there the staff was always wisecracking with my uncle and the food was always good. weird art on the walls gives it "character".
(3)Brian D.
Great diner. Tasty, quicks and friendly.
(5)