In a downtown St. Paul switcheroo of sorts, Afro Deli has moved across the street to the Treasure Island Center building. And Pino’s Pizzeria, a longtime skyway staple popular with downtown workers, will move into Afro Deli’s former space on West Seventh Place.
Afro Deli’s new space “offers an enhanced dining experience with improved facilities and extended operating hours,” according to a news release.
The restaurant will be open until 8 p.m., which means dinner is an option for residents and event-goers.
Pino Lipari, center, owner of Pino’s Pizzeria, located in the Alliance Bank Center in downtown St. Paul, serves up pizza to his lunchtime crowd on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. Commercial tenants in the building were notified late Monday by owner Madison Equities that they should vacate the premises as the building will lose all heating, cooling and electricity on Wednesday. (John Autey / Pioneer Press)
There are signs up at Afro Deli’s former space announcing the imminent opening of Pino’s Pizzeria, but a peek inside shows there’s a bit of work to be done. A July 4 social media post from the restaurant says it will open very soon.
Pino’s, which operated in St. Paul’s skyway for 30 years, has been closed since March, when tenants of the beleaguered Alliance Bank Building were told to vacate the premises, as heating, cooling and electricity would be turned off.
Afro Deli is celebrating its 10th year in St. Paul. Its website has been updated with the following:
“As we settle into our new space, we’re dreaming about all the possibilities ahead. More community events, new menu items we’ve been excited to try, and countless more years of serving the St. Paul family that’s embraced us so completely.
“Thank you for 10 amazing years. Thank you for growing with us, supporting us, and making us feel like we truly belong in this incredible city. Here’s to many more years of great food, warm community, and the flavors that bring us all together.”
Afro Deli: 400 N. Wabasha St. #200, St. Paul; 651-888-2168; afrodeli.com
Pino’s Pizzeria: 1 W. Seventh Place, St. Paul; orderpinos.com
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