It’s a smidgen of a place and never quiet. Chilly mornings leave the inside of the windows fogged impenetrably, framing the owl-embedded sign in a shroud of biscuit steam. The inside is fetching, too – with makeshift plaid-upholstered booths and mason-jar pendant lamps, it’s cute but just scruffy enough to spare it from pretention. If that doesn’t beckon a hungry Ave-dweller inside, I don’t know what could. 

Despite it’s apparent charms, it took me months upon months to try this place – and as many eager diners have also found, there is a legitimate reason why: being independently owned and staffed almost exclusively by its two founders, Nook’s hours are (per their website) ‘attempted’ – and these are meager to begin with. Shop closes up when the biscuits run out, which are made fresh every morning. This infuriates a good number of folks, but I say the early bird gets the biscuit, and restaurant owners deserve to have a life too.

Challenges aside, I am converted. The scarce hours and limited supply makes each ridiculously fresh, fluffy/crispy biscuit seem a venerable prize. And if you like options, they’ve got them: the classics (egg, ham, cheese, bacon, and the like), two kinds of gravy (mushroom for a vegetarian option), and myriad oddballs like pickled jalapenos, house-made apple butter, and tomato jam. However, don’t expect to stock up when you leave: these high-demand rolls are limited to two per takeaway customer.

Why we’d go back: locally owned and darn friendly, these people know how to make biscuits. Portions are generous and toppings high quality.  Best of all, it’s a deal – most combos are under $7. No espresso bar, but Café Vita drip is hot and fresh.