Today’s Cup o’ Tea:
The Nook Café & Bakery, Gilbert, AZ

Perks (what I really like!).

The easy friendly vibe of the place. Plus, the ultra-fun “retro” décor hits you right away.

Each tea and coffee specialty I’ve enjoyed at The Nook was made by the owner Tawnee with great attention to detail, and each drink happily tickled my tastebuds.

Share a Cuppa (the stories about the owner, building, history, name)

Mostly what I love about The Nook is Tawnee herself. She knows everything about coffee and tea. She’ll ask you many questions to make sure you get exactly the cuppa you desire.

On my first visit, she told me (paraphrased), “I complained so much about how so many coffee shops didn’t prepare their drinks properly, my husband, Phil, finally told me I needed to start my own shop. And The Nook Café & Bakery was born.”

Don’t be surprised if, as you leave, Tawnee calls out something like, “Bye! Have a good day. Be good. Or don’t be good and tell about it next time you’re in.”

What’s Brewing (coffee, tea, food)

The menu is specific and somewhat unusual, though you can easily order up your favorite coffee and tea concoctions.

A rotating “Munchiez” menu with delectables from micro-, cottage-, and small-event bakers allows some excellent perusing of local baking artistry.

Percolation Factor (the activity/environment/energy/service)

From The Nook’s décor, you can tell Tawnee and Phil created a space with a nod to the 1990s, or what they call “the good ol’ days.” From the video, music, and book corner and the working pay phone on one wall, to the comfy conversation set-ups and large secluded back patio, you pick up their desire to encourage more human interaction. They’ve worked to create a space reminiscent of television sitcoms Friends and Cheers, “where everybody knows your name.”

The Grind (what I would change)

More tables would be great to provide enough solid surfaces to hold drinks and help visitors lean into their conversations with friends, co-workers, and other companions.

The Grounds (location)

You will find The Nook Café & Bakery at:
4024 E. Guadalupe Rd. #101
Gilbert, AZ 85297
(602) 649-5524

Instagram: @thenookxoxo
Facebook: The Nook cafe & bakery
Tik Tok: @the.nook.xoxo

Tea Times (hours)
M–F: 6 a.m.–4:20 p.m.
Sat–Sun: 7 a.m.–3 p.m.
*Closed on major holidays*

Yelp rating: 4.9 stars from 32 reviews