The Nook Cafe — Restaurant in Houston

It was my first time visiting their cafe with a couple of friends and as I entered I saw the rush and people enjoying themselves and was looking forward to doing the same myself. When greeted at the register I let the employee know it was my first time and to recommend something popular, since I wanted to try what their special was. The employee reffered me to the, "Hot Donald" which was supposed to be a mix of delicious warm chocolate with Carmel and topped with vegan whip Creme and chocolate and caramel drizzle with sprinkles on top. Sounded great, so me and my other three friends all went for it. The weather was perfect for a hot drink so we concluded to that as our final decision. Another problem I'd like to address was the lack of seating available for customers, it wasn't bearable but it's a campus, what else could I expect. But after finding an extra seat after someone left, our drinks were called. Now I was really looking forward to this, "magical" drink. I took one sip and got a great amount of whip Creme and some of the actual drink. Not bad I thought, one more, and I made sure just to taste the drink and the first taste to come to mind was that powdered hot chocolate my mom used to make me except it was watered down, tasteless, and just straight hurt to drink. It was like drinking warm water with some bitter chocolate mixed in. Now I usually don't mind tipping, and since the cashier who so confidently sold me on the drink choice seemed so sure the drink would be great, I couldn't help but add a small gratuity tip for those guys and gals working in the back. But when I went to address the drink and let them know the drink wasn't up to pay, I was hit was a pretty nasty look, and asked what I didn't like about the drink. As far as I know, I don't think I should have had to explain to them that their drink wasn't the best, especially so boldly in their face, I wanted to be polite and asked for maybe something different but the employee said they mainly offered coffee which personally, I didn't prefer. Now I keep asking what drinks are more common for customers to get but no sure response was received. Really aggravated me as they didn't seem to want to address to my concern so I just said thank you and went back to my seat. I can confidently say if you go here, DON'T try their, "Hot Donald" and I will not be returning here for their business. I usually never write reviews and when I do they're always positive. This is my first negative review and it really deserves it. I'll make sure to never tip before receiving my food as well since apparently it doesn't matter and regardless of it my drink still ended up in the trash. My expectations weren't high since I knew it was student ran, but they definitely weren't this low....

I want to preface this by saying this review offers more of a comparison from the perspective of an alumnus.

The Nook was easily one of my favorite places during my time at UH (class of '21). It had such a cozy, unique vibe to it that suited a novel, university café with incredibly fun, warm, and welcoming staff. It was also my preferred coffee to the other options on campus (much better than Starbucks). The only gripe I ever had about the old Nook was that it was always so packed that it was often difficult to find a seat. But that's a good issue to have, in a sense, because it means that The Nook was appreciated and valued by the students of UH so much that they packed the place full. It was a place to study, hang out, play board/card games, read, etc. It sort of the ideal third place.

Now? It's a soulless café with a 'modern' design aesthetic that feels sterile and too familiar -- in a bad way. Hell, there are Starbucks that feel more cozy and welcoming at this point. Oh, and they've added a bar (sarcastic enthusiasm)! The mural is fine, I suppose, but the mural doesn't make up for the gutting and burning away of the culture The Nook once had. I won't get too into the drama that occurred among the owners and staff, as I wasn't there to experience it first-hand when it happened, but I've spoken to plenty of current and past students about the subject (including one who used to work at The Nook) and it's just disgusting.

Over the last few years, The Nook has become a prime example of what happens when owners lose sight of how important something like culture is to a business and the community it serves. The Nook used to be something that made being a UH student unique; there wasn't a Nook at A&M or UT. It was part of UH culture and vise versa. Now, looks and feels like every other copy-and-paste, unremarkable café, bar, T-Mobile store, or office building that you can find in any other city.

The Nook will be fine -- it's not going anywhere. In no time at all, everyone who experienced what it was before will have graduated and the current state of it will be all people will know. That's the truly sad part, though. It'll no longer be a point of connection for past and future Cougars, because The Nook is the same in name only...

I’ve been coming to the Nook off and on for three and a half years now (with very frequent visits in the first two years—almost every day). It’s a cozy place, with a lively student clientele, tasty food and drinks, and friendly customer service. However, I have a few criticisms which haven’t really changed over the years, and which might be worthwhile to management. First, and most importantly, the wait times can be far too long. I totally understand chatting with customers, being polite, and so on. But there have been (many) times in which the line was almost to the door, in part because baristas hold conversations with customers as they pay (and beyond). Drinks also occasionally take too long; staff will take photos of drinks before they go out, talk to one another, mix up orders, forget certain things, and so on. Again, this is obviously normal to some degree. It would be stupid not to chat with customers, or to expect employees not to enjoy themselves. But it is more noticeable than at most cafes, and can be frustrating to customers waiting in a long line and trying to get a quick drink before class. Second, the music is often both distracting and too loud. Many customers here are students looking for an inviting atmosphere in which to study, and blaring music isn’t conducive to that (whether it’s during the day or at night—a loud club scene is available next door at Calhoun’s, if that’s what customers want). Finally, there is something wrong with the position of the air conditioning vents. The main row of tables in front of the door are regularly freezing, because the vents either point directly at them or else feel as if they do. I think that addressing some of these criticisms might be helpful, and customers (both myself and others I’ve talked to) would appreciate it. Otherwise, it’s a campus staple and definitely worth...