The Nook

The NookThe Nook
The NookThe Nook
Bar, Eatery, Beer-to-go

3305 Bob Wallace Ave SW
Huntsville, Alabama, 35805-4007
United States

(256) 489-0911 | map
thenooktavern.com
PLACE STATS
Average:
4.33
Reviews:
24
Ratings:
39
pDev:
12.7%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by Poser:
Photo of Poser
Reviewed by Poser from Alabama

4.71/5  rDev +8.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 5
Bottle selection is outstanding. There are a few drafts, but they get a big plus in this area for having Rogue Shakespeare Stout on tap. I think they're the only people in Alabama. My favorite part is that they no longer carry BMC products. It seems a bit risky business-wise to me, but it's a good way to convert people to the cause. When I was there someone ordered the last Coors they had, which obviously started a conversation and some tastings of quality brew.

It's a small place that you might not stop at if you didn't know it was there. I've only been early, so I'm not sure how the atmosphere is at night. During the day, though, it's very friendly laid-back. I'm moving to Huntsville in the summer and this is definitely going to be my new place.
Jan 11, 2008
More User Ratings:
 
Rated: 4.44 by slasich from Pennsylvania

May 18, 2020
 
Rated: 4.56 by rooster1970 from Alabama

Jan 13, 2019
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Reviewed by WoodBrew from Ohio

4.5/5  rDev +3.9%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4.5 | selection: 5 | food: 4.5
I went to the Nook with my Texas based colleague. The outside is very unassuming and I would never have gone had it not been listed on BA....almost scary looking. Inside however is really cool and they have a great patio. The quality of beer is based on their suppliers and the quality of the food was very good. I believe our server was the owner and she was really cool in a no nonsense sort of way. Lots of fun banter. They have over 500 beers available....its pretty impressive. I had the Chicago hot dog and my colleague had the prime rib sandwich....both rated very high.
Nov 08, 2018
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Reviewed by Budlum from Maryland

4.8/5  rDev +10.9%
vibe: 4.75 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 4.75
The Nook is a must-visit in Huntsville. The exterior is unassuming, almost bland, but the interior and patio are fantastic. There are literally taps in every corner of the Nook, inside and out. There is a dedicated whiskey bar with an extensive selection at very reasonable prices. Staff are plentiful and excellent. Tuesday nights offer a German food special prepared by the manager Monica and the German food alone is reason enough to visit.
Aug 15, 2018
 
Rated: 4.65 by Beer12345 from Alabama

Nov 16, 2017
 
Rated: 4.71 by nrmanzanares from California

May 13, 2017
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Reviewed by jmv0009 from Alabama

4.78/5  rDev +10.4%
vibe: 4.75 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 3
This is a craft beer lover's dream. Atmosphere is very chill and almost has an upscale feel. No loud music, everyone is dressed nice and seemingly well-educated.

The beer selection is absolutely fantastic! Hundreds of bottled beers and over 100 on tap. Lots of local stuff too. They seem to focus more on darker beers.

The service is great and the staff is very knowledgeable. If you are lucky there is a middle aged German lady that works there and she is very helpful. The owner comes in often to hoot and holler. He is the loudest person in there on any given night and he will sit at the bar with you and drink.

It is pricey, there is no smoking allowed, and the patio is awesome. Not a place to go get rowdy, this is for people who want good beer and a knowledgeable staff. If I made more money I would be here every weekend.
Feb 02, 2016
 
Rated: 4.35 by Boone757 from Virginia

Sep 02, 2015
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Rated by Blackhawk58 from Alabama

4.93/5  rDev +13.9%
vibe: 4.75 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 4.5
Always an enjoyable and refreshing destination.
Jun 13, 2015
 
Rated: 4.68 by Hendrick24 from Wisconsin

Mar 11, 2015
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Rated by MaDeuce from Alabama

4.68/5  rDev +8.1%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 4.25
My favorite craft bar, the guys here really know there stuff, great vibe
Dec 20, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by thomasarose from Tennessee

Nov 26, 2014
Photo of zookerman182
Reviewed by zookerman182 from Alabama

4.5/5  rDev +3.9%
Great atmosphere.
Lots to choose from and solid food choices as well.
They have rare beers on tap and in bottle for at.
Prices are also reasonable.
Awesome outdoor patio area to relax and drink with friends.
Aug 17, 2014
 
Rated: 4.7 by Apicius

Aug 16, 2014
 
Rated: 4.85 by Justinbshelton from Alabama

Aug 13, 2014
 
Rated: 5 by Dothacker4492 from Alabama

Jul 20, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by relynnjr from North Carolina

Jun 28, 2014
 
 
Rated: 4.5 by Mowgli87 from Alabama

Mar 02, 2014
Photo of docnose
Reviewed by docnose from Alabama

4.15/5  rDev -4.2%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 5 | food: 4
Hundreds of bottled beers. Many beers on tap. Supportive of local breweries by hosting release parties.

Food selection is not your average bar food. Personal favorite is the Chicago Dog. Also enjoy the red-beans-n-rice and jambalaya.

Many of the staff are able to discuss your beer selection with you to find something you'll enjoy. They will provide samples of beers on tap. I've personally gone through two or three samples in a row on several occasions without getting any negative attitude from the bartender.

It was a tough choice choosing between $$ - reasonable and $$$ - a bit pricey... One doesn't go here to drink cheap beer!
Feb 11, 2013
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Reviewed by barleywinefiend from Washington

3.78/5  rDev -12.7%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 3
6/2009
A: Home sweet home. Stopped in here a while back after visiting some family in Madison. My second visit here and things have drastically changed since "Free the Hops". Kudos to the owner of The Nook and those BA's who have this.

Q: Never had a dirty beer here.

S: Good, no major issues but the lack of beer knowledge is troubling

S: The selection is great. Actually better than many beer bars. For the location it has a GREAT selection.

It was nice to here chatter about craft beer. Talked beer with a fellow BA. They have really come along way over the years and my wife and I enjoyed this place alot..coming from California this was a great experience. I will be back next time I am in there area and will def recommend this place.
///
7/2011
A: Not much has changed since the previous visit on the atmosphere side. It seems like people want to "outbeer each other" and it's rather beer newb talk more than anything.

Q: Very good. The beers are tasty, no qulity issues

S: Not bad, sometimes slow but never rude to me

S: Excellent and getting better with every visit
///
7/2012
A: Really no change.

Q: I had a feeling my Founders Old Curmudgeon went to the distribution warehouse, sat there, then someone decided...lets send this to Bama. It was of poor quailty. Oxidized and thin. They seem to have alot of IPAs in the coolers which makes me question the freshness on all of their bottles.

S: Not to bad, friendly and prompt

S: Great, I can not complain

The cost on bombers is absolutely ridiculous!
Jul 31, 2012
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Reviewed by RRRRRT from Florida

4.08/5  rDev -5.8%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5
Stopped by the Nook while visiting our daughter and son-in-law. Easy to miss because it sits back off the road but has large sign. Visited
twice during our time in Hunstville and the owner and wait staff were all friendly and courteous.

Excellent selection of beers (48 on draught ? in bottle) served at the right temperature. Tried Aventinus Weizendopplebock, Belgian Style Yeti, Rogue John John Dead Guy, Rogue Imperial Stout all on draught(it was my birthday after all).

The capper on the evening of my birthday was that one of the Rogue Brewery Reps happened to be there. He was a great guy, was very knowledgeable, didn't badmouth any other breweries, and a good time was had by all.


I would highly reccomend to any traveling near Huntsville.
Sep 14, 2011
Photo of bramsdell
Reviewed by bramsdell from North Carolina

4.3/5  rDev -0.7%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5
I recently moved to Huntsville from New England and, to say the least, beer culture has changed. The limited distribution, high prices, and lack of bombers has been a bit of shock.

With all of that in mind, The Nook was a wonderful find. It looks pretty low-rent from the outside, but inside is very pleasant. The outdoor patio behind is really a great place to enjoy a brew. I didn't dine there, but I hear the food is generally quite good.

The selection is pretty damn good. I had a Chocolate Oak Aged Yeti on tap and it was fantastic. The tap selection is very good, both in terms of number and variety. I highly recommend the Nook to anyone who is in the Huntsville area.
Sep 07, 2011
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Reviewed by lexzicat from Alabama

3.99/5  rDev -7.9%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5
The Nook's sign says they have 250+ beers, but their coasters claim 150+ and their menus say 350+, so I'm not sure how big the selection really is. The point is that The Nook has the largest selection of brews of any bar in North Alabama.

Because The Nook's aesthetics are pretty sterile, I was initially concerned about the experience. Everything's white or grey and well lit, which is nothing like most of my favorite bars. The bartender was nice enough and offered a few helpful suggestions, but he didn't stick around to make conversation despite it being a pretty low-crowd time.

The large bottled selection was relatively diverse, although a little weighted toward Belgians. A companion noticed that there were a few older seasonals that he'd seen on tap for a while, so I steered clear of those. I enjoyed a Bacchus, but I felt that it was colder than it should have been. I was also disappointed that (from what I saw) they only had two types of glasses, so there were certainly some customers that weren't fully enjoying the bouquet of their beers.

All in all, it's the best beer bar in the area and I will definitely be back, if only to try some of the draft-only Huntsville brews.
Jul 18, 2011
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Reviewed by Huhzubendah from District of Columbia

3.93/5  rDev -9.2%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 4.5
I stopped here for a few brews on the recommendation of my brother-in-law. I'm glad I did.

We sat outside on a nice deck underneath some beautiful trees. I ordered a J.W Lees Harvest Ale 2001 and a draft of St. Bernardus Abt 12. Frankly, these beers far exceeded what I expected from a bar in Alabama.

Beverly, our initial server, was extremely knowledgable, friendly, and entertaining. While we enjoyed her company, our other server was pretty crabby and kept us waiting too long between rounds.

The Nook offers a few hundred different craft brews, with a nice selection of German and Belgian offerings.

This is definitely worth a stop if you are in the area.

The Nook
May 15, 2011
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Reviewed by sommersb from Tennessee

4.4/5  rDev +1.6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 5 | food: 4
Visited the Nook this week with my 2 brothers and a friend while on vacation in Huntsville.

I thought the atmosphere was good. The main sitting area was well lit and we had plenty of room. I didn't notice if there was any music in the background. Noise was minimal so conversation was easy to hear, even with a good crowd there. I appreciated the no smoking rule inside.

The list of beers available on tap and in bottles was very impressive. I had a couple of local brews that are draft only. This is the only way to get many of Alabama's new craft beers. They have a nice listing on the tables that lists beers by style and includes ABV and some sort of ranking scale, from B (the lowest) to AAA. They also indicate which beers are served at warmer temps per the styles. Their website lists a lot of beers you can purchase to take home in bottles, but I didn't seek any out on this visit.

Our server was readily available and friendly. We were given a taste of a beer before ordering it. I didn't get any food but one of the guys at our table did and he said it was very good (some German fare of stuffed cabbage).

Prices seemed reasonable.

I look forward to going again soon!
Dec 23, 2010
Photo of NODAK
Reviewed by NODAK from Tennessee

2.16/5  rDev -50.1%
vibe: 2 | quality: 2.5 | service: 1 | selection: 3
I called ahead to the Nook to ask them about their beers to go, as I would be driving down from Nashville and planned to go here to pick up some beers I cannot get in TN. I specifically asked about singles, which I was told they indeed did have them.

I went there, and had a fairly rude employee tell me that nobody had ever told me that. I found that interesting, considering he wasn't the guy on the phone call. So if they do not sell any singles in off-sale, they apparently need to let all their employees know that. From what I saw, the atmosphere didn't look like anything special. Very typical bar.
Oct 10, 2010
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Reviewed by OldManEvans from Maryland

3.51/5  rDev -18.9%
vibe: 2.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3 | selection: 4.5
Just went there last night. They have over 250 beers in their selection, according to the sign, and there were quite a few in the coolers, so that number may be accurate. The taps didn't seem like 27 ... more like the 6-8 that were in front of us (though we didn't venture into the back bar.) It was a nice, well-lit atmosphere, upscale from what I would expect. I'm a Brickskeller (DC) lover from way back, so this place seemed oddly bright. In fact, from my perspective, the atmosphere was TOO nice ... it was more like a fashion show than a beer bar. Still, can't complain about the bottle selections. Being a hop head, I was happy to find a good selection of strong IPAs, and enjoyed two bottles (first I can't remember, but the second was Mojo Risin', quite nice.)

Didn't eat the food, but the people next to me ordered a pizza and it was obviously a frozen sort that had been nuked and placed on a cardboard plate. Not very enticing.

Service was acceptable. Prices seemed a bit high, but I was spending my company's cash, so I didn't worry about it.

I'd go back, if only to see whether or not the back bar had more on tap, and if the atmosphere was different back there. They have a Belgian-heavy beer list, which really isn't my cup o' tea, but they do have plenty of others to sample from as well.
Jun 17, 2010
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Reviewed by titosupertramp from Tennessee

4.5/5  rDev +3.9%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
The Nook is an excellent destination if you find yourself in the Huntsville area. They bother to have beer on tap that you can't find in your local grocery store which is actually hard to find in the Nashville area.

During my visit I had a cask conditioned Bell's Two Hearted Ale, St. Bernardus ABT 12 and a Hibernation Ale from Great Divide. Their bottle selection is also top notch as they offer somewhere in the neighborhood of 250-275 selections, most of which you can purchase to go.

As for the atmosphere, it's unique, cozy and relaxed. There are no TVs and the music was at a level that you could easily carry on a conversation. The food list isn't extensive, but their gumbo, red beans and rice and jumbalya are really, really good.

If I were to open a bar, this is pretty close to how I'd want it. From the fast, friendly service to serving beer at the recommended temps for the style, The Nook gets us. Go here.
Apr 27, 2010
Photo of JamesS
Reviewed by JamesS from Indiana

4.28/5  rDev -1.2%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 5 | food: 4
The Nook is a wonderful place. Although the atmosphere is pretty basic (long bar, lots of tables, well lit, beer coolers), the service and selection is wonderful.

Both times I stopped in, the bartenders and servers were attentive and always ready to get you a new beer or to answer questions about the beer menu.

There are a ton of taps and hundreds of bottles. Every common beer style is represented many times over, although Belgians seemed to have the greatest number. On the two nights I was there, I had a Nostradamus, Rye pale on cask, Terrapin India Brown Ale, and a Southern Pecan Brown Ale.

The prices are comparable to other bars that offer similar brews.

The food I had was good, but I've only had what they put out for their third anniversary celebration. I haven't tried the standard menu.
Apr 04, 2010
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Reviewed by DRMcKnight from Alabama

4.63/5  rDev +6.9%
vibe: 4 | quality: 5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 5 | food: 3.5
Given the history of Huntsville and beer I would consider The Nook a "beer leader" for the area. They always seem to try to bring in new/limited things and keep things fresh.

Atmosphere: I enjoyed the atmosphere, although all of the wall mirrors seemed a bit strange... the room looks huge at first glance.

Quality: They carry many great beers and appear to only be getting better.

Selection: They have a huge selection of bottles and lots of beer on tap.

The only bad thing was that every food I asked for they either no longer made or didn't have anymore (I don't blame them for inconsistencies on the beer menu due to the ever changing world of beer). Other than that I got what I came for: good beer.
Mar 01, 2010
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Reviewed by Freethyhops from Montana

4.55/5  rDev +5.1%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 4 | selection: 5 | food: 3.5
The best beer bar in Huntsville, no questions asked. They also can sell beer for you to take home, too. I think it's a strange loophole in Alabama's crazy laws. Anyways, it seriously can be your one stop kinda place to get a pint and a 6pk

The atmosphere is awesome. Almost all the walls are lined with mirrors and any walls that aren't, are covered in beer swag. This bar has been here for LONG time and definitely has a very homey, comfortable feel too it.

The Nook definitely goes out of it's way to serve quality beer and quality only...no BMC here. They always keep an amazing selection on tap. They have a few staples that they keep on for regulars, but they almost always have 20 rotating taps. Some bottles are also kept in a separate cooler at 50F so they can be served at the proper temperature.

Sometime the service isn't the best, but it really depends on how you interact with the bartenders. A couple of the bartenders will be a little snarky sometimes if it's busy and a customer is being a little ignorant, but all of them are friendly and are really fun to carry on a conversation with, especially when it's slow. I can just show up by myself and usually get stuck chatting with the barkeep for twice as long as I intended to stay.

Can't be beat in the selection. They constantly bring in beers on tap that come in bombers/750s(which are illegal in Alabama). They have well over 200 beers. nuff' said.

The food is the only thing that isn't awesome about this place. I personally have never had any, as I'm usually looking to do some quaffing rather than masticating. The food seems a little pricey and from what I've heard its OK. They only offer like 5 food dishes though and their typical bar type foods ie. nachos, pizza, etc. They do have German Food Night and usually bring in some special food for events, though.

Don't pass up this place if your in Huntsville. I guarantee you will find something you didn't think you would see here.
Oct 26, 2009
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Reviewed by brianallen from Alabama

4.22/5  rDev -2.5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 5 | food: 3.5
The Nook has been expanding their beer selection. They still have one of the largest selections of beer in Alabama. They are always trying to get more beers in the place. They have limited cooler space, but they still stock over 190 bottled beers and 27 more on draft. The beer list features a rating based on Beeradvocate' rating.

They have beer releases frequently for area brewers.

The bar has multiple coolers so each style of can be served at the Beeradvocate's suggested temperature. Some beers are keep in two different coolers based on some individuals preferring it colder or warmer.

The food is limited with about 6 to 8 dishes offered. I have enjoyed what I tried, but I know some would prefer a larger selection. They have monthly food/music pairings. They have added german food night on Tuesdays, which is great. The Tuesday night chef had owned a german restaurant so the food is super.

The service can be slow some nights depending on who is working or how many are working. The place can be hit with a crowd at any time due to popularity or it can be almost empty.

The owner wants to have the best place for beer. As I understand, The Nook sells the more Lambic style beer than any place in North Alabama.

Other facts:
Non-smoking and live music some nights.
WiFi Available
Bike Rack for cyclists
Aug 18, 2009
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Reviewed by goldenpeanut from Alabama

2.78/5  rDev -35.8%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 3 | service: 2 | selection: 2.5
We (my wife and I) met in Huntsville, Alabama, in 1973. Somehow, one of our sons, now 26, found his way back to our old stomping grounds 30 years later. So...we get to travel the 5 hours to Huntsville occasionally. We had been following the Nook for some time through the Free the Hops forum and were really excited to finally try the place.

Ok, here's the truth. We are homebrewers of 15 years. I am a National BJCP judge. We do most of our beer crawls in Florida and Georgia. We have expectations of a beer bar. We're known in the best from Tampa to Atlanta via Pensacola. We have attended several AHA homebrew conventions. We are experienced beer drinkers.

On arriving at the Nook, we noticed the clientele was upscale and drinking beer, very good. There were several beer menus on the bar, several means more than 2. Which one was current? don't know still. At first we ordered two high gravity beers new to Alabama, they arrived and one was seriously under carbonated. My wife got the Belgian Pale and and I got a local micro. Of all things, the local was under carbonated. Near Real Ale levels, I don't think this was the intention of the brewer, it was billed as an Imperial India Pale Ale. My wife's Belgian Pale Ale was fine. Ok, time for the next beer, and now the problems began.

All three printed menus were obsolete, really. I resorted to wandering the place looking at tap handles to find a suitable follow-up. Nobody really seemed to know what was currently on tap, I tried three of them, bartenders that is. We both defaulted to a Doppelbock for the second and found it to be carbonated to the level of a hand-pull bitter. We were done, time to go. we'll be back in Florida or Georgia soon, and we'll peruse the blackboard for our quarry. Oh yea, the blackboard. We kindly suggested on leaving (I never make a fuss I just never return) that a blackboard for the draft beers would be helpful. Oh NO, we stepped on it, whatever "it" was, but the bartender (a male) became rude and told us that the suggestion was "tacky". Really, a blackboard explaining quickly turning beer tacky? Tell the publicans in Britain, Florida and Georgia, I guess they're tacky too. I just know I like to choose my next beer while drinking my current and like to peruse the list while not taking my attention from my dear life-drinking-partner.

Will we go back? Not sure, It'll have to be incognito, now. We could end up with two sons in the town. Guess we'll try the new Mellow Mushroom next. If you're in Huntsville, the place is safe, good clientele. The draft high gravity beers are undercorbonated, the draft selection confusing yet small. Lots of bottles, don't know the quality, we were there for the draft, bottle beer bars are passe in Alabama since the draft and (now) gravity laws have changed over the years.

Ron and Sharon

PS: Pissy bartender - see a real beer bar at Kickbacks, Jacksonville Florida or Trapeze, Athens, Georgia. (one has a chalk board one does not.)

PSS: didn't see no 27 taps, closer to 14.
Jul 16, 2009
Photo of deesonic
Reviewed by deesonic from Alabama

4.25/5  rDev -1.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 5 | selection: 4 | food: 4
Well, I'm a native Huntsvillian who has lived in more beer blessed places over the years like Denver, California, Texas, and Maryland. And while The Nook may not be up to standard with many places in other states, it is proof positive that a great non-smoking beer bar can flourish in beer starved (and less <6% ABV legislated) Alabama. If Alabama can get it, The Nook has it. So for anyone visiting our lone beer bar from out of state, I ask that you consider the oppressive laws and minimal beer culture we deal with before grading too harshly. The owner is committed to creating North Alabama's best beer bar in spite of the laws. So far he has been a resounding success. The Nook is usually packed to the gills on Thursday and Friday nights and quite steady during the rest of the week. The Nook has become synonymous with great beer in this area. And while SW Huntsville may not be the sexiest part of town, it's really not as bad as many might claim. I grew up in the neighborhood behind The Nook so how bad can it be? :) Seriously, The Nook is THE place to go in Huntsville for a great beer.

PS. The sign in the jpg above is old. The Nook now has 16 beers on tap, including a good selection of Rogue, Terrapin, and locally brewed Olde Towne products plus more than 140 selections in bottles. Again, if Alabama can get it, The Nook has it. But Bud, Miller, and Coors will not be found.
Jan 05, 2009
Photo of sammy44
Reviewed by sammy44 from Alabama

4.4/5  rDev +1.6%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 2
Went for the first time last Friday. Was very impressed with the beer selection. A popular acoustical band was playing and the place was packed to the gills.

They had 12 beers on tap but their seemed to be a problem with some of their CO2 lines. Over 100 beers listed in bottles. The beer list was divided into styles and each beer style was listed in order of its BA score.

Not much to the decor, cinder block walls, one wall of mirrors, a pool room and a small stage. Seemed to have a group regulars that showed up weekly.

The price was reasonable, a draft Terrapin Rye and a bottle of Mackeson XXX cost me $8.
Mar 03, 2008
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Reviewed by BattleRoadBrewer from Massachusetts

4.33/5  rDev 0%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 2
Tried this place with a co-worker based on a recommendation from unclejedi--thanks for the pointer!

According to the locals (the men who I was visiting on business), this a shady neighborhood--but living in a city already, it looked alright to me. They recommended avoiding the Nook in favor of some joint at the mall. (Yeah, right.) They were pretty incredulous the next day when my traveling companion cheerily informed them that we had a great time at the Nook!

Inside is recently remodeled and really nice. They've got a pool table, long bar, plenty of small tables, a live music stage, and a wall of glass coolers stocking their hundred or so bottled beers.

The Nook is pleasant and bright, a very welcome change from the typical under-illuminated tavern. How am I supposed to visually appreciate my beer in the dark? Blessedly smoke-free, and with live entertainment not too loud making for a perfect atmosphere for chatting and unwinding over a beer or three.

Hardly any other customers were there when we arrived Monday evening about 6, and population actually went down by the time we left around 7:30. I hear it's busier later in the evening, and on other days.

I had a signature southern beer on tap, the Pecan Brown (very nice) and a Terrapin India Brown (likewise excellent).

Food is sub-par even for a bar. No burgers, etc.; just frozen pizzas, chips & salsa and a few other light snacks, but it went over just fine with me. It's a small place, not much room for a kitchen with all that beer! But, as a comparison, the Livery in Benton Harbor, MI puts a lot of love into their sandwich bar in their basement pub, which is a room even tinier than the Nook. Food shouldn't be ignored, I think, even in the place with likely the best beer selection in the state.

I'll be back again soon, I hope. Planning to hit the Nook at least one night per visit to HSV in the foreseeable future.
Jan 17, 2008
Photo of cartdan
Reviewed by cartdan from Alabama

4.18/5  rDev -3.5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 3
The Nook is definitely the best beer bar in the beer challenged city/ state of Huntsville, AL. They have 10 taps and many, many bottles to select from. All of their beers are shown on the menu with their current BA rating, which is a nice touch.

The place is small, and usually fairly quiet, except when a band is performing. A good place to try some different beers and discuss them with friends.

The food is your average bar food, nothing special. But hey - this place is about the beer. The owner is focused on making this the best beer bar possible, and is doing a great job so far.

Definitely worth a visit if you're in Huntsville.
Oct 16, 2007
The Nook in Huntsville, AL
Place rating: 4.33 out of 5 with 39 ratings