Kooks Restaurant

Gardner Street's got a reputation for trying too hard, but Kooks cuts through the noise with straightforward, well-executed brunch food. You'll find yourself in a relaxed space where the staff actually know what they're doing—no hovering, no upsell chat—just solid coffee and the kind of eggs that make you wonder why everywhere else manages to mess them up. It's the sort of place locals come back to regularly, not because it's Instagram-worthy, but because it simply works. The vibe is unpretentious without being scruffy, and you can sit for as long as you like without feeling rushed.