In Norfolk, there’s a biscuit window so beloved that regulars speak in hushed tones, like they’re protecting a family heirloom. Handsome Biscuit turns sweet-potato biscuits into cult-worthy sandwiches, drawing lines even before the 8 AM open. With a 4.6-star reputation and swift, friendly service, it’s the breakfast-and-lunch ritual locals insist you try. Hungry yet? This guide shows you what to order, when to go, and why everyone’s guarding this place like a secret.
The Sweet-Potato Biscuit That Started It All
Handsome Biscuit’s calling card is the pillowy sweet-potato biscuit—bronzed, tender, and faintly sweet without being dessert. It’s the foundation for towering sandwiches, laced with sauces locals swear by. The texture rides the line between flaky and plush, built to cradle crispy chicken or eggs. Every bite has a hint of caramelized earthiness that balances spicy, tangy, and savory fillings. One biscuit in, and you’ll understand why the line forms early.
Nashville Hot, Norfolk Heart
The Nashville hot chicken biscuit is a fan favorite, packing a crackling crust and a cayenne-kissed heat that lingers. It’s generous, juicy, and sauced just enough to keep things fiery without drowning the biscuit. Pair it with tots or waffle fries to soak up the spice, and grab a lemonade or sweet tea for balance. The heat level is confident, not punishing—just right for repeat orders. Spicy, saucy, and totally Norfolk.
The Dirty South and Other Legends
Regulars whisper about the Dirty South—savory, sticky, and a little wild. Add a drizzle of honey and it transforms, with sweet meeting smoky in a perfect bite. The menu rotates through icons like the Hellafitzgerald and chicken classics, each built to showcase that signature biscuit. Build-your-own options mean you can customize sauce, bacon, eggs, and more. If you’re indecisive, start with a classic and then go rogue on visit two.
Loaded Tots, Waffle Fries, and Comeback Sauce
Don’t sleep on the sides. Loaded tots come crunchy, hot, and showered with toppings that turn a snack into a near-meal. Waffle fries are few but mighty—perfect for scooping and dunking. The house Comeback sauce draws comparisons to Chick-fil-A’s, but with its own tangy kick that locals crave. When in doubt, order extra sauce; you’ll want it for bites of chicken, tots, and even the biscuit crumbs.
Breakfast Wraps, Shorty Bites, and Sweet Finishes
Beyond biscuits, the chicken breakfast wrap is a sleeper hit—portable, hearty, and perfectly seasoned. The Shorty, with or without bacon, is a compact flavor bomb ideal for first-timers. Save room for dessert like the Dolly Madison: cream cheese frosting and mixed berry jam that feels celebratory at any hour. Portions skew generous at a fair $10–20, making add-ons easy to justify. Consider splitting dessert—if you can bear to share.
How to Order, Where to Sit, When to Go
Expect kiosk ordering with staff ready to guide first-timers—service is quick even when the patio’s buzzing. There’s no indoor seating, so plan for carryout or charming outdoor tables where birds might join the audience. Hours run 8 AM–4 PM daily, making it a prime breakfast and lunch stop. Arrive early on weekends to dodge the crush. Pro tip: check the website for updates, then map to 2511 Colonial Ave, Norfolk.
What Locals Say (And Why It Matters)
Reviews gush about fast, friendly guidance for first visits, with thoughtful menu walkthroughs that make ordering easy. Fans praise biscuit size, spice balance, and hot, crispy sides—especially when dipped in Comeback sauce. Some note kiosk quirks or occasional misses, but most agree the flavors hit. The consensus: worth the wait, worth the line, and worth returning for another round. That’s how a window becomes a local legend.
Plan Your Pilgrimage
Set your GPS to 36.8727821, -76.2904501 and roll up hungry. The price point—$10–20—covers hearty sandwiches, sides, and a drink without breaking the bank. If the Nashville hot’s calling, pair it with lemonade; if you’re exploring, try a build-your-own and loaded tots. For dessert lovers, the Dolly Madison seals the deal. One visit plants the seed; the second makes you a regular. That’s the Handsome Biscuit effect.