The Hob Nob Hill restaurant was a Daveland favorite when it came to staple San Diego dining. I was extremely disappointed to learn in February that it was being sold, closed indefinitely, and going under the remodeling knife. Today, I can report that it is back, better than ever. I was VERY happy to learn that all but two of the previous staff were hired back and that the changes inside actually improved the place (photo above). While I am as big (if not bigger) a “Wizard of Oz” fan as the next person, the large Oz mural and disco lights (part of a pandemic revamp) did not fit with the menu or the vibe of the clientele. Yes, Melissa…I know. “But I liked it!” It’s okay…I have been told that the mural went to a loving new owner. The Oz theme will fit better elsewhere.
The bar that had been added during the pandemic remains, but like the rest of the place, the night club lighting and dark colors have been removed. Yay.
Mercifully, the purple glow has been extinguished.
How the counter looks now:
During the Disco Pandemic era:
The walls have a tasteful display with nods to the restaurant’s historic past (below), as opposed to the slightly less than authentic feeling gigantic vintage postcard images that previously adorned the walls (above).
I went with Mar Mar for breakfast. We’ve shared many a Hob Nob meal together over the years.
The pancakes were just as they had been before.
Because it was a belated birthday celebration, the waitress brought out a celebratory pastry. Yum.
Another year, another wish.
I look forward to going back for dinner. Stay tuned!
See more San Diego Hob Nob Hill restaurant photos at my main website.
3 comments:
First of all, Happy Birthday Dave! I didn't know. I saw your post on IG and had to come over to look. I just took someone to Hob Nob Hill a couple of months ago ( at least it feels like only a couple of months ago ) to see the "before". I'm grateful to hear the mural was kept by someone, but now that they've lighted up the interior ( a wise move ) it's a shame because that mural would have really worked better in the light. I may be off, but I blame Joann Gaines from HGTV when I see places suddenly lean into greys, blues and all that weird barnwood stuff which is absolutely NOT like a color you'd see in actual barn wood. I stopped going to my favorite breakfast spot in Rancho Bernardo about 10 years ago because a professional designer came in and made the place dark and depressing. I feel that same way now looking at your before/after. The mirrors where the mural went are helpful to lighting the place up a bit, but that mural really should have stayed. Know your audience, cater to your home turf. San Diego is Frank L. Baum territory. Agreed about the previous wall decor too. The fake wall postcards only tell me the interior designer isn't as imaginative as their business card suggests.
lord you are handsome
Bryan - Don't get me started on the faux barnwood craze! I hope it ends soon.
Max - You are too kind!
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