Step back in time a few decades after you enter the Hob Nob Restaurant, a historical Tacoma eatery with top-of-the-morning breakfasts. Built in 1929, the building is on the National Register of Historic Places. The atmosphere is comfy and friendly, and the food is made from scratch. Breakfast is served all day, and all day now means from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. The extended hours include fun and new dinner options, too.
Expanded Menu and Hours at Hob Nob
A menu of classic diner dinners has been carefully selected, including juicy ribeye steaks, homemade meatloaf, and plenty of house-made sides. There are build-your-own mac n cheese bowls and fried chicken. Specialty sandwiches like Al pastor and hot honey chicken, and shareable plates of chicken nuggets and crispy fried Brussels sprouts are fun for all ages. “We have several vegan team members, so we’re always making sure we have vegan specials, menu items, and substitutions,” says Scott Ouellette, the general manager. That’s good news for vegans who can enjoy Hob Nob’s mashed potatoes, gravy, and two types of sausage.
The heart and flavors of the kitchen belong to Scott. His Italian grandmother started teaching him by the time he was five. “She taught me the basics and good, simple food that sticks to your ribs. And food that knocks your socks off,” says Scott. He recalls she also told him, “You’ll never be a stupid man who can’t cook his girlfriend a good meal.” Now, he gets to share these timeless recipes not just with family but with all the diners that stop by. The marinara, meatball and meat loaf recipes originated from Grandma’s legendary favorites.
Specials happen Monday through Thursday. Meatloaf with sugar bourbon glaze on Monday, Tacos on Tuesday, Wing Wednesday, and a Vegan plate on Thursday. “They are what you would expect to see, but not exactly. We have a different take on things,” says Scott, adding, “I am serious about my food.” Dinner is available from 3 p.m. until closing. Along with the expanded hours, there is a brand-new lineup of handcrafted cocktails and mimosas. The Bloody Mary is already the Tacoma News Tribune’s Best of 2024 award winner.
Get Happy at the Hob Nob
Hob Nob’s Happy Hour is daily from 3 to 6 p.m. and features exclusive food and drink specials, such as a variety of sliders, discounted drafts, plus more. Stop in after work for a drink and a little food before heading home. Of course, the weekend is a great time to come in.
Say Yes to Hob Nob’s Breakfast
People come from all over for Hob Nob’s breakfast. “We have regulars from Kent, Lacey, Olympia, and even Portland,” says Scott. Hob Nob is scrambling and creating omelets with all sorts of ingredients like crab, Italian sausage, spinach, house-made chorizo and bacon. Some are served over potatoes.
Stack up French toast, waffles, or buttermilk flapjacks. How about toast or a biscuit? You’ll really have to come more than once to sample the entirety of the menu.
Relaxed, Comfy Atmosphere for All Ages at Tacoma’s Hob Nob
The Hob Nob is located across the street from Wright Park in Tacoma. The tables along the windows offer views of passers-by and what’s happening at the park.
Initially, the three storefronts belonged to The Hob Nob Food Shop, Wright Park Cleaners and Dryers, and H.P. Kem Confectionery, which was in the early 1900s. By the end of WWII, the cleaners closed, and the Hob Nob Food Shop expanded into that space to become the Hob Nob Café. When the third space opened up, the Hob Nob expanded again, adding an adult-only bar space and more tables. The original space still has classic stool seating at the counter and booths along the wall.
“All the front and back house (that’s customer-interfacing staff and the ones in the kitchen) are friends that love to serve food,” says Scott, who is proud of his team and the work they do. For customers, it is like breakfast at Cheers, the TV bar where everybody knows your name. “That’s how we do it. My team works really hard. They are amazing. We could not do it without them!” he adds.
When Scott first started working at the Hob Nob, he didn’t know anyone. His second day of work was his birthday. When he arrived, there were balloons and a cake. “We treat each other like family and have each other’s backs,” he says. “I love this restaurant. The food is not fancy. It reminds me of home.”
Bring your friends and family. The Hob Nob is open seven days a week. According to Scott, “Everyone has a story about the Hob Nob.” If you don’t, it’s time to visit. If you do, it’s time to make new memories.
The Hob Nob
716 6th Avenue, Tacoma