Though it’s been open for a little over a month, Hobnob Neighborhood Tavern is already a popular place. That was apparent early one weeknight as couples jostled for seats at the bar and several parties waited for tables.
The aptly named hangout is the latest invention of Sean and Gilbert Yeremyan, the brothers behind Gilbert’s, the lively Mediterranean cafe and bar in nearby Midtown. While there’s a bit of crossover between the two businesses, most notably on the menu, Hobnob is positioned as a contemporary pub, with food, drink and atmosphere that aims to be both fun and comfy.
On the corner
Located on the busy corner of Piedmont Avenue and Monroe Drive, complimentary valet parking is a necessary evil or a welcome perk, depending on your point of view.
Stretches of outdoor seating surround the freestanding building, once a gas station and most recently a Caribou Coffee. The airy redesign merges indoor and outdoor spaces via a garage door that opens to the patio.
Hobnob staffers are a superfriendly bunch, if maybe a bit too eager to get to know your name. But even the toughest customers will have to admit that the convivial vibe is infectious.
Something for everyone
Getting a fix on the hit-or-miss food can be a bit difficult, even with some coaching. The something-for-everyone menu recalls a Greek diner, with everything from bar snacks to full-on entrees and even pizzas.
A rich and tasty take on shrimp and grits is served in a sizzling cast iron skillet, with sauteed jumbo shrimp atop a polenta-like Havarti cheese grit cake doused in spicy andouille sausage butter.
Much less satisfying is the Hobnob version of chicken wings ($5.95). They’re meaty, but not crispy, and covered in an oddly tangy mustard sauce. The wings come with a tiny cup of really good shaved celery and blue cheese salad.
Fish and chips ($8.95), three smallish pieces of beer-battered cod with tartar sauce, are just fine and make an easy-to-share snack.
Specialties and entrees
Under Tavern Specialties look for house-ground burgers. The meaty, well-seasoned lamb burger ($11.95) is made of 50 percent beef and 50 percent lamb, according to one server. The plump grilled patty comes on a soft bun with leaf lettuce, tomato, tzatziki sauce and a thick slab of salty feta cheese. A pile of McDonald’s-style French fries completes the picture.
Entrees, served after 5 p.m., include a home-style short rib pot roast ($11.95) with creamy buttermilk mashed potatoes, carrots and gravy that’s a lot of bang for the buck. Smoked chicken pot pie ($10.95) and Sweetwater 420-braised pork shank ($18.95) are some of the other offerings.
At the bar
The bar at Hobnob stays open late, with a few Midnight Specials, including a dollar hot dog. There’s a good selection of craft beers, wine, house-infused vodkas, specialty cocktails and creative milkshakes such as the Chocolate Stout ($8.50), with Left Hand milk stout, vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce.
Dining out
Hobnob Neighborhood Tavern, 1551 Piedmont Ave., 404-968-2288
Signature dish: Lamb burger
Entree prices: $8.95-$19.95
Hours: Lunch: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays. Dinner: 5-11 p.m. Mondays-Sundays. Brunch 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sundays. Bar open late with limited menu. Smoking after 10 p.m.
Reservations: Yes
Credit cards: Yes
Online: hobnobatlanta.com
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