The Hobnob

Every night is game night at the Hobnob, where all your timeless childhood favorites, from Scrabble to Connect Four, are on the shelves. The simple addition of board games draws crowds from across the East Bay to this neighborhood destination, along with the casual, upbeat atmosphere and good eats that can be found within its doors.

At first glance, the Hobnob seems more bar than restaurant, but parents take their kids here regularly for dinner and a game of Monopoly. The front half of the Hobnob is the bar area, while the backroom features restaurant tables and booths for bigger crowds and families. But the drinking, munching, and gaming goes on wherever you may sit.

Owner and Executive Chef Amy Voisenat worked in various San Francisco restaurants before designed her own small-plate menu, with popular staples like warm Cuban sandwiches, mini Moroccan lamb burgers, fish & chips, and fried calamari fitting in to the Hobnob concept.

The truffle fries with parmesan, herb, and a side of truffle aioli are a good plate for sharing, as are the chipotle garlic fries. The flavors here will have you licking your fingers, so try not to get the chess pieces greasy. Hobnob serves seasonal produce and organic ingredients, along with meats and seafood that are sustainably harvested and all-natural. It’s no wonder Voisenat’s food has won a “Best of” award from San Francisco Magazine.

As for the drinks, house specialties include mojito varieties; pear drops, which are a twist on the classic lemon drop; Dixieland tea, made with whiskey, Amaretto, and iced tea; and Pomagrantini, made with a combination of pomegranate liquor, vodka, lemon juice, and pineapple juice. Draft and bottled beers are also available, as are reduced prices during happy hour.

HelloOakland tip: Hobnob is definitely a restaurant more so than a bar – they’ve got a brunch menu. Earlier risers can have pancakes, French toast, or one of numerous egg dishes. But drinking is never out of the equation. $8 during Saturday brunch gets you all-you-can-drink mimosas.
 

- by Renee M. Rutledge, San Francisco Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Renee M. Rutledge

Renee M. Rutledge currently writes articles on local travel and culture for Red Tricycle, Parents' Press, Oakland Magazine, and Alameda Magazine.