Hob Nob Restaurant — Restaurant in Tacoma

I came here for the first time by glowing recommendation. I think it’s one of the places that probably used to be an amazing hidden gem but then it got too popular and went downhill.

We got here at 11 on a Saturday and had to wait 45 mins to get in. Street parking only, but we parked within 2 blocks. We were seated next to a party of about 10. The group was mostly college kids and they were incredibly loud the whole time, I heard all of their conversation, which is how I know they’re college kids. I couldn’t have a conversation with my partner right across from me because of it. They’d break out into over the top laughter, yell across the table, and at one point they broke into applause and cheering. We noticed all the other tables around them looking annoyed and we locked eyes with a girl who just shook her head and went back to her meal. After about 25-30 minutes of this we were fed up and asked the staff in front if they could ask the group to monitor their volume, as these people were in the middle of the restaurant and they’d been done with their food since we arrived. They came back and said the best they could do is move us. We did choose to move, but felt bad for the other tables around them who didn’t have that option.

The new spot in the bar was much better and I was able to hear my partner now but we could still hear them, since they were in the middle. Honest to god I went to the bathroom later and could hear them from the stall, that’s how bad it was. We were told that that’s just the way it is on the weekends, so keep this is mind if you’re considering trying this place.

Our waitress was absolutely lovely and attentive and the man who reseated us was kind, though I think he made the wrong choice on behalf of the restaurant.

From ordering to food on the table it took about 45mins, which is unreasonable. The food was pretty good. The hash browns weren’t great but the pancakes were good. The breakfast potatoes were bland and nothing special. The biscuit, however, was the best restaurant biscuit I’ve ever eaten; I am southern and a biscuit snob and I’d wait another 45 mins to get that biscuit. Our bill ended up being like $50, which is shockingly reasonable compared to most restaurants now. On our way out the loud party was STILL there, still killing the vibe and still done with their food for over an hour at that point.

So, 45 min wait, 45 mins to get food, rowdy crowd, decent food, good price. Would I be back? Probably not, and certainly not on a weekend. It’s a shame because I bet this place was incredible...

We stopped in on the way home from the airport because we were starving. After playing the “parking game” (parking was a challenge) we entered the restaurant and were greeted right away by a polite guy who asked if we would like to sit in the lounge. Sounded cool so we said yes.

The “lounge” was basically the tables in the small bar area. Okay. Menus presented and waters served, then he disappeared for a bit. There were 2 other tables of 2 in the lounge, and the other dining area was not busy either for 12:30 ish on a Wednesday.

We chose not to order alcohol as we still had a bit to drive, but ordered fried pickles, a Tachcompton burger, and a house salad with pollo asado. Pickles came out after about 15 minutes, hot, crispy, and delicious. The spicy ranch was really good! We needed more water as there had not been any refills, and this is where things started to turn sour. We did not see our server at our table again- even though 2 other tables of 2 had come in (first 2 gone now) and both of those tables ordered alcohol. When the server took the order of the closest table, I politely asked for more water. He gestured that he heard me. I waited- he disappeared. He returned with the tables drinks, but no water. I continued to wait.

A female server arrived with our food, and we again requested some water. She stated that some would be coming.

Male server arrived with water and we asked for some more spicy ranch for the fried pickles. He brought more within a few minutes.

We FINALLY got our 2nd refill of water right near the end of our meal- after having g our cups empty for the 2nd time for a while.

Food was pretty good, burger was prepared well and cooked to order. My salad was huge and the chicken was so, so flavorful! The recommended avocado dressing, while thicker than a typical vinaigrette, was delicious! Had our water been refilled without having to wait with an empty cup for 10 minutes, this would have been a much more...

This is a wonderful little place! So much better than the other "fancy for Thanksgiving" restaurants. My husband and I had a reservation and we were seated immediately! We found that to be amazing after experiences we have had at several places on the water. They give you a reservation and you are still sitting there 40 minutes later. This little Hob Nob is much more humble and so much more comfortable. (Unless you are snobby, I guess.) Their Thanksgiving supper was fabulous! Just turkey or ham, three(!) sides, and dessert. Pure American food. And lots of it. Pumpkin pie, natch, but we were also offered peach, apple, and blueberry! The folks working there were very pleasant and attentive. Also, they wrote down our orders instead of trying to remember them. I just detest places where the wait staff tries to remember everything, and then they get snitty when you tell them it's wrong. Like it's your fault instead of theirs. The Hob Nob is not pretentious at all. Oh, also, we were so worried about parking because we had read there was no lot, only street parking. There was plenty of parking! Wright Park is right across the street and there was plenty of space. Even as great as the Hob Nob was, it had open seats and plenty of room. I believe this place has been a well-kept secret for a long time. It just looks like a bar as you drive by. So no more line waiting or ignored reservations for us! We will be participating in Thanksgiving here every year from now on. Oh! Money! Each plate is $30. That includes everything but the drink. I think. So stuffed it is hard to remember! My husband paid for it anyway. So, great food, wonderful staff (all of them!), and not really expensive. What else can you ask for? Oh, again! There is only the one menu for the day. You can have turkey or ham. That's it. You get a lot more food on the plate, but don't expect to be able to choose steak or prime rib. Just not there. For...