Located at 2271 First Avenue, the Hob Nob Hill Restaurant has been serving San Diego since 1944 thanks to a loyal fanbase. Many frequent diners say “The Hob” reminds them of 1980s sitcom “Cheers.”

“This place is like ‘Cheers’ because they always know my name,” says 76-year old Kathy Kinkade. “I guess my husband and I have been coming here, mostly for breakfast, for 18 years. We really like the coffee cake; when my husband travels overseas, he will order an entire Blackberry Coffee cake to take with him, and he will eat the whole thing himself!” 

“The Hob” has its own cast of characters — each with their own reason for coming back, again and again. For Ed Hearn, President of Vista City High School, a trip to Hob Nob Hill is about keeping the memory of an old friend alive.

“I’ve been coming here for 18 years,” said Hearn. “Every Friday I had lunch with my dear friend, Julius Zolezzi, and we would sit at the same table, facing each other and talk about life. I learned about the history of San Diego, and the history of the Hob Nob, sitting right here with my friend. Julius was in his 90s when he died. Every time I walk into the Hob Knob I think about him. So yes, the Hob Knob is a very special place for me.”

Another main cast member, Wayne Jenkins, has a backstory fit for Hollywood – and at 6’4”, the frame to match. Jenkins was a pilot and SWAT team member, plus he ran around with the Rat Pack. 

“I owned a Rolls Royce repair shop in Palm Springs, that’s how I met Sinatra,” said Jenkins. “He was a nice guy; he sent his plane to fly me and my wife to his concerts. And me and Steve McQueen used to race motorcycles in Baja. I always let him win.”  

Jenkins recently celebrated his 82nd birthday at his favorite hangout. “I love this place,” said Jenkins. “I think the staff is great, they really make me feel welcome and I wouldn’t celebrate my birthday anywhere else.”

For those familiar with San Diego’s demographics, it should come as no surprise that many service members eat at Hob Nob Hill. However, what may be surprising is their service record. There is no telling who might be sitting in the next booth. 

“I served in the Navy in World War II and Korea in the ‘50s,” said 97-year old Bob Allan. “I’ve been in San Diego for about 60 or so years now. I come to the Hob Nob all the time; it’s a great place to watch people. Have you ever seen that show, ‘Cheers’? The Hob Nob is a lot like that.”

Serving up classic American comfort food, its the clientele and staff as much as the food that makes Hob Nob Hill a keystone for many nostalgic San Diegans shaping their community.