ABOUT

A San Diego Tradition Since 1944

Hob Nob Hill began as a humble 14-stool lunch counter called the Juniper Café, opened by Harold and Dorothy Hoersch in May 1944. Their goal was simple yet ambitious: to serve high-quality food with warm, attentive service.

Dorothy, who had previously worked as a secretary at Consolidated Aircraft, embraced the challenge of running a restaurant despite having no prior experience. Her dedication and hard work quickly turned the café into a local favorite.

Thanks to their dedication and the support of the local community, that little café quickly outgrew its original space. Just two years later, the restaurant moved to its current home at Juniper and First Avenue—first becoming the Melody Grill, then Dorothy’s Oven, and eventually the beloved Hob Nob Hill.

Dorothy passed away in 1991, and in 1993, Harold sold the restaurant to Tania Warchol, who promised to preserve its legacy. Under her stewardship, Hob Nob Hill maintained its commitment to traditional American fare, with many recipes—remaining unchanged. The restaurant's charm and dedication to quality earned it a feature on the Food Network's "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives."

In 2020, the restaurant underwent a thoughtful renovation, introducing a mural inspired by "The Wizard of Oz"—a nod to Dorothy's Kansas roots and the author's connection to nearby Coronado.In early 2025, as longtime owner Tania Warchol prepared for retirement, Hob Nob Hill entered a new chapter under its third and current proprietors, Doug and Lara Hamm. Now proudly operated under the Black Swan Hospitality banner, the team brings a deep appreciation for Hob Nob Hill’s legacy and a shared commitment to its future.

Black Swan Hospitality is also the creative force behind several of San Diego’s most distinctive dining experiences, including the Orchid Award–winning Nolita Hall in Little Italy and the immersive pop-up concept Cow by Bear. Their next venture, By the Sea, will bring elevated, seafood-focused fare to Coronado.

Drawn to Hob Nob Hill’s enduring charm and decades-long devotion to its team, the Black Swan Hospitality team is honored to carry the torch. With a focus on classic homestyle cooking and heartfelt service, Doug and Lara look forward to preserving the spirit of Dorothy and Harold’s original vision—while continuing to grow with the San Diego community for years to come.

Over the years, we've been honored with awards from the Southern California Restaurant Writers Association and other respected groups. But the recognition we value most is the continued loyalty of our guests.

Thank you for making Hob Nob Hill part of your story. We look forward to welcoming you again soon.