394584 Mon Apr 23 10:58:35 -0700 2007 8 1 San Francisco Bay Area 0 2506645 Hob Nob opened on 4/18 at the venerable Kelly's/Barceluna/Driftwood spot on Park Street. Small plates and a plethora of brews the specialities- Anyone been there yet? Mon Apr 23 10:58:36 -0700 2007 16513 alameda fats 1 2506726 I saw a banner about a new place and was surprised. Didn't Kelly's pull out kind of fast or is this the same owners with a different concept than just a bar? Mon Apr 23 11:15:53 -0700 2007 2506645 13194 foodfan 2 2506892 The Hob Nob owners are the same crew (executive chef, etc.) that operate ThirstyBear in SF. Kelly's/Barceluna were supposed to relocate to the Gold Coast Grill site, but that deal fell through. Supposedly Hob Nob will specialize in "American small plates". I've had some pretty good experiences at ThirstyBear, so the whole thing looks promising- I'll try to get in Hob Nob this week- Mon Apr 23 11:50:27 -0700 2007 2506726 16513 alameda fats 3 2507223 How did I miss the Gold Coast Grill leaving? I only ate there a couple of times but always got the lamb, it was great! Mon Apr 23 13:03:24 -0700 2007 2506892 13194 foodfan 4 2507375 It's still there as far as I know. Mon Apr 23 13:38:31 -0700 2007 2507223 10159 Ruth Lafler 5 2515568 The Barceluna acquisition of Gold Coast fell through. So where did Barceluna go? Wed Apr 25 17:09:39 -0700 2007 2507375 16513 alameda fats 3 2511765 The concept is suppose to be like "game night" at a friends house. Play games, eat good food, and hang out with friends, but in a bar. Tue Apr 24 15:50:30 -0700 2007 2506892 93962 amyzoesf 4 2515571 Hmmm. Wed Apr 25 17:10:40 -0700 2007 2511765 16513 alameda fats 1 2507024 We happened to be walking by on Friday evening, saw the "grand opening" sign so gave it a try. Feels more like a bar than a cafe except that there were a couple of tables of teenagers. They have a bunch of board games. Very short menu, maybe ten snacky-type items. Wine list was not yet in place. Martini was fine. French fries were excellent. Spiced nuts were okay. Olives weren't very good. Crab cakes looked good. Food didn't make me think of Thirsty Bear. Friendly place, nice atmosphere, inexpensive. If I lived nearby I'd probably hang out there regularly. Mon Apr 23 12:22:01 -0700 2007 2506645 11369 Robert Lauriston