Hobnob Tavern Revamps After a Decade on Piedmont Into a Mexican Restaurant

After a decade at the corner of Piedmont Road and Monroe Drive, Hobnob Neighborhood Tavern is becoming a Mexican restaurant and tequila bar called Lazy Llama later this month. Lazy Llama is expected to open Wednesday, February 26.

As to why owner Sean Yeremyan is transforming the tavern into a questionably named taco joint, he cites the impending opening of Hobnob at Atlantic Station and its close proximity to the Midtown location.

“Due to its proximity to HOBNOB Midtown we thought converting this location to a new and fresh concept would make sense. After talking to many of our valued guests, it was clear that great Mexican food was something they craved,” Yeremyan states in the press release.

Several new televisions are being added to the revamping restaurant, which undergoes a quick renovation to its interior and exterior after Hobnob’s last day of service on Sunday, February 9.

The menu, under the consultation of former Common Quarter executive chef Jeffrey Gardner, includes a variety of tacos, enchiladas, and quesadillas, and lunch specials hovering just under $12. Expect a “fiery” huevos rancheros, huevos divorciados, baked chilaquiles, Austin-style migas tacos, and horchata French toast during weekend brunch.

“My goal with the tacos was not to reinvent the wheel, but rather to just attempt to make the best versions we possibly could,” Gardner tells Eater Atlanta. “I’m hoping for a balance of flavors, textures and spice with each taco. I’m personally excited about both of the pork tacos, as well as the cauliflower and mushroom taco.”

Gardner says he wants to “capture the feel of a Tex-Mex cantina” on the menu. The menu is still be finalized, but it should also include a Campechana-style shrimp cocktail, queso blanco and queso fundido done in cast iron skillets, and his take on mozzarella sticks called “queso frito” made with Chihuahua cheese breaded in crushed tortilla chips then fried until crisp and served with ranchero sauce.

While Gardner is consulting on the food, the chef says he is not leading the kitchen at the restaurant.

In addition to Lazy Llama and the Atlantic Station Hobnob, Yeremyan is opening another Hobnob location and a new restaurant called Cattle Shed Wine and Steak Bar at the Halcyon development in southern Forsyth County this year. The latter is a two-story restaurant serving steak, shared plates, charcuterie boards, and crêpes, and offers cocktails, beer, and nearly 200 bottles and by-the-glass wines on the menu.

Hobnob also has locations in Sandy Springs and in Brookhaven.

Update, February 7, 12:35 p.m.: This story has been updated with menu highlights and comments from chef Jeffrey Gardner.

1551 Piedmont Avenue NE, Atlanta.

• Hobnob Neighborhood Tavern Is Bringing Bar Fare to Atlantic Station [EATL]
• Hobnob Tavern Opening Dunwoody Outpost, Boozy Milkshakes in Tow [EATL]
• Hobnob Expands With a Second Location in Brookhaven [EATL]
• All Midtown dining coverage [EATL]