🏅 Writing about institutions, icons, and legends is never an easy task. It’s a double-edged sword, literally a “can’t win” situation. You’re either too easy on them or too disrespectful. In short, it’s not a walk in the park.
Our topic today might not rise to that lofty level, but in the world of Sarasota restaurants, the Hob Nob Drive-In occupies an almost mythical place.
It may be one of those situations where the older something gets, the more it’s revered. I mean, just hanging around for almost seventy years in the restaurant biz is a feat to be celebrated.
It may also be that we often long for the past. Not the long, long ago past before indoor plumbing or insect repellent. But the past as we remember it when we had fewer miles on us. Slower, less chaotic, and yes, simpler. All of those things figure into today’s burger redux.
This is a first for us. In the fifty-six burgers that we have written about, we have never highlighted a place that has closed and then, by some crazy set of circumstances, was reborn under the same nameplate.
🍔 Today is that day, I guess. So without hesitation, let’s get things started!
This next part seems kind of dumb. But I think we need to do it anyway. Here’s a brief but important Hob Nob timeline…
➡️ 1957 – Mr. & Mrs. Jack Sohner open the Hob Nob
➡️ 1991 – Cary and Debbie Spicuzza purchase the restaurant
➡️ 2014 – The Hob Nob undergoes a renovation
➡️ 2024 – The Hob Nob serves its last burger and closes
➡️ 2026 – The Hob Nob reopens! 🍔
That is obviously the very, very short version. Between 1957 and the reopening, they served countless burgers, fries, and onion ring baskets. Not to mention a river of carbonated beverages.
📝 We had the pleasure of writing about the original Hob Nob burger as one of our A Burger A Week stops. It was burger #36. If you haven’t read that, you can READ IT HERE!
There are some pretty noticeable differences between Hob Nob 1.0 and 2.0. The biggest? No breakfast. It’s not like it was my breakfast “go-to” or anything. But it was just kind of cool to have an old-school outdoor place in town that served up the most important meal of the day! 🥚
The other difference is this. The locally famous Hob Nob Burger no longer exists. For some reason, this humble burger creation didn’t make the cut. They’ve replaced it with something similarly simple. But it’s not a Hob Nob burger. 😢
Before we dive into lunch, let’s take a spin around the new/old place.
It maintains that classic outdoor burger joint look. And they pump in some great 50s music to keep up the feel 🎶
No, they didn’t replace the uniquely charming picnic table motif.
What they did replace was table service. The Hob Nob is now a walk-up ordering spot. It makes perfect sense for this kind of place.
And it works well!
Latoya took my order. And I am proud to say that today I am #44!
Let’s talk about our Hob Nob experience…
RESTAURANT: THE HOB NOB DRIVE-IN (1701 N. Washington Blvd. | (941) 203-8329)
DATE OF VISIT: MAY 22, 2026
STOP #: 57
BURGER TASTED: THE CLASSIC SMASH DOUBLE
OUR TASTING NOTES
📒 This burger is listed on the menu as: 2 smash burger patties, American cheese, onion, pickle, and dijonnaise ($11.99)
• This is NOT a gourmet-style burger. This is a classic diner-style smash. I love that cooking method if they do it right. This is a good version. So if you like this type of burger, you’ll like THIS burger.
• I’ll admit that I like mustard better than dijonnaise for a burger condiment. Personal preference. That said, this spread has a milder flavor that holds up nicely. Not easy with the big punch of the pickle chips and onions in there, fighting for your taste buds. 👍
• The feel of this place still makes the experience. Yes, you won’t have any complaints about the burger. But as we all know, the Hob Nob is about much more than that!
• Of course, I had an order of onion rings. A Hob Nob stop is not complete without one. This is where things went a little sideways. These onion rings were not great. They were chewy, not that hot, and pretty soggy. I’m not sure if I just got a bad batch. Or if they’re still working on perfecting their technique.
• THE FRIES! Now we’re back on track! These were great. A classic crinkle cut fry. Perfectly cooked to crispy perfection. I’d grab a basket every time!
📸 Let’s check out how all of this looked when I ordered it.
🍔 BURGER TAKEAWAYS: The Hob Nob 2.0 honors the original in the best possible way. It “feels” the same. This is a “workingman’s” burger joint. No frills, just good food at a great price. This is a fantastic place for a group lunch (or dinner). Bring some friends, have some fun!
📝 END NOTES –
The parking situation HAS NOT changed. It is still crazy limited and tight. It has always been one of those Hob Nob “things.” It continues that tradition.
There isn’t a sign yet. Or at least there wasn’t when I visited. I realize that almost everyone knows where this place is. Just don’t be looking for the sign!
I had a strange side experience while I was eating. A diner leaving the restaurant stopped to give me his review (he must have seen me feverishly taking notes and pics). His take was 180° different from mine. We should all keep in mind that this is just a burger. Tastes vary from person to person. If it’s not the best burger you’ve ever eaten, don’t let it ruin your week. 😉
🗓️ SARASOTA FOOD INFO🗓️
Here is some local food information that we think you might find interesting. We’ve provided you with a link to more info.
📖 BUY A COPY OF OUR 2026 SARASOTA DINING BOOK! – ORDER HERE 📖
📋 MENU OF THE MONTH!! – The Cottage – MENU HERE!
🧑🌾 FARMER’S MARKET INFO 🌾
EVERY SUNDAY – Siesta Key Farmer’s Market – DETAILS
EVERY SUNDAY – Farmer’s Market at Lakewood Ranch – DETAILS
EVERY SUNDAY – The Meadows Farmer’s Market – DETAILS
EVERY WEDNESDAY – The Phillippi Farmhouse Market (Oct-Apr) – DETAILS
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EVERY SATURDAY – Downtown Bradenton Public Market – DETAILS
EVERY SATURDAY – Venice Florida Farmer’s Market – DETAILS
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