Hob Coffee - Poway, CA

Hob Coffee - Poway, CA

During the Kid's coffee adventures he came across Hob Coffee.  Located in a non-descriptive strip mall in Poway, California, Hob Coffee would seemingly be similar to the endless number of local coffee shops trying to carve out an existence while competing against Starbucks or Peet's.

Hob has a seemingly simple business model, offer a great cup of coffee and locally themed specialty drinks. Started by a group of declared "Coffeeheads" who enjoy high quality coffee and want to share it with the community. They typically carry 3-4 single origin beans that can be tasted in a variety of brew methods.

Atmosphere
HOB coffee is in a unique location in the corner of a little strip mall. There is ample parking, some outside seating, and seating inside. This isn't a large location and with people sitting, waiting for coffee, and waiting in line to order, the space can fill up quickly. There is a shelf area that holds beans, coffee brewing equipment, and shop swag. A TV is over the shelves and plays movies or shows while you enjoy your coffee. The interior is very dark and might even make the space seem smaller than it actually is.

The space is dark and can seem pretty crowded even when there are only a couple of people in there.  The seating is limited to a couple of high top tables and a two seater bistro table.  There is seating outside.   I enjoy sitting outside, even though you are basically sitting in a parking lot.  

The people at Hob are very friendly.  They are always engaging and even will bring our drinks out to us when we are sitting outside.  I have even seen them come out and "entertain" a customers pooch while the owner is getting a drink.  They help make the shop for me.

Price
The price for HOB is fair for the quality of coffee they make. It isn't the most expensive coffee shop I've been to and offers a lot of different options.

Coffee
For espresso drinks HOB makes a solid shot, but the foam can be hit or miss sometimes. What I like is the variety of brew options, from various pour over methods to immersion brewing. When you want something sweeter they have a variety of specialty lattes including non-coffee based drinks.

The coffee is solid.  The specialty lattes a varied and are named with a local flare.  This place isn't the place for you drip in the morning, if you want that go to 7-11 across the parking lot.  This place where you go for your espresso shot based drinks, whether hot or cold.  

I rally like their mixed berry scone.  It come is a shape, see picture, that allows you to pull off the edges as you work you way to the jelly center.  This way you can enjoy the pastry through your entire latte and locally inspired specialty drink.

Overall
Personally, this is one of my favorite coffee shops that fills an empty void for my childhood neighborhood. Third wave coffee didn't exist in the area and I'm happy to support them. There are frequent customer punch cards and they host several community events. There is always a high quality cup of coffee and doesn't break your wallet.


Hob is a great local shop.  The individuals that run it friendly and seemingly hard working.  They have created a nice place to come and grab a drink go go or sit and chat is friends.  

PS - Look for their House of Black collaboration using their coffee infused Cream Ale brewed in partnership with SavageWood Brewery in Scripps Ranch.