Unless you have been living under a rock, you are probably aware that a new café opened in Williamsburg this winter: Hohl. Located in a refurbished house on Richmond Road, this community-focused space has a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, driven by a mission of “building the community and restoring the table.”
My close friend and I visited on an overcast Friday morning, hoping for a breakfast that would both nourish and inspire us — and boy did Hohl deliver.
Upon arrival, the staff was warm and welcoming, ready to answer any questions we had. To our left stood a pastry case filled with delicious gems: cakes, croissants, tarts (both sweet and savory), cardamom buns and even madeleines for a bite-sized treat. After having only eaten cafeteria food for the past week, I was elated, to say the least.
We placed our orders and ventured upstairs — yes, there are two floors of seating for double the fun. On the second floor, we were greeted by the comforting aroma of savory food, ample seats and the gentle hum of kind conversation. We decided on a table and helped ourselves to the self-serve water carafes sitting on a shelf adjacent to the kitchen. Most of the patrons were either catching up with friends or getting some work done. My friend and I came for a bit of both.
While we waited for our food, we soaked in the café’s great playlist, which featured plenty of Tame Impala tracks.
Our drinks arrived first. In need of a pick-me-up, I ordered a batch brew drip coffee with cream and honey on the side. It was beautifully presented: the coffee came in a glass pot, ready to be poured into a small green mug. The cream and warm honey were served on the side to create a sort of choose-your-own-adventure experience. The coffee was rich and fresh. It tasted freshly ground and, in my opinion, outperformed many local competitors in terms of flavor. My only complaint is that it cooled off a bit too quickly due to the glassware’s lack of insulation.
My friend ordered an iced mocha latte, served in a large glass cup. She enjoyed both the taste and presentation, though there was some slight separation in the milk that left a bit of grainy residue at the rim.
Shortly after our drinks, our food arrived. I ordered the chili cheese egg scramble, which included four eggs scrambled in caramelized garlic and chili flakes, topped with a generous pile of freshly grated parmesan, all served on a toasted slice of sourdough. The eggs were fluffy, flavorful and perfectly seasoned. The portion size was just right in that it was filling without being too heavy. Although the meal was absolutely lovely, if I had one suggestion it would be to add one more slice of sourdough, as the egg-to-bread ratio was slightly off. I ran out of toast long before I had finished the eggs.
My friend ordered the “AV-AN-AVO” toast: a bright, fresh avocado smash on sourdough topped with a medley of pickled and roasted vegetables. I snuck a bite. It was tangy, vibrant and delicious. The lemony avocado paired perfectly with the goat cheese and veggie toppings. My friend also greatly enjoyed the dish and felt that it was a wonderful and fresh departure from our ordinary dining hall breakfast.
We were so impressed by the main dishes that we couldn’t resist heading back downstairs for a treat from the pastry case. I opted for one of their glistening French croissants (warmed, of course), while my friend went with the monkey bread for a post-savory treat. The croissant was buttery, flaky and paired perfectly with the remnants of my drip coffee. My friend found the monkey bread to be sweet and fluffy. It was a perfect treat after her savory toast.
By the time we finished, we were both genuinely sad to leave.
We plan to go again next week and try different menu items. Though I did love the chili cheese egg scramble, I have heard wonderful things about the kerfuffle pancakes and think that I am going to give them a whirl. Additionally, I am intrigued by the many fresh-pressed juices that they have to offer, and believe that they would be a wonderful alternative to my usual coffee.
All in all, whether you are looking for a cozy spot to grab coffee with a friend or hosting family and want to show off a great local gem, Hohl is the place. It is a reminder of how good food and warm service can build community, deepen connections and just make you feel a little more human.
Though Williamsburg offers a variety of cafés, Hohl stands out with a certain charm. I truly hope it becomes a beloved staple for both students and locals for years to come.
