Now that I've finally gotten around to writing reviews again, I can't believe I never reviewed HOD in the first place.
This is been our local neighbourhood haunt for years. They have some great beer choices on tap (Mill St. Organic or Grolsch are usually my top choices) and an extensive cocktail menu. The service is always top notch whether you're dining, drinking, or both.
When the sunny patios a little further north on Church start to fill up you may be able to sneak onto HOD's garden patio on the south side of the restaurant. The view is unfortunately to a crappy parking lot across the street, but luckily it's designed so that you can focus internally on the other patrons or your own table.
Unfortunately I have had to dock 1 star because the food quality has decreased significantly since we started hanging out here 5 years ago. Their old chef left and since then the dinners have been hit or miss. The menu is pretty eclectic, I wouldn't say it follows any specific food trends. Let's call it comfort food for all occasions.
If you want to visit in winter I find HOD always exudes a cozy, homey, warm atmosphere. Maybe it's those thick red curtains just inside the door or the large, awkwardly-shaped tables we seem to inhabit when there are 8-12 of us sharing an evening of drinks. Maybe it's because we have been getting served by some of the staff for years.....HOD feels like home.