- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Coffee & Tea |
- All
Hop In Brew Pub
- Hours:
Mon 4 pm - 12 am
Tue-Thu 4 pm - 1 am
Fri 4 pm - 2 am
Sat 6 pm - 2 am
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night
- Music:
- DJ
- Best Nights:
- Tue, Wed
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
24 reviews for Hop In Brew Pub
Review Highlights
"Nice old house converted into cool dive bar."
(in 6 reviews)
"They have great beer and damned good food."
(in 3 reviews)
"But the laid-back homey atmosphere makes it all worth it."
(in 2 reviews)
Loading...
24 reviews in English
-
Review from Thomas M.
Calgary, AB
1/25/2012
This is one of my favorite pubs that I've ever been too. They only have a handful of beers on tap, but what they do have are all OUTSTANDING. I'm particularly fond of the Brew Brothers Black Pilsner, I hope they still have that one.
The pizzas are also EXCELLENT - and I'm a pizza snob so that means something.
I only wish this wasn't located downtown, it's hard for me to get down there. Open a location in Acadia!!! -
Review from Sarah C.
Calgary, AB
2/19/2012
Major hipster hangout, but their fabulous beers make it okay to be seen there.
I absolutely love their pizzas and talking to the bartenders to see what new craft beers they are carrying.
No one could hate the cute vintage house charm, and the homey-ness that comes with it. -
Review from Wendy P.
A little on the top... a little on the bottom. Hop In Brew continues to be a steady fave when I'm in need of a brew with some buds.
From Festivus with the yelpers in December to meetups and just popping in for a pint and some pizza, it has its own charm that just seems to keep growing on me.
If you're headed in, go early. Tables fill up quickly. Or, hang around the pool table upstairs. If you're lucky, you'll spot one freeing up soon enough.Listed in: Places to go in the Beltline, Good pizza places in Calgary, Calgary pubs with personality, Got Visitors? Take them here!, Awesome venues for a meetup!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
3/22/2011
Hop in Brew... oh Hop in Brew, how can I not love your little pub in a house? Upstairs and down,… Read more »
-
-
Review from Angelo T.
1/3/2012 1 Check-in Here
We decided to meet up here for part 2 of Festivus. Wendy/Brad/Kenny/Andy/Brad'sfriend/Tiffany/Sabz/Ch ris were in attendance. But OMG was this place super busy and full of hipsters! As if the Drum & Monkey and Broken City weren't enough for my distant relatives to flock around :/
I do like the charm of this place. The close space allows you to inadvertently bump into your neighbor giving you the excuse to converse with them. Not too many servers roam around this place, you'll have to order your drinks and food at the bar. I was more than glad to make several trips to the bar to get a chance to say hello at ze pretty waitress who tolerated my lame jokes like "wow, where'd all these people come from!? Isn't there a *obscure indie band* concert somewhere?"
Their nachos were delicious and the peppers they put on were suspiciously hot! Also their pumpkin beer was amazing. I want to come back here for pizza and beers once again. -
Review from Tiffany N.
Calgary, AB
12/19/2011
So the first time I went to the Hop, the building across the street didn't exist yet. It was just an empty lot. While I nursed a beer upstairs, a homeless guy in the empty lot decided to nurse... himself.
But that's not the Hop in Brew's fault (or IS IT?!). I've usually been here on quieter evenings, where my friends and I were able to grab a table, talk for hours about absolutely nothing and drink local brews. I once came here and had a cheeseless pizza made just for me. While that may sound like blasphemy to some, it was actually surprisingly delicious and I really appreciated that someone in the kitchen decided to make an effort for lil' ol' me. Especially since according to legend, they only serve food because the law requires them to.
On Friday nights, the upstairs turns in to one giant Hipster Bear Trap (http://yingleyangle.fi...) where counting ironic mustaches, smelly Value Vintage dresses and plaid shirts becomes a very dangerous drinking game. If they served PBR, they'd probably never leave O_o.Listed in: F, F, D, HK, Delightful WPF, Calgary 1Ups
-
Review from Joel K.
11/18/2011
Remember that night you went out for a few casual beers?
And you saw your philosophy professor? And you guys high-fived?
And the bartender had the most majestic mustache you'd ever seen?
And you beat a homless guy in a game of high stakes pool?
And then a girl who listens to nothing that came out after '85 bought YOU a beer?
And at some point you consumed a Fin Du Monde just because they have to go get it from the basement when you order it?
And before you knew it, you were knee-deep in a conversation about meta-ethics with your PHIL prof and that cute girl wearing an ironic t-shirt?
Yeah, that probably happened here.
This is one of my favorite little dives in the city. No pretension. No promises they can't keep. Just a bar that looks like a house, you and some good friends and a patron base so eclectic it rivals the ship and anchor (though nobody can quite outdo that place for diverse patrons).
I don't come here for the food.
I don't even come here for their beer selection.
Both are fairly average.
I come here because the atmosphere kicks ass. It feels like your best friend's house. The night will be whatever you make it - low key and chill or raucous and wild. There's foosball, a pool table, lots of booths and a friendly staff. One of my favorite moments of my 20's thus far was having a beer on their tiny patio during a half sunny/half rainy sunset.
Just like Erich said below, I'm worried about telling people how rad this place is because if this bar suddenly got overrun with barstar chicks in high heels I'd be extremely disappointed. This place just feels real - no posturing, and that rules. -
Review from Sabahat N.
Calgary, AB
11/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
I had the chance to check out Hop in Brew pub a few days back, and I really liked it.
It has the cozy feel of a place you want to return to again and again. From the outside it has character, and once you get in, you're greeted by a little staircase. You order on the right of the staircase, then find yourself a seat downstairs or upstairs. There are little alcoves all around this 'house'. Yes, Hop in Brew Pub is a house covnerted into a pub. I had the Aprikat beer which was delicious, and couldnt believe I never tried before.
The nachos were gigantic, and the pizzas were not bad either. They had pool tables upstairs too.
I would totally come back here to catch up with a friend or two, over a glass of Aprikat.
3/30 -
Review from Adam G.
Calgary, AB
11/13/2011
The Hop is one of the top tier pizza places in Calgary and one of my personal favourite spots to meet up with friends.
So far we've had every TEDxYYC 2012 meeting at this local pub and I've been to quite a few Pixel and Pints meet-ups here too.
I'm a huge fan of these old converted 19th century houses. There's an air of history with a "lived-in" vibe, which makes it feel like it's made for conversation.
Their pizza is absolutely epic (especially with a great beer). My personal favourite is the Chernobyl, which carries a bit of spice with the Chorizo sausage and banana peppers.
There are also plenty of options for anyone that isn't as fond of hot food.
Check out their full pizza menu: http://hopinbrew.com/p...
I also love their focus on local craft microbreweries. The Hop In Brew supports western Canadian breweries by only carrying certain beers on tap like Alley Kat (Edmonton), Big Rock (Calgary), Shaftebury (Vancouver), Tree (Kelowna), WildRose (Calgary) and a few others operating in Western Canada.
Beers: http://hopinbrew.com/b... -
Review from Shannyn D.
Calgary, AB
8/5/2011
It is a little pub in a house, and yes the beer selection was good, the servers nice and the atmosphere interesting. The pizza was delicious.
BUT
the pizza took forever, easily an hour
no service to tables, you do have to go to the bar, at least you did the night we were there.
The stairs up to the bathroom are steep, so dont drink too much if you want to take those.
And I consulted their website for info, went in thinking they had a full menu and when I got there I found out its only pizza and nachos.
Their only explanation of this is that the website is really old.
In my mind I think that's a poor excuse.
So yeah, it was good food and an overall nice enough place but has its flaws as well. -
Review from Erich N.
9/9/2011
YOU. YES, YOU. YOU do NOT want to come here...or at least *I* don't want YOU to come here. Unless of course you already know that you must come here. This is my dive...or at least it would be if I lived here. Without a doubt the best place to grab a pint and chillout in Calgary.
I only went the one time. Tonight that is. Punk jams, but not too loud. Decent selection of taps. Pool and Foos upstaris along with the world's smallest balcony. Awesome front porch. I'm not sure what the crowd is like on the weekends...but for a Thursday I couldn't have been happier. Friendly conversation. Amiable staff. I'm a fan.
It might even be in my top five favorite bars in the world. Actually, it is...pushing out Casey Moore's from the #4 spot:
#1 Shady's (Phoenix, AZ)
#2 Kilowatt (SF, CA)
#3 Emerald Lounge (R.I.P. - Phoenix, AZ)
#4 Hop In Brew Pub (Calgary, AB)
#5 Casey Moore's (Tempe, AZ)
#6 City Beer Store (SF, CA)
#7 Jello, (Montreal, PQ)
#8 Steve's Bar Room (R.I.P. - Washington, D.C.)
#9 Nita's Hideaway (R.I.P. - Tempe, AZ)
#0 Joker (Tübingen, Deutschland)
Nice old house converted into cool dive bar. Feels like home. I hope I get a chance to come back someday.
Cheers. -
Review from Sarah Louise F.
Calgary, AB
I am in love with the Hop In Brew Pub. To the creepy extent where I do not want to even review it because if I tell you how much I love it, it might make you want to go there, and then you might ruin it for me because I am a misanthrope and like to hoard awesome things all to myself like gem-like little secrets.
After not having the time for pubs in awhile, my roommate, our couchsurfer who'd never been to Calgary, and I took a little stroll on over to the Hop in Brew, in hopes we wouldn't come into close contact with Stampede goers there. Walking into the little house, I was absolutely charmed to see only three people in completely regular-person-clothes sitting in the back corner, having a lively little discussion with the bartender. This is the quietest I've ever seen the Hop, but it allowed for me to fully take in the adorableness of it, and we got the balcony all to ourselves. I started with a beautiful Hop Head the colour of straw, as I was feelin' an IPA. Later, I switched gears and sweetened things out with a gorgeous Yukon Arctic Red. Hands down the most intentional and amazing beer selection in the city.
I would marry this pub; a small wedding with only family and close pals and alll of the beers. -
Review from Kait K.
Calgary, AB
11/3/2010
I love Hop In Brew! What a great place to go have real conversations with your friends. The music isn't too loud but there is still that pub ambience mixed with a bit of a house party. Since it actually is in a heritage home, you instantly feel cozy and comfortable. The staff is all very friendly and you get to know them better each time you come back. I have never gone to the Hop and haven't found a place to sit. There is always ample space and you will probably run into a friend or two while you sip your cider.
They also have foosball and pool upstairs which is a lot fun if you are going with a group of people. Lots to do!
You can also order pizza in house which is so cool! I don't eat pizza but if they ever get gluten-free pizza I am there!!! -
Review from Sapna G.
Calgary, AB
6/17/2010
You want to talk character? This pub has got it.
An old house that has been converted into a pub you say? Hell yes is what I say. With a variety of rooms in which you can choose to have your brew, with subtle music in the background and with some of THE best pizza in the city, Hop In Brew Pub is an absolute gem.
Their beer selection is most impressive and the atmosphere is relaxed and pleasurable. -
Review from Meghan M.
Cold Lake, AB
12/7/2010
Yup, I am a fan of the Hop in Brew! I've been going on and off since moving to Calgary years ago and I miss it when I let too much time go by. It's the perfect small pub for meeting up with friends when you are in a mellow but chatty mood. As has been mentioned about the music - it's good but not overwhelmingly loud.
My only complaint would be the hours - perhaps this is because I work within walking distance and would love to go with work pals for lunch! But alas, it only opens early evening-ish...
But hey, I don't want to knock it because there is a great vibe, great beer, & some of the best nachos I've had in Calgary, it's a classic in my books! -
Review from dinah g.
Calgary, AB
1/31/2010
Boohoo; I had to say goodbye to a good friend this week that moved to Vancouver, her choice of departure The Hop in Brew.
This is an old house that has been converted into a bar with a games room upstairs. Pretty laid back atmosphere here, complete with bar booths and funky seating and wall covered photos and quirky bar objects.
Music was really laid back here, just loud enough to provide atmosphere but low enough so we could listen to our conversation. Really sensational wait and bar staff, really attentive, casual and so eager to make our stay an enjoyable one. The kitchen was closed so I can't write about the food but I did have a nice Kailua and milk cocktail that didn't have much bite but was good enough for 7 bucks. Others at my table were enjoying their brews and although I don't drink beer I would drink it here if I could.
The place attracts young hipsters in their twenties and thirties and is a perfect place to just hang out. It is a house from the turn of the century so it also has that paranormal feeling which makes your visit an even more engaging one...
So goodbye faithful Cat and Bon Voyage -
Review from Peter A.
Ottawa, ON
12/18/2010 5 Check-ins Here
I think this has to qualify for Calgary's only dive bar that somewhat caters to intellectuals. That is, you'll normally find a good bunch of people hunched over over-priced imports and micros discussing ... I don't know... Julian Assange or something. That said, the beer is great. Best tap selection in the city if you like the micro stuff, original decor, and just plain comfortable. It's my go-to local place in the Beltline. No dancing either which works for me.
-
Review from arinn w.
1/1/2010
I used to love the hop-in-brew, but I have to say I was a little disappointed when I ordered the nachos on my last visit. They were $13 and it was seriously just a plate of tortilla chips with cheese melted over top. It was exactly the same thing I would make for myself when I was a lazy teenager. Although it was a large portion it was totally not worth the the price.
Everything else there is great though: the music, the atmosphere, the people-watching, etc. -
Review from Katie C.
Calgary, AB
10/24/2009
I think the Hop is becoming a victim of its own success.
It's nestled in an old house just off of 1st SW, and while it's been gutted to make an open space it still has that home-like feeling. It has great music (and they take requests. They once hooked up a friend's ipod!), tasty bar food favourites (try the nachos!), an awesome array of local beers and often resembles your super-cool friend's low-key house parties. There are pool tables and foosball upstairs, a balcony, and a variety of tables and benches to rest your drinks and hang out with your friends. For these reasons and more, I make my way down here pretty often.
The crowd is mostly made up of younger hipsters in their twenties and thirties looking for a quieter night out, and that is kind of the problem. Back in the day, before it became a "destination" you showed up, grabbed a table and settled in. Now on weekends the place is so crowded it can be very difficult to find a place to set your beer, much less sit down. There are only so many people you can squeeze in a house before it starts getting cramped, sweaty and a lot less relaxing. Not to mention the lines! The Hop has a tiny little bar that can comfortably fit only two bartenders. On a busy night it is not unusual to have to wait ten to twenty minutes to grab your drink.
My solution: we can just open a few more side-by-side so that everyone has a place to people-watch while keeping it on the down-low. -
Review from Chad W.
Calgary, AB
10/3/2008
Calgary needs more spots like the Hop. Sure, it's settled in a fifty-year-old house. But isn't that what everyone wants? The Hop In Brew has two floors that both provide ample seating on wooden chairs all situated around standard pub tables. A billiard table can be found on the top floor as well as a balcony (where smoking is prohibited; you can hit it up downstairs just outside).
A youthful crowd comes here for a quieter night -- one where you can hear what your friends are saying to you. They don't have a great deal of bar staff, so when it's busy it might take a while to nab yourself a drink. But the laid-back homey atmosphere makes it all worth it. -
Review from Monica L.
12/1/2008
I had the most delicious beer here: Alley Kat Full Moon Pale Ale. Nicely balanced with fruit, sweetness, and hops with a lovely scent. The Hop In Brew was the only place in Calgary that I noticed it on draught and this fact alone would lure me in time after time if I actually lived here.
The pub is in a converted house and feels a bit homey (not homely). It is pretty steady early in the evening and seems like a nice place to start the night off before the line begins to form. -
Review from Lindsay K.
Halifax, NS
10/30/2009 1 photo
Is it a house? Is it a pub? Well, it's both! This pub is awesome because it's been transformed from an old house into what it is now.
The outside looks like a house, it's got different rooms to drink in, and it has a tiny upstairs patio (probably coming off the 'master bedroom'). They actually have to put a giant PUB sign on the outside so people know what it is. It really is the neatest little place.
The downstairs, or main floor, of the pub has a bunch of seating and holds the main bar. It's located in what I would like to think of as the kitchen. The drinks in the kitchen aren't that ridiculous, and they offer a bunch of kinds... even the ones with fruit in them! The living room and dining room area hold the biggest and longest of the tables, so it's great for large parties. It even has giant bay windows that overlooks the front porch.
Upstairs is probably my favourite part, though. It has some seating as well as a pool and fuse ball tables. The pool table is the master bedroom, and the fuse ball table is in what I would assume to be the secondary bedroom.
I really like to think of this place a second home. Get it? Because it looks like a house. Anyways, it's totally awesome! -
Review from Jon K.
9/9/2010
They have great beer and damned good food. Plus the building is awesome and the clientèle is very cool.
-
Review from greg o.
2/4/2010
This is a good pub to come to when you want something different....it was a large house before so its laid out oddly, making for lots of smaller intimate quieter rooms. There are no TVs here, no loud music, and the beer selection is really interesting and can keep you busy for a while. The pizza here's pretty good, the appetizers I've had here have frankly been extremely weak. I can't comment on the cocktails, this is a brew pub! Come here when you want a premium or specialty draft beer in an offbeat setting with a hip younger crowd....I'm going after lunch to read a book and enjoy a pint
-
Review from Jennifer B.
Calgary, AB
4/18/2009
This is my favorite pub-a complete lack of TVs and loud music makes this the perfect place to have great conversation over a great selection of beers. And the pizza is to die for!
