I went to Hop Valley with my buddy and wife a few nights ago. We had dinner and a couple of pints. The restaurant atmosphere was typical. Food was well above normal. Far too may beers on the menu to remember (about 12?). I had their new release Stout, which was light for my taste (but it was at an introductory price of $3 a pint - can't really beat that). My wife had the Imperial Red, which was very good.

The Vanilla Porter was also at the table for a couple of pints. I've had the beer prior at another bar serving their brews & in a 22, so I knew the beer. One of my buddy's favorites, but not mine. I think the vanilla is too strong and tastes like extract.

Otherwise, it was a fantastic evening and the food was awesome - I love good cajun fries!

reviewed on: 2010-12-08 14:24:33

Hop Valley is located in a large cinder block building (largely clad in brick) in a generic business hotel part of town just off the highway (Interstate 5). They serve up some very tasty brews and are a worthy visit.

There are six regular brews on tap. The brewer is experienced and it shows in the quality. The Alphaholic IPA was quite good.

The brewery mash tun and brew kettle are visible through glass windows as you enter.

The space is mostly restaurant seating - some booths and a lot of tables - and is in a fairly generic style. There’s also a separate bar area that includes a small outdoor section with metal tables and chairs. The decorations are black & white historical photos of hop cultivation, i.e., growing hops, picking them, packaging them, etc. Hops were once grown commercially in this area, possibly even including at or very near the pub’s current location.

reviewed on: 2009-06-27 19:24:49