Hoppin’ Vines

Hoppin’ Vines (HV) is not a brewery and not a craft beer store so why am I writing about it? Why?…How about 40 craft beers on tap? As bar/restaurants go, having 40 craft beers on tap really makes you stand out. Once I had found out about the quality of craft beers on their menu, this place went on my to-do-list straight away. I have made it part of my routine to frequent their tap list to see what amazing beers may await me if I go. I can truly say I have never seen one of their tap lists that was disappointing. If you are a true craft beer aficionado, then this place will feel like home.

HV creates a wonderfully comfortable environment in which to enjoy some truly great beers and some truly delicious food. The interior is very roomy and with two outdoor patios which are open and connected to the interior it creates a very airy and spacious feel. The only complaint I could possibly come up with would be the presences of so many TV’s. I do not understand the trend towards having so many TV’s blaring noise. Not my favorite environment, but not something I would let stop me from enjoying HV.

The beer list is always changing and they really do know their craft beer. Some places say they have craft beer and end up with several beers from giant commercial breweries and maybe one or two that could possibly fall into a craft beer category. The only beer out of 40 that I would not say is craft would be Guinness. You could make a good argument that Guinness is the original craft beer (and I love a Guinness) but still it is not technically a craft beer at this point (based on how commercial it is). HV curates a wonderful list of local and national craft beer treasures. They even tend to have several beers that are only found on tap here and are specially made for them.

If the beer is what makes you want to come here…the food and fun will certainly make you want to return again and again. The food at HV comes from Delicio. Delicio creates some very tasty pizzas but they also make some other really awesome edibles. We had an order of the dry rubbed chicken wings and the artichoke dip. The wings were fantastic and the artichoke dip was in a league of its own. Many places seem to simply go through the steps to put out a generic artichoke dip but Delicio creates a dip that stands out amongst so many boring versions that you find out there. Cheesy, smoky deliciousness with some really great bread and crackers to go with it. I was very pleased with our food. I look forward to returning and sampling more from their menu. The Duckpin bowling is another attractor here. Think of Duckpin bowling as miniature bowling. It looked like fun, however we did not try it this go around.

Not into craft beer (really?), HV has an excellent wine list and for those who enjoy bourbon, they have got quite the list here as well. I go for the craft beer but I am tempted by the wine list every time. There is something for everyone at HV, great food, great beer, great wine, great bourbon and great fun. If you live or visit the Cincinnati area this should be high on your list. You will not be disappointed.

https://www.hoppinvines.com/