Morristown New Jersey might not be known as a craft beer centric town, but there are a few bars in town that are making the effort and HOPS is at the forefront.
The recently re-done Side Bar at the Famished Frog is under a new manager and has a new look and stellar beer list to compliment it with fresh draft offerings and a great bottle list.
If you have ever visited Side Bar, you would know that it was a very laid back environment compared to the bro bars that can be found else where in Morris Town. HOPS kept that feel giving the bar a hidden, speak easy kind of feel.
Manning the helm at HOPS is my good friend, Dustin Lee. No stranger to beer, Dustin has worked within the craft beer industry for most of his adult life, working at distributors, and even pouring at some of the best tap rooms in New Jersey.
Despite the two lines that have no place here, Dustin has curated a great draft selection and bottle list that is sure to please anyones palate. Being fans of the local beer movement, you can always find your Jersey favorites from, Carton, Kane, and Bolero Snort.
Beers are comparable to other draft lists around but the real kicker is the $4 craft beers during happy hour, Monday through Friday. That is a hell of deal if you ask me.
Keeping with the beer theme, the decor of the bar is a hodge podge of tackers from breweries near and far as well as these repurposed kegs and barrels.
Even growlers are finding a second life as light fixtures above the tables.
For those who are religious about beer.
Beer time! I had to grab the latest in the Hop Ticket series from Victory Brewing.
I brought along my buddy Justin on this trip and he was quite fond of Star Hill’s, Taste Of Honey.
Looking at the menu had our mouths watering.
Opting for a simple route, I had the Chicken sandwich with apple slaw.
Justin went for the cheesesteak.
The short rib fries were a no brainer. They were the perfect compliment to the hearty sandwiches.
Maybe there is a glimpse of hope for the craft beer scene in Morristown after all. With bars like HOPS popping up, we might just have our own, Blind Tiger-esq, kind of bar right here in North Jersey. Next time your in Morristown, take a quick trip to HOPS and knock a few pints back. The comfortable atmosphere and great beer selection will have you coming back in the future. Thanks to Dustin for having us out, we look forward to many pints at in the future.
-Brian