HopCat

mrs_bretina

Michigan

4.43/5  rDev -4.5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 5 | food: 4.25 | $$

WOW! We are so fortunate to have this bar just a few minutes from our home! We frequent this fairly often, but aren't quite "regulars". This space was originally a grocery store with very high ceilings, tin/wood ceiling, and a beautiful wood bar. Hopcat does brew its own beer, but its real claim to fame, in my opinion, is the amazing beer selection that they constantly rotate through their menu. Some draft, some bottled, always served in the best glass for the style of beer. If you see something on tap that you want - be sure to get it while you can, because the next time you're there - it may not be available.

I love that they have special events to showcase beers that are extremely limited in the United States. The only downside is - you'll never taste that beer again. BUT - what an opportunity to taste the amazing craft brews from around the world as well as the neighborhood.

They have a great bar food menu and if the name doesn't get you - the taste sure will - especially for the crack fries - they're just that addictive!

For anyone who loves craft beer and is in Grand Rapids, be sure to stop in!

03-20-2013 17:14:07 | More by mrs_bretina

bgramer

Washington

4.45/5  rDev -4.1%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4 | $$

This bar, in the shadow of the sports arena was a godsend to a Chicagoan on a road trip.

Their tap selection of craft beers is phenomenal, and the best part is, you can take home growlers of anything on tap. I took home Short's Huma Lupa Licious and SoftParade.

I ordered the cheeseburger with bacon and jalapenos which was quite tasty but their fries are definitely addictive with a tangy seasoning and i think, some subtle garlic lime salt. Yum.

If I didn't live in Chicago, I'd be coming to this place quite often.

03-28-2008 19:06:10 | More by bgramer

kbeals

Florida

4.45/5  rDev -4.1%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 5 | food: 4 | $$

This place was very cool and I was very happy I made the stop here. The atmosphere was great, especialy since the main area is non-smoking, really allows you to enjoy your beer. The place was packed when I was there. Service was pretty good, and their selection was awesome, at least compared to what I'm used to. I believe they have around 50 drafts and 150 bottles if I remember right. Food wasn't bad, a little pricey however. There beer though was a lot cheaper than I thougth it would be. Overall, an excellent establishment and a definite recommendation to anyone.

03-15-2009 14:07:35 | More by kbeals

beerguru15

Michigan

4.45/5  rDev -4.1%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 5 | food: 4 | $$$

I recently went to Hop Cat right before heading to Van Andel for a concert

When walking into the brewpub you're presented with quite a few tables, the bar and in the distance the vats themselves. The place had a really great atmosphere, with the clientele ranging from younger college kids to older groups. Just the overall vibe you felt welcome and that it would be a great place to come and relax with friends.

the overall quality was good, for both the food and the beer. Which it almost had to have been for what you were paying for it which I'll mention at the end. Seemed like everyone was enjoying their meal and was top notched.

The service was pretty good, the girl waiting on us was attentive and friendly. It took a bit a times for her to come back to the table but it was busy so in a ways understandable.

The selection obviously was the high point of the pub and one of the main reasons why we stopped their first...I believe they have 49 beers on tap, with quite a wide selection to choose from. I ended up getting their Winter Warmer which wasn't bad, I choose that as I figured rather get something that they brew when you can get the rest anywhere else, but it definitely gives plenty of opportunities for the future to try and in a ways was overwhelming with so many options.

The food also was pretty good. There was a nice assortment of different items to choose from which ranged in prices and portions. I ended up getting a BBQ Chicken Sandwich which was quite tasty. Also as many others have mentioned the crack fries were pretty good too.

Food wise the place wasn't really that bad price wise, but beer it seemed like the cheapest one was 4.50 and quite a few were over 6. Though some were higher in alcohol, many were that price for a normal beer brewed in Michigan.

Overall an awesome place to go to and defiantly recommend in the Grand Rapids area...pretty much there's something for everyone and the selection is quite amazing. I'll defiantly be stopping in again!

12-10-2010 05:45:22 | More by beerguru15

Labonix

Illinois

4.45/5  rDev -4.1%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5 | $$

This is a must if you're ever in Grand Rapids. They have a huge selection of beers to choose from both bottle and on tap. I liked how they had the beer menu set up. The beers were split up into differnt catagories based on the style of beer. The bartenders do a nice job with the service even though they have a full bar to tend. The food here was really good and it wasn't too pricey. It wasn't a long wait for my food after I placed my order. I would actually say that this place is worth a 30min or so wait for a seat.

10-09-2011 19:19:26 | More by Labonix

jeonseh

Indiana

4.45/5  rDev -4.1%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 5 | food: 4.5 | $$

Hopcat is a must goto stop if you are in Grand Rapids. They have a huge and great beer list. When we were there, they had Kuhnhenn Imperial Creme Brûlée and All Hallows Ale on tap as well as Shorts Black Cherry Porter.

The food was solid bar food. The ice cream sandwich, which changes every so often, was amazing! The cookies are super thick and the ice cream is nice and creamy. They had a mexican hot chocolate one when we were there that had a spicy bite.

Service was good enough but nothing to write home about.

11-22-2012 16:56:13 | More by jeonseh

mynie

Indiana

4.46/5  rDev -3.9%
vibe: 4 | quality: 5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | $$$

I had no idea Grand Rapids was so big: The CSA has about a million and a half people, making it just a tick small than Indianapolis. Shouldn't they have a sports team or something? I'm sure Western Michigan is a fine institution, but there football team isn't FBS and therefore their school doesn't count as being real.

The downtown area is weird. It is large, it is filled with people and things, but because of arbitrary cultural prejudices, it also feels illegitimate. There's no Wrigley Field moment, where the first time you see a Grand Rapids landmark you go "whoa, there's X!" So even though I'd heard of Hopcat, I nearly walked right past it when I saw it.

Likewise, I was not immediately impressed with the place, even though I should have been. The bar stretched on forever, and there were literally a billion taps (my math might be off here).

We sat down and were handed laminated beer menus. My companion is new to the beer travelin' scene so I explained to her how these menus ain't always the best thing, since they get so quickly out of date. Then she goes "that's probably why they have that," and pointed toward a kickass chalkboard that had two columns on it. One column said "RUNNING OUT." The other "WILL BE REPLACED BY." That's awesome, and it made me start paying attention.

The menu was organized by style, not by brand or in alphabetical order. A pithy description of each beer was given, including style, ABV, IBU, and a line or two listing off its more salient characteristics. A list like that takes time to make.

The taps included a wide range of locals, midwestern/great lakes staples, interesting Belgian and Scandinavian imports, and a hearty selection of rares and one-offs from all around the globe. There was a beer for every mood and all of its was good.

The vibe was friendly, but a little Grand Rapidsy. I don't know how to describe it: we were certainly welcomed, but I couldn't figure out the pulse of the place well enough to really ingratiate myself into it. Still, the crowd was older and polite--there were no undergrads, no people in business suits, and no screaming drunkards. That's pretty good.

A definite must-stop.

06-21-2012 16:28:43 | More by mynie

Billolick

New York

4.5/5  rDev -3%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 5 | $$

Great looking room, large, high ceilings, huge windows looking out onto the active GR night life scene. Large bar area, all the beers on a large chalk board. 40 or so taps, great selection of multiple Michigan selections and all star choices from around the world. They are starting up their own brewery in the rear of the place and the fermenters were on display. Outside seating area. Beers served in appropriate glassware. Beer obviously being respected here. Pleasurable place for a visit, I'd be here often if I was local. (About 10 minutes drive to Sicicliano market and 3-5 mins from Founders)

08-18-2008 00:17:39 | More by Billolick

tmoneyba

Ohio

4.5/5  rDev -3%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | $$

Directly on Ionia Street with parking lot on the side and street parking. Clean brick and wood older building with bar on right and tables in front and on the left. Forty plus taps with list on chalk board on wall. All were drinkable brews with many Michigan selections. Freindly bartender and staff with good knowledge. They have brewing equipment for future brewing operation. Interesting selection of distilled products. Reviewed good menu, but did not have food. Interesting location and well worth the visit if you are within an hours drive of Grand Rapids.

01-18-2009 01:14:04 | More by tmoneyba

brewandbbq

New Hampshire

4.5/5  rDev -3%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | $$

Stopped in here post-KBS release party. About a five minute walk from Founders.

After Founders, this place was packed also. A decent sized bar with lots of brass tap towers displaying all the tap markers. Plenty of woodwork and the place is spotless. Lots of seating (for a smallish bar), and a small area up stairs has more. A brew house sits out back, and they had a few of thier own brews on tap. I had the Belgian Dubble which was damn tasty.
Selection is regional heavy (almost exclusive). Dark Horse, Shorts, Arcadia, Livery, Atwater, Founders, Arbor, Bells, etc. A great line up with Belgians, IPAs, Stouts, and odd balls thrown in.

Service was decent, as I was able to get a beer at the bar as soon as I was able to catch the eye of a bartender.

I didn't try any food, and I don't know if they even serve it. There was no place to sit so I scooted after one. I could definately see spending some serious time here though.

03-19-2009 19:09:52 | More by brewandbbq