The Hoppy Monk

The Hoppy MonkThe Hoppy Monk
The Hoppy MonkThe Hoppy Monk
Bar, Eatery

4141 N Mesa St
El Paso, Texas, 79902-1419
United States

(915) 307-3263 | map
thehoppymonk.com
PLACE STATS
Average:
4.64
Reviews:
17
Ratings:
28
pDev:
7.97%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by hexdi:
Photo of hexdi
Reviewed by hexdi from Texas

4.8/5  rDev +3.4%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 5
As a beer fan, this is the best bar I've been to in El Paso.

Great atmosphere and a knowledgeable and friendly staff. There are hundreds of beers to choose from with almost 70 on tap (Amazing amount of choices for a place in El Paso).

The owner loves beer so much he sat outside, in the cold, with my friend and I just to have a chat about the brews we chose. He really knows his stuff.

The building itself is big enough. Inside there are booths and some tables in addition to the bar. Outside there is a nice patio with tables to sit at and small wood bars if you want to stand.

If you're not near the bar, don't worry. At night there are servers floating around keeping the place clean and taking orders.

This is the place to be for serious beer drinkers.
Nov 14, 2011
More User Ratings:
 
Rated: 5 by Beergod420 from Michigan

Feb 12, 2024
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Reviewed by CBlack85 from South Carolina

4.44/5  rDev -4.3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.75 | service: 4 | selection: 4.75 | food: 4.25
While in El Paso on business I was advised that if I enjoyed good beer, the Hoppy Monk was the place to go.

The place is dimly lit with a fairly large bar and a seating area with wooden tables and chairs. The place definitely has a hole in the wall type feel. There is a wide variety of both food and beer; with 50-60 taps all of which were taken by craft beers, many of which were rare/hard to find. As far as the food goes I had the rabbit tacos and would highly recommend them to anyone.

The bartender was friendly and very knowledgeable about the beers, not much of a conversationalist but attentive and made several good recommendations.

If you ever find yourself in El Paso the Hoppy Monk is a must visit.
Apr 24, 2018
 
Rated: 4.65 by brandonwnw from Washington

Aug 30, 2016
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Reviewed by twincano from Texas

3.2/5  rDev -31%
vibe: 2.5 | quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 3 | food: 2.5
Great selection for beers, high prices, food not even average for a pub tavern type, servers beer tenders seem only to care about the people they know, an ok bar to go grab a new beer in draft and move right after!
Mar 30, 2015
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Rated by bauerodb from Texas

4.6/5  rDev -0.9%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4.75 | service: 4.5 | selection: 5 | food: 3
Another great beer tasting spot.
Jan 08, 2015
Photo of LittleDog
Reviewed by LittleDog from Texas

4.71/5  rDev +1.5%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.75 | selection: 5 | food: 5
I was in El Paso one night only, for work. I googled "El Paso Beer." The Monk seemed the best result, although I will say, the actual Hoppy Monk is incredibly better than the web site.

I loved everything about the Monk (other than it's 500 miles from me.) I hear a new one opened in San Antonio.
Dec 28, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by bhuff10 from New York

Aug 10, 2014
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Reviewed by ONovoMexicano from New Mexico

3.94/5  rDev -15.1%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4 | service: 3.75 | selection: 4.5
Awite, on tap selection, yes, this place is legit and I can see why it has popped up on "Best Craft Beer Bars in America" lists and all that jazz. There are tons of great taps for the craft beer lover and the prices are reasonable.

Prairie Bomb!, Chocolate Oak Aged Yeti from Great Divide, Duchesse du Bourgogne, the list was robust. I was happy with what I got here. Plus the staff knew their beer and weren't the pretentious, arrogant types that can come with a craft beer establishment.

But there are some things I"m not particularly impressed by at The Hoppy Monk. The place smells like shit. Like acrid, dirty mop water that has been used to clean up vomit. The smell pervaded the place and made it hard to enjoy my beers.

Then there's the insultingly high price for bottled beers here. Every beer is marked up 100% it seems. $20 bottles in stores were going here for $40+. And these weren't rarities. I think I saw the ubiquitous Arrogant Bastard bombers going for like $15. This is highway robbery, man.

I didn't try the food because the off-putting smell wasn't conducive for eating, so I can't speak much on that.

I'd say this is a place you pay homage to, grab a beer or two---particularly the rarities they seem to get--- and then be on your way.
Aug 05, 2014
 
Rated: 5 by bowzer4birdie from Illinois

Jul 28, 2014
 
Rated: 5 by marcelosomohano from Mexico

Jul 28, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by diamond_mind from Utah

Jul 18, 2014
 
Rated: 4.75 by lmr275rgr from North Carolina

Jul 15, 2014
 
Rated: 4.75 by Steve1312

Jun 29, 2014
Photo of DanThaMan85
Reviewed by DanThaMan85 from Texas

4.33/5  rDev -6.7%
vibe: 3.75 | quality: 5 | service: 3 | selection: 5 | food: 4.5
Surprised by the selection of beers probably one of the best in El Paso. The quality of food was always good. Prices are a little high for the food but I thought the beer pricing was good. All beers are served in the recommended glasses for each style.
Feb 12, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by Drumm3r77 from Texas

Jan 13, 2014
Photo of zachgroves
Reviewed by zachgroves from Texas

4.66/5  rDev +0.4%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4.75 | service: 4.75 | selection: 4.5 | food: 5
Best selection in El Paso by far. Always have great specials, the food is top notch,and there's, of course, lots of tasty beer. It is home to 70 taps or so, and they rotate them out regularly so there's always something new to try. I have discovered many a good brew here.
Sep 14, 2013
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Reviewed by aty11b from Texas

4.5/5  rDev -3%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 5 | food: 4
My friends and I are regulars here every Tuesday. The atmosphere is great for going out with buddies to have a few drinks and also if you are going out on business. Not only does it have the best selection of beer in all of el paso the food is exceptional as well. The beer is a little pricey though. I can understand why but for some of the more common craft brew its kinda ridiculous. The excellent food is very reasonably priced on the other hand. If you love beer, food, and a comfortable environment for any arangement, I would hit this place up. Also if you order the beer of the day on Tuesday you get to keep the glass free of charge.
May 13, 2013
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Reviewed by MountianSledHead from California

4.73/5  rDev +1.9%
vibe: 4.75 | quality: 4.75 | service: 4.5 | selection: 5 | food: 4.5
This place ROCKS. I go to El Paso on business a lot. It is a excellent way to end the day. Amazing selection of beer on tap and great athmosphere. You need to check out the fountian on the back patio. I am going to do this at my cabin very cool. The food is typical bar menu but I have never had anything that was not good.
Feb 28, 2013
Photo of GJ40
Reviewed by GJ40 from North Carolina

4.82/5  rDev +3.9%
vibe: 4.75 | quality: 4.75 | service: 5 | selection: 4.75
When you think El Paso, you don't think world class beer bar. But the Hoppy Monk could be in any city in the world and would still be one of the best around; and in most cases the best. I found them on BA and decided to stop by while in El Paso on business for one night.

The place was dark and the lot was mostly empty when we pulled in but there were a few people heading in so we asked them what was up. They said it was closed for an employee party. When they heard we were in from out of town, they invited us in for a couple. Beto then went out of his way to introduce us to the place and make us feel welcome. These guys know their beer and love what they do.

The atmosphere is exactly what I like... Interesting, comfortable and authentic without being pretentious or refined. The taps are perfectly displayed behind the bar and every one is a winner. We had a Belgian IPA that I can't recall and a Lagunitas Sucks. Both were fresh and well presented.

I'm going to do everything I can to get back to El Paso for a full night at The Hoppy Monk. I really want to try the food. You locals have it made.
Jan 22, 2013
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Reviewed by FutureJack from California

4.45/5  rDev -4.1%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 5 | food: 4
Loved this place. Checked out reviews on Yelp when I knew I would be staying overnight in El Paso on my way home to California.

El Paso is lucky to have a bar this great. I wish there was a beer bar this good in my hometown.

70 taps, great food. Relaxed but lively atmosphere. I would be here all the time if this bar was in my town.

Great crosss-section of styles. Only thing missing was draft sour beer (although they did serve Duchess - so they did have one).

Beers from Colorado, Texas, Oregon, California, New York, New Mexico, Belgium of course... And that's just what I can remember now.

Go!
Nov 27, 2012
Photo of CCW
Reviewed by CCW from California

5/5  rDev +7.8%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 5
I stopped by here my last night in El Paso in March and quickly wished I had stopped by more. The staff is extremely friendly and knowledgeable. They recommended (at my request) beers to follow the ones that I tried and I was more than impressed with their recommendations. We discussed what types of beers that I like and they were easily able to point me towards beers that I would enjoy. The beer selection is by far the absolute best in El Paso with an insane variety of styles available on draft and in bottle. The patrons there are just as friendly as the staff making a very relaxing place to socialize and enjoy a few good pints. Definitely a must even if you are passing through and only have time for lunch.
Oct 04, 2012
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Reviewed by depena from Texas

4.88/5  rDev +5.2%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 5 | food: 5
This is a unique brew pub; it has something special. The owners, bartenders, and the servers are special people. No franchise atmosphere, marketing gimmicks, or fake window dressing; it is a genuine brew pub. The atmosphere and wood decor would lead you to believe it was built and well-kept for the last 80 years, though it is quite new.
They make it a point of rotating their beers with special brews, joint brews, seasonal beers, and hard to get limited beers. The range and variety of brews is all-encompassing. They love beer, know their beer, study and analyze their beer, and they drink beer.
If you're into single malt scotch, they got that too. While I've yet to eat there, Beto told me some of the customers who do eat there, don't drink beer (go figure). However bizarre that may sound, the point is the food got to be darn good. Their choice of entrees is an indication of how they put emphasis on quality as their menu consists of various organic selections.
This is one comfortable place. I love this place.
Aug 06, 2012
Photo of Adele2012
Reviewed by Adele2012

4.85/5  rDev +4.5%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 4
Not only is this the best place for craft beers in El Paso, it is likely the best PLACE in El Paso. I have been going here regularly since it opened shortly after I moved here in Nov 2010. I have attended a beer/cheese pairing, and last week attended a beer dinner hosted by Stone and Duvel USA. They give out a special glass on Tuesdays. I have a love for craft beers but haven't been exploring it for very long. I have also brewed two home brews. The Monk recently opened their kitchen, and I would have to label it "contemporary bar food." had the best burger of my life there recently with arugula and a fried egg on top. The service is excellent, and the staff knows their stuff..it is down the street from the University of Texas El Paso, and although the beers can get pricey, especially for a college budget, they always have a crowd. I am a member of their "Hoptimist Club." haha. Love this place. SERIOUS business here if you are a beer connoisseur.
Jun 02, 2012
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Reviewed by firkinhophead from Georgia

4.44/5  rDev -4.3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 5
Nice to find a place like this in El Paso, where Bud Light and Mexican Loggers are the norm. Apparently open less than a year, it was quite lively on a Thursday night.

Beautiful copper backed tap wall with a good 30 beers on draught ranging from Chimay to locals like Real Ale from Blanco, Tex. Stone, DFH, Bear Republic, Tremens, Dechutes, etc. Very nice selection. Didn't even look at the bottle list but it is upwards of 100 beers, plus single malts and cigars.

Smoking patio in front has sold wood picnic tables and bar rails for standing. I sat at the bar and talked with a drunken old man who new his beer better than you would think, then with a newly arrived grad student at UTEP. Good mix of young and old, chicano and gringo. Music was a bit too clubby for me, but not to the point of irritation. Couple of big screen tvs over the bar, but they were turned down and did not dominate the room. Service was prompt and friendly.

If you are a beer geek in town on business or pleasure, this is probably the best beer bar in town. Great place.
Jul 15, 2011
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Reviewed by walterbyers from Texas

4.94/5  rDev +6.5%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5
The beer selection at this place is insane given it's geographic location. The ever-changing variety of world class beers is vast and formidable. Hard to find beers (for Texas and surrounding areas) can be found here (ex. St. Arnold's Divine Reserve, Real Ale Mysterium Verum, Dogfishhead Burton Baton, Deschutes The Abyss etc..). Service was prompt and friendly; they sometimes run out of a few draft beers, like any beer bar, but they were quick to suggest a comparable replacement. Prices are super reasonable without being dirt cheap. Overall excellent value and atmosphere. Music could be better when crowded.
Mar 27, 2011
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Reviewed by ZenAgnostic from Texas

4.94/5  rDev +6.5%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5
Enormous beer selection of a bar; the largest in El Paso, particularly on draught.

You can buy several different varieties of "flights", which is basically 5 different tasting-sized beers from around the world set on top of a plank of wood. Great way to get up to speed on your ex-beer-ience for under 10 bucks.

The bartenders are very friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable.

The beer selection here is amazing both in quality and quantity. No typical "domestics" here.

Beers are all served in their appropriate glassware. Tuesday nights is "Glass Night", where you get to keep the logo glassware for specified brew(s).

If you're serious about your beer and live in El Paso, this place is likely your second home.

I was also told that they might be looking at doing some cask-conditioned and/or cellared beers in the future, possibly even food. Definitely check the place out!
Mar 05, 2011
The Hoppy Monk in El Paso, TX
Place rating: 4.64 out of 5 with 28 ratings