HopCat

smcolw from Massachusetts

4.19/5  rDev -0.9%
vibe: 3.75 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4.25

There are 30 local (read: Minnesota) beers on tap at all times. There are even more beers from outside of Minnesota on tap and nearly two dozen bottles.

The bartender was attentive and knowledgeable of the selection, particularly the locals. Both of his suggestions were excellent.

I didn't try the food but the selection was (surprise) burgers, sandwiches and pizzas.

Sep 04, 2018

cratez from Canada (ON)

3.51/5  rDev -17%
vibe: 3.75 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3 | selection: 3.75 | food: 4

Visited on a recent work trip to Minneapolis and Saint Paul.

Tried the following:
Fair State Mirror Universe (draft)
Odell Isolation Ale 2018 (draft)

The Mirror Universe was mind-blowing while the Isolation seemed oxidized/past its prime. Tap selection was large and varied but not quite as strong as other HopCats that I’ve been to (Grand Rapids, Indianapolis, Detroit). Had the Buddha Bowl for dinner; it was very good. Nice view of the streetscape sitting at the bar. Service was below average as the bartender disappeared on me a couple times and I had to wait a while to order my second beer. My overall experience was decent, and I would possibly come back.

Apr 10, 2020

REVZEB from Illinois

4.28/5  rDev +1.2%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5

May 17, 2019

Vidblain from Minnesota

4.31/5  rDev +1.9%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.25 | food: 4.25

Stopped by Hop Cat to check out the 10th anniversary party - had several pours prior to checking out the Dangerous Man barrel-aged Imperial Chocolate Milk Stout and Liftbridge barrel-aged Silhouette release parties.

My feelings about Hop Cat are largely mixed, due mostly to the cost of the place. I did get to taste several limited beers for the anniversary party, but the cost was not insignificant. Between friends, we had six or so beers, and we all had bills in excess of $30 per person. Just lunch and two beers each (one beer, for one person - and still $30). This did not impress me much, particularly as the Java Ten Fidy pour was probably only 4oz or so, and $12.

Was the locale nice enough? Sure. It's downtown Minneapolis - the positives are, it's on a ton of bus lines, and right next to the train. It's perfect fora crawl, particularly given the great local list of taps. My recommendation re: food? Eat somewhere cheaper. I had a pulled pork sandwich - which was good - and the tab was $13 for the sandwich alone, as I recall.

Nice spot, good location, convenient to exploring they city - but awfully expensive.

Jan 22, 2018

Jordan1242 from Minnesota

5/5  rDev +18.2%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 5

I first came to HopCat for the sweet beer list, but then I discovered crack fries. Life has been changed forever. The staff and managers are very knowledgeable. I will be coming back for sure!

Oct 26, 2017

gatornation from Minnesota

4.06/5  rDev -4%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.25 | food: 4

Right off of the Light Rail 5th St Tower stop, its on the bottom of The Nic on 5Th Apartments. A beautiful serpentine shaped outdoor patio is great for outdoor seating. Inside is a round bar with 80 taps with seating again that winds in a serpentine shape lots of wood decor. First 25 or so taps are all from MN, then 50 or so are regional, a very nice selection of breweries with a few rare or harder to find taps. Service was good and prices were marginally high, Liked this place and would go back again.

Sep 09, 2017