I absolutely love Hops Culture, and it is my favorite beer bar in Aspen. There are a ton of beers on tap and in bottles. Every beer drinker will find something they love here! I am usually strictly a hard liquor girl, but I love this place so much. First and foremost, Hops Culture has fantastic service at the bar, and this is my favorite place to sit. The outside service is good as well but more relaxed. Where I sit depends on what I am in the mood for. However, if you sit at the bar, I hope Zach is there because he is the best bartender of staff. Other than Zach, everyone else is nice as well. I really love fruit beers, and I would recommend the Apricot Blonde on draft. It is very Apricot-y and light. It is perfect on a warm summer afternoon. There is also a delicious cider on tap that is light as well. With tax, either of these drinks cost $6.86, which isn't too terrible for Aspen. The bartenders will help you find a draft you love if you just ask for some help! The food I have sampled here is delicious as well. During happy hour, the pretzel bites are only $4, and the come with a side of beer cheese. The pretzel bites are delicious and a great snack. I ordered the mac and cheese ($10) once as well. It was super creamy, but the bread crumbs and entree had too much salt for my taste. I would recommend getting the mac and cheese without breadcrumbs to reduce the salt. The one thing that I wish I could have tried is the smores dessert. It went past me one night and looked amazing. Love this place!
(5)
Jerad L.
Hops Culture scores serious points for its beer selection & outdoor seating. I sat out on the wooden benches in the middle of the pedestrian street. I highly recommend ordering a stein of beer (for around $13!) when coming here. They have HUGE selection of beer. The food is pretty darn good - I had the Royale With Cheese & my friends had appetizers. The price seemed pretty high for a cheeseburger ($17), but hey it's Aspen... If you want to come to a cool hangout spot outside for food and drinks, come here!
(4)
Corey C.
Micro brew beer and gourmet Mac and cheese. Under the sun and cool mountain breeze. This place caught our eye as we made our way down the Downtown Aspen promenade because of the shaded outdoor seating. Their beer and spirit list is impressive. We tried three different kinds of gourmet Mac and cheese dishes. The "Classic" is unbeatable with shells, white cheddar, gouda, and toasted bread crumbs. The leek Mac was amazing too. We were divided on the gluten free Shitake Mac. The flavors were good, but the GF pasta was gritty. One in our party said the dish tasted like bad hummus. Others loved the crispy mushrooms. The dishes are a little pricey at $10-14 for Mac and cheese, but given the ingredients and location, are justifiable. Yum.
(5)
Lindsay K.
So good we went here twice in one weekend. Excellent beer list (duh). We came here for happy hour, and their prices were great. Would recommend the deviled eggs and pretzel bites with a beer cheese sauce.
(4)
Molly H.
I really enjoyed Hops Culture! The food was very good- I ordered a few different appetizers rather than one entree so I could sample several things. All of them were great, but the tiny tacos are not to be missed! Especially if you think miniature things are adorable, you'll love them. They were tiny but filling. The Mac and Cheese is their signature dish, and it didn't disappoint! My only gripes are that since the dining room is a little subterranean, it got so loud I had to move outside as I was getting a headache from the noise. Not sure if it's possible, but some sound deadening treatment on the ceiling or walls would maybe help? Second, when we ordered some beer samples to see what we wanted to order in our flight, the guy (not our normal server) just came and quickly dropped them off at the table with no explanation. So we sat there with four beer samples and had no idea which was which. He had a sticky note that said, but he took it with him without a word. Would have been way nicer if he'd drop off the samples and the note so we could tell what to order. Anyway, the beers we ended up trying were outstanding, and we finished our meal with the flaming smores, which were TO DIE FOR. Definitely save room in your belly for those- you won't regret it! There are four to an order, so you could easily split between 4 people after a meal. We both ate two and I left more uncomfortably full than I would have liked! This is definitely a good choice for a casual, yet delicious dinner and some brews in Aspen!
(4)
Steph G.
"Brews with views" should be their tag line. I think I'm more in love with the view from the patio than anything else, but a cold beer doesn't hurt either. :) If you're looking for a fun, less pretentious place to hang in Aspen this is your spot.
(4)
John S.
Only tried this place once and was impressed. Great brew and great burgers. Was priced a little high but so is everything else in Aspen. But I loved the atmosphere of the place. They also have lots of outdoor seating which is real nice. I will try this place again. I really like the beer. Lots to choose from and lots of samplers.
(4)
Joy B.
So good! This place is super cute! And the food is VERY good. We got the Falafel Wrap, Mac & Cheese, tomato soup and the Hops Cobb. We weren't sure what to expect at the bar, but this is much better than just "bar food". I highly recommend it! We will be back.
(5)
Brittney H.
I've been here a few times as my husband works out of Aspen. A few things- awesome beers (if you have questions, ask) and awesome food. Loved the deviled eggs and loved the Mac n cheese! Come here- you won't regret it!
(5)
Joanell S.
Nice outdoor tables. Yummy beer and cider and a guy who knew his stuff. I know service was dicey for the table next to us, but we had no issues. Just went for a drink so cant comment on the food, but loved the area - nice, relaxed square with no cars.
(4)
Lauren J.
We were so excited to find a normal priced happy hour in Aspen. We sat outside by the pet boutique, so we got to people and dog watch. The beer list was good, the hh snacks were awesome too. We had the deviled eggs, which were served on a molten lava hot cast iron pan which I didn't understand. We also had the pretzel bites... also molten lava hot. Everything was delicious though and this will definitely be our go to for future trips. The staff was also very friendly.
(4)
Jill V.
I visited Hops Culture by myself recently when I visited Aspen for a conference. The space is pleasant - cool and comfortable. It wasn't obvious whether I could sit outside and be served so I went in and asked. It took about 5 minutes for a waiter to come take my order. He was very pleasant and helpful. The beer selection is fantastic. My first menu selection was out so I tried the falafel wrap with slaw. It was very tasty.
(4)
John J.
went here twice over a long weekend- both times for happy hour. sat outside in the sun, had great service, affordable beers (huge selection) and incredible food. For Aspen, its hard to beat this place. Chill vibe, good mix of locals and tourists, and right in the center of everything. give it a shot.
(5)
Saleh A.
I gave this restaurant one star because this is the lowest possible. Terrible food to say the least. Should I start with the overly salted royale or the most disgusting thing I have ever tasted the prime ribeye, or perhaps the tasteless french dip sliders? you name it! I would not recommend this shithole they call a restaurant to anyone. By the way I'm a tourist and I have nothing against the place. P.S. there seems to be a lot of students in the place if that's of any importance.
(1)
Daniel S.
Pros. Great beers, great selection of beers. Great burgers. Cons. Sides could be more diverse.
(4)
Nika G.
As much as I adore Aspen, the dining options are slightly above my preferred price point, so it's awesome that Hops Culture is now open! Though I did not try any of their food during this trip, the menu had some great selections that were reasonably priced! The selection of beers was unique and had something for everyone. The interior is cozy and I can imagine it gets super packed during peak season. I especially loved the outdoor community seating where you can people watch and enjoy your beer in the nice weather!
(4)
Jameson S.
During X Games a number of coworkers were checking this place out since it was new and has a great beer list. We went during the après ski hour on a Wednesday night and had no problem at all getting a table or seats at the bar. Used the check in offer for a flight of three beers. Went with some server recommendations and tried to skew local. Unfortunately none of the three (house pale ale, freaky fish IPA and old Rasputin) were all that amazing but it was still nice to try three new beers. We started with an order of the deviled eggs and pretzel bites since they were on après special and both were a good decision. Eggs have a nice little kick to them and dipping cheese with the pretzels is excellent. For entrees I tried the turkey melt and the sister got the special lamb meatballs. Both were great decisions at the end. Sandwich came with some homemade bbq chips which at the end of the meal had to go unfinished since I was so stuffed. Sister really enjoyed her meatballs as well. All in all I am happy we gave hops a try. It seems like a place you could spend many hours trying a variety of beers. Service was decent but probably could have been slightly more attentive, only small gripe we had.
(4)
Amie J.
Aw man. Came in after hiking in the Maroon Bells area for some lunch. Awesome that we had the option to choose where we wanted to sit! I highly recommend sitting INSIDE where the servers hang out so maybe they won't forget about you. Upon realizing the water on the table is left at room temperature, we decided not to order any other drinks...those might come out room temp as well. We asked our first server for ice, which never came, and then asked our new server which finally did the trick. Our first server came out to greet us, took our orders, we asked if we could substitute the slaw on the tacos for regular lettuce, unfortunately she told us they didn't have lettuce...which still leaves me wondering how they have salads on the menu without any lettuce in the kitchen. Weird. We ended up ordering the Big Tex? Turkey sandwich and pretzel bites. Pretzels were yummy! Sandwich was just another turkey panini. One entree to share took 45 min from order time to get to our table. We later realized our server had left and a new server had taken over. Which is no excuse to leave customers waiting for so long. Can't imagine how this place gets by with the service standards they have at a busy time of day.
(1)
Laura Z.
Hops culture looks shiny and new and reminds me of home (Milwaukee). Lots of fun unique beers on tap and even more in the bottle. The bartender helped make recommendation for a flight, and I enjoyed trying the different beers, each one that I haven't tried before. It's a little pricey compared to what I'm used to, but so is everything in Aspen, so no surprise here. They had dragon's milk on tap and that actually wasn't too expensive (for a 10% abv beer).
(4)
Cullen E.
Had dinner here last night and really enjoyed the experience. I had the bacon Mac & cheese and couldn't have been happier with my choice. The bacon was top quality and made the Mac and cheese even more delicious. The wife has the matzo ball soup and was raving. As has been noted, they have an incredible beer selection, with thirty something on tap. During our visit they were offering a buy one, get one for the pumpkin draft beers. I took advantage of the quasi-flight which was three six-ounce pours of any draft beer for $11. The Big Bad Baptist and Smoked & Oaked (both by Epic) were ridiculously awesome. Definitely give this place a try, you won't regret it.
(5)
Frances G.
Hell yea, this place is rocking with beer selections. Better yet - they have a flight of three tasters that are 6oz. each. Not a bad dealio. A slew of brews await you and by the time you've chosen your beer, you've worked up a raging appetite only to be met by a solid list of brew pub fare. Considering the beer would fill me up, I opted for the Hops Chops salad. Complete with avacado, romaine, sun dried tomato, black bean, pumpkin seeds, crunchy tortilla, red pepper, fresh cheese, green goddess dressing topped with chunky, delicious Albacore tuna - I was one happy (and kinda buzzed) camper. The service and space are both super nice and offer a great variety to the Aspen dining and drinking scene. Maybe not in the mood for fancy? This place is for you. With outdoor seating to bar and lounge seating, the expansive venue makes for any sort of get-together with good friends and good beer.
(5)
Natasha V.
Me and my family we look for something light and ordered the tomato soup bread bowl (which was ok but tasted and looked exactly like pasta marinara sauce so i dont recommend it), miso mac & cheese (good- highly recommend for vegans), the mini chicken tacos (which were nothing special according to my brother), ceviche (really good), and Spanish fries (sooo delish!). The service was pretty good but they kept getting the drink orders confused for everyone sitting outside. We got drinks brought to our table at least 4 times that weren't ours. The outside sitting area was really lovely; a very nice atmosphere. I would recommended for the atmosphere most of all; the food and service come second in a tie.
(4)
Demitri R.
I was staying in Glenwood Springs, and stopped in once, and then twice on the advice of other vendors in the area. And the beers are delicious, the price isnt crazy like what you would expect for Aspen. And the food is delicious. I think i will sit at the bar from now on, I enjoy conversating with the Beer Tender and others who come in and enjoy a tasty Craft beverage.
(5)
Brittany S.
We went here after the food and wine grand tasting. We all had a few Colorado Natives and some apps. The little piggies, Spanish fries and pretzel bites were amazing and a big enough portion for us all to share and feel full. There outdoor seating area is also really neat!
(5)
Binzie B.
I would like to add here that I had already emailed the emails the manager listed to email, re forwarded the email and still have yet to hear back from the restaurant. This solidifies my feeling on this restaurant and I highly advise to take caution.
(2)
Bambi Y.
The experience was great from the start! The hostess was so helpful and friendly! Loved our waitress. She was very accommodating to our pup. We had the special Saturday night prime rib with the bacon Mac & cheese..... All fabulous!! Highly recommend!
(5)
Irene N.
Came to Aspen with family Spring Break. Hubby and I were able to break away from the kidos and decided to try Hops Culture. Flight of fresh beer was great! BEST Moscow Mule ever! I loved the mac n cheese. Will have to return with the kids next time.
(5)
ANASTASSIA B.
Great beers! 5 stars for that ! I've been here a couple of times each season. But.... The food is lacking. We did the happy hour hot dog. And I wouldn't order it again. Ever. The beer was great though!
(3)
Christi S.
I stopped in hops culture on a recent trip to Aspen. My mom was sick in the room so I went out in search of food on my own. It happened to be the perfect time because I was able to take advantage of the 3-6 pm happy hour. I got the chorizo deviled eggs which were only $3 for happy hour. It came with six of them which I thought was a great deal. They were delicious! I also ordered the bacon Mac and cheese which I loved too. They had a good selection of beers though some were a bit pricey. (I really should've gone with the happy hour beer option but I didn't notice it till I had already ordered.) I thought it was a great spot! Good food, good beer, nice open setting with plenty of seating.
(4)
Austin A.
We went to Hops Culture to watch a football game. The staff was great and friendly. The atmosphere was cool and comfortable. The food was very good. Matzo ball soup hit the spot, pigs in a blanket appetizer far exceeded expectations, and the bear selection was perfect. Lots of local beers which I enjoy when traveling. They lose a point because they made us wait for 20 minutes at the door in the freezing snow before they officially opened. They should have just let us come in and sit down while they did final prep. I will go back for sure.
(4)
David H.
First timer, found it on Yelp. Looks fun and hip and the employees are very friendly. Looks as though it's a locals favorite hangout, which I always enjoy! When all is said and done the food was great as was the service and the atmosphere. I would definitely refer this place for a nice casual lunch!
(4)
Erik F.
This place rocks if you are a hop head like me. They have tons of beers on draft and even more in bottles. Their staff is very knowledgable and can help you with all the tough decisions of what to drink next!
(5)
Lisa D.
This place has a great beer selection and pretty good food. The location on the mall is awesome and the outside bar is really nice. It gets three stars instead of four because they do not have a changing table. Service was good.
(3)
Ron J.
Quality drinking establishment, however individuals of a high caliber may be disappointed by the behaviors of the drunkurd bar keeps and staff. As long as your expectations of service are not beyond the quality McDonald's employees your in luck. Drink up friends
(3)
Jones W.
This is a great place with a huge selection of beers. The food was great and the service was excellent. This was also the most affordable meal we had in Aspen.
(4)
Kelly Q.
What a fun place to watch sports. As a wine lover, I appreciate a great wine selection in a place known for beers. Husband loved the beer flights too. Didn't try the food yet, but will one day. Good to know there is another good place in town to watch games. Our bartender Zach was great.
(5)
Jasmine L.
Great food! They accommodated our reservation of 14 people on the same day. We didn't have to wait once we arrived. The service was amazing. They have a huge selection of beers and even offer then in one liter steins. Their cocktails are also very creative and delicious. The food was great. Not one person in our party thought their dinner was less than amazing. They served us popcorn popped in bacon grease (yum!) as a snack. I waitress was exceptional! I will definitely go back here when I'm in Aspen.
(4)
Rick H.
As far as food: it's okay, a little too gourmet for me. Very little flavor. As far as choices in beer: outstanding. So, it evens itself out. Go for beer on a full stomach, and you'll probably rate 5 stars.
(3)
Chandler S.
Really cool place with a bunch of great beers, servers were super friendly and happy to suggest beers for us. Food was great, make sure to try some of the Mac and cheese!
(5)
Christine W.
Great choice in beer, good food and a really cool set up for winter and summer. My only complaint is that they don't play the sound to games you are watching.
(4)
John B.
Great food great people
(4)
J S.
We just ate the best burger of our lives. Royale with Cheese. Oh so good! The Fidel was also delicious, but the burger was amazing. Classic Mac n cheese was your basic Mac n cheese. My husband loved his beer samples. Especially the Salvator. Portions were large enough to share with the kids. I Wonderful service.
(5)
Jay P.
This place kind of blows. If you're a rich out of towner you might like it so give it a try. If you're a local or know anything about good food you'll be appalled by the food quality and beer pricing. The cheapest beer they have is a $6 Pilsner. Are you kidding me? I'm used to buying $10 sours, stouts, and speciality IPAs but when your average beer cost is $12 then you're just a greedy asshole. Okay now the food. The food portions were tiny. Like fine dining tiny. Like I need to go to dinner number 2 tiny. Not only do you get a couple bites for $15 a plate but it wasn't even very good. 4/10 on the food scale. They were trying to be fancy but failed. I would say avoid this place if possible. I'm sure you can find better food and more fairly priced beers in Aspen.
(2)
Lucille O.
Food here is really good but the service is consistently terrible :/ I can't tell you how many times I have sat down and everyone around me is complaining about how horrible their service is. Good thing they have amazing beers and grub otherwise this place wouldn't stand a chance
(3)
Ty B.
Outstanding brewpub - I highly recommend the Little Piggies and the Mini Chicken Tacos!! Grab a chair by the window for some great people watching!
(5)
Aaron S.
Yay for beer!! Cannot complain about delicious beer and good service. Nice staff yummy food.
(5)
Lili T.
My burger was fantastic, order if you want the juiciest most flavorful burger of your life, and order the slaw with it. The appetizers- pretzel dippers and deviled eggs were alright and our waiter was high on something but man o man that burger was good
(3)
Lee S.
To me, atmosphere plays a huge roll in anything you do. First impressions are everything, so if a bar looks dirty, you tend to judge the food as "dirty". Hops Culture brings it ALL!! Atmosphere, beer list, and food. I was very very impressed with there Jalapeno Poppers. The beer selection was very decent and large for how small Aspen is. If I were to be visiting Aspen with friends, this is a place where I would take a group of people.
(5)
Lauren Z.
This was a great find in Aspen! Reasonably priced and fun for everyone. The beer list is extensive. You can get something simple and cheap or some limited edition or European ales for a higher price. We also ate lunch here. I had the smoky Mac - no complaints but was pretty standard. However others got the salmon sandwich and loved it. We also had the Mediterranean salad which was probably the best thing. Looked like a typical salad on the menu but it had fresh crisp vegetables mixed with couscous and a delicious vinaigrette. Much better than a standard salad. Would definitely go back!
(5)
Brett D.
This is a great place for some hearty food and heartier brews. Excellent beer selection and a bar tender that knew his stuff. It's always nice to find bar tenders that actually know a little about the beer besides "it's called Devil's Bottom." "Sweet. That tells me nothing about what I'm about to order." Check this place out, you won't be disappointed.
(5)
D S.
Having just backpacked the Four Pass Loop we started with pretzel bites and beer cheese dip then shared a Royale with Cheese (deluxe double cheeseburger) with smoky potato chips and a Fidel (Cuban-style pulled pork sandwich) with hops slaw as the side. Needless to say both of us were REALLY full because the sandwiches were large. Given it was a beautiful summer day we thoroughly enjoyed sitting outside under the trees. BTW - before we found our spot outside we had a great exchange about beers on tap with the bartender downstairs, she was very knowledgable and gave us a few samples which ended up becoming our beer order.
(5)
Hannah C.
Food was on point! We ordered the seafood stew (Friday night special) and hop chop salad with pulled chicken. Apparently they do sell out of their nightly specials. Seafood stew - had an assortment of mussels, shrimp, onions, bell peppers in an amazing tomato based sauce. It was thick and full of flavor. It came with two crostinis that were buttery. My only complaint was that there wasn't enough bread. We asked for more and they were glad to bring us some but didn't inform us that it would be an additional $3. Boo. Hop chop salad - crisp lettuce with roasted pumpkin seeds, avocado, sun dried tomatoes, black beans, and tortilla accompanied by a delicious avocado citrus dressing. We added pulled chicken for an extra $5. It was good quality chicken but not what I would have expected for "pulled" chicken. It was basically strips of chicken pulled apart. Overall, excellent meal. Excellent service. Great selection of beers. My friends loved their Fidel melt. Didn't try it, but it looked good. I'd definitely come back but be sure to ask about extra charges.
(4)
Peter R.
Just finished a little camping trip, and this food (and beer) hit the spot! Little Piggies, Spanish Fries and Ceviche were delish.
(5)
Mark M.
Holey moley! What a 180! Decided I was in the mood for some good beer and a smoked salmon rueben so I headed down to Hops Culture where I've had such good experiences in the past. I saw they had the seating, bar style, on the edge of the restaurant with the open air and I asked the hostes if I sat there if I would get the full menu and she said yes and showed me where to sit and she was nice enough to give me a beer list and a menu... but that was about as good as it got. I was there for a long while. 15 minutes or so just waiting for someone, SOMEONE, to take my order. Finally, a young lady came to give me a hefeweizen and I had to tell her I hadn't ordered yet so that can't be mine and as she walked away I had to yell, "but I would really like to order!" I saw the hefeweizen go to another patron that was not even there when I first sat down. I waited another 5 minutes and turned and saw the hostess look at me at the same time and I yelled to her (not being rude, it was just loud) "do I get a waiter?" She ran off and I finally got a waiter. He took my drink order and I told him I wanted the smoked rueben sandwich. Was told that's not offered anymore and pointed to another smoked salmon sandwich as an alternative. Gotta say, if I wasn't already put in a bad mood, that might have been fine but it ended up being the straw that broke the camels back and I was ready to leave by the time my first drink finally came out. I had my credit card out ready to close up the tab long before I finished it. Took nearly 25 minutes for the waitor to finally take the card for payment. Funny enough, no surprise on his part I was ready to leave despite me being ready to order food when he first spoke to me . I payed for my single drink, minimal tip, and went to one of the other many restaurants in town. Competition in Aspen is too good to have to put up with that. I've had such good experiences here in the past that I might come back and give them another try. Might. I need some time. They need to put back on the menu their best item too.
(1)
Cailin M.
Great new addition to Aspen - heard this place recommended all throughout town during my weekend there. Large selection of great beers, that while you would assume overwhelming, is easy to navigate with an informative and well organized beer menu to help you find exactly what you are looking for. I had a cucumber beer. It was kind of awesome. There are cocktails, mules, and wines for those that aren't the biggest beer fans too. The food does not disappoint either. By saying the roasted potatoes are the best thing on this menu, I'm really doing everything else a disservice but they really are perfectly prepared... every last one on your plate. YUM. Other Recommendations: Little Piggies (pigs in pretzels!); any mac and cheese, and surprisingly the summer ceviche. Great outdoor seating in the summer - hopefully heat lamps for around the entrance during the winter for when I show up after a day on the slopes :)
(5)
Kristen W.
We had a great lunch here. I got the burger, which managed to be a perfect balance of salty meaty cheesy and sweet from the tomato jam and caramelized onions. Truly a magnificent burger. My cocktail, the "whiskey darling" was also delicious. They have a nice kids menu, including a veggie sticks and dip option which my four year old chose. She didn't care for the dip (it was an avocado/lime dip - much thinner and smoother than guacamole but a similar flavor). I'm taking away a star because it was very loud and we had a few minor server hiccups (daughter didn't get her drink until after our food came out, slow to get our check)
(4)
Andrew S.
Hops Culture has a great atmosphere. Lots of TVs and definitely lots of beers to choose from, at least 200. We had appetizers and beer. My favorite appetizer was the Spanish fries. The little piggies were also very tasty. I will definitely be back for dinner soon.
(4)
Dana B.
I love stopping in at Hops Culture when I am in town. From the moment you step in the door you can feel the cozy and relaxed atmosphere that just makes you want to sit back, relax, and have a beer. The staff is always welcoming and unbelievably knowledgable about all the beer. Yes ALL the beer. The selection of beer is incredible and can meet the tastes of all beer fans. I would highly recommend grabbing a few beers at Hops Culture! Cheers!
(5)
Tyler B.
Cool place with a nice ambiance, beer and food. They have an extensive craft beer menu (as you would assume). Great place for a causal lunch with friends... Or if you don't have friends, go alone and drink a lot.
(4)
Geoff D.
Just through the draft selection they cover all the important bases for high quality and high gravity (never mind the mind boggling bottle selection) Union Jack IPA is outstanding... If you like and English style dry cider try the Uvana... It's crisp and dry but still has a little cloud to it and a vinegar back that is reminiscent of a real, proper English Scumpy. (English Cider makers moonshine!!) Warning... The beer and cider here is high gravity... Plan on snacking while you drink to soak it up.. If you like to eat in the traditional Spanish Tapas style this place will make you very happy .... Chorizo Deviled Eggs are a must, Little Piggies are good and the Spanish Fries are a great twist on classic Patatas Bravas... Highly recommended. Also BTW... Bacon popcorn they give you at the bar is an incredible amuse bouche !! If you are looking for a serious double IPA that will kiss you unconscious, close out with an Emotional Rescue (9.0%).... Order one or maybe two) and when it's done settle your tab and head for home, wherever that may be.... Quickly!!
(5)
Kate L.
I am thrilled that Hops has made a home in Aspen. Tucked on East Hymen Ave, Hops has indoor and outdoor seating, and an outstanding list of craft beers. Expect an educated list of Colorado brews, Belgians, and the occasional beer from back East. I am equally fond of the gastro-pub menu, including several inspired mac n' cheeses and fantastic, searing hot pretzel bites with beer cheese dip. Whether your stop is post-skiing, post-shopping, post-date or a group meetup, expect excellent service and delicious drinks and food from Hops.
(5)
Jamie W.
Absolutely amazing! My new favorite place in Aspen for lunch and early dinner. I love everything about this place. The roasted chicken is great as are the pretzels. They have an excellent beer list that had a few good German and Austrian beers. The only negative is that the beer list had way too many "craft" (i.e. crap) beers. More real European pilsners and lagers, please.
(5)
Katie M.
Two words for ya: beer heaven. I adore sour beer and they have a great selection for me to choose from. I love coming to this place. Their staff is uber friendly and will help you peruse the options. Their food? Delicious! I love their macaroni & cheese. Good vegetarian options there. Not much gluten-free options though. Darn. You m-u-s-t check this place out if you're just visiting Aspen. If you don't, you're missing out and your trip is incomplete. This is also a great place to catch the game if you can grab the cozy couch spot by the fireplace.
(5)
Valery L.
Great selection of beer! Try the "Moose Drool" beer and the pretzel bites. In the summer they have seating in the middle of the street area in Aspen and it is really beautiful at sunset.
(5)
Todd S.
Staff was very friendly. Food was very good, not great. Desserts were delicious. Beer list was impressive.
(5)
Irene P.
The drink menu is incredible. The beer and wine selection is impressive. My husband who has apparently an impressive resume for beer drinking was able to find a good handful of beers to try that he's never had. They offer "flights" of 3 beers at a decent price. I had a Moscow mule with fresh shaved ginger on top. It was nice and spicy. We also ordered the little piggies and pretzel bites. Great pretzel and good sauces, but a little saltier than I prefer.
(4)
Teema C.
Trendy spot with friendly bartenders. Enjoyed a drink at the bar with the hubby, really enjoyed the Spanish fries. Lots of beer selections for beer lovers.
(5)
Bill S.
Great place to eat in Aspen! Check it out on your next visit. We had the pretzel bites as and appetizer, Mac and cheese with bacon (which was excellent) and shared small filled donuts for dessert. I looked over the beer menu and narrowed it down to 3. The waitress brought me tiny samplers of each so I could decide which I wanted. That is a great idea and was appreciated as one I did not care for at all and this way I could pick between the other two. We will definitely be back get on our next visit to Aspen.
(5)
Joey A.
The employees were extremely knowledgeable about the area and people you would want taking your order. No to the food. I have Celiac and they understand and can prepare food gluten free. The food is also so so so delicious I could eat there fore ever. I would recommend it.
(5)
Dustin H.
The beer list is great. They have stuff from all over the place. I had a Deschutes Chasin freshies while I was there a couple weeks ago and I came home to find a letter that contained a hand written note from the wait staff saying thanks for coming in and they hoped I enjoyed my beer. They take customer experience to another level. Their happy hour menu is also exceptionally good and cheap, with the cheap being hard to find in aspen. I will definitely be back.
(5)
Heather J.
Oh wow, this was definitely our favorite restaurant in all of Aspen. We got into Aspen in the late evening, and after getting unpacked and settled, we wanted a casual dinner and some drinks. We found Hops and we were seated right away. I checked in on Yelp and got a check-in offer for a $9 flight. I tried three of their beers - a milk stout, a wheat beer and a really sour, fruity one that I LOVED and can't remember the name of. We ordered a bunch of appetizers and loved them all. My favorites were the pretzel bites and the little piggies. For my entree I got the Fidel, which is their take on a Cuban sandwich, and it was amazing. I wish I could replicate it at home! Others got the classic mac and cheese, the tomato soup and the matzoh ball soup, and everyone loved their food. For dessert we shared the tableside smores - so great! I can't wait for my next trip to Aspen so I can go back to Hops!
(5)
Ted N.
Awesome, Fidel was great and the Mac and cheese with bacon was delicious. Highly recommend
(5)
Christopher K.
Had the royale w/ cheese and added the bacon and egg. It was by far the best burger i have had in a long time. And with over 200 beers, if you cant find one you like i feel sorry for you.
(5)
Angela M.
Love this place. LLOVE the bartenders. Specifically there was a fella from Indiana there who served our drinks. Great dude. Very welcoming place I hope it's there next time I'm in town. Big fan of the beer selection too. Obviously, it's a beer place. But not just that, the servers actually KNOW what they are selling and know how to recommend a certain beer to certain folks. Can't wait to check this place out in the summer...the patio looks fun. Keep it up. Love to see some good, cozy, non-elitist establishments in Aspen thriving.
(5)
Scott M.
Great place for Aspen. Beer, too numerous to mention. They have you covered whatever your taste. Food to work with the beer and suggested by very knowledgable staff. Matt gets top marks for his know how and engaging personality.
(5)
Mike O.
Had a Royale with cheese. It was everything reviews said it would be. Awesome. Coleslaw was equally good. Would've given 5 stars if service had been anything more than absent minded and slow.
(4)
Yanhua P.
We love the atmosphere and the food, especially the happy hour specials! They had good selection of beers and the Spanish fries was exceptionally tasty. We also had the loaded hot dogs with slaw. The slaw appeared to be made of Napa cabbage, which we savored every bite. The dinner special looked really good too. We will definitely come back next time we are here!
(5)
Victor J.
Wow, what an amazing place. If you like overpriced food coupled with an unbearable atmosphere, Hops Culture is for you. Let's start at the beginning: After sitting down at our table, we were greeted by your typical, bearded beer-snob of a waiter, who knelt beside every table, making you feel like a six year old. There was water on the table, and little did we know that we should have stuck with that the entire meal. My girlfriend was tricked into buying an expensive glass of wine, and I somehow managed to overlook the exorbitant price of the beer I ordered (almost 30 dollars). To compensate for the price of our drinks, we ordered the mini tacos for 12 dollars, which wouldn't have fed a small troupe of ants. The sandwich I ordered was actually decent, it was essentially a grilled cheese with some turkey. Hard to mess up. However, the coleslaw tasted like bad ceviche, as it was dripping in lime juice for some strange reason. Our check was over 70 dollars for two drinks and the cheapest items on the menu. It was a very very very marginal experience for the price. Would not recommend to anyone.
(1)
M. S.
Excellent selection of locally brewed beers and imported brews. Food is the bar type and OK (don't expect anything fancy but it is eatable).
(4)
Kristen E.
We happened upon this lovely place whilst shopping. The tables were just in the middle of the shopping area among trees on cobble stone. It was lovely. SO many beers to choose from and delicious bar food. I will go back when I visit Aspen again!
(5)
Jennifer D.
Awesome beer selection, Awesome service, and good food. Hops culture is located in the middle of Hyman Ave and is the perfect place for a casual lunch. Like any good beer establishment, they serve flights of beer. If you can't decide what to order, they'll give tasters of anything on tap. If you're torn between a couple of beers, ask a member of their well informed wait staff and they will happily make a suggestion based on your likes. They offer salads (large enough for two satisfying servings), but their main fare is a little on the heavy side. This is not a criticism, just a fact. This place has great outdoor space with bench seating, which encourages interaction with your fellow beer fans. The interior is also pretty nice. Keep up the great work, Hops Culture. I'll be back.
(4)
Martin W.
Excellent value in aspen! Great selection of beers, great lunch prices, nice indoor and outdoor dining. Normal human being prices. Enjoyed the Italian sausage sammie Nd the Fidel sammie - excellent!
(5)
Jason H.
Great beer selection, tasty food and friendly bartender, everything you need for a full tummy and nice buzz. Come here if you are tired of all the foo foo eats here in aspen. Relax, chill and maybe grab some recreational pot across the mall.
(5)
Tess R.
Great atmosphere...you can play board games or cards while you drink with friends! So much fun. So casual and non-stuffy which is a rare find in Aspen. The drink menu is out of this world and you could come every day for many months without tasting the same beer. Wine is good but pricey for what it is. They have last call early on week nights so don't go too late!
(5)
A J.
Stopped by for drinks and apps as we were passing through Aspen on a road trip. It was about 130pm on a Monday afternoon. Service was friendly, but a little less attentive than it could have been. That's okay... the food made up for it! We ordered pretzel bites, Spanish fries, and mini chicken tacos. All 3 were good. I'd maybe skip the pretzel bites next time... for me, the best part of a soft pretzel is the soft pretzel, but these bites all have a crunchy side, so not my fave. They tasted good, though. My ol' lady and I differed on which was better, the Spanish fries or the mini tacos. I'd order both of them again, and really wouldn't mind having either one as a full meal. The flavors and sauces were delicious. The Spanish fries are basically potatoes in a skillet with a creamy/spicy sauce, and a fried egg on top. SO GOOD!! Prices were a little high, but that's probably just Aspen. If I lived there, I would probably be a regular at Hops.
(4)
Steven G.
Went around 6:00 on a weeknight. Was encouraged to sit out in the "beer garden" which is to say, bench seating and long tables plopped in the center of the mall walk. The server was slow to figure-out we were a new table. When he did drop-by, he was smug and distracted. We ordered 2 glasses of wine and a beer. After another prolonged wait, the server blessed us with his presence once again....to report that one of friends' wines were not available and my beer was "off the line" (oooo how cool). No biggie, ordered another and yep, "off the line". This became a hassle so I just picked a bottled selection (a unique Tripel) and it appeared. Food was solid but nothing overly special. We did have to watch while one of the servers tried to figure-out with the "help" of three other workers, where one of our appetizers belonged. We waved, etc., but to no avail. It eventually made its way to us...cold. Oh well. Yeah, hard to gripe when you're in such a beautiful spot but it was only fair IMHO.
(2)
Trice S.
Great appetizers and beer flight suggestions. Very nice location and service awesome!
(4)
Sierra B.
Yes!! More of this in Aspen, please! Hops Culture serves creative and delicious food (unlike the rest of this town), a beer list that will knock anyone's socks off, in a lovely building/atmosphere. They offer an après happy hour with cheap appetizers, but my party of two opted for afternoon salads. We were delighted and satisfied with both salads, and thrilled with the beers.
(5)
Konstantin A.
Great atmosphere. The food was amazing - Mediterranean salad great, the pretzel bytes with REAL cheese great, the beer selection great. In addition to all that the server was very knowledgeable and helpful. Sit outside in the beer garden if you can.
(5)
Jeff R.
Really good spot. I stopped in eager to explore the beer list and try some new things. My server was knowledgable and ready with suggestions. It's pricy but seems to be in line with other spots here in Aspen. They seem passionate about beer which is the key element. To eat I had the deviled eggs which were great and also the mini chicken tacos which were solid.
(4)
Lelia D.
Great food! Huge servings and great price! Service was friendly and quick. Great for families or out with friends. The beer selection was unbelievable and we had a great time.
(5)
Craig A.
This place is great and a beer lovers go to spot. If you enjoy beer and a comfortable casual setting this place is for you. They have food as well and it pairs well with beer. I would give this place five stars but the food is good not great.
(4)
Jeffrey S.
Excellent beer selection and very tasty mac & cheese. I got the jalapeno popper mac & cheese which had a nice jalapeno kick along with gooey cream cheese, nice macaroni, and breadcrumbs. It was supposed to have bacon as well, but I couldn't really taste it, sadly. The beer menu was extensive and the flights were nice and our waiter made some very good beer recommendations. The pretzel bites were also solid. The food was a bit pricey but still quite tasty overall.
(4)
Tabitha C.
Jalapeño popper mac & cheese was amazing!! Saw pictures on Yelp and had to come in and try it for myself. Alex was my bartender he recommended 3 great IPAs that I ordered for a flight. Definitely coming back here!
(5)
Fritz O.
Near perfect! No further explanation needed. Yelp is making write more to be considered a review but honestly everything was perfect. Priced well, clean, well designed, great food, friendly staff. Go here!
(5)
Ryan H.
Over priced food that took over an hour to get. It looked like it had so much potential but the wait staff really let us down.
(2)
Jason S.
Nice beer selection. Pretzels with beer cheese sauce hit the spot. Also the kobe dog. Bartenders are freindly and helpful. They know their beer, that's for sure.
(4)
Rachelle V.
Awesome beer selection, they offer flights of 3 6oz(?) beers for $11 so you can try a variety of their 30+ beers on tap. They also have over 100 types of bottled beers and specialty drinks, including a delicious Moscow mule in a copper cup. The food selection was small, but they're a brand new establishment so I'm sure it'll expand. We tried the piglets, and they were okay. The service was a little slow, but very friendly. They have indoor and outdoor seating, which is great if you have a furry friend joining you. Overall, a great place for a beer/drink but save your appetite for another place.
(4)
Patricia P.
Food is amazing!!! Mac and cheese jalapeño popper was phenomenal! And the Fidel was perfect!
(5)
Angela S.
This place is a gem. Great staff/service, awesome selections of beers, great Mojito's and really good food. We had the Pigs in a blanket and they took it to a whole new level. Had the Falafel wrap and it puts Garbanzo's to shame as the flavor of this was out of site!
(5)
David H.
Do not order coffee! We stopped in for some coffee and lunch. Food was good but when we got the bill, we were charged $24 dollars for three coffees with 3 refills. No warning, no explanation! Good Mac and Cheese and good beer though.
(1)
Catherine A.
I absolutely love this place! From the vast selection of amazing craft beer, to the delicious food and knowledgable servers, visiting this restaurant while in Aspen is a must. The beer garden outside is charming and the atmosphere inside is open and welcoming. Great spot for everything from a family dinner, catching up with friends or a casual date night. I highly recommend the buffalo chicken mac-and-cheese (it is to die for!) paired with the Belgian Houblon Chouffe. Also, if you love beer, definitely try the flight! For $11 you can sample 3 different beer!
(5)
Brad B.
Wonderful new place with great food and great beers on tap. Our waitress gave us excellent suggestions when asked and even set up one of us with a blind taster that he loved. We had 5 adults and 5 kids and I think everybody liked what they got, which is remarkable with our blend of picky and specific eaters and their simple food menu.
(5)
Tom E.
Very relaxed space and great for a hearty meal after a good day carving turns. We really liked the Chorizo Deviled Eggs and Chicken Tacos.
(4)
Garrett H.
Great place to grab a few beer in Aspen. Ordered a few flights to get some beers we cannot get in MO.
(4)
Clint R.
Awesome atmosphere, great beer selection, and very good food. Ask for Paul, the bartender. He hooks it up!!
(5)
Amy B.
This is a really cool place! I really loved that we could sit at the outdoor bar and be a part of both the restaurant and the happenings of the little square that we were on. The hostess (or maybe an owner?) suggested beer flights and some fun food to try so we did, and were pleased! The bacon mac and cheese is awesome, as were the pigs in a blanket! I was a little under the weather so I got the matzo ball soup (which I was surprised to see on the menu), it was good, but needed a bit more flavor. Having a little cold, I wanted a hot-toddy but they only had one kind of bourbon; understanding they are a beer joint, but a few more options would be nice. Altogether though our server (Cali) was friendly and efficient, the restaurant was clean and the food and beer were yummy!! So check this place out!
(4)
Randall B.
We were a party of 12 with a reservation , had to wait and were seated in a very cramped space. Food was well prepared but limited in variety. Waitress was terrific . Beer selection was fantastic.
(3)
Pam E.
Tons of beers to choose from, and great food. We had the pretzel bites with the beer cheese dip which were delicious, and I had the Fidel sandwich which was incredible! Although the a bit messy. Great atmosphere.
(5)
Brooks B.
Came back. Brought the same son to try Hops again. We really enjoyed the food and had an excellent server, Alex. I will absolutely return often!
(5)
Sue Ellen W.
Food is good, beer selection extensive, but the service is extremely slow. I can't imagine how long someone would have to wait if Hops was actually busy
(3)
Elizabeth W.
Beer selection is fantastic. Service attentive and not overbearing. Ambience warm and modern. Food- outstanding. We had the lasagna sandwich and hops salad, both tasty and different. You can tell they have a creative chef behind their menu. We'll be back.
(5)
Kyle D.
Great place. Amazing selection of beers . The waitresses actually know what they are talking about . Food selection is sparse but the beer selection is great
(4)
Natalie B.
I want to come back here every night just to hang out with zany, personable server, Hugo. The incredible drinks selection and mouth-watering food doesn't hurt either. They had freshly made, rhubarb-filled donut-holes topped with orange zest on the dessert menu last time. I die.
(5)
Amanda R.
Being from Portland, Oregon, I've been to many a local brew spot. . . but even this place in its' infancy (opened today, only four hours ago!) is more lively, cool, and interesting than most, AND without even a hint of pretension. Paul the bartender is dope as hell, super knowledgable and passionate about beers and brews of all types. Brittney, the cute as a button server with a likening to "Piper" from Orange is the New Black, is helpful, attentive, and just really freaking cute. And Bill the owner is rad! This is his brain child, and he should be so proud. What an awesome place. I'll be back, soon, Hops Culture. Don't forget me, and keep Dead Guy on tap for me ;)
(5)
Vance F.
Great gastro pub with an outdoor seating area so kids can play. Great microbrew selection. The menu was creative and food was good (not exceptional). Kevin Coster was sitting at the picnic table next to us with a bunch of kids. The highlight was the staff's knowledge of beer.
(4)
Jeff D.
Extensive beer list. Great for large groups.
(4)
Paul G.
I don't get out to Aspen enough, and I was extremely happy to find this new spot on my latest visit there. The food is fantastic. I managed to eat here three times this past trip, and each meal was better than the next. The short rib melt, the fidel, and the smoky bacon are my personal favorites. The outdoor seating on a beautiful blue sky day is a great place to kick back and enjoy a beer and some apps. I love the Colorado brewed beers and they have a ton of those plus beer from all over the place, a lot of which on draft. The service was prompt, knowledgeable, and was always ready for a recommendation on both food and brew. This was key especially if you're interested in broadening your beer horizons like me haha. Aspen rarely disappoints with its culinary line-up and this place is a welcome addition. Can't wait to try sample some more of the fare here on my next trip out!
(5)
Jamie O.
Hops Culture is epic-ly good. And I am so happy that there's now a place like this in Aspen (speaking as a 25 year old grad student who only has the budget to go out for an awesome meal once in a while, and this totally fit the bill). I'm a vegetarian and was blown away by my meal - we started with the spanish fries to share, and holy wow. I traveled to Spain in 2007 and remembered how amazing their strange version of fries (spiced potatoes with a fried egg on top) were, and this version was the first time I was able to experience that amazing taste once again. The "creamy and spicy sauces" really make the meal. Then the magic mushroom melt with smoky sweet potato chips really was magical. And my boyfriend claims that their "Royale with Cheese" burger is the best he's ever had... and that's saying a lot from a burger aficionado. And holy wow, those sweet potato donuts with gooey marshmallow filling... I'm speechless.
(5)
Carolyn D.
It's really amazing, the service and the food is great... But I thought that the shrimp dip could be better. It is new and a fresh feel inside (or out) I would totally recommend this place for any occasion
(5)
Sandro K.
Hops culture has an amazing beer selection (one of the best in town if not the best). they have amazing food, very friendly and great service!!
(5)
Sean B.
The food is crazy banging. The service was outstanding. Best beer selection in town. Get the Godfather, the Fidel, the crispy leek mac or the pretzel dogs. Everything is good but those are my favorites.
(5)
Jason H.
New restaurants need to treat every customer as if they're new customers... usually because they are. Our first impression was below average, enough so that I probably won't be back. All of us (5 adults, 2 kids) we're in agreement that the food was average, staff was friendly, but the service was very much lacking. The server didn't give us enough water to start, didn't give us the right number of place settings, then didn't bring enough plates for the appetizers. He also consistently had to be asked to take our drink and food orders. For your money, there are many others Aspen restaurants with better service and better prepared food.
(2)
Andrew H.
Best venue in aspen. Unbeatable tap and bottle selection. Food is outstanding. Try the pretzel pigs. Wow!
(5)
Tegan W.
Amazing! My boyfriend and I came here for lunch on a Saturday while visiting from Denver. We got a shared table out on the middle of the street which was perfect for the weather. We had great service the entire time, the beer menu was vast and we were very happy with our various selections. We got the deviled eggs and pretzel bites. YUM! We were happy with our choices, but wow those pretzel bites were incredible, definitely get those.
(5)
JoAnna M.
Delicious salads! Love this place for lunch! A beer and the beet salad - yummy, yummy! Didn't think I would like bacon popcorn, but to my surprise - home run!
(5)
Pam P.
Had the Hops Chop salad. Very fresh ingredients. Light salad dressing. Yummy. Waiter gave great recommendations for beer choices. Nice atmosphere sitting in beer garden outside of restaurant.
(5)
Jason M.
I love this bar. Great concept, great beer selection, happy staff. (Tho how can you not be happy in dt aspen?) the cocktails need some work. But the staff is diligent and interested in making things better. Highly recommend.
(5)
David S.
Need quick food, beer and service? You'll get it great at Hops Culture. Very yummy chicken tacos, soups, and mac&cheese options. Had a fantastic beer selection and the staff recommended a delicious IPA from River North Brewery that has become a personal favorite.
(5)
Lisa K.
Hops Culture is an awesome new restaurant in Aspen. I have eaten there several times, and it has always been a great experience. The beer selection is amazing! They have a ton both on tap and in bottle; and the flights are a great way to try a variety. The wines by the glass are some of my favorite wines, and at a reasonable price. I have tried almost everything on the menu and have loved every dish. The tacos are awesome! The salads are HUGE and filling, great for both lunch and dinner. All of the melts are tasty; I love that they offer a healthy slaw on the side to keep it light. You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu! The service is always excellent. The staff are very friendly, and knowledgeable. Anytime that I have needed a suggestion for food or beer, the servers have been on point with their recommendations. This place is a great addition to the Aspen restaurant scene. It is an establishment that we were desperately in need of.
(5)
Shauna G.
I love this place. I went to HOPS a few times on a recent trip to aspen and enjoyed it every time. The staff are fantastic and seem to really love their jobs. They were knowledgable about the different types of beer and knew just what to recommend. The food is awesome. I LOVE their mac and cheese and the FIDEL sandwich is a MUST. I'm drooling just thinking of it. I also enjoyed the salads which were a good size for a meal and the spinach dip in a breadbox was unique, tasty and fun to eat. The trashy treats are perfect for a sweet tooth. The cider selection was also awesome and made the tastings fun for the non beer drinkers in our group. Will definitely be coming back to HOPS on my future trips to Aspen!!
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dessert Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Trendy Noise Level : Average Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Amanda J.
I absolutely love Hops Culture, and it is my favorite beer bar in Aspen. There are a ton of beers on tap and in bottles. Every beer drinker will find something they love here! I am usually strictly a hard liquor girl, but I love this place so much. First and foremost, Hops Culture has fantastic service at the bar, and this is my favorite place to sit. The outside service is good as well but more relaxed. Where I sit depends on what I am in the mood for. However, if you sit at the bar, I hope Zach is there because he is the best bartender of staff. Other than Zach, everyone else is nice as well. I really love fruit beers, and I would recommend the Apricot Blonde on draft. It is very Apricot-y and light. It is perfect on a warm summer afternoon. There is also a delicious cider on tap that is light as well. With tax, either of these drinks cost $6.86, which isn't too terrible for Aspen. The bartenders will help you find a draft you love if you just ask for some help! The food I have sampled here is delicious as well. During happy hour, the pretzel bites are only $4, and the come with a side of beer cheese. The pretzel bites are delicious and a great snack. I ordered the mac and cheese ($10) once as well. It was super creamy, but the bread crumbs and entree had too much salt for my taste. I would recommend getting the mac and cheese without breadcrumbs to reduce the salt. The one thing that I wish I could have tried is the smores dessert. It went past me one night and looked amazing. Love this place!
(5)Jerad L.
Hops Culture scores serious points for its beer selection & outdoor seating. I sat out on the wooden benches in the middle of the pedestrian street. I highly recommend ordering a stein of beer (for around $13!) when coming here. They have HUGE selection of beer. The food is pretty darn good - I had the Royale With Cheese & my friends had appetizers. The price seemed pretty high for a cheeseburger ($17), but hey it's Aspen... If you want to come to a cool hangout spot outside for food and drinks, come here!
(4)Corey C.
Micro brew beer and gourmet Mac and cheese. Under the sun and cool mountain breeze. This place caught our eye as we made our way down the Downtown Aspen promenade because of the shaded outdoor seating. Their beer and spirit list is impressive. We tried three different kinds of gourmet Mac and cheese dishes. The "Classic" is unbeatable with shells, white cheddar, gouda, and toasted bread crumbs. The leek Mac was amazing too. We were divided on the gluten free Shitake Mac. The flavors were good, but the GF pasta was gritty. One in our party said the dish tasted like bad hummus. Others loved the crispy mushrooms. The dishes are a little pricey at $10-14 for Mac and cheese, but given the ingredients and location, are justifiable. Yum.
(5)Lindsay K.
So good we went here twice in one weekend. Excellent beer list (duh). We came here for happy hour, and their prices were great. Would recommend the deviled eggs and pretzel bites with a beer cheese sauce.
(4)Molly H.
I really enjoyed Hops Culture! The food was very good- I ordered a few different appetizers rather than one entree so I could sample several things. All of them were great, but the tiny tacos are not to be missed! Especially if you think miniature things are adorable, you'll love them. They were tiny but filling. The Mac and Cheese is their signature dish, and it didn't disappoint! My only gripes are that since the dining room is a little subterranean, it got so loud I had to move outside as I was getting a headache from the noise. Not sure if it's possible, but some sound deadening treatment on the ceiling or walls would maybe help? Second, when we ordered some beer samples to see what we wanted to order in our flight, the guy (not our normal server) just came and quickly dropped them off at the table with no explanation. So we sat there with four beer samples and had no idea which was which. He had a sticky note that said, but he took it with him without a word. Would have been way nicer if he'd drop off the samples and the note so we could tell what to order. Anyway, the beers we ended up trying were outstanding, and we finished our meal with the flaming smores, which were TO DIE FOR. Definitely save room in your belly for those- you won't regret it! There are four to an order, so you could easily split between 4 people after a meal. We both ate two and I left more uncomfortably full than I would have liked! This is definitely a good choice for a casual, yet delicious dinner and some brews in Aspen!
(4)Steph G.
"Brews with views" should be their tag line. I think I'm more in love with the view from the patio than anything else, but a cold beer doesn't hurt either. :) If you're looking for a fun, less pretentious place to hang in Aspen this is your spot.
(4)John S.
Only tried this place once and was impressed. Great brew and great burgers. Was priced a little high but so is everything else in Aspen. But I loved the atmosphere of the place. They also have lots of outdoor seating which is real nice. I will try this place again. I really like the beer. Lots to choose from and lots of samplers.
(4)Joy B.
So good! This place is super cute! And the food is VERY good. We got the Falafel Wrap, Mac & Cheese, tomato soup and the Hops Cobb. We weren't sure what to expect at the bar, but this is much better than just "bar food". I highly recommend it! We will be back.
(5)Brittney H.
I've been here a few times as my husband works out of Aspen. A few things- awesome beers (if you have questions, ask) and awesome food. Loved the deviled eggs and loved the Mac n cheese! Come here- you won't regret it!
(5)Joanell S.
Nice outdoor tables. Yummy beer and cider and a guy who knew his stuff. I know service was dicey for the table next to us, but we had no issues. Just went for a drink so cant comment on the food, but loved the area - nice, relaxed square with no cars.
(4)Lauren J.
We were so excited to find a normal priced happy hour in Aspen. We sat outside by the pet boutique, so we got to people and dog watch. The beer list was good, the hh snacks were awesome too. We had the deviled eggs, which were served on a molten lava hot cast iron pan which I didn't understand. We also had the pretzel bites... also molten lava hot. Everything was delicious though and this will definitely be our go to for future trips. The staff was also very friendly.
(4)Jill V.
I visited Hops Culture by myself recently when I visited Aspen for a conference. The space is pleasant - cool and comfortable. It wasn't obvious whether I could sit outside and be served so I went in and asked. It took about 5 minutes for a waiter to come take my order. He was very pleasant and helpful. The beer selection is fantastic. My first menu selection was out so I tried the falafel wrap with slaw. It was very tasty.
(4)John J.
went here twice over a long weekend- both times for happy hour. sat outside in the sun, had great service, affordable beers (huge selection) and incredible food. For Aspen, its hard to beat this place. Chill vibe, good mix of locals and tourists, and right in the center of everything. give it a shot.
(5)Saleh A.
I gave this restaurant one star because this is the lowest possible. Terrible food to say the least. Should I start with the overly salted royale or the most disgusting thing I have ever tasted the prime ribeye, or perhaps the tasteless french dip sliders? you name it! I would not recommend this shithole they call a restaurant to anyone. By the way I'm a tourist and I have nothing against the place. P.S. there seems to be a lot of students in the place if that's of any importance.
(1)Daniel S.
Pros. Great beers, great selection of beers. Great burgers. Cons. Sides could be more diverse.
(4)Nika G.
As much as I adore Aspen, the dining options are slightly above my preferred price point, so it's awesome that Hops Culture is now open! Though I did not try any of their food during this trip, the menu had some great selections that were reasonably priced! The selection of beers was unique and had something for everyone. The interior is cozy and I can imagine it gets super packed during peak season. I especially loved the outdoor community seating where you can people watch and enjoy your beer in the nice weather!
(4)Jameson S.
During X Games a number of coworkers were checking this place out since it was new and has a great beer list. We went during the après ski hour on a Wednesday night and had no problem at all getting a table or seats at the bar. Used the check in offer for a flight of three beers. Went with some server recommendations and tried to skew local. Unfortunately none of the three (house pale ale, freaky fish IPA and old Rasputin) were all that amazing but it was still nice to try three new beers. We started with an order of the deviled eggs and pretzel bites since they were on après special and both were a good decision. Eggs have a nice little kick to them and dipping cheese with the pretzels is excellent. For entrees I tried the turkey melt and the sister got the special lamb meatballs. Both were great decisions at the end. Sandwich came with some homemade bbq chips which at the end of the meal had to go unfinished since I was so stuffed. Sister really enjoyed her meatballs as well. All in all I am happy we gave hops a try. It seems like a place you could spend many hours trying a variety of beers. Service was decent but probably could have been slightly more attentive, only small gripe we had.
(4)Amie J.
Aw man. Came in after hiking in the Maroon Bells area for some lunch. Awesome that we had the option to choose where we wanted to sit! I highly recommend sitting INSIDE where the servers hang out so maybe they won't forget about you. Upon realizing the water on the table is left at room temperature, we decided not to order any other drinks...those might come out room temp as well. We asked our first server for ice, which never came, and then asked our new server which finally did the trick. Our first server came out to greet us, took our orders, we asked if we could substitute the slaw on the tacos for regular lettuce, unfortunately she told us they didn't have lettuce...which still leaves me wondering how they have salads on the menu without any lettuce in the kitchen. Weird. We ended up ordering the Big Tex? Turkey sandwich and pretzel bites. Pretzels were yummy! Sandwich was just another turkey panini. One entree to share took 45 min from order time to get to our table. We later realized our server had left and a new server had taken over. Which is no excuse to leave customers waiting for so long. Can't imagine how this place gets by with the service standards they have at a busy time of day.
(1)Laura Z.
Hops culture looks shiny and new and reminds me of home (Milwaukee). Lots of fun unique beers on tap and even more in the bottle. The bartender helped make recommendation for a flight, and I enjoyed trying the different beers, each one that I haven't tried before. It's a little pricey compared to what I'm used to, but so is everything in Aspen, so no surprise here. They had dragon's milk on tap and that actually wasn't too expensive (for a 10% abv beer).
(4)Cullen E.
Had dinner here last night and really enjoyed the experience. I had the bacon Mac & cheese and couldn't have been happier with my choice. The bacon was top quality and made the Mac and cheese even more delicious. The wife has the matzo ball soup and was raving. As has been noted, they have an incredible beer selection, with thirty something on tap. During our visit they were offering a buy one, get one for the pumpkin draft beers. I took advantage of the quasi-flight which was three six-ounce pours of any draft beer for $11. The Big Bad Baptist and Smoked & Oaked (both by Epic) were ridiculously awesome. Definitely give this place a try, you won't regret it.
(5)Frances G.
Hell yea, this place is rocking with beer selections. Better yet - they have a flight of three tasters that are 6oz. each. Not a bad dealio. A slew of brews await you and by the time you've chosen your beer, you've worked up a raging appetite only to be met by a solid list of brew pub fare. Considering the beer would fill me up, I opted for the Hops Chops salad. Complete with avacado, romaine, sun dried tomato, black bean, pumpkin seeds, crunchy tortilla, red pepper, fresh cheese, green goddess dressing topped with chunky, delicious Albacore tuna - I was one happy (and kinda buzzed) camper. The service and space are both super nice and offer a great variety to the Aspen dining and drinking scene. Maybe not in the mood for fancy? This place is for you. With outdoor seating to bar and lounge seating, the expansive venue makes for any sort of get-together with good friends and good beer.
(5)Natasha V.
Me and my family we look for something light and ordered the tomato soup bread bowl (which was ok but tasted and looked exactly like pasta marinara sauce so i dont recommend it), miso mac & cheese (good- highly recommend for vegans), the mini chicken tacos (which were nothing special according to my brother), ceviche (really good), and Spanish fries (sooo delish!). The service was pretty good but they kept getting the drink orders confused for everyone sitting outside. We got drinks brought to our table at least 4 times that weren't ours. The outside sitting area was really lovely; a very nice atmosphere. I would recommended for the atmosphere most of all; the food and service come second in a tie.
(4)Demitri R.
I was staying in Glenwood Springs, and stopped in once, and then twice on the advice of other vendors in the area. And the beers are delicious, the price isnt crazy like what you would expect for Aspen. And the food is delicious. I think i will sit at the bar from now on, I enjoy conversating with the Beer Tender and others who come in and enjoy a tasty Craft beverage.
(5)Brittany S.
We went here after the food and wine grand tasting. We all had a few Colorado Natives and some apps. The little piggies, Spanish fries and pretzel bites were amazing and a big enough portion for us all to share and feel full. There outdoor seating area is also really neat!
(5)Binzie B.
I would like to add here that I had already emailed the emails the manager listed to email, re forwarded the email and still have yet to hear back from the restaurant. This solidifies my feeling on this restaurant and I highly advise to take caution.
(2)Bambi Y.
The experience was great from the start! The hostess was so helpful and friendly! Loved our waitress. She was very accommodating to our pup. We had the special Saturday night prime rib with the bacon Mac & cheese..... All fabulous!! Highly recommend!
(5)Irene N.
Came to Aspen with family Spring Break. Hubby and I were able to break away from the kidos and decided to try Hops Culture. Flight of fresh beer was great! BEST Moscow Mule ever! I loved the mac n cheese. Will have to return with the kids next time.
(5)ANASTASSIA B.
Great beers! 5 stars for that ! I've been here a couple of times each season. But.... The food is lacking. We did the happy hour hot dog. And I wouldn't order it again. Ever. The beer was great though!
(3)Christi S.
I stopped in hops culture on a recent trip to Aspen. My mom was sick in the room so I went out in search of food on my own. It happened to be the perfect time because I was able to take advantage of the 3-6 pm happy hour. I got the chorizo deviled eggs which were only $3 for happy hour. It came with six of them which I thought was a great deal. They were delicious! I also ordered the bacon Mac and cheese which I loved too. They had a good selection of beers though some were a bit pricey. (I really should've gone with the happy hour beer option but I didn't notice it till I had already ordered.) I thought it was a great spot! Good food, good beer, nice open setting with plenty of seating.
(4)Austin A.
We went to Hops Culture to watch a football game. The staff was great and friendly. The atmosphere was cool and comfortable. The food was very good. Matzo ball soup hit the spot, pigs in a blanket appetizer far exceeded expectations, and the bear selection was perfect. Lots of local beers which I enjoy when traveling. They lose a point because they made us wait for 20 minutes at the door in the freezing snow before they officially opened. They should have just let us come in and sit down while they did final prep. I will go back for sure.
(4)David H.
First timer, found it on Yelp. Looks fun and hip and the employees are very friendly. Looks as though it's a locals favorite hangout, which I always enjoy! When all is said and done the food was great as was the service and the atmosphere. I would definitely refer this place for a nice casual lunch!
(4)Erik F.
This place rocks if you are a hop head like me. They have tons of beers on draft and even more in bottles. Their staff is very knowledgable and can help you with all the tough decisions of what to drink next!
(5)Lisa D.
This place has a great beer selection and pretty good food. The location on the mall is awesome and the outside bar is really nice. It gets three stars instead of four because they do not have a changing table. Service was good.
(3)Ron J.
Quality drinking establishment, however individuals of a high caliber may be disappointed by the behaviors of the drunkurd bar keeps and staff. As long as your expectations of service are not beyond the quality McDonald's employees your in luck. Drink up friends
(3)Jones W.
This is a great place with a huge selection of beers. The food was great and the service was excellent. This was also the most affordable meal we had in Aspen.
(4)Kelly Q.
What a fun place to watch sports. As a wine lover, I appreciate a great wine selection in a place known for beers. Husband loved the beer flights too. Didn't try the food yet, but will one day. Good to know there is another good place in town to watch games. Our bartender Zach was great.
(5)Jasmine L.
Great food! They accommodated our reservation of 14 people on the same day. We didn't have to wait once we arrived. The service was amazing. They have a huge selection of beers and even offer then in one liter steins. Their cocktails are also very creative and delicious. The food was great. Not one person in our party thought their dinner was less than amazing. They served us popcorn popped in bacon grease (yum!) as a snack. I waitress was exceptional! I will definitely go back here when I'm in Aspen.
(4)Rick H.
As far as food: it's okay, a little too gourmet for me. Very little flavor. As far as choices in beer: outstanding. So, it evens itself out. Go for beer on a full stomach, and you'll probably rate 5 stars.
(3)Chandler S.
Really cool place with a bunch of great beers, servers were super friendly and happy to suggest beers for us. Food was great, make sure to try some of the Mac and cheese!
(5)Christine W.
Great choice in beer, good food and a really cool set up for winter and summer. My only complaint is that they don't play the sound to games you are watching.
(4)John B.
Great food great people
(4)J S.
We just ate the best burger of our lives. Royale with Cheese. Oh so good! The Fidel was also delicious, but the burger was amazing. Classic Mac n cheese was your basic Mac n cheese. My husband loved his beer samples. Especially the Salvator. Portions were large enough to share with the kids. I Wonderful service.
(5)Jay P.
This place kind of blows. If you're a rich out of towner you might like it so give it a try. If you're a local or know anything about good food you'll be appalled by the food quality and beer pricing. The cheapest beer they have is a $6 Pilsner. Are you kidding me? I'm used to buying $10 sours, stouts, and speciality IPAs but when your average beer cost is $12 then you're just a greedy asshole. Okay now the food. The food portions were tiny. Like fine dining tiny. Like I need to go to dinner number 2 tiny. Not only do you get a couple bites for $15 a plate but it wasn't even very good. 4/10 on the food scale. They were trying to be fancy but failed. I would say avoid this place if possible. I'm sure you can find better food and more fairly priced beers in Aspen.
(2)Lucille O.
Food here is really good but the service is consistently terrible :/ I can't tell you how many times I have sat down and everyone around me is complaining about how horrible their service is. Good thing they have amazing beers and grub otherwise this place wouldn't stand a chance
(3)Ty B.
Outstanding brewpub - I highly recommend the Little Piggies and the Mini Chicken Tacos!! Grab a chair by the window for some great people watching!
(5)Aaron S.
Yay for beer!! Cannot complain about delicious beer and good service. Nice staff yummy food.
(5)Lili T.
My burger was fantastic, order if you want the juiciest most flavorful burger of your life, and order the slaw with it. The appetizers- pretzel dippers and deviled eggs were alright and our waiter was high on something but man o man that burger was good
(3)Lee S.
To me, atmosphere plays a huge roll in anything you do. First impressions are everything, so if a bar looks dirty, you tend to judge the food as "dirty". Hops Culture brings it ALL!! Atmosphere, beer list, and food. I was very very impressed with there Jalapeno Poppers. The beer selection was very decent and large for how small Aspen is. If I were to be visiting Aspen with friends, this is a place where I would take a group of people.
(5)Lauren Z.
This was a great find in Aspen! Reasonably priced and fun for everyone. The beer list is extensive. You can get something simple and cheap or some limited edition or European ales for a higher price. We also ate lunch here. I had the smoky Mac - no complaints but was pretty standard. However others got the salmon sandwich and loved it. We also had the Mediterranean salad which was probably the best thing. Looked like a typical salad on the menu but it had fresh crisp vegetables mixed with couscous and a delicious vinaigrette. Much better than a standard salad. Would definitely go back!
(5)Brett D.
This is a great place for some hearty food and heartier brews. Excellent beer selection and a bar tender that knew his stuff. It's always nice to find bar tenders that actually know a little about the beer besides "it's called Devil's Bottom." "Sweet. That tells me nothing about what I'm about to order." Check this place out, you won't be disappointed.
(5)D S.
Having just backpacked the Four Pass Loop we started with pretzel bites and beer cheese dip then shared a Royale with Cheese (deluxe double cheeseburger) with smoky potato chips and a Fidel (Cuban-style pulled pork sandwich) with hops slaw as the side. Needless to say both of us were REALLY full because the sandwiches were large. Given it was a beautiful summer day we thoroughly enjoyed sitting outside under the trees. BTW - before we found our spot outside we had a great exchange about beers on tap with the bartender downstairs, she was very knowledgable and gave us a few samples which ended up becoming our beer order.
(5)Hannah C.
Food was on point! We ordered the seafood stew (Friday night special) and hop chop salad with pulled chicken. Apparently they do sell out of their nightly specials. Seafood stew - had an assortment of mussels, shrimp, onions, bell peppers in an amazing tomato based sauce. It was thick and full of flavor. It came with two crostinis that were buttery. My only complaint was that there wasn't enough bread. We asked for more and they were glad to bring us some but didn't inform us that it would be an additional $3. Boo. Hop chop salad - crisp lettuce with roasted pumpkin seeds, avocado, sun dried tomatoes, black beans, and tortilla accompanied by a delicious avocado citrus dressing. We added pulled chicken for an extra $5. It was good quality chicken but not what I would have expected for "pulled" chicken. It was basically strips of chicken pulled apart. Overall, excellent meal. Excellent service. Great selection of beers. My friends loved their Fidel melt. Didn't try it, but it looked good. I'd definitely come back but be sure to ask about extra charges.
(4)Peter R.
Just finished a little camping trip, and this food (and beer) hit the spot! Little Piggies, Spanish Fries and Ceviche were delish.
(5)Mark M.
Holey moley! What a 180! Decided I was in the mood for some good beer and a smoked salmon rueben so I headed down to Hops Culture where I've had such good experiences in the past. I saw they had the seating, bar style, on the edge of the restaurant with the open air and I asked the hostes if I sat there if I would get the full menu and she said yes and showed me where to sit and she was nice enough to give me a beer list and a menu... but that was about as good as it got. I was there for a long while. 15 minutes or so just waiting for someone, SOMEONE, to take my order. Finally, a young lady came to give me a hefeweizen and I had to tell her I hadn't ordered yet so that can't be mine and as she walked away I had to yell, "but I would really like to order!" I saw the hefeweizen go to another patron that was not even there when I first sat down. I waited another 5 minutes and turned and saw the hostess look at me at the same time and I yelled to her (not being rude, it was just loud) "do I get a waiter?" She ran off and I finally got a waiter. He took my drink order and I told him I wanted the smoked rueben sandwich. Was told that's not offered anymore and pointed to another smoked salmon sandwich as an alternative. Gotta say, if I wasn't already put in a bad mood, that might have been fine but it ended up being the straw that broke the camels back and I was ready to leave by the time my first drink finally came out. I had my credit card out ready to close up the tab long before I finished it. Took nearly 25 minutes for the waitor to finally take the card for payment. Funny enough, no surprise on his part I was ready to leave despite me being ready to order food when he first spoke to me . I payed for my single drink, minimal tip, and went to one of the other many restaurants in town. Competition in Aspen is too good to have to put up with that. I've had such good experiences here in the past that I might come back and give them another try. Might. I need some time. They need to put back on the menu their best item too.
(1)Cailin M.
Great new addition to Aspen - heard this place recommended all throughout town during my weekend there. Large selection of great beers, that while you would assume overwhelming, is easy to navigate with an informative and well organized beer menu to help you find exactly what you are looking for. I had a cucumber beer. It was kind of awesome. There are cocktails, mules, and wines for those that aren't the biggest beer fans too. The food does not disappoint either. By saying the roasted potatoes are the best thing on this menu, I'm really doing everything else a disservice but they really are perfectly prepared... every last one on your plate. YUM. Other Recommendations: Little Piggies (pigs in pretzels!); any mac and cheese, and surprisingly the summer ceviche. Great outdoor seating in the summer - hopefully heat lamps for around the entrance during the winter for when I show up after a day on the slopes :)
(5)Kristen W.
We had a great lunch here. I got the burger, which managed to be a perfect balance of salty meaty cheesy and sweet from the tomato jam and caramelized onions. Truly a magnificent burger. My cocktail, the "whiskey darling" was also delicious. They have a nice kids menu, including a veggie sticks and dip option which my four year old chose. She didn't care for the dip (it was an avocado/lime dip - much thinner and smoother than guacamole but a similar flavor). I'm taking away a star because it was very loud and we had a few minor server hiccups (daughter didn't get her drink until after our food came out, slow to get our check)
(4)Andrew S.
Hops Culture has a great atmosphere. Lots of TVs and definitely lots of beers to choose from, at least 200. We had appetizers and beer. My favorite appetizer was the Spanish fries. The little piggies were also very tasty. I will definitely be back for dinner soon.
(4)Dana B.
I love stopping in at Hops Culture when I am in town. From the moment you step in the door you can feel the cozy and relaxed atmosphere that just makes you want to sit back, relax, and have a beer. The staff is always welcoming and unbelievably knowledgable about all the beer. Yes ALL the beer. The selection of beer is incredible and can meet the tastes of all beer fans. I would highly recommend grabbing a few beers at Hops Culture! Cheers!
(5)Tyler B.
Cool place with a nice ambiance, beer and food. They have an extensive craft beer menu (as you would assume). Great place for a causal lunch with friends... Or if you don't have friends, go alone and drink a lot.
(4)Geoff D.
Just through the draft selection they cover all the important bases for high quality and high gravity (never mind the mind boggling bottle selection) Union Jack IPA is outstanding... If you like and English style dry cider try the Uvana... It's crisp and dry but still has a little cloud to it and a vinegar back that is reminiscent of a real, proper English Scumpy. (English Cider makers moonshine!!) Warning... The beer and cider here is high gravity... Plan on snacking while you drink to soak it up.. If you like to eat in the traditional Spanish Tapas style this place will make you very happy .... Chorizo Deviled Eggs are a must, Little Piggies are good and the Spanish Fries are a great twist on classic Patatas Bravas... Highly recommended. Also BTW... Bacon popcorn they give you at the bar is an incredible amuse bouche !! If you are looking for a serious double IPA that will kiss you unconscious, close out with an Emotional Rescue (9.0%).... Order one or maybe two) and when it's done settle your tab and head for home, wherever that may be.... Quickly!!
(5)Kate L.
I am thrilled that Hops has made a home in Aspen. Tucked on East Hymen Ave, Hops has indoor and outdoor seating, and an outstanding list of craft beers. Expect an educated list of Colorado brews, Belgians, and the occasional beer from back East. I am equally fond of the gastro-pub menu, including several inspired mac n' cheeses and fantastic, searing hot pretzel bites with beer cheese dip. Whether your stop is post-skiing, post-shopping, post-date or a group meetup, expect excellent service and delicious drinks and food from Hops.
(5)Jamie W.
Absolutely amazing! My new favorite place in Aspen for lunch and early dinner. I love everything about this place. The roasted chicken is great as are the pretzels. They have an excellent beer list that had a few good German and Austrian beers. The only negative is that the beer list had way too many "craft" (i.e. crap) beers. More real European pilsners and lagers, please.
(5)Katie M.
Two words for ya: beer heaven. I adore sour beer and they have a great selection for me to choose from. I love coming to this place. Their staff is uber friendly and will help you peruse the options. Their food? Delicious! I love their macaroni & cheese. Good vegetarian options there. Not much gluten-free options though. Darn. You m-u-s-t check this place out if you're just visiting Aspen. If you don't, you're missing out and your trip is incomplete. This is also a great place to catch the game if you can grab the cozy couch spot by the fireplace.
(5)Valery L.
Great selection of beer! Try the "Moose Drool" beer and the pretzel bites. In the summer they have seating in the middle of the street area in Aspen and it is really beautiful at sunset.
(5)Todd S.
Staff was very friendly. Food was very good, not great. Desserts were delicious. Beer list was impressive.
(5)Irene P.
The drink menu is incredible. The beer and wine selection is impressive. My husband who has apparently an impressive resume for beer drinking was able to find a good handful of beers to try that he's never had. They offer "flights" of 3 beers at a decent price. I had a Moscow mule with fresh shaved ginger on top. It was nice and spicy. We also ordered the little piggies and pretzel bites. Great pretzel and good sauces, but a little saltier than I prefer.
(4)Teema C.
Trendy spot with friendly bartenders. Enjoyed a drink at the bar with the hubby, really enjoyed the Spanish fries. Lots of beer selections for beer lovers.
(5)Bill S.
Great place to eat in Aspen! Check it out on your next visit. We had the pretzel bites as and appetizer, Mac and cheese with bacon (which was excellent) and shared small filled donuts for dessert. I looked over the beer menu and narrowed it down to 3. The waitress brought me tiny samplers of each so I could decide which I wanted. That is a great idea and was appreciated as one I did not care for at all and this way I could pick between the other two. We will definitely be back get on our next visit to Aspen.
(5)Joey A.
The employees were extremely knowledgeable about the area and people you would want taking your order. No to the food. I have Celiac and they understand and can prepare food gluten free. The food is also so so so delicious I could eat there fore ever. I would recommend it.
(5)Dustin H.
The beer list is great. They have stuff from all over the place. I had a Deschutes Chasin freshies while I was there a couple weeks ago and I came home to find a letter that contained a hand written note from the wait staff saying thanks for coming in and they hoped I enjoyed my beer. They take customer experience to another level. Their happy hour menu is also exceptionally good and cheap, with the cheap being hard to find in aspen. I will definitely be back.
(5)Heather J.
Oh wow, this was definitely our favorite restaurant in all of Aspen. We got into Aspen in the late evening, and after getting unpacked and settled, we wanted a casual dinner and some drinks. We found Hops and we were seated right away. I checked in on Yelp and got a check-in offer for a $9 flight. I tried three of their beers - a milk stout, a wheat beer and a really sour, fruity one that I LOVED and can't remember the name of. We ordered a bunch of appetizers and loved them all. My favorites were the pretzel bites and the little piggies. For my entree I got the Fidel, which is their take on a Cuban sandwich, and it was amazing. I wish I could replicate it at home! Others got the classic mac and cheese, the tomato soup and the matzoh ball soup, and everyone loved their food. For dessert we shared the tableside smores - so great! I can't wait for my next trip to Aspen so I can go back to Hops!
(5)Ted N.
Awesome, Fidel was great and the Mac and cheese with bacon was delicious. Highly recommend
(5)Christopher K.
Had the royale w/ cheese and added the bacon and egg. It was by far the best burger i have had in a long time. And with over 200 beers, if you cant find one you like i feel sorry for you.
(5)Angela M.
Love this place. LLOVE the bartenders. Specifically there was a fella from Indiana there who served our drinks. Great dude. Very welcoming place I hope it's there next time I'm in town. Big fan of the beer selection too. Obviously, it's a beer place. But not just that, the servers actually KNOW what they are selling and know how to recommend a certain beer to certain folks. Can't wait to check this place out in the summer...the patio looks fun. Keep it up. Love to see some good, cozy, non-elitist establishments in Aspen thriving.
(5)Scott M.
Great place for Aspen. Beer, too numerous to mention. They have you covered whatever your taste. Food to work with the beer and suggested by very knowledgable staff. Matt gets top marks for his know how and engaging personality.
(5)Mike O.
Had a Royale with cheese. It was everything reviews said it would be. Awesome. Coleslaw was equally good. Would've given 5 stars if service had been anything more than absent minded and slow.
(4)Yanhua P.
We love the atmosphere and the food, especially the happy hour specials! They had good selection of beers and the Spanish fries was exceptionally tasty. We also had the loaded hot dogs with slaw. The slaw appeared to be made of Napa cabbage, which we savored every bite. The dinner special looked really good too. We will definitely come back next time we are here!
(5)Victor J.
Wow, what an amazing place. If you like overpriced food coupled with an unbearable atmosphere, Hops Culture is for you. Let's start at the beginning: After sitting down at our table, we were greeted by your typical, bearded beer-snob of a waiter, who knelt beside every table, making you feel like a six year old. There was water on the table, and little did we know that we should have stuck with that the entire meal. My girlfriend was tricked into buying an expensive glass of wine, and I somehow managed to overlook the exorbitant price of the beer I ordered (almost 30 dollars). To compensate for the price of our drinks, we ordered the mini tacos for 12 dollars, which wouldn't have fed a small troupe of ants. The sandwich I ordered was actually decent, it was essentially a grilled cheese with some turkey. Hard to mess up. However, the coleslaw tasted like bad ceviche, as it was dripping in lime juice for some strange reason. Our check was over 70 dollars for two drinks and the cheapest items on the menu. It was a very very very marginal experience for the price. Would not recommend to anyone.
(1)M. S.
Excellent selection of locally brewed beers and imported brews. Food is the bar type and OK (don't expect anything fancy but it is eatable).
(4)Kristen E.
We happened upon this lovely place whilst shopping. The tables were just in the middle of the shopping area among trees on cobble stone. It was lovely. SO many beers to choose from and delicious bar food. I will go back when I visit Aspen again!
(5)Jennifer D.
Awesome beer selection, Awesome service, and good food. Hops culture is located in the middle of Hyman Ave and is the perfect place for a casual lunch. Like any good beer establishment, they serve flights of beer. If you can't decide what to order, they'll give tasters of anything on tap. If you're torn between a couple of beers, ask a member of their well informed wait staff and they will happily make a suggestion based on your likes. They offer salads (large enough for two satisfying servings), but their main fare is a little on the heavy side. This is not a criticism, just a fact. This place has great outdoor space with bench seating, which encourages interaction with your fellow beer fans. The interior is also pretty nice. Keep up the great work, Hops Culture. I'll be back.
(4)Martin W.
Excellent value in aspen! Great selection of beers, great lunch prices, nice indoor and outdoor dining. Normal human being prices. Enjoyed the Italian sausage sammie Nd the Fidel sammie - excellent!
(5)Jason H.
Great beer selection, tasty food and friendly bartender, everything you need for a full tummy and nice buzz. Come here if you are tired of all the foo foo eats here in aspen. Relax, chill and maybe grab some recreational pot across the mall.
(5)Tess R.
Great atmosphere...you can play board games or cards while you drink with friends! So much fun. So casual and non-stuffy which is a rare find in Aspen. The drink menu is out of this world and you could come every day for many months without tasting the same beer. Wine is good but pricey for what it is. They have last call early on week nights so don't go too late!
(5)A J.
Stopped by for drinks and apps as we were passing through Aspen on a road trip. It was about 130pm on a Monday afternoon. Service was friendly, but a little less attentive than it could have been. That's okay... the food made up for it! We ordered pretzel bites, Spanish fries, and mini chicken tacos. All 3 were good. I'd maybe skip the pretzel bites next time... for me, the best part of a soft pretzel is the soft pretzel, but these bites all have a crunchy side, so not my fave. They tasted good, though. My ol' lady and I differed on which was better, the Spanish fries or the mini tacos. I'd order both of them again, and really wouldn't mind having either one as a full meal. The flavors and sauces were delicious. The Spanish fries are basically potatoes in a skillet with a creamy/spicy sauce, and a fried egg on top. SO GOOD!! Prices were a little high, but that's probably just Aspen. If I lived there, I would probably be a regular at Hops.
(4)Steven G.
Went around 6:00 on a weeknight. Was encouraged to sit out in the "beer garden" which is to say, bench seating and long tables plopped in the center of the mall walk. The server was slow to figure-out we were a new table. When he did drop-by, he was smug and distracted. We ordered 2 glasses of wine and a beer. After another prolonged wait, the server blessed us with his presence once again....to report that one of friends' wines were not available and my beer was "off the line" (oooo how cool). No biggie, ordered another and yep, "off the line". This became a hassle so I just picked a bottled selection (a unique Tripel) and it appeared. Food was solid but nothing overly special. We did have to watch while one of the servers tried to figure-out with the "help" of three other workers, where one of our appetizers belonged. We waved, etc., but to no avail. It eventually made its way to us...cold. Oh well. Yeah, hard to gripe when you're in such a beautiful spot but it was only fair IMHO.
(2)Trice S.
Great appetizers and beer flight suggestions. Very nice location and service awesome!
(4)Sierra B.
Yes!! More of this in Aspen, please! Hops Culture serves creative and delicious food (unlike the rest of this town), a beer list that will knock anyone's socks off, in a lovely building/atmosphere. They offer an après happy hour with cheap appetizers, but my party of two opted for afternoon salads. We were delighted and satisfied with both salads, and thrilled with the beers.
(5)Konstantin A.
Great atmosphere. The food was amazing - Mediterranean salad great, the pretzel bytes with REAL cheese great, the beer selection great. In addition to all that the server was very knowledgeable and helpful. Sit outside in the beer garden if you can.
(5)Jeff R.
Really good spot. I stopped in eager to explore the beer list and try some new things. My server was knowledgable and ready with suggestions. It's pricy but seems to be in line with other spots here in Aspen. They seem passionate about beer which is the key element. To eat I had the deviled eggs which were great and also the mini chicken tacos which were solid.
(4)Lelia D.
Great food! Huge servings and great price! Service was friendly and quick. Great for families or out with friends. The beer selection was unbelievable and we had a great time.
(5)Craig A.
This place is great and a beer lovers go to spot. If you enjoy beer and a comfortable casual setting this place is for you. They have food as well and it pairs well with beer. I would give this place five stars but the food is good not great.
(4)Jeffrey S.
Excellent beer selection and very tasty mac & cheese. I got the jalapeno popper mac & cheese which had a nice jalapeno kick along with gooey cream cheese, nice macaroni, and breadcrumbs. It was supposed to have bacon as well, but I couldn't really taste it, sadly. The beer menu was extensive and the flights were nice and our waiter made some very good beer recommendations. The pretzel bites were also solid. The food was a bit pricey but still quite tasty overall.
(4)Tabitha C.
Jalapeño popper mac & cheese was amazing!! Saw pictures on Yelp and had to come in and try it for myself. Alex was my bartender he recommended 3 great IPAs that I ordered for a flight. Definitely coming back here!
(5)Fritz O.
Near perfect! No further explanation needed. Yelp is making write more to be considered a review but honestly everything was perfect. Priced well, clean, well designed, great food, friendly staff. Go here!
(5)Ryan H.
Over priced food that took over an hour to get. It looked like it had so much potential but the wait staff really let us down.
(2)Jason S.
Nice beer selection. Pretzels with beer cheese sauce hit the spot. Also the kobe dog. Bartenders are freindly and helpful. They know their beer, that's for sure.
(4)Rachelle V.
Awesome beer selection, they offer flights of 3 6oz(?) beers for $11 so you can try a variety of their 30+ beers on tap. They also have over 100 types of bottled beers and specialty drinks, including a delicious Moscow mule in a copper cup. The food selection was small, but they're a brand new establishment so I'm sure it'll expand. We tried the piglets, and they were okay. The service was a little slow, but very friendly. They have indoor and outdoor seating, which is great if you have a furry friend joining you. Overall, a great place for a beer/drink but save your appetite for another place.
(4)Patricia P.
Food is amazing!!! Mac and cheese jalapeño popper was phenomenal! And the Fidel was perfect!
(5)Angela S.
This place is a gem. Great staff/service, awesome selections of beers, great Mojito's and really good food. We had the Pigs in a blanket and they took it to a whole new level. Had the Falafel wrap and it puts Garbanzo's to shame as the flavor of this was out of site!
(5)David H.
Do not order coffee! We stopped in for some coffee and lunch. Food was good but when we got the bill, we were charged $24 dollars for three coffees with 3 refills. No warning, no explanation! Good Mac and Cheese and good beer though.
(1)Catherine A.
I absolutely love this place! From the vast selection of amazing craft beer, to the delicious food and knowledgable servers, visiting this restaurant while in Aspen is a must. The beer garden outside is charming and the atmosphere inside is open and welcoming. Great spot for everything from a family dinner, catching up with friends or a casual date night. I highly recommend the buffalo chicken mac-and-cheese (it is to die for!) paired with the Belgian Houblon Chouffe. Also, if you love beer, definitely try the flight! For $11 you can sample 3 different beer!
(5)Brad B.
Wonderful new place with great food and great beers on tap. Our waitress gave us excellent suggestions when asked and even set up one of us with a blind taster that he loved. We had 5 adults and 5 kids and I think everybody liked what they got, which is remarkable with our blend of picky and specific eaters and their simple food menu.
(5)Tom E.
Very relaxed space and great for a hearty meal after a good day carving turns. We really liked the Chorizo Deviled Eggs and Chicken Tacos.
(4)Garrett H.
Great place to grab a few beer in Aspen. Ordered a few flights to get some beers we cannot get in MO.
(4)Clint R.
Awesome atmosphere, great beer selection, and very good food. Ask for Paul, the bartender. He hooks it up!!
(5)Amy B.
This is a really cool place! I really loved that we could sit at the outdoor bar and be a part of both the restaurant and the happenings of the little square that we were on. The hostess (or maybe an owner?) suggested beer flights and some fun food to try so we did, and were pleased! The bacon mac and cheese is awesome, as were the pigs in a blanket! I was a little under the weather so I got the matzo ball soup (which I was surprised to see on the menu), it was good, but needed a bit more flavor. Having a little cold, I wanted a hot-toddy but they only had one kind of bourbon; understanding they are a beer joint, but a few more options would be nice. Altogether though our server (Cali) was friendly and efficient, the restaurant was clean and the food and beer were yummy!! So check this place out!
(4)Randall B.
We were a party of 12 with a reservation , had to wait and were seated in a very cramped space. Food was well prepared but limited in variety. Waitress was terrific . Beer selection was fantastic.
(3)Pam E.
Tons of beers to choose from, and great food. We had the pretzel bites with the beer cheese dip which were delicious, and I had the Fidel sandwich which was incredible! Although the a bit messy. Great atmosphere.
(5)Brooks B.
Came back. Brought the same son to try Hops again. We really enjoyed the food and had an excellent server, Alex. I will absolutely return often!
(5)Sue Ellen W.
Food is good, beer selection extensive, but the service is extremely slow. I can't imagine how long someone would have to wait if Hops was actually busy
(3)Elizabeth W.
Beer selection is fantastic. Service attentive and not overbearing. Ambience warm and modern. Food- outstanding. We had the lasagna sandwich and hops salad, both tasty and different. You can tell they have a creative chef behind their menu. We'll be back.
(5)Kyle D.
Great place. Amazing selection of beers . The waitresses actually know what they are talking about . Food selection is sparse but the beer selection is great
(4)Natalie B.
I want to come back here every night just to hang out with zany, personable server, Hugo. The incredible drinks selection and mouth-watering food doesn't hurt either. They had freshly made, rhubarb-filled donut-holes topped with orange zest on the dessert menu last time. I die.
(5)Amanda R.
Being from Portland, Oregon, I've been to many a local brew spot. . . but even this place in its' infancy (opened today, only four hours ago!) is more lively, cool, and interesting than most, AND without even a hint of pretension. Paul the bartender is dope as hell, super knowledgable and passionate about beers and brews of all types. Brittney, the cute as a button server with a likening to "Piper" from Orange is the New Black, is helpful, attentive, and just really freaking cute. And Bill the owner is rad! This is his brain child, and he should be so proud. What an awesome place. I'll be back, soon, Hops Culture. Don't forget me, and keep Dead Guy on tap for me ;)
(5)Vance F.
Great gastro pub with an outdoor seating area so kids can play. Great microbrew selection. The menu was creative and food was good (not exceptional). Kevin Coster was sitting at the picnic table next to us with a bunch of kids. The highlight was the staff's knowledge of beer.
(4)Jeff D.
Extensive beer list. Great for large groups.
(4)Paul G.
I don't get out to Aspen enough, and I was extremely happy to find this new spot on my latest visit there. The food is fantastic. I managed to eat here three times this past trip, and each meal was better than the next. The short rib melt, the fidel, and the smoky bacon are my personal favorites. The outdoor seating on a beautiful blue sky day is a great place to kick back and enjoy a beer and some apps. I love the Colorado brewed beers and they have a ton of those plus beer from all over the place, a lot of which on draft. The service was prompt, knowledgeable, and was always ready for a recommendation on both food and brew. This was key especially if you're interested in broadening your beer horizons like me haha. Aspen rarely disappoints with its culinary line-up and this place is a welcome addition. Can't wait to try sample some more of the fare here on my next trip out!
(5)Jamie O.
Hops Culture is epic-ly good. And I am so happy that there's now a place like this in Aspen (speaking as a 25 year old grad student who only has the budget to go out for an awesome meal once in a while, and this totally fit the bill). I'm a vegetarian and was blown away by my meal - we started with the spanish fries to share, and holy wow. I traveled to Spain in 2007 and remembered how amazing their strange version of fries (spiced potatoes with a fried egg on top) were, and this version was the first time I was able to experience that amazing taste once again. The "creamy and spicy sauces" really make the meal. Then the magic mushroom melt with smoky sweet potato chips really was magical. And my boyfriend claims that their "Royale with Cheese" burger is the best he's ever had... and that's saying a lot from a burger aficionado. And holy wow, those sweet potato donuts with gooey marshmallow filling... I'm speechless.
(5)Carolyn D.
It's really amazing, the service and the food is great... But I thought that the shrimp dip could be better. It is new and a fresh feel inside (or out) I would totally recommend this place for any occasion
(5)Sandro K.
Hops culture has an amazing beer selection (one of the best in town if not the best). they have amazing food, very friendly and great service!!
(5)Sean B.
The food is crazy banging. The service was outstanding. Best beer selection in town. Get the Godfather, the Fidel, the crispy leek mac or the pretzel dogs. Everything is good but those are my favorites.
(5)Jason H.
New restaurants need to treat every customer as if they're new customers... usually because they are. Our first impression was below average, enough so that I probably won't be back. All of us (5 adults, 2 kids) we're in agreement that the food was average, staff was friendly, but the service was very much lacking. The server didn't give us enough water to start, didn't give us the right number of place settings, then didn't bring enough plates for the appetizers. He also consistently had to be asked to take our drink and food orders. For your money, there are many others Aspen restaurants with better service and better prepared food.
(2)Andrew H.
Best venue in aspen. Unbeatable tap and bottle selection. Food is outstanding. Try the pretzel pigs. Wow!
(5)Tegan W.
Amazing! My boyfriend and I came here for lunch on a Saturday while visiting from Denver. We got a shared table out on the middle of the street which was perfect for the weather. We had great service the entire time, the beer menu was vast and we were very happy with our various selections. We got the deviled eggs and pretzel bites. YUM! We were happy with our choices, but wow those pretzel bites were incredible, definitely get those.
(5)JoAnna M.
Delicious salads! Love this place for lunch! A beer and the beet salad - yummy, yummy! Didn't think I would like bacon popcorn, but to my surprise - home run!
(5)Pam P.
Had the Hops Chop salad. Very fresh ingredients. Light salad dressing. Yummy. Waiter gave great recommendations for beer choices. Nice atmosphere sitting in beer garden outside of restaurant.
(5)Jason M.
I love this bar. Great concept, great beer selection, happy staff. (Tho how can you not be happy in dt aspen?) the cocktails need some work. But the staff is diligent and interested in making things better. Highly recommend.
(5)David S.
Need quick food, beer and service? You'll get it great at Hops Culture. Very yummy chicken tacos, soups, and mac&cheese options. Had a fantastic beer selection and the staff recommended a delicious IPA from River North Brewery that has become a personal favorite.
(5)Lisa K.
Hops Culture is an awesome new restaurant in Aspen. I have eaten there several times, and it has always been a great experience. The beer selection is amazing! They have a ton both on tap and in bottle; and the flights are a great way to try a variety. The wines by the glass are some of my favorite wines, and at a reasonable price. I have tried almost everything on the menu and have loved every dish. The tacos are awesome! The salads are HUGE and filling, great for both lunch and dinner. All of the melts are tasty; I love that they offer a healthy slaw on the side to keep it light. You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu! The service is always excellent. The staff are very friendly, and knowledgeable. Anytime that I have needed a suggestion for food or beer, the servers have been on point with their recommendations. This place is a great addition to the Aspen restaurant scene. It is an establishment that we were desperately in need of.
(5)Shauna G.
I love this place. I went to HOPS a few times on a recent trip to aspen and enjoyed it every time. The staff are fantastic and seem to really love their jobs. They were knowledgable about the different types of beer and knew just what to recommend. The food is awesome. I LOVE their mac and cheese and the FIDEL sandwich is a MUST. I'm drooling just thinking of it. I also enjoyed the salads which were a good size for a meal and the spinach dip in a breadbox was unique, tasty and fun to eat. The trashy treats are perfect for a sweet tooth. The cider selection was also awesome and made the tastings fun for the non beer drinkers in our group. Will definitely be coming back to HOPS on my future trips to Aspen!!
(5)