A while back, we had heard Hops Brewery was closed in Nob Hill, but there was clear evidence that the taproom at 7222 Fourth Street NW was still up and running. Seeking a little clarity on the overall status of the two-location setup, I went out to check out both spots Sunday afternoon and also contacted owner Jim Shull by email.

The Nob Hill location is indeed closed, but not permanently.

“So Nob Hill is closed for retail as of now,” Shull wrote. “Without any patio seating or parking lot to put a tent, it just makes no sense.”

Hops is still making use of part of the Nob Hill location.

“We are still brewing here for now,” Shull wrote.

The need for ongoing brewing is because the Los Ranchos taproom is still going strong. Patio areas have been extended on two sides of the building in addition to the original small patio located by the main west-facing entrance. There are now tables on the east side of the building, in addition to more located stretching from east to west along the south side of the parking lot.

The taproom has a small food menu and a lineup of about six house beers, plus guest taps from around the state are available. It remains a very chill spot just set back from Fourth Street behind Christen’s Salon.

Keep supporting local!

— Stoutmeister