Orsolya D.
Yelp
I think we all like to think of ourselves as beer experts. Hops Connoisseurs. A doctorate in brews. At the end of the day, most of us don't know shit (except for perhaps "what we like") and aren't too picky with bars regarding the beers they serve. Well, lo and behold, amateurs because there is now a spot for you to amaze your friends, educate yourself on brews, and have a good time while doing it: Hop Merchants Bottle Shop and Taproom.
Hop Merchants is a recent addition (at the time of this review) to the ever-evolving nucleus that is the North Hollywood Arts District. Having lived here ten years; I can tell you that is hard to keep up with the constant businesses coming and going. The second you try a new spot: bam! It is ousted. So when I saw Hop Merchants open; I figured it is just ANOTHER business on the roster. Yet, I was intrigued.
Located in a strip plaza, Hop Merchants is sort of unassuming and you might expect it to be "just a store" or something of that nature. There isn't an outdoor patio area nor huge facades barking at the douchebags or hipsters that have taken over my neighborhood in the last couple years. This is a positive trait, though, as the 'chill' factor resonates throughout the establishment.
So, what IS Hop Merchants? Stepping foot into the business is not at all what one expects. This isn't a store nor is it a bar. It is more akin to a coffee shop meets brewery. The energy is relaxing and 'cool' as you are welcomed by rustic esthetics like cement floors, glossy wood trims, brick walls, and exposed beams. I know, I know: that architecture scheme has been done time and time again. But, Hop Merchants does it without trying too hard. The entire place feels like a coffee shop. In fact, there were patrons on laptops sipping brews that might as well have been in coffee mugs and even older men a la Cheers. Of course, this was mixed in with idiots being loud and living the young life watching sports on the televisions but overall; Hop Merchants is a brewery environment.
Hop Merchants offers a rotating list of 16 brews on tap from local breweries we are familiar with in the LA area or the surrounding region. These range from stouts, Belgian, ciders, ales, etc; and come in a choice of 5, 10, or 16-oz glasses. Plus, refrigerated cases grace the walls with a bounty of bottles that can be purchased and drank on site ($1.50 corkage fee) or taken home. They also welcome outside food! Overwhelmed by the brew selection? Hop Merchants offers you samples and answers all questions regarding each brew (and gives great recommendations).
Service here is also top-notch. Christian was manning the bar (whom is also a partner in the business) and not only is he handsome (sorry to his wife -- I was totally hitting on him!) but dude knows his beer. He was knowledgeable and professional but also friendly with a smile that will make anyone melt. And those eyes... okay sorry, sorry! Tangent over!
I won't get into my brew selections because that is all subjective but I will say that everything is excellent meaning that Hop Merchants really knows how to pick a menu list that goes together but stands alone on individual merits. My only complaint is pricing: this place is a little high on the moolah register. The 5-oz is baby sized and best for teeny sips with your pinky in the air but not teeny on your wallet. Then again: this is not a lame bar serving Budweiser so what can you expect.
Ladies: I know you care about details like bathroom cleanliness. Have no fear at Hop Merchants. They offer two gender neutral single-stall bathrooms that are clean, fresh, and decorated like it stepped out of a Pier One store. Approved!
Here is the bottom line, folks: Hop Merchants is great. The business is relaxed and trendy but not overly so meaning it is great for a date or just a casual drink by yourself while on your laptop. The staff is kind and experts at their craft brew knowledge and the actual selection is A+. I genuinely already love this spot and I hope it isn't added to the list of Noho Arts District businesses that doesn't make it and yet I also don't want it overly infiltrated with douchebags or hipsters.
So, head to Hop Merchants and educate yourself on beer so that you no longer have to pretend to be a PhD.