Josh M.
Yelp
Some people only write reviews when they are upset about something. About the only time I will take time out of my busy schedule to post something on a public forum is when I find something worth sharing. Such is the case with Hopping Gnome. It is a small, local brewery, and I almost don't want to post this because if it starts getting busier and I can't get a bar seat I'm going to be ticked. All they really serve is beer, and quite frankly that's all they need. Why mess with perfection? They have free popcorn and water, and there is a pizza joint right next door that you can order from and have delivered to you. It's basically what I imagine heaven will be like, but hopefully without the rapid weight gain.
Now for the beer. It's good. Just get a flight, start at the top and work your way down. If Mandy is working, she will likely make fun of you for something. Don't get offended, it's part of her charm. Just sit there, take it, and order another beer. About the only thing I don't care for is the sour stuff, but others that like such things say it's really good. They have great stouts, IPAs, reds ales, etc. They rotate quite frequently, but the ESB is a solid choice year round. Just don't tell Mandy the ESB taste metallic. That's actually probably why she makes fun of me in hind sight.
Also, the owners are really cool. If you stop by, ask what the HBIC beer stands for, then take a large drink of beer while the owner's wife tells you. I had to change my shirt that night. Good times.