Aaron S.
Yelp
Tucked away in the heart of old town Poway, we stumbled upon this hidden gem, The Hop Stop, after a show. Arriving around 7 on a rainy Saturday night, we found shelter in the well-organized space, opting for a cozy spot at the bar since the outdoor seating was drenched. Despite the potential parking issues (which we barely noticed in our rush to get inside), the ambiance was very nice once we settled in.
Two friendly bartenders, maybe owners, took the time to guide us through beer choices and menu options despite the busy crowd. While a slight delay was expected given the bar's busyness, our food arrived promptly, and the drinks flowed smoothly.
Speaking of drinks, we opted for The Hop Stop blonde, a delightful collaboration with Karl Strauss, and the Chai Me a River, bursting with chai goodness. Both were light and refreshing.
Our shared Cheesesteak with sweet waffle fries hit the spot. While the cheesesteak didn't break any culinary boundaries, it delivered a satisfying mix of meat, veggies, and gooey cheese--nothing flashy, but certainly not disappointing.
In the end, The Hop Stop proved to be a charming spot for drinks and bites. Despite the average cheesesteak, the overall experience was a positive one, leaving us with the desire to return for another round. If you're up for a cool spot in old town Poway, give this place a shot - rain or shine!