Hop In Brew Pub
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
A wide selection of locally made beer and some of the better bar pies you’ll find north of the border...
What it is: First, Hop In Brew Pub is not a “brewpub” but a pub that serves beer (and pizza), so don’t expect to find stainless fermentors or a brew deck. What you will find is a number of cozy rooms inside a house that’s been converted into a lively bar where mismatched chairs and tables along with arm chairs and couches give you the feeling of attending a party that’s been going on for a very long time (since 1911 to be exact—at least that’s when the house was built).
Why it’s great: Alberta is going through its beer renaissance right now, with about 100 breweries operating in the province. If they package or distribute and the beer is worth its salt, you’re likely to find it at this bar. It’s a go-to for craft-minded consumers, and while you can get some beers made for the pub by area stalwart Wild Rose Brewery, there’s plenty else to choose from. Menu items are limited to baked bread and melted cheese combinations (pizza, quesadillas), meaning a trip to the gym is usually in order the next day. —John Holl
