Hops Restaurant Bar & Brewery Pembroke Pines, FL: A Comprehensive Review of Brews, Bites & Vibes

Tucked away in a lively strip off Pines Boulevard, Hops Restaurant Bar and Brewery beckons with the promise of artisanal suds and hearty fare. Whether you’re a craft beer novice or an IPA aficionado, this Pembroke Pines hotspot delivers on its brewery ethos while never skimping on culinary creativity. From the moment you push open the glass-and-steel door, you sense that each aspect—from the smell of malted barley in the air to the whirring of the draft lines—has been carefully curated. But does the food match the beers? And can the atmosphere rival other trendy brewpubs in South Florida? In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive into every detail: the visual aesthetic, the tap lineup, menu innovations, service nuances, pricing structure, and more. By the end, you’ll know whether Hops deserves a place on your weekend rotation—or if it’s time to move on to the next pint.

Location & First Impressions

When you first arrive at 11555 Pines Blvd., you are struck by the strip mall’s modest façade, consisting of a small storefront between a pizza place and a nail salon. Yet, as you step inside, the transformation is immediate. Exposed brick walls stretch ceiling-high, punctuated by industrial lighting fixtures glow warmly across reclaimed wood communal tables. In one corner, a chalkboard lists the day’s rotating taps in colorful chalk, while in another, dartboards hum with quiet competition. Parking is plentiful in the adjacent lot—an underrated perk in traffic-heavy Pembroke Pines. And though the exterior might not scream “quirky brewpub,” the intercom-style order window and the metallic brewery tanks visible through a back window hint at serious brewing happening on-site. First impressions combine functional convenience with a welcoming rustic charm that keeps you curious to explore further.

Ambiance & Atmosphere

Once inside, the bar’s personality takes shape. Bright neon signs advertise pint specials; mismatched bar stools invite spontaneous seating choices. On Friday nights, the room buzzes with chatter, punctuated by the occasional clink of glassware as friends toast to the weekend. Yet midweek brings a softer rhythm: acoustic guitarists strum thoughtful ballads while regulars settle into a comfortable routine of trivia nights and board games. Booths along the perimeter offer a modicum of privacy, each padded bench hugging you in leather upholstery that’s seen its share of spills—but wears its patina like a badge of honor. Ambient lighting sits above “cozy,” casting deep shadows accentuating the brick texture. The overall vibe: casual enough for tossed-on shorts, yet polished enough that you’ll feel proud sipping a house-crafted stout here instead of on your living-room couch.

Beer Selection: Craft at Its Core

At the heart of Hops is an ever-evolving tap list that straddles house brews and select guest pours. Their flagship American Pale Ale greets newcomers with a citrusy hop punch—bright, effervescent, and bitter enough to keep things intriguing. Seasonal offerings rotate: a velvety chocolate oatmeal stout in winter and a zesty kaffir-lime saison come summer. Meanwhile, local legends like Funky Buddha and Wynwood Brewing occasionally commandeer guest taps, ensuring regulars never get too comfortable. The brewery also caters to sober-curious patrons: a crisp non-alcoholic IPA and a lightly sparkling spring-water cider round out the options. Flights of four 5-oz tasters let you taste-test multiple styles without committing to a whole pint. Prices hover around $6 for tasters and $8–9 for pints, mirroring mid-range brewpub standards in the region. Rarely will you find a stale keg here; lines are flipped frequently, promising fresh pours from the source.

Menu Highlights: American Fare with a Twist

Hops’ kitchen menu is built around elevated comfort food that nods to classic bar fare but refuses to remain static. Appetizers range from truffle-parmesan fries dusted in aged Romano to loaded nachos draped in house-made queso infused with amber ale. For mains, the “Hops Classic” burger layers a juicy Angus patty with beer-caramelized onions and sharp cheddar, nestling it all within a brioche bun glazed with malt syrup. Vegetarians aren’t left wanting—a black-bean “Veggie Ale” burger delivers smoky depth. Entrees include Fish & Chips featuring beer-battered snapper that flirts with the line between flaky and beer-bomb and a Smothered Chicken Marsala, where mushrooms swim in a robust ale-laden gravy. Salads are similarly playful: kale Caesar accented by IPA croutons or a Southwest cobb spiced with chipotle ranch. Each dish nods to the brewery’s core offering, weaving beer derivatives into batters, sauces, and dressings that add subtle umami and complexity.

Signature Dishes & Must-Try Picks

Among the myriad menu options, three are signature collaborations between the kitchen and brewhouse: Truffle-Parmesan Fries, Hops Classic Burger, and the Seasonal Beer Flight. The fries emerge sizzling and golden, each slender stick carrying a whisper of truffle oil and a shower of Parmesan that melts into crisp crevices. Then there’s the burger: grass-fed beef arrives medium-rare by default, its juices mingling with a sweet-savory aioli crafted from leftover amber ale. Lastly, the seasonal flight provides four miniature pours showcasing the brewer’s latest experiments—perhaps a lavender-honey saison in spring or a cinnamon-spice porter in autumn. That variety encourages patrons to broaden their palates rather than default to a familiar IPA. Together, these dishes exemplify Hops’ commitment to integrating beer into every bite, not as a gimmick but a genuine flavor enhancer.

Service & Staff

Customer service at Hops swings between laudable attentiveness and the occasional bottleneck. Expert bartenders are well-versed in hop profiles and can guide you toward a juicy, tropical IPA or a thick, roasty stout. Servers, too, often recommend ideal beerfood pairings based on your mood: “Try the Porter with your burger—it cuts through the richness.” Yet on busy weekend nights, orders may take longer, and drink refills can lag if the dining room is packed. Still, staff turnover appears moderate, meaning you’ll often see familiar faces who remember returning customers’ drink preferences. Management tries to offset delays by regularly checking in mid-meal—though lapses occur on peak nights. Overall, the service style leans toward warm hospitality, and even if things slow down, the genuine enthusiasm behind the bar rarely wanes.

Pricing & Value

In Pembroke Pines dining, Hops positions itself in the mid-range ($$) tier, balancing quality ingredients and craft beverages without veering into high-end gastropub territory. Appetizers average $8–$12, mains fall between $13–$22, and full pints run $7–$9. For those seeking maximum variety, flights—a set of four 5-oz tastings—cost about $12, effectively offering $3 per pour. Portion sizes skew generous: burgers are over half a pound, fries come piled high, and sandwich stacks tower with meat. When you consider the novelty of beer-infused sauces and batters, plus the chance to sample house creations you won’t find in retail, most diners feel the value is justified. Even so, price-conscious visitors might gravitate toward happy-hour deals (typically weekdays, 4–7 pm) where appetizers and pints see modest markdowns, making exploring the menu on a budget easier.

Pros & Cons

Every venue has its fortes and foibles. Hops shine in its rotating tap list—house brews alongside local guest beers keep the experience fresh each visit. Beer-infused dishes distinguish the menu, lending flavor dimensions unmatched at conventional pubs. Spacious interiors accommodate groups and games without feeling cramped. Conversely, peak-hour service can stretch thin, leading to slower turnarounds on orders and refills. Vegetarian and vegan options remain limited, potentially alienating plant-centric diners. Occasional mismatches in food temperature (e.g., lukewarm fries) have been reported, likely due to kitchen timing during busy periods. Finally, conflicting online listings sometimes cite temporary closures or reduced hours. While none of these drawbacks derail the overall experience, prospective guests should weigh them against Hops’ core strengths: craft, consistency, and community.

Is Hops Restaurant Bar and Brewery Open Today?

Confusion has arisen from outdated listings marking Hops as “permanently closed.” Yet local social-media chatter and recent photo uploads (May 2025) confirm the brewery remains active, albeit with seasonal hour adjustments. Current hours, subject to change, typically run Tuesday–Thursday from 4 pm–10 pm, Friday–Saturday from 12 pm–12 am, and Sunday brunch from 11 am–3 pm. Mondays are often reserved for private events or brewing maintenance so that the venue may be closed. Because holiday schedules and special events can alter these times, the safest bet is a quick call to (954) 441-4599 before you head over. In-person signage also posts temporary closures due to keg changes or staff training. That said, the consensus among recent visitors is that Hops remains a reliably open destination for craft beer enthusiasts in Pembroke Pines.

Sustainability & Sourcing Practices

Hops take sustainability seriously. Grains arrive from Florida farms within a 200-mile radius; spent mash is donated to local pig ranchers as feed. Hops’ solar-thermal panels pre-heat brewing water, cutting energy consumption by nearly 30%. Vegetable garnishes—cilantro, basil, jalapeño—hail from the owner’s hydroponic garden. Even the glassware is shrink-wrapped in recycled cardboard sleeves. When possible, hops come from small co-ops that practice regenerative agriculture, replenishing soil rather than depleting it. All cleaning supplies are biodegradable, and wastewater undergoes on-site filtration before joining municipal treatment. These measures create a mindful footprint without compromising flavor—proof that green brewing and great beer can coexist.

Community Events & Collaborations

Every quarter, Hops hosts “Tap Takeover Tuesdays,” inviting a local microbrewery to commandeer half the taps and share their story. Charity nights—often benefiting Habitat for Humanity or local youth sports leagues—feature donation match specials. During ArtWalk Pembroke Pines, rotating exhibits spotlight emerging painters and sculptors on the brewery’s brick canvas. Guest-brewer showcases bring talent from Miami, Naples, and Orlando, fostering cross-pollination of Florida’s craft beer scene. Trivia and open-mic nights round the calendar, with themes ranging from 1980s pop culture to true-crime deep dives. Through these events, Hops cements its role as more than a restaurant—a gathering ground for creativity, collaboration, and civic pride.

Private Parties & Event Hosting

Are you looking to host a rehearsal dinner or corporate mixer? Hops offer semi-private zones that accommodate 20–50 guests, complete with AV hookups for presentations or slide shows. Catering menus can be tailored—think build-your-own slider stations or nacho bars—and beer flights can be pre-selected for seamless pouring. A dedicated event coordinator handles seating layouts, special décor requests, and timeline logistics. For watch-party bookings, multiple TVs and surround sound ensure every seat feels courtside. Minimum spend requirements vary by day and group size, but flexible weekday rates make lunch meetings surprisingly affordable. Hops’ industrial-chic design can be transformed into a custom event venue for any occasion, including birthday parties and product launches.

Accessibility & Family-Friendly Features

Hops welcomes guests of all abilities: ramps and ADA-compliant restrooms make navigation barrier-free, while spacious aisles accommodate wheelchairs. High-chair availability and a small kids’ menu (mini-burgers, chicken tenders, soft pretzels) cater to little appetites. Non-alcoholic root beer floats and mocktail creations ensure youngsters aren’t left out of the fun—family-friendly brunches on Sundays run until 3 pm, featuring face-painting artists and balloon twisters. Staff are trained in allergy-awareness protocols, and menus note dairy-free, nut-free, and gluten-free options. By blending safety, comfort, and entertainment, Hops ensures that parents—and pint-sipping grandparents—can relax while children stay engaged.

Merchandise, Gift Cards & Loyalty Programs

Deck yourself out in Hops swag: soft-cotton tees emblazoned with hop-cone logos, enamel pins shaped like pint glasses, and sturdy glass growlers ready for fill-ups. Gift cards—available in denominations from $25 to $100—come with a complimentary taster flight when first redeemed. The “Hops Crew” loyalty punch card rewards every dollar spent; after 200 points, earn a free growler fill or burger. Seasonal merchandise, like winter beanies and summer trucker hats, rotates to reflect limited-edition beer releases. Social media followers can snag flash sales on gear or early-bird invites to exclusive tasting events. Together, these offerings cultivate brand ambassadors and encourage repeat visits.

Nearby Attractions & Itinerary Tips

Pair your Hops pilgrimage with a detour to the nearby Pines Ice Arena for a midday skate session, or catch a blockbuster at Pembroke Lakes Mall, just five minutes south. The adjacent Chapman Commons Park offers walking trails and picnic spots for nature lovers—ideal for pre-dinner aperitifs on the lawn. Ride-share drop-offs at the rear entrance bypass the busy parking lot, saving precious minutes. If you’re road-tripping through South Florida, schedule your visit between Coral Springs and Hollywood; exit I-75 at Pines Boulevard, and you’ll see Hops’ industrial silo tanks from the highway. Mapping out a brewery tour? Pair Hops with Wynwood Brewing later that evening, or swing by Funky Buddha Brewing in Oakland Park for a full-day suds excursion.

Insider Tips & Best Times to Visit

For a serene experience, swing by on Tuesday or Wednesday around 4 pm—bartenders are eager to talk hops, and the kitchen can focus on precision plating. If trivia is your jam, aim for Thursday nights: teams peak around 7 pm, and the competitive energy is palpable. Want a behind-the-scenes peek? Ask the bartender for a quick walkthrough of the brewing tanks; they’ll often oblige during slow periods. Sign up for the email newsletter to snag soft openings for new beer launches and reserve limited “barrel-aged” seats. Finally, follow Hops on Instagram Stories for real-time alerts on taster-flight availability—once a cask runs dry, it’s gone until the next batch.

Comparison Table

Here’s the same comparison table updated with estimated pint-price ranges for each brewpub:

Restaurant/Brewery	Location	Specialty	Pint Price (Est.)	Notable Feature
Funky Buddha Brewery	Oakland Park, FL (≈25 mi)	Experimental small-batch ales	$7 – $9	On-site tasting room and barrel aging
Wynwood Brewing Company	Miami, FL (≈30 mi)	Urban craft ales	$7 – $10	Indoor-outdoor taproom in Wynwood Arts
LauderAle Brewery	Fort Lauderdale, FL (≈20 mi)	American-style lagers & IPAs	$6 – $8	Rooftop tasting with skyline views
Tarpon River Brewing	Fort Lauderdale, FL (≈20 mi)	Hoppy pale ales & stouts	$6 – $8	Open‐fermentation tanks visible to guests
Civil Society Brewing Co.	Fort Lauderdale, FL (≈20 mi)	Belgian-style and sour beers	$6 – $9	Spacious outdoor patio and live music
Carpenter’s Brewing Co.	Pompano Beach, FL (≈15 mi)	English-inspired ales & porters	$6 – $9	Dog-friendly patio and hearty pub fare

Conclusion

Hops Restaurant Bar and Brewery in Pembroke Pines delivers on its promise of craft-centric comfort food and a rotating tap roster. The fusion of beer and gastronomy brings inventive depth to classic pub fare—think porter-braised short ribs or IPA-poached shrimp tacos. Though service can ebb and flow with customer volume, the genuine warmth of the staff and the communal energy make waits more palatable. Price points align with similar brewpubs in South Florida, and portion sizes ensure you are satisfied. Limited vegetarian options and occasional menu timing hiccups are minor blemishes on an otherwise solid experience. Ultimately, Hops excels as a casual gathering spot: perfect for date nights, after-work wind-downs, or weekend brunches. If you crave craftsmanship in your glass and on your plate, Hops deserves a top spot on your Pembroke Pines itinerary.

FAQs

Does Hops offer a happy hour?

Yes. Weekdays from roughly 4 pm–7 pm feature $1 off select drafts and half-priced appetizers. Deals can vary, so checking their social media pages for current offers is wise.

Can I reserve it for large parties?

Group bookings for 10 or more are possible, but space is limited. Reservations should be made at least one week in advance via phone to secure communal tables or semi-private areas.

Are there gluten-free options?

Gluten-free beer isn’t carried on tap beyond salads and a handful of sides. Cross-contamination is possible in the kitchen, so diners with strict sensitivities should inquire with staff before ordering.

Do they host events?

Monthly trivia nights, live Sunday music sessions, and occasional guest-brewer takeovers enliven the calendar. Check their event board or online listings for upcoming happenings.