By Linda Bausch
On a recent trip home, a visit to one of my favorite North Napa restaurants––Hop Creek Pub––was on my short, go-to list. Every time we open the door, a host has been stationed to greet us with a hearty welcome. Arriving a bit after the lunch hour, we found the indoor seating still bustling. The cool and quiet courtyard offered a splendid respite under the lush green overhang. A leisurely Saturday afternoon on the patio was just what we needed to settle in and relax after a hectic day of travel. The weather couldn’t have been nicer, it was a few days before the first heat wave hit in late spring.
No sooner than our host led us outside, our server for the afternoon, Diego, followed with menus and initiated our meal with beverages to start. Service at Hop Creek has been consistently efficient and quick, no matter what. This day was no different, as the host pitched in to assist with our drink order. The coffee was freshly made, and the soft drinks were refilled throughout our meal. The fresh, on-tap and bottled craft beers were abundant in selection. Being a fan of an orange-infused brew, I did enjoy a cold, tall glass of Cali-Squeeze Blood Orange Hefeweizen from San Luis Obispo. One of our guests ordered a Humboldt County staple, Lost Coast Brewery’s Tangerine Beer. (Seeing the iconic artwork on the can by Duane Flatmo, brought back fond memories of our life on the North Coast before Napa became HOME.) Craft-made Hard Seltzers, a variety of bottled beers and a list of locally made wines––sold by the glass and bottle––bubbles, and a full bar rounded out the options. Non-alcoholic beverages and fountain sodas, teas and San Pelligrino are also available.
We were happy not to feel rushed as we perused the menu selections. We chose to whet our appetites with a starter of Whole Jumbo Chicken Wings, $14.50 and Pickle Fries, $10. We have ordered fried pickles all across the country. Fried pickles come in so many variations that it continues to be a mystery to me... what shape will they be when brought to the table? We’ve had them served as big, quartered wedges, long slabs, or sliced in circles... thick & thin cut. Hop Creek Pub wins the contest if there was one. The shape of this pickle offering resembles that of thin french fries, slender cut and battered, making for a tender bite. The crunchy, corn masa coating stayed put without crumbling, as often happens with the other fried pickles we’ve ordered elsewhere. A cooling, cucumber ranch was served on the side.
The “Opening Acts” ($9-$17.50) list includes something for everyone. Mozzarella Cheese Flatbreads, (meat and vegetarian options available), Shiitake Hits the Fan is my favorite; Hummus is served with Vegetables and Crisp Flatbread Strips; Panko Breaded Artichoke Hearts come with a Garlic Lemon Aioli; Crunchy Brussels Sprouts, salt and lemon seasoned, includes a Garlic Lemon Aioli; Pretzel Bites with Honey Mustard; Tempura Shrimp are lightly battered and served with a Sweet Spicy Sauce; Crispy Calamari with a Spicy Garlic Aioli, Garlic Pub Fries (these are one of the most popular items!), and an Ahi Poke served with Wonton Chips, Pickled Ginger and Wasabi. Is your mouth watering?
Descriptions of the Salads, Burgers, and Main Events got our appetites going. On this day, two guests ordered the Western BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger, $17.50. The meat is Hop Creek Pub proprietary, ground daily of Angus chuck and Wagyu blend. These hearty burgers came to the table stacked high, juicy, and full of flavor with the house BBQ Sauce, Crispy Fried Onions, Lettuce, and Tomato. The toasted bun added desired texture and held the burger and trimmings together without falling apart. Other selections on the “Pub Burgers” menu include Patty Melt, $16, which is a deluxe, grilled sandwich with Cheddar and Swiss Cheeses, Caramelized Onions and 1,000 Island spread on Sourdough Bread; a blackened, Cajun Seasoned Burger with Bleu Cheese, Applewood Smoked Bacon, Red Onion and Mayonnaise; California Turkey Burger, $16.50. For diners looking for a little kick... the Spicy Jalapeño Burger $17, won’t disappoint. It includes Ghost Peppers, Pepper Jack Cheese, Red Onion, Lettuce, Tomato, and Jalapeño Aioli. Side options include Fries, Seasonal Vegetables, Fruit, Sweet Potato or their Garlic Mashers, an all-time favorite. The kitchen is geared toward the guest and substitutions are available for a minimal upcharge.
The “Fresh Greens” section tempts with a variety of salads, soups, add-ons, and the ever-popular Basket of Cheesy Garlic Bread, $6; Imperial Caesar Salad, $9; Hop Creek Cobb Salad, $17.50; Wedge Crisp, $10, Shrimp Louis, $17.50; Simply Salmon Salad, $18; Buffalo Chicken Salad, $15.50; Sesame Ginger Salad, $16.50; Mixed Green Salad or Mini-Wedge Crisp, $5; Soup of the Day, $6.
We also ordered the Signature, Ale-Battered Cod, accompanied with Spicy Aioli which was as described, spicy and delicious. The large pieces of lightly-battered fish were superbly crisp while the inside remained moist, tender, and flaky. The deep-fried fish and side of Garlic Mashers was generous and filled a hungry tummy, with some left over for later. Two pieces, $15; three pieces, $18, definitely a nice value for the serving size. The last choice made by our guests was the Chicken Pesto Sandwich on a Ciabatta Roll, $16, which comes with Provolone Cheese, Sun-dried Tomatoes, Pesto Aioli, Onion, and Green Leaf Lettuce.
Other favorites on the “Main Events” menu we have sampled over the years––French Beef Dip $18.50; BLTB, a play on more is better! Bacon-Lettuce-Tomato-and more Bacon, served on a toasted sourdough, $16; Grilled Fish Tacos, $17; Salmon Club, $18.50; Pulled Pork, $15.50; Classic Reuben, $16.50; Portobello Veggie Sandwich, $14.50; Granny’s Homestyle Mac ‘n Cheese (we have declared this Mac ‘n Cheese the BEST we have had in any restaurant) $10.50, additional bacon bits, $1.50; Grilled Atlantic Salmon, $20, this item is served with Grilled Pineapple, Veggies and a choice of side, it has been on our order on other visits and always satisfies. Dessert options this day––Fudge Brownie Sundae, $9; Housemade Cheesecake, $9.50.
Diego was excellent in his service, quick, and happy to accommodate our group’s every request. He made my first stop at home memorable, and as I mentioned at the beginning, just what I needed after a long day of travel.
In the nearly fifteen years since the popular restaurant opened in the Brown’s Valley Center, business associates, family, and friends have enjoyed many good times––sampling their way through the menu, tasting a brew or two, as well. Hop Creek Pub’s convenient and cool, sunken back room is often utilized as a gathering place for local business meetings or more intimate family celebrations. Children are welcome, the Kid’s Menu has a very reasonable price point that won’t break the bank––ALL ITEMS $7.50, beverage $1.25. Don’t forget to ask for the Kid’s Activity page and a few crayons when you are greeted, always at the Host Station.
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