Well, if you haven’t heard yet, it’s official! Hopfields “softly” opened their doors to the public on November 22nd. It was a whirlwind day filled with so much anticipation, excitement and a crap-load of nerves, but they did it! Bay and Lindsay greeted heaps of curious guests – from students to professors to beer connoisseurs and friends – all who’ve been waiting patiently for the new Austin haunt to open up and all who came and left with smiles on their faces. Since then, there’s been a steady stream of guests, some who’ve already established themselves as regulars, some who are coming in to see what all the buzz is about and still others who just happen to be in the neighborhood.
I suppose the public’s verdict is still out on whether or not Hopfields has met everyone’s expectations (although, from what I’ve seen so far, people are rather happy), but as a friend of the Anthons who’s seen this project develop from an idea to a full-blown realized dream, I can say unequivocally that they have absolutely outdone themselves. Hopfields has been an undeniable labor of love, heart and soul, and this shines through from every single detail in the once barren shell of a space the cozy bar now calls home.
So, what should you order when you find yourself wandering in for a drink and some nosh? For lunch – go for the buttered ham and cheese baguette and a glass of white. Add some camembert if you’re feeling extra hungry. For dinnertime eats and drinks – you can’t go wrong with a side of hand-cut fries, Spanish olives and the salad niçoise that beats just about any salad niçoise I’ve ever had in Paree (just say no to canned tuna). Oh, and a glass of Tripel Karmeliet to wash it all down while you chat with your friends about how much you loved that beer when you visited Belgium. Whatever you do, don’t get too comfy in that corner spot with the funky lights hanging over the table – that’s my spot!
Hope to see you there soon! ~ Sarah
If you haven’t made it in yet, here’s a tiny peek of what you’re missing.
HOPFIELDS blog 