Hopfields

Reviews 6

LE

Leila Rahil

I did not really know what to expect with this place. The name implies brewpub, the ambiance a chic contemporary yuppie-hipsteraunt and the menu more french inspired upscale than either of the other two factors indicate. Came here on a date and we were sat almost immediately in this cozy little back room that was occupied by two other couples. The tables in the room were spaced a little awkwardly, but after I had a wine in my hand, I didnt much care. Their wine list was a bit all over the place, but I appreciated (and enjoyed a few of) their offerings and though a bit of a markup was evident, it was not to the point of price-gouging as you see on a lot of other uninspired and uninformed Austin wine menus. I started with their Domaine De Couron Rosé, which was just perfect to sip on by itself as we perused the menu. We started with the oeufs aioli and wow. Right off the bat, this place was already impressing me! The confluence of flavors from the aioli itself, boquerones, cornichon, and almond gremolata were magnificent! I had this with a glass of Paul Ponnelle Pinot Noir and it was a perfect flavor partner to these hard boiled egg flavor-boats. My date and I both ordered the Butter Poached Crab. I usually like to order different dishes and share, but neither one of us were in a sharing mood when we saw that the crab was in a vanilla cognac sauce. Definitely salvaged the evening by getting separate plates because we would have been fighting over the last morsel; this dish was a revelation! First off, the crab comes in the cutest little mason jar I think i have ever seen. And, though it appeared almost disappointingly small at first, it was actually quite stuffed to the brim with the most succulent and decadent crab I have ever tasted! I am not even the slightest bit ashamed to say I would bathed in that butter cognac sauce! Seriously, this dish was just one of those that you just dont want to end because you are in foodgasm heaven! I paired this one with their Mistinguett Cava, which was a match made in aforementioned foodgasm heaven! I prefer cava to champagne, regardless, but this was a fantastic pairing because you still have the acidity to cut the natural sweetness of the crab & sauce, but the slight sweetness at the finish of the cava was like a flavor boost to the crab, so the little kick at the end of each bite and sip was like getting a delicious little bonus. We ended the perfect meal with the perfect dessert: a Nutella & Banana Crêpe. The brûléed banana and lavender-vanilla sugar really gave an added flair and when complemented by the Grand Courtage Rosé, it really was a "great courtship" between the strawberry notes in the wine and the sweet lavender in the dessert. it was like sweet little lavender infused firecrackers were going off in my mouth! Needless to say, I was not only impressed, but awed by the food and wine offerings here, and that is saying something. The only two things that prevented a 5-star rating was the parking situation. There is just not enough of it. I usually dont discount stars for such trivial things, but having to try and scout a space for close to 15mins almost made me pick a different place for our date. The other one was our server was nice and attentive, but having to ask several times for water is a bit annoying in general, but especially when trying to cleanse my palate between wines (as pretentious as that sounds, I dont care, I would have hated to not been able to enjoy such an exquisite meal without readying my tastebuds for the next course of culinary ecstasy). Will definitely be back! I have my eye on that duck reuben...

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KY

Kyla Myers

I found Hopfields on a Google search for best brunches in Texas. We met up with some friends this morning to try it out. I had the BLT, my husband had the Eggs Benedict, my girlfriend had the Oeufs Brouilles Aux Herbs and her husband had the The Maya. The brunch menu is small but has a very sophisticated offering. Everyone loved their selections. Mine was good but the bread was perhaps a bit too much for the ingredients. It came with herb crusted pommes frites (french fries) and a pot of aioli that were just sublime! My friends little boy loved the French style scrambled eggs she ordered so much that he ate nearly half her order! We finished off with the banana nutella crepe and the coffee creme brulee which were both excellent. The have a lovely selection of wines, beers and cocktails, as well. I had the Teiton Apricot which was very nice. My husband had Left Hand Brewerys Milk Stout, which he really liked a lot. The fellow next to us had the full English breakfast. He said hed highly recommend it so I think well be back to sample a few more items on the menu.

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MA

Mark Moravits

A gem. So cute. Warm, welcoming interior. Ambiance that pulls from the best of American and European cities, but fused with Austins chill ways. The food is top notch. The quality, selection, creativity, attention to detail, and overall tastiness cant be beat. Undeniably French bistro-y, but with plenty of Texas and international flare. Their menu now is much larger than it used to be -- so truly something for everyone -- and, if youre like me, you wont be able to choose. The pascal burger is a standout, as are their mussels and the steak frites. Decent selection of wine, and "cocktails" made from things like sake and wine (bc they dont have liquor license). But the beer -- come here for the beer. One of the most impressive selections in Austin. Impressive prices. This is a great place for a group brunch, first date, and casual dinner with friends. Super casual. Outdoor seating in the back.

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KR

Kris Umlauf

Order the Mussels and Fries! Dont even bother looking at the other entree options; trust me on this. It arrives in a big glass bowl: the mussels are floating in a zesty red sauce (ironically made with white wine) that you will want to lick up out of said bowl. Seasoned plump crinkle fries are on top. The "small bites" plate was a nice appetizer: cheese, olives (complete with little jar for the pits), pickled veggies and compote jam. If you order it and plan to share with even one other person, you should ask for extra bread. They now take reservations for more intimate (compared to the bar area) tables located in the back room.

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TE

Terry Grier

Hopfields is a unique place. The craft beer selection is unmatched in town not by the number of taps on the wall but rather by how curated the wall is. Bay (the owner) is the driving force behind the beer selection. He truly pulls in some rare finds too. I find the bar area a little loud - but the tables etc provide a nice setting to sit and enjoy a beer with your friends. *Food* - I dig the food. I think the muscles are my favorite thing on the menu. Protip: Once you are done with the muscles - pour the "juice" liquid that is left over into your empty pint glass and drink it. Man. It would make the best bloody mary mix ever.

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A

A Private User

Cant wait to go back here, its a great place to hang out. Furniture is arranged in funky coffee shop style in the front and back room and the L shaped bar has many stools. Great feature brews and even some excellent French wines, reasonably priced. As youve read, the food has a French influence and is all comfortable pub fare, while still not your anywhere-else kind of dishes. Friendly staff. Driving by, it is a very plain looking retail unit, not necessarily something that calls you to stop there, which explains why the clientele is mostly local folks or word-of-mouth referrals. Theres a parking lot very close by.

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