Bars of Barretto: Hops & Brews

The newest place in town opened last week.

Hops & Brews is located on Del Pilar Street in the building that formerly housed Sit-n-Bull. There has been a complete renovation turning that space into something quite unique, with inside and outside bars and seating.

The inside bar.

When I first entered, I started to sit down at this bar and order a beer. The bartender said most people prefer the beer garden out back. I told her I’d check it out.

The inside seating area.
And the pool table area.

So, I headed out back and took a seat at the bar in the beer garden.

The outside bar

I was quite surprised to be greeted by name by several of the waitresses, both as “sir John” and my nickname “Gwapo.” Of course, I didn’t have a clue where I’d seen them before, but I suppose it’s easy to be famous in a small town.

A portion of the beer garden.
The other side features a stage where live bands will occasionally perform. (I’m not clear on the schedule as of yet)

The manager greeted me, again by name, and asked if I remembered him from Bar Barretto. I lied and said, “of course.” I mean, his face was familiar, but I’d only been to Bar Barretto twice, so the recollection was fuzzy. The bar doesn’t stock San Mig Zero, so I was drinking San Miguel Light. The manager pointed out they had a craft beer on tap (Crazy Carabao) and a draft beer called Sapporo that I might like. Then he brought me a mug on the house. It was good.

I ordered a second Sapporo when I finished the freebie.

The cook popped out of the kitchen behind the bar, and I recognized him as the former chef at Kamto, so I knew the food here would be good. I asked to see a menu and noted that they feature a variety of dishes at fair prices. I ordered the chicken quesadillas.

Very tasty

When I was done eating, a female cook came and asked me how my meal was, and I told her it was good. I don’t know if that is going to be a standard procedure or if it is just soliciting feedback for a new operation, but it was nice to see they had an interest in customer satisfaction.

The owner introduced himself and asked how I liked my beer, suggesting I might want to try the craft brew. I told him I appreciate a good beer, but I drink Zero to avoid carbs and calories. He laughed, rubbed his beer belly, and said, “I know. I own the gym across the street, and look at me!”

Lots of waitresses, but only for providing service–no bargirl interactions or lady drinks. I saw a family with kids enjoying food and beverages at the back of the beer garden. Again, as much (or more) a restaurant as a bar.

Before I visited, I asked a friend if he’d been there yet. He said, “no, it’s too expensive. All the food dishes are around 500 pesos.” Well, that’s not true. My quesadillas were 260. Some of the entrees were 500 (or more), but the majority of the food was cheaper than that. My draft beer was 100 pesos, and the bottles were 110; that’s at the higher tier of beer prices in Barretto but not unreasonable for the upscale ambiance.

So, first impressions of Hops & Brews: Very friendly staff. Beautiful venue, inside and out. Good food. In fact, the place has much more of a restaurant vibe to me than a typical bar that serves food. It was quite comfortable sitting outside, eating and drinking, and I’m sure I’ll return for a second dose soon.

Off to a good start; keep it up!

The current rankings (I still have two other newer bars to review):

  1. It Doesn’t Matter
  2. Hideaway
  3. Snackbar
  4. The Green Room
  5. Wet Spot
  6. Cheap Charlies
  7. John’s Sushi and Steak
  8. Mango’s Beach Bar
  9. Brews & Hops
  10. Bar Barretto
  11. Whiskey Girl
  12. Alley Cats
  13. Lux
  14. Dynamite Dick’s
  15. Mugshots
  16. Alaska Club
  17. Hot Zone
  18. Queen Victoria
  19. Blue Butterfly
  20. Adam’s
  21. Thumbstar
  22. Voodoo
  23. Rock Lobster
  24. Outback
  25. Rosie’s
  26. Annex
  27. Bottoms Up
  28. Palm Tree
  29. BarCelona
  30. MacArthur’s
  31. Redz Pub
  32. Chill

6 thoughts on “Bars of Barretto: Hops & Brews

  1. Pingback: No money, no honey | Long Time Gone

  2. Lots of waitresses, but only for providing service–no bargirl interactions or lady drinks.

    Sounds like my kind of place. No scuzzy vibe.

  3. Hmm, “scuzzy” seems kind of harsh, but yeah, it’s good to have some variety. I think Hops & Brews might be filling a needed niche in the Barretto marketplace.

  4. Definitely seems like a nice place. Here’s to hoping that they are able to keep up the good ambience.

  5. Pingback: That’s the way I see it | Long Time Gone

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