Top Hops

Best beer shop and place to drink. Friendly and knowledgeable bartenders. Love to come to tastings on thursday and really just come as often as possible to taste new beers at affordable prices.

Great selection on and atmosphere, bar tender was friendly and happy and suggestive of sampling before ordering. Also nice touch for the pretzels to munch on to make me thirstier. You can also find some new or old favorites in the coolers self service to drink elsewhere. Its part a store, part a bar.

The inside of this place is very cool, especially at the end where you can sip on a beer in between orange lighted fridges — it look a lot cooler in person than in writing.
Service is super nice once you’re nice to them. My bartender was standoffish at first but very grateful and super nice once he noticed I was giving him respect for his beer knowledge, he greatly appreciated it.
Tip: if you sit at any of the tables they will not give you service, you need to go to the bar to order your drink and bring it back.

Amazing beer selection from around the world. You can drink there, get growlers of what’s on tap, create your own 6-​pack. They have some snacks, too, but nothing substantial. You pay for the hefty selection and the beers are costly.

This is the kind of beer bar I love. It’s a well-​curated, rotating menu that prioritizes local brews. The charming chalk menu is descriptive enough that you can easily make your decision, and the bartenders freely offer samples for the indecisive. The ability to take any beer from the fridge and drink it there is also very welcome.
Any time I go out in that neighborhood I try to make a stop at Top Hops, and you should too.

Been here several times now as my old stand-​by for craft brews in the area. Not a lot of seating, yet a big draft list, and bottles along the walls.
Drafts range from $ 7 – 10, with a variety of IPAs (mostly), porters, pales, and maybe a saison or fruit. They have one TV to the left of the bar if there’s a game worth watching, but mostly a «sit and talk» kind of bar.
Not much else to say about this spot. Try a pretzel and a sampler.

Great and eclectic selection of beers; on tap or bottle wise. Decently priced for its location. Friendly staff and very knowledgable, if it’s your first time going to a craft beer spot, you can ask the staff for recommendations. Very chill and relaxed vibes but they have enough space at the back or the bar if you’re planning to go as a group/​bottle share. It’s also a very nice bar to go alone if you’re into that (because I am), the atmosphere feels almost like a coffee shop. And yes! which means free wifi! haha. I highly recommend Top Hops if you’re a craft beer junkie!

This place is like a mini world of beer. I fell in love with the inventory. If i lived in NYC i would be an instant regular here.

Great choices of beers at very fair prices
The choices of cheeses. Pretzels, olives and charcuterie are very good and the staff is not only knowledgeable, but can’t be nicer.

Top Hops should be in every town across the country (well, every town where there are people who appreciate good beer)! I’d be thrilled if it opened up in my neighborhood!
Go in, walk to the back, and look through the cases to find a beer. Either pick by location, name, size, label, ask the awesome staff, or close your eyes and go for it. The varieties are as broad as they can be for the small size of the location.
You can buy one or many to take home (make your own six packs are available). Or you can drink it there for a slight cost. The bottles are reasonably priced and range in cost depending on which you pick. If you are deciding to drink there and don’t want a can, there’s a variety of beers on tap as well.
If someone takes you on a first date there, they’re a keeper. (it’s a cool and different first date spot).
Random note: You’ll feel like you’re in Williamsburg. I actually forgot I was in Manhattan while I was there. Though, that’s pretty common for a LES spot.

5 stars for the brew on tap and in fridge but 0 for the bartender who had a crappy attitude!! hey buddy its your job to talk about beer no need to be so rude

I rarely update a review. I have to see some serious improvement for me to change my initial feelings towards a place. I have since been back to Top Hops a couple of times for a casual beer. The waitresses and staff have been more on point with paying attention. The craft beer options are pretty outstanding. Usually I opt for a bottle in the fridge because they have some rare gems lurking around corners. They always provide crunchy pretzel pieces to ebb your inebriation. The only thing pulling me back from still giving them a full 5 stars and even a 4 is really the pricing. I understand charging a $ 2 corking fee for bottles that are already a wee bit more expensive than say my local Foodtown. But some of their craft beers on tap are still outrageously priced and there is no happy hour — ever. Most craft beer bars have some kind, any kind of happy hour. I will also still never understand why a craft beer bar has to have Bud on tap for $ 8 but then this is the village (and by village I mean lower east side, gives off a very west village vibe) and I would expect some bro to eventually cave in to ordering such an atrocity.

Really great selections of beers and ciders. In fact, no matter your price range or taste preference, you will find something.
If you want them to uncap anything from the back fridge, it’s a two dollar uncapping fee (and they pour it into a cup for you).
There are snacks like pretzels, jerky, popcorn (from popcorn karma from across the street) and some other items that they change in and out.
Also available: tastings and private events.

Cool place where you can assemble your own 6-​pack assortment. The front is a bar where they have about 10 – 15 beers on tap and the back is a bunch of coolers with just about every type of beer you can think of. They’ve got a great selection of sours and also carry root BEER. It’s so good! I can’t find this stuff anyplace else. Prices are pretty affordable and the service is friendly. They’re great at helping you find whatever you’re looking for.
Definitely check it out if you’re a beer lover.

top hops saved my evening. they have a great selection of beers to consume at the bar or to take home. this is all you need to know about top hops. you need good beer and youre in the area? this is where you need to come get it. the end.

Being a beer enthusiast I was super happy stumbling across this gem in the Lower East Side. It’s a mix between a beer store, bar and a beer education establishment. The bar tenders were very knowledgable and friendly and are willing to pour you tastings of anything you like. It’s very clean inside and doesn’t get too crowded. Also, they have some small bites but I didn’t get around to that.

I truly enjoyed this bar. The large variety and fun vibes made our Saturday. I really liked the music too!
I left my credit card there and they went out of their way to see I get it back. The to-​go selection was enormous. Can’t wait to go back!

This bar is quite a unique bar. It has small tables with coolers filled with beer lining both sides of the space. The staff was very friendly and the bar itself is was incredible. The bar surface is made of polished stainless steel that as been laser cut in a curved pattern. I think it was made to resemble a barrel. They have a big chalk board displaying the available beers for their 20 taps. The best thing I noticed was a column that showed when the tap line has been last cleaned. That was impressive so you know they take fresh beer seriously. The bar feels like a store and bar combined and had a corporate feel. You know where everything was just perfect and planned out. It’s not a bad thing but if your looking for a divey bar this is not it. If your looking for good beer and lots of selection, this is the place for you. They do not offer food but you can order or bring food in. Check this place out!

For true craft beer lovers, this place does not satisfy. If you don’t know a lot about beer, this place is great. If you do, it’s fine. There was an uninspired selection of bottles and drafts that lacked the harder to find beers you would expect at a place called «Top Hops». They have some interesting bottles but not a lot of them and the staff did not know answers to any of my questions or seem to know what they had in stock. Compared to other places in the city, this place has an average draft list, okay bottles (nothing rare) and a staff that did not seem excited about beer. I would seek out other places if in the area.

«Top of the Hill»
This place is perfect for beer and pretzel enthusiasts (maybe more for the beer enthusiasts).
They have an amazing and revolving list of draft beers with a HUGE selection of bottled beers. The staff is pretty good with helping you to pick out that perfect pint or bottle. Plus, the staff is not snobby about helping.
All in all, I have a wonderful experience whenever I stop by.

Wow! We had some time to kill while waiting for dinner. We walked around the neighborhood and saw the sign that said «Great Beer». My wife and I looked at each other and said, «That’s where we are going!» We were glad we did. Our bartender was fantastic. Made recommendations based on what we liked. They have a fantastic selection on draft of things I have never heard of. There were a few different types of samplers you could try which I love. The bar was very long and it was packed even at 5pm on a Saturday night. Tons of beer to buy and take home. Looking forward to our next time in the area so we can stop back.

We came here for Black Friday to pick up allotments for Goose Island BCBS and variants. Overall, the event was run very smoothly, and the crew was very well organized making things as efficient as possible. I can tell why they get to hold this event each and every year.
We have been here a few other times aside from Black Friday. Their tap list can be pretty hit-​or-​miss. However, their cold case in the back has a huge selection of bottles and cans, making the trip always worthwhile.

This place is incredible. We randomly stumbled across it since we were in the area and I am so happy we did. It’s a cross between a bar and a small shop where you can buy craft beer. They have a ton of beer in the fridge and you’re welcome to buy it and drink it there. There is also a ton of beer on tap of course. We were there in the fall and quite impressed with their pumpkin beer selection. Their cider selection was also incredible. Having been to Belgium recently and checked out all of the local Belgian beers, I was very happy to find some of those beers here! The atmosphere is great with good, low music being played, and the bartenders are excellent. This is such a random, wonderful spot that you should definitely check out for a drink if you are in the area.

Saw this place while visiting the brilliant tenement museum across the road. Popped in and took a look at the good selection of bottles in the fridges at the back.
Went to order a selection of tasters at the bar and was greeted by the rudest most obnoxious bar tender I’ve ever come across. The guy clearly doesn’t like a tourists. I know this is New York but come on. Could have been so good too.

I came here on a date, loved it! Huge selection of beer and you can even buy awesome beer to go. They also have a selection of wines. They offer cheese and meat boards (charcuterie) comes along with fresh bread and olives… it was delish. One of the dried cured meats had a hint of cloves and spices, reminded me of Christmas lol. Friendly service which is always a plus for any food/​retail spot. I’m rarely in the city but I would definitely come back. They do close early around midnight which kinda sucks for being in the city a bit but it’s worth going :)

Ladies and Gentlemen if you love beer, this is the place to be! I came to Top Hops for the first time tonight and I was amazed with the variety of beer. A hidden gem in NYC. I felt like a kid at a candy store when I walked in! They have a great selection of beer on tap, bottles and cans, probably one of the best I’ve seen in the city! It’s different from any other place I have been to because there’s a little something for everyone at Top Hops.
The staff was friendly and knowledgable about beer. We were a party of 4 and they treated us very good. The environment was great and different from what I’m used to.
I didn’t get to try the food this time but I’ll definitely try it the next time I go (and there will be a next time). I recommend Top Hops to anyone that wants to have a good time and have great beer. You won’t be disappointed.

Top Hops is a solid beer bar/​shop for both beer connoisseurs (my boyfriend) and beer newbies (me). I brought my boyfriend here to have his empty 64oz growler filled up with his choice of beer. The helpful bartender let us sample three beers before we decided on the Goose Island Ogden, a 9% ABV Tripel. He filled the growler up right away. 64oz came out to $ 40. Not bad for a beer with high alcohol content!
The shelves and fridges had a seemingly endless selection of beer. It was overwhelming! I don’t buy a ton of beer and wouldn’t have known where to start if I was on my own here, but I got the impression that the bartender would be able to help me find something I loved among all the different varieties.
Highly recommended if you’re a beer fan, even in the slightest. Cheers!

We just kind of stumbled on this place and I’m glad we did. As soon as I walked in I knew I was in heaven. The wall to my right was lined in beer and the bar to my left had around 20 or so craft beer taps with a large chalk board behind it notating each beer. Then in the rear were the many coolers full of delicious brews.
With all the choice it took me a few minutes to decide on where to start. Next thing I know it’s four or five beers later and I’m feeling pretty good about life.
I’m not in the area very often, but next time I am I will be stopping here.

Happened to be in the neighborhood and «craft beer» caught our eyes. Like everyone else has said, HUGE selection of bottles and 20+ on tap. Prices are on point for the types of beer and comparable to other craft beer bars in the city. We got seats at the bar around 6:30p on a Friday night no problem but the place got packed pretty quickly.
The bartenders were great! Super friendly with suggestions and tastes. Even when it was packed, they were working their tails off to get to everyone. Didn’t get to try any of the food but highly recommend this place to grab a drink. I’m never in this area but next time, I’ll def be back.

Okay, I love craft beer… love, love, love. Years ago craft beer in NYC was a rarity and it was tough to find any good spots, but now craft beer is trendy and we all know what happens with trends in NYC.
So Top Hops seems pretty new (ish) to the scene and I was excited when I spotted their sign from far away while in the neighborhood with my friend and fellow Unilocaler, Ingrid S. Upon checking in on Unilocal I also realized that I had it bookmarked… not surprised, if I haven’t already made it clear, I love craft beer.
I went in with high hopes and walked out disappointed. Let’s outline their pros and cons.
PROS:
+ Excellent beer selection in the fridge. Like really excellent, tons of good stuff here.
+ Beers are sold at grocery-​ish store prices and if you want to drink em’ onsite there is a $ 2 corking fee — this is the standard at these types of places, so that’s cool.
+ The space is neat and they have lots of beer related odds and ends.
+ Location… it’s right by a train, a few trains actually! Awesomepants.
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CONS:
+ Top Hops is expensive. $ 7 for Bud Light? Um. NO. Why is Bud Light even on tap at a place that calls markets itself as a craft beer haven. No, Just NO.
+ The absence of happy hour in a part of town where good beer spots are a dime a dozen and realize the plight of hard working men & women who are looking for a few hours that are happy and cost efficient for afterwork imbibing? Not cool.
+ Service. My friend Ingrid S. waited like 15 – 20 minutes at the bar with her Bells Jupiter bottle to be opened and for her money to be taken. I ended up opening her beer bottle but she still waited for them to pour it in a glass because she wasn’t comfortable with my opening it before she paid. But I wasn’t comfortable with like a group of 4 – 5 people coming in 10 minutes after us and all getting serviced before her. There were 2 bartenders on staff on this day and I lucked out getting the quicker guy who was washing stuff when she got stuck with the one who decided to take awhile. By that point I was already close to finishing my deliciously amazing Sam Smith Organic Chocolate Stout. It was the bees knees.
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I’m giving this place 3 Unilocaly Unilocal stars because they do have an interesting rotating tap selection, good brews in their fridges and great potential if their service improves and they revisit the pricing on crappy domestic brews on tap (*glares at the Bud Light*).
I would come back if I were in the neighborhood, but I also wouldn’t go out of my way to come back. Not with Astoria Bier & Cheese in my immediate neighborhood.

I wanted to LOVE this place. I’ve had it bookmarked for awhile and on the way to another event hopped in (no pun intended) due to Stephy P. seeing their sign from a distance. «HOPS?! It’s a beer store! We must go!» We walk past and notice the layout is very much like several other beer and cheese stores that you can sip some ales inside to your leisure: Astoria Bier & Cheese, Stinky Bklyn, The Ploughman. A number of meat and cheese and beer shops come to mind. I sit down on a stool and take everything in. They have stands of cute shirts, mugs, books, an homage to Bell’s (I approve because I’m from Michigan). A little bowl of hard sourdough pretzels on the bar top.
I sit and take in the draft list while Steph goes crazy in the back at perusing their enormous selection of bottles in their fridges. The bartender seems a little hesitant at first on asking what I’d like so I chime in and ask him about the Knee Deep IPA and he explains the beer pretty thoroughly and that it was a triple IPA from California. I ask for a sample and try another beer. Nothing really shone out to me also I was perturbed as to why Budweiser was even on a craft brew list, let alone clocking in at a whopping $ 7. Nothing on the menu was below $ 7 actually and there was no happy hour at 6pm on a weekday. Most of the selection I had already had: Goose Island, McKenzie’s Cider, SixPoint, SmuttyNose, Lefthand, Cisco, Rockaway. Finally decided that I’d get a bottle of something unique and pay the $ 2 corking fee. Not a biggy. What annoyed me the most was that after I selected a beer (Jupiter from Bells!) it took close to 15 minutes for them to open it for me. They apparently decided to help every single patron in the bar except for me and after they were done helping all of those people the two bartenders stood aloof while I kept pointing stupidly and making comments at my beer. My friend was done with her drink and I was just about to walk out when one of the guys whisked over and opened it. Not cool. Also, I doubt I have interest in spending $ 7 – 8 on Bud anytime soon so I can probably find some craft beer bottles at my local supermarket instead.
*Edit: Actually, the bartender never even opened my bottle of beer. Apparently my friend did. Quality service.

On a recent trip to NYC, we met a friend here in the early evening for some beers. Both my boyfriend and I are big craft beer drinkers, so this was the perfect place! I loved that they had a unique selection of beers on tap at the bar, but I also loved the huge selection of bottled beers in the coolers that you could purchase and drink in house.
We were able to grab a table near the back, and we started off with draft beers. Round 2, I looked around at the bottled beers, but go so overwhelmed that I went with my second choice from the bar. All the beers I tried were great! They even had bottles of Bourbon County Brand Stout from Goose Island, which was a nice treat. If you are serious about beer, you will especially love Top Hops!

Came here for drinks before dinner on a Saturday snowy evening and this place was packed! Despite the crowd and mess of the snow, the bartenders and staff were very nice and attentive! I didn’t try any of their flights, but I saw a few other parties order them.
They have an AMAZING selection of beer, on tap and by the bottle. Love the look and feel of this place, if I worked near here, I would most definitely visit more often. Love how in the front and back there are additional tables with bar stools (in addition to all the bar seating).
They give free pretzels to snack on which is nice. They also have Fresh Pretzels that are AMAZING! I love the hot mustard sauce that goes with it.
Hope to come back here again soon and definitely recommend this place to others!

Calling all beer fans. If you appreciate good beer, you will absolutely love this place.
I have been going to this shop for a while now & I realized I did not praise them on Unilocal so here I go.
Beer shops are popping up everywhere, so you may be wondering «What does Top Hops have that others don’t?» — exceptional & friendly service provided by knowledgable beer-​masters (a.k.a the employees).
There is a variety of craft & imported beers so if you are having trouble deciding on what to purchase, just ask. Someone is always willing to help so you can customize your own six-​pack. Mix & match your selections from hoppy, to nutty, to malty, or even fruity beers!
Top Hops has a cozy environment so sit at the bar & order from the tap. You can also try items from the fridge straight out of the bottle or can while enjoying the wonderful world of beer with other fans.
If you prefer a growler, you can purchase one. They will fill it up & you can be on your way. Don’t forget to bring it back on your next trip to fill it up again.
If you are in the area & need a drink, stop by & quench your thirst at Top Hops! Consistent service & great products are the reasons why I continue to shop here.