Hopfields

Look, if you’re in the neighborhood and want a nice draught beer or glass of wine, it’s an easy four stars. Some of the rotating taps can reach lose-​your-​lunch price points (I’m talking to you Prairie — out of Oklahoma), but mostly there are some great deals on beer — including good sized servings of higher ABV stuff.
But these guys started out selling a very reasonably priced and reasonably sized menu, and seem to think they’ve graduated into Michelin Star territory.
For example, they’ve always had a steak item on the menu. It started as a luscious, buttery 4 – 6 oz portion of filet for a more than reasonable $ 16 – 18 and has since quietly managed to increase by about $ 2 every time I’ve gone in to the point that it’s now roughly $ 25, not even considering there is also a (small) Wagyu cut on the menu on occasion which approaches the $ 40 asymptote. Youch!!!
I’m all about reasonable portion sizes and farm-​to-​table practices, but if you’re eating *most* menu items at Hopfield’s, you’re just not getting what you pay for.
The burger, by the way, is delicious and I don’t think it’s gone up too much in price since about 2012, but I cannot stress enough that if you decide to make this a dinner destination, be prepared to spend $$ like you’re at Trulucks or Uchi.
In keeping (Inn Keeping) with a trend started by Brian «Fratto» F. (a disenfranchised Arlington based Unilocal user who believes in the false equivalence that because I called him out on not suggesting one single alternative in the CROWDED AUSTIN TACO STAND WORLD; that I’m being a hypocrite for not recommending an alternative in every review where I am less than glowing) I offer a recommendation for something similar but better: Black Star Co-​op. Cheaper, more reliable, better. There you go. Now tell us why Arlington doesn’t suck.

Unassuming high quality bistro. Great Steak Frites and Jambon Buerre. Need to return for a try at the dinner menu.

My wife and I visited this place for the first time last night. We sat at the bar and all of the bartenders were quite personable, though busy.
The beer selection is fantastic, large and varied. A great combination of local favorites and show-​stoppers from across the country. Only wine cocktails, it seems, for now but we are beer lovers so no points deducted for that.
And the food? Warning everyone, there is a new best burger in town. Simple, elegant, and phenomenal, the Pascal burger (with bacon added, of course) is the new owner of that crown. Cooked to a perfect mid-​rare, on a bun that was up to the challenge, and the perfect combination of toppings, the Pascal is all you could ever want in a burger. Only add toppings, don’t remove any of the superbly balanced base toppings.
My wife was kind enough to share a few bites of her spinach and mushroom tart with me and it was savory perfection. Served with a well-​dressed salad, this dish was no slouch.
2 dishes+3 beer= $ 45. Not a happy hour joint but will definitely be in our date-​night rotation moving forward.

2 stars for eclectic beer selection and good food, but 3 stars off for service. I went through a 5 minute ordeal with a bartender who could easily have been a Portlandia character, when all I wanted was a little salesmanship to help me arrive at a good beer.
When I say «I want something tasty and strong,» «I want a hoppy beer,» and «tell you what, why don’t you pick a beer and I’ll just drink it,» don’t reply to me each time saying «I don’t know what you mean, we have lots of beers/​all beers have hops, not sure what you’re driving at/​I don’t know what you’re saying.» I’ve been to many bars, in many cities and countries, and never had this problem.
Train your bartenders to be engaging, and to sell the average consumer a craft beer without being rude. People tend to not return to bars where the bar staff treats you poorly for not having the prerequisite beer knowledge to enter their establishment.

great place, love the interior and décor, but main area is kinda cramped during peek hours. I don’t come often only every now since their beer is a bit on the pricey side.
but nonetheless, its really good and i recommend.

I walked in and liked it instantly. I liked how no one was shy about sitting at our long table. After ordering food and drinks, I still felt the same way. The fries are outstanding. Even more impressive, all three batches that we ordered during the evening were served hot, unlike nearly every other restaurant.
My one issue is the acoustics. Even on an off night when it was mostly empty, it was incredibly loud for the small number of people in there.

Been here a handful of times. Steak tatare was over peppered the last and only time I ordered it. Mussels and frites are good, but the service is uneven to say the least.
This Saturday night, the server forgot about our second drink orders, and would come by and only fill one water when other cups were empty. Very odd. There was also an issue with the credit cards processing. After waiting an hour without any status about our bill, we reminded the server (interrupting her shots with the other servers). Interestingly, the credit card machine suddenly worked within minutes. Manager apologized but didn’t do anything to remedy it. A 1.5 hour dinner that took almost 4 hours. Nice ambiance. Okay food. Good for dates. If you get seated in the back room, you likely will be forgotten. Was easy to get a reservation.
(Had dinner at Launderette the following night, and had delicious food, attentive service, two rounds of drinks, and dessert for less money!)

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I ordered the Mondo Burger. French toast and a hamburger… with syrup? I love all of those things, but together? Would it work? Would one overwhelm the other? I can confirm this confusing combo works. It’s like an upscale McGriddle and it lives up to that legacy. After all, that’s the only reason to eat at McDonald’s.
This burger was messy and I couldn’t have been happier about it. The egg-​battered dipped bun was delicious and really didn’t even need the syrup. Of course, I used it anyway. Sweet and savory came together and then fell apart as my bun slid apart in my hands.
The burger was outstanding and I would order it again, but it’s not for clean, delicate diners.
As other reviewers said, the interior is eclectic and memorable. I could have eaten in any room and had an experience. Each room could be the backdrop for a poem or vignette.
I would also recommend the fries with aioli.
They have a nice patio that they share with Black’s.

Pascal burger: Super moist, delicious bun, spicy mustard, pickles, fried egg. Fries with aioli. AWESOME.
My husband got a delicious sandwich, but so messy I couldn’t share.
The inside is stunningly decorated and intimate. The outside patio beautiful and with nice touches.
Wish it was slightly cheaper, but still, great visit.

My type of place.
Hip social vibe.
Knowledgeable staff.
Plenty of local and not so local craft brews.
5 stars all the way.