Hops N Scotch

A solid place, with interesting and carefully chosen beers on draft.
You have to put up with some attitude from the bar staff, but if you can, it’s great. The bartender (who I won’t describe) tried to upsell me to a bottle choice when I asked about a couple of the sours, and explained they would be happy to drink it if I didn’t like it. I didn’t, and they were, indeed, happy to finish the bottle.
Nice seating options, clean bathrooms. Can’t really comment on the place when it’s busy, since I’ve only been three times during off hours.

Supported my gluten, dairy and soy allergies, no problem with a nice cider. Definitely a place I’d return. Nice ambiance.

The food is pretty good, the drinks are good, the service is pretty spotty. Honestly, this place has become one step above a college bar. The clientele is just slightly older. The last time I was there was kind of the final straw for me. I was in the mood for a scotch, and spotted the Macallan 12 year on the menu. I stood at the bar, menu in hand, directly in front of a female bartender who proceeded to look right over me (I’m 5’0″) at a group of men who had bud light long necks in their hands, and asked the repeatedly for about three minutes if they needed drinks. They were in no way signalling the bartender, and no they did not need more beer. She started to walk away, but my friend called her back saying, «She wants to order an $ 18 scotch.» That got her attention.

I went to Hops and Scotch and had a pleasant experience. It did start out with being told there was a 45 minute or so wait, so if going on a Friday or Saturday I would suggest calling ahead. I don’t remember, precisely what sandwich I had, and looking back at the menu I’m not sure if they still make it, that being said, great food overall.
I also had the Peeper Ale, from my home state of Maine. Unfortunately, I don’t think they carry this any longer, but was probably one of the best beers I have had before

Atmosphere is really cool. People talking, laughing and enjoying themselves. I love that in a pub/​bar setting.
They guy that served me was quirky, but very good and efficient. He is probably one of those hidden gems you find, and don’t know you have them. He’s fast and polite. But when you see him, you think «whoa, get away from me» but I’ll be damned… He’s probably one of the better servers I’ve seen. Well done Ian!!! The bussers were extremely efficient. Kudos to them!
Beer: ¹⁰⁄₁₀ for selection.
Scotch: very nice selection.
Food: well this is where the stars started to go out…
I had the Scotch Eggs for a starter. I love Scotch Eggs. Never have I had a soft boiled egg though, but surprisingly, very good. Best crispy sausage ever. The presentation was brilliant. Hot dijon mustard with cranberry? Bloody good!!!. And only $ 11 for two. FOR TWO!!! TWO BIG EGGS! I’ve paid $ 12 for one quail-​sized egg sliced into four bits… Won’t do that again now that I’ve had these. M
Hmmm… On a roll, so I ordered the steaks tips, medium. Well… Kick me sideways. Steak was as tough as leather, and get this… 8 of the 11 pieces were rare inside, and just browned on the outside. I ate what I could, then left the steak and ate the grilled veg and tatties. I hate to leave steak. I also will never return a meal to the kitchen… for my own health and safety reasons. Haha…
So it’s a three from me… And those go to Ian and the Scotch Eggs. I’d come back. I’d have the Scotch Eggs again, too. I will order a burger, tho.

This is not a greasy spoon. It’s not foodie food, either, but it’s good quality. You’re better off here for food compared to the Clubhouse around the corner. Coolidge Corner in general has poor options for drinks and eats; Hops N Scotch is better than average, but that’s not saying much.
What stands out is the mediocre service. The bar staff is excellent, but the hosting station and restaurant service are apathetic. You’ll get your order. You won’t have to wait. But don’t expect great service. For example, I dropped a knife, and the server and the host-​person watched the whole thing happen and stared blankly, like zombies. I got a new knife from the napkin roll at the table next to me.
None of the staff (including bar staff) looked like they wanted to be there.
Also, don’t think this is some kind of special place for Scottish Whiskey. It’s not. It’s a generic restaurant.
Three-​star food, two-​star service. This is basically the type of restaurant you find in an average business hotel. You’re better off going up the road (Beacon Street) to Washington Square where you have more (and laughably far better) eating and drink choices…

Both times I have been to Hops N Scotch I have left feeling like I spent way too much money in exchange for below average service, below average food, in a below average setting.
The upstairs dining area is strangely bare and feels a bit like a banquet hall: too much empty space, dinged up walls from lots of careless table rea