Hops & Scotch

"I regret to express my dissatisfaction with Hops & Scotch in Walnut Creek. This venue falls short in terms of integrity and professionalism, with seemingly uninformed staff. Our group visited twice in one evening (before and after dinner); initially we were only planning to celebrate at Hops & Scotch for a birthday toast. After dinner we walked back to this bar due to our large group's preference not to drive down the road which turned out to be a huge mistake. My initial drink I ordered was a Clase Azul cocktail and was only $47. During the second visit, we were informed that we couldn't order from the bar because of our group size (party of 8 with 4 stools open at a bar, seemed ridiculous), so we waited several minutes for a table to open up. The waitress that took our drink orders used a handheld device, eliminating the presentation of a physical menu (which we discovered later was quite extensive and about an inch thick). We informed the waitress of our earlier visit and our intention to order the same drinks. I mentioned I previously ordered a Clase Azul on the rocks, only to be told they didn't have it. After some scrolling on her handheld device, the waitress eventually found several options, indicating a lack of familiarity with the bar's offerings. She asked which one I wanted, and I said I wasn’t sure what was in my 1st order. I guessed it was Anejo but later found out it was Reposado. The cost of one pour was never disclosed to me, as mentioned we were ordering from her handheld device. Drinks took over 20 minutes, and we the bar was supposed to be closing at 11 but several people were still at the front of the bar being served. When attempting to settle the bill, we discovered that the tequila with a splash of soda water amounted to $205, which was a complete surprise to us ((and they also charged 20% gratuity without my knowledge). As mentioned, the cost was never brought up during our order, leaving us puzzled. The manager insisted that it was on the menu, but we never received one or were informed of the price by our waitress. The situation escalated, with staff discussing it openly with the patrons at the bar and one employee harassing my husband as he carried gifts to the car. Seeking resolution, we requested the Sheriff's intervention since the manager (and the owner by phone) was unaccommodating. Our intention was never to avoid payment, but rather to point out the waitress’s lack of communication on the drink cost and for her oversight."

"The young lady who is always there server is the best and funny"

"Stopped in for a quick bite and drink. Was greeted immediately and sat at the bar. Ordered an old fashioned along with some tacos. The old fashioned was a little sweet for me but not a bad drink by any means. Just personal preference at this point. They do have a few other versions of old fashions as well. Tacos are on the smaller size but it was exactly what I was looking for. Both were full of flavor. All that being said this was a great stop and looking forward to trying some more drinks and food."

"Hops & Scotch is our go to for cocktails, I recommend them to everyone! I’m a Gin girl & they have an excellent selection of Gin & original Gin cocktails. The service is excellent and the bartenders are knowledgeable and experienced."

"I loved this place from before I went there. A bar specializing in whisky and beer, walking distance from my house, unbeatable! I went with my wife last night, and we both thoroughly enjoyed it. The whisky selection is the best I've ever seen in a bar. The beer taps are impressive-looking, although I didn't try any yet. The cocktails are well-made, well-presented, and tasty. The food is great, and well-paired. I would like to see a couple more options, but it's not a deal breaker. The staff were all friendly and helpful, and I feel like I could get to know them now this is my local. I think I'm going to be a regular."