Now this was a pleasant little South Hill surprise; "little" here being used in the literal sense.

Hidden behind a Starbucks anchored stripmall is The Hop Shop, a name that would indicate a bar with emphasis on beer. (It might also indicate it was an actual shop, which it is not.) The spot features nine taps, which, while not a large number, is highly respectable when all their choices are quite excellent. Craft brewers like Dogfish Head and Avery are represented, as is local lager champ, Golden Hills. If you're in the mood for something different, there's also Yakima Craft Brewing Co., which has a rather good IPA available.

It is obvious the people behind the Hop Shop truly care about beer. This isn't a placed where "ice cold" is considered a good thing, and our ales seem to have been served at the right temperatures. They also carry a small but good selection of bottles, and we did not see any of the Coors Lights of the world. This is a good thing.

The interiors of the bar felt contemporary without being trendy. A comfortable setting, though it could easily get a bit too crowded. Other than the bar, there is limited seating. The patrons seem to come from all walks of life, and some were obviously more wine people. Good, then, that the Hop Shop carries a nice selection of local wines also. 

The guy behind the bar mentioned they were looking into putting in three more taps, and that the rotation was pretty speedy. The Golden Hills tap will stick around, which is a good way to support a local brewery. 

There aren't many downsides to neighborhood spots like the Hop Shop. It's a highly recommended ale house if you live in the area, and even worth the trip for anyone else. 

PS: Actually, one downside: Top That was carded but I was not. What a slap in the face!