We kicked off our eighth year of RC at Hops n Scotch, the former home of Finale in Coolidge Corner. They aim to “satisfy people’s hunger for life’s simple pleasures” and have more than 80 varietals of beer (including 40 taps) and more than 100 scotch, whiskeys, and bourbons. I tried a Mayflower porter and then switched to wine (a nice big glass of Picket Fence pinot noir from the Russian River Valley).
Since I can never pick just one, my three favorite appetizers were the house made beer bread (griddled Allagash White beer bread with house pimento cheese), the black eyed pea hummus served with house made potato chips, and the pecan stuffed dates wrapped with bacon. I also liked the seared scallops with cilantro lime pesto. The hush puppies were kind of dry, and I could have lived without them.
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| Beer bread |
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| Never turn down a hot date |
For my entree, I ordered the beer braised short ribs with mashed potatoes and green beans. It was not amazing, mostly because it was so salty. In the words of Julie Spanos, “it’s weird that the green beans are saltier than the French fries.” I might have had a little plate envy for the grilled cheese. It’s made on Texas toast and comes with cheddar cheese or pimento cheese (ask for both!), onion jam, carrot soup, and house made chips.
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| Grilled cheese and carrot soup |
Other entrees ordered were the grilled chicken club sandwich (minus the club), the catfish po’boy, beef stew, and shrimp etouffee. For dessert, it was a unanimous decision to go with the homemade brownie.
A fun and yummy pick, Mitch…welcome (officially) to the club!
The damage
$44 per person
The rundown
Hops n Scotch
1306 Beacon Street, Brookline
Kara Cooks and Eats 