Hops N Shine
4.6 ★
551 Google reviews
$$
3410 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22305, USA
We turned in on a whim while trying to avoid the rain and wait for friends. Those friends are still waiting for us. The grilled cheese will take you to childhood while the moonshine won’t make you call home to Tennessee, but it’ll make you want to stay in Virginia.
After taking the pedal-assist e-bike for a spin around the local trails, I realized I had worked up the kind of appetite that only copious amounts of melted cheese and a cold pint could fix. Enter Hops N Shine. This place is an absolute gem and exactly what you want when you need to immediately replenish all the calories you just burned.
I consider myself a reasonable adult, but I would absolutely engage in gladiatorial combat for another one of their gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches. They have somehow taken a childhood staple and elevated it to a level of culinary wizardry that makes you question every sandwich you have ever made yourself. Pair that with one of their loaded hot dog creations, and you are looking at an absolute masterclass in comfort food.
The drink situation is equally spectacular. As someone who spends a fair amount of time exploring craft breweries, I was incredibly impressed by their draft list. It is a massive, rotating lineup of local legends and fantastic pours that will have you staring at the menu like it is a sacred text. The staff members are absolute pros, expertly guiding my choices so I did not have to make any agonizing decisions while hungry.
The patio has a fantastic, laid back vibe that is perfect for wasting away a sunny afternoon with good company. If you are anywhere near the area, do your stomach a massive favor and stop by. Just save me a seat and please do not judge me if I order a second grilled cheese. Four out of five stars.
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