They sell beer that should be taken off the shelf due to it being stale and/or bad. This time I asked the bartender who was very nice about a beer that was obviously older. He asked another guy who I believe is the owner, and he said that beer ages well. It did not and it was beyond bad. I looked up the beer and it said it loses its flavor after 6 months on the shelf. I'm betting it's been there 2 years. That guy is the same guy that recommended a bunch of sweet sours the first time I went there after asking if he had sours or goses that were not sweet. A few of those were not only sweet but bad as in old. I will not be back at this place. It would do better if the owner stayed home, and they stopped selling stale beer. read more

The Hop Yard is considered a private club since they serve liquor so be prepared to show your ID to become a member (it's free). The draft beer selection was great, there were two full screens with options. I will have to say it was a tad on the pricier side per pint in my opinion. They also have a cooler section if you want to browse that and beer available to take home. There is seating available both inside and outside. Cheers! During COVID-19 they are doing their best to keep everyone safe by implementing the mask rule while not seated and providing hand sanitizer at the tables inside. read more

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We stumbled upon this establishment while looking for music bingo and stayed for a few drinks. Tucked away in a small strip mall, they serve a good selection of beer on draft, not much in terms of liquor and even less for wine. Of course I would have expected this, being they specialize in beer, I was able to find one very nice porter on draft. Unfortunately one thing do not offer is a decent level of customer service. A short lived blank stare is considered a greeting, however; if you don't get your words out quickly, plan on waiting a while longer to order a drink or even ask a question. Based on my experience each question I asked was met with a sarcastic answer, which led me to the conclusion that they don't care for questions. I felt like I was in a Seinfeld episode, keep to yourself or "NO SOUP FOR YOU"! There are plenty of other small craft beer shops throughout Raleigh that offer much more in terms of personality and customer service! Cheers! read more

Happened upon this place after our hike in falls lake! Good location, lots of parking, dog friendly inside! (Super important for us because we just left a hike and wanted to sit inside for a drink), had lots of beers on tap, and beer cans! Husband was very happy to see bissell cans (New England beer) and the bartender was very nice and attentive! read more

Small little craft beer joint. Very friendly bartender and samples provided. They had a bully rescue group there and it was alot of fun. The puppies were so cute and it was raining (cats and dogs) so they let them set up the little pin inside. I loved that. read more

The Hop Yard - Wall of beer. - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Love this place. It's become a home away from home, until this was home (I moved). Great beer and wine and cider, cool events, nice people and customers. Food is not served, but plenty of stuff around you are welcome to bring in. read more

What took me so long to try this place?! It's jam packed with loads of craft beer, but not in an overwhelming kind of way, in a yes I want to try every one of them kind of way. The cashier/owner maybe? is very helpful and knowledgeable. He answers my questions without getting all judgy on me. You know those beer snobs I'm referring to! I'm fairly new to the craft beer scene so I've got a lot of questions. I used to be a slim can Mich Ultra kind of gal but my pallet has changed tremendously since those days. Whether you're in the mood for a light crisp hefeweizen or a bourbon barrel aged sipper, they've got it! They have all of their seasonal beers in now too. Oh the options are endless. Mmmm pumpkin beer... There's a little bar behind the aisles of beer with about ten stools and 18 beers on tap. Its always lively and seems to be good time! Check out their Twitter feed! They keep up with the ever changing inventory via Twitter read more

The Hop Yard - Stiegl Radler! So refreshing! - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Cool bottle shop with a small bar that seems to attract a lot of regulars. I've only been to this neighborhood in very far north Raleigh twice in my life, so I don't know that I would ever become one of those regulars, but it was certainly a nice change of scenery. My friend found a seasonal beer that I had been looking for that happened to be both on tap and in bottles here, so it was very sweet of him to invite me here to share said beer with him. It has already sold out in a lot of other locations. This venue also attracts a runners club on certain weeknights, so it can get pretty busy from what I understand. Cool spot for those who live way up in the "North Dakota" of Raleigh, north of 540. read more

Hop Yard is a solid 3.5, but based on their immense selection, I bumped to a 4. Here's what I like (keeping in mind that there are recent ownership/management changes and Austin was the coolest) and what I'm not crazy about, although it merits a visit for any beer lover regardless of the cons. Pros: Bottle SELECTION -- They get things no one else gets, somehow, and I can get sucked in for an hour just reading labels and browsing. Variety -- Although there's a whole row of Belgians of every variety, there is also a substantial choice in dark beers, IPAs, and uncategorizable weird beers. There are good sours, seasonal stuff like Pumpkin Ales and Christmas Ales, and in the summer you can barely get in the door sometimes with all the boxes of Grapefruit Skulpin and radlers and wheat beers that sell so quickly they can't even get them on the shelf. Staff -- really nice people, and they can engage in conversations and recommendations without the beer snobbery that comes from some shops This point is kind of in-between a pro and con. I like it and think it's cool, but to some, the boxes of new arrivals in the front section of the store may seem disorganized and overwhelming. Staff says it just sells too fast to get it on the shelves, and I can accept that, but it probably rubs uptight Type-A's wrong. Cons: This is a personal preference thing, and I understand why they can't price their beers consistently (because they sell it so fast and have SO MANY different bottles) but it drives me NUTS when I have to go ask someone the price of something (the case more often than not because almost nothing is marked here). It is what it is, though...I accept it because the pros far outweigh this issue. And I don't find it the best place for sitting and having a beer. There is good tap variety, but one small bar top at the back, so it's not somewhere I see myself regularly hanging out...I usually just get one 5oz pour to sip as I peruse the aisles and I'm good. Overall, it certainly has a unique and small-business, community vibe that stands out among the many choices we have now. Worth a visit for any beer lover. read more

Huge selection and great customer service! Wouldn't pay attention to other reviews that people post about that. Service was great - we'll be back! read more

Love this place. Unbelievable choices for beer, sours , ciders and great wine. Check out the online ordering. Worth it!.

Hop Yard is a nice little bottle shop in the shopping center off of Durant Road and Falls River Ave. They have a wide variety of beers to choose from; and, (as with most bottle shops) you can buy singles or six packs. There are definitely some hidden gems on the shelves here, too. There is a bar toward the back of the shop and they have had some really nice options on tap each time I've gone. There are many styles to choose from so there's an option for almost anything you're craving. It is definitely on the smaller, cozier side; so, if you're looking for a place to hang with a large group, this may not be the best choice. I'd say it's better for a couple or a few friends who are stopping in for a beer or two and don't plan on staying long. The staff has always been friendly and engage in conversation. While we were browsing the shelves, the bartender came over to see if we needed any help and answered all of our questions. He also made a few suggestions for some beers to try. If you're a local in the area or are looking to grab a cold brew after your hike on the Neuse River trail, it's worth stopping by! read more

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Huge selection but bad timing! I stopped in to get a growler filled and it was standing room only with only 1 person working. He did greet us but with 25 people in this place you cannot move. We stayed @ 10 minutes with a empty growler. I'll try to get back there someday...maybe not wait another 5 years. BYW Lowes on Strickland has a good selection of taps with excellent prices on growler fills! read more

Great beers on Tap consistently 15 or more! Big selection of shelf brews also, staff knows their stuff. Night time gets very crowded and cramped, definitely needs more space. read more

Absolutely phenomenal local bottle shop! Mina was outstanding and the atmosphere is friendly and awesome! Will be coming back often.

A few years back I came in and purchased a lambic from them that was sour. Yesterday I purchased an ale (St. Bernardus ABT 12) and, surprise! soured. They stock expired alcohol on their shelves. Check it if you're going to make a purchase, they sure as hell don't. read more

I love this place and the staff, but on a strict review basis, one thing I NEED to highlight is the pricing of their cans/bottles. It is VERY fair is not the lowest in the area. They have a great selection of rotating taps, and all of the staff are very nice and friendly. My favorite watering hole ^_^ read more

The staff and the owner are very friendly I really liked having a drink here. Coming all the way from New Mexico to North Carolina this is a place to be. Very nice cozy environment and enjoyable. Good hangout place to meet new people and see what's happening around Raleigh. Thanks for the great experience I will be back. The the 80's music!!!! read more

I love this place under normal circumstances. But during the uncertain COVID times, they went above and beyond. I called in and they made me a mix and match 12 pack of my favorite types of beers, and paid over the phone and then did a curbside pickup. I know this isn't unheard of during this time, but they really went above and beyond their normal operation. This was so important to me as someone who is immunocompromised. Can't wait to sit at the bar again when COVID is a memory. read more

I stopped into The Hop Yard and was like a kid in a candy shop... but the kid really likes beer. Not only are there lots of choices, but the owner himself gave me a tour and shared some of his beer-knowledge. There is also a bar in the back with 18 taps. If you go home empty-handed, you are doing something wrong... or don't have an appreciation for beer. read more

My favorite local bottle shop. It's not the best because of the selection, availability of limited beers, or price (though they are well above average in terms of selection and availability; price is good too). It's the best because of the people. Austin and James are both super knowledgeable and enthusiastic, without being know-it-all beer snobs. I hate to see Austin leave, but I'm looking forward to seeing what the new folks have in store. Stop in for a beer and enjoy some great s*** talking from Austin before his farewell party on Saturday. read more

Focused on beer and the enjoyment and knowledge of beer. The owners are completely entrenched in this wonderful bottle shop and they are totally committed to providing their clientele with great service, great beverages, and great times with each visit. 18 well considered draughts at the tasting bar, and a well stocked shop full of domestic and international craft beers that will satisfy the most discriminating customers. This place is a hidden gem in the far North Raleigh craft beer scene. read more

What a great addition to the Falls River shopping center! Great beer selection and really helpful staff! We will be back and plan to bring people! read more

This is a great neighborhood beer store with a fantastic selection of bottles and rotating taps. James knows his stuff and cares about his customers. The people who frequent there are very loyal and friendly. If you're looking for a house, buy one near this store. read more

I decided to stop in again to see what was on the shelves. Glad I did! Austin was there and I enjoyed talking beer with him. A seriously awesome selection and resonable prices. Great bottle shop! read more

This place is awesome! Great bottled beer selection and almost 20 interesting beers on tap. You can sample any of the taps which takes out the guess work when trying something new. James and Austin are super helpful and friendly - the rest of the staff is wonderful as well. It's the perfect laid-back neighborhood pub. (Say hello to Santiago and make sure he's not facing the wall.) read more

18 taps of craft beer throughout the US and local, poured with a smile. You can sample, have a glass, grenade (small take homebottle of draft), a growler, singles, 6 pack, or even order a keg (with notice). Hop on a bar seat and mingle with the locals on Tap Take Overs. Or pick up somthing new that was recommended by the owners to take home. read more

Best beer store in town and the owners know their shit. Great selection and friendly bar in back with awesome selection of beers.