Hop&Hen — Restaurant in Tallinn

I generally recommend this place to everybody, but I had one bad experience recently that left a bad taste in my mouth.

I love their food and beers. They have friendly staff you can have a nice banter with, a really nice beer selection, and the chicken burgers and other snacks are very tasty. I also like the vibe - even though it's located in a shopping mall, somehow it still works really nicely and is a cozy place to grab beers and food at.

However, recently I had a bad experience that I feel should have not happened.

I bought a beer called "Heated Seats". It took some time to pour, maybe 5-10 minutes. When the beer arrived and I tasted it, it was flat. I informed the bartender that I'm not going to be able to finish this beer and that it tastes off.

The bartender went to check the beer tap and came back saying that it was tasting the way it was supposed to be. I asked the bartender to taste the beer from my glass, but they didn't. I bought myself another "Heated Seats", but from a bottle. The color and taste difference compared to the tap version was completely different.

Here's the thing - I've had the same beer from their tap multiple times. I had it a couple of days earlier too, also from tap. I know how it tastes. This one tasted off. It was completely flat.

I had taken just a sip from my glass - it's not like I finished the beer halfway and was trying to get free beer out of them. Given that the beers they serve have a premium price attached to them, I would've expected not to have to buy a replacement for a faulty beer with my own money.

Other than that, I've had really good experiences multiple times at this place. The food is always good, the beers are good, the vibe is good, the staff are nice. I would still recommend them to anyone, but wish that the faulty beer would've been handled...

Nestled within the food section of Viru Keskus, a bustling mall in the heart of Tallinn, Mikkeller is a gem that shines brightly for burger enthusiasts and beer lovers alike. Despite my usual reservations about Viru Keskus itself, Mikkeller stands out as an exception, and its location doesn’t detract from the five-star experience it offers.

With an impressive array of 16 draft beers and a menu that turns a chicken burger into an unforgettable delight, especially their signature Louisiana burger, Mikkeller has made its mark. The bun is perfectly crafted, the sauces are a burst of flavor, and the fried chicken is the crispiest and juiciest you'll find in town, all for a reasonable €12 considering the quality and size.

The ambiance is cozy and welcoming, made even better by the friendly, efficient service and the quick preparation of their mouth-watering burgers. Despite being in a part of a mall I’m not fond of, Mikkeller transcends its surroundings to deliver a top-notch dining experience. For anyone in Tallinn, it’s a must-visit spot, offering a solid 5-star experience that's...

I informed the waiter I was new. I asked about the menu. He was silent and wasn't too engaging or eager to help with my questions. To the point where I had to ask myself if there's any meals I can buy. He then said no. I then showed him a meal on the menu where U get wings burgers and chips. He then laughed in a jokey way and said something. Wasn't too clear kinda mumbled spoke very quietly.

I ignored it. Said okay and ordered a classic burger with loaded fries. The chicken burger was nice and saucy and crispy. the first bite I took into it was disappointing but it picked up after a few bites.

The loaded fries was horrible. Possibly the worst loaded fries I had. In any country or place. Raw onions and what looked like undercooked bacon. Barely any sauce.

Main issues was the waiter being unhelpful with recommendations, price for a chicken burger and chips was €20+ .

Probably won't be coming back. Not worth it for the quality of...