Hops & Scotch — Restaurant in California

I regret to express my dissatisfaction with Hops & Scotch in Walnut Creek. This venue falls short in terms of integrity and professionalism, with seemingly uninformed staff. Our group visited twice in one evening (before and after dinner); initially we were only planning to celebrate at Hops & Scotch for a birthday toast. After dinner we walked back to this bar due to our large group's preference not to drive down the road which turned out to be a huge mistake. My initial drink I ordered was a Clase Azul cocktail and was only $47.

During the second visit, we were informed that we couldn't order from the bar because of our group size (party of 8 with 4 stools open at a bar, seemed ridiculous), so we waited several minutes for a table to open up. The waitress that took our drink orders used a handheld device, eliminating the presentation of a physical menu (which we discovered later was quite extensive and about an inch thick). We informed the waitress of our earlier visit and our intention to order the same drinks. I mentioned I previously ordered a Clase Azul on the rocks, only to be told they didn't have it. After some scrolling on her handheld device, the waitress eventually found several options, indicating a lack of familiarity with the bar's offerings. She asked which one I wanted, and I said I wasn’t sure what was in my 1st order. I guessed it was Anejo but later found out it was Reposado. The cost of one pour was never disclosed to me, as mentioned we were ordering from her handheld device.

Drinks took over 20 minutes, and we the bar was supposed to be closing at 11 but several people were still at the front of the bar being served. When attempting to settle the bill, we discovered that the tequila with a splash of soda water amounted to $205, which was a complete surprise to us ((and they also charged 20% gratuity without my knowledge). As mentioned, the cost was never brought up during our order, leaving us puzzled. The manager insisted that it was on the menu, but we never received one or were informed of the price by our waitress.

The situation escalated, with staff discussing it openly with the patrons at the bar and one employee harassing my husband as he carried gifts to the car. Seeking resolution, we requested the Sheriff's intervention since the manager (and the owner by phone) was unaccommodating. Our intention was never to avoid payment, but rather to point out the waitress’s lack of communication on the drink cost and for...

Great drinks, substandard customer service. I went here a handful of times and if you're able to get seated, it's a great experience. However -I've had a terrible experience with picking up orders to go and trying to make reservations. Often times I'll go to pick up my order 5-10 minutes after the receipt says it should be ready (because I worked in the industry and know things can get hectic) but I still end up waiting an additional15-20 min. This most recent experience is why I'll go to the restaurant next door, Parada, over Hops & Scotch. I had friends coming in from out of town, tried to make a reservation for us about 4 days in advance since they love whiskey. I never got a confirmation so I go there when they first opened, the day of, to see why I still hadn't received confirmation. Bartender just tells me when manager gets in she'll take a look and send me a confirmation, but doesn't offer to take my information. I assumed they just did reservations same day so I thanked him and left. I waited a few hours and continuously checked my email... nothing. A few hours later I finally get through to someone there via phone and they say they never got my reservation. No offer to try and help me, so I ask if there's any open tables, even at a different time. They say they'll take a look and let me know but again, no attempt to get any information to call me back. I finally offer my number so they can contact me, they say they'll call but I never get one back. Even if they couldn't fit us in, I would understand things happen, but the lack of communication/desire to help rectify this was awful, especially when this was a special night for our guests. I had to figure out a plan B last minute and thankfully, Parada was able to put together a special table for us and we had a great evening there. As I mentioned, once you're sitting down it's a great experience, but my past attempts to plan a night there in advance / picking up a to go order, have been too much of a hassle...

As a native Scot who has a passion for Scotch, with IPAs a close second, I wanted to love this place - had been told it has the widest selection of Scotch this side of the tunnel.

Which is true..but the prices are incredibly high! Some whiskies are priced at close to double what comparable restaurants/bars in the Bay Area charge (and astronomically above retail), especially cask strength/older age statement whiskies.

I realize that Walnut Creek is an expensive area to run a restaurant but don't see the justification to apply such eye watering mark ups.

Food was OK - wings were dry but came with tasty spicy and fruity dipping sauce. Yummy pesto on Margherita flatbread but crust was limp and chewy.

The service setup is bit dysfunctional - stood in long-ish line to order drinks and food at the bar. Pints are served immediately, but cocktails/whisky are then delivered to the table. Not sure why there isn't table service.

On a positive note, they have a great tap list with some standout local IPAs.

All in all a bit of a disappointment - I'd return for the hops, but not the...