Hop Station — Restaurant in Mishawaka

A Hidden Gem in Mishawaka: Unparalleled Craft Beer Experience!

Until recently, the most well-known tap-rooms in the US topped my favorites list with Toronado being #1. Little did I know that would change when I found myself visiting a friend in the rnadom town of Mishawaka, Indiana and happened upon a craft beer paradise. Hop Station is not just a place to grab a drink; it’s a sanctuary for beer enthusiasts, meticulously curated and passionately run by the phenomenal owners, DJ and Casey.

DJ and Casey are not just proprietors; they are the heart and soul of this establishment, infusing it with warmth, generosity, and a love for craft beer that is contagious. Their unwavering commitment to top-notch service is evident from the moment you step through the door. Despite my annual visits, they never fail to make me feel like a cherished local, creating a sense of belonging that is rare and delightful.

My first encounter with this craft beer haven was back in '21, and it was love at first sip. With a keg of JWB on tap, I knew instantly that this place was the real deal, serious about their craft beer and dedicated to providing a selection that would impress even the most discerning beer connoisseur. This level of attention to detail and commitment to quality has remained steadfast, ensuring that every visit is a new adventure in the world of craft beer.

On my last trip, the stars aligned as DJ and I realized our paths had crossed in the digital world, members of the same Facebook beer group years ago. This serendipitous connection led to one of the most memorable nights of my drinking career, filled with laughter, incredible beer, and a sense of camaraderie that is the hallmark of this extraordinary bar.

The hospitality, generosity, and unparalleled selection at this Mishawaka gem make it a must-visit for anyone traveling through the area. I find myself singing its praises and recommending it weekly to friends and fellow beer lovers, eager to share the joy of this unique spot.

Until next time, I will be counting down the days until I can return to this craft beer utopia, grateful for the memories and looking forward to creating many more. DJ and Casey, you have truly created something special in Mishawaka, and for that, craft beer lovers everywhere are eternally grateful. Cheers to the best craft beer bar in the nation!

** Ok -- this was a novel. I never do reviews, but I've been meaning to since my last visit because this place is that freaking awesome. I threw my raw thoughts about Hop Station in ChatGPT, and this was the output. DJ & Casey are deserving of every good word said....

The service here was terrible. Very rude and condescending bartender. We were aware that this establishment catered to craft beer drinkers when we went in. A couple in our party were seeking just that. The rest of us that wanted mainstream light beers were disappointed to find only one option, Bud Light, in bottles. They had no options of that nature on tap. This was fine. Our craft drinkers were satisfied, our high end whiskey drinkers found suitable options and most others accepted the option given to them. After a couple drinks, we realized some of us were being charged different prices for the exact same drinks. This happened several times. When we brought up the price difference and asked for an itemized receipt, we were told they didn't have the ability to give us that. We were at one point told that we might be more suited for a dive bar. Feeling judged and offended by the staff, we paid out differently priced tabs (Im pretty sure she just made some numbers up in her head), and went on to where we were treated like wanted customers. All seven of the people in out party are bartenders at various places. None of us could believe how we were treated. I guess it explains why there were less than ten other people in this establishment. We were highly...

There is simply no better place in our area (or anywhere) to sit and feel like you are amongst friends. The owners are amazing people that use their talents to spread love and relaxation to our community. You are treated like friends as soon as you walk in the door and the attention to detail does not end until you walk out the door. Alot of effort is put into maintaining the friendly and safe neighborhood atmosphere and you can tell that people are comfortable and at ease while enjoying the ever-changing craft beer selections or hand-crafted cocktails. The food menu that they created pairs amazingly with the beer and drinks. Pizza, tacos, apps, you can't go wrong with any of it. If you are new to craft beer or whiskey (like I was), let the owners share their knowledge and advice to help you find your new favorite beverage. Don't wait too long to go back because your new favorite probably won't be there for long. But then the fun starts all over again as you discover...