HopMonk Tavern Novato — Restaurant in Novato

The venue completely ruined what is an awesome artist. Im able to have a good time no matter what but this was next level awful. We were just there to see Charlie Hunter Trio, who we've seen before, and left early because from start to finish it was horrible. In the line to get in (which took way longer than it should have) they were giving away free beer samples. I thought "oh cool this is awesome" until I realized they were only doing it to appease everyone for what would be a horrible experience. Once you're in there's a laundry list of problems 1. They stuffed that place to the brim, oversold way too many tickets leaving it crowded and loud. 2. You can't order food except for a limited menu which was only fries and hotdogs like you're at a Giants game or something. 3. You can't bring the food you order inside, outside, and even if you did have fun trying to find a place to eat it as there's nowhere to sit unless you got there unreasonably early. 4. It took me 20 minutes just to get a bartender to acknowledge me without it being "oh they were here first" when they just gotten to the bar! 5. Only good thing was that food came out really fast once it was ordered but...6 it was over priced and mediocre. I felt like I got robbed when I saw the bill considering the quality of food 7. Jam packed with Marin entitled snobs- just the most God-awful people there are. But they have a good selection of beers and drinks. Maybe the venue they have inside is better but I highly suggest you don't waste your money here. The Sebastopol one is better. This...

Stopped by this Hopmonk after a bit of shopping, on our way back to Sonoma. I had mixed feelings about going - I'm not too impressed with the service and food at the Sonoma-based Hopmonk, but, our experience here was great.

When we walked in, the hostess was on the phone and didn't even greet us or wave. We just walked past her and pointed at the bar, she didn't seem to care. That made me grumble - reminded me of the Sonoma Hopmonk.

But, the chip on my shoulder changed quickly. We had excellent service at the bar and the staff that supported the bartender (bringing food, bussing tables) were friendly and efficient. We felt really welcomed. The bartender was very friendly, warm, and thoughtful - bartenders hear everything folks, and she is no exception - we had a really nice time at the bar.

The food was good! They have a bigger menu than the Sonoma location and we shared a cup of pumpkin soup (seasonal) which was really delicious. I had a BLAT which was perfectly sized for my small eating style and I took half home. My friend had a reuben which was pretty good and also a perfect size (aka not too giant, not too small, just right for us!). We had a side of kale and it was pretty tasty.

While the glass of wine (rose) was just OK, my beer was find and at a great price ($5 or so).

Overall, a really warm and pleasant. Hands down the best Hopmonk experience I have ever had. No pretentiousness, speedy service (the Sonoma service is soooo sloowwww) and a nice menu variety.

Let's hope our local Hopmonk can take some queues from this...

They really make you jump through hoops to spend your money here. Come here often because it seems like the only happy hour option albeit very mediocre. Won’t be wasting another dollar at HopMonk.

Having just arrived to my friend’s going away party, the manager running the shift May 16, 2019 around 7:00/7:30 pm comes by to tell me our table is too loud. I think nothing of it despite us making the appropriate level of noise for how large and happy our group tends to be. However we could have been in a library and not a tavern for how annoyed the manager seemed with us all. She then tells me that out group was much larger than was reserved (“sorry ma’am there’s more of us to give money to your crumby establishment”). Considering there’s never a wait for tables, one would think this isn’t a problem.

After spending the usual 15-18 minutes to flag down the world’s most lethargic bartenders, one of them finally takes notice after taking way to long to make a single margarita. Unfortunately his manager has commanded everyone in my group to not be served anywhere but our table. Very annoying since I had just arrived and not purchased anything of yet. And doubly infuriating because I feel like I’m being watched. Ended up walking out having spent nothing. Service here has always been slow, hosts have been shady with reservations, and servers/management are idiots. Don’t harass your patrons for being merry, and certainly don’t “keep tabs” on them - probably some elements of racial profiling mixed in here. Won’t be spending...