For something different, I decided to stop for dinner at The Hop House located on Babcock Boulevard in the North Hills (they also have a Greentree location on Noblestown Road).  Many Pittsburghers may know of the North Hills location by its former name, the Barking Shark.

The Hop House has a fairly large bar with several flat panel TVs and table and booth seating as well.  They also have a few arcade/video games and a pool table for those who like some games with their drinks.  One of the downsides (at least for me) of this place is that they operate primarily as a bar, so they are still a smoking-friendly establishment.  (On a related note, The Hop House’s website and signs on the doors state that as per the PA Indoor Clear Air Act, patrons must be 18 or over with a parent or legal guardian.)   Based upon the fact that they serve more drinks than food, I was surprised at how extensive their dinner menu was.  Plus, almost every single item on the menu was under $10!  The food choices ranged from tasty appetizers and pizzas to burgers, salads, and “comfort foods“.  I started with the Onion Straws as an appetizer, which was served with a tangy honey mustard-like sauce.  They were delicious and not too greasy.  For my entree, I decided to take a gamble and order the Ahi Tuna Entree (ahi tuna with a coconut and sesame seed crust) and my dinner companion ordered the Hop Along Burger (a juicy 1/2 pound burger topped with melted cheese, caramelized onions, and mushrooms) – which looked delicious by the way, if I was a burger kind of gal.  I bet I know what you’re thinking – ordering ahi tuna, at a bar?!?  It was worth the chance – it tasted great and I thought the coconut was a nice touch to give it a little sweetness.  Most of the entrees also come with a choice of two side dishes (mashed potatoes, veggies, rice, fresh fruit, fries, etc), so you definitely get your money’s worth.  We couldn’t even finish our whole plates.

Since The Hop House is known mainly for their beer selection, on the menu they have indicated their beer suggestions to go with some of the entrees.  They have a pretty long draught list (I counted about 26) and a variety of specialty beers, too.  There are daily happy hour specials and each night has a different beer special, which is indicated on their website.  Wednesday is 15 cent wing night – you can’t beat a deal like that.

The Ross Township location has a big parking lot next door with free parking (this is a major improvement from the lack of parking back when it was the Barking Shark) and the Greentree location has free parking as well as outdoor seating.  The Greentree location also plays host to popular local bands on a weekly basis; the schedule is on the website.

I did notice after I left that I was charged for an iced tea when I only had a water, but I’m not one to make a fuss over something little like that.  Despite the mistake on the bill, the total came to under $30 for an appetizer and two entrees.  I’d definitely like to go back to try some of their other entrees and sample some beer.

The Hop House – www.thehophouse.com

Greentree location – 2749 Noblestown Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15205, 412-922-9560

Ross Township location- 5510 Babcock Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15237, 412-366-3606