Dining Spotlight
Choices abound at Hops n Drops
By Toni Woodard
Hops n Drops in Camas is named for beverages but is worth checking out for food, too.
Opened about one year ago and billed as a neighborhood gathering place, this local outlet of a small chain of Washington and Oregon eateries is casual, comfortable and friendly.
The menu is extensive — even bordering on overwhelming! You can order burgers, sandwiches, entrée salads, tacos, chicken-centered dishes and all things cheese (pastas and grilled sandwiches and melts), not to mention shareable appetizers as well as happy hour options and smaller portions for lighter appetites.
The variety is very intentional, as the Hops n Drops goal is to “eliminate the Veto Vote.” In other words, there should be no reason for any member of the party to veto a suggestion to stop at Hops n Drops.
My visits have all been for lunch on weekdays. It’s been quiet, allowing for lingering conversations, but I imagine the vibe is much more energetic and lively as happy hour and evening approach, especially on the weekends. Choose your visit accordingly!
Everything my dining companions and I have ordered at Hops n Drops has been tasty and satisfying. I enjoyed the crunchy freshness of the avocado chicken salad ($16.95), which was loaded with veggies and cheese and served with a tangy avocado ranch dressing on the side. I also loved the zip and crunch of the buffalo chicken wrap ($16.75), and it was a perfect balance of zingy buffalo sauce and blue cheese with the breaded strips of boneless chicken and fresh lettuce.
A friend who relishes a good Reuben sandwich said she would happily order Hops n Drops’ version again ($18.25). She appreciated the toasted artisan bread, the high-quality corned beef and the sauerkraut, which added crunch and tang without being distracting. There was so much meat in the Reuben, she had a hard time detecting the house-made 1000 Island dressing, suggesting a side of extra dressing for dipping would be a good idea next time.
The Monster French Dip ($18.25) was deemed an understated “fine” by my husband, who added caramelized onions. We have yet to try a signature burger. I am especially tempted by the Steakhouse Burger ($18.50) and its mountain of toppings, including caramelized onions, blue cheese crumbles, tomato, A1 Steak Sauce, Monterey seasoning and chipotle mayo.
Other temptations that have caught my eye are the Southwest chicken taquitos ($15.50); the smoked pork rib tips ($14.25); the tomato basil grilled cheese sandwich ($15.50), served with pesto mayo and a balsamic glaze; and Kyle’s Damn Good Sandwich ($17.25), which involves turkey, ham, Caesar dressing, Swiss cheese and pickles. (I’m always a sucker for pickles!)
I have thus far only wandered around the lemonade menu for beverages. I quite enjoyed the puckery, bottomless pineapple lemonade ($5.75), served in a tall, icy mug. My waistline made me reluctantly decline the Dole Whip version ($6.95) with added vanilla syrup and muddled whipped cream. My friend really liked her custom-ordered raspberry peach iced tea ($5.75).
As with the food options, there are many options for quenching thirst, including beer (“hops”) and fruity cocktails served in icy glasses (“drops”). Mojitos, boozy iced teas and margaritas are also options, as well as a smattering of wine. Oh, yeah, and Pepsi products!
Hops n Drops has a happy hour daily from 2-6 p.m. and 9 p.m. to closing. With food options ranging from $7.50 (Caesar salad, French onion soup or chips and salsa) to $12.50 (bone-in buffalo wings; Hawaiian Sriracha or tempura shrimp for $11.50), and adult beverages ranging from $6.50 for well drinks to $9.95 for a Long Island iced tea, an off-hours visit could be a great way to start making a dent in the many options offered. Breakfast is served on the weekends and patio dining is available, weather permitting.
Hops n Drops is in a small strip mall across from the Camas Costco. To help you plan your visit, check out the menu on its thorough website.
Hops n Drops
210 N.E. 192nd Ave., Suite 601, Vancouver
360-314-2558
11 a.m.-11 p.m. Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday & Sunday
Toni Woodard is enthusiastic about food, fairs, llamas and writing. She is the author of “I’m Fine: A Practical Guide to Life with Chronic Pain.” Contact her at toniisfine@outlook.com.
