The writings on the wall at Noble Hops Gastropub.
  • The writing’s on the wall at Noble Hops Gastropub.

I really enjoyed my first meal at the new Noble Hops Gastropub. The interior is the color of dark chalkboard, and everything is clean, sharp and casual. I found myself undistracted by most of the décor, allotting more time for contemplation of the rows of tap handles and handwritten beer boards that are the new eatery’s backbone.

I mean, yes, you can smell the slow-roasting “drunken chicken” from the parking lot, and the burgers and salads coming out of the kitchen are gorgeous, but that’s all built around a staggeringly large and assorted selection of fine brews. The server will give you a little taste of the beer, if you’d like. You may comment on the aroma and character and receive knowing nods of encouragement, or down it barbarian-style and order a couple pints (you savage you).

Which is to say: Noble Hops splits it down the middle. You get a little more character than a bar, a dash of class and a pub feel with all the cigars and beer and all that. Yet it is not in any way stuffy or cloying. It just seems like a nice place to grab a really good burger and a beer, but even on a first date or a business lunch. Nice patio scene, too.

The place just opened last week at 1335 W. Lambert Lane in Oro Valley, and was doing a tidy little afternoon business today. Looks like the place might be a good fit for that neighborhood.

This article appears in May 19-25, 2011.

One reply on “Noble Hops Gastropub Is Open”

  1. I had dinner there with two friends on 6/26/11, not impressed at all. We had three different appetizers that looked nice but were mostly flavorless. After the let down with the apps, two of us decided to play it safe and ordered burgers. The server told us we could get them medium, medium well, or well done. We both ordered medium, they came out well done. The third person ordered a chicken salad with blackberry tarragon dressing. She said it was bland, just like the appetizers were.

    I understand that they are still fairly new but if you have owners who have been in the business for a while this shouldn’t be happening. I hope they can get it together and succeed.

Comments are closed.