Hops Bar / Italian Restaurant / Pub

My Advice/My Take: Hops is an authentic, local Italian bar just a few steps away from the bustling San Lorenzo market. The doorway is marked not only with the Hops sign, but with groups of locals mingling with friends before they head inside for their wide selection of beers paired with delicious burgers. As you navigate your way past the crowds at the door and find a booth, you typically will hear a hello from a friendly bartender asking you, “Well what are ya having tonight?” The wooden booths are flanked by stone walls where sounds of the soccer game bounce echoing from the TV, creating the perfect environment for a casual night out with friends or tourists wanting to escape the hordes of San Lorenzo and the Duomo. If you want a preview of what it is like to be a true Florentine, make sure to put Hops on your list of places to visit. Need to Know/Tip/Insider Info: Italy is not necessarily known for their hamburgers, but Hops sure is! When you go, make sure to take part in this hidden delicacy accompanied by one of their many assortments of beers or cocktails. Also, this place can be extremely crowded or dead, depending on what time you go. If there is a soccer game on TV, make sure to get there a bit early if you want a seat and gear up for the company of some intense super fans. Also, keep in mind that if you choose to visit Hops for a late night meal during the week, the kitchen tends to close around midnight, although the bar closes when everyone goes home. Cuisine: Hops is known for being an outstanding pub, with a small menu of burgers, French fries, and sandwiches. Their food is actually quite scrumptious and perfect for those never wanting see another plate of pasta again. Who’s Hanging Here/What’s the Vibe: An assortment of local university students and young adults flock to Hops on a nightly basis to catch the soccer match on TV or for a place to grab a great drink surrounded by a variety of young people. The college crowd mixed with post graduate young adults creates the perfect atmosphere for a casual place to go for a chill bite to eat or an ideal spot to begin a night of exploring Florence. What to Wear: All that matters at Hops is having a good beer with good people, so “dressing to impress” is not recommended or even needed. Expect guests to dress very casual here, at least by Florentine standards. As long as you and those around you are enjoying yourselves in the magical city called Florence, it does not matter what you wear. What Does it Cost: Hops has excellent food and drinks for a reasonable price. Although I wouldn’t say it is exactly the cheapest place in Florence, it is definitely a good “bang for your buck.” When to go: Any night at Hops is a good night, but keep in mind that they tend to follow the Italian tradition of closing early on Sundays, meaning about midnight. Friday and Saturday nights are extremely busy at Hops, but crowds don’t come out until at least 9:30, if not later.