There is another location in Clayton, NY, in the Thousand Islands and while I am sure it is lovely (Clayton is quite nice, especially in the summer.) I do not have any knowledge of it.

This is also a place without, to the best of my knowledge, a patio. I am assuming that the Clayton location has one, and they have a location at NBT Bank Stadium which is a patio of a sort. Also, #LFGM. But the Armory Square location doesn't have one. Is that an issue? Yes. Is it a deal breaker? No. At least not to me, and as this is largely my playground, I am okay with it. I am not going to make a habit of it but I also live in Upstate NY, so a patio is not always advisable as a location.

It had been a minute since I was last in Syracuse. I was happy with the way the city had held up in my absence but I was sad that the pandemic had put an end to a couple of spots that I had enjoyed in the past. I was doing some reconnoitering work for where we were going to have a drink before dinner and, once again, Untappd pointed me in the direction on The Hops Spot. When I arrived, it felt as it I had always been going there. They have a great draught list. They also have an extensive list of non-alcoholic and non beer items however, the name of the place does have Hops in it so beer is going to be a featured item.

What they also feature, and what excited my partner, was the poutine. (See the photo above the review.). Yes, there was poutine. There was dessert poutine. They were delicious and a perfect compliment to the ales and Syracuse weather.

Being that it is in Armory Square, it has a central location to Downtown. It also very close to the Onondaga Creekwalk Trail which I have spent some time on. It is gorgeous and a delight. Finding beautiful and well maintained trails in urban areas brings me joy. I could imagine doing some afternoon miles and then fueling and relaxing at the Hops Spot afterwards with friends. Or after the Syracuse Half marathon...that is an idea.

There is parking and there are a number of paid and municipal lots in the area. As there is not a patio, I do not think this is a trip for your friendly pup.

-EWA

The Hops Spot