Take a Peek at Hops N Scotch, Soft Opening Next Week

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Coolidge Corner's defunct Finale location fortunately didn't stay empty for long. The large two-story space is now home to Hops N Scotch, a bar N restaurant venture from the owners of nearby Coolidge Corner Wine and Spirits, and it will reportedly soft open next Monday or Tuesday. Obvious alert: the focus is on beer and scotch. The beer selection will ultimately consist of about 40 taps and 40 bottles, representing a wide range of Belgians, craft beers, seasonally rotating selections, and more. A sneak peek at a sample list reveals some reputable classics (Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA, Victory Golden Monkey) and some lesser-knowns (Backlash Convergence Super Saison, Boulevard Tank 7). The scotch and bourbon lists are extensive as well. The bartender, a Hard Rock Cafe alum, will be supplementing the drink list with some signature cocktails.

The menu leans strongly towards simple comfort food: fried green tomatoes with buttermilk dressing, a grilled pork chop, a blackened catfish po' boy. Beer makes a few appearances with the food (griddled Allagash White beer bread with pimento cheese, beer-braised short ribs), and bourbon turns up in a mustard dipping sauce for Scotch eggs. (In this case, "Scotch" refers to Scotland rather than whisky.) Executive Chef Clinton Cox is an alum of Cambridge's East by Northeast, while Sous Chef Kelly Lydon previously worked at Bella Luna in JP.

Hops N Scotch was designed by Steven Sousa, who has been quite busy around Boston lately; he also designed the recently-opened City Landing. Among other major renovations, the drop ceilings were removed to open up the space, and elevators were installed to make the second floor an accessible dining area. A brown leather-and-wood theme dominates, giving Hops N Scotch an appropriately "man cave"-ish feel.

The 124-seat restaurant has a 2 AM license; food will likely be available until 1 AM most of the week and 2 AM on Fridays and Saturday. Lunch and brunch menus are in the works for later this year, but for now, Hops N Scotch will only serve dinner.

· Hops N Scotch on Facebook [FB]
· Hops and Scotch to open in Brookline [BRT]
· All coverage of Hops N Scotch on Eater [~EBOS~]