Popular beer bar Hoppin’ expands with cocktails and new location

The big picture: South End took a lot of heat amid the pandemic for partying like it was 2019 — with Hoppin’ often at the center of criticism — but now those parties have the mandate-free green light and boy is Hoppin’ ready to party.

What’s new: In the four years since Hoppin’ opened on Winnifred Street, South End has shifted from a neighborhood full of breweries to a booming nightlife district that rivals Uptown.

• New late-night hot spots like Lost & Found and Slingshot have transformed the area with more cocktail options. “Interests have shifted,” Hoppin’ co-owner Rich Moyer tells me, explaining his decision to add a full cocktail program.

On the menu: Unlike the rest of Hoppin’s drink menu, the cocktails aren’t self-serve. They range in price from $8 to $11.

• Transfusion ($8) – A vodka-sprite-grape juice classic. Watch out, Selwyn Pub. Styrofoam cup not included.
• QC Crush ($10) – Vodka (it is South End after all), triple sec, crushed orange and a splash of soda.
• Sour Patch Margarita ($9) – Tequila, triple sec, simple syrup, grapefruit juice and Sour Patch Kids to garnish.
• Frozen strawberry margarita ($10) – Tequila, strawberry syrup, lime.
• And more.

The party: Hoppin’ is celebrating its 4-year anniversary on Saturday, March 5 from 11am to 11:30pm. Expect giveaways for the first 250 guests, food by Tacos Ricko and more.

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What’s next: Moyer and his team tell me the weekend crowds are essentially back to pre-pandemic levels, but weekdays are still slow with few people back in the office.

• The third Hoppin’ will open at 302 Dave Lyle Boulevard in downtown Rock Hill later this year. Moyer hopes to see more franchise locations in the coming years.

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