Noble Hops in Oro Valley
Arizona Travel Guide visits the Noble Hops Gastropub in Oro Valley north of Tucson and finds an impressive beer list and the best pretzels ever!
I’d go back for the pretzels alone. When Donna’s brother, who lives in Florence, suggested we meet for lunch halfway, he recommended a gastropub in Oro Valley, Noble Hops. He and his wife had eaten there once and said the food was amazing, and there were mountain views too. Sounded good to us.
I checked the menu online and knew before we got there that I had to have the Jam Burger, which had Angus beef, smoked cheddar cheese, bacon jam (whatever that is but it sounds tasty), and chili aioli.
Noble Hops Amazing Pretzels
We liked the way the waiter immediately bought glasses of cold water as we sat down, and was happy to help us move when a table with a better view became available. When he brought the menus my brother-in-law Tom immediately said he would treat us to the best pretzels we’ve ever eaten. ‘Two orders of pretzels, on our bill.’
He was right. The pretzels were amazing. They were doughily chewy, slightly salty, and came with a beer and cheese sauce that was totally delicious. I could have licked the plate when I’d finished my pretzel.
We could have pigged out on another plate, but I had a date with a Jam Burger. That was just a good, a lovely spicy bite, full of flavor, and easy to tell it was made with quality beef.
Greek Fries
The burger didn’t come with anything so I ordered a plate of Greek fries on the side, simply because I was curious.
‘The friend we came with last time,’ Tom said, ‘is a bit of a foodie and she said the truffle fries were really good. I should have had those. The Greek fries were soaked in oil and sprinkled with Greek herbs and feta, and with a lemon aioli. They were too salty and soaked for my taste, and I did something I don’t think I’ve ever done in my life before – failed to finish a plate of fries.
Noble Hops Tacos
The other three were into tacos, and got through a mixture of fish and carne asada tacos, with satisfying murmurings. The pineapple in the tacos was a big hit.
Noble Hops Beers
It was a hot Sunday lunchtime, so there was no question that light beers were what was needed. It was hard to choose as the beer menu was comprehensive, with a good range of both local and international beers, including a long list on tap, and at surprisingly reasonable prices.
I was tempted by my favorite of Tucson’s beers, a Barrio Blonde, but decided to avoid the obvious choice and instead had a Chapman Pils from Germany. That managed to be nutty and light, and at 5.2% ABV, a decent alcoholic hit. I followed it with a Respeto, a Mexican lager that’s actually made in San Diego. I blame the pretzels for my thirst.
All in all it was an excellent meal, and we’d definitely go there again if we’re anywhere near Oro Valley. They also have a new outlet in Reid Park, in Tucson. I’ll put that on our list, for sure.
More Information
For full information about Noble Hops in Oro Valley, visit the Noble Hops website. They also have a location in Tucson at 445 S Alvernon Way.
More Information
For full information about Noble Hops in Oro Valley, visit the Noble Hops website. They also have a location in Tucson at 445 S Alvernon Way.
OUR PICK OF THE GUIDES
From that blues bar you haven’t visited yet to the desert hike you keep meaning to plan, experience something new right here at home with Moon 52 Things to Do in Phoenix & Tucson.
- Cool things to do in and around the cities: Kick back at a Spring Training game or squeeze into the grandstands of El Gran Mercado for some lucha libre. Bike the famed Loop in Tucson, kayak Tempe Town Lake, and lace up your boots for an urban hike in the Phoenix Mountains. Support local BIPOC writers at Palabras Bilingual Bookstore and taste what’s on tap at a women-owned brewery. Savor Sonoran-style food like tamales and carne asada or try authentic Tohono O’odham fry bread.
