By Pamela Holz, local chef and cooking show host
Location, location, location—these are the three key words for the success of most businesses. When it comes to restaurants, this is especially true. Situated on the corner of Strawberry Alley and First Street in downtown Clarksville, Hops Road is banking on their corner spot to be the perfect location to welcome customers.
Opening at 7 a.m. with a variety of hot beverages, baked goods, and breakfast items, Hops Road also offers a menu of fun and different flavor combinations for lunch, dinner, or a late night snack, closing at 10 p.m.
It is always a good thing when looking over a menu to have the realization that there are so many appealing items that repeat visits will be required. On my first visit, I had to try the Sweet Maple Bacon Fries. Crispy sweet potato waffle fries are served with bourbon-smoked bacon and drizzled with maple syrup—a savory, sweet, smoky basket of deliciousness. (I will admit I added a liberal sprinkle of salt to help balance the sweetness.) And this was just one of the decadent appetizers offered. Hoppy Wings, Beer Battered Cheese Curds, Black & Tan Onion Rings, Drunk Brat Bites are other options.
Burgers are definitely an important element on the menu—Hops Road features certified Angus Beef Burgers, dressed with a variety of toppings including smoked poblano peppers or pulled pork or cheddar, bacon and egg or Blue Heaven Dust (a blue cheese powder). There is a Garden Gnome burger for the vegetarian/vegan crowd. Not in the mood for a burger? There are also cold sandwiches, wraps, hot sandwiches, salads and soups. (And, conscious of different dietary needs, Hops Road offers gluten free options.)
On my second visit, I ordered the Spicy Cajun Egg Salad sandwich with sweet potato fries. My friend ordered the Fresh Market Wrap with a side of quinoa salad. The egg salad was a creamy, slightly spicy blend of eggs, mustard, mayo and Cajun sausage pieces piled high on a toasty roll. I ate most of the egg salad with a fork before I was able to pick up and finish the sandwich. The Fresh Market Wrap was spread with a house made hummus and stuffed full of veggies—carrots, sprouts, tomatoes, cucumbers and lettuce. The quinoa salad was bursting with flavors of toasted almonds and tart cranberries in a light vinaigrette.
For anyone looking for a fun and fresh approach to flavorful food, Hops Road on Strawberry Alley is going to be the place to check out… and to return to again and again.
Hops Road on Strawberry Alley
101 Strawberry Alley
Clarksville TN
931.896.2972
http://hopsroad.com/