Nestled in the heart of Pacific Grove, California, Hops and Fog Brewery is more than just a small nano-brewery and pub—it’s the product of passion, creativity, and a love for great food and beer. Owned by Mike Durrant, this vibrant spot on historical Lighthouse Avenue is quickly becoming a favorite for locals and visitors alike.
Mike describes himself as a passionate individual who strives to leave a positive impact on everything he’s involved with. His love for food, beer, and connecting with good people naturally led him to open Hops and Fog.
“I’m a big fan of business operations and customer service, so what better business to run than a small brewery and pub?” he said.
The idea to start a brewpub wasn’t born overnight. It was Mike’s friends, combined with his passion for brewing beer and cooking, that inspired him to take the leap. Hops and Fog Brewing is the culmination of these passions, designed to be a place where people can enjoy creative brews and delicious food in a welcoming atmosphere.
When it came to designing the kitchen, Mike didn’t shy away from innovation. Incorporating a Bread Stone Oven was a deliberate choice to keep all cooking options on the table. “The hybrid nature of the oven, which uses either wood or gas, is a huge plus for achieving our goals,” he explained.
While Hops and Fog is still a new business, having opened just three and a half months ago, it’s already turning heads for its inventive menu. Mike and his team are constantly experimenting, with a focus on fusing traditional comfort foods with a creative twist.
Their pizza menu showcases this perfectly, featuring unique creations like the Apple of My Pie Pizza, a sweet and savory delight with apple and gouda cheese or the Lemon Pesto & Artichoke Pizza which is topped with creamy stracciatella cheese. Don’t forget the Panuzzo, a pizza-sandwich hybrid that’s becoming a signature item, with varieties ranging from classic Reubens to inventive takes like eggs benedict pizza.
For Mike, the joy of running Hops and Fog comes from the people. “I enjoy both our team and our customers the most. It’s so much fun to see the joy on people’s faces when they eat and drink your concoctions. It’s especially awesome to have a team that you feel has your back and is willing and able to do anything needed to help our customers.”
As Mike and his team grow more accustomed to their hybrid oven, they’re excited to experiment with even more dishes. With their strong commitment to quality and innovation, Hops and Fog is poised to become a cornerstone of Pacific Grove’s food and drink scene.
If you’re in Pacific Grove, stop by Hops and Fog Brewery on Lighthouse Avenue to experience the creativity and passion that make it so special. Whether you’re sipping a handcrafted brew, indulging in a slice of eggs benedict pizza, or trying a new Panuzzo creation, you’re in for a treat.
Cheers to Mike Durrant and the Hops and Fog team—here’s to many more months (and years!) of smiles, laughter, and delicious food and drinks!
