In the heart of Villa Morra, where Asunción’s nightlife comes alive with flavour and laughter, Hopping Resto Tap stands as a true temple for beer lovers. Behind its inviting doors is the story of one man’s passion for craft brewing: a story that began with a single batch of homemade beer and grew into one of Paraguay’s thematic bars.
At 52, Carlos Roberto Pereira, owner and manager of Hopping Resto Tap, has been immersed in the world of craft beer for over 15 years. His journey began in 2015, when he took his first homebrewing course at The Hop. Soon after, he brewed his very first beer, a small experiment he shared with friends that turned out to be a hit.
That success lit a fire in Carlos. “I became fascinated by the diversity of styles, flavours, and aromas within the craft beer world,” Carlos states. With growing curiosity and dedication, he began experimenting with different recipes, designing his own labels, and bottling his creations to share with friends and family. Before long, others were requesting his beers for birthdays and private events.
From Brazil to Villa Morra
Seeking to deepen his expertise, Carlos traveled to Brazil. “I attended a course at the Agraria Maltery. There, I was captivated by how entire communities were built around artisanal beer culture. I got to know bars specialising in pairing food with beer, spaces filled with creativity and community.”
That trip planted the seed for Hopping: a bar in Paraguay dedicated not just to drinking beer, but to celebrating it. Pairing each dish on the menu with a specific beer style, and even using different brews as ingredients in the recipes.
The perfect pairing: beer and friendship at Hopping Resto Tap
Carlos shared his idea with an Italian friend, a chef he had met during his first homebrewing course. “Together, we developed a unique concept: reusing beer yeast in the dough for pizzas and breads, and incorporating beer styles into sauces, marinades, and side dishes.”
Later on, his wife stepped in when their Italian partner had to return home and added her vibe and vision.
Today, Hopping boasts 14 beer taps, 10 of which serve their own handcrafted brews, and four featuring select commercial favourites. Since opening in 2020, Hopping has become a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike, a place where great beer meets great company.
Overcoming challenges
“Just days before the grand opening, Paraguay went into lockdown due to COVID-19. Many would have given up, but not us. Instead, we adapted the business model, launching Hopping’s “COVID mode,” offering pizza and beer pick-ups until restaurants were allowed to reopen.”
That resilience became part of the bar’s DNA. What was meant to be a temporary setback turned into a defining chapter of creativity and perseverance.
A place to eat, drink, and belong
Today, Hopping Resto Tap offers a warm, family-friendly environment that feels like home from the moment you walk in. The motto says it all: “Those who come in as customers leave as friends.”
Guests are greeted personally by Carlos and his wife, and everyone, children and pets included, is welcome. The venue, located at Senador Long 737, between Lilio and Teniente Vera, is divided into several spaces: an open-air entrance, three air-conditioned lounges, and a spacious patio with a pool table and plenty of space for children to play.
From Monday to Friday, Hopping Resto Tap serves lunch from 10:00 to 14:30, featuring five hearty homemade dishes starting at just Gs. 25,000 (approximately US$3.50), including executive and light options. Dinner service resumes from 18:00 to late night, often until 05:00 on weekends, with the kitchen open until 02:00.
Events and entertainment
Hopping Resto Tap’s evenings are as lively as its beers are bold. Every Thursday, guests can grab a mic for Karaoke Night. On Fridays, the laughter flows during Stand-Up Comedy Shows, and Saturdays bring live music sessions and traditional “peñas”.
All this with no cover charge. The menu features crowd favorites like the Hopping Platter (which comes with a complimentary litre of beer), and unbeatable promotions such as four pints for Gs. 30,000 (approximately US$4).
Looking ahead
What drives Carlos forward is simple. “The joy of seeing people happy, relaxed, and feeling part of something special. Hopping is not just a bar; it is an experience.” A place where good food, great beer, and friendship blend into one perfect pour.
And the future? Carlos gives us a glimpse: by 2026, Hopping Resto Tap plans to move to a larger venue. One that allows for bigger live shows and concerts, free from the sound restrictions of its current residential location.
With passion as rich as his brews, Carlos Pereira continues to prove that when hops and heart fuel dreams, there is no limit to what can grow.
VIP Card benefits
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Hopping Resto Tap opening hours
- Sunday: Closed
- Monday: 10:00 to 14:30
- Tuesday: 10:00 to 14:30 – 18:00 to 02:00
- Wednesday: 10:00 to 14:30 – 18:00 to 02:00
- Thursday: 10:00 to 14:30 – 18:00 to 02:00
- Friday: 10:00 to 14:30 – 18:00 to 05:00
- Saturday: 16:00 to 00:00 – 18:00 to 05:00
