photos by Undercover Diner
Sometimes the best dining finds come when you’re not looking for them. After Sam’s Club run on Wards Road with my fiancé, we decided to grab lunch nearby. He suggested Hill City Pub — a spot he’d been to before and described as “good and cheap.” I’d never been, mostly because I don’t often find myself that far down Wards Road, but it turned out to be a worthy detour.
Hill City Pub has a laid-back, neighborhood feel. Inside, the space is large but inviting, with two big bars, plenty of floor seating, and dimmer lighting that keeps the atmosphere cozy without the harsh glare of fluorescent bulbs. There’s also an outdoor patio strung with lights that I imagine feels especially warm and charming in the evening.
The menu is expansive, offering a little bit of everything from sandwiches and wraps to tacos, burgers, and pub classics.
I gravitated toward one of my favorites: shrimp tacos ($16.99). What arrived were three fully loaded breaded shrimp tacos drizzled with sweet chili sauce, topped with lettuce, cheese, and sour cream. The menu mentioned a black bean salsa, but it never made it to the plate — not a deal breaker, though, since there was more than enough shrimp to go around. In fact, each taco was so packed that shrimp kept falling out. They were crispy, flavorful, and satisfying enough that I ate every bite.
My fiancé ordered his standby: the buffalo chicken crunch wrap ($15.49). This hefty wrap featured fried buffalo chicken, cheese, fried tortilla strips, lettuce, and tomato all folded into a double-wrapped, fried tortilla. He paired it with a side of potato salad. It was crunchy, spicy, and indulgent — everything you want from a pub favorite. He polished off his plate with the same enthusiasm I had for my tacos.
What stood out to both of us, beyond the food, was the vibe. Hill City Pub doesn’t overcomplicate things. It’s comfortable, easygoing, and welcoming. We also noticed the bar menu — an impressive lineup of cocktails and beers at very reasonable prices. Even better, their happy hour stretches until 7 p.m., which is rare to find and reason enough for us to plan another visit.
Hill City Pub won’t dazzle you with frills, but that’s exactly the point. It’s the kind of place where you can enjoy hearty food, affordable drinks, and a relaxed atmosphere without any pretense. For pub fare done well and a friendly, no-fuss experience, this tucked-away spot on Wards Road is a solid choice.
Best for: Shrimp tacos, wraps, sandwiches, and late happy hour deals.
Vibe: Low-key, spacious, and inviting.
Would I go back? Absolutely — especially for happy hour and another round of those tacos.
