PHOTO ESSAY: 50 WEST

50 WAYS TO KEEP CUSTOMERS HAPPY

From fresh-brewed beer to sand volleyball to biking, running, and river activities, the 50 West complex satisfi es all day long. – ELIZABETH MILLER WOOD

PHOTOGRAPHS BY DEVYN GLISTA

EAT, DRINK, BE MERRY

This family-owned food, beer, and activity oasis just outside of Mariemont gets its name from Wooster Pike, or U.S. Route 50.

GAME’S ON

The 50 West complex hosts recreational leagues for volleyball, pickleball, and cornhole in the spring and fall. The flexible “sport court” (above) can be rented for non-league pickleball games, while cornhole beckons for open play on weekends.

GARDEN PARTY

The 50 West brand entered the local beer scene with its original Wooster Pike brewpub in 2012, while its sister Burger Bar, launched in 2020 (right), put the company firmly on the restaurant map. The beer garden’s 500-seat capacity (top right) regularly maxes out.

FLAVOR OF THE WEEK

A variety of beer and hard cider and lemonade (below) are brewed on site and in 50 West’s second brewery in Chillicothe. The most popular brews are the Doom Pedal White Ale and the Coast to Coast IPA.

WHERE’S THE BEEF?

The Burger Bar features “smash-style” patties nestled between an approachable potato bun. Each state-themed variety pays homage to a destination along Route 50. For example, the Maryland rings tangy with Old Bay tartar sauce, and the Colorado packs punch with ghost pepper jack cheese.

HAPPY TRAILS

The 50 West campus has always provided direct access to the Little Miami Scenic Trail (top), and a new collaboration with Columbia Township and Great Parks of Hamilton County is working to complete the Beechmont Connector, which will eventually hook up with trails in the city of Cincinnati. Bikers, hikers, and walkers are all welcome.

WORKING UP A SWEAT

50 West Cycling Company, formerly Oakley Cycles (above), is a full-service bicycle shop that also offers fittings, rides, and rentals along with bikes for the entire family. The space added a Fleet Feet store for runners in the summer.

YES THEY CAN

50 West Production Works (right) is responsible for crafting all of the brand’s canned beer, which accounts for roughly 70 percent of its total sales. Regular favorites and specialty and seasonal beers are brewed at the original brewpub and a new location in Chillicothe.