HOPS n DOGS

Forget everything you thought you knew about the traditional brewery taprooms—because this one isn't just about sipping IPAs and swapping tasting notes. It's where craft beer meets court-side action, and where your next pint might come with a side of pickleball or a sunset volleyball match. Welcome to the taproom that's turning lazy beer days into lively beer plays. Whether you're a weekend warrior, a casual competitor, or just someone who likes their hops with a hint of hustle, this place is brewing up something way more exciting than your average bar stool.

Fifty West Brewing in Deerfield, Ohio, is a taproom that focuses on energy and play more than relaxation. This new location, built about a year ago, focuses on the concept of outdoor activity. The taproom's outer parameter is surrounded by astro turf and a sandy beach-themed seating. The outer seating area offers an ample, spacious setting for patrons to interact with each other and host many different types of events. This particular location also hosts a fantastic set of pickleball and volleyball courts that are available for one-time rental, or locals can sign up for seasonal leagues for both. There is even a dedicated sandbox for little kids to help encourage patrons to bring their families and reinforce the concept that taprooms can be family-friendly event spaces.

While this taproom is themed around outdoor activity, there is definitely room for relaxation. This location features a large central covered patio, conveniently situated next to the intentionally designed bar and food counters. However, if you are looking to escape the heat, the bar side offers indoor, air-conditioned seating, but it is sadly not dog-friendly. The remaining areas provide both covered and uncovered seating, allowing people to relax easily.

As stated above, this location actually features two separate counters: one for beer and one for food. Surprisingly, the systems are not connected, so if you stop for a beer and a meal, you need to stand in two completely different lines, which is mildly annoying, especially on a busier day.

As for the food, it's pretty basic. Burgers, fries, and hot dogs. If you'd like, there are a few more upscale burgers named after the different states that US Route 50 passes through, as well as seasonal specials. During our visit, corn dogs were on the menu. Overall, the food was not bad, but it wasn't anything special, and while the location does have a takeout window, neither of us felt like the food itself would be a huge draw to come back.

This was a great location to visit for Ein. While the surrounding area is still under construction, Ein was easily able to relax on the astro turf under the central patio. Similar to many other taprooms and breweries with large patios, there is a water station for dogs featuring dog bowls and water spigots.

There were no dogs at this location during our visit, but since it was a weekday between lunch and dinner rush, it was not surprising. Talking with the hostess inside, they were able to confirm that the location regularly hosts quite a few patrons who like to bring their dogs. Although she wants people to know that if you have a pup that loves to play with balls, it might be wise to sit under the central patio rather than the more active side patio, which has the volleyball and pickleball courts. Some more active pups want to jump into the games.