You know that feeling when a town finally gets "the" spot? Not just another place to grab a burger, but a destination that feels like it actually belongs to the community? That’s exactly what happened when Fifty West Brewing Company Chillicothe opened its doors. It wasn't just another taproom expansion. Honestly, it felt like a shift in the local DNA. Chillicothe has plenty of history—it was the first capital of Ohio, after all—but for a long time, the downtown scene was craving something that felt modern yet rugged.
Fifty West delivered.
They didn't just drop a cookie-cutter brewery into a vacant lot. Instead, they took over the old Fort Chillicothe Post, a building with real bones and a lot of stories. It’s right there on North High Street. You can’t miss it. When you walk in, the vibe is basically "active lifestyle meets nostalgic Americana." It's the kind of place where you see people in cycling gear sitting right next to families with three kids and a dog. It works because it doesn't try too hard.
The Vision Behind Fifty West Brewing Company Chillicothe
Bobby Slattery, the founder of Fifty West, has always had this specific philosophy about beer. He views it as a reward for being active. In Cincinnati, where they started back in 2012, they have volleyball courts and running clubs. While the Chillicothe location is a bit different in scale, that same "road trip" spirit is baked into the walls.
Why Chillicothe, though?
Simple. The proximity to the Paint Creek Trail and the growing outdoor recreation scene in Ross County made it a no-brainer. If you’ve ever spent a Saturday morning hiking at Buzzard’s Roost or biking through the foothills of the Appalachians, you know that first sip of a cold lager afterward is basically a spiritual experience. Fifty West leaned into that. They realized that Chillicothe wasn't just a pass-through town; it was becoming a hub for people who actually like being outside.
The brewery officially opened its Chillicothe doors in late 2020. Think about that for a second. Opening a hospitality business in the middle of a global pandemic is, quite frankly, terrifying. But they did it. They leaned heavily on their outdoor space and a streamlined burger-and-fry menu that travels well. It was a gamble that paid off because it gave locals a safe, open-air place to feel a sense of normalcy when everything else felt chaotic.
Burgers, Beers, and the Secret Sauce
Let’s talk about the food.
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If you go to Fifty West Brewing Company Chillicothe and don't order a burger, you're doing it wrong. This isn't gourmet, $25-truffle-oil nonsense. It's a smash burger. Thin patties. Crispy edges. Soft potato buns. It’s the kind of meal that reminds you of a 1950s roadside diner but with better ingredients.
They name their burgers after states. The "Ohio" burger comes with Cincinnati-style chili, shredded cheese, mustard, and onion. It’s messy. It’s polarizing. It’s perfect. If you want something a bit more traditional, the "Indiana" or the "West Virginia" covers the basics.
But the beer is the real anchor.
- Doom Pedal: This is their flagship Witbier. It’s light, citrusy, and has that subtle coriander kick. It’s basically summer in a glass.
- Coast to Coast: A classic IPA. Not the kind that tastes like you’re chewing on a pine tree, but a balanced, floral IPA that actually lets you taste the malt.
- American Lager: This is for the "I just want a beer" crowd. It’s crisp, clean, and goes down way too easy on a 90-degree day.
They also do these seasonal rotations that keep things from getting boring. Sometimes it’s a heavy stout in the winter, other times it’s a fruited sour that sounds weird on paper but tastes incredible when you’re sitting on the patio.
The Layout and Experience
The space itself is divided into a few distinct areas. You have the main taproom, which has that industrial-cool aesthetic—lots of wood, metal, and glass. Then there’s the "Burger Bar" side, which is more of a quick-service setup. You order at the counter, get a buzzer, and find a seat. It keeps things moving. No waiting forty minutes for a server to notice you need another round.
The outdoor area is the real MVP.
Chillicothe can get humid. Really humid. But Fifty West has this massive patio area with plenty of shade and heaters for when the Ohio weather decides to drop 20 degrees in an hour. It’s pet-friendly, too. You’ll see more Labradors and Goldendoodles here than at the local park. It creates this community living room vibe that is hard to manufacture.
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Why the Location Matters for Ross County
For years, Chillicothe’s downtown was a bit sleepy after 5:00 PM. That’s changed. The presence of Fifty West Brewing Company Chillicothe has acted as a sort of "anchor tenant" for the north end of the downtown strip. It’s created a gravity that pulls people from neighboring towns like Waverly, Circleville, and Jackson.
It’s also about the jobs. A brewery of this size employs dozens of locals, from brewers and kitchen staff to managers and servers. In a city that has seen its fair share of economic ups and downs with the local paper mill and various industries, having a stable, growing brand like Fifty West is a big win.
People often ask if it’s "too corporate" compared to tiny microbreweries. Honestly? No. Even though they have multiple locations now, the Chillicothe branch feels distinct. They host local events, support regional charities, and the staff usually consists of people who grew up three streets over. It’s a local bar with the polish of a regional powerhouse.
Common Misconceptions About Fifty West
Some folks think it’s just a "biker bar" because of the cycling theme. Not true. While you will see plenty of people in Lycra, you’ll also see grandmothers celebrating birthdays and college students studying over a plate of fries. It’s remarkably egalitarian.
Another myth is that they only do IPAs.
While IPAs are the darling of the craft beer world, Fifty West actually has a very diverse portfolio. Their "Quench" series, for example, is a line of electrolyte-infused tart ales. They’re low ABV, refreshing, and designed specifically for people who just finished a workout. They also offer hard seltzers and non-alcoholic options, so you aren't stuck drinking water if you aren't a beer fan.
Tips for Your First Visit
If you’re heading down to Fifty West Brewing Company Chillicothe for the first time, keep a few things in mind.
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First, parking can be a bit of a scramble on Friday nights. There’s a lot, but it fills up fast. Don’t be afraid to park a block or two away and walk; Chillicothe is a beautiful town to stroll through anyway.
Second, the ordering system is "fast-casual." Don't sit at a table waiting for a menu. Head to the counter, grab your food and drinks, and then find your spot. It’s much more efficient once you get the hang of it.
Third, check their social media before you go. They often have live music, trivia nights, or special beer releases that aren't advertised elsewhere. There’s nothing worse than showing up for a quiet beer and realizing it’s "Extremely Loud Karaoke Night"—unless, of course, that’s your thing.
Actionable Steps for the Full Experience
To get the most out of a trip to this part of Ohio, don't just hit the brewery and leave. Make a day of it.
- Hit the Trails First: Start your morning at Hopewell Culture National Historical Park or hike the trails at Great Seal State Park. The elevation changes will give you a real workout.
- Explore Downtown: Walk through the Yoctangee Park and check out the local boutiques on Paint Street.
- Lunch or Dinner at Fifty West: Head over to the brewery. Order the "Statewide" burger (it’s the classic) and a flight of four different beers to find your favorite.
- Grab a Crowler to Go: If you find a beer you love, ask them to fill a crowler (a giant 32oz can) right there. It stays fresh for a few weeks, and it’s the best way to take a piece of the experience home.
- Check the Seasonals: Always ask what’s on the "small batch" tap. These are often experimental brews that never make it to wide distribution.
The success of Fifty West Brewing Company Chillicothe isn't just about the beer. It’s about the fact that they respected the town’s history while bringing something fresh to the table. It’s a place that encourages you to get out of your car, get moving, and then reward yourself with a damn good burger. Whether you’re a craft beer nerd or just someone looking for a cool place to hang out on a Saturday afternoon, it’s worth the drive.
Ross County is lucky to have it. Next time you're passing through Southern Ohio, pull over. Grab a seat on the patio. Watch the world go by. You’ll get it.