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Draught House 50 vs 1908 Draught House

capitalcityguy

capitalcityguy

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(mods – wasn’t sure this was more appropriate here or Beer forum. Since these are restaurant as well, I’m placing here.)

Draught House 50 or 1908 Draught House??

I’ve been to Draught House 50 in W Des Moines and had heard there were other locations. I just learned today that 50 and 1908 are not affiliated (or if they are, you’d never know it by checking them out online). I just always assumed this was all the same outfit.

Anyone know the scoop? Is one superior to the other? About the same? What is the big draw?

I ask because I hear that 1908 Draught House is adding a location on Court Avenue in the currently being rehabbed Randolph Hotel (well…the adjoining Annex building on Court).

Just wondering how good of an addition this will be to the downtown/Court Ave area.
 
ClonesFTW

ClonesFTW

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Draught House 50 (the one actually on 50th) is my favorite spot for Sunday brunch. Iowa breakfast sandwich or the breakfast burrito are highly recommended, throw in a bloody mary/football game and I'm all set.

As far as the difference between 1908 and 50 I do not know, I've only been to the locations on Mills Civic and 50th.
 
D

DSMCy

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1908 was the original Draught House. There was a falling out with the 2 owners, so they split and one of them opened the 50 locations.

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/st.../draught-house-takes-bar-food-notch/20810729/
McFadden was also formerly a partner in the 1908 Draught House restaurants in Johnston and Waukee.
Click to expand...

There are 2 of the 50 locations. The one on 50th street and I-235. The other opened on Mills Civic in the old Bang Bang location a few months ago.

I hadn't heard of another 1908 location opening up downtown.

I think they are pretty similar. I've been to them all and I think the Mills Civic 50 location is the best. Lots of beer on tap and they have good food.
 
sunnysideup

sunnysideup

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Ive been to 1908 out in Waukee. It's an ok place. Beer selection was decent but not mind blowing (20 taps or so). Food was standard pub fare. Lots of TVs and such though. I think 50 is better food wise and the new one on Mills Civic is great for sports. The 50 beers offer good selection but they are just core beers. (Fat Tire, Boulevard Wheat, etc).
 
brianhos

brianhos

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I like 1908. Good beer selection and the one on 86th has a nice patio.
 
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mj4cy

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We worked on the structural modifications for these and there used to be one group of ownership. A couple years back they went their separate ways.
 
andybernard

andybernard

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Wife and I have had terrible luck at all Draught House locations. We lived by 1908 on Hickman. We really liked the food so we gave it 3 or 4 tries, but just terrible service. The first few times it was busy so we were understanding, but the last time it was dead and apparently so was the wait staff.
We gave 50 a chance last month and had the exact same experience. We both enjoyed our food (even though I didn't get what I ordered), but our waitress was sitting in the booth beside us with some friends almost the whole time we were there. I wouldn't really mind it, except for I was out of beer for a good 10 minutes before she acknowledged me. and I get cranky when I don't have a beer in my hand.
 
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CyinCo

CyinCo

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Both are great...so long as you pronounce it "draft" in either case. Any other way drives me bonkers.
 
Cyclones423

Cyclones423

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andybernard said:
Wife and I have had terrible luck at all Draught House locations. We lived by 1908 on Hickman. We really liked the food so we gave it 3 or 4 tries, but just terrible service. The first few times it was busy so we were understanding, but the last time it was dead and apparently so was the wait staff.
We gave 50 a chance last month and had the exact same experience. We both enjoyed our food (even though I didn't get what I ordered), but our waitress was sitting in the booth beside us with some friends almost the whole time we were there. I wouldn't really mind it, except for I was out of beer for a good 10 minutes before she acknowledged me. and I get cranky when I don't have a beer in my hand.
Click to expand...

I have to agree with this. I've only been to Draught House 50 on Mills Civic, but the last three times I've been there the service was terrible. Last time we sat for maybe 15 minutes before anyone came to our table. It was a Sunday night, there was an MLB playoff game plus Sunday Night Football and I'm pretty sure they only staffed one waiter, really annoying. The bartenders like to pretend they're comedians too, which also gets annoying. Their food is good though, almost makes up for the crappy service.
 
capitalcityguy

capitalcityguy

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They appear to be putting in a significant patio as part of the new 1908 Draughthouse on Court Avenue (currently under construction). They knocked four or five holes in the exterior wall leading to the future outdoor space and have poured some serious footings (to support a canopy?). Appears to me they want to give Mickey's Irish Pub down the street a run for its money as best patio in the Court Ave area.
 
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JP4CY

JP4CY

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What business/building did they take over?
 
BringBackJohnny

BringBackJohnny

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The 50 out on Mills Civic is just too pricey for sports bar and don't have great specials. Went about 3 times when it opened at first but have decided there are better bang for buck options in the area.



As for the 1908 downtown. I'm glad there will be another sports bar down there. Hope the 1908 isn't priced as poorly as the 50.
 
capitalcityguy

capitalcityguy

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Contributing to ongoing confusion between trying to keep straight these two similarly named places, now Draughthouse 50 has put up a sign at 13th and Walnut downtown announcing they are"Coming soon!".

"Hey, we're meeting at the Draughthouse after work. You should join us!"

"Which one? "

"The new one downtown."

"1908 or 50?"

"Huh?"
 
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