The 1860 Taproom Evolved Into Who They Are Today.
Written By: The Gnarly Gnome
Things looked a lot different just a few years ago, in 2019 when Harrison Ohio’s 1860 Taproom and Bottleshop opened its doors in downtown Harrison. The folks behind the location had fallen in love with other bars/bottleshops in the area, like Biermarkt and Higher Gravity. They knew that their chosen location in the up-and-coming historic district of Harrison was perfect (dubbed ‘The District’).
Everything was working perfectly – until the world blew up.
The World Changes, and You Adapt
It wasn’t just the pandemic that hurt 1860, but their fantastic location right on the border of Ohio and Indiana didn’t really help out during the ensuing chaos afterward. As things started opening back up, there was a distinct difference from state to state about how bars were able to reopen.
It was difficult to run a business when customers weren’t allowed to sit down inside and have a beer, yet were able to literally walk across the street and be in a state where they could. It was rough, but the team at 1860 knew they could adapt, and that’s exactly what they did.
Once the world started to return to “normal” (are we ever going to be “normal”, again?) they shifted their model heavily into a taproom vs a bottle shop, leaned into their loyal customers, and haven’t looked back since!
What To Expect From 1860
You can get a pretty good impression of what you can expect from 1860 if you listen to their episode of Drinking With The Gnome – but the biggest takeaway that I can give you is that it feels… comfortable.
The space feels historic, like it has been there forever. The large front room is loaded with tables, and a small bar takes up the back portion of the room. They keep an ever-rotating list of great beers for you to choose from, always with a great local selection, but without fear of selecting whatever strikes their fancy.
If you’re a Bourbon fan, they’ve got you covered. Wine? Sure, why not? It’s a space that is not only created for the neighborhood, but that directs its evolution toward whatever needs the neighborhood develops over time.
Why You Need To Be Drinking There
I have no doubt that as time goes on, the way 1860 looks and feels will change. That’s the point. They listen to their customers, to their community (and to themselves), and work extremely hard to create the perfect space for what those things need.
It shows, too. It feels welcoming, it feels genuine, and that’s becoming a rarer and rarer thing in today’s world.
I look for places that make me feel good, 1860? They make me feel great.
1860 Taproom can be found at 102 Harrison Ave – In Harrison, Ohio – if you’ve never been… go.