1908 Draught House will not change its name

When the Chicago Cubs won the 2016 World Series, much of central Iowa joined in a long-overdue celebration. After nearly 100 years of torment since the team’s last crown, it was a jubilant time in the city. One business —1908 Draught House — was faced with a dilemma. Its very name was tied to the now-extinct drought, the number in its name referencing the last year the Cubs brought home the title. Now what?

Easy. Label it a “homage of a storied history” rather than a modern reality. Problem solved.

The atmosphere at the bar that night when Chicago beat the Cleveland Indians 8-7 in extra innings of Game 7 could be described with just one world.

“Insane,” bartender Jeremy DeWeese said. “We’ve been open just over a month, and it was our busiest night to date. There were four to five people deep up at the bar.”

DeWeese says patrons were simply happy the team was competing for a title. A title was a cherry on the top — an end to the dryspell.

Officially, a drought is defined as a period of below-average precipitation, or a dry spell. A “draught” is the British spelling of “draft,” which is just the opposite — a pouring of beer or something wet.

The new bar is located at 409 Court Ave. next to the new Pita Pit that is under the old Hotel Randolph.

“The best part about this bar is that it’s a Cubs-themed bar,” DeWeese said. “If the Cubs are playing, it will always be on.”

DeWeese said The Draught House is a draw for many other reasons as well.

“We’re known for our fresh-squeezed drinks,” he said. “We use freshly squeezed orange juice to make screwdrivers, and we use freshly squeezed grapefruit to make greyhounds.”

The Draught House offers a full menu, including a weekend brunch, and it has a large, heated outdoor patio. DeWeese says it stays comfortable until outside temperatures dip below approximately 40 degrees.

The Cubs have finally broken its curse, and the bar isn’t changing its name. The Cubs’ long drought could just as easily turn into a long and steady “draught” of championships. After all, Chicago’s roster is stocked with a slew of young and talented players.

DeWeese isn’t sure about that, but he is certain the establishment will have plenty of what the bar also specializes in.

“Cold beer and good food,” he said. “You’re going to have a good time no matter what. It’s lively, and it’s a good time.”

Pitchers and catchers report to spring training in two short months. Go Cubs! ♦