Craft beers, brewery aim to hook customers at Bait House Brewery

SANDUSKY — They brewed up the idea several years ago.And, after many months of construction, a father-son duo can finally toast to their latest business venture.Father Dan McGookey and son Michael McGookey recently opened up Bait House Brewery at 223 Megis St. in Sandusky. It's across from City Hall near Battery Park Marina.The McGookeys, from left, father Dan, and son, Michael, run the Bait House Brewery, 223 Meigs St., in Sandusky together.The establishment boasts a full liquor license, serving beers — in cans, bottles and flowing from upward of 12 taps with beer provided by area companies, such as The Brew Kettle and Catawba Island Brewing Co. — in addition to wine and harder alcohol drinks.But the business, offering a tap room and in-house brewery, specializes in making its own beer, infused with locally sourced ingredients. It's the only commercial facility in Sandusky with a working brewery.Michael McGookey shows off the different components to make beer inside Bait House Brewery in Sandusky. Recently opening, it's the only commercial facility within city limits boasting a brewery license with capabilities to serve its own in-house beers.For instance, the Stumps Maple Smoke Porter perfects its mesquite-flavored taste by Bait House shipping in syrup coming from a Lorain County-area farm. And, to honor its hometown roots, Bait House makes a Sandusky Bicentennial Golden Ale to commemorate the city's 200th anniversary in 2018."We are going to have excellent, top-notch beer here," said Dan, whose other business, McGookey Law Offices, is next door. "From the real light beers, to pilsners, ales, lagers, wheats, stouts, porters and more, we are going to have the whole range."Bait House Brewery, at 223 Meigs St. in Sandusky, serves upward of 12 beers on tap, including some made from the establishment's in-house brewery. "From the real light beers, to pilsners, ales, lagers, wheats, stouts, porters and more, we are going to have the whole range," co-owner Dan McGookey said.Dan invested "well over $500,000" to convert a former duplex into Bait House Brewery, which features both indoor and outdoor seating areas. He salvaged many materials, including wood from a 150-year-old barn, to adorn the walls. Tin from this same barn lines Bait House's ceiling."I wanted to go for a shack-by-the-sea theme so people could get that by-the-water feel," Dan said.Michael McGookey shows off the different components to make beer inside Bait House Brewery in Sandusky. Recently opening, it's the only commercial facility within city limits boasting a brewery license with capabilities to serve its own in-house beers.The brewery and taproom represent step one of a multiphase plan to transform this entire property. Dan wants to repurpose a longtime adjacent structure, formerly Herb's, an old bait shop, into a restaurant, which could open by next year.Dan called the venture "a labor of love" and a way in which his family can contribute toward Sandusky's ongoing renaissance, highlighted by private developers collectively investing millions in local projects."We are proud to be a part of the growth of Sandusky," Dan said.Bait House Brewery is at 223 Megis St. in Sandusky. Its open 4-10 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays; 4-11 p.m. Fridays; noon to 11 p.m. Saturdays; and noon to 8 p.m. Sundays.Bait House Brewery, which recently opened at 223 Meigs St. in Sandusky, boasts a full liquor license, serving beers — in cans, bottles and flowing from upward of 12 taps with beer provided by area companies, such as The Brew Kettle and Catawba Island Brewing Co. — in addition to wine and harder alcohol drinks.Reach reporter Andy Ouriel at ouriel@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @AndyOuriel.Bait House Brewery, 223 Megis St. in Sandusky, offers both indoor and outdoor seating.