Clock House Brewing is set to open a second downtown Cedar Rapids taproom on Thursday, November 19, at 3 p.m., moving into the former Iowa Brewing Company building at 708 3rd Street SE. The new spot, called Clock House on 3rd, will serve as the brewery's home base for brewing operations while adding cocktails, wine, cider, and food to its lineup alongside beer.
A Second Home for Clock House
Clock House Brewing first announced plans for the 3rd Street location more than a year ago, according to 98.1 KHAK, which reported the brewery took over the building after two Iowa Brewing Company founders decided to retire. The new location has undergone upgrades ahead of its debut, including a renovated patio and the installation of a small kitchen. Company messaging describes the space as filling a distinct role within the Clock House family: “Serving as our second taproom, 3rd Street brings a new experience to the Clock House community while serving as the home of our brewing operations,” the brewery said, per the same outlet's report.
Guests at the new taproom can expect locally crafted beers alongside specialty cocktails, wine, ciders, and a selection of food, the company has said. Clock House Brewing also continues to produce two of Iowa Brewing Company's established beers, Surf Zombies and Iowa Eagle, keeping those recipes alive under the new ownership.
Room to Grow Production
The move into the larger space could mean a major jump in output. Co-owner Todd Viall told CBS 2 Iowa the expansion could push annual production from 1,300 barrels a year to possibly 8,000 barrels without expanding anything at the current location. That kind of headroom comes as craft brewers nationally are seeing fewer sales in their on-premise taprooms.
Eastern Iowa breweries have been grappling with a broader slowdown in recent years. Craft brewers of all sizes are seeing fewer sales in their on-premise taprooms, according to The Gazette, which noted that Iowa beer sales fell 3.2 percent in 2023, compared with a steeper 5.1 percent decline nationwide. Viall told the paper his own taproom sales have followed a similar pattern. “Our taproom sales are down,” he said. “Not terribly bad, but it's been a steady decline.”
Original Taproom Stays Open, Thanksgiving Party on Tap
Clock House on 3rd will not replace the brewery's original taproom at 600 1st Street SE, which shares a building with Black Sheep Social Club and will keep its regular hours: Tuesday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from noon to 10 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
A week after opening, the new location will host Iowa Brewing Company's annual Cousin Eddie Thanksgiving Party on Thanksgiving morning, November 26, from 7 a.m. to noon, carrying forward one of the building's established traditions into its new chapter as a Clock House address.
