Looking to sip some cider in the City of Brotherly Love? Here are 10 terrific places to find craft cider in Philadelphia, from high-class spots in Center City to neighborhood bars in Kensington.
Memphis Taproom
Memphis Taproom is a lively, intimate bar hidden in Kensington. Their tiny dining room, although somewhat loud, lends a sense of coziness that is ideal for a date or catching up with friends. Their categorized menu rotates through craft cider, in addition to a plethora of local craft beer, and their hearty food menu provides several vegetarian options. On some occasions visitors can find aged ciders on tap, making this a great spot for a random encounter with crisp greatness. 2331 E. Cumberland St., (215) 425-4460
Prohibition Taproom
With an iconic neon sign reading “BAR” just south of Spring Garden Street, Prohibition Taproom is a staple of the craft beer bar scene in Philadelphia. Although beer is its specialty, the speakeasy feel and soul food menu also work well with a pint of Jack’s Fireside Cider or a bottle of Original Sin Apple Cider. 501 N. 13th St., (215) 238-1818
Manayunk Brewing Company
Manayunk Brewing Company is a go-to nightlife spot for the area’s young adults. Churning out beers for about 20 years, Manayunk Brewing Company offers a wide range of craft brews and their own tart-yet-sweet hard cider, dubbed Brotherly Love. Enjoy a pint of the craft cider at the brewery and restaurant, where you can catch the game on a big screen, party it up on the weekends or take a load off on the deck during the warmer months. 4120 Main St., (215) 482-8220
Tria Taproom
Tria Taproom is a must visit in Center City Philadelphia. The chic setting and friendly staff along with the extensive draft list displayed on iPads creates a high-class feeling restaurant. That menu typically boasts dozens of beers, a generous selection of wine, two ciders and a few sodas. On our recent visit, we tasted Virtue Percheron, which was dry and effervescent, as well as Stone & Key’s Apple Brandy Barrel Aged Cider, which was bubbly and deceivingly smooth. Those libations go well with a menu that offers diverse snacks, wood-fired grilled flatbreads, refined entrees and cheese plates sourced from farms local and abroad. 2005 Walnut St., (215) 557-8277
Urban Saloon
Urban Saloon is conveniently situated across the street from Eastern State Penitentiary. The spacious room, long bar and huge televisions make this an ideal location for relaxing while having a few drinks. The drink menu typically features at least one craft cider on draft, such as Bullfrog Funny Farmhouse Cider, as well as several bottle options. Stop in for some hard cider before your next trip through the Penitentiary or before an appreciative stroll around beautiful Fairmount. 2120 Fairmount Ave., (215) 232-5359
The Sidecar Bar & Grille
This neighborhood bar is a great spot for a drink, especially when you’re looking for something easy and fun. The Sidecar Bar & Grille’s simple aesthetic uses wooden furniture and brick walls, and its big windows let in tons of natural light. Their food is casual and delicious, and their extensive drink menu offers a cider fix. Stop by for a bottle of Jack’s Hard Cider, or maybe a big bottle of Scrumpy’s Hard Cider from Michigan, while you enjoy the friendly company and laid-back décor. 2201 Christian St., (215) 732-3429
Johnny Brenda’s
It might be a little shabby, but Johnny Brenda’s delivers with exceptional live music that pairs with its beer and cider selection. The small upstairs concert space makes for up-close and personal experiences, while the downstairs pool table and dining room provide relaxation and creative sandwiches and entrees. You can usually find an abundance of local choices on tap, such as Stone & Key’s Untamed farmhouse style cider. 1201 Frankford Ave., (215) 739-9684
Clarkville
Clarkville recently opened its doors in West Philadelphia and is pleasing the neighborhood with craft drinks and a casual menu. The restaurant’s name is painted in huge letters on its front side, and inside the dimly lit restaurant and bar are brightened up by colorful decorations. An abundance of shareable plates and inventive pizzas pairs joyously with libation options, which typically include locally crafted cider such as Wyndridge Crafty Cider. In the spring and summer, this will be a go-to spot before a nice walk through Clark Park. 4301 Baltimore Ave., (215) 387-4992
The Institute
This corner neighborhood bar and restaurant delivers a personal touch, along with 16 taps of craft beer and cider. The Institute menu delivers warming comfort-food choices like fried pierogies, which go deliciously alongside a pint of Doc’s Pumpkin Cider. 549 N. 12th St., (215) 787-0888
Brü Craft & Wurst
This large Center City bierhall is best known for its brews and German grub, but Brü is worth a visit for its rotating ciders as well. With offerings like Big Hill Standard on draft, and more in bottles, this upbeat restaurant is a great hangout spot in the heart of the city. 1316 Chestnut St., (215) 800-1079
- Photos: Jay Breslin