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Tour Eris, Chicago’s First Cider Taproom and Brewpub

A former Masonic temple is now three floors of cider and food

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Eris Brewery and Ciderhouse has growlers.
Nick Fochtman

Over the weekend, friends and family crowded into Chicago’s first cider taproom inside a transformed Masonic temple that dates back more than a century. Eris Brewery & Cider House fits into a 20,000-square-foot building at 4240 W. Irving Park Road. The main dining room and bar features 20-foot ceilings, with modern lighting retrofitted into the historic fixtures. This is a full-service restaurant that cider fans have waited three years to visit.

When fully operational, the upper floor will host private events. But for now, customers can check out the first and second floors. The building was upgraded with energy-efficient appliances. It’s family friendly, and visitors can feel the history inside. If there’s a feeling that customers are being watched, take a closer look at the tables. There’s a woman’s face hidden on the tabletops — a unique amalgamation of three women. These design touches make it one of the more-unique restaurants in Chicago.

There are a few flatscreens throughout, and the second floor offers a secluded dining area that looks over the massive dining space on the first floor. Eris is able to cater to a diverse crowd, and its chef also wants to please diners of all persuasions.

Most recently, the building was home to the Korean Bethel Presbyterian Church. There’s still a religious specter looking over the space in the form of its namesake. Eris is the Greek goddess of chaos. Knowing that, ownership — whose experiences include stints at Goose Island Brewing and Virtue Cider — is still waiting for their liquor license so they can share an opening date. It may be Friday, but it’s more likely sometime next week.

Check back for updates, but for now take a tour of the space below.

The four-story building was a Korean church and before that a Masonic temple.
Nick Fochtman/Eater Chicago
Eris is named after the Greek goddess of chaos.
Nick Fochtman
The windows cast a shadow inside.
That’s quite a door handle.
The main dining room features 20-foot ceilings.
Nick Fochtman
Eris is a proud women-owned business.
The full menu will be available at all parts of the restaurant.
Much of the design was done in house.
There are six large booths.
The exposed brick was cleaned up, but remains from the church.
Nick Fochtman
The growlers are nicely branded.
The stairs go up to a landing where there’s more seating and a secluded area that overlooks the dining room.
Check out the tanks.
A close-up on the metal work.
The second-floor landing soaks up tons of sunlight.
Another shot of the second-floor landing.
Each table features a face, an amalgamation of three faces.
A view of the first floor.
The space is roomy and is flexible for private events.
Salmon Brûlée (root vegetable hash, brown sugar vinaigrette, caramelized pearl onions, and micro greens)
Porter-Braised Short Rib (Angus chuck, white bean and sausage cassoulet, herb salad)
Nick Fochtman

Eris Brewery & Cider House

4240 West Irving Park Road, , IL 60641 (773) 943-6200 Visit Website

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