Tour Eris, Chicago’s First Cider Taproom and Brewpub

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

by Ashok Selvam@Shokdiesel Jan 24, 2018, 10:05am CST

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Eris Brewery and Ciderhouse has growlers.

Ashok Selvam is the editor of Eater Chicago and a native Chicagoan armed with more than two decades of award-winning journalism. Now covering the world of restaurants and food, his nut graphs are super nutty.

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.