Read the Menus for Eris, Chicago’s First Cider Taproom, Now Open

Twenty-seven months have passed since the public first heard plans for Eris Brewery and Cider House, a unique Chicago food and beverage project that assembled the city’s first cider taproom with a restaurant and private event space. Eris’s beers and ciders started to flow freely at 11 a.m. on Friday on the Northwest Side as the owners finally opened the cider house. Since 2014, crews have worked to transformed the century-old, three-story building at 4240 W. Irving Park Road.

The building’s design reflects a DIY attitude from owners Katy Pizza and Michelle Foik. For example, they salvaged radiator panels from a local bank that was being demolished to build the bar’s front. Initial design was done by Wrap Architecture. The interiors changed over time, creating a cavernous space that retained elements like the exposed brick on the walls. But at the same time they installed modern amenities like a new sound system and lighting.

Brewmaster Hayley Shine has worked on six house ciders and six house beers made onsite. Some of those can be taken home in 32-ounce growlers. The ciders vary to entice novices, including “The Pedestrian,” a dry cider that tastes like a Granny Smith apple. The “Van Van Mojo” is a blueberry cider made with Mosaic hops. The punningly named “Chai Dar” is made with Indian-spiced tea. The beers are also not to be ignored. They include IPAs, wheat ales, and the “Fnord” — a beet beer. Five-ounce tasters are also available.

Nick Fochtman

Executive chef Jonathan Trubow’s menu features tons of vegetarian and gluten-free options. He’s also incorporating the beer and ciders in items, such as stout meatballs, mussels and cider, and a stout chocolate bread pudding. Eris will serve lunch and dinner right away and in a few months add weekend brunch. There are also a few salty snacks and appetizers for customers sitting at the bar who need complements to their beverages.

Take a look at the food and drink menus below. The space isn’t 100 percent open. Ownership is still working on the upstairs where they’ll host private events. But a little patience is OK and it looks to have paid off in Irving Park. Eris is open.

Eris Brewery and Cider House, 4240 W. Irving Park Road, open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Weekend brunch service upcoming. Reservations for parties seven to 10 will be available via Reserve.