One of our favorite things about autumn is the amazing lineup of fall flavors at Norfolk’s breweries. There’s the Pumpkin Spiced Latte Ale at COVA Brewing Co., Outta Yer Gourd pumpkin ale from Smartmouth Brewing Co. just to name a few. Every now and then, however, we like to break away from the popular pumpkin sips and get a little fruitier with autumn’s prized jewel: the apple. While Norfolk isn’t home to any true cideries, we do have a good number of restaurants that carry great selections of hard ciders, including many from Virginia. Sips may change with the season, but overall, here are the best Norfolk restaurants to find hard ciders.
The Birch
Situated in Norfolk’s Chelsea Neighborhood, The Birch has been long praised for its fantastic, often hard-to-find selections of craft beer. One thing you may not know is that this delightful beer bar features five carefully selected, rotating ciders (and often meads) on tap. There’s currently Aragon 1904, an 8.6% ABV traditional cider, along with a 6% ABV Basque Cider from Spain. Other options include Valley Roots dry cider blend, Pollination Blossom Honey Cider and a red sangria on tap for something a little different.
COVA Brewing Co.
If breweries were placed in a sandbox, COVA would surely win a gold star for playing well with others. In addition to brewing their own delicious beer, COVA features guest taps to celebrate the fruits of other brewers’ labor. They generally strive to have at least one cider on tap, with Blue Toad’s Blue Raspberry Granny Light being a recent crisp and easily drinkable option.
Grain
Quite possibly one of the most excidering things to hit a drink menu is Grain’s cider flight! For just $13, you can taste four ciders including options from Austin Eastciders, McKenzie’s, Downeast and the ever-popular Bold Rock. Already know what you like? Order a full size of your favorite cider in a glass or even a growler.
Hank’s Filling Station
Known for their delicious barbecue, backyard games and rotating selection of taps, Hank’s is an ideal place to kick back with a beverage on a crisp fall day, especially when cozying up to their irresistible firepits. On tap, look for Back Bay Farmhouse Brewing Company’s 6.7% ABV Apple Blossom Cider and Bold Rock’s 4.7% ABV Berry Peach, both available as 16-ounce pours. Don’t forget to peek past the digital board of taps because you’ll get a great glimpse of canned hard ciders inside the refrigerated glass case, just waiting to be purchased, poured and enjoyed.
The Veil
Norfolk’s only brewery that creates its own cider, The Veil offers Stay, an enjoyable cider conditioned in oak foudres for 12 weeks. Full of flavor, this one drinks like a cider but packs a punch at 8% ABV, so sip slowly and leisurely.
Other Options
Ciders aren’t necessarily a guarantee at these restaurants, but we’ve been known to have some luck finding Blue Toad Hard Cider (Roseland, Va.) at Elation Brewing, Potter’s Craft Cider (Charlottesville, Va.) at Alkaline and Potter’s beloved Farmhouse Dry at Crudo Nudo.
