Chicago’s First Cider Bar Opening This Month

An apple (cider) a day keeps the doctor away.

It’s sort of hard to believe that a city as large and vibrant as Chicago doesn’t have a single bar dedicated specifically to cider, but it’s the cold hard truth.

Until now, that is. The Northman, a bar featuring over 100 different hard ciders and a wide variety of food options, is almost here. The establishment comes from the creative geniuses behind Fountainhead, a somewhat eclectic Chicago staple that opened in 2009.

Ciders have been selected primarily from Western European countries like England & France, though local cideries are also represented. Other options come from countries as far away as New Zealand. More importantly to some, the bar will also have a large selection of craft beer, wine, and spirits.

Fountainhead’s lead chef, Cleetus Friedman, is the lead man on the Northman’s menu as well. Dishes incorporate the same international element as the libations, while ingredients are largely drawn from local sources.

The Northman is located at 4337 N. Lincoln Ave in North Center, formerly the space occupied by Copper House.

While we still have no exact opening date, we’re probably just days away from the official announcement at this point. If you really can’t wait for the official word, go ahead and keep refreshing the bar’s Facebook page. Otherwise, stay tuned here for more details as they become available.