Buffalo's Very First Cider Hall Is Exactly As Delicious As It Sounds
By Lea Monroe|Published June 29, 2019
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Lea Monroe
Author
Writer for Only In Your State. Scribbling about all things New York and Buffalo related while also keeping you updated on the latest travel news! Inquiries: Lmonroe@onlyinyourstate.com
Buffalo’s booming brewing scene has brought some amazing breweries to Western New York (you can read all about our epic Buffalo Brewery Trail here), but today we’re taking a look at something a little bit different: a tasty cider hall. If you’ve thoroughly enjoyed all of the delicious beers crafted in the Queen City and are looking to branch out into another beverage that is equally as refreshing, check out this hot spot for a cold drink to quench your thirst.
BlackBird Cider Works opened up in 2011 as Niagara County’s first (and only) hard cider producer and quickly grew in popularity.
BlackBird’s orchards, production facility, and original tasting room are located on Lake Ontario’s shore in the tiny town of Barker, roughly an hour north of Buffalo, but they have since expanded into a cider hall in Buffalo.
In the fall of 2018, the Buffalo Cider Hall opened up in the historic Black Rock neighborhood, making it easier than ever to enjoy the delicious drinks crafted right in our own backyard.
The Cider Hall is housed within the renovated Linde Air complex, and when the weather is warm, they roll up the industrial garage doors that open to a massive outdoor patio space complete with bocce ball courts.
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With plenty of seating and tables, a grassy lawn, and fun summertime games, activities, festivals, and events, there’s no better place to enjoy a sunny day in Buffalo.
The indoor dining area is just as cool, with a modern industrial vibe that blends seamlessly with historic elements preserved during the building’s renovation.
BlackBird’s founders, Scott Donovan and Margaret Glover, started experimenting with small-batch cider-making in 2006 using a 1920s-era cider press, and by 2014, BlackBird Ciders were available for purchase in local stores. The delicious drinks were so popular that they needed to expand their cider production space just one year later.
Prestigious awards at the Great Lakes International Cider & Perry Competition, New York State Fair, New York Food & Wine Classic, and more, leading the cidery claim a spot on the popular Niagara Wine Trail.
You’ll find more than 30 ciders and locally-produced beers on tap at the Buffalo Cider Hall, making it tough to decide which one to try first.
In addition to the extensive beverage list, Buffalo Cider Hall also offers a small food menu with dishes like paninis and cheese plates to accompany your drinks.
From the award-winning BlackBird ciders to the unique atmosphere and awesome outdoor space, there’s so much to love about Buffalo Cider Hall.
For more information about Buffalo’s first and only cider hall, including a peek at delicious drinks and a schedule of upcoming events, visit the BlackBird Cider Works website and follow along on the Buffalo Cider Hall Facebook page.
Buffalo Cider Hall Address: 155 Chandler Street, Suite 4, Buffalo, NY, 14207
Cider Hall Hours:
Wednesday-Friday: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday: 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
(Closed on Monday & Tuesday)
BlackBird Cider Works Tasting Room Address: 8503 Lower Lake Road, Barker, NY 14012
Tasting Room Summer Hours (June-October):
Monday-Friday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Have you visited the Buffalo Cider Hall or BlackBird Cider Works’ Barker tasting room? What’s your favorite cider on tap? Let us know in the comments below!
