Cider House Near Me in Burbank: Story Tavern and The Ciderworks

Story Tavern and The Ciderworks opened in 2012 at 150 S San Fernando Boulevard in Downtown Burbank, creating a rare sanctuary dedicated to historic cider culture and classic neighborhood hospitality. Founded by Brian and Diane Fenstermaker, the establishment pays tribute to the early agricultural and aviation pioneers who shaped the San Fernando Valley, featuring archival photographs and museum-worthy regional artifacts. For visitors hunting down a dedicated cider house near me in northern Los Angeles County, this welcoming tavern houses The Ciderworks, an interconnected specialty taproom pouring artisanal American heirloom ciders, wild Basque ferments, and European estate-bottled selections.

The beverage curation inside The Ciderworks represents one of the most comprehensive cider cellars in Southern California, focusing strictly on small-batch producers who harvest genuine cider apples rather than sweet culinary fruit. Traditional tannic varieties like Kingston Black, Dabinett, and Golden Russet take center stage across the draft lines, yielding crisp beverages that range from bone-dry and effervescent to subtly tart and farmhouse funky. The cellar staff maintains dedicated lines calibrated to correct draft pressures and cellar temperatures, guaranteeing that aromatic bouquet and natural sparkling carbonation are preserved in every pour.

The tap list rotates frequently to spotlight regional West Coast orchards alongside hard-to-find international imports, offering diverse taste profiles for curious drinkers. Guests can enjoy a rotating craft cider draft pour for $8.00, exploring crisp single-varietal fermentations that pair effortlessly with the tavern's rich comfort dishes. In addition to clean single drafts, the bar team crafts inventive cider-based cocktails and pours estate meads, providing versatile options for guests seeking gluten-free alternatives to traditional grain beers.

Knowledgeable bartenders behind the tap counter take time to demystify complex cider traditions, gladly discussing orchard terroirs, native yeast fermentations, and the historical distinctions between English scrumpy and sparkling French cidre. Those who prefer lighter session pours or experimental dry-hopped fruit blends will find approachable handles pouring side by side with oak-aged heritage vintages, ensuring every palate finds an engaging glass to savor.

Beyond the draft handles, Story Tavern is built as an authentic community gathering house where guests naturally linger over friendly games and rich conversation. The front parlor and main dining hall feature exposed brick walls, dark walnut wainscoting, and warm green banker lamps that evoke the timeless character of an early twentieth-century public house. Vintage black-and-white portraits of early Burbank aircraft builders and valley ranchers adorn the walls, celebrating neighborhood roots and giving the tavern an authentic living museum atmosphere.

Toward the rear of the tavern sits a spacious, dedicated Game Room that draws friendly crowds for casual competition. The recreation hall features six regulation steel-tip dart boards, two tournament-quality ping-pong tables, a classic shuffleboard table, and foosball tables, all maintained in pristine condition for guest enjoyment. Unlike noisy sports bars dominated by blaring televisions, the soundscape here is anchored by the rhythmic thud of dartboards, the clink of glassware, and an acoustic playlist spanning classic rock, folk, and indie favorites.

Seating throughout the tavern is varied and generous, encompassing broad cushioned leather booths, solid wood tavern tables, and comfortable high-top stools overlooking the bustling pedestrian sidewalk along San Fernando Boulevard. Whether visiting solo for an unhurried weekday pint or gathering with an extended group of colleagues after work, guests find comfortable pockets of space tailored to their visit.

To accompany the deep cider rotation, the kitchen produces a scratch-made pub menu that leans into classic European and American comfort food. A beloved tavern staple is the Beer Cheese Tots served for $12.00, featuring crispy golden potato tots generously smothered in sharp melted cheddar, local craft brew, and warm spices. Another favorite table starter is the warm Bavarian Brewers' Pretzels priced at $12.00, which arrives fresh with house-made whole-grain mustard and rich beer cheese dip for effortless communal sharing.

Diners settling in for full tavern suppers can order hearty main courses such as the classic Irish Cheddar Burger with pub fries for $16.00, built with premium grilled beef, aged cheddar, crisp lettuce, and signature tavern sauce on a toasted brioche bun. The entire food menu offers extensive gluten-free accommodations, with dedicated fryers and bun substitutions that allow gluten-sensitive guests to dine safely alongside their cider flights.

Operating hours run Wednesday and Thursday from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Friday from 5:00 PM to 12:00 AM midnight, Saturday from 12:00 PM noon to 12:00 AM midnight, and Sunday from 12:00 PM noon to 10:00 PM. The tavern remains closed on Mondays and Tuesdays for brewing maintenance and kitchen prep. Seating operates on a casual walk-in basis, and reservations are not required for standard dining tables or Game Room entry.

Reaching Story Tavern and The Ciderworks is remarkably simple, situated along the pedestrian-friendly retail corridor of South San Fernando Boulevard between Angeleno Avenue and Olive Avenue in Downtown Burbank. Drivers can take advantage of multiple city-operated municipal parking garages located directly behind the block on Third Street, which provide several hours of complimentary vehicle parking without validation requirements. Commuters using public transit can take the Metrolink Antelope Valley or Ventura County lines to the nearby Downtown Burbank station, followed by a pleasant ten-minute walk through the downtown shopping district.

The establishment is fully wheelchair accessible, providing level ground-floor entries, wide walkways between gaming areas, and spacious ADA-compliant restroom facilities. For game room tournament schedules or private group gathering inquiries, patrons can contact the management team directly by phone at (818) 567-4200. Well-behaved leashed dogs are warmly welcomed at the front sidewalk patio tables, allowing pet owners to enjoy outdoor drinks while watching pedestrian life pass along San Fernando Boulevard.

Following an afternoon tasting session at The Ciderworks, visitors can easily explore Downtown Burbank's charming surrounding entertainment district. The historic AMC Burbank movie theater, local bookstores, vintage clothing boutiques, and specialty dessert cafes sit just steps from the tavern entrance. A short five-minute drive west brings travelers to the legendary movie studios of Warner Bros. and Walt Disney, making Story Tavern a natural post-tour destination for genuine craft drinks and relaxing valley hospitality.