Cider House Near Me in Morningside Heights: Arts and Crafts Parlor

Arts and Crafts Beer Parlor opened its doors in January 2016 at 1135 Amsterdam Avenue, nestled directly across from Columbia University between 115th and 116th Streets in Morningside Heights. Created by Don Borelli and Robert La France, the establishment was intentionally envisioned as an extension of an art collector's private living room rather than a conventional university watering hole. For drinkers searching for an elevated, conversational cider house near me in Upper Manhattan, this subterranean retreat delivers twenty-six carefully curated tap lines featuring rare farm-pressed hard ciders alongside regional craft beers and an inventive plant-based tavern menu that sets it apart from ordinary neighborhood taprooms.

The tap rotation highlights distinct heritage apple ferments from premier independent cider makers across New York State, Vermont, and the Pacific Northwest. Rather than stocking mass-market commercial ciders laden with artificial syrups and concentrates, the beverage program focuses strictly on whole-fruit fermentation, wild yeasts, and dry, tannin-forward styles. Guests regularly encounter fresh pours of New York orchard dry ciders priced at $9.00 alongside limited seasonal releases for $10.00, each poured into proper stemmed glassware that enhances natural effervescence and captures subtle floral bouquets.

In addition to house draft selections, the bottle and can inventory features estate-bottled farmhouse ciders, single-varietal apple pet-nats, and botanical infusions incorporating wild herbs and tart berries. Glassware is chosen with intent, allowing natural sediment and rustic golden hues to catch the soft indoor light. Rotating cider options frequently spotlight regional producers like Eve's Cidery and South Hill Cider from the Finger Lakes, bringing the crisp agricultural terroir of upstate orchards straight to Amsterdam Avenue without compromise.

The staff takes genuine pride in guiding guests through complex flavor profiles, offering clear descriptions of acidity levels, fermentation methods, and mouthfeel characteristics. Whether a patron prefers a bone-dry, champagne-like finish or an earthier, Brettanomyces-driven wild funk, the bartenders provide knowledgeable recommendations without pretension. This generous hospitality makes rare craft ciders thoroughly accessible to university scholars, neighborhood physicians, and curious visitors exploring Upper Manhattan alike.

Complementing the cider list is a unique, fully plant-based pub food menu designed to satisfy cravings without the heavy grease of typical deep-fried bar fare. A signature starter is the warm personal pretzel served crisp on the outside and soft within for $8.00, accompanied by spicy stone-ground mustard. Guests sharing plates often choose the house-made chips and guacamole for $19.00 or oven-baked crispy tater tots served with house dipping sauces for $8.00, providing ideal crunchy textures alongside bubbly cider.

The kitchen crafts an outstanding lineup of hearty tacos served two per plate on soft corn tortillas for $13.00, including savory-sweet Korean BBQ tacos garnished with hoisin crema and purple cabbage slaw, as well as smoky al pastor tacos filled with shredded jackfruit, roasted oyster mushrooms, and pineapple. For heartier appetites, the bacon jam burger features a seasoned savory patty topped with smoky bacon jam, caramelized onions, and cheddar on a brioche bun for $20.00, accompanied by crispy kettle chips.

Flatbreads also play a central role on the dining menu, notably the fig and arugula flatbread priced at $19.00, which balances sweet black mission figs, melted cheese, crunchy walnuts, and a tart balsamic drizzle. The kitchen also bakes buffalo chick'n flatbread smothered in tangy Louisiana hot sauce with cool ranch and green onions for $19.00. The bright, tangy notes of these flatbreads harmonize effortlessly with crisp, dry apple ciders, creating a culinary pairing that rivals downtown wine bars in sophistication.

The physical space is an intimate subterranean haven modeled after the early 20th-century American Arts and Crafts movement, drawing inspiration from craftsman pioneers like Gustav Stickley. Original exposed brick walls, warm stained-glass sconces, and handcrafted mission-style wooden furniture evoke an era of meticulous craftsmanship and calm intellectual contemplation. Revolving gallery walls showcase original paintings, photography, and prints by local New York artists, giving the room a cultured, ever-evolving visual personality.

Seating arrangements encourage both focused individual relaxation and quiet group conversation. A comfortable leather sofa and upholstered armchairs frame the rear lounge area, while sturdy wooden communal tables and a dark timber bar provide ample workspace for afternoon readers. The room's underground positioning insulates patrons from the vehicular hum of Amsterdam Avenue, creating a tranquil acoustic environment where soft conversation thrives naturally without strain.

Music selection remains tasteful and understated, emphasizing mellow acoustic folk, post-bop jazz, and vintage soul at volumes that never compete with table dialogue. The complete absence of blinking television screens or loud promotional neon banners reinforces the parlor's dedication to genuine human interaction, thoughtful reading, and reflective sipping among kindred spirits.

Due to its location near Columbia University, Barnard College, and Mount Sinai Morningside, the parlor experiences noticeable shifts in crowd dynamics throughout the day. Weekday afternoons between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM offer quiet, scholarly respites where solo visitors read books, grading papers or typing quietly over chilled cider pints. The room fills steadily after 6:00 PM as university faculty, graduate researchers, medical staff, and longtime residents gather for post-work drinks.

Seating operates on an open walk-in policy, and the venue's attentive staff ensures guests find comfortable perches even during brisk evening hours. If the front bar stools are occupied upon entry, the rear lounge armchairs or communal wooden tables frequently offer open spots. For those arriving during peak Friday evening rushes, wait times for seating rarely exceed fifteen minutes, and staff happily accommodate guests with a standing pour at the rail while seats open up.

Arts and Crafts Beer Parlor is easily reached via the 1 train at the 116th St–Columbia University station, located just one block west on Broadway, or via the M11 bus running directly along Amsterdam Avenue. The establishment accepts all major credit cards and mobile payments, and can be contacted by phone at (646) 678-5263. Operating hours run Monday from 2:00 PM to midnight and Tuesday through Sunday from noon to midnight, making it an ideal cultural stop after strolling through Columbia University, visiting the Cathedral of St. John the Divine four blocks south, or exploring nearby Morningside Park.