Sociable Cider Werks

Walked into this place to try to sell some hose and was not happy I was working because I would have stayed and sipped their stuff all afternoon. The place is very cool and the smell just walking in will drop you to you knees because of its goodness. I might do a crawl and swing by here when my boss doesn’t own me.

I’m a cider gal. I love beer, too, but I drink cider almost as often (and probably more often during the summer months). When I found out there was a cider brewery I was totally amped to check it out.
On our first trip we went for the tour — while very informative it takes place almost 100% in the tap room, so I’d say your better bet is arriving a little early, snagging a good seat, and enjoying the talk from the comfort of a chair. We were beverage-​less for our tour and stood awkwardly trying to crowd around for it. The people with the seats definitely won the afternoon.
Speaking of seats, nabbing a table is crucial. On our second visit we had six of us plus a baby, and trying to juggle drinks and a diaper bag and an infant without a table and chairs was an interesting experience. We enjoyed our drinks but didn’t linger.
On our first trip we enjoyed a cider flight and I was surprised to find I enjoyed the Spoke Wrench cider stout. Our second trip they weren’t offering flights so we just ordered several glasses of the different offerings and passed them around. Glad nobody was sick!
Cider Werks has some rad steel growlers, but since I’m not a resident of the cities the deposit was a bit prohibitive. Definitely sweet if you have the opportunity to go back with any regularity or would use the growler for other things.

Great atmosphere. Beer is fantastic. Growler & Crowler options are great too. Like having a food truck there as well.

I have been to Cider Werks now twice, but only once did I actually get to try any cider. The first time we came was last summer, and this place must be 3x as packed in the summer just because of food trucks, because we couldn’t even get drinks when we came then. However, we came on a nice cold Saturday night this time and had no trouble trying some cider. I really like the feel in there compared to other breweries, its less industrial and more cozy. That said, they definitely have the space for more tables, and they should add them. The people working were really great, very attentive, and explained things well about the different ciders. I always like Freewheeler, and order it in restaurants as well. It is really the only actual cider-​like beer they make, I’d love to see some more sweet and less hoppy ciders from them in the future. We will definitely be back.

Our first time at Sociable was an unplanned drop in on a weekend afternoon. My husband is a cider lover but they are usually too sweet for me so I was skeptical but down to try it. The atmosphere was really chill and welcoming. The taproom isn’t sprawling and lofty like some of the new places but has a cozy feel. There was also some outdoor seating that will probably be a less popular choice in the winter. I tried the Spoke Wrench Stout Apple since it was part cider part stout — hoping that the combination would offset the sweetness of cider that I usually dislike. Success! I was a big fan of this combination. It is something that my husband and I could happily get a growler of and both be satisfied. I also had a house made stout for my second option which was delightful but not memorable. We will definitely be back to this tap room! There is also plenty of parking.

I cannot believe that I never got around to reviewing Sociable Cider Werks yet! On a recent trip to Minneapolis I was looking for fun and interesting places to grab a drink and I stumbled across SCW, which was located a short drive outside of downtown, needless to say it didn’t disappoint.
The atmosphere inside is warm, welcoming and downright cozy and perfect for catching up with friends over some great Cider. However if Cider isn’t your thing they also had 1 – 2 beers available too, however Cider is the real focus here. I went with the Freewheeler Dry Cider which was a great Cider, however they also have seasonal Ciders, I just happened to miss the Pumpkin Cider by a few weeks! I guess that gives me a reason to come back again! Prices are reasonable, with a pint costing just $ 5. The staff was very friendly and willing to answer any questions that I had. Overall Sociable Cider Werks is a great place to grab a drink with friends, or to just unwind after a long day at the office.

This is my favorite taproom in the twin cities! Love the cider and they have good beer options too! Plus the ample parking lot is a major pro, don’t have to deal with street parking.
The reason I gave ⁴⁄₅ stars does not have anything to do with sociable but rather their now permanent food truck, The Curious Goat. I liked the variety with rotating food trucks. Curious Goat is rather delicious but I was turned off by the cook’s snarky attitude when I had questions about the menu. I went on a very slow night and I was the only person outside ordering so I was a bit taken aback by the the dismissive and snippy responses. But the food was very good, just the customer service could be improved.

A++ love love love. First off, their ciders are delicious so duh (specifically Freewheeler… hooray for ACTUALLY dry cider! Take that, High Life, this is the real «champagne of beers»!). Their beer is also great, or at least what I have tried, and it’s nice to be able to go to a brewery with a group of beer and cider people alike.
I didn’t spend much time inside except to order my drinks, but it seems pretty small and straightforward. Their (smoke-​friendly) patio is simple but comfortable, comprised of a few picnic tables and a fire pit, and bocce. Also, I love the whole food truck residency concept — one reliable food truck with seasonal offerings to keep things interesting.
Basically, I am a huge gushing fan.

As a fan of ciders I’m always excited to go to Sociable.
Ciders and plenty of them.
Rotating flavors and seasonable offerings.
Food truck.
Picnic tables and fire pit.
They’ve added tables and more décor to make the inside less industrial.
Great for if you have a league game night near by.
Close to other breweries in the NE.
Large parking lot.

You know that one friend you have?
The good-​looking, smart, funny one? They make everything look easy. They are equipped for success. Then, one day, you see them nonchalantly step onto an icy walkway.
And they just biff it. Spread-​eagled on the ground. People staring. Phone shattered. Coffee everywhere. And all that coolness just disappears, like your red-​shirted friend into a Target employee convention.
Sociable’s kinda like that.
On paper, this is a no-​brainer. Cool area, surrounded by cool breweries. Industrial setting with plenty of parking. Food trucks and a patio.
Oh, you have visitors? Perfect, let’s check out this local cider brewery. Oh, your friend can’t have gluten? Hard ciders, here we come! Wanna check out a spot where all the cool young hipsters with beards and skinnies are going? I know just the place.
Except for one problem: the cider is not good.
I don’t mean that it’s overpriced. Or that’s it’s not fancy or artisanal enough. Or that it’s not sweet and generic enough.
I mean I went with different groups of friends, on different occasions, months apart. And every time, we all agreed that the best of the flights were just tolerable. The rest — bland and aimless, not worth finishing.
It was confusing. I want to like this place. I’d keep coming back even if the drinks were just passable. The last time, I went so far as to ask a worker to talk me through the flight to make sure I wasn’t missing something. He did. He was very friendly.
And then he sheepishly said that the ciders might taste a little off — because the «apples are seasonal — which is kind of cool.»
Is it? I don’t know. A good-​quality product is cool. Consistency is cool. And seasonal options are cool too. Except that usually means that you’re adapting with the seasons, rather than fighting against them.
Two stars for a local business killing it with solid service and marketing. Otherwise, Sociable is all style and no substance.

always smells funkybut beer and cider is great tho food truck is nice a little overpriced nice outdoor spaceeeeee
Cheers!

My husband and I visited Sociable Cider Werks last Saturday for a Cider Flight and the free tour, and we absolutely loved everything about this place! The tour guide was excellent– knowledgable, entertaining, and open with information to any questions asked. (He also handled a pesky question after unrelated question asker really well haha). The bartender was super friendly and he was knowledgable as well. The cider flight was great not just because their ciders have an awesome dry finish from their cider brewing hybrid process, but because where else can you get a cider flight?! The whole atmosphere of the place was great, it’s open, casual, and even has a stack of board games to use while sipping on cider (or beer, but you have to at least try the cider!). We will definitely be back to try their beers and to re taste the ciders, likely with friends in tow!

Alrighty, hopefully last update, now that Sociable seems to have hit their stride! Not to mention food truck changes. They are now one of my favorite after work spots to hit up, especially on a beautiful summer day.
Hubby and I had the pleasure of meeting Wade and Jim last year (the owners) at a cider dinner Town Hall Brewery hosted. We learned a lot about cider there and about Sociable’s history. While we don’t see Jim much, Wade always stops by to say hi and chat when he sees us, or buy us a round, and inquires after my dragons (who we try to bring every time). Also a shout out to Alex at the bar, another now familiar face we’ve had some fun talks with, and Mike the brewer too!
New things to note — if you want to bring some cider home with you but don’t want to commit to a growler, you can get all of their ciders (yes even the infusions) in a 750ml «crowler». Basically it’s just a big can, so you can recycle it once it’s empty! They fill it up and use this really neat machine to seal the lid on top. I hope they keep these around!
Their food truck situation has changed — instead of having rotating trucks like most other places, they now have a perma-​truck called the Curious Goat. I love the food from this truck so much, and don’t worry it’s not just goat themed dishes! Sandwiches, burgers, curry, risotto, goat cheese curds, haven’t been disappointed or unimpressed by a meal item there yet.
They definitely deserve their upgrade from 4 to 5 stars in my book.

I’ve been here a couple of times while working in St. Paul. I recently went back as I was exploring the different breweries in this part of town. The only cider places I had been to before have been on the west coast. I have to say that I like the vibe from this place and their product. Much like other breweries in the area there’s a food truck and games out front. The people serving are usually pretty quick although a line can form fairly fast. They offer beer as well as cider although I have only tried their ciders. A flight is reasonably priced, so it is good to sample what they are offering although to get a flight you have to get there in the 1^st hour after opening.

I have been here a few times and in the winter it was cozy with a small band playing off to the side. In the summer, the garage door opens to the outside with endless space. As I looked around this last time on a beautiful 70 degree April day, people were lounging on the grass with their kids, playing cards with friends, bocce ball, hula hooping and eating from the local food truck-​Curious Goat-​on site. It is hidden enough in the NE neighborhood, that there is actually grass to chill on and enjoy your cider, rather than concrete. Also, did I mention endless free parking for bikes and cars!
I really wasn’t a fan of commercial ciders in the past, so I started with a flight. I was surprised to find that I really thought at least 3 were delicious. They were Freewheeler, Spoke Wrench and Road Rash. I noticed that they brew everything here on site and also had a 3 beers on tap if cider if not your thang!
This would also be an awesome venue for an event like a birthday party, wedding reception or business function. There happened to be a pop up meal event this day.

I really enjoy Sociable Cider Werks. We’ve been here a few times, and each time it’s a lot of fun. Today’s special was a Pineapple Jalapeño cask which was spicy and fruity and perfect with the Lamb Curry from The Curious Goat Mobile Kitchen which is now Sociable’s partnered food truck. I really wanted to try the Hibiscus Freewheeler that Jennifer F. mentioned, but alas, it was no longer available.
I came here once last year when The Anchor food truck was serving, and I can’t tell you how delicious that Hop-​A-​Wheelie was with a side of crispy hot Fish and Chips. My other favorites are the Spoke Wrench and the original Freewheeler. They are not overly sweet, not nearly as sweet as Strong Bow, Angry Orchard or even Cider Boys (all yum, by the way!) I found Hop-​A-​Wheelie surprisingly delish, and I’m not usually a fan of hoppy things because beer and the like make me feel too ful, but cider makes me happy.
The seating arrangements: seat yourself, outside or inside, and stop by the food truck for a bite to eat. They brought our food out to us which was a nice touch. We ordered the Lamb Curry which was melt in your mouth curry goodness, Goats Cheese curds which were absolutely delicious with the pickled mango slices, and the Roasted Pork with cabbage and potatoes with a mustard sauce. Really enjoyed all the food paired together with our cider flights. If you get a flight, you can choose 4 different ciders or beer for $ 9. I’ll be back again to enjoy more good times at Sociable!

A little weirded out about how I drove in here I felt like I was entering a impound lot After driving through some gates through a residential street I entered cider works. Sort of bummed out I missed the cider flight that they offer during happy hour. They have both great beer and cider options. The food truck outside also has some awesome food for you to order from the Truck directly. A band was playing too.

My buddies and I had planned on visiting as many tap rooms as possible over the 2014 summer and Cider Werks was next on the list.
The place is in a warehouse district but when you enter, it is very cool. 4 large fermenters and a bunch of corny kegs off to the side.
We found a table after a few minutes when a large group of guys left, as the place was packed.
Every cider I tried was awesome, the beers, not so great, but the ciders were out of this world!
The counter servers were super cool and my only complaint was the prices were kind of high for having the source of the libations right behind my pints of happiness.
My favorite ciders were Spicy Pink Lady, a perfect amount of jalepeno spice, Galactic Pegasus was a high octane cider, and Hop-​a-​Wheelie was another 5 star creation.
Love this place!

This place looks like a warehouse or factory with a HUGE parking lot and chain-​link fence — a perfect sort of remote spot to brew booze with your upstart business that got too big for your basement. I wish I had more time to speak to the folks working here to find out about it. We went in and new that we’d either found a hidden gem or a total fail. The direction of the seesaw depended entirely on the cider.
The cider was awesome. We tried three or four kinds for a total of six glasses and $ 30. Yup — $ 30 for six glasses (see my picture). It was amazing. There was cider and beer, but mostly cider.
Also, we easily found a table with chairs for us to spread our bounty (we had all six brews at once). They shut down at 10:30 PM so we felt compelled to order a bunch of stuff right away.
Everyone was very friendly: the patrons and the people working there. One of the bartenders even told us where he was going next so that we could possibly meet up. It was pretty sweet.
Sociable Cider Werks is the perfect sort of indy-​hipster joint to impress someone who appreciates that sort of thing (or at least appreciates breweries). True to the exterior, the interior is very industrial. It looks like a gutted factory that was claimed by your uncle who wants to make a bar. You know, the sort of uncle who doesn’t have a lot of money and would make his garage into a bar and every night would be a righteous good time and he would get drunk too and end up giving away drinks and not make any money.
Anyway, we loved Sociable Cider Werks. It was our favorite spot after a night of biking around to Minneapolis breweries and the perfect climax.

Sociable Cider Werks really doesn’t live up to its title. I wanted to like this place, I was so excited to try it out, but It just fell short in every category.
When we arrived It wasn’t clear how any of it worked. Theres no waitresses or hostesses, and the bartenders are far from enthused to be there. We found our way to the bar and sat down. It took a while to be noticed by the bartenders. Theres no menu to know how the sizes, options, growlers, or prices of anything, just a chalkboard with todays flavors of cider and beer. I asked for a flight as I had read about them online and was told they didn’t have the glass wear to serve me a flight and refused to serve me anything similar. We ended up ordering 3 small ciders each so we could try everything that sounded interesting. The only saving grace to this place… The beer and cider is really nice! The flavors were intriguing, and interesting on the palette, the beer was smooth and unlike anything I’d had before.
We made our way outside to try to enjoy our drinks away from the smug bartenders who didn’t want to be there. Unfortunately their deck was less than desirable. Theres no shade anywhere in the area to sit under, and the large picnic tables make it difficult to find space for your group depending on where others sit.
I would have loved to know more about the beer and cider and wether they bottle it and sell it anywhere, or even about new flavors, or old flavors they’ve had.
Overall I think this place has a lot of potential they just need to get their bearings and get bartenders who care about what they are doing and the customers experience. I’d love to revisit this place in a year and see where they’ve taken it, but for now they get a disappointed 2 stars.