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Chicago's First Cider Bar, The Northman, Is Finally Open

By Anthony Todd in Food on Mar 21, 2016 1:52PM

2016_northman.jpg
via The Northman

After a series of delays (and the unfortunate departure of Chef Cleetus Friedman), we learned a few weeks back that the Northman (4337 N. Lincoln Ave.) was "coming soon" but there was no opening date. They faked us out! The bar opened, unannounced, last Saturday night and was open this weekend.

This went up on Saturday at 7 p.m.:




The bar also announced that they would be closed Monday (so don't try lining up tonight) but open again on Tuesday at 4 p.m. Over the weekend, the Trib got a few more details, though not much. There are 18 ciders on draft, 80 by the can or bottle, and a pouring system that seems kind of magical.

A tap positioned above the bar will allow bartenders to perform a long pour, in which the cider travels several feet through the air in a thin stream before meeting the glass. A common practice in Spain, it's meant to aerate the cider to release more flavor.

The website currently has nothing on it, and we haven't been able to find a menu with Chef Sean Sanders cider-friendly treats. You can bet we'll be in to visit for ourselves soon, so we'll have more details.