What's More Nice Than Pumpkin Spice

photo by Chiot's Run

Gear up your tolerance for pumpkin spice and get those parkas ready, because fall is a’coming! Luckily, for the imbibers among us there’s more than just cloying gourd delight to enjoy. Fall means cider, but cider doesn’t have to mean the run of the mill. If you’re kicking around Manhattan and you want to get your cider on, check out one of these four places.

The Jeffrey, 311 East 60th St, New York, NY 10022

Part of the Beerly Legal group, The Jeffrey has an astounding tap system that offers plenty of diversity. That rare Hill Farmstead cider you’ve been trying to get your hands on for months? The Jeffrey has probably already tapped it. Cost per pour is usually around $8, and you can pair that with a delicious pressed sandwich or chase it with a cocktail. Pro tip: Ask them about their "40 Beer Challenge.

The Ginger Man, 11 E 36th St, New York, NY 10016

Proof that Murray Hill yields gold, The Ginger Man has a wonderful draft selection in addition to cool casked beers and an exhaustive selection of bottles. While some beer bars may offer one or two ciders, at press time, The Ginger Man has 9, including a 25 oz. bottle from Millstone. Fancy a boilermaker? Check out their kickass whiskey selection for the proper accompaniment.

courtesy Grey Lady

Grey Lady, 77 Delancey St, New York, NY 10002

The next time you find yourself on the Lower East Side, stop by Grey Lady for mouthwatering seafood and a delicious bottle of cider. Cider has always been a natural fit for light and sweet seafood like luscious west coast oysters or delicately

buttered lobster, so its no wonder Grey Lady offers up unusual choices like Rekorderling Strawberry & Lime Cider to go with their dishes like lobster succotash.

City Swiggers, 320 E 86th St, New York, NY 10028

You can get lost and starry-eyed in this incredible beer store/bar for hours. Peruse shelves of wonderful beer and buy amazing, rare ciders by the bottle. Wrack up a monstrous beer-shopping tab of bottles to take home, or enjoy life and drink a pint at the bar counter in the store. The people are friendly and helpful, and the prices are reasonable.

Happy cidering!