Restaurant Review: Old Irving Park’s woman-owned ERIS Brewery and Cider House offers bold brews and inclusive, hearty fare
“We dream big and bold, and we don’t settle.”
ERIS owners Michelle Foik and Katy Pizza
Named after the Greek goddess known for causing mayhem, Eris threw the “golden apple of discord” into a party that she wasn’t invited to, creating chaos as everyone scrambled for its beauty.
Such is the philosophy of ERIS Brewery and Cider House, where owners Michelle Foil and Katy Pizza are throwing a golden apple into the Chicago restaurant/brewpub scene.
In a male-dominated restaurant and brewery scene in Chicago, the women focus on inclusivity, approachability, and accessibility. That philosophy extends to their menu, which caters to meat lovers, vegans, vegetarians, pescatarians, and those who observe gluten-free diets.
“Everyone is welcome at ERIS,” they say.
In the final analysis, ERIS is the hip spot for house-brewed cider and beer, with creative New American comfort foods & growlers to go.
Start with hearty appetizers like Tater Kegs, where five colossal bacon and cheddar tater tots are paired with a jalapeño crema and ranch dressing. Vegan, gluten-free Fried Pickles are maize-coated pickle chips, togarashi spice and chipotle ranch. Mac & Cheese for Sharing is cavatappi pasta in a creamy cheddar sauce. A traditional Soft Pretzel is baked with Dijon garlic aioli. Cheese sauce is available for an upcharge.
For handhelds with a bang, try the Eris Smash Burger, fresh cuts of Angus chuck, brisket, and short rib in two 3.5oz patties, served with American cheese, grilled onions, house made burger sauce, and pickles, on a brioche bun. Vegans can enjoy their House-made Lentil Burger is an 8oz vegan patty, vegan cheese, lettuce, tomato, red onions and vegan garlic aioli on a pretzel bun, with pickles on the side. Bang Bang Brisket Sando is a tender smoked brisket, ‘bang bang’ sauce, mixed greens, tomato, pickled slaw, and cilantro on a French roll.
Entrees include their Steak Frites, a10oz bavette (flank steak) with chimichurri sauce and French fries. Teriyaki Salmon is served with Verde serrano rice. Shrimp & Grits is pan-seared shrimp with chorizo, portobello mushrooms, cheddar curd grits, scallions, and a maple-Siracha drizzle.
As we often say here, don’t forget about dessert! Vegan Banana Manifesto Cake is blended of freshly pureed bananas, gluten-free flour, coconut milk, and savory walnuts, and whipped coconut cream. Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzel is a warm, cinnamon sugar soft pretzel topped with vanilla mascarpone. Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are five golden brown donuts topped with a vanilla mascarpone and powdered sugar.
ERIS brews its own hard ciders. Pedestrian a dry, crisp, tart…like a Granny Smith apple. E-Phoria is a hard cider with a blissful blend of Gala apples and vanilla. For the bold-hearted, Apfel Ort is a dry cider, aged in Malört barrels for 12 months. There’s a rum aroma, flavors of ripe apple skins and a whisper of apricot, grapefruit-like finish.
Google reviewers are appreciative:
“Huge place – nice patio and beautiful indoor seating. Had a flight and pretzel at the bar, would love to go back for brunch.”
“Favorite brewery and cider house in Chicago! Not only are the ciders fantastic, but the food is absolutely delicious. New food items and ciders rotate throughout the year. The Van Van Mojo is my favorite cider! The outdoor space is also lovely in great weather and the inside is gorgeous. Love being such a close walk to Eris!!”
ERIS is located at 4240 W. Irving Park Road. They are open Monday-Thursday, 4pm-10pm, Friday: 12pm –11pm, Saturday, 11am –11pm, and Sunday, 11am – 10pm. For information and reservations, click here.
