UrbanTree Cidery in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

UrbanTree Cidery is Atlanta’s first craft cidery and tasting room, and it sits right in the city’s urban core. If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting and want something a little different from the usual brewery or cocktail bar, this spot offers a mix of local flavor, international inspiration, and a relaxed, neighborhood feel.

Below is a practical guide to help you decide if UrbanTree fits into your next Atlanta outing and how to make the most of a visit.

Where UrbanTree Cidery Is and How to Get There

UrbanTree Cidery is located on the Westside of Atlanta, not far from Midtown and West Midtown’s restaurant and entertainment areas.

General area:

• Westside / Upper Westside Atlanta
• Convenient to I-75, Howell Mill Road, and many intown neighborhoods

If you’re planning a visit:

• From Midtown: It’s typically a short drive or rideshare west, depending on traffic.
• From Downtown: Head northwest; it’s usually reachable in under 20 minutes by car in typical conditions.
• Public transit: MARTA rail does not stop directly at the cidery, so many Atlanta residents use a combination of bus + walking or rely on rideshare.
• Parking: The Westside area tends to offer a mix of small lots and street parking. Availability can vary based on time of day and nearby events, so arriving a little early can reduce hassle.

If you are unfamiliar with the Westside, note that it has become a popular food and drink district. Many people combine a stop at UrbanTree with nearby restaurants, breweries, or shopping along Howell Mill and surrounding streets.

What Makes UrbanTree Cidery Different in Atlanta

Atlanta is known for its breweries, cocktail bars, and Southern and international restaurants. UrbanTree adds something distinct: craft cider inspired by global cidermaking traditions but produced locally.

Key differences compared with a typical bar or brewery:

• Focus on apples instead of grains: Cider is made from fermented apple juice, not malted barley, so the flavor profile tends to be crisper, fruit-forward, and often gluten-free.
• International cider influences: Many cidermakers look to traditions from England, France, Spain, and Central Europe when developing recipes. Visitors sometimes notice:
  • Dry, tannic styles similar to English or French ciders
  • Bright, fresh styles that echo modern American and European craft ciders
• Family-friendly feel during daytime hours: As with many Atlanta tasting rooms, earlier hours can feel more relaxed and conversational, shifting to a more social, bar-like environment later in the evening.

For Atlanta locals who are used to breweries in West Midtown or the BeltLine, UrbanTree offers a parallel experience with a different flavor base and a nod to international cider culture.

The Cider: Styles, Flavors, and What to Expect

You’ll typically find a rotating list of ciders on draft and in packaged formats. Offerings can change with the season, but common categories include:

1. Classic and Dry Ciders

These are usually the backbone of the lineup. Expect:

• Dry or semi-dry ciders with a clean apple aroma
• Less sweetness than mass-market ciders
• A profile that pairs well with food, especially salty or rich dishes

If you usually drink wine or light beer, this is often a comfortable starting point.

2. Fruit-Forward and Flavor-Infused Ciders

UrbanTree often features ciders flavored with:

• Berries (such as raspberry or blackberry)
• Stone fruits or tropical fruits
• Spices (for seasonal or holiday-themed releases)

These ciders can range from dry to sweet. Guests who typically enjoy cocktails or sparkling beverages with fruit flavors may gravitate toward these options.

3. Barrel-Aged or Specialty Ciders

Some ciders are aged in barrels (such as whiskey or wine barrels) or made in smaller batches with more complex profiles. These may show:

• Notes of vanilla, oak, or baking spices
• Deeper color and more layered flavors
• Higher perceived richness, similar to some Belgian beers or fortified wines

Atlanta residents who are already deep into the craft beer scene often find these special releases interesting because they show what cider can do beyond straightforward fruitiness.

Tasting Room Experience and Atmosphere

UrbanTree’s tasting room is designed to feel like a mix between a modern bar and a casual neighborhood hangout.

Typical elements you might encounter:

• Bar seating for solo visitors or couples who want to chat with staff
• High-top tables and communal seating for groups
• Indoor and possibly outdoor seating, depending on current configuration and weather

The Westside neighborhood attracts a broad mix of people, including:

• Young professionals from nearby tech, design, and media offices
• Longtime Atlanta residents exploring new spots on weekends
• Visitors staying in Midtown or Downtown looking for a less touristy setting

Noise level and vibe can shift:

• Early in the day: Quieter, often better for tasting flights and asking questions
• Evenings and weekends: More social, with groups and events, and sometimes louder music

Food Options: What to Eat with Your Cider

As with many beverage-focused venues in Atlanta, the food situation can vary depending on the day and any pop-ups or events. It’s common to see one of the following setups:

• In-house small bites or snack-style menus (such as cheese plates, light bites, or bar snacks)
• Food trucks or pop-up vendors on select days
• “Bring your own food” policies where guests order takeout or delivery from nearby restaurants

Because the Westside has no shortage of dining options, many locals:

• Grab tacos, burgers, or pizza nearby and bring them along if allowed
• Use UrbanTree as a pre-dinner or post-dinner stop around other Westside or Midtown reservations

Cider pairs well with a wide range of cuisines, including:

• Southern and barbecue (pulled pork, smoked chicken, fried chicken)
• Cheeses and charcuterie
• Spicy international dishes, where the fruitiness can balance heat

If you have specific dietary preferences, calling ahead or checking the latest food setup before arriving is often helpful.

International Influence: Why UrbanTree Appears Under “International Cuisine”

Even though cider is fermented like beer or wine, its roots are strongly tied to international traditions. UrbanTree fits into an “International Cuisine” context in Atlanta for a few reasons:

• European cider heritage: Many classic cider styles originate from England, France’s Normandy and Brittany regions, and northern Spain.
• Global flavor ideas: Modern cideries often borrow techniques and flavor combinations from international food cultures—such as using European yeast strains, blending apple varieties common in different countries, or adding spices and fruits with global origins.
• Atlanta’s diverse dining scene: Visitors might pair a visit to UrbanTree with nearby Mexican, Korean, Italian, Mediterranean, or modern American restaurants, effectively building an internationally inspired food-and-drink itinerary within a few miles.

So while UrbanTree is firmly rooted in Atlanta, its product and style connect to a broader, world-spanning cider tradition.

Planning Your Visit: Practical Tips for Atlantans and Visitors

Here are some things to think about before you go, based on typical Atlanta experiences:

1. Check Hours and Events

Hours at tasting rooms can change with the season or special events. Before heading out, it’s wise to:

• Confirm current opening hours
• Look for special event nights, such as:
  • Trivia or themed evenings
  • Seasonal releases or launch parties
  • Holiday activities

Events can mean a livelier atmosphere and larger crowds, which some visitors love and others prefer to avoid.

2. Transportation and Safety

As with any alcohol-focused venue in Atlanta:

• Plan ahead for a designated driver, rideshare, or taxi.
• If you’re visiting multiple Westside spots in one night, group your locations geographically to minimize time on the road.
• Be aware that traffic on the Westside can be heavy during evening rush hour and weekend peak times, especially with local events or sports games.

3. Group Visits and Special Occasions

UrbanTree’s setup generally lends itself well to groups:

• Friends’ nights out
• Small celebrations like birthdays or pre-wedding gatherings
• Company outings for teams based in Midtown, Downtown, or the Westside

If you’re bringing a larger group, it may be helpful to:

• Reach out in advance about group size, seating options, and any event policies
• Ask whether private or semi-private areas are available and what requirements apply

Quick Reference: UrbanTree Cidery at a Glance

How UrbanTree Fits Into an Atlanta Day or Weekend

For someone planning their time in Atlanta, UrbanTree can fit into several kinds of itineraries:

• Westside food crawl:

  • Start with cider at UrbanTree
  • Walk or drive to nearby restaurants for dinner
  • Finish with dessert or coffee elsewhere in the neighborhood

• Midtown + Westside combo:

  • Spend the day at High Museum of Art or Piedmont Park
  • Head west for evening drinks at UrbanTree and dinner nearby

• Local “staycation” afternoon:

  • Meet friends for an early tasting flight
  • Pick up takeout from a neighboring spot
  • Enjoy a few hours catching up in a laid-back setting

For long-time residents, UrbanTree can be a way to expand beyond traditional beer and wine spots. For visitors, it offers a local-only experience that highlights Atlanta’s role in the broader craft beverage and international flavor scene.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of a Cider Tasting

If you’re new to cider or want a structured way to explore:

• Start with a flight: Sampling smaller pours side by side lets you compare sweetness, acidity, and aroma.
• Try both dry and sweeter options: Even if you think you prefer one style, direct comparison can be eye-opening.
• Ask questions: Staff in Atlanta tasting rooms are often used to guiding newcomers through flavor notes, production methods, and food pairing ideas.
• Note your favorites: This can be helpful if you want to pick up cans or bottles to take home or to bring to gatherings elsewhere in the city.

UrbanTree Cidery offers Atlantans and visitors a focused look at craft cider with global influences, set in a convenient Westside location. Whether you’re planning a casual afternoon stop or building it into a larger night out across Atlanta’s restaurant scene, understanding its style, setting, and options will help you decide how it fits into your plans.