The Best Cider Bar in Salt Lake City: How Elisabeth Osmeloski Built North America's Second Largest Cider Collection at Scion

The moment you step inside Scion Cider Bar in Salt Lake City's Central 9th neighborhood, you understand immediately that this isn't just another watering hole. Twenty-two ciders flow from the taps behind the sleek modern bar, representing a collection that spans from Vermont farmhouse ciders to Spanish sidras, from English heritage varieties to experimental fruit blends that push the boundaries of what most people think cider can be. "Great selection and super helpful staff. Glad we went," raves one recent visitor, capturing the sentiment that ripples through this 21+ only space where cider culture isn't just celebrated—it's evangelized.

But behind those 225+ bottles, cans, and rotating taps lies a story that begins with a simple realization: Utah's drinkers deserved better than the handful of mass-produced ciders gathering dust in state liquor stores. "Utah has a P.R. problem with alcohol," laughs Elisabeth Osmeloski, Scion's managing partner and the driving force behind what has become the second largest collection of fine craft ciders in North America. "This is one of my happy places. Super knowledgeable and friendly staff/owners, and incredible selection. Biggest cider variety in the state for sure, maybe even the country...?" That customer assessment isn't hyperbole—it's recognition of something truly extraordinary happening in Salt Lake City.

From New England to the Wasatch: Elisabeth's Journey to Cider Advocacy

Originally from New England, Elisabeth moved to Salt Lake in 2004 after a post-Olympics visit, drawn by the allure of the mountains and the ski culture. What she brought with her wasn't just years of bartending experience that helped pay for her college education, but an instinctive understanding of hospitality and community building. With a background in marketing technology and a passion for hospitality, she spent over two decades in the tech industry before venturing into the world of cider.

The turning point came during travels with her husband, Matthew Ostrander, who would later become Utah's first certified pommelier. "During our travels in the U.S. and Europe for work, my husband, Matthew Ostrander, developed a growing attachment to cider, which sparked our desire around 2016 to cultivate the industry in Utah," Elisabeth recalls. Those wandering hours through English orchards and Spanish sidrerías weren't just vacation moments—they were the seeds of what would become Utah's most ambitious cider destination.

The path from cider tourism to business ownership wasn't straightforward. A few impromptu bar crawls at CiderCon 2020 may or may not have pushed matters along when Elisabeth, Matthew, cidermaker Rio Connelly, and four silent partners found themselves at Redfield Cider Bar in Oakland. Connelly drank ciders that challenged his concept of what cider could be. Connelly said he thought, "Why don't we have something like this in Utah?" But Utah's baroque alcohol laws required some fancy footwork to make their vision reality.

The Scion Experience: 225+ Ciders and Utah's Only Certified Pommelier

Walking into Scion feels like discovering a well-kept secret, even though the bar has been earning national recognition since opening in December 2021. "It's so cool that this area has a dedicated cider bar, with a huge selection and knowledgeable staff to guide the decision-making process," explains one regular, perfectly capturing the magic that happens when genuine expertise meets genuine hospitality.

The collection itself defies easy categorization. Visitors will find drinks like Shacksbury La Luna, a blend of Vermont grown La Crescent white grapes and dry Basque cider; ANXO Hereford Gold, a collaboration with Oliver's in the U.K., for an English cider blended with Goldrush apples for a dry, tannic and smokey sip; and Rev. Nat's Tent Show Flash Bang, a Sacrilege Sour Cherry cider blended with Deadstock cold-brew coffee and chili peppers. These aren't just beverages—they're edible geography lessons, each bottle telling the story of its terroir, its maker, and its tradition.

"Great cozy place with fantastic cider drinks and very attentive staff. Went here for a euchre game night and glad we did. Fun and cozy place with a ton of cider options," shares another customer, highlighting how Scion functions as both serious cider destination and neighborhood gathering spot. The draft selection rotates constantly, ensuring that regulars always have something new to discover, while the extensive bottle and can selection means even the most esoteric cider obsessions can find satisfaction.

What elevates the experience beyond mere selection is the presence of Rio Connelly, Utah's latest certified pommelier and general manager. "This is my second time and the recommendations from Rio and Katie were amazing. This is a new favorite stop after work for a tasty beverage and a moment to unwind," notes a recent visitor. "I've watched Connelly in action first-hand, helping the cider-wary navigate the astronomically large list. I once watched a stubbornly committed beer lover fall for the charms of a hop-driven cider. The man knows his stuff."

The food program complements the cider focus perfectly. The curated, rotating snack menu features imported artisan cheeses & charcuterie, salty Spanish pintxos – with conservas (tinned smoked & fermented fish), nuts & olives, and a rotating selection of gourmet cheeses & charcuterie paired with Spanish potato chips and local C9 Market focaccia. "Amazing charcuterie plate and astounding selection of Ciders. The local ones were great too!" raves one customer, perfectly capturing how Scion's thoughtful pairings elevate both food and drink.

Central 9th Neighborhood: Salt Lake City's Emerging Food Destination

"This bar is in such a great location - right on 9th west by Laziz and Water Witch," points out a regular, highlighting Scion's prime position in what has become Salt Lake City's most dynamic dining corridor. The Central 9th neighborhood has transformed from industrial wasteland to culinary destination, with Scion anchoring a strip that includes Lebanese favorite Laziz Kitchen, cocktail powerhouse Water Witch, and the bustling Central 9th Market.

The neighborhood's walkability makes Scion a natural gathering point. Outside food & takeout meals from neighborhood restaurants (Laziz, Central 9th Market, Nohm & The Pearl) may also be brought in to enjoy with cider selections. This policy isn't just customer-friendly—it's community-building, encouraging diners to experience the full Central 9th ecosystem while making Scion the liquid anchor for the area's diverse culinary offerings.

The first phase of a major infrastructure improvement was completed in recent weeks and the future of the Central 9th community is bright with the installation of the dedicated "9 Line Bike Path", added public parking and enhanced accessibility to the 900 S TRAX light rail stop. These improvements have made Scion more accessible than ever, whether you're biking in from the neighborhoods or taking TRAX from downtown.

The dog-friendly patio extends the community feel outdoors, where heaters make year-round enjoyment possible in Utah's variable climate. "Went here for their apple pressing event last weekend and had a great time! I was perplexed at first because I heard choral singing outside and thought it was a church event, but instead it was a cider-themed duo that leads drinking songs!! I felt like I was a Welshman in a pub with my best mates." This delightful confusion perfectly captures Scion's unique ability to blend serious cider education with playful community celebration.

Planning Your Visit to Scion Cider Bar

Scion Cider Bar sits at 916 Jefferson Street W in the heart of Central 9th, easily accessible by car, bike, or TRAX. Street parking on Jefferson and 900 South provides convenient access, while the new bike path makes pedaling over simple for those coming from other neighborhoods.

The bar operates Monday through Thursday from 4-10 PM, Friday from 4 PM to midnight, Saturday from noon to midnight, and Sunday from noon to 10 PM. "Loved trying the cider flights! We tried the fruit and house flights and the Highpoint prairie punch was my favorite. Loved the guava and passion fruit flavor." The $6 flights offer three one-ounce pours, providing an excellent introduction to cider's diversity without overwhelming the palate.

For newcomers to cider, start with the staff recommendations—"They mostly focus on hard cider but they also have really delicious meads and other drinks (including unique cocktails)." Regular programming includes Monday Night Rock 'N Bingo starting at 7 PM, Thursday night trivia, and Thursday evening cider education classes led by Rio Connelly. These weekly events transform a simple drink into community connection, education, and genuine fun.

The establishment is 21+ only, so bring valid ID. The welcoming atmosphere extends to all experience levels—whether you're a cider novice or someone who thinks they know everything about fermented apples, Scion's staff will guide you toward discoveries that expand your understanding of what cider can be.

Utah's Cider Revolution Flows Through Central 9th

"We want to teach people about apples, how they grow, how cider is made, as well as the traditions and the history. We really want people to engage with that," explains Rio Connelly, perfectly capturing Scion's mission beyond mere beverage service. "Our mission is really about being stewards of cider culture and providing education to people that don't know a lot about cider and the wide variety there is," adds Elisabeth, emphasizing how Scion functions as cultural institution as much as business.

This educational mission has earned national recognition. In early 2023 the bar was recognized as the Best Cider Focused Establishment in the Mountain West region. But for Elisabeth, Rio, and the Scion team, the real reward comes in those moments when someone discovers that cider isn't just sweet fizzy apple juice—it's a complex, diverse category that can rival wine for sophistication and beer for innovation.

"Cool ambiance, great selection of ciders - local Utah ones & plenty I'd never even heard of. Very knowledgeable staff! Highly recommend," sums up one visitor's experience, capturing the essential Scion magic: serious expertise delivered with warmth and enthusiasm. In a state where the relationship with alcohol remains complicated, Scion represents something profound—a place where curiosity is rewarded, education is celebrated, and community forms around shared discovery of something genuinely remarkable.

When you visit Scion Cider Bar, you're not just grabbing a drink in Salt Lake City. You're participating in Utah's cider revolution, one sip at a time.

Bottom Line: Scion Cider Bar offers Salt Lake City's most extensive cider collection (225+ options) with expert guidance from Utah's certified pommelier, making it the premier destination for both cider newcomers and enthusiasts in a welcoming Central 9th neighborhood setting.