Located in downtown Salem, OR, this Ciderhouse is one of the Tots Crew's all-time favorite spots.
Cider + Tacos = One Amazing Time!
If you happen to follow Tasting with Tots on Instagram, you may have noticed that we have a few favorite spots in town that we hit on a near weekly basis. And there's one that we haven't yet written a Tots Blog post about...until now! La Familia Cider Company is a true gem. Not only is it located conveniently in downtown Salem, but it's a place that we feel super comfortable taking our kiddos...oh, and the cider is AH-MAZE-ZING!
First of all, The Tots Crew loves supporting local businesses. La Familia Cider Company is owned and operated by a truly amazing family. The Gonzalez Family are some of the most hard-working, awesome, community-centric people that we have ever met. A percentage of La Familia's profits are donated to local nonprofits that help families with the legal immigration process, helping keep familias together. I mean, come on, how noble and amazing is that?!
We have known the Gonzalez Family for a quite a few years now, long before the brick and mortar ciderhouse was built. We would see Jose (La Familia Dad) at all the local brewfests and tap overs, sharing his family's delicious ciders with the community. We would also run into his awesome kids, JJ and Jazz, at the Salem Saturday Market at the La Familia Cider Company booth. When they told us that plans were in motion for an actual ciderhouse to be built in Salem, to say we were excited was the understatement of the century.
Fast-forward to present day and the La Familia Cider Company Ciderhouse is a staple for the Tots Crew for a wide variety of reasons. Firstly, it's in a great location and has such an awesome vibe. JJ and Jazz work the bar at La Familia and are always willing to provide a solid recommendation if you're unsure of what you'd like to sip on. On a warm summer day, the garage doors are open and the energy is electric. They have a lively outdoor patio and are just one block from Riverfront Park, should you have a Tot that needs more space to roam and play. There is always an awesome playlist going overhead (Jazz has one that reminds Tots Mom of her glory days...we're talking classic R. Kelly, JaRule, and Nelly.) Even during the chilly months, the Ciderhouse is warm and toasty as they enclose the outdoor space and add a few propane heaters.
Now, let me tell you about the cider. You guys...it is so good and unlike anything else that you can find locally. La Familia ciders are inspired by aguas frescas which are fresh fruit beverages popular in Central and South America. But don't get it twisted - these ciders are not over-the-top sweet. They are extremely drinkable and super refreshing. Their mainstay flavors include Manzana (Apple), Tamarindo, and Hibiscus. Their seasonal Guayaba (Guava) has been so popular that its available year-round as well. They always do a fun, new cider before summer hits so be on the lookout for that. Last year, it was Coconut Lime and it might have been our favorite so far! You can also find their bottles and cans in some local stores throughout Oregon and Washington.
Not in the mood for cider? No problem! La Familia has an extensive beer list, too. Honestly, they usually have some of the most interesting beer selections in town that you aren't likely to find elsewhere so be sure to take a gander at their menu. They have really fun mixed drink options as well. Be sure to check out their cocktail specials also as they always have some yumminess up their sleeve. Pro-Tip: Join their Mug Club when they open it up each September. Not only do you get an awesome mug to drink out of, you also get 20 oz. for the price of 16 oz. each visit, discounts on weekly Mug Club Wednesdays, a special birthday drink, and invites to Mug Club events.
And what happens if you come to La Familia hungry? Well, let me tell you - it's actually recommended! La Familia shares a space with our personal favorite taco spot in town, Azuls Taco House. The menu is gigantic and they make some of the most delicious food ever...tacos, burritos, quesadillas, you name it! Check out their daily specials, too. We specifically recommend the Beef Bulgogi tacos, made "Keto-style" (which instead of a tortilla, it's made with a deep fried cheese wrap.) Also, their fried cheese curds are out of this world. *DROOL*. Do you sense a theme here? Yes, the Tots Crew loves cheese! And P.S., Azuls also has a dedicated kids menu too and the portions are very generous (our tots usually share the kids quesadilla).
Again, huge apologies to our adoring fans for taking so long to write-up a blog post all about the magic at La Familia Cider Company. Now that we have though, it's your mission to go visit them immediately and see what all the fuss is about for yourselves. Cheers, La Familia! Thanks for always making us feel so at home.
What to expect when you visit:
Indoor and outdoor seating
Energetic environment (so it's okay if your kids aren't super quiet.)
Super close proximity to Riverfront Park so if your tots are wild, take them over there to run off some steam
Dedicated kids menu at Azuls Tacos, and cooler full of fun, kid-friendly drinks
Bring table top activities for the kiddos
Super cute mural opportunity for the fun photo opp!
La Familia is dog-friendly. WOOF!
No high chairs or changing tables so come with a back-up plan
More Info:
Website: La Familia Cider
Open Tuesday - Thursday 12pm - 8pm, Friday & Saturday 12pm - 9pm, Sunday 12pm - 7pm
Closed Monday