Siesta Day Club + Juice Bar @ 101 Cider House
BackSiesta Day Club + Juice Bar @ 101 Cider House presents a unique and multifaceted experience for Los Angeles residents. It's not just a cidery or a typical bar; it functions as a hybrid space that combines a production facility, a tasting room, a relaxed café, and a dedicated juice bar. This eclectic approach allows it to cater to a diverse clientele, from craft beverage enthusiasts to health-conscious individuals seeking fresh, non-alcoholic options.
The venue itself is a converted industrial warehouse, featuring high ceilings, concrete floors, and a chic, simple design complemented by local murals. This creates a stylish and comfortable indoor-outdoor atmosphere that many find appealing for daytime gatherings. The space is also available for private events, offering amenities like a 20-tap walk-in fridge and a large patio with cabanas.
The Core Offerings: Cider and Juices
The primary draw for many is the 101 Cider House's unique range of ciders. The company, founded by Mark McTavish in 2013, focuses on creating naturally probiotic, wild-fermented sour ciders. These aren't your typical sweet ciders; they are known for being funky, complex, and experimental. The production process utilizes 100% fresh-pressed, raw apple juice and allows for a natural three-month fermentation, resulting in a beverage that is rich in probiotics, with zero sugar and no carbs. This health-forward approach is a significant selling point, aligning the ciders more with kombucha than with mass-market alcoholic drinks.
Their flavor combinations are notably creative, often incorporating locally sourced ingredients. Offerings have included intriguing blends like Cactus Red (with nopal and Thai basil), Black Dog (with blood orange, lavender, and activated charcoal), and Gunpowder Guava. This commitment to innovative, high-quality ingredients makes it a destination for those looking to try something beyond standard beer and wine.
Equally important to its identity is the "Juice Bar" aspect. This isn't an afterthought; the establishment provides a solid selection of non-alcoholic beverages, including fresh juices, teas, and even complimentary sparkling water. This makes it an inclusive spot for groups with varied preferences and a viable option for a healthy daytime stop. Patrons have praised delicious juice options like the "Sunrise" and "Gold'N Greens," cementing its status as a legitimate natural juice bar.
Food and Atmosphere
While not a full-service restaurant, Siesta Day Club offers tasty food options that complement its drinks. Visitors have enjoyed items like a salsa sampler, and the space often hosts food pop-ups, such as the vegan cafe Dear Mama LA, which adds another layer of culinary appeal. The service is frequently described as super friendly, contributing to a positive and welcoming vibe. This combination of good drinks, tasty food, and a relaxed, chic environment makes it an ideal place to socialize with friends.
Potential Downsides and Considerations
Despite its many strengths, there are a few factors potential customers should consider. The most significant is the operating hours. True to its "Day Club" name, the establishment closes relatively early, typically at 5:00 or 5:30 PM, and is closed entirely on Sundays and Mondays. This schedule makes it unsuitable for those seeking an evening or late-night destination.
Another point of consideration is its specific focus. The beverage menu is centered on cider and beer, with a notable absence of wine. While the non-alcoholic options are robust, the lack of wine might be a drawback for some groups. Furthermore, the business does not offer a delivery service, limiting access to those who can visit in person or arrange for curbside pickup.
Historically, there was some confusion regarding the location's function, with some early visitors finding it to be more of an office than a public tasting room. However, this issue appears to be resolved, as recent reviews and the business's current branding firmly establish the Wilhardt Street location as a fully operational tasting room and cafe where customers can enjoy the full experience.
Siesta Day Club + Juice Bar @ 101 Cider House is a distinctive and appealing Los Angeles spot. Its greatest strength lies in its successful fusion of two different concepts: a craft cidery focused on innovative, healthy, probiotic beverages and a vibrant juice bar with delicious non-alcoholic options. The chic, industrial ambiance and friendly staff create a welcoming environment for a daytime hangout. While the limited hours and lack of wine or delivery might be inconvenient for some, it excels at what it aims to be: a prime destination for enjoying unique ciders and fresh juices in a relaxed, stylish setting.