Written by Michelle Quigley
Tucked away on Springmill Road, surrounded by upcoming housing development, is the most charming family-friendly cidery called Urban Apples. This establishment just happens to be a sister company to the successful Urban Vines. Urban Apples is a wonderful addition started by the three masterminds, Marc Rupenthal, Mike Hayner, and Noah Herron, and joined the Urban family on May 31 of 2024.
Family-Friendly Cidery with Peaceful Surroundings
I happened to visit Urban Apples on a glorious September afternoon with the sun shining and the clouds dancing slightly against the vibrant blue sky. The first impression of this charming cidery is the adorable double welcoming signs on each side of the drive followed by the impressively large bright red building that houses the cidery. Upon further investigation, this barn has been repurposed from a horse farm and stable to the structure that it is today.
Once inside, an impressive floor-to-ceiling pop art wall made entirely of apples greets you and just begs to be the center of your group photo. Hello Instagram! As I took in the beautiful architecture with large expansive ceilings, I was greeted warmly by the managers Lily and Gabby who guided me in selecting a flight of ciders.
Ciders, Flights, and Food at Urban Vines
While the building is expansive and impressive the ciders are the real stars of the show. The menu rotates seasonally so there is always something new on tap to tantalize your taste buds. I took my flight of ciders and sat downstairs in the main area near the live music stage. There is abundant seating both inside and out, including an upstairs and a downstairs as well as many picnic tables outside. The main seating is an open area room, and the stage, where Urban Apples hosts live bands from Thursday through Sunday, is visible from all angles with the apple wall not far from view.
For my flight, I settled on Grapefruit, Jammin Berry, Cherry, and the award-winning Muffin. While all excelled in their tastes, I simply could not stop gravitating back to the Cherry and the Muffin. The Cherry was absolutely amazing, but all the ciders were sweet without being too strong but not too dry. The bar also serves wine, slushies, cocktails, and nonalcoholic drinks.
If you’re feeling a little hungry, Urban Apples does not disappoint. Their menu has a very German influence and I was introduced to Brian, the chef behind these Bavarian culinary delights. He explained that while your standard traditional brats and hot dogs are available, the apple theme has also been carried throughout the menu. Many dishes contain a delicious apple flavor, adding an unexpected but pleasant twist. Furthermore, Urban Apples offers gluten-free dishes that are served on a separate tray from the non-gluten-free food.
The restaurant is open Wednesday through Sunday. However, on Monday and Tuesday, Urban Apples offers a grab-and-go service for items such as charcuterie boards, so you can still sit and enjoy a cider anytime.
Sip and Relax in a Family-Friendly Environment
While sampling my flight, Lily was so kind as to explain that Urban Apples is more than just food and drinks, it is a place for everyone. The vibe is of a place to gather with family, after work with co-workers, or just a nice spot to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon. Outside is a large hill known as Kid Mountain where you can roast smores over the fire pit and even more picnic tables you can use as you sit by the pond watching the ducks swim to and fro. There is an outdoor stage under lights and picnic tables to enjoy the sunshine. While you are sampling your cider, the kids can play cornhole.
But Urban Apples did not stop there! Inside are more pleasant surprises. They have an old-school arcade that is sure to please both the kids and the kid in all of us. The cidery appreciates hard-working families and offers one-dollar ice cream cones for kids while the adults enjoy the live indoor music.
A Speakeasy for Adults Only
There is one space at Ubran Apples that adults can call their own. Urban Apples has its very own Speakeasy but – shhhh – you didn’t hear it here! This is quite the hidden gem within the building and a far cry from the décor in the main area. Here in the Bar{N}, you will find deep rich red walls accented by twinkling lights and a gold-hammered wall. One could easily lose oneself in the over-plush leather chairs or in a deep conversation over the bar.
Events at Urban Apples in Westfield
Every Wednesday, Urban Apples offers free bingo that is open to the entire family.
The cidery also hosts an ever-changing line-up of events. In fall 2024, they are planning a hot air balloon night on September 20th, as well as their big event, a two-night Oktoberfest on October 12 and 19. For Oktoberfest, families are encouraged to come out to enjoy hayrides, pumpkins, and a drink special.
Urban Apples also recently paired with CCA to sponsor both Cornhole and Euchre tournaments in the future. Past events have included a comedy night and a dog day, so keep an eye on their calendar for activities that fit your family.
Facility Rentals
Lily took me on a behind-the-scenes tour of the facility which is even bigger than you realize. Just behind the counter and next to the merch room is a small area that contains three horse stalls that are original to the farm. These too have been repurposed and you can rent one out for a small group of ten to twelve people. Just outside these stalls, the hoofprints of the horses who used to call this home, have left their mark on the concrete.
If you should need a bigger space, say for a bachelorette party, a kids’ birthday party, or a baby shower, they offer a private room called the Overlook that can accommodate around thirty people.
Urban Apples Hours
Hours are accurate at the time of publishing but subject to change. Please verify details directly with the venue before your visit.
Cidery Hours
Monday-Thursday: 12-9 pm
Friday: 12-10 pm
Saturday: 12-11 pm
Sunday: 12-6 pm
Bar{n} (21+) Hours
Friday: 5-10 pm
Saturday: 5-11 pm
Urban Apples has big plans for future development while enriching the area around them. They have already given back to the environment by planting an apple orchard that should be fruitful in three to five years. Other plans for buildings on the property are in development, and you may even see an outdoor amphitheater in the future.
With all there is to see and do at Urban Apples, you will not be disappointed by your visit. But if by chance you didn’t get enough golden delicious fun, they have cider to carry out. So how ‘bout them apples?
Urban Apples is perfect for family time or a date night!
Need some fall fun to pair with your cider? Visit a local pumpkin patch!
Address
18326 Spring Mill Rd
Westfield
IN
46074
Visit Urban Apples Cidery | Family-Friendly Venue for Flights, Live Music, & Fun