If you’ve spent any time in Seattle’s South Lake Union, you know it can feel a bit... sterile. It’s all glass towers, badges on lanyards, and high-end salad chains. Then you stumble into Garten Cider House and Bar. It’s different. Honestly, it feels like someone took a slice of a Bavarian beer garden, scrubbed off the kitsch, and dropped it into the middle of a tech hub.
It’s big.
Most people don’t realize how much space is actually back there until they walk through the doors of the building shared with its sibling, Shilling Cider House. We’re talking about a massive outdoor patio that feels more like a private park than a bar. It’s the kind of place where you can actually breathe.
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The Weird History of Garten Cider House and Bar
You can’t talk about Garten without talking about Schilling Cider. Colin Schilling and Mark McTavish are the brains behind this whole operation. They didn’t just want another taproom. They wanted a "Cider House" in the most literal sense. When Garten opened, it was designed to bridge that gap between the industrial feel of a cidery and the community vibe of a public house.
Some folks get confused. They think Garten and Schilling are two separate entities competing for your attention. They aren't. They’re basically roommates. Schilling handles the massive wall of taps (one of the largest cider selections in the world, actually), while Garten provides the soul of the kitchen and that sprawling outdoor footprint. It’s a symbiotic relationship that works because it doesn't try too hard.
There’s this misconception that cider is just "apple juice for adults" or that it's all cloyingly sweet. Walking into Garten kills that myth immediately. You’ll see people drinking bone-dry heritage ciders that taste more like a fine Sauvignon Blanc than a Mott’s box.
What the Menu Actually Looks Like
Let’s talk food. Because you’re going to need it.
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The menu at Garten Cider House and Bar leans heavily into the "modern biergarten" aesthetic. We’re talking sausages, pretzels, and schnitzel. But it’s Seattle, so there’s a twist. You’ll find vegan options that actually taste like food, not cardboard. Their pretzels are legendary—huge, salty, and served with mustard that actually has some kick to it.
- The Bratwurst: It’s classic. No frills. Just a solid, juicy link.
- The Schnitzel Sandwich: This is the sleeper hit. It’s crispy, perfectly seasoned, and usually way more than one person should eat in a sitting.
- Gluten-Free Heaven: Since cider is naturally gluten-free, Garten has become a massive hub for the GF community in Seattle. They take cross-contamination seriously, which is a rare find in a "pub" environment.
The kitchen isn't just an afterthought. It’s a central pillar. Most bars in SLU focus on the happy hour drink specials and the food is just "stuff to soak up the gin." At Garten, people show up specifically for the currywurst.
That Patio is a Core Experience
If it’s raining, Garten is cozy. If the sun is out? It’s a madhouse. But a good one.
The outdoor space is tiered. There are fire pits. There are long communal tables where you’ll inevitably end up talking to a stranger about their dog. Speaking of dogs—this place is a canine convention. On any given Saturday, the ratio of humans to Golden Retrievers is roughly 1:1.
Wait. Why does the atmosphere work so well?
It's the scale. Most Seattle bars are cramped. You’re elbow-to-elbow with a guy describing his new startup. At Garten, the high ceilings and the massive outdoor area mean you can actually have a private conversation. It’s a rare luxury in a neighborhood where real estate is priced by the millimeter.
Understanding the Tap List
You walk up to the bar and there are... a lot of handles. It’s intimidating.
Here is the secret: don't just order the first thing you see. The staff at Garten and the adjacent Schilling taproom are actual cider nerds. They know the difference between a cider made from Kingston Black apples and one made from dessert fruit. They’ll give you samples. Take them.
You’ll find local favorites from the Pacific Northwest, but they also pull in stuff from France, Spain, and England. The Spanish ciders (sidra) are funky and tart. The French stuff is often bubbly and sweet. Then there are the "adjunct" ciders—the ones flavored with habanero, pineapple, or even cold-brew coffee. Some are hits. Some are... an experience. But that's the point of a cider house.
The Logistics of a Visit
Garten is located at 3400 Phinney Ave N, technically sitting on the edge of Fremont and SLU depending on who you ask and how fast you’re walking. It’s right near the Ship Canal.
Parking is a nightmare. Don’t even try to find a spot on the street during peak hours. Just take a rideshare or the bus. Or bike—the Burke-Gilman Trail is right there, and Garten has plenty of places to lock up your frame.
Pro Tip: If you're planning on coming with a group larger than six, get there early. Even with the massive footprint, the tables fill up fast, especially on Friday evenings when the "out of office" emails start flying.
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Common Misconceptions About Garten
- "It's just for cider drinkers." False. They have beer. They have wine. They have non-alcoholic options that aren't just lukewarm soda.
- "It's too expensive." Look, it’s Seattle. A pint isn't five bucks anymore. But compared to the $18 cocktails down the street, Garten is actually pretty reasonable for the quality you get.
- "It’s only for summer." They have heaters. Lots of them. And the indoor space is cavernous enough that you don't feel trapped when the "Big Dark" hits in November.
The Vibe Check
Honestly, Garten feels like the neighborhood's backyard.
There’s a lack of pretension that’s refreshing. You see people in hiking gear, people in suits, and parents with toddlers all occupying the same space. It shouldn't work, but it does. The acoustics are surprisingly okay for such a big room, though it can get loud when the DJ is there or during a big event.
The staff doesn't hover. You order at the bar, you grab your buzzer, and you find a spot. It’s self-service in a way that feels efficient rather than lazy.
Actionable Steps for Your First Visit
If you’re heading to Garten Cider House and Bar for the first time, don't just wing it.
- Start with a flight. Don't commit to a full pint of something you might hate. Get four small pours. Mix a traditional dry cider with something weird like a blackberry hibiscus.
- Order the pretzel early. They take a few minutes to bake, and you’ll want it the second your first drink hits the table.
- Check the event calendar. They do trivia, they do makers' markets, and they do cider release parties. If you hate crowds, avoid these days. If you want the full experience, these are the best times to go.
- Dress in layers. Even with the fire pits, that Seattle breeze off the water can get chilly fast.
- Bring the dog. Seriously. They have water bowls and treats, and your dog will probably have a better social life than you do by the time you leave.
Garten isn't trying to be a five-star restaurant or a dive bar. It’s a very specific, very well-executed middle ground. It’s a place built for long afternoons that turn into late evenings. Whether you’re a cider fanatic or just someone who needs a break from the corporate grind, it’s one of those spots that makes Seattle feel a little more like a community and a little less like a tech campus.