We really enjoy the Old School Cider House -- the cider, the food, the building itself, and the…read morewhole vibe just work together.
Even though they don't make their own hard cider, they offer one of the best selections of Virginia ciders I've seen, plus local beers on tap and local wines. You can choose semi‑sweet or dry cider flights, and every drink clearly lists who made it and where it came from. It's a great setup if you like trying different regional options.
The food pairs perfectly with their drink offerings. We started with the Bavarian Pretzel, which is huge, tasty, and honestly enough for four people. It comes with local craft beer cheese, mustard, or a caramel apple cider dip -- and that caramel apple dip is a must‑try.
My husband ordered the Forge Harvest Salad, loaded with fresh local greens, candied pecans, apples, strawberries, red onion, and crumbled feta. He added grilled chicken, which was seasoned and cooked just right. The portion was generous, and the apple cider vinaigrette balanced the sweetness of the fruit beautifully. He loved it.
I went with the Trojan flatbread: thin crust, caramelized onions, fig jam, mozzarella, prosciutto, and arugula. Sweet, salty, crunchy -- everything hit the right note. I fully intended to take some home, but it was too good to stop eating and wouldn't have reheated well anyway so I forced myself to eat the WHOLE flatbread. (That wasn't hard at all.)
Since the cider house opened just last fall, everything still feels fresh -- the building looks great, the parking lot is newly paved with excellent handicapped access, and the interior keeps its schoolhouse charm with original doors and cozy, winding rooms. There's also a bright sunroom and outdoor seating, plus a stage for live music when the weather cooperates.
I absolutely recommend checking out The Old School Cider House for its big cider selection, delicious and reasonably priced food, and quirky, welcoming atmosphere. The service was friendly and attentive both times we visited -- yes, we went two weekends in a row. We'll definitely be back in the spring to sit outside... or maybe sooner. It's just that good.