Friendly Beasts Cider formed in 2017 from a passion for crisp tasting cider.

Owners Fatima and Ben started making cider after seeing how limited the range of flavors and variety of ciders was here in the midwest. Looking for an alternative to the sweet and syrupy options available on store shelves, they decided to try their hand and see what other flavors they could create. What resulted was crisp, refreshing hard cider made from juice pressed in Indiana from Indiana apples grown on McClure’s family orchard and a family-friendly tap room and dog-friendly patio right on the B-Line trail where it’s easy to chat with a new friend, play a game, grab a snack, and relax in a comfortable atmosphere just steps from downtown Bloomington.

In 2025, Jacob, Toby, and Ryan joined Fatima and Ben as owners, Jacob having been the long-time production manager and Toby and Ryan having experience in the restaurant business. We’re excited to start the next chapter at Friendly Beasts with some expanded taproom offerings, while keeping all the casual and inviting elements that have made this such a special space for so many members of the community.

While we specialize in blending ciders on the drier end of the spectrum, we have a variety of recipes to satisfy every taste. We use traditional cider-making methods and 100% natural ingredients (and it’s gluten-free, too!) We make cider the way it was meant to be made. Come along with us on our cider journey — we're excited to share the next glass with you!