Scion Cider Bar
Address: 916 South Jefferson Street
Telephone: 801-326-0349
Website: scionciderbar.com
District: Central 9th
“Our mission is really about being stewards of cider culture and providing education to people that don’t know a lot about cider and the wide variety there is.” Elisabeth Osmeloski, co-owner of Scion Cider Bar in Salt Lake City, has been a pivotal figure in introducing and promoting the cider culture in the region.
Originally from New England, Elisabeth moved to Salt Lake in 2004 after a post-Olympics visit, drawn by the allure of the mountains and the ski culture. Prior to her move, Elisabeth shared that she had years of bartending experience under her belt. "Those years helped pay for my college education." With a background in marketing technology and a passion for hospitality, she spent over two decades in the tech industry before venturing into the world of cider.
“During our travels in the U.S. and Europe for work, my husband, Matthew Ostrander, developed a growing attachment to cider, which sparked our desire around 2016 to cultivate the industry in Utah,” shared Elisabeth. In the fall of 2019, through mutual connections, they met Rio Connelly, a seasoned figure in Utah’s beer brewing scene, who was seeking a new venture. Together, they began discussions and brought in other partners, including Jordan Riley and his family, who provide locally grown juices for their small-batch ciders.
Today, Matthew is a Certified Pommelier® and founder of Ibantik Craft Beverages, playing a significant role in expanding the availability of craft ciders in Utah. Matthew and Elisabeth’s shared passion led them to envision a space where they could introduce the expansive world of cider to the local community. Scion Cider opened at the end of 2021. The name “Scion” refers to a piece of rootstock or wood used in grafting to grow new varieties of apples on existing trees, symbolizing their commitment to cultivating and sharing new cider experiences.
Located in the heart of Salt Lake’s Central 9th neighborhood, Scion boasts a rotating menu of over 225 modern and traditional hard ciders, apple-based spirits, and specialty sippers from small orchards and artisans across the U.S. and beyond. Their offerings range from sweet and semi-sweet to extra dry and tannic, including single varietals, heirloom apple blends, and innovative fruit and herbal combinations. Cider-driven cocktails, select wines, and craft beers round out their diverse menu.
To complement their cider selection, Scion offers an elevated snack menu inspired by traditional cider cultures from regions like France, Spain, Portugal, and England. This includes artisan cheeses, charcuterie, Spanish and Portuguese pintxos with conservas (tinned fish), gourmet potato chips, nuts, and olives. They also encourage patrons to bring in food from neighboring restaurants, fostering a collaborative community spirit.
Scion collaborates closely with fellow Utah cideries to support and promote the state’s burgeoning cider industry. These ciders include Etta Place Cider, Second Summit Cider Co., as well as Thieves Guild Cidery, which opened right around the corner in late 2024. Additionally, Scion frequently partners with local businesses and hosts events to advance cider education and appreciation. Reflecting on their journey, Elisabeth notes, "We are a bar, and our mission is being stewards of cider - priding ourselves on having a nice community spot that is inclusive."
