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Most people searching for a private event venue in Burbank end up with the same options: hotel conference rooms with fluorescent lighting, cookie-cutter restaurant back rooms, or massive event halls that make your 30-person gathering feel like a high school dance with terrible attendance.
The Ciderworks takes a different approach entirely. Tucked inside Story Tavern on Magnolia Boulevard, this craft cider bar has quietly become the go-to private party space Burbank locals actually want to book for celebrations that matter.
What Makes The Ciderworks Different from Other Small Event Venues in LA?
The Ciderworks isn't trying to be everything to everyone. It's designed for groups of 20 to 60 people who want something more interesting than a hotel banquet room but less chaotic than renting out an entire restaurant.
The space features exposed brick walls, warm wood accents, and lighting that actually flatters your guests (and their Instagram photos). There's a full bar specializing in craft ciders from California and beyond, plus a solid selection of local beers and wines for the cider-curious who haven't fully committed yet.
What really sets it apart is the vibe. This isn't a corporate event center that gets transformed with linens and centerpieces. The Ciderworks already looks like somewhere you'd actually want to spend three hours on a Saturday night. The space has character baked in, which means less work for you and more authentic atmosphere for your guests.
Who Actually Books The Ciderworks for Private Events?
Based on real bookings and guest feedback, The Ciderworks attracts a specific crowd:
- Milestone birthday parties – 30th, 40th, and 50th birthdays make up a significant portion of bookings, especially for hosts who want a grown-up atmosphere without the pretension
- Corporate happy hours and team celebrations – Local companies in Burbank's media and entertainment industry frequently book the space for wrap parties, quarterly celebrations, and team-building events
- Engagement parties and wedding showers – Couples who want something more relaxed than a formal venue but still special enough for photos
- Alumni reunions and friend group gatherings – The space works particularly well for groups that haven't all been in one room together in years
The common thread is that these aren't people who want a generic event. They're looking for a private event venue in Burbank that feels like a discovery, not a default option.
What's Included When You Book The Ciderworks?
Here's what you actually get when you reserve the space:
The Basics:
- Private access to The Ciderworks room for your specified time block
- Dedicated bar staff who know the difference between a dry cider and a semi-sweet (and can guide your less-adventurous guests accordingly)
- Full audio system with Bluetooth connectivity
- Tables and seating configured to your preference
- Climate control that actually works
Food and Beverage Options: The Ciderworks works with Story Tavern's kitchen to provide food options that go beyond sad vegetable platters and mystery meat sliders. You can arrange everything from appetizer stations to full dinner service, depending on your budget and group size.
The bar program is the real highlight. With dozens of ciders on tap and in bottles, plus craft beer, wine, and cocktails, there's legitimacy something for everyone. And because the staff actually specializes in cider, they can make recommendations instead of just pointing at a menu.
How Does Pricing Work for This Small Event Venue in LA?
The Ciderworks uses a minimum spend model rather than a flat rental fee. This means your food and beverage purchases count toward your minimum, which typically makes more sense for party budgets than paying for a room and then paying again for everything your guests consume.
Minimums vary based on day of the week and time of year. Weeknight events have lower minimums than Saturday nights, and off-peak months offer better value than June wedding season. The events team at Story Tavern can provide specific numbers based on your date and estimated guest count.
Most hosts report spending between $40-65 per person for a 3-4 hour event with appetizers and drinks, which falls in line with other quality private party spaces in Burbank and LA.
What Do Actual Guests Say About Events at The Ciderworks?
Guest feedback consistently mentions a few specific things:
The space photographs well without requiring a decorator. Natural light from the windows during daytime events and warm ambient lighting at night mean your guests' phones capture good images without flash.
The staff gets frequent praise for being attentive without hovering. Several reviews specifically mention bartenders who made excellent recommendations and remembered guests' preferences throughout the night.
The location on Magnolia Boulevard offers easy access from the 5 freeway, and there's ample street parking plus nearby lots. For LA, that counts as a significant win.
How Far in Advance Should You Book?
For weekend events, especially Friday and Saturday evenings, booking 8-12 weeks in advance is recommended. The Ciderworks has limited availability due to the space's popularity and size constraints.
Weeknight events and Sunday gatherings offer more flexibility. It's not unusual for the venue to accommodate bookings with 3-4 weeks notice for these time slots.
Holiday periods (November through early January) and late spring (April through June) book fastest. If your event falls during these windows, earlier booking is better.
What Types of Events Don't Work Well at The Ciderworks?
The Ciderworks is fantastic for the right events, but it's not a fit for everything. Here's what doesn't work:
- Children's birthday parties – This is a 21+ venue with a bar-centric atmosphere
- Events requiring elaborate AV setups – There's a sound system for music and microphone capability for toasts, but this isn't the place for your TED talk
- Gatherings over 60 people – The space maxes out at 60, and even that's pushing it for seated dinners
- Events requiring outdoor space – The Ciderworks is entirely indoors
If these are dealbreakers, the venue probably isn't the right match. But if you're looking for an intimate private event venue in Burbank with personality and a great beverage program, it's worth a conversation.
How Do You Actually Book The Ciderworks?
Start by visiting the Story Tavern website or calling their events coordinator directly. You'll discuss your date, expected guest count, and general vision for the event.
The venue typically schedules a walkthrough for serious inquiries, which is worth doing even if you've visited Story Tavern as a regular guest. Seeing The Ciderworks set up for a private event gives you a better sense of the possibilities than imagining it while sitting at the main bar.
Once you've confirmed your interest, you'll receive a contract outlining your minimum spend, selected menu options, and bar packages. A deposit holds your date, with the balance due closer to the event.
FAQ About Booking The Ciderworks for Private Events
Can we bring our own decorations? Yes, within reason. You can bring centerpieces, banners, and tabletop items. What you can't do is attach anything to the brick walls or hang items from the ceiling. The space already has good bones, so most hosts find they need minimal additional decoration.
Is there a cake-cutting fee? No. You're welcome to bring a cake from an outside bakery without additional charges. The staff will handle cutting and plating.
Can we create a custom drink menu? Absolutely. The beverage team can work with you to select specific ciders, beers, wines, and cocktails that match your event theme or preferences. They can also create specialty cocktails for an additional fee.
What's the noise policy? The Ciderworks is part of Story Tavern, so there are other guests in the main bar area. Music and conversation at normal party levels are completely fine. What won't work is a live band or DJ equipment turned up to club levels.
Do you have parking? There's street parking on Magnolia Boulevard and surrounding streets, plus several public lots within a block or two. Most events don't have parking issues, but it's LA, so arriving 10 minutes early never hurts.
Why This Private Party Space in Burbank Keeps Getting Booked
The Ciderworks succeeds because it occupies a specific niche that most venues ignore. It's too interesting to be a generic event space but too accessible to feel exclusive. It's nice enough for special occasions but relaxed enough that your guests will actually enjoy themselves instead of treating the evening like a museum visit.
For hosts in Burbank and the greater LA area looking for a small event venue that doesn't require apologizing for ("I know it's not much, but..."), The Ciderworks delivers something genuinely worth sharing. And in a city where event venues range from aggressively boring to unnecessarily complicated, that's a combination worth celebrating with a really good cider.
Ready to book your private event at The Ciderworks? Visit storytavernburbank.com/ciderworks or contact Story Tavern's events team to check availability and start planning your celebration.