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The shutdown arrives less than a week after the Miralani Drive space was forced to close by county health inspectors. On November 13, the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health and Quality ordered Serpentine Cider and Smokehouse to immediately cease operations after identifying a major vermin violation and additional issues related to premises maintenance and cleaning standards. The company passed a reinspection the following day and received approval to reopen, earning a score of 97 and an A grade, though inspectors still cited several non-critical violations involving equipment storage, nonfood-contact surfaces, and general upkeep.
Despite being cleared to operate, Serpentine instead issued a statement saying the tasting room and kitchen would remain closed to the public. “We’re really sad to have to finally post an update like this, and are not sure what the future holds for us as a company,” the announcement read. Staff said they are reaching out to anyone with an event scheduled at the space and will share more information when they are able.
The news marks the second major setback for the cidery this year. Serpentine’s North Park tasting room, which opened in 2020 next to the Lafayette Hotel, quietly closed earlier in 2025. With the Miramar tasting room now dark, the company currently has no public-facing locations in operation. Although the business suggested a potential reopening in its public statement, the Mirilani location is now marked “permanently closed” on Google, a designation not yet contradicted by the company.
Founded in 2017 by wildlife biologists Sean Harris and Lish Omlid, Serpentine Cider was an early member of the Miralani Makers’ District and gained attention for producing dry, fruit-forward ciders at a time when the category was dominated by mass-market sweet styles. The brand expanded steadily during its first five years, securing taproom partnerships, retail accounts, and the opening of the North Park satellite location.
The company has not indicated whether production is continuing behind the scenes or whether wholesale distribution will be affected by the closure. No timeline has been offered for a possible reopening.
For now, Serpentine’s future remains unclear, and its original tasting room - once a staple of the Miramar craft-beverage corridor - sits closed while the community waits for answers. Follow @serpentine_cider on Instagram for updates.
Originally published on November 19, 2025.
