Boston Beer Buying Guide: Local Brews And Beyond

Boston is one of the best beer cities in the country, with a thriving beer culture and plenty of breweries, pubs, and restaurants serving local and international pours. The city is home to a variety of beer styles, from traditional European to experimental American, ensuring that there is something for everyone's taste. Boston's beer scene includes microbreweries, innovative taprooms, highly-rated craft breweries, and beer bars offering pours from around the world. The city also hosts seasonal beer gardens and beer-centric events, making it a great place for beer enthusiasts to explore and discover new favourites.

Boston's best beer bars

Boston is known for its beer, with its pubs and restaurants offering a variety of local and international pours. The city has a range of microbreweries, taprooms, and bars to choose from. Here is a list of some of Boston's best beer bars:

The Publick House

The Publick House is an award-winning beer bar, having been named "Best Beer Bar in America" and "Best Bar in Boston". It offers a wide selection of Belgian and Belgian-style beers, including Trappist and Abbey Ales, Flemish sours, stouts, and eisbocks. The food menu includes a five-cheese mac 'n' cheese with various add-ons, as well as moules frites with a choice of broth made from local beers.

Tip Tap Room

The Tip Tap Room offers 36 types of beer on tap, featuring a mix of local, domestic, and international options. The food menu includes items such as a lamb burger, spicy fried chicken bao buns, and various tips (steak, chicken, or tofu).

Castle Island Brewing

Located in Southie, Castle Island Brewing offers a mix of their own suds, limited releases, one-offs, collaborations, and experimental beers. They also serve classic bar pies, wings, and other beer-friendly food.

Row 34

Row 34 is a seafood restaurant with a focus on craft beer. The rotating taps feature fresh and unique options, including exclusives from breweries like Bissell Brothers and Allagash.

Russell House Tavern

This Cambridge restaurant offers upscale American fare and a comprehensive beer program. All the taps feature New England craft breweries, and the bottle list covers a wide range, including nitro and cask selections, reserves, and interesting ciders.

Bukowski Tavern

A divey and kitschy bar named after author Charles Bukowski, this spot offers an extensive draught and bottle list focused on hard-to-find craft beers, with a particular emphasis on regional brews. If you can't decide what to order, you can spin the Wheel of Beer and let fate decide.

Democracy Brewing

Democracy Brewing is a worker-owned brewery and pub that opened on July 4, 2018. They offer a selection of malty, hoppy, and light brews, as well as snacks like house-smoked wings, poutine, mac 'n' cheese, and steak frites. They also host community events and offer 32-ounce growlers for takeaway.

Sam Adams Downtown Boston Taproom

Located near Faneuil Hall, this taproom offers 20 rotating draft lines, including exclusive beers that can only be found here. The food menu includes items like chicken tenders, loaded tots, and cookies from local bakeries.

In addition to these bars, Boston also has several breweries that offer tours and tastings, such as the Cambridge Brewing Company, the oldest brewery/restaurant in the city. For those looking to purchase beer to enjoy at home, there are various liquor stores and specialty beer shops throughout Boston, such as Happy Market & Spirits and The Wine Emporium on Tremont.

Boston's best breweries

Boston is a beer-lover's paradise, with over 130 craft breweries to choose from. Here is a list of some of the best breweries to visit:

Harpoon Brewery & Beer Hall

A cornerstone of Boston's beer scene, Harpoon Brewery offers a range of classic and innovative beer styles inspired by the European travels of its founders. Their flagship Harpoon IPA is a refreshing classic with citrusy notes and a malty backbone that's available all year round. The brewery also offers seasonal and limited releases that are worth trying if you can get your hands on them. The taproom is located in the Seaport District/South Boston Waterfront and is a great spot to spend a rainy day.

Trillium Brewing Company

Trillium Brewing Company is a longstanding favourite in Boston, known for its ever-changing list of artisanal beers. They have been honouring Boston's beer-loving community for over a decade and are deeply committed to supporting local agriculture. Sourcing ingredients from nearby farmers and seasonal produce from their farm in North Stonington, Connecticut, their beers are truly crafted with local flavour. The Congress Street IPA is a signature brew with tropical fruit notes and a biscuity malt undertone that never disappoints.

Lamplighter Brewing Company

Lamplighter Brewing Company sells to liquor stores, but the best way to sample their beers is to visit one of their two Cambridge taprooms. The brewers are true masters of their craft, creating a range of unique beers like the citrus-forward Birds of a Feather New England IPA and limited barrel-aged releases. The taproom also doubles as a coffee shop, Pepita, serving rotating cold brews, teas, and espresso-based drinks in the morning.

Castle Island Brewing Company

Castle Island Brewing Company brews simple, approachable beers with the goal of making beer accessible to everyone. Their crisp American IPA, The Keeper, is a crowd favourite with its tropical fruit and pine notes. The company's taproom in South Boston has partnered with Bardo's as its "in-house pizza partners-in-crust," so you can enjoy a slice of pizza with your beer.

Night Shift Brewing Company

Night Shift Brewing Company is a passion project turned full-fledged business, with a dedicated following that loves their creative beer styles. They have several taprooms and two beer gardens across the city and the neighbouring community of Everett. Their Lovejoy location, near TD Garden, is a great spot to enjoy a classic beer style and a slice of pizza before a game or a show.

Honourable Mentions:

• Samuel Adams Brewery
• Dorchester Brewing Company
• Notch Brewery & Tap Room
• Aeronaut Brewing Company
• Democracy Brewing

Boston's best bottle shops

Boston has a lot to offer when it comes to beer. From microbreweries to innovative taprooms, there are plenty of spots to grab a brew in the city. But where can you go to buy a bottle or two to enjoy at home? Here are some of Boston's best bottle shops for beer enthusiasts:

Craft Beer Cellar

With several locations across the country, Craft Beer Cellar is a go-to spot for beer lovers. In Boston, you can find them in Roslindale, Newton, Fort Point, and Fenway. They offer a wide range of craft beer options, including local favourites and new releases. The Fenway location, in particular, is conveniently located near some great restaurants and the Red Sox home stadium. Stop by for a tasting or to pick up a few cans from New England breweries.

Social Wines

Located in South Boston, just a short walk from the Broadway T stop, Social Wines offers a carefully curated selection of beer and cider. You'll find options from popular local breweries like Night Shift, Shacksbury, Grimm, and Lamplighter. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable about the Boston beer scene, so don't hesitate to ask for recommendations.

Cambridge Spirits

Right by the Charles River, Cambridge Spirits offers a solid selection of craft beer, wine, and liquor. You'll find cans from breweries like Fat Orange Cat, Finback, and Lamplighter, as well as limited releases like Founders' KBS. It's a great spot to discover new beers and stock up on old favourites.

Fort Point Market

This unassuming specialty foods market and grocery store boasts a surprisingly robust craft beer selection. Beer enthusiasts can often find rare gems here, and it's conveniently located just 40 paces from Trillium's Fort Point outpost.

Hopsters Alley

Located inside the Boston Public Market, Hopsters Alley offers regular tastings and a diverse selection of New England craft beer. Their knowledgeable staff is always eager to offer suggestions, so you can explore new beers and discover hidden gems.

Total Wine & More

With locations in Dorchester and on Massachusetts Avenue, Total Wine & More offers an extensive selection of beer, wine, and liquor. They occasionally host tasting nights, and their staff is knowledgeable and friendly. Whether you're looking for craft beers or something else, they've got you covered.

Blanchard's Liquors

With locations in Jamaica Plain and Brighton, Blanchard's Liquors is a go-to spot for craft beer enthusiasts. They offer a vast selection of craft beers, including some rare finds from popular breweries like Sam Adams and Harpoon. Their staff is knowledgeable, and they also have a wine expert on hand for pairing recommendations.

Whether you're a local or just visiting, these bottle shops offer a great opportunity to explore Boston's beer scene and discover new favourites.

Boston's best beer gardens

Boston has a lot to offer when it comes to beer gardens. Here is a list of some of the best ones:

The Anchor Boston in Charlestown Navy Yard

The Anchor Boston offers more than just a beer garden. Located just 20 feet from one of Boston's most spectacular waterfronts, it provides drinks, events, and entertainment. It is Boston's only multi-story public gathering space, with a curated collection of local and international beers, wines, sangrias, and even bubbly drinks. They also serve espresso, coffee, tea, and freshly squeezed lemonade. The Anchor welcomes all ages and is dog-friendly. They feature over 300 programs and events, including trivia nights, salsa dancing, wellness events, and paint parties.

Cambridge Brewing Company Beer Garden

Cambridge Brewing Co., established in 1989, is the oldest brewpub in the greater Boston area. It offers fresh, handcrafted beer and food made with local ingredients. Their beer garden is dog-friendly and serves a full gastropub menu from chef David Drew.

Trillium Beer Garden

Trillium Brewery has multiple locations in Boston. Their first pop-up beer garden in Boston's history is located at the Rose Kennedy Greenway and is open Tuesday through Sunday. It is family and dog-friendly and features draft beer and hard seltzers. You can bring your own food or enjoy their seasonal rotation of local food trucks. They also have a modern outdoor patio and indoor seating area in Fenway, steps away from Fenway Park, and a three-story building in Fort Point with a taproom and a full-service restaurant.

Distraction + Democracy Beer Garden

Located in the heart of Downtown Boston's historic City Hall Plaza, this beer garden is a collaboration between Downtown's Distraction Brewing Company and Roslindale's Democracy Brewing Company. It offers fresh air, local brews, and stunning city views. They also provide live music and entertainment, art classes, showcases, and more throughout the season.

Night Shift Beer Garden

Night Shift has multiple locations in Boston, including a beautiful outdoor patio in Everett and a new pop-up beer garden on the Greenway in Dewey Square. Their beer garden on the Esplanade is one of the most Instagrammable locations in Boston and is situated along one of the best walking paths. They have food trucks on-site daily.

Boston's best places to buy beer

Boston is one of the best beer cities in the country, with breweries aplenty and pubs and restaurants that love a local pour. From microbreweries to innovative taprooms, there's something for everyone. Here are some of Boston's best places to buy beer:

The Publick House

Known for its incredible selection of Belgian and Belgian-style beers, The Publick House offers a range of Trappist and Abbey Ales, Flemish sours, stouts, and eisbocks. The draft list categorises beers as "Here" (regional craft beers) and "There" (elsewhere). You can also enjoy delicious food items like five-cheese mac 'n' cheese and a selection of moules frites with a choice of broth made from different local beers.

Tip Tap Room

The beverage program at the Tip Tap Room is heavily rooted in craft bourbons, but it also offers 36 types of beer on tap, including a mix of local, domestic, and international imports such as Allagash Witbier and Trolls Trolls Trolls imperial stout from 3 Floyds Brewing. The food menu features items like the lamb burger, spicy fried chicken bao buns, and various tips (steak, chicken, and tofu).

Castle Island Brewing

Located in Norwood, Castle Island Brewing opened a new taproom in Southie in 2021. They pour a variety of beers, including their own pale ale called Candlepin, limited releases, one-offs, collaborations, and experimental beers. They also serve classic bar pies, wings, and other beer-friendly snacks.

Row 34

Row 34 combines a passion for craft beer with fresh seafood. The rotating taps feature fresh and unique selections, often including rarities or exclusive drafts from breweries like Bissell Brothers and Allagash. Regional breweries and other craft favourites are always on tap, making it a great spot for serious craft beer enthusiasts.

Russell House Tavern

This Cambridge restaurant offers a solid selection of American fare, but it's their beer program that stands out. All of the taps feature New England craft breweries, and the bottle list is extensive, including nitro and cask selections, reserves, and interesting ciders. You can also pick up a growler of one of the harder-to-find options.

Dorchester Brewing Co.

Dorchester Brewing spans a 9,000-square-foot space, including a taproom serving 20 fresh brews at any given time, a gameroom, a restaurant, and an Hopservatory—an all-season rooftop greenhouse with city views. You can enjoy a variety of beers, from IPAs and porters to cream ales.

Craft Beer Cellar

With several locations in the Boston area (Roslindale, Newton, Fort Point, and Fenway), Craft Beer Cellar is a great spot to find some of the best craft beer options. It's a relatively central location, close to great restaurants and the Red Sox home stadium. They offer tastings and a diverse selection of cans from great New England breweries.

Social Wines

Tucked away in South Boston, Social Wines is a hidden gem for beer lovers. They offer a great selection of beers and ciders from Night Shift, Shacksbury, Grimm, and Lamplighter. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable about the local scene, making it a perfect spot to pick up some cans for a picnic in downtown Boston.

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