Harmony Chandler
Boston has a wide variety of options for buying beer. Grocery and convenience stores can sell beer and wine from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday to Saturday. Some popular grocery stores in Boston that sell beer include Star Market, Shaws, and Roche Bros. There are also several liquor stores in Boston that sell beer, including Martignetti's Liquor Store, Federal Wine and Spirits, and Happy Market & Spirits. For those looking for craft beer, The Craft Beer Cellar, Social Wines, and Hopsters Alley are great options.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Alcohol delivery | Drizly |
| Alcohol in grocery stores | Not common, but some Shaws and Trader Joe's stores sell wine and beer |
| Alcohol in convenience stores | Yes |
| Beer in downtown Boston | Star Market @ 53 Huntington Avenue, Walgreens Financial District, Roche Bros, Shaws next to the prudential center |
| Liquor laws | Liquor can be purchased 7 days a week. Mon-Sat: 8 am-11 pm, Sun: 10 am-11 pm |
| Liquor stores | Happy Market & Spirits, The Wine Emporium on Tremont, Bacco’s Wine and Cheese, Total Wine & More, Federal Wine & Spirits, Martignetti's Liquor Store, Craft Beer Cellar, Social Wines, Cambridge Spirits, Fort Point Market, Hopsters Alley |
What You'll Learn
Liquor laws in Boston
Boston's liquor laws are notoriously strict, with Time magazine ranking Massachusetts as one of the three states with the most restrictive alcohol laws. The legal framework for Puritan social control was known as "blue laws", which included price controls on alcohol. While the blue laws are still on the books, there are now many exemptions.
Age Restrictions
The minimum drinking age in Massachusetts is 21. It is illegal for anyone under 21 to possess or purchase alcohol, with exceptions for possession in the presence of a consenting parent or guardian, or with a spouse over the age of 21. Those under 21 may also consume alcohol provided by their parents or grandparents on private premises. It is a crime to use a false ID to purchase alcohol if you are underage, and it is also illegal to give alcohol to anyone under 21 who is not a family member.
Where to Buy Alcohol
Alcohol can be purchased at licensed liquor stores, grocery stores, convenience stores, and some pharmacies. Beer, wine, and spirits are typically available at these locations. However, the selection at grocery and convenience stores may be limited, and they can only sell alcohol from 8 am to 11 pm Monday through Saturday and on Sundays from 10 am to 11 pm.
Bars and Restaurants
Bars and restaurants in Boston are allowed to serve alcohol from 8 am to 2 am Monday through Saturday, and on Sundays from 10 am to 2 am. Local officials may extend closing hours to as late as 2 am. Happy hours are banned in Massachusetts, and bars and restaurants are prohibited from offering discounts on alcoholic beverages.
Open Container Laws
Open containers of alcohol are illegal in vehicles and must be kept in the trunk. Individuals under 21 are not allowed to drive a car with alcohol inside unless they are accompanied by their legal guardian.
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits
It is illegal to drive with a BAC above 0.08% for most drivers and 0.02% for those under 21. Operating a boat with a BAC over 0.08% is also illegal.
Dry Townships
It is important to note that there are some dry townships in Massachusetts, such as Alford, Chilmark, Dunstable, and Gosnold, where the sale of alcohol is prohibited.
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Beer in grocery stores
Firstly, it's worth noting that it is now legal in Massachusetts to order alcohol, including beer, online and get same-day delivery.
If you are looking for a grocery store that sells beer, Shaw's is a good option, as most, if not all, of their stores in Boston sell wine and beer. However, you will need to check out separately for your beer and groceries. Trader Joe's is another grocery store that sells beer and wine, and the selection varies from store to store.
Some convenience stores in Boston also sell beer. For example, the store at 358 Huron Ave, Cambridge, MA, sells beer alongside most of what you would find at a larger store.
If you are looking for a store with a wide variety of craft beer, The Craft Beer Cellar in Fenway is a great option. They have several locations around the country and offer tastings and a diverse range of New England craft beers.
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Beer in gas stations
If you're looking to buy beer in Boston, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, alcohol of all types is generally not sold in grocery stores, although some sources suggest that certain branches of Star Market and Shaw's do sell wine and beer. It's always best to check ahead of time to avoid disappointment.
Your best bet for finding beer is to look for liquor stores, which can be found across the city. Federal Wine & Spirits Inc., for example, is a well-stocked liquor store located near the Aquarium T stop and the Marriott Long Wharf hotel. It's known for its excellent Scotch selection. For those looking to buy in bulk, Walgreens in the Financial District on School Street offers beer and liquor.
If you're looking for craft beer specifically, Boston has plenty of small liquor stores with a wide variety of options. The Craft Beer Cellar, with several locations across the country, has four outlets in Boston (Roslindale, Newton, Fort Point, and Fenway). Social Wines in South Boston also offers a great selection of beer and cider from local breweries like Night Shift and Lamplighter. For those looking for a one-stop shop, Cambridge Spirits by the Charles River stocks solid craft beer, wine, and liquor options, including cans from popular breweries like Fat Orange Cat and limited releases.
For those looking to avoid the trip altogether, it is now legal in Massachusetts to order alcohol online for same-day delivery through services like Drizly.
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Beer at 7-11
If you're looking to buy beer in Boston, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, Massachusetts has strict liquor laws that dictate where and when you can buy alcohol. Beer is not typically sold in grocery stores, but there are some that do sell wine and beer, including Trader Joe's and Shaw's. However, these are usually separate, small businesses within the larger store, and you will need to check out separately.
Convenience stores are a good option for picking up beer, and 7-11 is one of the most popular choices. The 7-11 located just down the street from the Aquarium in Boston sells beer, and according to one source, also sells wine and liquor. This particular 7-11 is open seven days a week, with limited sales times on Sundays, which is typical for liquor stores in Boston. So if you're looking for a convenient place to buy beer, 7-11 is a good option to consider.
In addition to 7-11, there are several small liquor stores in Boston that offer a wide variety of craft beer. The Craft Beer Cellar, with four locations in the Boston area, is a great option for picking up some of the best craft beer options. Social Wines, located in South Boston, also has a great selection of beer and cider, and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. For those looking for a one-stop shop, there's also the option of ordering alcohol online and having it delivered to your door via services like Drizly.
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Beer delivery services
Drizly
Drizly is a well-known alcohol delivery service in Boston, offering same-day delivery of beer, wine, and liquor. You can place your order online and have it delivered to your doorstep, which is especially useful if you don't want to carry heavy six-packs or are looking to beat the humidity!
Total Wine & More
In addition to in-store purchases, Total Wine & More also offers delivery services for beer, wine, and spirits. They have been in business for over 20 years and are known for their friendly staff and customer service.
Craft Beer Cellar
With several locations across the country, including four in the Boston area (Roslindale, Newton, Fort Point, and Fenway), Craft Beer Cellar is a go-to spot for craft beer enthusiasts. They offer a wide range of options, including local stalwarts and new releases, and host regular tastings for customers.
Social Wines
Located in South Boston, a short walk from the Broadway T stop, Social Wines boasts an incredible selection of wines and a hidden gem of a beer section. You'll find great options from Night Shift, Shacksbury, Grimm, and Lamplighter. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable about the local scene, making it a perfect spot for picking up some cans for a picnic or getting answers to your Boston beer questions.
Cambridge Spirits
Cambridge Spirits, conveniently located by the Charles River, offers a solid selection of craft beer, wine, and liquor. You'll find cans from popular breweries like Fat Orange Cat, Finback, and Lamplighter, as well as limited releases.
With these delivery services, you can enjoy the convenience of having beer delivered to your door while exploring the wide variety of craft beers that Boston has to offer.
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Frequently asked questions
Beer can be purchased at liquor and grocery stores, as well as some convenience stores, gas stations, and package stores.
Yes, some well-known options include 7-Eleven, Martignetti's Liquor Store, Star Market, Walgreens, Roche Bros, and Shaws.
Yes, there are several bottle shops and craft beer sellers in Boston, including Craft Beer Cellar, Social Wines, Cambridge Spirits, Fort Point Market, and Hopsters Alley.
In Boston, beer can be purchased seven days a week. On weekdays, liquor stores are typically open from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM, while on Sundays, they have limited hours, usually from noon to 6:00 PM.
