Boston Beer Buying Guide For Thanksgiving

If you're in Boston and hoping to buy beer on Thanksgiving, you might be out of luck. While some states allow liquor stores to operate on Thanksgiving, others do not. In Boston, Massachusetts, it is illegal to sell alcohol on Thanksgiving. This ban includes liquor stores/packies but does not extend to bars and restaurants, so you can still get drinks while out. If you want to drink at home, make sure to stock up on beer ahead of time!

Beer in Boston on Thanksgiving: Where to buy?

Liquor stores

If you're looking to buy beer in Boston on Thanksgiving, your best bet is to check with local liquor stores, as the laws around alcohol sales vary from state to state. In Boston, it seems that liquor stores are closed on Thanksgiving, but you may still be able to buy beer and wine at restaurants, bars, and grocery stores.

Restaurants, bars, and grocery stores

Boston has a plethora of restaurants and bars that are open on Thanksgiving and can serve you beer alongside your meal. Here are some options for dining out or getting takeout on Thanksgiving in Boston:

• Abe & Louie's in Back Bay offers a special Thanksgiving menu from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Alcove in the West End serves a special holiday menu from noon to 8 p.m., and also offers takeout.
• The Ritz-Carlton near Boston Common offers a four-course Thanksgiving meal for $79, with a children's menu available as well.
• Atlantic Fish Co. offers its full seafood menu along with holiday specials from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Bambara Kitchen & Bar in Cambridge's Kimpton Marlowe Hotel is open from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and offers a prix-fixe menu for $65 per person.
• The Banks Fish House is open for lunch and dinner on Thanksgiving, offering a seafood-focused menu and seasonal specials.
• Baramor in Newton is open from 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Thanksgiving, serving casual, shareable plates.
• The Beehive in the South End features live music and a traditional three-course menu for $89 per person ($25 for kids).
• Bistro du Midi, located near the Public Garden, serves a three-course menu for $90 per person, with an optional $50 wine pairing.
• Boston Harbor Hotel offers a Grand Brunch buffet in the Meritage and Atlantic rooms, featuring traditional Thanksgiving fare, sushi, sashimi, beef Wellington, and more for $225 per person ($80 for children).
• City Tap House, a Fort Point beer bar, serves a traditional Thanksgiving dinner for $28, along with appetizers and desserts.
• Clink at the Liberty Hotel offers a three-course menu for $89 ($37 for children), and also hosts a special Friendsgiving celebration on the weekends before and after Thanksgiving.
• Contessa, located at the top of the Newbury Hotel, offers sweeping views of Boston along with a four-course Italian feast for Thanksgiving.
• Gordon Ramsay Burger, the latest offering from celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving, serving items like the Hell's Kitchen Burger and Hellfire Chicken Salad.
• Grana at the five-star Langham Hotel in Boston's Financial District offers a family-style feast for $145 per person ($65 for children).
• Grill 23 & Bar offers an a la carte menu from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., including a traditional turkey dinner and steak offerings.
• Harvest in Harvard Square serves a three-course menu on Thanksgiving Day from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. for $90 per person, with an optional wine pairing for $40.
• Inn at Hastings Park in the historic town of Lexington hosts a big buffet in the afternoon at Town Meeting Bistro, the restaurant inside the Forbes four-star inn. The spread includes a variety of holiday dishes for $125 per person ($60 for children).
• Joe's Waterfront and Joe's on Newbury offer festive specials alongside their regular menus. Joe's on Newbury is open until 11 p.m., while Joe's Waterfront, located on Boston Harbor, is open until 8 p.m.

Alcohol sales on Thanksgiving in Boston

In addition, the specific regulations regarding alcohol sales on Thanksgiving can vary depending on the county or city ordinances. For example, while liquor sales may be banned in some counties, a city within that county may choose to allow liquor sales by passing an ordinance. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check with your local ordinances or contact the state's alcohol control board for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Furthermore, it is worth noting that some privately-owned retailers may be open on Thanksgiving, even in states where the sale of alcohol is generally prohibited. These retailers may include convenience stores, supermarkets, or other establishments that sell alcohol in addition to other products. However, it is always a good idea to call ahead and check their hours of operation, as some privately-owned stores may choose to close for the holiday.

To ensure that you are able to purchase alcohol on Thanksgiving in Boston, it is recommended to plan ahead. Stock up on your desired beverages beforehand, or opt to visit bars or restaurants that are open during the holiday and are permitted to serve alcohol. By following these guidelines and staying informed about local regulations, you can navigate alcohol sales on Thanksgiving in Boston with ease.

Liquor stores in Boston open on Thanksgiving

If you're in Boston and need to stock up on liquor for Thanksgiving, you may be out of luck—Massachusetts state law prohibits the sale of liquor on Thanksgiving. This means that liquor stores will be closed, but you may still be able to purchase beer and wine. Some counties outlaw the sale of alcohol entirely on Thanksgiving, so be sure to call your local store ahead of time to check if they will be open.

While liquor stores will be closed, taverns and bars will be open at the owner's discretion, so you may be able to purchase alcohol that way. Additionally, some privately-owned, non-state-controlled liquor stores may choose to remain open on Thanksgiving, so if you're in need of a last-minute drink, it may be worth calling around to see if any independent stores in your area are open.

If you're looking to purchase alcohol in Boston on Thanksgiving, your best bet is to plan ahead and stock up before Thanksgiving Day. That way, you can ensure you have everything you need to enjoy the holiday with friends and family.

Cheers and happy Thanksgiving!

Bars and restaurants in Boston serving beer on Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is approaching, and Boston has a lot to offer in terms of restaurants and bars serving beer to complement your turkey.

Alcove

A stylish spot in the West End, Alcove offers lovely views of the Zakim Bridge from its location on Lovejoy Wharf. It will be open on Thanksgiving from 12 pm to 8 pm, serving a menu full of Thanksgiving specials alongside its regular dishes.

City Tap House

Fort Point beer bar City Tap House is serving Thanksgiving dinner from 11 am to 9 pm, with the bar staying open until 11 pm. Holiday specials include a traditional turkey feast, as well as appetizers and desserts like a beet and goat cheese salad and a no-bake pumpkin cheesecake.

Baramor

If you're looking for a more low-key Thanksgiving, Baramor in Newton is a great option. This neighbourhood restaurant offers casual, shareable plates and will be open from 3 pm to 1 am on Thanksgiving.

The Beehive

For some live music to go with your Thanksgiving meal, head to The Beehive in the South End. They will be serving a traditional three-course menu for $89 per person, with live music playing throughout the day.

OAK Long Bar + Kitchen

Located inside the Fairmont Copley Plaza, OAK Long Bar + Kitchen will be serving its regular menu alongside some holiday specials. These include an Amish turkey roulade, a sweet potato mousse dessert, and a bar-only special of turkey and waffles.

Sonsie

Sonsie on Newbury Street is a fashionable spot for your Thanksgiving dinner. They will be serving a three-course prix fixe dinner for $75 per person, including butternut squash soup, mushroom tarts, cider-brined turkey, and a range of dessert options.

The Banks Seafood & Steak

If you're looking for a seafood-filled holiday, The Banks Seafood & Steak in the Back Bay is the place to go. They will be serving their regular a la carte menu, as well as a three-course prix fixe with seasonal specials like a turkey roulade and a fig napoleon dessert.

Grill 23 & Bar

This swanky Boston steakhouse will be offering a special Grill 23 Turkey Dinner for $48 on Thanksgiving. It includes lemon thyme-roasted turkey breast, confit thigh stuffing, butternut puree, mushroom gravy, and cranberry chutney.

Eastern Standard

Eastern Standard is offering a three-course prix fixe for $95 per person, with a range of options including a traditional turkey dinner, braised short rib, roasted halibut, and steak frites.

Lucie Drink + Dine

Located inside the Colonnade Hotel in Back Bay, Lucie Drink + Dine will be open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Thanksgiving. They will be serving their full menu, as well as a special $35 Thanksgiving meal including roasted turkey breast, butternut squash, wild mushroom brioche stuffing, and more.

Five Horses Tavern

Five Horses Tavern in Davis Square will be offering their regular menu, as well as a roasted turkey dinner with pan gravy, cornbread stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry jelly. They will also have a full array of beer, wine, and cocktails.

The Smoke Shop

The Smoke Shop has locations in Assembly Row, the Seaport, and Harvard Square, and is offering an "All Boxed Up" meal for two, packed with goodies like turkey, ham, Texas toast stuffing, and pumpkin spice butter cake. They also have an a la carte menu if you want to design your own meal.

State Street Provisions

State Street Provisions will be open with their a la carte menu and a few festive specials like New England Pot Roast and roasted heritage turkey with all the trimmings.

Bambara Kitchen & Bar

Bambara, located inside Cambridge's Kimpton Marlowe Hotel, offers a no-fuss, three-course prix-fixe menu for Thanksgiving. For $70 per person, you get your choice of starter and dessert, with a turkey feast and all the trimmings in between.

Contessa

For a rooftop Thanksgiving, head to Contessa, Major Food Group's decadent Italian hotspot. They will be serving a pre-set, family-style menu for $195 per person, including ricotta-stuffed pasta, roasted turkey, squash carpaccio, and more.

The Vermilion Club

Downtown Boston's hottest new steakhouse, the Vermilion Club, has a three-course prix fixe Thanksgiving dinner for $95 per person. It includes their signature French onion dumplings, a choice of roasted heritage turkey breast or seared Ora King salmon, and a miniature pumpkin pie or stout sticky toffee pudding for dessert.

Please note that while alcohol sales are prohibited in Massachusetts liquor stores on Thanksgiving, you can still purchase drinks at bars and restaurants.

Buying beer in Boston on Thanksgiving: Plan ahead

If you're planning to buy beer in Boston on Thanksgiving, it's important to plan ahead as alcohol laws vary depending on the state. While some states allow liquor stores to operate on Thanksgiving, others don't. In Boston, Massachusetts, there are no alcohol sales on Thanksgiving. This means that if you want to stock up on beer for the holiday, you'll need to do so in advance.

State and local regulations

Liquor store hours on Thanksgiving can depend on local and state regulations, as well as the preferences of the store owners. In some states, such as Louisiana and Oregon, liquor stores may be open or closed, depending on the specific location and ownership. In other states, like Alabama, beer and wine may be purchased, but spirits are prohibited.

Plan ahead

To avoid any last-minute surprises, it's best to shop for beer before Thanksgiving Day in Boston. This will ensure that you have the drinks you want and avoid the stress of searching for open stores. If you're travelling, it's a good idea to check the regulations of the state you're visiting, as they may differ from what you're used to.

Alternatives

If you find yourself in need of a drink on Thanksgiving Day in Boston, there are still options available. Bars and restaurants in the city are allowed to serve alcohol, so you can enjoy a drink with your meal or during a night out. Additionally, some convenience stores and supermarkets may sell beer and wine, providing another option for purchasing alcohol on the day.

Stock up early

Thanksgiving is a busy time, and it's easy to forget to buy everything you need. To ensure a stress-free holiday, make a list of the drinks you want and purchase them ahead of time. This will allow you to relax and enjoy the festivities without worrying about where to buy beer. So, plan ahead, stock up, and happy Thanksgiving!

Frequently asked questions