Boston

Well here it is Otto’s low down on the best bars, cafe, and brew pubs to get you lips around a craft beer in Boston. Boston, MA, (also known as “Beantown”) is a very convenient city with the vast majority of its historic sites well within walking distance of each other. The city was first incorporated in 1822 and has a reputation of being one of the most interesting and historic cities in the US.

There are a great many museums and tours available to get your fill of historic Boston, check out the Beantown Trolley,  which makes 20 stops, and you can hop on and hop off, giving you the opportunity to spend more time and get an up-close look at the sights of most interest to you.

So let’s start with the Brewery tasting rooms and the Brew Pubs of this very amazing city;

{updated Jan 2025}

Dorchester Brewing Company, 1250 Massachusetts Ave, Boston

A cool gay friendly brewery with 20 draft lines pouring pints of housemade beer plus a cool rooftop area, games, plenty of seating (especially upstairs) and some neat merchandise as well. Some cool artwork on the walls, nice big clean bathrooms, and cool music. Note; the brewery is also home to the Museum of Bad Art! Admission is FREE to stop by to visit the art too bad to be ignored!

Lamplighter Broadway, 284 Broadway, Cambridge

The Broadway facility used to be Metric Systems, a wonderful neighborhood auto repair shop owned by a father and son team. It houses their full production facility and an inviting front and back taproom. The brewery is focused on aroma-packed and flavour-driven beers, with an emphasis on new England IPAs, barrel-aged sours, and special seasonal brews. Plus a variety of one-off batches that allow them to pursue various whims, and they don’t shy away from funk, twists on tradition, and unique ingredients.

Lamplighter CX, 110 N. FIrst Street, Cambridge

In February 2022, their second taproom opened. Located at Cambridge Crossing (CX), a retail and residential development steps from the new Green Line Lechmere T Stop. The facility is a split-level building focused on barrel-aging, with two full bars and cheese counters serving up a selection of locally-sourced cheeses and charcuterie. With The Shuffleboard Lounge, located downstairs, this space has seating for 15 and can comfortable accommodate 30 standing. The space also has a shuffleboard table as well as it's own dedicated WC. Plus a seasonal patio that's quite spacious and cool.

Portico Brewing, 101 South St, Somerville

A great brewery! With an amazing indoor and outdoor space, dogs are allowed on the patio. Don’t be fooled by the new modern exterior. This place has soul and pride. Located in the Boynton Yards neighbourhood of Somerville, MA. The taproom features rotating beers on tap, packaged beer to-go, outdoor seating, and an in-house taqueria. Come through and have a cold one while playing with Legos, classic Nintendo/SNES games, cornhole and shuffleboard! The staff was super warm and friendly. Highly recommend ❤️

Remnant Brewing - Taproom, Cafe, and Smiles, 2 Bow Mkt Wy, Somerville

Located in the middle of Bow Market which has a vibe on its own. A fun place to be! The brewpub is the perfect mix of a brewery and coffee shop. They marry both things well. Nice chill vibe. They have delicious beer and very friendly staff. There is outside sitting which is just wonderful considering the fact that it is hidden away spot on Bow Street. Must come visit in the Somerville area.

Trillium Brewing Co. - Fort Point Restaurant & Brewery, 50 Thomson Pl

Located just a 3-min walk from the Boston Children's Museum, also near to Row 34 and City Tap House. It's a huge place over two floor space in what seems like an old converted warehouse. Beautiful exposed brick with a very modern feel. The food is phenomenal, New England farmhouse inspired food created by Chef Michael Morway, highly recommend planning a full meal here. They have 35 brews on tap, with a bottle/can shop downstairs. Definitely more interesting than the Fenway location. The staff are well versed in the beers and happy to pour tastes. Note: This brewery currently operates six facilities throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Trillium Brewing Co. - Fenway, Landmark Center, 401 Park Dr.

Located very close to the Red Sox stadium Fenway Park. A simple quite small building with plenty of room on the patio. Inside to the rear they have a nano brewing plant. Serving around 8 beers on tap and around 20 cans and bottles for take away. Of course prices are quite high. Only thing I disliked is that they are serving their great beers only out of plastic cups! The staff are very friendly. It's a very popular place, so would definitely recommend booking a table. Food is available from the Time Out Market.

Trillium Brewing Co. - Greenway Garden, Atlantic Ave & High St

A seasonal beer garden featuring craft ales, wine and food trucks, plus outdoor seating.

Boston Beer Company (Samuel Adams) - 30 Germania Street, Jamaica Plain, Boston

This was our first brewery tour ever in the USA way back in 2000! (And its free) After which we visited Doyle’s Tavern (see below) If you really love good beer, go to the trouble of taking the one hour Sam Adams brewery tour. Boston Beer Company contract brews most of its products, but this small brewery serves as an interested experimental facility where new products are brewed and evaluated.  The tour will allow you see the lovely oak barrels where the high-gravity Utopias beer is stored, and you will be invited to taste some experimental beers in the tasting room.  The Boston Beer Company and its founder, Jim Koch, have done so much for craft beer in the USA.  Their devotion to quality brewing methods and ingredients really shows during the brewery tour.

Sam Adams Downtown Boston Taproom, 60 State St, Boston

A sprawling, contemporary destination with a rooftop terrace offering bar snacks and a huge beer menu. A great pit stop while walking the freedom trail.

Long Live Roxbury, 152 Hampden St

Located right in the heart of Roxbury lies this beautiful gem that took over one of the abandoned warehouses. Upon entering, large murals scaled the walls. Very clean with a welcoming atmosphere. This place has the friendliest staff, and always has a ton of community partner-sponsored activities (think sushi-making and trivia, live jazz). In addition, their selection of mocktails and fizzy waters is excellent, so it’s great for drinkers and teetotallers alike. The stouts and IPA’s were both fantastic from this small brewery.

Castle Island Brewing - South Boston, 10 Old Colony Ave, Boston

A nice taproom with friendly people serving excellent beer. Inside is a nice open space with high ceilings and good ventilation. There's a nice outside area that is dog friendly. They have about 20 beers on tap, mostly standard fare but a few different flavours too. Reasonable prices. They make some nice food here that goes nicely with some of their beer.

Roundhead Brewing Company, Westinghouse Plaza Building #10, Boston

A gorgeous taproom with an awesome brewery vibe with Peruvian roots. Plus a huge side area with games that you can have functions in. They also have an upper deck/floor that was 21+ with a cool view over the main floor. The outside is very nice and dog friendly. There's a good variety of beer styles available that are excellently done. The kitchen that makes empanadas and pizzas and some other things.

Mighty Squirrel Brewing Co. Waverley Oaks Park

Great beer and a great place for social gatherings. Daily tap rotates. Always a wide selection of brew styles. They even have smoothie styles for those that don't like traditional beers. They also have a coffee bar. There are two outside patios both of which are dog friendly. The staff are very nice and the beer is excellent. There are usually food trucks too. They have food trucks outside by the parking lot and the Mexican one is yummy. The brewery posts weekly food truck schedules so you get different food truck options depending the day of a week.

Rock Bottom Boston– 115 Stuart Street, Boston

Located in the Theatre District a few blocks off The Common. Typical Brewpub chain serving house beers and upscale pub food and American fare in a lively environs. Clean and corporate. I think their beers tend to be average to good, although that is dependent on the brew master and how much freedom- interest he/she has? The menu is fairly standard from franchise to franchise. They have eight house beers with 2 cask offerings. Rock Bottom brew pubs are always worth a visit as you never know what you will find on draught?

Endurance Brewing Company - 72 Joy Street, Boston

Endurance Brewing Company was founded by 4 guys back in 2004. The flagship ale is Artic Pale Ale, a crisp, golden Pale Ale named in honour of the Legendary 1914 Endurance Expedition to Antarctica.  It is a medium bodied offering with cascade hops, subtle malt palate and a hint of citrus.  Note, I do not know if they do tours or not?

Night Shift Brewing - Lovejoy Wharf, 1 Lovejoy Wharf #101

Located to the north end very close to the Boston Garden, right on the water. It’s an open space built on modernist principles with lots of exposed ductwork and bright colours. They have a prominent oval bar area with TVs tuned to the big game as well as a separate dining area and a fairly decent size pilot brewing setup. They have around 30 different beers on tap so there’s plenty of choice.

Night Shift Brewing - Everett Taproom, 87 Santilli Hwy, Everett

A prime destination for those seeking unique things to do in and around Boston. Established in 2012, a family-friendly and spacious venue, nestled by a scenic riverside, offers a vibrant atmosphere perfect for live music, food trucks, weekly special events. From spring through late fall, our sprawling, dog-friendly patio is open for all to enjoy. A wide selection of beers, cocktails, wines, and non-alcoholic beverages on site.

They also have three beer gardens Then open early spring to late fall each year;

Each beer garden offer an exceptional guest experience, with a variety of beers, hard seltzers, and wines, as well as non-alc options and snacks. Also a food truck on-site each day that they are open.

Night Shift Esplanade – by the Hatch Shell along the Charles River, open daily!
Night Shift Allston – at Herter Park along the Charles River
Night Shift on The Greenway – by South Station in Dewey Square

Democracy Brewing, 35 Temple Pl

A very nice set up in a kind of industrial vault. The brew kit is on the lower floor to the left, there is a long bar and dark wooden floor. They have around 8 beers on tap. Beer quality is ok. Otto Says; Flights and pints of house made beers, plus casual bites, in a vaulted room with a cosy historic vibe.

Cheeky Monkey Brewing Company, 3 Lansdowne Street

Located behind historic Fenway Park on Lansdowne Street. With an on-site brewery delivering freshly brewed craft beers, cross-cultured street food creations, billiards, table tennis and shuffleboard, it has something for everyone. Otto says; This energetic brewpub offers its own beers and guest beers, plus a funky globally-inspired menu, with a great atmosphere, and friendly attentive bar staff.

Lord Hobo Boston, 2 Drydock Ave, Boston

A convivial brewpub destination with a sun terrace. A cool modern vibe inside, offering draft ales and pub grub classics.

Cisco Brewers Seaport, 85 Northern Ave

A lively seasonal pop-up offering craft beer in an outdoor venue with food trucks and picnic tables, open from April to fall.

Aeronaut Brewing Company, 14 Tyler St, Somerville

At this brewer/taproom, beer fans sip craft brews, listen to live music and play arcade games. Inside there is lots of room and the decor and murals are cool. With several food stalls and lots of themed nights. The beer choice is many and varied and flights are available. Lots of atmosphere in a funky building complex, warehouse vibes. The commitment to innovation and a welcoming ambiance make Aeronaut Brewing a must-visit for those who appreciate quality beer and a fantastic atmosphere. They also have seasonal beer garden at ALLSTON, 267 Western Ave, Allston

Clown Shoes, Boston

Subsidiary of Barrel One Collective. Founded in 2009, Clown Shoes is the result of a joke, some spite, and a deep passion for craft beer. Only line shop only, no tours at present?

Rupee Beer, Boston

Rupee Beer is a #1 global award winning beer specially crafted for Indian, spicy and world cuisine. Brewed by a world renowned master beer brewer and an award winning Indian chef, Rupee has been named Best Beer For World Food and awarded several global awards.

Naked Ox Beer Company, Boston

In 2017, four friends who love beer as much as they love live music decided to create a locally based Boston beer that would have the same independent spirit of the early settlers of Boston and faithful to the city they love and also complement the amazing live concerts they attended every week. A beer that was not only crafted with immense love but tasted great while watching their favourite bands play at the clubs around Boston

Note that Logan International Airport has two other Bars of note besides the other two mentioned above, (all airports should be live this).

Harpoon - Airport Brewery, Terminal A

An outpost of Boston's Harpoon Brewery, offering 10 beers and pub fare in a cosy, relaxed setting.

Cisco Brew Pub, Terminal B; 

5 Cisco brews on draft, Food menu is what you expect from any other airport spot. 

Sam Adams Boston Brewhouse Terminal C, 5

Great beers on draught and great views.

Also worth seeking out for a decent brew or two are the following bar's;

Row 34, 383 Congress St

A stylish brick and wood restaurant that serves an extensive oyster menu plus fish entrees and craft beers. A huge display of oysters on ice greet you as walk in. The décor is very smart and modern. The beers are displayed above the bar which is a cool touch. Otto Says; Great ambiance, with a modern industrial bar restaurant.

The Tip Tap Room, 138 Cambridge St

An upscale pub that serves beer, wild game and inventive brunch dishes in an open, modern space. The staff are knowledgeable and friendly. The beer list is outstanding, though not cheap. Definitely worth a visit.

Yard House - Boston (Fenway), 126 Brookline Ave

A high end sports bar chain with a huge menu of New American fare and an extensive list of draft beers. Located next to Red Sox stadium and not far from Trillium. Despite it being a sports bar with the usual television screens, it's actually quite cosy as the tables at the front are candlelit and there are some nice murals. There’s a large bar with a stainless steel back and lots of taps, and a cafeteria style kitchen down one side.

Yard House, 110 Huntington Ave,

A High-end sports-bar, beer bar chain with a huge menu of New American fare and an extensive list of draft beers.

The Salty Pig, 130 Dartmouth St

A pork-focused bistro offering American comfort food, charcuterie and craft beers in loft like surroundings.  A great draft list with lots of local offerings and a few top notch US micros. The food is amazing. The salty pig pizza is just incredible. Reasonably priced and actually a steal compared with other places in the area. An absolute must if you are in the area.

Tavern in the Square South Station, 700 Atlantic Ave, Boston

Located in the station main foyer this cool bar offers American fare, 27 draft beers, patio seats and TV sports are on tap at this casual local chain. A great place to people watch and have a few beers while waiting for the train. Restroom are the main station ones.

Olde Magoun's Saloon, 518 Medford St, Somerville

A bar pairing a big craft-beer and spirits list plus a diverse food menu with sports on TV and a great a neighbourhood vibe.

R.I.P.

Turtle Swamp Brewing, 3377 Washington Street

The brewery is still a work in progress, but hey have 3 different areas where you can drink: a good sized patio during nice weather, tables in the brewery itself, and a side room where the toiles are which is the newest addition. They have 14 taps serving great tasting beers that lean towards the British styles. If you are in Jamaica Plain for Sam Adams Brewery its definitely worth a stop. The Green Street subway station for the Orange Line is a few blocks away. Otto Says; This local brewer offers growlers for takeaway and glasses for sipping on a spacious patio, with a cosy friendly atmosphere.

Beer Works - Canal Street - 112 Canal Street.

Boston Beer Works may be a great sports bar, but above all, it's a real brewery plus a restaurant with food to complement the beer.  In fact, it's the oldest and largest brewery and restaurant in the Boston area, started in 1990 by two brothers, Steve and Joe Slesar.

You'll see the beer-dispensing tanks right in plain view behind the bar, and detect a slightly malty aroma in the air.  Best of all, you'll get to taste the specialty brews and decide which one of this Boston microbrewery's creations is your favourite. Boston Beer Works brews about 50 different beers, ales, and lagers each year, with perhaps 12-15 on tap at any one time.  Names like "Beantown Nut Brown Ale," "Boston Common," and "Bulfinch Bitter" keep the local connections front and centre. My personal favourite is the Muddy River Porter at 5.5% very quaffable.

Note this place can get packed if there is a Bruins or Celtics game on.

Beer Works - Fenway - 61 Brookline Avenue.

The vibe reminded me just a bit of the Capitol Hill location of Elysian in Seattle, with its big, open, industrial space. I was happy that there were actually relatively few TVs and the brew house was featured prominently.  Pretty similar to the Canal Street branch I guess. Although some of the beers are the same - beware of the same beer with different names depending on which location it’s at - quite a few will be different so it is worth visiting both. Note that there are invariably beers available at all the Brew Works locations that are not listed on the website. Beware it is packed when there’s a Red Sox game on. The place is definitely worth a stop. I was working at a sausage stand in the Summer of 2014 directly across the street from the Beerworks location and the place was always packed.  I spent quite a bit of time on my breaks in here, enjoying their fine and ever-changing selection of brews during the baseball season, served by friendly, young, and knowledgeable local staff who always provide good service (which can be an issue at many restaurants in the area during games).  Usually, the place is relatively empty on non-game days or during the “offseason” from October-March, but a visit during a Red Sox game is a must-do. The “Patriot” Pilsner is definitely a standout from this brewpub corporation and got 3rd in the 2013 GIBC awards.  Other must-haves include the incredibly balanced and substantial Imperial Pilsner, and cask collections.  Regular offerings like “Pineapple Saison” and others are always available, although I found that balance seems to be somewhat of an issue with these less popular releases.  There are definitely some gems in here however, and the price point can’t be beat.  Other popular offerings like the Haymarket Hefeweizen, Back Bay Blonde, Dunkelweizens, and the ever popular Blueberry and Watermelon summer ales.   

Note: Beer Works have a “bar” at Logan Airport in Terminal C,  It’s like an oasis in the desert. Every airport should have one.

Coda - Bar & Kitchen - 329 Columbus Ave.

This place is definitely a South End gem. They have draft lines that change with the season and a small, but good bottled beer selection. The food is awesome too and you can get steak fries for $20! I really like the cosy atmosphere. It's a nice little refuge for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Backlash Beer Company, 152 Hampden St.

This place was an absolute winner. The taproom was clean and contemporary with an industrial feel and cool artwork. 

The Ginger Man - Boston, 148 State Street

A two-floor public house serving about 200 beer varieties plus classy, classic comfort eats. Like the Manhattan location, this place is quite an elegant bar. Worth a stop, but be prepared for a spendy visit.

Hopsters - Boston, 51 Sleeper St.

Was a great little spot, good beers and a cool vibe.

The Lower Depths - 476 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston

16 taps. Mostly American drafts. Lots of bottles. Good Service. Small patio. $1 hot dogs - Awesome!!!

DOYLE'S - 3484 Washington St., Jamaica Plain

Doyle's has as much history and personality as any pub in Boston.  Established in 1882, Doyle's has been visited by JFK (Sr. and Jr.) and a multitude of other notable Boston natives.  The antique phone booths found throughout the pub are remarkable, and you could spend hours just looking at the old wall photos and newspaper clippings. You'll be able to partake of old-style pub meals here along with about 30 draft beers (Harpoon, Sam Adams, Smuttynose, etc.) and some notable bottles like Chimay. Ask for a sample of a draft beer before you order a pint, as sometimes a beer can go a bit stale here!  Doyle's only accepts cash money. The pub is only a 20 minute walk or a five minute drive from the Samuel Adams brewery in Jamaica Plain. Doyle's closed at midnight on October 26, 2019. 

Rattlesnake Bar & Grill - 384 Boylston St.

Great bottled beer list of 60+ and about 8 local taps, worth a look in if you are a true beer geek.

Cheers; - The Replica - Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Quincy Market.

The Cheers bar at Faneuil Hall in Boston has closed permanently after 20 years in business; the owner said that the Corona Virus Pandemic 😷 and a lack of help from the landlord played into the decision.