Boston may be known for its tea party, but the best parties always involve beer.
Being the city that started the craft beer movement, it’s no wonder that Bostonians know their brews. The following is a list of the best breweries in Boston – whether you’re looking for good food, specific ales, factory tours, or all three – Boston has something to offer every beer connoisseur.
Trillium Brewing Company
Landmark Center, 401 Park Dr, Boston, MA 02215, United States
Located in Fenway, in addition to a large menu of unique brew options, Trillium Brewing Company offers a beautiful atmosphere, decent food, and great beer. Boasting five locations, the company is quite large, customers even have the option to purchase 4-packs of various beverages to enjoy at home. Eat in, take out, or order ahead online; Trillium caters to every form of beer drinker in Boston.
Harpoon Beer Hall
306 Northern Ave, Boston, MA 02210, United States
Famous for their IPA brew, Harpoon’s large brewing factory is more fitting for a day-trip destination than just a restaurant. In the summer, visitors can explore its large outdoor beer garden. During colder months, duck inside the beer hall, take a tasting tour of the brewery, and dine in at the Harpoon Kitchen which features delicious sandwiches, pizza, pretzels. When in season, New England clam chowder. It also hosts regular events, unique to the festive times of the year.
Democracy Brewing
35 Temple Pl, Boston, MA 02111, United States
Optimally located in Downtown Boston, Democracy Brewing is an authentic, locally-owned business which prioritizes community engagement, politics, and brewing delicious beer. With a top-notch interior, the brewery offers a wide selection of craft beers that will run you around $7 or $8 each. It also offers an extensive menu, with highly rated dishes all made from scratch. The brewery attempts to emulate the classic beerhall atmosphere of “camaraderie” and feeling involved in a community.
Night Shift Brewing
1 Lovejoy Wharf #101, Boston, MA 02114, United States
Right in the heart of the West End and only a few doors down from TD Garden, Night Shift Brewing is located at Lovejoy Wharf, sitting right on the water. In addition to winning the Best of Boston 2021 “Best Pizza” award for its Detroit-style pizza, it also offers a classic selection of bar foods, including: sandwiches, burgers, and wings. The brew menu consists of several different types of lights, darks, hops, sours, seltzers, and ciders.
Turtle Swamp Brewing
3377 Washington St, Boston, MA 02130, United States
Looking to escape the busiest part of the city? Head out to Jamaica Plain and stop by Turtle Swamp Brewing for a more mellow dinner and drinks experience. East inside its taproom or outside on the patio (even in the cold weather) inside a heated igloo. Although Turtle Swamp does not serve any food, customers are encouraged to bring their own. The brewery highlights local beer, including year-round classics, as well as seasonal, imperial, and special release series. The beer can be tasted fresh off the tap or taken home via crowlers.
Dorchester Brewing Co.
1250 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA 02125, United States
Named for its location in Dorchester, this brewery is commended not only for its beer but also the tasty BBQ served in the taproom, to accompany your selection of beer. The menu displays delicious meats, sloppy sandwiches, and “dumpster fries.” The taproom has 22 beers on tap to choose from and even more options to take away in packs or growlers.
