Boston has a long drinking history, but the current scene has had an impact on the business as a whole. It is home to some of the largest craft beer makers as well as some of the most valuable assets in the American beer market. In addition, the city is home to several of the country’s most popular breweries. Don’t worry if you’re looking for the greatest breweries in Boston; we’ve got you covered.
On a weekend trip, it’s practically difficult to visit every single brewery on the city’s outskirts — but I believe each one is worth a look, so plan ahead of time to ensure you don’t miss a single site. Furthermore, there are other breweries within driving distance that deserves everyone’s interest, so don’t feel rushed!
To cut the chase, here are some of the best breweries in Boston that you don’t wanna miss:
Distraction Brewing Co
A relatively new addition to the Boston beer industry, Distraction Brewing Co., made its big premiere in late 2019 in the heart of Roslindale. Despite a tough start due to world events, this quiet place has now become a favorite summer hangout, offering a wide range of pleasant brews such as malty stouts and crisp pale ales—through the almighty NEIPA is where Distraction truly shines. The brewery is home to five unique kinds, ranging from the boisterous tropical fruit-forward Double Distracted DIPA to the Pineapple Daydream, a sweet creation made with genuine pia.
Democracy Brewing
A revolutionary in the craft beer sector called Democracy Brewing, takes pride in being fully worker-owned. There’s a lot more to this location than simply decent business methods. The brewery has mastered the art of luxurious pub cuisine, with a variety of delicious meals ranging from stout-infused pulled pork sandwiches to mac & cheese loaded with birria beef.
Did we mention how stunning the inside is? Few venues in the city provide such a perfect combination of old-school Bostonian charm and modern elegance like this one, which is coated in rustic red brick and capped with a beautiful mural depicting the official motto of Massachusetts.
Trillium Brewing Company
Trillium’s brews—New England wild ales, sour ales, wild saisons, double IPAs, and experimental brews—are widely sought after in Boston’s craft beer establishments. The original brewery in Fort Point Channel only sells merchandise, cans, bottles, and growlers to go, so visit the newer brewery and taproom in Canton to experience the most recent Trillium beers.
Food trucks, pop-ups, quiz nights, fitness classes, and special Cellar Sundays can be experienced. A limited selection of previously bottled beer is available for purchase, is all held in the taproom, which offers a view of the production floor. (Cellar Sundays are also held in the Fort Point site.) It is also kid-friendly and pet-friendly. So people of all ages and even our furry friends can visit the site.
Night Shift Brewing
This brewery has been on a roll in recent years. Ever since the beginning of the business in 2012, the brewery has been producing a broad range of exceptional beers. The selection ranges from light lagers to dialed-in IPAs to luscious Mexican-style milk stouts.
The brewery then launched its distribution arm in 2016. In addition, the Everett-based brewery established a huge building and coffee roasting operation at Lovejoy Wharf in 2019. The brewery announced the 12-ounce can release of Santilli, their flagship American IPA.
Swing by the large Lovejoy space to pick up a load of freshly roasted coffee beans and a glass of Whirlpool.
Harpoon Brewery
Founded decades before taprooms sprung up like flowers over Massachusetts, a brewery called Harpoon Brewery was launched. Dan Kenary, Rich Doyle, and George Ligeti founded Harpoon in 1986, barely two years after fellow Boston brewing titans Sam Adams. They were influenced by European brewers. The brewery, well known for its even-keeled Harpoon IPA, continues to innovate at its Seaport headquarters (and its second brewery location in Windsor, Vermont). Summer favorites include Camp Wannamango, a luscious mango pale ale, and One Hazy Summer, a solid zesty New England pale ale.
In the lively Beer Hall, take a seat at a large table and enjoy freshly poured beers and huge pretzels. The outdoor Keg Yard is only available throughout the summer. Tours are popular, and daily tickets—for which a little fee is charged—often sell out fast, particularly on weekends. Throughout the year, Harpoon offers a range of exciting events and festivals.
Aeronaut Brewing Company
This brewery has outlets in Somerville and Everett, creates a diverse range of inventive beers with distinct characteristics. Brews fluctuate with the seasons, but previous tastes have included a piña colada IPA, wheat beer with sumac, and cocoa milk stout, so you never know what the brewmasters will create next. But it’s not just about the beer; the brewery and taproom also function as a community center. It features a variety of programming promoting arts and culture, live music, and events several times a week. You are welcome to bring your own food from nearby restaurants, and Sundays are a “BYO Picnic.”
The taproom is usually buzzing with activity, from jazz by New England Conservatory artists to book clubs offered by the Somerville Public Library to a Best of Boston indie quiz series. And, of course, there’s beer! Aeronaut dabbles with a variety of genres, but classics like Hip Hop and Away session IPA and A Year with Dr. Nandu IPA are always on point. Aeronaut opened Boston’s first seasonal beer garden in Lower Allston in 2016, and it also has a summer pop-up in Arlington.
Dorchester Brewing Co.
In 2016, Boston’s biggest neighborhood acquired its own craft brewery. As well as the city’s sole cutting-edge contract brewery, where world-renowned companies and locals alike may make their own beers for the wider market. Dorchester Brewing Co. hasn’t rested on its laurels; In 2020, it opened Dorchester’s first rooftop beer garden. As well as a permanent home for longtime pop-up M&M BBQ. The taproom hosts a variety of events. They also have house brews like Embarrassment of Riches IPA, Clapp’s Cream Ale, and more.
The wide balcony provides beautiful skyline views. It also has even more space to sip locally brewed beers. You can also enjoy the barbeque from M&M BBQ, which is housed downstairs.
And there you have it! I know this list is perfect for our beer enthusiasts out there. It couldn’t be even better if you add these places to your itinerary on your next visit to Boston. Make sure you get to see and check what the hype is about!
