What are the best Boston Breweries you absolutely must check out? Well, we’ve done the work to figure that out for you! We have sampled their brews, spent time in their taprooms, and read all the online reviews to come up with our take on the top Boston Breweries to explore this year!
Boston Breweries
Boston is a great city for craft beer lovers because of its thriving craft beer scene. The city has a rich history of brewing and is home to many craft breweries, cider houses, and beer gardens.
The Boston beer industry is known for its creativity and experimentation. Many breweries offer a wide variety of beers, from hoppy IPAs to smooth stouts, and are always experimenting with new flavors and styles. Some of the best breweries in Boston offer tours, where you can learn about the brewing process and try different beers.
One great thing about the Boston beer scene is its seasonal beer gardens. In the summer, many breweries and beer gardens offer outdoor seating, where you can enjoy a crisp American lager on a sunny patio and take in the beautiful weather.
In the winter the beer halls are a popular destination to enjoy a dark stout with your pals. There are many options for beer fans to enjoy any time of year, from local craft ales to seasonal specialties.
What are the top breweries in Boston?
When it comes to the best craft breweries in Boston, there are many options to choose from. Each brewery offers its own unique craft beer experience, with a wide variety of beers to try. Some of the best craft breweries in Boston are known for their rotating brews, which allow beer fans to try something new and different every time they visit.
Many of the best craft breweries in Boston have their own food menus too, making it easy to enjoy a meal with your beer. From pub-style fare to gourmet bites, there are many options for beer fans to enjoy.
Many of the best craft breweries in Boston also experiment with local ingredients. From seasonal fruits to locally grown hops, these breweries are always pushing the boundaries and creating unique and delicious beers.
Overall, the craft beer scene in Boston is thriving, with many options for beer fans to enjoy. From cream ales to seasonal beers, there’s something for everyone in the city. Whether you’re a fan of classic styles or experimental brews, there’s a craft brewery in Boston that has something for you.
Below, we’ve listed some of the best breweries in Boston, MA that you simply cannot miss.
How we picked the best Boston Breweries?
With every ‘top breweries’ post that we write, we make sure to do diligent online research to determine who makes it on our list. From reading online reviews and reviewing beer selections to checking other authority websites and sampling their beers. We do our best to take all the information we collect and give you our opinion of the top breweries in Boston.
However, we know we aren’t perfect and if we’ve missed a Boston brewery that you think should be on this list, contact us and let us know who the brewery is and we’ll do our best to include them!
Did we miss something?
If you think a brewery deserves a spot on our list, Vote for them! If you’re a brewery looking to update your information or get in touch, contact us!
The Best Boston Breweries
Alright, let’s get to it, shall we? Here’s our list of the top Boston Craft Breweries!
Harpoon Brewery & Beer Hall
Harpoon Brewery & Beer Hall opened in 1986, two years after the Boston brewing giants Sam Adams came on the scene. Located in the Boston Seaport, it’s the perfect spot for a German-style beer hall experience.
Harpoon Brewery & Beer Hall is known for the Harpoon IPA, a classic and well-balanced beer that’s perfect for any occasion. But they don’t stop there; Harpoon Brewery & Beer Hall also offers delicious seasonal beers, like the summer release sweet mango pale ale called Camp Wannamango.
For food, they have pizza and spent-grain pretzels served with IPA cheese, ale mustard, or garlic parmesan butter for dipping to complement your beer choice perfectly.
Customer Review: Their beer is absolutely amazing here! We tried almost all of them and did not find a single one that was bad! The service here is great and they look to help you out with anything you need. Many other people have recommended the pizza, and I would have to agree that it was the best pizza we had in Boston! If you are in the area, this is a place that you have to check out.
- Phone: (617) 456-2322
- Address: 306 Northern Ave, Boston, MA 02210, United States
- Beers to Try: Harpoon IPA
- Website: harpoonbrewery.com/
Trillium Brewing Company
Trillium Brewing Company is located in the trendy Fort Point neighborhood in Thomson Place, this brewery is a must-visit destination for any beer lover.
Trillium’s beers are divided into four delicious categories: Roasty, Wild & Sour, Hoppy, and “Everything Else.” Each category offers a unique and diverse selection of flavors, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And for those with a sweet tooth, the brewery’s decadent dessert stouts are definitely worth trying.
But that’s not all! Trillium also features a full restaurant upstairs, serving up New England farmhouse-inspired food that pairs perfectly with their beers. And with its popularity, we recommend making a reservation to ensure you can indulge in all the brewery has to offer.
Customer Review: Every beer I had was awesome. They have a good range and some cool collaborations with other brewers. Bar tenders were all cool and gave good recommendations for beers to try. I will try to go to this place any time I’m in Boston.
- Phone: (857) 449-0083
- Address: 50 Thomson Pl, Boston, MA 02210, United States
- Beers to Try: Barrel-Aged Chocolate Churro
- Website: trilliumbrewing.com/
Aeronaut Brewing Company
Aeronaut Brewing Company is a hidden gem located just outside of Boston in the vibrant Somerville neighborhood.
At Aeronaut Brewing, they believe in making beer an adventure. They offer small-batch drafts that people come from all over to try. Like their Pina Colada IPA, a wheat beer topped with sumac, and chocolate milk stout. These unique and delicious beers are sure to take your taste buds on a wild ride. And if you’re hungry, no problem! Aeronaut Brewing doesn’t serve food, but you’re welcome to bring in food from other nearby restaurants.
But the fun doesn’t stop there. Aeronaut Brewing is known for their nightly events like trivia, live music, and drag bingo. These events make for a perfect night out with friends, and a chance to try different beers and have a good time.
Customer Review: I love the space, beer, and events. They have at least 5 IPAs on their menu, and they are all interesting. Additionally, there is an arepa food store. Try the arepas if you haven’t already.
- Phone: (617) 987-4236
- Address: 14 Tyler St, Somerville, MA 02143, United States
- Beers to Try: Pina Colada IPA
- Website: aeronautbrewing.com/
Cambridge Brewing Company
Are you looking for a rustic farmhouse vibe and delicious beer just outside of Boston? Look no further than Cambridge Brewing Company in The Port! Nestled in the Kendall Square tech hub, this brewery is the perfect spot for a low-key, friendly, and reliable watering hole.
Cambridge Brewing Company is known for their creativity and pushing the boundaries of brewing. They experiment with different strains of yeast and wild flavors to make delicious beers that you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re a beer connoisseur or new to craft beer, you’ll find something you love at Cambridge Brewing Company.
In addition to the delicious beer, Cambridge Brewing Company also has a dog-friendly patio and local food menu, so you can enjoy your beer with your furry friend and some delicious food.
Customer Review: Great food and always a new beer on tap. Love spending a sunny afternoon in the patio.
- Phone: (617) 494-1994
- Address: 1 Kendall Square Bldg 100, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States
- Beers to Try: Moon Buggy IPA and Charles River Porter
- Website: cambridgebrewingcompany.com/
Notch Brewing
Notch Brewing has two locations, one in Brighton and one in Salem at the Charles River Speedway. You’ll never be too far away from a good time.
The Brighton taproom is the perfect spot to catch some live music every week. And if you’re in Salem, don’t miss out on their weekly Skeeball night! Notch Brewing is all about having a good time and their events are the perfect way to do just that.
When Notch Brewing first opened, they focused exclusively on session beer, but now they have a few more options rotating too. They brew the world’s classic session styles from the Czech Republic, Germany, England, and Belgium. So whether you’re in the mood for a refreshing session beer or something a little more unique, Notch Brewing has you covered.
Customer Review: Great brewery. Fun events happen here fairly regularly. Often have board game night with friends after work. Food is good, but limited menu. There are several food options nearby and all the local places deliver here. Overall a great place to hang out, drink some beer, and have a good time with friends.
- Phone: (617) 548-2947
- Address: 525 Western Ave, Brighton, MA 02135, United States
- Beers to Try: Notch Session Pils
- Website: notchbrewing.com/
Lamplighter Brewing Company
If you’re in the mood for a fun and delicious craft beer experience, Lamplighter Brewing Company is the place to be! They have two locations, one on Broadway and their newest location, Lamplighter CX, in the heart of the Cambridge Crossing.
At either location, you’ll find a variety of food pop-ups to grab a bite to eat. Plus, the Broadway location has an in-house cafe, Pepita Coffee, where you can get espresso, cold brews and teas, hearty sandwiches, and fresh pastries. So you can enjoy a delicious beer and a bite to eat all in one spot!
When it comes to beer, Lamplighter Brewing Company has a variety of options. They have New England IPAs, a selection of barrel-aged sours, and lots of funky experimental brews that are sure to please any beer lover.
Customer Review: One of my favourite microbreweries in Boston area! Great selection & styles of beer; should be enough to appease most groups. Bar staff are friendly & attentive. The venue itself is very cozy, warm & welcoming. A secondary beer area is out back, and for food they partner with local providers 👍🏻
- Phone: (617) 945-0450
- Address: 284 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States
- Beers to Try: London Calling Chocolate Porter
- Website: lamplighterbrewing.com/
Castle Island Brewing Company
Castle Island Brewing Company is a must-visit for any craft beer lover in Boston. Located in South Boston, this brewery has been making award-winning beer since 2015. One of the best things about Castle Island is that you can order delicious pizzas from Bardo’s Bar Pizza that pairs perfectly with their brews.
But it’s not just about the beer, Castle Island also has a great initiative called the Fiver Initiative which means you can drink beer for a good cause! The Fiver Initiative is a charitable giving program supported by global sales of their Fiver Hazy IPA. They give 5% of all sales of Fiver directly to the program, with proceeds split evenly among five charities at the end of the year. So when you visit Castle Island, you can enjoy a cold beer while also doing some good in the world!
Customer Review: Amazing! The sour was great and the pizza was amazing! Best pizza I’ve had in Boston by far.
- Phone: (781) 951-2029
- Address: 10 Old Colony Ave, Boston, MA 02127, United States
- Beers to Try: Candlepin Session Ale and Fiver Hazy IPA
- Website: castleislandbeer.com/
Dorchester Brewing Company
Dorchester Brewing Company is a must-visit brewery with 20 draft lines. You’ll have plenty of options to choose from. They have the M&M BBQ food truck inside the brewery, so you can grab a delicious bite while enjoying your beer.
But that’s not all, they also have a greenhouse space on the roof where you can enjoy delicious craft beers with a view. Trust us, it’s worth the trip. And if you’re looking for something to do, a variety of events are happening all the time. Check their event page online to see what’s happening this week. They also have indoor shuffleboard, pinball, and skee ball for a fun and casual hangout spot.
Customer Review: Great spot. Bright, spacious, with a nice upstairs/roof deck. The beer flight was excellent, and the current “Museum of Bad Art” exhibits lining the walls are hilarious. Had a great time!
- Phone: (617) 514-0900
- Address: 1250 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA 02125, United States
- Beers to Try: Stone Fruit Steve Austin Sour
- Website: dorchesterbrewing.com/
Night Shift Brewing Company
Night Shift Brewing Company has three locations to choose from, each offering its own unique experience. At their original location in Everett, you can grab a pint of their housemade suds, enjoy live music and food trucks, and relax with friends in the indoor or outdoor seating areas.
Their Lovejoy Wharf location is a top-notch restaurant and brewery, while the Level99 location is a game-lovers paradise, with 48,000 square feet of space and tons of activities and challenges to keep you and your friends entertained. And if you’re looking to soak up some sun, don’t miss their seasonal, pop-up beer gardens around town. The city’s seasonal beer gardens that everyone is talking about!
With a variety of light lagers, IPAs, malty stouts, saisons, weisses, porters, limited releases, and hard seltzers on tap, Night Shift has something for everyone.
Customer Review: Always a good atmosphere, good beer, and staff is on point. One of my favorite places to visit in the area. Good variety of beers, great darker beers.
- Phone: (617) 294-4233
- Address: 87 Santilli Hwy, Everett, MA 02149, United States
- Beers to Try: Whirlpool NEPA
- Website: nightshiftfamily.com
Samuel Adams Brewery
Samuel Adams Brewery is a name that’s known by beer lovers everywhere. As the second-largest craft brewery in the US, they’ve been brewing up a storm since 1984. And if you’re a fan of the Boston Red Sox, you’ll be happy to know that Sam Adams is the official beer of the team.
If you’re in Jamaica Plain, you’ve gotta check out their brewery where they’re always experimenting and coming up with new brews. But if you’re looking for a place to sit back, relax and have a drink, head to their State Street taproom. They’ve got a killer rooftop patio and a drink menu that’ll make your head spin!
If you’re feeling adventurous, give the Utopia Series a try. These beers have some of the highest ABVs in the craft beer scene! Tours are also offered every day except for Sunday.
Customer Review: I visited this brewery in Jamaica Plain in Boston. Excellent brewery 🍻 It’s a good beer smooth and enjoyable, for any occasions and seasons. Samuel Adam’s is the best domestic beer on the market. Taste great!
- Phone: (617) 368-5080
- Address: 30 Germania St, Boston, MA 02130, United States
- Beers to Try: Sam Adams Utopia Series
- Website: samadamsbostonbrewery.com/
Democracy Brewing
Democracy Brewing is entirely worker-owned, making it one of the most unique places to drink in the city. With a gorgeous interior featuring the rustic red brick and vaulted ceilings, you’ll feel like you’re stepping back in time.
But don’t let the old-world atmosphere fool you, Democracy Brewing is all about good times and delicious food. You can find some of the best pub food here like birria beef mac and cheese, short rib sandwiches, and chef’s specials that rotate every couple of weeks. The beers are just as noteworthy, with clever names like “Fighting 54th” and “Workers Pint” crisp golden ales inspired by historical struggles for change. Whether you’re looking for a tasty meal or a cold beer, Democracy Brewing is the place to be.
Customer Review: A fantastic craft brewery in downtown Boston that is a must visit if you are into craft beers. With a manageable list of beers, friendly staff and good food, it’s hard to go wrong.
- Phone: (857) 263-8604
- Address: 35 Temple Pl, Boston, MA 02111, United States
- Beers to Try: Workers Pint Blonde Ale
- Website: democracybrewing.com
Turtle Swamp Brewing Company
Turtle Swamp Brewing Company is a must-visit for any beer lover in the Boston area! Located in the cool and happening Jamaica Plain neighborhood, this brewery is known for its delicious and fresh beer. Especially their crisp pale ales, hopped lagers, and expertly crafted IPAs. They’ve got everything you need for a great time – an indoor taproom with board games and comfy seating, an airy beer garden with a dog-friendly patio, and plenty of food truck options to keep you fueled.
With creative events and live music happening all the time, Turtle Swamp is always the life of the party. So gather your friends and head over for a fun-filled day filled with delicious craft beer!
Customer Review: Sweet Local Brewery with cool outdoor vibe! Every beer was very good and the staff was awesome! Will definitely come back again!
- Phone: (617) 522-0038
- Address: 3377 Washington St, Boston, MA 02130, United States
- Beers to Try: Orange Line New England IPA
- Website: turtleswampbrewing.com/
Distraction Brewing Company
Distraction Brewing Company is a cool new spot in the heart of Roslindale. This family-owned craft brewery opened its doors in 2019 and is located in Roslindale Square. They make a variety of delicious beers, including malty stouts and crisp pale ales, and they love to experiment with new flavors and seasonal offerings.
If you’re looking for a fun night out, Distraction Brewing Company is the place to be. They host events regularly, like live music, trivia night, and more. So grab a pint and enjoy the good vibes at Distraction Brewing Company.
Customer Review: Great local brewery, friendly service, the indoor and outdoor space is clean and comfortable. Definitely recommend!
- Phone: (617) 477-3677
- Address: 2 Belgrade Ave, Roslindale, MA 02131, United States
- Beers to Try: Doubly Distracted and Jalapale with Jalapeno and Lime
- Website: distractionbrewingco.com/
Lord Hobo Brewing Company
Lord Hobo Brewing Company is the perfect spot for craft beer lovers and foodies alike! With three locations in Cambridge, Woburn, and their East Boston location at the Seaport, there’s always a Lord Hobo nearby to satisfy your cravings. The menu features mouth-watering treats like buttermilk fried chicken tenders, truffle fries, and the “Big Mac Daddy”.
And, of course, the rotating draft lines offer a variety of refreshing craft beers to choose from. Don’t worry if you’re not a beer drinker, Lord Hobo has got you covered with a full cocktail menu and various non-alcoholic beverage options. Get ready for a fun time with friends, delicious food, and great drinks!
Customer Review: Great bar! Plenty of beers on tap. I was impressed with the Lord Hobo brews. Large bar to sit at as well as plenty of table seating and an outdoor streetery. The bartender was great and recommended which brews to try. The food looked good as well!
- Phone: (857) 292-9319
- Address: 92 Hampshire St, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States
- Beers to Try:
- Website: lordhobobrewing.com/
Bent Water Brewing Company
Bent Water Brewing Company is a unique spot for craft beer lovers in the Boston area. Located on the site of the old Lynn Lumber Yard, just a short drive from the city. Bent Water is close to the Atlantic Ocean and has a beautiful taproom and outdoor beer garden.
They’re known for experimenting with wild ales and creating innovative beers, and they always seem to hit the mark. In the taproom, you’ll find plenty of games to play, like shuffleboard and giant Jenga, and there are even food trucks outside for when you get hungry.
Customer Review: This place is amazing! The beers are fantastic and the staff are out of this world. I’m not typically an IPA fan but I actually enjoyed their Super Sluice IPA. They have a nice variety to choose from which is ideal. Can’t wait to come back in the summer for the patio and food trucks!
- Phone: N/A
- Address: 180 Commercial St #18, Lynn, MA 01905, United States
- Beers to Try: The Shaka West Coast Style Pale Ale
- Website: bentwaterbrewing.com/
Enjoy the best breweries in Boston!
Make sure to go and check out Boston’s best craft breweries, grab a locally brewed pint (or 2) and support your local brewers!
If we’ve missed a brewery on our list that you think should be added, contact us and let us know who the brewery is and why you think it should be added to our list of the top breweries in Boston!
