I may just be acting like a homer when I say this, but I would argue that New England (and Boston) is one of the best places to be in the world as a craft beer lover. From larger, legacy breweries to micro and microbreweries churning out experimental and innovative small batch brews – and everything in between – there are countless incredible finds across the region. For now, we’re going to work our way through the greater Boston area exploring our favorite breweries. I say Boston area because technically Somerville its own city, but for all intents and purposes, let’s use the following metric: If the brewery is accessible by the T, it counts. No, the commuter rail does not count in this case, but I will absolutely expand the radius in future posts to come. For anyone not familiar with the semi-functioning (when it wants to) transit system affectionately known as “the T”, let’s just say the countless delays, signal problems, switching errors, and occasional train on fire are all the more reason Boston needs an amazing beer scene.
As we dive into our favorites, I should say there are so many incredible breweries in the Boston area that it is a tremendous challenge just to pick a few. Honestly, this post could go on forever if I simply wrote about all the breweries in the area we’ve liked. With each brewery I’ll talk about why we love it, my personal recommendation for beers to try (I know this can be divisive as I love dark beers, but appreciate a good IPA), the atmosphere, and just where to go to try some of their delicious brews. So without further ado, cheers – let’s get to it!
1. Samuel Adams
History
Samuel Adams is one of the most influential breweries in the modern American craft beer movement. Founded in 1984 by Jim Koch, the brewery helped kickstart the craft beer revolution in the United States at a time when most beer drinkers had very few choices beyond large national brands. Koch revived a family recipe for Samuel Adams Boston Lager, originally brewed by his great-great-grandfather in the 1800s, and began brewing it locally in Boston. Today the brand is part of the Boston Beer Company, which has grown into one of the largest craft brewers in the country. Despite its national reach, the brewery maintains a strong connection to Boston with its Jamaica Plain brewery and taproom, where visitors can learn about the company’s history and taste experimental small-batch beers.
Why We Love Sam Adams
I feel like often times Sam Adams primarily is associated with their Boston Lager. In fact, their Boston Lager is shipped all over the world. I used to consider Sam Adams to be more in the league of mega-breweries instead of a haven for craft beer lovers, but then we visited their Jamaica Plain brewery, and all my preconceptions were changed. Sam Adams brews several year-round flagship beers like the Boston Lager, but also brews a ton of smaller batch, seasonal, and experimental craft brews. In the Summer months you’ll find a heavy dose of IPA’s and fruited sours, German and Pumpkin beers in the Fall, and in those colder months (which, who are we kidding – that basically could mean from September through April around here) they brew up several stouts, barrel aged imperial stouts, porters, bocks, and winter ales. The other really cool thing is several of these beers are brewery exclusive, meaning the only place you can find them is at Sam Adams. What you find at your local grocery store or packy merely scratches the surface of Sam Adams.
Atmosphere
We absolutely love sitting outside in their patio beer garden area during the nicer months. The whole building is historic and awesome place to share a pint.
Beer Recommendations
Summer: Porch Rocker
Fall: Jack-O Pumpkin Ale
Winter: Any of their dark beers, there’s too many fantastic ones to choose from
Location
Jamaica Plain – A short walk from Stony Brook on the Orange Line
2. Harpoon Brewery
History
Harpoon Brewery is one of Boston’s original craft breweries and helped define the city’s modern beer scene. It was founded in 1986 by friends Dan Kenary, Rich Doyle, and George Ligeti, who were inspired by the emerging craft beer movement while studying and traveling in Europe. At the time, Boston had very few independent breweries, and Harpoon quickly became a local favorite with beers like Harpoon IPA and seasonal releases. The brewery opened its waterfront facility in Boston’s Seaport District in 1993, which has since become a popular gathering place known for its beer hall, tours, and festivals. In 2014 Harpoon became an employee-owned company, reinforcing its reputation as a community-focused brewery that helped shape Boston’s craft beer culture.
Why We Love Harpoon
Harpoon to me is like a first love – it was the first brewery we ever visited, the first brewery tour we ever experienced, and the first mug club we ever joined. Alas, Harpoon used to be my number one over Sam Adams, but a few recent changes have lowered my ranking. Even so, Harpoon is still an incredible brewery to check out. A few years ago, Harpoon focused on a seemingly never-ending list of small batch and innovative brews, releasing a new beer almost every single month. Some of my all-time favorites in which they unfortunately don’t make either at all or as often (Hey, Harpoon, if you’re reading this - *hint hint*) include their: Baltic Porter, Mike’s Pastry Cannoli Stout (barrel and non-barrel aged), Another Dry January Triple IPA, Interrobang, Camp Wannamango, Moose & Rocco, Dunkin Coffee Porter, Imperial IPA, Tall Stack Short Stack, Green Mountain Ryed, House Marg – I rest my case. Their flagship Harpoon IPA and mainstay Boston Irish Stout are fantastic choices, but I miss the special releases. If visiting, they usually have a few small-batch brewery exclusive releases and their spent grain pretzels are beyond delicious. They’ve expanded drastically, acquiring several other breweries and brands, which is partially my theory as to why the special releases became lacking around the same, but I digress. We love the beer hall, food, tour, and the consistently solid beer Harpoon brews.
Atmosphere
Harpoon’s Seaport location is a very large German style beer hall with long tables, a large bar, and a lively and inviting atmosphere.
Beer Recommendations
Harpoon IPA, Boston Irish Stout, current small batch brews
Location
Seaport, easily accessible on the Silver Line
3. Night Shift Brewing
History
Night Shift Brewing represents the new wave of Boston craft breweries. The company was founded in 2012 by three friends — Rob Burns, Mike Oxton, and Michael O’Mara — who originally brewed beer together after their day jobs, literally working the “night shift.” What began as a small operation in Everett quickly grew into one of the region’s most popular breweries, known for creative beers like Whirlpool Pale Ale and a wide range of experimental releases. Night Shift has expanded beyond its original location with multiple taprooms, coffee roasting, and distribution throughout the Northeast. Today it’s widely regarded as one of the breweries that helped usher Boston into its modern craft beer era.
Why We Love Night Shift
We personally love Night Shift’s expansive tap list and special release beers. Night Shift consistently offers a wide variety of beers on tap, perfect for everyone to find something they enjoy. Their Everett Brewery and outdoor beer garden are perfect for a pleasant evening.
Atmosphere
Night Shift has a few locations, but our favorites are their brewery in Everett and Lovejoy Wharf. In Everett, they have an expansive indoor taproom and wonderful outdoor beer garden. If sitting outside, you may catch a whiff of Teddie peanut butter from their factory across the street, but that’s perfectly alright if Night Shift is serving up one of their Teddie Beer’s. The Lovejoy Wharf location is lively and perfectly located near North Station and the Garden.
Beer Recommendations
Teddie Beer, anything from the Piescraper series, Fluffy Hazy IPA
Location
Everett, MA and Lovejoy Wharf (North Station)
4. Aeronaut Brewing Company
History
Aeronaut Brewing Company opened in 2014 in Somerville’s Union Square inside a massive former industrial warehouse. Founded by a group of scientists, engineers, and artists, the brewery was built around the idea of blending science, creativity, and community. Aeronaut quickly became known for its inventive beers and collaborative spirit, frequently partnering with musicians, researchers, and local organizations. Flagship beers like A Year With Dr. Nandu IPA helped establish the brewery’s reputation for bold flavors and experimentation. Today the taproom remains a lively gathering spot featuring live music, trivia nights, and events that reflect the brewery’s focus on creativity and community.
Why We Love Aeronaut
Aeronaut is always the happening place to be in Somerville as far as breweries are concerned. They host a multitude of events and have an expansive space for seating. Aeronaut also partners with local food business for the perfect pairing to their beers. The first time we visited Aeronaut, they had an IPA forward tap list, but have since expanded and offer a wide variety of styles (still including a lot of IPA’s). Their wildly popular Lemonatti sells out in no time, and one of my personal favorites, their Hidden Mechanism black lager is excellent. Aeronaut is absolutely worth a trip up the Green Line Extension.
Atmosphere
See above – Aeronaut is THE happening brewery in Somerville, with fun events, great beer, good food, and a community for all. The taproom is large and inviting, with a lively atmosphere that’s perfect for hanging out with friends or meeting new ones.
Beer Recommendations
Hidden Mechanism (Black Lager), A Year With Dr. Nandu (IPA), Robot Crush (Pilsner)
Location
Somerville, MA – a bit of a walk from the nearest green line station, but serviced by nearby busses as well
5. Democracy Brewing
History
Democracy Brewing opened in downtown Boston in 2018 with a unique mission: to operate as a worker-owned cooperative brewery and pub. Inspired by both the city’s revolutionary history and the cooperative business model, the founders wanted to create a place where employees shared ownership and decision-making. Located just steps from Boston Common and the Freedom Trail, the brewery embraces themes of civic engagement and community, with beer names and décor referencing American history and democratic ideals. Along with its craft beer selection, Democracy Brewing is known for its full kitchen and welcoming pub atmosphere, making it a popular stop for both locals and visitors exploring downtown Boston.
Why We Love Democracy
Seemingly perfectly named for their proximity to events of American history, Democracy is a bit of a rarity: a downtown brewery in a city with highly expensive real estate. The first time we visited Democracy, we were actually drawn in by their food but were surprised by their beer as well. They feature a pretty expansive food menu that would rival even some standard restaurants, which is a far cry from the standard pretzels, sandwiches, and pizza often found in breweries. We also have enjoyed several of their beers, including their Brownstone and Worker’s pint.
Atmosphere
Historic and cozy atmosphere with good food and beer
Beer Recommendations
Brownstone (Brown Ale), Worker’s Pint (Helles Lager), Edge of Darkness (Schwarzbier)
Location
Downtown Boston – centrally located near Park Street
Honorable Mentions
- Dorchester Brewing Company - Dorchester
- Mighty Squirrel Brewing Co - Fenway