Boston is one of America’s quintessential beer-drinking towns, and it’s never hard to find a delicious brew. For Bostonians, the love of beer traces back centuries, and it’s apparent today more than ever. More craft breweries are opening in the Greater Boston area, and many of the world’s most talented brewers are basing themselves in Beantown.

From hazy New England IPAs to Belgian-style beers, you’ll have no problem finding your beer of choice. So if you are looking for things to do in Boston, look no further, a beer tour is a must. The trickiest task is picking the brewery to start your Boston beer tour. With dozens of breweries within city limits and even more within Massachusetts, beer lovers have unlimited choices.

To help with your selection, I’ve listed my 10 favorite Boston breweries to have a beer. Regardless of what beer you prefer, this list will have you on the beer run of a lifetime. Whether you’re a born and raised Bostonian or just passing through on your New England road trip you will not be dissapointed by this list. After visiting just a few breweries, you’ll see why Boston is a premier destination for craft beer.

 

10 Best Boston Breweries for a Beer Run

Samuel Adams Boston Brewery | Tree House Brewing Company | Harpoon Brewery | Cambridge Brewing Company | Trillium Brewing Company | Democracy Brewing | Night Shift Brewing | Aeronaut Brewing Company | Dorchester Brewing Company | Turtle Swamp Brewing 

 

1. Samuel Adams Boston Brewery

30 Germania St, Boston, MA 02130

Samuel Adams has a storied reputation and is among the world’s most recognized breweries. When founder Jim Koch found his family’s recipe buried in the attic, he put his passion for beer to work for the American public. After brewing the first Boston Lager decades ago, Koch launched Samuel Adams Boston Brewery into worldwide fame. Today, the prestigious company brews over 60 styles of Samuel Adams beer, and the brand is a staple amongst beer lovers.

Schedule a visit to the Boston Brewery Taproom, and you’ll have dozens of refreshing brews at your fingertips. With so many options to choose from, you can’t go wrong by ordering a flight. My favorite is the Build Your Own Flight, which lets you choose any 4 of their exclusive draft beers. If one really hits the spot, 32oz. crawlers and 64oz. growlers are available to take home.

Although you can’t go wrong with the Boston Lager, other choices I’d recommend are the Jamaicaway IPA, Cold Snap witbier, and Tres Robertos speciality smoked beer. For more delicious lagers, sample the Dry Ryeder or House Helles.

The taproom also prepares yummy bites that make excellent pairings with every brew you taste. Some of your choices include pepperoni flatbread, soft pretzels, salsa, and brewpub beef jerky. If you’d like to learn more in-depth about the beer-making process, Samuel Adams tours are some of the best in the business.

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2. Tree House Brewing Company

129 Sturbridge Rd, Charlton, MA 01507

Tree House Brewing ranks among Boston’s top locations to streamline orders of delectable craft beer. After gaining national recognition, Tree Houses has exploded to become one of America’s most popular breweries. You can only buy their beer on-site, which often leads to big crowds of thirsty patrons at the facility. Although the brewery is about 60 miles outside of the city, you’ll be glad you made the trip when sipping Tree House beer.

The Julius IPA and Haze Double IPA are two of Tree House’s flagship products, and can often fly off the shelf. Also in its elite, IPA selection is the King Julius Double IPA, Green Core American IPA, and Snow Winter Seasonal Double IPA. Tree House offers a variety of mix packs, so you’re never out of luck if it’s too difficult to choose one IPA.

Tree House is my top-rated Boston brewery for IPAs, but that’s not all they have on their beer menu. The Human Condition and Hold On To Sunshine are milk stouts with incredible flavor. If you’re in the mood for a rich porter, sample the Tis the Season Robust Porter or Cozy Baltic Porter. And the Trail German and Nomad Czech are a must-have when available.

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3. Harpoon Brewery

306 Northern Ave, Boston, MA 02210

For one of the best brewery tours in Boston, Harpoon Brewery should definitely be on your checklist. The beer hall treats customers to several flights of delicious draft beer and unbeatable food pairings with your brews. The Harpoon Sampler, UFO Sampler, and Specialty Sampler let you taste multiple beers at once. Made from Harpoon beer, the pretzels served with homemade sauces make a perfect pair with your brew.

Harpoon Brewery has a top-notch collection of IPAs that include the Big League, Harpoon IPA, and Another Dry January. For the ladies who want a fruity drink, my chosen winner is the dragon fruit & hibiscus DragonWeisse. Mike’s Pastry Cannoli Stout is a perfect pair for sweets, and the Boston Irish Stout makes you feel like a true Bostonian.

Some beers are limited editions and an absolute must-have if they’re available during your visit. Bandito is a classic New England IPA, and the Dunkin’ Jelly Donut IPA will befuddle your palate. And for those who love smoky beers, From Nova Scotia with Love is a smoked abbey ale that hits the spot.

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4. Cambridge Brewing Company

1 Kendall Square Bldg 100, Cambridge, MA 02139

Have a beer with the college crowd at the oldest brewpub in the Greater Boston area. Cambridge Brewing Company combines craft beer and good food to treat Bostonians to a laid-back vibe.

Located in Kendall Square, the brewing company opened its doors in 1989 and has earned countless accolades. In addition to being America’s first brewery to release a Belgian beer, they craft American-style classics and aren’t afraid to experiment.

Their Cambridge Amber and Working Class Hero are two American classics that have a smooth, refreshing taste. Try the South of Reality for a hazy New England IPA or crank up the hops with the Ain’t a Sin to Win triple IPA. Some brews are available in a bottle or can, and I’d start with a bottle of Belgian-style Tripel Threat or Cerise Casée wild sour ale.

Cambridge Brewing doesn’t leave your belly empty, and the kitchen prepares seasonal New England cuisine. For the New England fare essentials like roast squash or beer-battered fish & chips, this is the place I’d always go.

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5. Trillium Brewing Company

Multiple Locations 

First opened in 2013, Trillium Brewing Company quickly became a staple on the New England beer scene. With locations at Fenway, Fort Point, and Canton, you’ll never run empty on craft beer from Trillium. But if you’re also craving food, then I’d suggest heading over to Fort Point. That’s where you’ll find the restaurant & brewery complex.

From hoppy and roasty to sour & wild, Trillium has a brew for every type of beer connoisseur. Taste the Double Dry Hopped Dot Ave for rich hops or Barrel-Aged Resolution Break for an imperial stout. Add some fruity flavors to your beer by sampling the Apricot Stonington, Blueberry Super Soak, or Wild Sinister Kid Black Currant.

Although space often gets crowded, Trillium lets you grab beer to-go whenever you’re in a rush. Just fill out your order online, and the staff will serve you on time. But if you don’t mind the wait, it’s an unforgettable dining experience.

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6. Democracy Brewing

35 Temple Pl, Boston, MA 02111

Located beside the historic Boston Common, Democracy Brewing is a laid-back joint to enjoy craft beer and delicious food. The worker-owned brewery opened its doors in 2018 to bring the authentic beer hall back to Boston.

With Boston’s intimate connection to American Independence, Democracy Brewing cherishes the value of hard work and self-sufficiency. Democracy and entrepreneurship are their core principles. And preparing fantastic brews while having a ball with the community.

If you’re in the mood for hoppy, Democracy Brewing has a tasty New England IPA called Roll the Dice. Don’t sleep on the Sixth Gear, Crash Coffee IPA, and Consummate Rioter (a freedom-loving classic).

They also have a worker’s favorite Blonde Ale, a mean lemon & lime seltzer, and Irish-influenced Sour Ale. The lively meeting space hosts a variety of fundraisers, cultural events, and live music to bring the community together.

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7. Night Shift Brewing

Multiple Locations

The lively taproom at Night Shift Brewing feels far from working a late night at work. With locations in Everett and Lovejoy Wharf, it’s one of Boston’s top venues for draft beer and regular food trucks.

If your craving filling bites, I suggest heading to Lovejoy Wharf for Night Shift Eats. The talented chefs whip up mouthwatering food the perfectly pairs with your beer. Their menu includes delectable choices like Philly Cheesesteak, the Smash Burger, Kimchi Dog, and seasoned fries.

The seasonal Owl’s Nest pop-up beer gardens bring Bostonians craft beers, wines, and food trucks around Boston. Their Esplanade location beside the Charles River is definitely one of my go-to Boston hangouts when I’m here during summer.

For the Night Shift beer menu, they offer hoppy beers, craft lagers, and sour ales. Whirlpool and Fluffinity are splendid New England IPA selections, and I love the refreshing hint of lime in their Lime Lite lager. Always be on the lookout for their limited releases, which some are only available in the taproom.

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8. Aeronaut Brewing Company

14 Tyler St, Somerville, MA 02143

When you’re in the mood for live music or arcade games with your brew, head over to Aeronaut Brewing Company. Located in Somerville, Aeronaut Brewing hosts musical acts 2-3 nights per week and often showcases local talents. Carolicious, their resident food vendor, satisfies taste buds with delicious Venezuelan cuisine paired with your brew.

Whether you want a draft beer or need something to go, Aeronaut Brewing has a menu loaded with IPAs, pilsners, stouts, and more. Hop Hop And Away is for those who crave hoppy beers, while Gift Horse is a strong American ale. Corners of the Globe is a stout with an exceptional taste and Belgian beer lovers will gravitate to Better Angels. Browse through the to-go menu and interesting finds include the Cocoa Sutra milk stout and X-Ray Night Vision black IPA.

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9. Dorchester Brewing Company

1250 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA 02125

Dorchester Brewing Company is one of Boston’s newest taprooms and has shaken up the area’s beer scene. A group of beer fanatics formed the brewery in 2016, and they’ve never looked back since. Today, Dorchester Brewing Company has a 4-season rooftop greenhouse, restaurant, and game room to complement its thirst-quenching beer.

All Dorchester beers are made on-site, and their selection of near two dozen house beers will delight your taste buds. Since it’s Boston, you knew there would be a New England IPA, and Dorchester’s Bru England IPA is an excellent brew. Learn to Forget and Indigo Sunrise are tongue-turning kettle sour ales for you to sample.

For a seriously strong ale, go with the Masao or hoppy Embarrassment of Riches. Dorchester also entices European beer lovers with their Belgian Tom Selleck Single and Irish-Dry Nitro-Savin Stout. Their enormous drink menu also includes hard seltzer, barley wine, and cider.

The latest addition to the taproom is the M&M BBQ and their lip-smacking BBQ plates. With ribs, sandwiches, brats, pretzels, and more, you’ll have one of the tastiest pairings in Boston.

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10. Turtle Swamp Brewing

3377 Washington St, Boston, MA 02130

Jamaica Plain ranks among Boston’s legendary beer-making enclaves, and Turtle Swamp Brewing opened to restore its greatness. American brewing has its roots entrenched in JP, and you won’t find a better spot to enjoy this loveable community.

The brewery has mastered the patio experience, and reservations are often needed to find a table here. Just hang out for a while in the Roslindale Beer Garden, and you’ll see why it’s one of Boston’s best spots for a beer.

And the tasty brews offered by Turtle Swamp make this the total package for beer lovers. The Orange Line IPA is a citrusy splash for your palate and the company’s praised flagship brew. Not a Wit White IPA is 100% Massachusetts hops, and The Monument is a double IPA that packs a punch.

IPAs only start the fun, and Turtle Swamp’s collection also features ales, sour beers, and porters. If you really want something strong, then I’d recommend the Skwäshbuckle Imperial Porter. For a beer on the lighter side, try the All Ears Dry Hopped Golden Ale or 02130 Copper Kölsch.

 

Which of these Boston breweries will be first on your list to try? Let me know in the comments below.