Best 16 Breweries in Boston MA: A Guide to the City’s Top Craft Beer Destinations

ByAnthony Smith Last Updated:

Boston, Massachusetts is home to a thriving craft beer scene, with numerous breweries and brewpubs scattered throughout the city. From traditional lagers and ales to experimental sours and stouts, there is something for every beer lover in Boston. In this article, we will explore some of the best breweries in Boston, highlighting their unique features and standout brews.

One of the top breweries in Boston is Trillium Brewing Company, which has gained national recognition for its exceptional beer. Founded in 2013, Trillium has two locations in Boston, including a flagship taproom in Fort Point and a beer garden on the Rose Kennedy Greenway. Known for their juicy IPAs and barrel-aged sours, Trillium’s beers are consistently rated among the best in the country. Visitors to their taprooms can enjoy a rotating selection of beers on tap, as well as limited-edition releases and brewery-exclusive offerings.

Another must-visit brewery in Boston is Harpoon Brewery, one of the city’s oldest and most established craft breweries. Founded in 1986, Harpoon has been a staple of the Boston beer scene for over three decades. Their flagship beer, Harpoon IPA, is a classic New England-style IPA that has become synonymous with the brewery. In addition to its core lineup, Harpoon also produces a wide variety of seasonal and limited-release beers, many of which are available exclusively at their Boston taproom. Visitors can take a guided tour of the brewery, sample beers in the taproom, or enjoy a meal at the on-site beer hall.

Top Breweries in Boston

Boston is home to a thriving craft beer scene, with a variety of breweries offering unique and delicious brews. Here are some of the top breweries in Boston to check out:

Trillium Brewing Company

Trillium Brewing Company is a popular New England craft brewery with locations in Boston and Canton. Their Fort Point location in Boston offers a taproom and beer garden, while their Canton location features a larger taproom and brewery. Trillium is known for its hazy IPAs and sour beers, as well as its stouts and lagers.

Website: https://trilliumbrewing.com/

Address: 100 Royall St, Canton, MA 02021, United States

Night Shift Brewing

Night Shift Brewing is a brewery located in Everett, just outside of Boston. They offer a wide variety of brews, including IPAs, stouts, and sours. Night Shift also has a location in Boston’s Lovejoy Wharf neighborhood, which features a taproom and beer garden.

Website: https://nightshiftbrewing.com/

Address: 87 Santilli Hwy, Everett, MA 02149, United States

Harpoon Brewery

Harpoon Brewery is a Boston-based brewery that has been around since 1986. They offer a variety of beers, including their flagship Harpoon IPA and their UFO line of unfiltered wheat beers. Harpoon also has a beer hall and brewery in Boston’s Seaport District.

Website: https://www.harpoonbrewery.com/boston-brewery/

Address: 306 Northern Ave, Boston, MA 02210, United States

Cambridge Brewing Company

Cambridge Brewing Company is a brewpub located in Cambridge. They offer a variety of beers, including their popular Flower Child IPA and their sour beers. Cambridge Brewing Company also has a seasonal beer garden in Kendall Square.

Website: https://www.cambridgebrewingcompany.com/

Address: 1 Kendall Square Bldg 100, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States

Lamplighter Brewing Company

Lamplighter Brewing Company is a brewery located in Cambridge. They offer a variety of beers, including IPAs, saisons, and sour beers. Lamplighter also has a taproom and beer garden in Cambridge’s Central Square.

Website: https://lamplighterbrewing.com/

Address: 284 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States

Aeronaut Brewing Company

Aeronaut Brewing Company is a brewery located in Somerville. They offer a variety of beers, including their popular A Year with Dr. Nandu New England IPA and their sour beers. Aeronaut also has a taproom and beer garden in Somerville’s Union Square.

Website: https://www.aeronautbrewing.com/

Address: 14 Tyler St, Somerville, MA 02143, United States

Democracy Brewing

Democracy Brewing is a brewery and restaurant located in downtown Boston. They offer a variety of beers, including their Suds for Social Justice IPA and their cider. Democracy Brewing also offers a menu of pizza and other pub fare.

Website: https://www.democracybrewing.com/home/

Address: 35 Temple Pl, Boston, MA 02111, United States

Distraction Brewing Company

Distraction Brewing Company is a brewery located in Boston’s Roslindale neighborhood. They offer a variety of beers, including their popular Whirlpool Pale Ale and their Pilsner. Distraction Brewing Company also has a taproom and outdoor seating.

Website: https://www.distractionbrewingco.com/

Address: 2 Belgrade Ave, Roslindale, MA 02131, United States

Castle Island Brewing Company

Castle Island Brewing Company is a brewery located in Norwood, just outside of Boston. They offer a variety of beers, including their popular Candlepin Session Ale and their rotating brews. Castle Island also has a taproom and beer garden in Boston’s Kenmore neighborhood.

Website: https://castleislandbeer.com/

Address: 31 Astor Ave, Norwood, MA 02062, United States

Samuel Adams Brewery

Samuel Adams Brewery is a Boston-based brewery that has been around since 1984. They offer a variety of beers, including their flagship Samuel Adams Boston Lager and their seasonal beers. Samuel Adams also offers tours of their brewery in Boston’s Jamaica Plain neighborhood.

Website: https://www.samueladams.com/

Address: 30 Germania St, Boston, MA 02130, United States

Dorchester Brewing Company

Dorchester Brewing Company is a brewery located in Boston’s Dorchester neighborhood. They offer a variety of beers, including their popular V1 Double IPA and their seasonal beers. Dorchester Brewing Company also has a taproom and outdoor seating.

Website: https://www.dorchesterbrewing.com/

Address: 1250 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA 02125, United States

Notch Brewing

Notch Brewing is a brewery located in Salem, just outside of Boston. They offer a variety of beers, including their popular Session Pils and their sour beers. Notch Brewing also has a beer garden in Boston’s Allston-Brighton neighborhood.

Website: https://www.notchbrewing.com/

Address: 283R Derby St, Salem, MA 01970, United States

Idle Hands Craft Ales

Idle Hands Craft Ales is a brewery located in Malden, just outside of Boston. They offer a variety of beers, including their popular Four Seam American IPA and their wheat beer. Idle Hands Craft Ales also has a taproom and outdoor seating.

Website: https://www.idlehandscraftales.com/

Address: 89 Commercial St, Malden, MA 02148, United States

Bent Water Brewing Company

Bent Water Brewing Company is a brewery located in Lynn, just outside of Boston. They offer a variety of beers, including their popular After Dark Stout and their seasonal beers. Bent Water Brewing Company also has a taproom and outdoor seating.

Website: https://www.bentwaterbrewing.com/

Address: 180 Commercial St #18, Lynn, MA 01905, United States

Bone Up Brewing

Bone Up Brewing is a brewery located in Everett, just outside of Boston. They offer a variety of beers, including their popular Carolicious American Lager and their Redemption Rock Sour Ale. Bone Up Brewing also has a taproom and outdoor seating.

Website: https://www.boneup.beer/

Address: 38 Norman St, Everett, MA 02149, United States

Lord Hobo Brewing Company

Lord Hobo Brewing Company is a brewery located in Woburn, just outside of Boston. They offer a variety of beers, including their popular Boom Sauce Double IPA and their rotating brews. Lord Hobo Brewing Company also has a taproom and outdoor seating, as well as a location in Boston’s Seaport District.

Website: https://lordhobo.com/

Address: 5 Draper St, Woburn, MA 01801, United States

The Role of Local Ingredients

Boston’s craft breweries pride themselves on using local ingredients to create unique and flavorful brews. By using locally sourced ingredients, breweries can support local businesses and reduce their carbon footprint.

One example of a brewery that uses local ingredients is 67 Degrees Brewing. Brewer Tim Morse uses honey from Franklin Honey Company in his honey brown ale, creating a delicious and distinct flavor. This brewery also features a rotating selection of brews that incorporate local ingredients, such as seasonal fruits and locally grown hops.

Another brewery that emphasizes local ingredients is Notch Brewing. Their Brighton location is designed in the style of a Czech and German beer hall and features a menu that highlights locally sourced ingredients. Notch Brewing also offers a waterfront location in Salem, providing a unique and picturesque setting to enjoy their brews.

By using local ingredients, Boston’s craft breweries can create brews that are unique to the area and support local businesses. Visitors to these breweries can enjoy delicious and distinct flavors while also supporting sustainable practices.