Boston is a city with a rich brewing history, and its craft beer scene continues to thrive. Whether you’re a beer connoisseur or just looking to explore new flavors, Boston’s breweries and taprooms offer something for everyone. From trendy microbreweries to long-established favorites, here’s a list of the best breweries and taprooms in Boston to check out this month.
1. Harpoon Brewery
Best for: Classic Boston Brews and Lively Atmosphere
Harpoon Brewery is one of Boston’s most iconic and long-standing craft beer establishments. Known for its flagship Harpoon IPA, this brewery has been brewing great beer since 1986. The Harpoon Beer Hall in the Seaport offers a spacious and lively setting with plenty of seating, allowing visitors to enjoy their beers with great food options, including pretzels, sausages, and more.
- Must-Try: Harpoon IPA, Cider, and seasonal brews
- Highlights: Brewery tours, large beer hall, regular events, and food trucks
2. Trillium Brewing Company
Best for: Innovative Craft Beers and Beautiful Taproom
Trillium has rapidly become a must-visit destination for beer lovers in Boston. Known for its innovative and expertly crafted beers, Trillium's taproom in the Fort Point neighborhood offers a sleek, modern atmosphere perfect for sipping on some of their famous IPAs, stouts, and sours. Trillium’s seasonal releases and experimental beers make it a fun place to explore new tastes.
- Must-Try: Fort Point Pale Ale, Double Dry-Hopped IPA, and their barrel-aged stouts
- Highlights: Stylish taproom, rotating seasonal brews, and beautiful waterfront views
3. Sam Adams Brewery
Best for: Boston’s Legendary Craft Beer and Brewery Tours
You can’t talk about Boston’s beer scene without mentioning Samuel Adams. The Sam Adams Brewery in Jamaica Plain offers one of the best brewery tours in the city. The brewery has been making waves since it was founded by Jim Koch in 1984, and it’s still going strong today. The Sam Adams Boston Lager is a classic, but the brewery offers plenty of other options, including seasonal and limited-edition releases.
- Must-Try: Boston Lager, Octoberfest, and seasonal specialty brews
- Highlights: Brewery tours, tasting room, and the popular Beer Garden during the warmer months
4. Mystic Brewery
Best for: Belgian-Inspired Brews and Historic Vibes
Located in Chelsea, just outside of Boston, Mystic Brewery is known for its Belgian-inspired beers brewed with a unique touch. The taproom itself is housed in a historic building, adding a cool, industrial vibe to your beer experience. Mystic’s beers feature complex flavors, from farmhouse ales to rich stouts, making it a perfect spot for adventurous beer lovers.
- Must-Try: Trappist-style Dubbel, Table Beer, and seasonal Belgian ales
- Highlights: Cozy taproom, Belgian-style brews, and relaxed atmosphere
5. Backlash Beer Company
Best for: Bold Flavors and Local Charm
Located in the Stoughton area, Backlash Beer Company may be small, but its beers are big on flavor. Specializing in bold and balanced brews, Backlash offers a rotating selection of IPAs, stouts, and lagers, with a strong emphasis on hop-forward and malt-driven beers. Their intimate taproom makes it a great place to enjoy unique, small-batch beers with friends.
- Must-Try: Ripped, Canned & Wrapped IPA, Barrel-Aged Stout
- Highlights: Small-batch brews, local collaborations, and a welcoming atmosphere
6. Dorchester Brewing Company
Best for: Community Vibes and Wide Selection
Dorchester Brewing Company, located in Boston’s Dorchester neighborhood, prides itself on bringing the community together through craft beer. The brewery features a spacious taproom with a variety of styles on tap, from IPAs to lagers, stouts, and sours. Dorchester Brewing Company regularly hosts events, including trivia nights, live music, and food trucks, making it a perfect place for a casual night out.
- Must-Try: Dorchester IPA, Savannah Lager, and seasonal sours
- Highlights: Community-oriented brewery, large taproom, and fun events
7. Night Shift Brewing
Best for: Creative Beers and Tasting Flights
With locations in Everett and a popular taproom in the North End, Night Shift Brewing is known for its creative approach to brewing. Their Civic Duty IPA and Nite Lite Lager are fan favorites, but Night Shift also regularly experiments with seasonal brews, barrel-aged beers, and other one-off releases. If you're into tasting flights, this is the perfect spot to sample a range of their innovative offerings.
- Must-Try: Civic Duty IPA, Nite Lite Lager, and experimental seasonal releases
- Highlights: Tasting flights, rotating taps, and a cozy, laid-back atmosphere
8. Aeronaut Brewing Company
Best for: Creative Brews and Fun Vibe
Located in Somerville, Aeronaut Brewing Company has become a popular gathering spot for beer lovers looking for something different. Known for its creative, experimental brews, Aeronaut offers everything from IPAs to saisons and barrel-aged beers. The taproom is lively, and you’ll often find local food trucks and live performances to accompany your pint.
- Must-Try: Aero Dynamico IPA, Tropical Storm IPA, and Barrel-Aged Brews
- Highlights: Live events, food trucks, and a fun, lively taproom atmosphere
9. Berkshire Brewing Company
Best for: Scenic Views and Classic Beer Styles
While it’s a bit of a drive from downtown Boston (located in South Deerfield), Berkshire Brewing Company is worth the trip. This beloved brewery offers a mix of classic beers like their Berkshire Pale Ale and seasonal brews, all made with high-quality ingredients. The brewery’s tasting room is relaxed and comfortable, making it the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy a great beer.
- Must-Try: Berkshire Pale Ale, Coffeehouse Porter, and seasonal brews
- Highlights: Beautiful scenic views, classic beer styles, and a cozy taproom
10. Harvard Brewing Company
Best for: Historic Charm and Local Flavor
Located in the Allston-Brighton area, Harvard Brewing Company combines a historic atmosphere with top-notch beers. Known for its balanced and flavorful brews, this brewery offers a unique selection, including their signature Harvard Amber Ale and other traditional brews. With a relaxed taproom and knowledgeable staff, it’s a great spot for beer lovers looking for a low-key experience.
- Must-Try: Harvard Amber Ale, Hefeweizen, and seasonal brews
- Highlights: Historic ambiance, classic brews, and a welcoming environment
Boston's craft beer scene is brimming with diverse options for every type of beer lover. Whether you’re a fan of hoppy IPAs, rich stouts, or innovative sours, there’s a brewery or taproom in the city for you. So, grab a friend, take a tour, and explore the best of Boston’s local breweries this month. Cheers!
