11 Top Breweries in Boston Recommended by Local Experts

Harpoon Brewery

Harpoon Brewery has been a staple of Boston's brewing community since the mid-1980s. The brewery features both traditional and innovative styles influenced by the European adventures of its three founders: Dan Kenary, Rich Doyle, and George Ligeti. While their seasonal and limited editions are fantastic when available, the flagship Harpoon IPA remains a must-try—a classic with citrus flavors and a malty backbone, making it a refreshing choice year-round and always on draft.

Trillium Brewing Company

Trillium Brewing Company, a cherished establishment in Boston, has been delighting beer enthusiasts by crafting a diverse range of artisanal brews for over a decade. With a strong focus on supporting local agriculture, they source ingredients from nearby farmers and seasonal produce from their farm in North Stonington, Connecticut. Be sure to sample the seasonal offerings at the taproom, but you won't regret choosing The Congress Street IPA, celebrated for its tropical fruit flavors and a malty, biscuity finish.

Aeronaut Brewing Company

Aeronaut Brewing Company, located in Somerville, was founded in 2014 by a group of graduate students united by their love for beer. This brewery serves as a cultural hotspot, celebrating Boston's vibrant art and music scene by featuring local artists on its cans and hosting regular events at its taprooms. Don’t miss trying A Year With Dr. Nandu IPA, a delightful mix of citrus and floral hops crafted to mark their first anniversary.

Bent Water Brewing Company

Located just a few miles from the city in Lynn, Bent Water Brewing Company is notable for its creative use of the town's soft water in the brewing process, imparting a distinct flavor to its beers. The brewery prioritizes environmental responsibility, stating that it returns all byproducts and wastewater from brewing back to their original source, maintaining their purity. When visiting Bent Water, don't miss the Thunder Funk IPA, featuring delightful notes of pine and citrus.

Lamplighter Brewing Company

Indeed, Lamplighter Brewing Company distributes to select liquor stores, but the most enjoyable way to experience their beers is by visiting their two taprooms in Cambridge. The brewers truly live up to their wizardry, crafting delightful potions such as the citrusy Birds of a Feather New England IPA and special limited barrel-aged varieties. Pro tip: You can also drop by the taproom in the morning, as it transforms into a coffee shop called Pepita, offering a rotating selection of cold brews, teas, and an extensive range of espresso drinks.

Castle Island Brewing Company

Castle Island Brewing Company in South Boston aims to make beer accessible to all by focusing on simple, enjoyable brews. Be sure to sample The Keeper, a refreshing American IPA featuring hints of tropical fruit and pine that’s hard not to appreciate. Additionally, the taproom has partnered with Bardo’s for delicious in-house pizzas, allowing you to enjoy two local favorites in one outing. (Just a note: the headquarters and original taproom are located in Norwood, MA.)

Connie Shaheen, general manager of The Revolution Hotel, highly suggests a visit to Castle Island. "You can enjoy a rotating array of house-brewed beers. It’s just a 25-minute stroll from the hotel, allowing you to safely indulge in an extra pint or two," she mentions. "We’re thrilled to offer guests many more local taproom options than ever before," she adds.

Night Shift Brewing Company

Night Shift Brewing Company emerged from the shared enthusiasm of three college friends for crafting beer. What started as a hobby transformed into a successful business in 2012, quickly attracting a loyal fanbase eager for their innovative creations. If you’re looking for something unique, be sure to try one of their limited releases.

Night Shift boasts multiple taprooms and two beer gardens throughout the city and the nearby Everett community. Laskarides mentioned that the brewery "has a bar and restaurant near TD Garden, known as their Lovejoy location. It’s always a great place to enjoy one of their classic brews and savor some pizza before a game or show."

Redemption Rock

Redemption Rock, located in Worcester just outside the city, focuses on more than just crafting excellent beer. As a certified B Corp, it is committed to ethical and responsible practices. The brewery earned this designation by prioritizing local hiring and donating at least 1 percent of its annual revenue to local nonprofits. They also allocate all cash tips to support these organizations. In the taproom, be sure to try the War Castle, their flagship IPA, which features orange and pine notes, floral aromas, and a delightful touch of sweetness.

Democracy Brewing

Democracy Brewing, established by James Rasza, is a worker-owned brewery located in the city center, dedicated to serving exceptional beer and promoting economic equality for all its staff. Every employee holds a stake in the business, meaning that its success benefits everyone involved. The brewery also champions social justice by hosting community organizations and fundraisers. Enjoy something unique like the Workers Pint American Pale Ale, a refreshing brew with a hint of sweetness from the malt, in the taproom.

It's a top choice for the concierge team at The Langham Boston, who told T+L, “We direct [guests] here due to its historical significance in the city and convenient access from the hotel, making it the ideal spot for excellent beer and a taste of history, complete with vaulted ceilings, exposed brick walls, and an ambiance reminiscent of the meeting places of old that fueled the fight for democracy." (Of course, you can also check out the rotating list of local and international beers at the hotel's cocktail bar, The Fed.)

Vitamin Sea Brewing

Vitamin Sea Brewing might be one of the newer establishments in the region, but it has rapidly gained recognition for its outstanding New England-style IPAs. Located in Weymouth, it's definitely worth the journey. In 2019, the same year it opened, Vitamin Sea Brewing clinched Boston Magazine's 2019 Malt Madness title, highlighting its popularity in the community. Be sure to try the Ramble and Roam, a dry-hopped IPA.

Notch Brewing

"There are numerous great breweries to explore, but Notch is my personal favorite in Boston," Laskarides revealed. "I really enjoy Czech and German lagers, and their offerings are consistently refreshing, crisp, and full of flavor." Notch specializes in these delightful German lagers and also features an exciting trend: low- and no-alcohol beers, including a tropical, non-alcoholic hazy IPA. This addition ensures that everyone can savor the taproom atmosphere.

Chattermark Distillers

While Chattermark may not brew beer, it certainly deserves a spot on our list of fantastic drinking spots in the city. This whiskey distillery produces everything from scratch and invites visitors to sample its straight rye, straight bourbon, and coastal forest gin at its cocktail bar, open every day. They even offer cocktail-making classes for those looking to learn a new skill.

"The distillery scene in Boston is relatively small, which makes it a thrilling time to welcome guests into our space to savor locally crafted whiskey," Laskarides remarked. "It would be fantastic to witness the distilling community expand in the same way that the brewing community has in Boston."