If you’re tired of the same old beers, you actually just might be in luck. Across our great state of Massachusetts, there are over 130 breweries. Many of these craft breweries popped up in an effort to add to the craft beer revolution.
When it comes to trying something new or finding a favorite, there are a plethora of options to choose from. If that doesn’t sound like a reason for a road trip, what does?
So, we decided to put together a list to help get you started. Beer lovers fear not! Whatever it is you’re looking for in a craft beer or environment, there are craft breweries that deliver. By deliver, we mean come with the good stuff.
From food trucks to live music and all the chill atmosphere in between, check out our favorite breweries in Massachusetts.
Best Breweries in Massachusetts
1. Tree House Brewing Company
Address: 129 Sturbridge Rd, Charlton, MA 01507
One convenient thing about Tree House Brewing Company is that if you’re not in the Charlton location, you can catch them in Sandwich or Deerfield. So, now that you know you can grab some of their beers easier, let’s talk about why you’d want to.
To begin with, this is more of a beer experience than a casual brewery. Tree House Brewing Company is very organized but also quite open. When you get there, you decide what you want to do, pick up cans, enjoy a draft, or do a little bit of both.
Whichever way you decide, there’s a different way to go. The way it’s set up, there’s no awkward waiting or lingering. You pretty much get directed to your destination.
If you are in a hurry or plan to be, Tree House made it easy to get what you want without having to wait. From ordering beer for pick up to getting tickets for a drink in person, a lot can be paid for online. That saves time and gives you a chance to look more from home.
The great thing is the property is family-friendly, which includes dogs. Give the whole family free tours of the land. Feel at ease going inside to enjoy a beverage, too. Here are a few of our favorites: Triple Your Fun, Oreo Moment of Clarity, and I Have Promises to Keep.
Tree House Brewing Company is open daily. Hours are from 11 am to 8 pm Monday through Thursday, 11 am to 9 pm on Friday and Saturday, and Sunday from 12 pm to 6 pm.
See Related: Best Things to Do in Boston, Massachusetts
2. Trillium Brewing Company
Address: 50 Thomson Pl, Boston, MA, 02210
Right in the heart of Boston is a warm and inviting place, both indoors and outdoors, to enjoy the best beers. At Trillium Brewing Company, you can feel the importance of community on the industrial-style patio outside. It’s meant to bring people together and get them talking.
There’s a mix of table sizes, so it ends up being quite accommodating. Inside, the tables are just as big and open. Sitting at the bar gets you a front-row seat to the barrels.
Scenic? That’s for you to decide. With two year-round locations in the Fort Point and Fenway neighborhoods, as well as a seasonal beer garden on The Rose Kennedy Greenway, Boston is the heart of our operations.
Frequenting a local spot means so much more when the owners are invested in what’s going on around them. Trillium Brewing actually works with about 30 vendors in the area. So, when you think about authentically Boston beer, this is it.
These are some of the best brew options: Trucks & Buses Must Exit Left, Barrel-Aged Night & Day In Tequila Barrels With Coffee, and Wild Sinister Kid.
All three locations are open daily. The Fort Point hours are 12 pm to 10 pm Monday through Thursday, 12 pm to 11 pm Friday and Saturday, and Sunday from 12 pm to 8 pm. You can also enjoy a craft brewery tour across Boston or book a Boston small group pub crawl.
3. East Regiment Beer Co.
Address: 30 Church St #B1, Salem, MA 01970
If you want to take a trip back in time without needing to have your own DeLorean, East Regiment is the brewing company for you. The name is in honor of the events that led up to the creation of what is now America’s National Guard.
Alright, so now that we’re deeply invested, what’s it like? Well, it’s a witchin’ good time. The taproom and patio are open for all ages until 8 pm. Bring your leashed furry friend, too!
A positive for many patrons is the no-smoking policy. Too often customers avoid places with beer because more and more are not interested in clouds of smoke.
If this sounds like you, ERBC is your place. There is a firm no-smoking policy on the grounds.
Check online for unscheduled happenings like pizza and live music. ERBC is also highly involved with things going on nearby and likes to participate. You never know where you’ll see them at or who will be dropping by in Salem.
Here are a few of our must-try beer picks: She’s Crafty, Say Hello to Lumbergh!, and Roast of the Town. If you can’t make it or find something you love and want more often, take advantage of additional access outside the brewery. Markets, spirit stores, and convenience stores in eastern Massachusetts carry their stock.
Taproom hours are Wednesday and Thursday from 4 pm to 9:30 pm, Friday and Saturday from 12 pm to 10 pm, and on Sunday from 12 pm to 8 pm.
See Related: Most Haunted Hotels in Salem, Massachusetts
4. Cambridge Brewing Company
Address: 1 Kendall Square Building 100, Cambridge, MA 02139
For the time you want to try some craft beers but want a little more, this is a great location. Cambridge Brewing Company operates as more of a full-service restaurant than a tap room.
They have a full menu of everything from burgers and salads to pizzas and cake. What better is there to pair crab cakes with than a bottle of Perhapsody?
So, while you’re looking through the food options, you have this wild array of beers on tap as well as in bottles or cans. Here are a few of our favorites: If You Like Pina Coladas, Punch You In The IPA, Doctor’s Note, and Hay Is For Horses.
The environment inside is quite casual with great natural lighting that is aided by skylights. One of the best parts has to be all the stained glass of beer scenes. There’s art and then there’s beer art and nothing would go better in a brewery.
Between the cozy feel to the interesting drink options, this has become quite a popular stop. If you want to make sure a seat is saved, prepare in advance by reserving a table online.
Doors open at 11:30 each morning and close at varying times depending on the day.
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5. Samuel Adams Brewery
Address: 30 Germania St, Boston, MA 02130
Samuel Adams is perhaps the most well-known beer company in Boston. Owned and operated by the Boston Beer Company, the Samuel Adams Brewery has six different types of tours you can take of their brewing company.
One of those tours is called Harvest Brews: Guided Tasting. This is where you can get a real education on beer as well as food pairings. If that’s not a great way to plan for a weekend, not sure what is.
Sam Adams offers a wide patio space in Jamaica Plain to chat and connect with other beer lovers. There is even an option to be the first to know about what’s coming in the pipeline by taste-testing experiments in the beer garden.
When it comes to the types of wild ales and we suggest trying, start here: Jack-O, Oh My Darling!, and Wicked Easy. Find out what’s on tap Monday through Friday from 12 pm to 9 pm, Saturday from 11 am to 9 pm, and Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm.
See Related: Fun & Best Things To Do in Salem, Massachusetts
6. Exhibit ‘A’ Brewing Company
Address: 81 Morton St, Framingham, MA, 01702
This popular Framingham brewery has the convenience of just dropping by for cans to-go or staying a while. You’ll want to stay because of all the events going on. Pretty regularly on the weekends, there’s live music or food trucks.
Exhibit A is also a great investor in the local community. As much as possible, they try to cultivate ingredients right here in the Farmington area. That commitment to going beyond has helped his brewery be noticed in a big way.
From top Massachusetts breweries to small businesses of the year, Exhibit A has quite the reputation. It also helps that they go out of their way to make every patron happy to be there. Exhibit A proudly welcomes those who are autistic and their families to have a drink.
Some of the most interesting beers to try are Goody Two Shoes, Focal Point Munich Dunkel Lager, and Just A Kitten. Check out their beer garden from Thursday through Sunday with varying hours.
See Related: Fun & Best Things to Do in Pittsfield, Massachusetts
7. Dorchester Brewing
Address: 1250 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA 02125
As far as Massachusetts breweries go, Dorchester Brewing probably has more events than most others. From beer and ice cream to movie nights, it would be tough to find local breweries with more fun going on.
To start getting in on the action, patrons can make a reservation or just stop by if they are in the area. Who knows, with all the activities going on, you never know what kind of game or event you’ll walk into.
This is actually a great place to have a whole friend group visit. Not being exclusive to beer means there’s really something for everyone since Dorchester also has wine, cider, and hard seltzer.
Oh, and you know what goes well with all of those drinks? BBQ. On the property is M&M BBQ. Their hours vary so be sure it matches your plans. On-tap favorites are Galaxy Lights, Prickly Personality, and DOTlandia.
Find your new favorite beer daily. Opening hours are Sunday and Monday from 11:30 am to 9 pm, Tuesday through Thursday from 11:30 am to 10 pm, then Friday and Saturday from 11:30 am to 11 pm.
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8. Democracy Brewing
Address: 35 Temple Pl, Boston, MA 02111
Going through the front door of Democracy Brewing and seeing a few long rows of unending tables might feel a little intimidating at first. Once you get situated, though, it becomes apparent that the room was designed for a good time. You could even say it’s reminiscent of a royal court.
From the tall ceilings with ribboned chandeliers to the brick walls, it’s no surprise that Democracy is a working brewery, with all of their beer brewed on-site under the restaurant. And everything feels so comfortable and oddly familiar inside. Perhaps it has a lot to do with their customer service; Democracy is a worker-owned brewery with half of their employees being worker-owners, so you know they really care about quality.
There’s live music, delicious food, and even a gorgeous mural. With all of that character, it’s hard to believe this brewing company has only been around since 2018. Nevertheless, we have a list of favorite craft beer selections to try: Cherry Disposition, Cue the Flugelhorn, and Consummate Rioter.
Go and try a new drink Tuesday or Wednesday from 12 pm to 9 pm, Thursday through Saturday from 12 pm to 10 pm, or Sunday from 12 pm to 8 pm.
9. Harpoon Brewery
Address: 306 Northern Ave, Boston, MA 02210
If you’re looking for a Boston beer company that also takes pride in its cider, seltzer, and food, check out Harpoon Brewery in the Seaport District!
Come for the beverages and food, then stay for the entertainment and events. Harpoon hosts traveling shows, music, and even activities for all ages. It makes sense that there’s so much happening here with the brewery being open since the mid-80s.
It’s also encouraging to support an employee-owned brewery. The best part is, if you find a particular flavor you love, Harpoon offers kegs for purchase.
When you want to get the most out of your time on location, it would be educational to take a tour. Not only does it come with a tasting but it’s budget-friendly. For only $5 and 30 minutes of your time, a guide will show you around the brewery. In the tasting room, each sample will be explained in fine detail.
Want to make a day of it? On the weekends, there is an almost hour-long tour for $10. This isn’t just Harpoon showing off its insides, it’s a deep dive into the history behind it. You’ll learn about the process from start to fridge.
The guided tasting afterward comes with a glass to take home. Little ones may attend but obviously not partake. It would be uncool if you never got to try the following: WhistlePig Piggy Back Barrel-Aged Rye Smash, Arctic Chill Hard Seltzer, and UFO Sampler.
Visit the beer hall daily starting at noon. Closing time varies depending on the day. Check online before heading out.
See Related: Best Things to Do on Nantucket, Massachusetts
10. Backbeat Brewing Company
Address: 31A Park St, Beverly, MA 01915
Why not get your shopping done while trying a new beer? At Backbeat Brewing, you can. Well, if you’re looking for an onslaught of English goods, that is. On campus is an entire market of things you’d be looking for in the UK.
In addition to British roots, another great reason to come by is the music. Often there are two different acts throughout the day. Arrive somewhere in the middle and get a little bit of both styles.
If you stay long enough, why not sober up a bit with a nice coffee or hot tea? There’s an entire menu devoted to these alternative options. Oh, let’s not forget to mention that one of the reasons there is coffee is that Backbeat opens early.
When we say early, we mean it. Most days they open at 6 am. So, no need to put dropping by as a happy hour destination. Why not come by for breakfast? Yes, breakfast at a brewery!
They offer everything from muffins to ham and cheese croissants. That’s just breakfast, wait until you see the beer snacks and sandwiches. It would be hard to not want to visit regularly, they have everything you need.
To get a good feel for the flavor here, try these: Mr. Fix It, Whitworth Bitter, and Background Vocals. Try one of the fresh beer options here Monday and Tuesday until 8 pm, Wednesday through Saturday until 10 pm.
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