Massachusetts Breweries

‘Hops on Hops’ Brewery Passport Launches at 28 Massachusetts Breweries This Summer

The challenge promotes taprooms in north-central Greater Boston during a typically slow season—and promises a grand prize package for one “Hops on Hops” Champion.

While many beer fans plan to travel to Cape Cod beaches or the New Hampshire woods in the summer months, a group of Greater Boston breweries are here with a reason to stick around the city. The inaugural Hops on Hops Brewery Passport launches July 1 at nearly 30 regional taprooms, with prizes for folks who visit them all by September 30.

“It started as a fun little thing to get people moving around to different breweries north of the city,” says Chris Welch, organizer of the Hops on Hops Brewery Passport and taproom manager at Lord Hobo in Woburn. The more Welch talked about the idea with fellow breweries, the more signed on. Melynda Gallagher, co-owner of Lost Shoe Brewing and Roasting Company in Marlborough, is a Hops on Hops co-organizer. 

The map of 27 participating breweries plus Lord Hobo’s Woburn and Seaport locations (the only brand with two stops on the passport) spans a “windshield wiper of the northeast region of the state,” Welch colorfully explains. It includes nine Boston-area breweries, a dozen north of the city and eight “not-quite-Worcester west.” Check out the full lineup below. 

The Hops on Hops Brewery Passport is free to begin at any participating brewery, and all participating locations have branded “Champion” glassware ready to go for anyone who completes all 29 stamps. All Champions will be entered to win a grand prize pack, which includes a Yeti backpack cooler, a 16-ounce commemorative koozie and goodies from participating breweries.

Welch understands the region the passport covers is “pretty spread out, but I made sure that there's always a couple of breweries in the area” to encourage folks to make a day of visiting. He’s looking forward to seeing how the inaugural Hops on Hops Brewery Passport goes to see if there are ways to make it even more inclusive in the future, such as tapping into the Mass. Brew Bros maps of Mass. breweries to organize other regional passport programs. 

The state’s non-profit craft beer association Massachusetts Brewers Guild is helping to promote the Hops on Hops Brewery Passport. MBG member Winbrook, Inc., a leading player in the New England print and promotional product industry, produced the passports and Champion glassware, which were designed in-house at Lord Hobo by Kate Ballenger, a longtime employee and the current director of customer experience.

“I love the beer industry as a whole,” says Welch, who worked for other breweries and restaurants before joining Lord Hobo five years ago. “This is a cool way to encourage people to see new places and try new things.” 

To learn more about the Hops on Hops Brewery Passport, email hopsonhops@lordhobo.com or stop by a participating brewery between July 1-September 30. 

30+ Refreshing Beers from Massachusetts Breweries to Crush This Summer

On hot sunny days, you need a beer that’s light, thirst-quenching, and not too boozy. It doesn’t have to be a pale lager or a cream ale: Sometimes the refresher you crave is a fruity sour, a tropical hop bomb, or even an easy-drinking American porter. Massachusetts breweries have plenty of crushable beers cold and ready for you this summer. Whether you’re heading for the beach, the trails, or just doing yard work, here’s how to fill your cooler.

MBG members, did we miss your summer crusher? Fill out this form to be included in our next update.

Northeast

Bent Water Brewing Company

Chill is a clean and crisp answer to a question Bent Water is often asked: “What’s the lightest beer you have?” The brewers’ favorite at an easy-drinking 4.2%, this approachable American light lager is appreciated by anyone who wants a beer that tastes like beer. Find it on draft at the Lynn taproom and in cans to-go and in local stores and area restaurants. Let’s go!

Lord Hobo Brewing

617 White Ale finishes crisp following bright orange and citrus flavors, balanced out by a slight bitterness. The 5%, medium-bodied unfiltered wheat beer is crafted with Bostonians in mind—for hot summer days at the ballpark or around a cozy fire on a cold New England night. Find it on draft and in cans to-go at Lord Hobo’s taprooms and in local stores and area restaurants. Let’s go!

Navigation Brewing Co.

Get a taste of Summer, an all-Amarillo hopped pale wheat beer by Navigation Brewing Co. The 5.4% crushers has flavor notes of orange and lemon peel. Find it on draft at the Lowell taproom and in cans to-go. Let’s go!

True North Ale Company

Coast to Coast is an American summer IPA brewed with pilsner malt and flaked oats for a soft mouthfeel. At 5.8%, Citra, Strata, and Talus hops provide big flavors and aromas of tropical citrus, passion fruit, strawberry, and pink grapefruit. Find it on draft at the Ipswich taproom and in cans to-go and in local stores and area restaurants. Let’s go! 

Wandering Soul Beer Co.

Contract brewers Wandering Soul craft a light, easy-drinking IPA called Melody Maker with with Citra, Mosaic and Motueka hops—and just 4.9% ABV. No taproom to visit for this one, but look for Wandering Soul cans in local stores and area restaurants.

Metro Boston

Aeronaut Brewing Co.

Have some adventure fuel from Aeronaut: The Somerville-based brewing company has plenty of crushers on deck for summer. Robot Crush is an award-winning American pilsner. Hopped with Citra, the aromatic offering clocks 5.1% with flavors of biscuit and honey balanced with hints of citrus. Hop Hop & Away is a year-round session hazy cold-steeped with Citra and Mosaic hops (4.6%). (Into the) Citra Galaxy is another 4.6% session IPA with hints of peach and tangerine. Pina Colada IPA is a little boozier at 7.1% but no less summer-friendly, fruited with natural flavors of coconut and pineapple. Speaking of fruit: Tropical Storm on a Sour Planet is for anyone who appreciates tropical flavors. Blood orange, passion fruit, pineapple, papaya, cherry, and black currant swirl together in this 4.9% kettle sour. Find these brews at Aeronaut’s taprooms and beer garden as well as in cans at local stores and restaurants. Let’s go!

Idle Hands Craft Ales

A new brew at Idle Hands captures the vibrant essence of summertime blueberries. Blueberry Ale is a 5.5% leisure time beverage garnished with fresh fruit in the Malden taproom. Let’s go!

Long Live Roxbury

Long Live Beerworks has a couple lagers on draft at its new Boston taproom, including the exclusive ROX Pils (5.2%). But the Providence-based beermakers will defy expectations for a summer beer with Youth Revolt, a 6% IPA. Find this upcoming release at the Roxbury taproom and in cans at local stores. Let’s go!

Night Shift Brewing

A longtime staple of Boston’s summer beer fridge, Whirlpool is a hazy pale ale that explodes with fruit flavors while staying super easy to drink. Find this brew at Night Shift’s taprooms and beer gardens as well as in cans at local stores and restaurants. Let’s go!

Portico Brewing

Just a few simple ingredients bring the flavor to Portico’s Two Point Pils: Two malts (Pilsner and Carapils) and two hops (Hallertauer Mittelfrüh and Wakatu). Floral but dry with medium hop bitterness, its refreshing effervescence and lighter body make this German-style pilsner just what you want to reach for on a hot day. Find it at the Somerville taproom and in cans at local stores. Let’s go!

Samuel Adams Boston Brewery

Samuel Adams Summer Ale needs no introduction, but we’ll provide one anyway. The Boston-born brewery’s seasonal favorite is a 5.3% American wheat ale that’s crisp easy-drinking with a citrus blend and a hint of pepper from West African grains of paradise. Find it in Sam’s Boston taprooms in Jamaica Plain and Faneuil Hall and in stores and area restaurants. Let’s go!

Southeast & Cape Cod

Cape Cod Beer

Cape Cod’s first brewery is a year-round destination, but nobody’s surprised the Hyannis spot has plenty of summer crushers on offer. Cape Cod Beach Blonde is a polished golden ale at 4.9% with a hint of toasted malt character and a clean finish. Cape Cod Summer Ale is light and refreshing yet spicy and fruity as a traditional Bavarian Hefeweizen (5.5%). Pilsener was originally brewed for baseball season on Cape Cod but was such a hit (get it?) it’s now year-round. The only lager in the brewery’s lineup, this Bohemian-style Pilsener is clean, crisp, and crushable. Find all these brews at Cape Cod Beer’s taproom, local stores, and area restaurants. Let’s go!

Independent Fermentations

Simple is satisfying in the case of Pils-nerd. IndieFerm’s summer go-to is a delicious beer that just tastes like beer. The year-round offering is light and crisp at 4.5%, making it a quintessentially crushable lawnmower or beach beer. Find it at the Plymouth taproom and at local stores and restaurants. Let’s go!

Mayflower Brewing Company

Get into Leisure Mode with Mayflower’s light, hoppy, and hazy New England IPA (4.5%). Crispy Business is another crushable choice from the Plymouth beermakers. Also 4.5%, it’s a smooth and dry Kölsch-style ale with a delicate and pleasant aroma of apple and pear. Find these bevvies at the taproom, local stores, and restaurants. Let’s go!

Untold Brewing

A fan- and staff favorite, Seatown Lager is balanced, flavorful, and ultimately crushable with a balanced blend of malts and bright, floral hops. The 4.2% fan- and staff favorite is named in honor of Seattle, where Untold founder Matt Elder began his brewing career; and pays homage to the ocean. Find it at the Scituate taproom, local stores, and restaurants. Let’s go!

Metrowest

Amory's Tomb Brewing Co.

Brewed with Maine malts, oats, and Merrimack Valley wildflower honey (plus European hops and lemon peel), Farm Road is a 4.5% saison perfect for any table set for summer in New England. Find it on draft at the Maynard beer garden and in cans to-go and in local stores and area restaurants. Let’s go!

Exhibit 'A' Brewing Company

Goody Two Shoes Kölsch is what to reach for when a trip to Germany isn’t in the cards. Exhibit A's authentic tribute to Cologne, the city where the style originated, is crisp and clean. The 4.5% flagship brew is lightly lemony with fresh-baked flavors followed by a dry finish. Need your hazy hops fix? Just A Kitten is a 5% New England IPA with light orange on the nose and a peachy orange flavor with a light hint of malt shining through. Find both on draft at the Framingham taproom and in cans to-go and in local stores and area restaurants. Let’s go!

Jack’s Abby

Refreshing, golden Porch Fest matches well with live music and friendly jam sessions. The 5.5% festbier has zesty lemon and citrus notes. Bring the fest to any porch this summer with 12-packs and tallboys available at the Framingham taproom and local stores. Let’s go!

Lost Shoe Brewing & Roasting Company

Crisp and crushable Lost Shoe Light is a 4% American light lager brewed with barley, rice, water, and hops. It’s a taproom exclusive from Lost Shoe Brewing, on tap in Marlborough and available in cans to-go. Let’s go!

Medusa Brewing Company

Get ready for the Summer Olympics with a gold medalist: Medusa’s Duchovni Czech-style Pilsner earned that honor at the 2016 World Beer Cup. Bubbly with a clean, dry finish, it’s a crushable 5.2%. For something a little different, quaff the bright citrus flavors of Rapid Refresh: American Wheat Ale with Lemon & Orange Peel (4.6%). Find both brews at the Hudson taproom and beer garden and in local stores and restaurants. Let’s go! 

Start Line Brewing

The summer crusher in Start Line Brewing’s Hop Load IPA series is evocatively named: Hazy Smalls is a juicy session ale that crosses the finish at just 4.5%. Find it on draft at the Hopkinton taproom and in cans to-go and in local stores and area restaurants. Let’s go!

Central

Altruist Brewing Company

The aptly named Crush It cream ale is light-bodied and easy-drinking at 4.2%. Find cans at the Sturbridge taproom. Let’s go! 

Dirigible Brewing Company
Lots of brews at this experimental haven in Littleton are low-ABV, like the Lighter Than Air kettle sour beer series, super sessionable around 3.5%. Leather Satchel is a ~2.5% (!!) dark American table beer that has dark, malty notes while still being totally crushable. And Little Zep is a sessionable, hazy IPA with tropical fruit flavors and a strong citrus backbone. Let’s go!

Penny Pinchers Brewing Co.

Even bad-weather days are grand with Rainy Day Fund Cloudberry Blonde Ale. A traditional blonde ale with just the right balance of sweet and tart from the cloudberry make it a perfect summer beer. Find it in cans at the Millbury taproom and in local stores and restaurants. Let’s go! 

Redemption Rock Brewing Co.

Guava Bunga! is a summer favorite at Worcester’s Redemption Rock. This guava and lime sour ale is a tropical treat with a dry, fizzy and puckering finish. Let’s go! 

Sterling Street Brewery

Sterling Summer Ale gets a summery jolt from lemon and orange peel. This satisfying crusher lands at 5.1% and is available from the taproom, local stores, and restaurants. Let’s go!

Wormtown Brewery

Wormtown’s Beach Fix Summer Ale is a refreshing Kolsch that’s easy on the palate. Find the 4.5% crusher at the Worcester and Foxboro taprooms and at local stores and restaurants. Let’s go!

Western Mass. & the Berkshires

Abandoned Building Brewery

The addition of real lemon juice makes Summer Shandy an especially refreshing wheat ale. Abandoned Building’s crushable blend is 4.6%. Find it at the Easthampton taproom as well as local stores. Let’s go!

The Brewery at Four Star Farms

Dawn Song could be compared to “sunshine in a glass,” goes the description for this sessionable summer ale with citrus-forward aromas and a soft finish. It’s also made with hops and malt entirely grown onsite at this Northfield brewery! Let’s go!

Brick & Feather Brewery

Named for this Turners Falls brewery’s favorite episode of Mystery Science Theater 3000, Kitten With A Whip is a 5% Munich-style helles lager that’s light and refreshing yet full of flavor and body. Let’s go!

The MBG’s Guide to Outdoor Patios at Massachusetts Member Breweries

With more than 200 breweries now open across the Bay State, you’re never too far from a beer garden. We’ve compiled a list of 60-plus places from the Berkshires to Cape Cod so you always know where to go and what to expect. Cheers!

Northeast

Bent Water Brewing Company

Colorful, eye-catching picnic tables are set up outside Bent Water Brewing in Lynn. The heated, shaded, and well-lit beer garden hosts a variety of events, from movie nights to trivia and live music. Bring your dog for a treat made from spent grain. Let’s go!

Laneside Pub & Brewery

Head here for a new take on beer-garden games: Inspired by its location at Cape Ann Lanes, outdoors at Laneside Pub & Brewery you’ll discover Cornbowl, or candlepin bowling with bean bags. There’s regular cornhole, too, and family-friendly seating plus a full food menu. Let’s go!

Lord Hobo 

The Woburn headquarters and restaurant of Lord Hobo brewery serves up a full menu (think: pizza and 20-plus brews) plus wine and hard cider. The patio, meanwhile, has umbrellas for shade, and hosts monthly dog-friendly events called Yappy Hour in partnership with local dog rescues. Let’s go!

Mill 77 Brewing

A spot to hang out in Amesbury, Mill 77 has grassy outdoor seating with shade from the sun. The owners say, experience a new and exciting take on bocce thanks to the uneven grass! ;) The dog-friendly spot offers packaged snacks and food pop-ups. Let’s go!

Navigation Brewing Co.

Bring all your friends (even the four-legged ones!) to the largest beer patio in Lowell. Navigation Brewing Co. hosts live music and food pop-ups regularly. Let’s go! 

Oak & Iron Brewing Co.

Nestled alongside the Shawsheen River in Andover, the beer garden at Oak & Iron Brewing benefits from great breeze and peaceful sounds. The dog-friendly patio is open year-round thanks to heaters and a winter-seasonal tent, while umbrellas go up for shade in the summer. Look for visiting food trucks and pop-ups, and check out the Acorn Summer Jam series for live music every other Friday from June until Labor Day. Let’s go!

True North Ale Company

Three large, tented outdoor patios at True North Ales in Ipswich offer seating for 150 people to enjoy live music, small bites, and more. Let’s go!

Metro Boston

Aeronaut Allston

In addition to offering outdoor seating at its headquarters in Somerville, Aeronaut is bringing back Boston’s original pop-up beer garden. Located at Zone 3 in Allston, Aeronaut Allston hosts live, local music every night it’s open along with visiting food trucks, and even a Thursday night cornhole league. This year, it’s dog-friendly, too. Let’s go!

Cambridge Brewing Company

An original Boston-area brewery patio, CBC is a landscaped, off-street space with a full dining menu and world-class beers. Well-behaved pups and well-behaved humans welcome. Let’s go!

Castle Island Brewing Co.

The Southie location of Castle Island Brewing Co. boasts a large and lively patio. With games, live music, and a full kitchen by Bardo’s Bar Pizza, it’s always a place to be. Let’s go!

Democracy Brewing

Downtown Crossing brewpub Democracy returns to the beer garden on City Hall Plaza this season, along with Roslindale’s Distraction Brewing. Try selections from both breweries every day. Let’s go!

Dorchester Brewing Company

Head up to the rooftop “Hopservatory” at Dorchester Brewing Co. for a unique vantage point on the Boston skyline. There’s also a ground-level beer garden where you can linger over a range of house-made bevvies and food by M&M BBQ. Let’s go! 

Harpoon Brewery

Beginning Memorial Day weekend, Harpoon’s Seaport beer hall gets outdoor seating that’s great for big groups. Spent-grain pretzels, everyone? Also on tap this summer: Harpoon is teaming up with Emerson College and the City of Boston on a beer garden-style venue with live music. Open daily through October from noon until 9 p.m. on the corner of Tremont and Boylston streets on Boston Common, the UnCommon Stage offers a variety of Harpoon-brewed beverages and free daily entertainment. Let’s go!

Idle Hands Craft Ales

This year-round (weather-dependent, of course) beer garden in Malden Center is a great place to catch some of the coolest food pop-ups around Boston. There are also small bites, like soft pretzels, plus a range of classic European and American styles on tap. Let’s go!

Lamplighter Brewing Co.

The two-story, light-filled taproom at Cambridge Crossing is steps from the new Lechmere T stop. Upstairs, there’s an open-air porch overlooking a greenspace and body of water; and there’s also a dog-friendly ground-level patio. If you’re hungry, check out the menu of house-made cheese and charcuterie boards or BYO food from a nearby business. Let’s go!

Long Live Beerworks Roxbury

Rhode Island-born Long Live Beerworks is opening a Boston taproom this season (tentatively: end of May). When it debuts, find two patio experiences: one in the front parking lot area which will be frequented by food trucks, and a more intimate sliver of the city on the back of the building. Let’s go!

Lord Hobo

Lord Hobo’s Seaport restaurant and taproom has an outdoor patio stretching along the building with the ability to accommodate another 380 people. Let’s go!

Mighty Squirrel Brewing

Under the string lights, a wraparound patio in Waltham is a popular after-work spot frequented by food trucks (and friendly dogs!). Mighty Squirrel’s new location in Fenway doesn’t have outdoor space, but it has giant floor-to-ceiling windows open along David Ortiz Drive for open-air vibes. Let’s go!

Night Shift Brewing

There are many ways to revel outside with Night Shift Brewing. The headquarters in Everett has a dog-friendly patio with food trucks. Night Shift’s canalside brewery at Lovejoy Wharf, right next to the TD Garden, boasts a view from the patio of the Zakim Bridge, plus a full menu of eclectic cuisine (think: Detroit-style pizza). The Esplanade beer garden features some of the most beautiful beer garden views in Boston, Herter Park Allston’s food truck-frequented beer garden feels worlds away from the city, and for the first time this year, Night Shift has a beer garden at Dewey Square on the Greenway. Let’s go!

Portico Brewing

This is the first season Portico beer fans can enjoy the brand’s brews on its own outdoor patio: The longtime local contract brand debuted a Somerville taproom complete with a covered patio. There’s an in-house kitchen featuring Johnny Pomodoro’s Italian fare, and the beer garden is dog-friendly, too. Let’s go!

Remnant Brewing

Remnant Brewing’s umbrella-shaded patio is located at the indoor/outdoor maker market, Bow Market, with small-business neighbors such as a flower shop, record store, and ample food options. The Somerville brewery expanded with a Cambridge location this year featuring one of the city’s most coveted backyards. Both locations serve coffee, beer, sunshine and fun all season long. Let’s go!

Sam Adams Boston Brewery

The original brewery in Boston has an outdoor area with fire pits and an outdoor bar with TVs. Stay tuned for occasional food pop-ups and events like music bingo on Tuesdays, trivia on Thursdays, and live music every Sunday and some Fridays and Saturdays. Let’s go!

Sam Adams Downtown Boston Taproom

In the heart of Faneuil Hall, Sam Adams has a brewery and taproom with a roofdeck. The spot serves up sandwiches and small bites, along with exclusive brews. Let’s go!

Trillium Brewing Company

In Boston peoper, Trillium has three unique outdoor drinking spots: The restaurant and brewery in Fort Point has a roof deck and ground-level taproom tables. In the Fenway neighborhood, the greenhouse-like taproom at 401 Park is next door to Time Out Market food hall to fill your belly. The Greenway beer garden is a spot in the middle of the city for food trucks and these world-class brews. Let’s go!

Southeast

Barrel House Z

Adirondack chairs, a fire pit, and barrel-tables set the scene at the beer garden at Barrel House Z, which sits along a stream in Weymouth and serves up an eclectic array of beer. Snack on soft pretzels, or check out the visiting food truck. Let’s go!

Berkley Beer Company

Comfortable Adirondack chairs are among the seating options outside at Berkley Beer Co. There are also shade sails and umbrellas over other picnic tables and custom-built fire pits. Stick around for a round of cornhole or two. Let’s go!

Break Rock Brewing

Unforgettable sunsets and sweeping views of the Boston Harbor Islands await at this waterfront spot on Quincy’s Marina Boardwalk. There’s often live music, too. Let’s go

Buzzards Bay Brewing

The farmcoast community of Westport has a sprawling destination brewery in Buzzards Bay, with volleyball, disc golf, stone walls, sunflowers, music festivals, and more throughout the summer. Fall brings a corn maze — and daily sunsets are no extra charge. Let’s go!

Castle Island Brewing Co.

The Norwood location of Castle Island Brewing Co. has a paved beer garden which hosts fun events like trivia, musical bingo, live music, and more. Check the schedule (but know that cornhole is always available). The Bardo’s Bar Pizza truck is parked on premise for food, and dogs are always welcome. Let’s go!

Independent Fermentations

A kombucha brewery, beermaker, and hop farm in Plymouth, IndieFerm uses locally grown ingredients to reimagine classic European styles. The pet- and family-friendly outdoor area often welcomes pop-up food vendors and live music performers. Let’s go!

Mayflower Brewing Co.

There’s two locations to drink in all that Mayflower Brewing Co., has to offer - the Beer Garden at The Pinehills is back offering beer, wine, live music, local artisans, and the Lobsta Love Food Truck every week. Let’s go! Or head on over to the brewery where the patio is open anytime the brewery is open. Enjoy food & music lineup on our event calendar. Let’s go!

Moby Dick Brewing Co.

The patio at this New Bedford brewpub is situated on the cobblestoned National Historical Whaling Area and serves the full menu. Let’s go!

Shovel Town Brewery

Flatbreads, sandwiches, and shareable snacks are on the menu at Shovel Town Brewery, which has outdoor seating at its spot in North Easton. Let’s go!

Trillium Brewing Company

The Canton headquarters of Trillium Brewing Co. is at the foothills of the Blue Hills, so it offers verdant views and a sprawling lawn that’s great for groups to share pizza, barbecue sandwiches, and more wood-fired fare. Let’s go!

Untold Brewing

The original Scituate location of Untold Brewing has a dog-friendly beer garden on-site, serving small bites along with brews. (The newer location in Plymouth lacks a patio, but giant windows bring the fresh air in.) Let’s go!

Vitamin Sea Brewing

Food trucks regularly roll up to this sunny spot with an ocean sea breeze. Dog friendly on certain days of the week. Check the website for more details. Let’s go!

Cape & Islands

Cape Cod Beer

The fully tented area outside Cape Cod’s original brewery in Hyannis is frequented by food trucks and live music performances. It’s dog-friendly and has yard games, too. Let’s go! 

Naukabout Brewery & Taproom

This expansive, woodsy beer garden on the shore of Lake Mashpee is just 10 mins over the Sagamore Bridge. It has yard games and often hosts live music, and offers snacks alongside an IPA-heavy selection of brews. Let’s go!

Metrowest

Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers

There’s something for everyone at Jack’s Abby’s patio in Framingham with a full kitchen available for lunch and and dinner alongside yard games and fire pits. The family-friendly spot also features live music on the weekends. Let’s go!

Lost Shoe Brewing & Roasting Company

Live music and yard games join the scene at Marlborough’s beer-and-coffee spot beginning Memorial Day weekend and will eventually move over to nearby Union Common for the season. Lost Shoe is dog-friendly, and offers small bites and visiting food trucks, too. Let’s go!

Medusa Brewing Company

Just around the corner from Medusa’s Hudson taproom is the brewing co.’s beer garden, which opens for the season Memorial Day weekend. Taco Gato is on site with a full menu of authentic street tacos, and throughout the season there are ticketed concerts and more fun outdoor events. Let’s go!

Start Line Brewing

Take in the sights and scents of Start Line Brewing’s adjacent hop yard while enjoying brews on the outdoor patio. The spot has umbrellas for shade, live music select Thursdays and Sundays, and a full kitchen on-site. Let’s go!

Central

Greater Good Imperial Brewing Co.

In Worcester, Greater Good Imperial Ales has a full-service restaurant and taproom with outdoor seating. The dog-friendly patio has shade from the sun, and occasionally hosts live music. Let’s go!

Lost Towns Brewing

As soon as the snow is gone, Lost Towns Brewing opens its outdoor seating area (don’t worry; it’s heated, too!). The dog-friendly spot welcomes outside food, and also is visited by a local restaurant, Farmer Matt’s, for pre-ordered takeout fare Thursday through Sunday (5:30 p.m., 4:30 on Sundays). Let’s go!

Redemption Rock Brewing Co.

This year-round patio (yes hearty New Englanders!) has a 40-foot mural painted by muralist Michelle Hoogveld. The spot is perfect for big groups, dog-owners and folks that love delectable cheese plates to accompany a cold pint. Let’s go!

Rushford & Sons Brewhouse

Umbrella-shaded tables welcome visitors into Rushford & Sons Brewhouse, Upton Center’s craft brewery and taproom. The scenic spot is a reclaimed gas station; we’d much rather enjoy a range of traditional styles of beer, too. Let’s go!

Stone Cow Brewery

There’s no shortage of outdoor seating at this dairy farm-turned-brewery in Barre. Stone Cow smokes barbecue fare outdoors from June through October, made with their own grass-fed beef and farm-grown vegetables; and also has an on-site ice cream window. Let’s go!

Thirsty Robot Brewing Company

The city of Fitchburg finds an oasis in Thirsty Robot Brewing Co., which has a dog-friendly, tent-shaded beer garden. Yard games like giant Jenga and ladder toss, food from the on-site kitchen, and occasional live music complete the experience. Let’s go! 

Timberyard Brewing Co.

This year-round, dog-friendly patio in East Brookfield hosts a Makers Market with live music every Saturday afternoon from June until September. Let’s go!

Wormtown Brewery

Get a view into the brewhouse from the beer garden at Wormtown Brewery in Worcester. The outdoor area is dog-friendly and spacious, and serves up a variety of beverages (including draft cocktails and hard seltzer), plus a full menu from its own scratch kitchen and bakery. There are yard games, umbrellas for shade, and heaters for those chillier days and nights. Let’s go! 

West

Abandoned Building Brewery

Nestled between two five-story, 100-year-old structures in Easthampton is Abandoned Building’s alleyway speakeasy. That’s also where you’ll find the house food trick, Vegan Pizza Land, parked all season long. Let’s go!

Brick & Feather Brewery
The tented beer garden at Brick & Feather Brewery is right alongside the Turners Falls Power Canal, an inland waterway of the Connecticut River which offers a bike path and wildlife-watching. The brewery itself has a range of beers plus packaged snacks and food pop-ups. Let’s go!

Iron Duke Brewing

Reservations are accepted but not necessary for a spot on the outdoor patio at Iron Duke in Ludlow. The brewery sits on the Chicopee River in an old mill building, and offers food from an on-site food truck. Let’s go!

Pioneer Valley Brewery

This Turners Falls brewery has a dog-friendly patio with spots of shade. Food trucks often visit, or you can BYO food. Let’s go!

The Brewery at Four Star Farms

Is there anything better than drinking a pint with a gorgeous view of the hops that are actually in your beer? We don’t think so. Grab an adirondack chair on the green at the brewery at Four Star Farms and enjoy the fire-pits and heaters on cool summer nights. Great for groups. Let’s go!

Vanished Valley Brewing Co.

Set the stage for a fun day in Ludlow at Vanished Valley’s outdoor dining area. There is a stage for live music on the weekends, cornhole, plenty of grass for kids and dogs to run around, and a large tent for shade. The brewery has a full kitchen as well. Let’s go!

The Berkshires

Antimony Brewing Co.

Antimony Brewing is a brewpub located in Lenox, bringing delicious craft beer and scratch cooking to the Berkshires. The umbrella-covered patio is good for big groups and dogs are always welcome. Let’s go!

Bright Ideas Brewing

A dog-friendly destination in North Adams near the Mass MoCA museum, Bright Ideas Brewing has two outdoor seating options: A sidewalk patio shaded by an awning, and a cobblestoned beer-garden courtyard. Two new restaurants will open on the courtyard this summer to serve food options like Philly-style cheesesteaks and tacos. Let’s go!

Hot Plate Brewing Co.
Latina-owned Hot Plate in Pittsfield has dog-friendly outdoor seating always available. On We the first Friday each month from May through August, the street outside will close to traffic to make way for a full beer garden with yard games and additional outdoor seating. Let’s go!

We will continue to update this list throughout the summer and fall. (We live in New England after all!)


**MBG members, did we miss your beer garden? Fill out this form to be included in our next update.

10 Breweries New to Massachusetts in 2023-24

Tom Allen (left) and Matt Guernsey launched Arlington Brewing Co. in 2023.

Economic growth in the craft beer market slowed nationwide in 2023, but the bubble isn’t bursting, according to Brewers Association chief economist Bart Watson. Today’s educated consumer wants variety and innovation, Watson said in his keynote address at the annual Massachusetts Brewers Guild conference in November 2023, Brewbound reported, adding, “that sounds exactly like the kind of thing that craft can excel at.”

In Massachusetts, entrepreneurs prove this true every year with new breweries, taprooms and ideas — and 2023 was no exception. Despite some closures, more than a dozen taprooms opened across the Commonwealth. The list of new breweries in Massachusetts includes second locations for MBG members Mighty Squirrel, White Lion, Bright Ideas, and Untold brewing companies. Among more than a dozen novel beer businesses that opened in 2023 — and 2024 so far — are 10 new members of the Mass Brewers Guild.

Meet the MBG freshman Class

Hot Plate brewing co.

The lore of this seven-barrel brewery in Pittsfield is that owner and founder Sarah Real dialed in her beer recipes on an electric hot plate. Since February 2023, the taproom and public house she co-owns with husband Mike Dell’Aquila welcomes all with a diverse selection of beer and gluten-free beverages, while giving back to the community by using local ingredients and supporting nonprofits.

Portico Brewing in Somerville has a pop-up kitchen from Taqueria el Barrio.

Portico Brewing

A longtime contract brewery, Portico opened its first taproom in Somerville just in time for Earth Day in April 2023. Founders Alex Rabe and Alex Zielke counter the brewery’s energy and material usage with positive actions to benefit the community and the planet, like brewing Earth Hour Pale Ale with 100% local malt. The Somerville spot also features a pop-up kitchen from Taqueria el Barrio.

Outrider Ber Company 

Beer industry buds Anthony Lauring and Carl McCowen teamed up to open this community-focused brewpub in Amesbury in May 2023. Along with house beers like Joystick IPA and Medium Delight Dubbel, there’s a wide menu of comfort food like steak and cheese eggrolls, falafel-topped salads, sandwiches, burgers and more. 

Antimony Brewing

On Memorial Day, beer fans in the Berkshires welcomed a new brewpub in Lenox. Chemical engineer-turned-restaurateur Rob Trask oversees a seven-barrel brewhouse and kitchen at Antimony, dishing up brewpub fare such as fried cheese curds with IPA honey mustard, sourdough pizzas, grilled steak, and fish tacos.

Long Live Roxbury has a distinctive look.

Live Long beerworks Roxbury 

One of Rhode Island’s biggest names in beer added a Massachusetts outpost in the summer of 2023. Long Live Beerworks gives a colorful makeover to an 1850s piano factory-turned-15-barrel brewery in Roxbury, frequently hosting Boston-exclusive beer drops and events like Thursday night jazz and weekend food pop-ups.

Doctor’s Island Brewing company

Gregory Hoffmeister and his beer-loving family opened this scenic spot last summer on Nantasket Beach. Doctor’s Island returns at the end of April for its second season with small-batch beers and waterfront, sunset views of the Boston skyline from Hull. 

Epigram Brewing Co. 

Epigram Brewing Co. debuted in Tyngsboro in October. The sprawling beer hall has been a hit with Merrimack Valley locals since day one, with an ample beer selection, plenty of seats, and a full food menu, including hard-to-find in the area South Shore-style bar pizza.

Forty Second Brew Co. 

Forty Second Brewing Co. opened a comfortable taproom in Kingston in November 2023, a few years after neighbors Paul Schiele and Matt Ward began brewing together as a hobby. Now, their beers like Three Sheets to the Wind IPA, Down the Hatch Pilsner, and more are self-distributed.

Liz Nicol is the founder and head brewer at Drawdown Brewing Company in Jamaica Plain, Boston.

Drawdown Brewing 

Since opening in December 2023 with a stated mission to be an inclusive spot for viewing sports, Drawdown has drawn crowds to Jamaica Plain, particularly for women’s college basketball. Owner and head brewer Liz Nicol is offering malt-forward brews like a cream ale and porter.

Arlington Brewing Company 

As engineers and Arlington residents Tom Allen and Matt Guernsey look for a permanent home for their hometown brewery, they’re producing cans like Spy-P-A and My New GF, a gluten-free saison. ABCo. has a pop-up taproom Friday nights through April 26 at the Roasted Granola Cafe in Arlington.

Mighty Squirrel, Haynes Group, Inc., and Phase Zero Design Celebrate Another Mighty Moment

The secret is out, another Mighty Squirrel location is coming, this time in the heart of Boston!

“We are thrilled to announce that we are building a brewery and taproom in the Fenway Neighborhood of Boston at 1 David Ortiz Drive, steps from Fenway Park,” said Naveen Pawar, the Co-Founder of Mighty Squirrel.

“Being situated in the heart of the Fenway neighborhood, right next to Fenway Park, gives this brewery a unique and animated location,” Olivia Harris, Senior Interior Designer at Phase Zero Design said. “It allows visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrant energy of the area and creates a sense of connection to the local community and its sporting traditions.”

Haynes Group, Inc. recently broke ground on this project and will once again be managing construction with Phase Zero Design again taking the lead on design.

“Much like the Waltham location, the design of the latest taproom is focused on the beer enthusiast experience,” said Patrick Andrews, Senior Vice President of Hospitality at Haynes Group, Inc. “The design of this location allows patrons to enjoy craft beer while viewing the entire brewing process, front and center, from almost every vantage point of the brewery.”

The new brewery and taproom will have the ability to brew over 1,000 barrels of beer with a 10-barrel brewhouse, allowing them to get creative with small scale batches of new beer styles. Also unique from their original location, this 13,000 square foot multi-level facility will offer a full food program with the addition of a kitchen.

“The main difference between both locations is the construction of a second-level taproom area,” Andrews said. “The second-level taproom will include three bars, each with different design elements creating a unique experience for the community.”

“The brewery emphasizes its commitment to artisanal craft and the art of brewing. From the focus on design details to the brewing process itself, every aspect was crafted with care and attention to quality,” Harris said. “This dedication to craftsmanship sets the brewery apart from others and creates a distinct experience for visitors. Patrons get to be a part of this experience as they enjoy their beers while watching the brewery process unfold right in front of their eyes, with the functional brew deck at the heart of the space.”

This location offers a refreshed take on their original space while remaining true to their brand. “It was important for the design to connect to their flagship location in Waltham,” said Harris. “Phase Zero maintained that connection with a similar industrial feel, avoiding any frills or fancy elements. We tied in key finishes and pops of color used in Waltham such as their signature hickory wood and Cloud Candy Blue paint placed strategically throughout the dynamic linear space.”