The 10 best beer bars in Boston

If you love Belgian and Belgian-style beers, Publick House has an incredible, thirst-quenching selection. You’ll find an impressive collection of Trappist and Abbey Ales, Flemish sours, stouts, eisbocks and more. The draft list breaks out beers as “Here” (regional craft beers) and “There” (elsewhere). You’ll find domestic brews from Fiddlehead, Jack’s Abby, Proclamation Ale, Citizen Cider, Oxbow Brewing and others. The food menu will keep you steady as you sip your brew, featuring a five-cheese mac ‘n cheese (onto which you can add everything from hot dogs to truffle cream) and a selection of moules frites with a choice of broth made from different local beers.

The beverage program at the Tip Tap is heavily rooted in craft bourbons, but also boasts 36 types of beer on tap. Currently, the list is a mix of local, domestic and international imports—think Allagash Witbier and Trolls Trolls Trolls imperial stout from 3 Floyds Brewing. The bites here are meant to pair perfectly with your beer of choice, with menu items like the lamb burger, spicy fried chicken bao buns and every kind of tip you could ever want (steak, chicken and even tofu).

The Norwood-based brewery opened its shiny new taproom in Southie back in 2021, and, at this point, it’s safe to say that it’s a hit. They pour a mix of Castle Island’s suds (like Candlepin, their pale ale), as well as limited releases, one-offs, collaborations and some experimental beers that are in development. The last time we were in, they were pouring a sour that somehow tasted like a margarita, and it came with a spicy rim. They’ve partnered with Bardo’s Bar Pizza to serve classic bar pies (maybe the best in town) along with wings and other beer-friendly nosh. 

The team behind Row 34 is as enthusiastic about craft beer as they are about fresh seafood. The beer list features seafood-friendly options that will pair fantastically with fish dishes. The rotating taps are always fresh and unique, often including rarities or exclusives. Breweries such as Bissell Brothers and Allagash have offered exclusive drafts here; regional breweries and other craft favorites are always on tap. If you’re serious about craft beer, Row 34 is worth repeat visits, as the selections are always changing.

A solid spot for upscale American fare, this Cambridge restaurant has a beer program worth checking out. All of the taps feature New England craft breweries, and the bottle list covers extensive ground. You’ll also find nitro and cask selections, reserves and interesting ciders. Pick up a growler of one of the harder-to-find options.

Worden Hall is named after a 19th-Century, Saratoga Springs guest house, and the decor at this South Boston restaurant reflects the aforementioned town’s rich horse racing culture. You’ll find 40 drafts and 75+ bottles of craft beer, as well as an impressive whiskey list. Cask ales, sours, belgians and hop-driven brews are available, plus a selection of seasonal and limited-release options. New England craft breweries take up the bulk of the menu. Sit at the bar—covered with more than 12,000 shiny pennies—or on the patio, and enjoy upscale American comfort fare with your brew.

The oldest brewery/restaurant in the city, Cambridge Brewing Company is a well-oiled machine. They produce a range of crowd-pleasing beers in different styles—ambers, porters, English-style ales—as well as some unusual brews like a corn lager or a gin barrel-aged sour with cucumber. Perfect for a group hang after work, you and the crew can enjoy a sampling of beers inside with a view of the brewing tanks, or out on the front patio (weather permitting). A varied menu of upscale pub fare keeps everyone’s belly happy.

Divey and kitschy, Bukowski Tavern exudes the attitude of its namesake author. By the looks of it, you might think you’d only find PBR and High Life here, but you’d be wrong. The beer bar has a draught and bottle list that is extensive and focused on hard-to-find craft beers. Much of the list features regional brews, and the styles represented will satisfy almost all. If you can’t choose, chat with a knowledgeable bartender or just spin the Wheel of Beer and let fate decide.

A worker-owned brewery and pub, Democracy Brewing opened (appropriately) on July 4, 2018, and has been a popular spot downtown ever since. Wash down their selections of malty, hoppy or light brews with snacks from their full-scratch kitchen, including house-smoked wings, poutine, mac ‘n’ cheese and steak frites. They also offer take-away, 32-ounce growlers for at-home imbibing. Aside from brewing, they host community events such as fundraisers, film screenings and live music.

The relatively new taproom near Faneuil Hall is one place your out-of-town friends and family are going to want to visit—and we promise, you won’t hate it. This is an excellent after-work spot, serving Sam Adams brews from 20 rotating draftlines. You’ll find a selection of beers that the Boston brewer has made solely for the taproom and that you can’t drink anywhere else. Bites like chicken tenders, loaded tots and cookies from local bakery Top Shelf Cookies will keep you on your feet.