John Harvard’s Brew House

John Harvard‘s Brew House is a microbrewery/brewpub located in Harvard Square, Cambridge, with sister locations throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut.  John Harvard’s boasts and extensive list of brews, ranging from the tried and true All American Light Lager to the rich, roasted Dry Irish Stout, along side dozens of seasonal brews.

At John Harvard’s, you’ll find great food made from recipes brought to America in 1637 by John Harvard, after whom Harvard University is named.  John Harvard’s Brew House is popular among Harvard students, and is a great tourist location with a semi-classy yet comfortable environment.

John Harvard’s Brew House, Cambridge MA

For more information, visit http://www.johnharvards.com

Cape Cod Beer – Cape Cod Brewery

The idea for Cape Cod Beer originated when head brewmaster, Todd Marcus, returned from an inspirational home brewer’s event at RedBones in Somerville.  After that night, he quit his job as an engineer and worked for multiple breweries including Long Trail, Sunday River Brewing Company and John Harvard‘s brewhouse.

After Todd became a seasoned brewer himself, Cape Cod Beer was born. Cape Cod brews many varieties, including seasonals such as the Harvest Ale, Berry Merry Holiday Ale, Old Man Winter and Stellwagen Stout.

Cape Code Beer, Hyannis, MA

For more information, visit www.CapeCodBeer.com

Cambridge Brewing Company (CBC)

Cambridge Brewing Company was founded in 1989, and is the oldest brewery-restaurant (brewpub) in the Boston area. The Cambridge Brewing Company in Kendall Square offers a wide array of hand crafted original beers as well as home-brewed classics and experimental brews which have earned numerous awards over the years.

The Cambridge Brewing Company prides themselves on pairing food with beer, which has also won them praise.  Entrees range from seafood to pizza to steak, and all are paired perfectly by one of their house brews.

Although the CBC is a bit of a haul down the industrial parks of Kendall Square, it is well worth the hike.  The outdoor patio is clean and refreshing, with minimal foot traffic leaving quite the pleasurable experience.

Cambridge Brewing Company, Kendall Square, Cambridge MA

For more information visit http://www.cambridgebrewingcompany.com

Harpoon Fest – Summer Session

Love Beer. Love Life. Harpoon.

With a motto such as the above, it is only right that Harpoon Brewery celebrates their love for beer with their friends.  3 times a year, Boston’s beer lovers gather together at Harpoon’s South Boston’s brewery for music, beer, and good company.  The annual Summer Session is the best, with the warm weather complimenting their UFO Hefeweizen and classic IPA.

Dates are as follows: June 5th and 6th 2009

Harpoon Brewery, South Boston

For more information visit – www.HarpoonBrewery.com

Sunset Grill & Tap

Sunset Grill and Tap is the most famous bar in Allston, if not in all of Boston.  With 112 beers on tap and almost 400 more available by the bottle, Sunset’s beer selection is second to none. Allston’s young “hipster” scene fills this bar and restaurant daily, where 20-35 minute waits are a normal occurrence.  Beer snobs, college students, and casual drinkers alike will absolutely love the Sunset Grill and Tap.

Sunset Grill and Tap, Allston MA

For more information, visit www.allstonsfinest.com

Paper City Brewery

Paper City Brewery in Holyoke, MA, was founded in 1995 by Jay Hebert. This microbrewery perfects many ales and lagers of all times, which are Jay’s personal favorites.

Jay’s passion of brewing stemmed back 15 years, when congress passed a law making home brewing legal for the first time.  At first, the beers were made for his personal consumption only.  After years of perfection, Paper City Brewing was founded.

Paper City Brewing
For more information on Paper City Brewing, visit www.PaperCity.com

Boston Beer Works

The first Boston Beer Works location was opened at 61 Brookline Avenue, by two beer loving brothers, Joe and Steve Slesar.  This brewery/restaurant came two years after they formally began their brewing company, Slesar Bros. Brewing. The location across from Fenway Park, combined with their unique microbrews, made Boston Beer Works an instant success.

Boston Beer Works, 61 Brookline Avenue

In 1996, the Slesar brothers took their success to Salem, MA, and opened the second Boston Beer Works, called Salem Beer Works, location in the historic Massachusetts town. After seven years, the brewpub remains the only in Salem, and is quite popular with both tourists and locals.

Boston Beer Works, Salem MA

The success of the first two bars led the brothers to open their flagship location across the street from the Boston Garden on Canal Street. This two floor pool hall/restaurant is quite the attraction to Celtics and Bruins fans before the game for a quick burger and beer.

Boston Beer Works, Canal Street

Gardner Ale House

Gardner Ale House is a brewpub located in North Central Massachusetts. The upscale yet comfortable pub and restaurant is the only of its kind in Worcester County. The brewery offers 6 year round house brews, samplers, and various new brews.  Here is the list of the season-round brews that you will find on tap:

Summer’s End

Omas Altbier

Chair City Pale

Facelift IPA

Naked Stout

The restaurant distinguishes itself through the use of fresh, unfrozen and unprocessed products. Menu selections are both ordinary and eclectic, but always of a high quality and very interesting. Gardner Ale House is an active member of the community, participating in chamber events, making donations to various local charities and contributing to the local dining and nightlife scene. As the greater Gardner area continues its rapid growth, the Gardner Ale House plans to provide the best food, drink and entertainment in the area, 7 days a week, offering both lunch and dinner.

Gardner Ale House

For more information, visit www.gardnerale.com