Irish Village – Surprising Craft Beer Selection in Brighton Center
February 21, 2011 by Parker
Filed under Beer Bars, Brighton-Allston, in Your Neighborhood
At first glance, Brighton’s Irish Village looks intimidating. It resides amongst apartment buildings, warehouses and convenience stores on Brighton’s busy Market street, away from the “college” bars such as the Brighton Beer Garden and Green Briar. Outside of the bar you’ll usually spot a group of rough looking Irishmen smoking cigarettes. But inside you might be surprised – if even slightly.
The Irish Village, or the IV, is a very small bar. The place itself really is just a bar with a few tables, a very familiar Irish pub feel with a huge U-shaped bar right in the center – not too surprising. But what you’ll find on tap might shock you. 15+ craft beers at fair prices.
Here is a list of the current draft selection at the Irish Village:
- Allagash Belgian White
- Dogfish 60min IPA
- Harpoon IPA
- Harpoon Seasonal
- Hoegaarden Belgian White
- Leinenkugel Sunset Wheat
- Sam Adams Lager
- Sam Adams Seasonal
- Shipyard Pumpkinhead Ale
- Stone Arrogant Bastard Ale
- Ten Penny Ale
- Wachusett Blueberry Ale
Not bad, huh? So if your in Brighton Center and are looking to enjoy some good beers at a very cool local Irish bar look no further then the Irish Village.
Irish Village, Brighton Center, Brighton MA
To learn more visit http://irishvillagebrighton.com/
Watch City Brewing Company
Located in the Metrowest, Brew Master, Aaron Mateychuk of Watch City Brewing Company is satisfying patrons with some of the best hand crafted beers in Massachusetts. Owner, Jocelyn McLaughlin, opened Watch City Brewing Company in July of 1996- with Mateychuk, coming on board just three months after its opening.
Watch City Brewing Company does not only brew traditional beers, they also offer some extreme brews. Watch City offers a nice variety of hand crafted beers with a blend of herbs, spices and more and are making some of the best tasting, not so typical brews that can be found in Massachusetts, and throughout the US for that matter.
Mateychuk claims he is never 100% satisfied with his creations, and constantly thinking what he can do to make the brew better. And, by the taste of the brews, he seems to have the golden touch. Beers such as the Oink Oink that involve bacon fat, vodka, potatoes and a lot of other ingredients and steps before it can be used as a beer are making the brewery a full-house with Massachusetts beer drinkers lavishing in the atmosphere, the brews and the food.
Watch City Brewing Company
265 Moody Street
Waltham, Massachusetts
781-647-4000
Lord Hobo Beats Expectations
October 31, 2010 by Parker
Filed under Beer Bars, Cambridge, in Your Neighborhood
Lord Hobo
Cambridge has the vibe that most beer bars strive for (see Church Key). It’s hip, a bit grungy, and a tad pretentious (in an enjoyable way).
Lord Hobo fits this description too a tee. When you walk in, you’ll first notice the large U-shaped bar that completely fills the room. You’ll then probably spot the taps – nearly 50 of them, with many local brews including a rotating Haverhill Brewery tap for $4.
Along with the huge bar and great tap selection, Lord Hobo also plays excellent music – which to me goes a really, really long way. It’s of the alternative/punk genre, but not the stuff you’d hear on the radio.
And the food – outstanding. The fries alone are worth making the trek out to Inman Square. It’s a little off the beaten path, so driving is preferred, but it’s walkable from Central Square. Actually, its a few doors down from the CBC, which is helpful.
Common Ground – Allston’s little known beer bar
January 28, 2010 by Chris
Filed under Beer Bars, Brighton-Allston, in Your Neighborhood
When you think about beer in Allston, you think Sunset, Big City, and Deep Ellum. Don’t get me wrong, these are all great bars with outstanding tap lists. If there are any complaints about those bars, it is that they are overcrowded. Sunset is one of Boston’s most famous beer destinations. Big City is their sister bar, and more of a pool hall than anything else (that happens to have over 80 beers on tap), and is filled to the brim with BU and BC students. Deep Ellum, well, I can’t say to many negative things about that place. It’s one of my favorite spots in the city, but it is small, and is gaining a reputation. Those unfamiliar with the Ellum may also feel slightly intimidated by it’s hardcore beer enthusiast click.
That leaves us with The Common Ground. Harvard Ave’s hidden beer gem. You’ll find about a dozen taps such as Smuttynose, Dogfish, Avery and Victory, plus many more in bottles, which are rotated often. The beer menu is very descriptive and helpful, plus the food is excellent.
Make a stop here before heading to Sunset. You’ll be glad you did – you may just return across the street after you check out the line.
Sunset Grill & Tap
June 1, 2009 by Chris Parker
Filed under Beer Bars, Brighton-Allston, in Your Neighborhood
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
