Irish Village – Surprising Craft Beer Selection in Brighton Center

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/

Common Ground – Allston’s little known beer bar

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

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