Boston is both a world class running and craft beer city. We
have countless running companies, clubs, adaptive groups, and of course
breweries, taprooms, and bars that specialize in local beer. In fact, there are
too many options to list in one post and visit in one long-weekend (unless you
decide to skip the whole marathon thing which I do not recommend).
These options are based on proximity, quality, and a bit of
history.
If you are arriving early enough, say Thursday, here is a
fun Thursday evening brewery tour to hit up.
Disclaimer, I am too tired from training to list addresses
and websites, but I know beer runners are a resourceful group and know how to
engage Siri and the World Wide Web.
Night Shift Brewing
One of the larger local breweries with an expansive mix of
styles. You can check out their “flagship” location in Everett or their brand
spanking new taproom and restaurant in downtown Boston on Lovejoy Wharf.
Slumbrew (Somerville
Brewing Company)
If you take the Orange Line to Night Shift hop off a stop or
two early at Assembly Row and visit American Fresh Taproom, which is owned by
Slumbrew. It is steps from the T entrance and they always have a fresh mix of
IPAs, dark beers, and some funk. They also have the Hoppy Soles running group!
Idle Hands Craft Ales
Also minutes from the Orange Line (Malden Center stop) is
Idle Hands. Their taproom is incredibly no-frills (in the best kind of way) and
they have taken on the working-class persona of Malden. They specialize in
lagers and Belgian beers but also make some killer IPAs (Four & Six Seam
are both fantastic).
If you are a true endurance beer runner, your final stop
should be Mystic Brewing in Chelsea. I gravitate toward Belgian and Farmhouse ales
so Mystic is my go-to. But over the past couple of years they have begun making
hoppy stuff and their brewing chops are on full display (their brewers are
legit mad scientists & manipulate yeast and other chemistry fancy stuff).
Not many public transit options for Mystic but a somewhat close Uber/Lyft from
Night Shift and downtown Boston.
Closer to the Finish
Line
If staying in downtown Boston, check out Democracy Brewing
smack in the middle of Downtown Crossing. They have a huge space to accommodate
large groups, solid food, and a pale ale named after that infamous Boston
Marathon hill (no, not the hill under the Mass Ave bridge at mile 25).
Across the street from Democracy is one of my favorite beer
bars, Stoddards Fine Ales. They have a tremendously strong local, national, and
international list and very fancy cocktails for your non-beer drinking friends.
Their poutine may be the best post-long run dish in town.
If staying “across the rivah” in Cambridge I highly
recommend two stalwarts. Cambridge Brewing Company is one of the oldest
breweries in the area and one of the most under-rated. They consistently put
our well-crafted beers and are creative enough to crush the experimental/funk
game, too. And their food is also outstanding.
Roughly a 10-minute walk/shake out run from CBC is
Lamplighter Brewing. They have quickly become one of the top breweries in the
area but are very humble and just go about their business. I honestly haven’t
had a bad beer from them.
If you are staying just outside of downtown, I recommend a
visit to Backlash Brewing in Roxbury. They have been around for a minute but
recently opened their own taproom. They have a few IPAs, lagers, and usually a barrel-aged
stout on draft. And for bonus miles they are a short walk to Bully Boy Distillers.
Some Quick (Tempo) Suggestions
If staying in the Back Bay, check out The Salty Pig and
Bukowski’s for stellar tap lines. Salty has 8-10 lines and Bukowski’s has a
ridiculous extensive list (note Buks is not kid-friendly and your shoes may
stick to the floor).
Posting up in Kenmore, check out Lower Depths on Comm Ave.
One of the better local draft lists and their tater-tos are can’t miss (cash-only
but ATM in the lobby).
If in Brookline along the marathon course, the Publik House in
Washington Square is arguably one of the top three or four craft beer bars in
the area. Especially if you dig saisons. Don’t be shy about getting an order of
the mac n’ cheese.
Post-Race Shower Beer (seriously you earned it) or To-Go
The Urban Grape is on Columbus Ave very very close to the
finish line. A ton of local beers, international standouts, and as the name
implies a crap ton (that’s way more than a ton) of wine.
If staying or cheering (right at mile 24.5) in Brookline
check out Wine Press Brookline (they also have a new Fenway location that I
haven’t been to) with an array or cans, bottles and other treats. Both Wine
Press and Urban Grape are owned by couples who do a ton to support the local community.
Well, I hope you are significantly thirsty and ready to
explore the local offerings. Happy running and drinking!
Disclaimer #2-I am too lazy to dig up any beer pics so
imagine the perfectly poured farmhouse ale, in proper glassware, with a 1-inch
fluffy white head. Or a crisp and vibrant lager poured into a consident looking litre mug.
This Monday Kyle will
complete his sixth consecutive Boston Marathon. He has also run three 100-mile
races and the grueling Transrockies 120-mile Stage Race. Kyle lives in the
Roxbury neighborhood of Boston and spends as much time running as he does exploring
and supporting the local beer scene. For speaking engagements and more info marathon
shuffle on over to www.kylerobidoux.com
