15 Massachusetts Breweries with Food: Where to Find Great Beer and Delicious Eats

If you’re a beer lover in Massachusetts, you’re in luck. The state is home to a thriving craft beer scene, with dozens of breweries in Massachusetts offering various unique beers.

But what if you’re also a foodie? Luckily, there are many Massachusetts breweries with food.

Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a full meal, plenty of Massachusetts breweries offer delicious food options. Some breweries have their own kitchens and offer full menus, while others partner with local and rotating food trucks.

This list will include some independent craft brewers and some of the larger breweries in Massachusetts. Something for every type of craft beer fan.

Short History of Breweries in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has a long history of brewing beer. The state’s first brewery was founded in Boston in 1634, and since then, the brewing industry has flourished.

Today, over 100 breweries are operating in Massachusetts. They produce a wide range of beer in different regional and national styles. Many Massachusetts breweries with food offer fun and eclectic appetizers or meals as breweries have increased in popularity.

In the 19th century, the brewing industry in Massachusetts experienced a period of rapid growth. Boston became a hub for brewing, with many breweries opening in the city and surrounding areas.

The Boston Beer Company, which was chartered and incorporated by an act of the Massachusetts Legislature, was founded in 1828 and is still in operation today as the Boston Beer Company, makers of Samuel Adams beer.

Prohibition had a significant impact on the brewing industry in Massachusetts. Many breweries were forced to close, and those that remained in operation had to adapt by producing non-alcoholic beverages such as soda and malted milk.

In the 1980s, the craft beer movement began gaining momentum in Massachusetts and nationwide. Small, independent breweries started to emerge, producing beers unlike anything available.

In 2007, the Massachusetts Brewers Guild was established to promote craft brewing and support local breweries. Today, the craft beer industry thrives in Massachusetts, with many breweries offering tours, tastings, and events.

Massachusetts Breweries with Food

If you’re looking for a great brewery experience with delicious food to pair with your beer, Massachusetts has plenty of options to choose from. The first time I ate the food at a brewery, I was shocked at how good it was.

This was not your typical beer-nuts type of snack at the bar.

Since then, I have tried to make a habit of sampling an appetizer (or two) at the different Massachusetts breweries with food. And I have yet to be disappointed.

But let me know in the comments – is there another brewery I should add to the list?

Here are some Massachusetts breweries with food that you should check out:

Night Shift Brewing

Night Shift Brewing has a few different locations around Everett and Boston. Their flagship restaurant, Lovejoy Wharf, overlooks Boston Harbor and offers a full menu with signature Detroit-style pizzas. The Everett taproom also has seasonal and rotating food trucks.

Shovel Town Brewery

This Massachusetts brewery with food offers delicious flatbread pizzas along with their selection of craft beers. The Easton location has picnic tables inside and a large outdoor seating area – perfect for groups and families. Great food selection, including some vegan food options.

Lord Hobo Brewing Co.

Lord Hobo Brewing Co. in Woburn offers a menu of elevated pub fare, including burgers, sandwiches, and shareable plates. With three locations (Woburn, Cambridge, and Boston), you can enjoy their great selection of craft beers with a full menu. My personal favorite is the Boomsauce IPA.

Trillium Brewing Company

Trillium Brewing Company has several locations throughout Massachusetts, and each one offers a slightly different food menu to pair with its award-winning beers.

Their Garden on the Greenway location has a list of rotating food trucks, while their Canton location serves up BBQ, wood-fired pizza, and produce from their North Stonington farm. Trillium also has a Garden on Boston Common that offers handmade tacos, salsa, and tortillas.

Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers

Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers in Framingham has a full kitchen that serves up traditional German-style fare, including sausages, pretzels, and schnitzel. They also have a rotating selection of seasonal dishes to pair with their wide range of lagers.

Harpoon Brewery

Harpoon Brewery in the Boston Seaport District has a beer hall serving classic pub fare, including burgers, sandwiches, and nachos. They also have a great selection of beers on tap, including their flagship Harpoon IPA.

Castle Island Brewery

With two locations, one in Southie and the other in Norwood, Castle Island offers great beer and food to its visitors. Both locations have delicious bar pizza and food from Bardo’s. I highly recommend the food, especially the homemade chips and pretzel nuggets – perfect with their beer.

Bad Martha’s Farmers Brewery

Bad Martha’s Farmers Brewery has two locations on Cape Cod – East Falmouth and Martha’s Vineyard. In addition to a rotating menu of craft beers, they also serve shareable veggie and charcuterie platters. And their hot and fresh thin-crust artisan pizzas are delicious.

Related: Top Craft Breweries Near Falmouth MA You Need to Try

Notch

Notch Brewery has two locations in Massachusetts – Salem and Brighton. In addition to beer in their taprooms, Notch serves what they call “European Biergarten Fare,” which is traditional German-style fare such as soft pretzels, sausage boards, and pierogi.

Stone Cow Brewery

Located in Barre, Massachusetts, Stone Cow Brewery began as a farm and later transitioned to adding a brewery. They operate a farm-to-table BBQ restaurant and proudly grow most of their food.  The outdoor BBQ runs from June to October, and the indoor Barn Kitchen from November to May. They also have an ice cream stand opened from April to October.

Hopothecary Ales Brewery and Kitchen

Boasting a “cure for all your ales” (get it?), Hopothecary Ales Brewery and Kitchen has a full menu along with its offering of craft beers. This Massachusetts brewery with food goes all out. In addition to burgers, salads, and various appetizers, they also offer hand pies.

Tree House Brewing Company

You can’t write about Massachusetts breweries with food, and not mention the hugely popular Tree House Brewing Company. This Massachusetts-based brewery has become incredibly popular among beer lovers, and for good reason.

They pride themselves on using only the freshest, highest quality ingredients to create their signature brews. Tree House currently has food trucks at their Cape Cod location, with promises of “more details coming soon” under the food section of the Tewksbury location.

Start Line Brewing Company

Located one mile from the starting line of the Boston Marathon, this Massachusetts brewery promises “great food, great company, and exceptional craft beer, brewed slow and steady.”

From an Irish Red Ale to a Hazelnut Cold Brew Coffee Stout, the Start Line has a wide selection of craft beers. For food, they have a delicious selection of burgers and BBQ, but I’d recommend the brewhouse poutine.

Massachusetts Brewery Tours and Tastings

If you’re looking for a fun activity in Massachusetts that involves beer and food, you can’t go wrong with a brewery tour or tasting.

Many of the state’s breweries offer guided tours that give you an inside look at the brewing process and the opportunity to sample some of their delicious beers. You can walk around, see the machines, and learn how the beer is made. A tour is more than just your standard tasting or hanging out at the brewery.

Here are a few brewery tours and tastings in Massachusetts:

Harpoon Brewery

Located in Boston, Harpoon Brewery is one of the most popular breweries in Massachusetts. They offer both guided tastings and full-blown brewery tours that take you behind the scenes of their brewing process.

The tour will allow you to learn about the brewery’s history and the brewing process – plus, you’ll get to sample some of their signature beers. They also offer various food options, including pretzels, pizza, and sandwiches if you’re hungry.

Samuel Adams Brewery

Another popular brewery in Boston is the Samuel Adams Brewery. They offer a variety of tours, including a basic tour that gives you a brief overview of the brewing process and a more in-depth tour that takes you through their entire facility.

During the tour, you’ll sample some of their beers, including their flagship Boston Lager. They also have a taproom where you can enjoy even more beer and food.

Trillium Brewing Company

Trillium Brewing Company has several locations in Massachusetts, including Boston, Canton, and Fort Point. They offer a variety of tours and tastings, including a VIP tour that takes you through their entire brewing process and includes a private tasting.

They also have a taproom where you can enjoy their beers and various food options, including pizza, sandwiches, and charcuterie boards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my dog to these Massachusetts breweries with food?

While most breweries are dog-friendly, you should check the brewery site about bringing the dog. Always ask in advance about bringing your dog.

Can I bring my child to these Massachusetts breweries with food?

Some breweries allow children but always check directly with the brewery before you go.

Are reservations required to these Massachusetts breweries with food, or can I just walk in?

Some craft breweries have tasting rooms that are open to the public without reservation. But for some breweries that serve food, you might need to reserve a table. Review the brewery’s website for details.

Do you tip at a brewery? Do I tip when ordering food?

Yes, you tip your Beertender at a tasting room, similar to how you tip at a bar or restaurant. And yes, please tip your server if you are ordering food.

I’ve never been to a brewery – what should I expect? What should I wear?

Breweries are a lot of fun, but if you’ve never been to one, this article will help answer all your questions.

Massachusetts has a lot to offer when it comes to breweries with food. Whether you’re in the mood for a wood-fired pizza, sausage boards, or even poutine, these breweries will satisfy your cravings.

The best part is that these breweries offer a unique, relaxed atmosphere, perfect for hanging out with friends or enjoying a date night. If you’re looking for a fun way to spend an afternoon or evening, be sure to check out one of these Massachusetts breweries with food. Share this list with a friend to plan your next night out.

But what do you think? Is there a brewery I should add to the list?

Want more brewery content and local reviews?

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