Photo Courtesy of Cisco Brewers

Things-to-do

Seven Must-Visit Outdoor Beer Gardens and Breweries

Enjoy a cold brew at one of these go-to spots while the weather is still perfect

The weather in Boston is as good as it’s going to get all year, so you need to get outside—like, now. One fun way to do that is to visit one of the many beer gardens that have popped up all over the city in the last few years. If you’re looking to try out a new outdoor joint before we head inside for the chilly months, check out one of these local drinking hot spots, each offering a unique vibe, and more important, a unique selection of local brews.

Cisco Brewers
85 Northern Ave., Boston

In the heart of the Seaport lies this not-so-secret beer garden: Cisco Brewers. For seven years now, this Nantucket brewery has set up camp in Boston’s newest (and exclusive) neighborhood for its summer pop-up, where it serves innovative beers and ciders, as well as a variety of mouthwatering eats, like wood-fired pizza and fried clam rolls. This spot regularly attracts crowds, and while isn’t exactly a “hidden gem,” it’s popular for a good reason: it brings the island vibes of Nantucket to a bustling corner of the city.

Fan favorite: Whale’s Tale Pale Ale

Something new to try: Peached Whale, a fruity IPA

Hours: Monday to Thursday, 4 to 11 pm; Friday, 3 to 11 pm; Saturday and Sunday, noon to 11 pm

Trillium
401 Park Drive, Boston

Trillium’s beer garden, opposite the luscious greenery of the Emerald Necklace, is perfect for a post-work drink with friends. Complete with a gorgeous wood-paneled taproom alongside its outdoor drinking area in front of Time Out Market, Trillium’s atmosphere reigns supreme. The tap selection features local beers, as well as some fruity ciders and wines for those looking for a summery drink. Though Trillium’s menu includes some snacks, we recommend you hop over to Time Out Market for a more substantial bite. There you’ll find 16 different options, from fried chicken at Ms. Clucks Deluxe to fresh Mediterranean eats from Anoush’ella. 

Fan favorite: A Street, a New England IPA

Something new to try: Wild Sinister Kid, a sour cherry

Hours: Monday to Saturday, 11 am to midnight; Sunday, 11 am to 8pm

Dorchester Brewing Company
1250 Massachusetts Ave., Boston

Grab a fresh beer (brewed in-house of course) and enjoy gorgeous views of Boston from the rooftop deck. When you’ve had your fill, head inside for more fun—you can visit the brewery’s taproom for a quick game of pinball with your friends, then try some bar bites from M&M BBQ. DBco is also home to the Museum of Bad Art, a collection of quirky pieces that are simply (in their words) “too bad to be ignored.” If that’s not enough to get you out to Dorchester, check out the brewery’s event listings for weekly trivia, comedy night, paint nights, and dog-friendly happy hour. 

Fan favorite: Galaxy Lights, a session New England IPA 

Something new to try: Lemon Loaf, a fruity kettle sour

Hours: Sunday to Monday, 11:30 am to 9 pm; Tuesday to Thursday, 11:30 am to 10 pm; Friday and Saturday, 11:30 am to 11 pm

Notch Brewing
525 Western Ave., Brighton

Located right on the Charles, this Brighton beer garden (biergarten, if you will) is home to a unique selection of German- and Czech-inspired lagers that have truly redefined Boston’s beer game. The brewery cleverly takes its name from the European beer hall tradition of notching your coaster to keep track of your tab. In keeping with its German roots, Notch offers classic biergarten fare like a sausage board and tinned fish plate, to enjoy in the spacious interior and exterior of the brewery. We recommend checking this spot out on Fridays, where the garden is filled with live music from 5 to 7 pm. 

Fan favorite: The Standard, a Czech pivo

Something new to try: Dunkel, a dark lager

Hours: Monday, 4 to 8 pm; Tuesday and Wednesday, 4 to 10 pm; Thursday, noon to 10 pm; Friday, noon to 11 pm; Saturday, 11:30 am to 11 pm; and Sunday, 11:30 am to 8 pm

Aeronaut Allston
267 Western Ave., Allston

Fittingly located in Rock City, Aeronaut Allston is a seasonal beer garden offering unbeatable live music. The beer itself hails from the brewery’s Somerville headquarters, and they offer the same lagers, IPAs, and sours. Each night, a different local food truck pulls up to the Allston venue, offering scrumptious meals to enjoy. Considered the first pop-up beer garden in Boston, this joint has been building a rich community since 2016. Suffice it to say, the vibes are unmatched. 

Fan favorite: 10 Years with Dr. Nandu, a New England IPA 

Something new to try: Blackcurrant Sour Planet

Hours: Thursday, 5 to 10 pm; Friday and Saturday, 5:30 to 10 pm

Harpoon Brewery
306 Northern Ave., Boston

In 1986, after their post-graduating trip to Europe, three college buddies were inspired to start their own brewery here in Boston—and subsequently received the first brewing permit in the state. Over the years, Harpoon has regularly introduced new flavors and ideas into the world of hand-crafted beer. But what really changed the game was a creation that’s now a regional classic: Harpoon IPA. Try one of Harpoon’s staples or explore new flavors and aromas at the Harpoon Beer Hall, in the heart of Seaport. Harpoon Brewery also hosts a Pickleball Social Club, powered by HUB Sports Boston, where visitors can rent courts or sign up for a league. 

Fan favorite: Harpoon IPA

Something new to try: Harpoon Pumpkin Cider

Hours: Sunday to Tuesday, noon to 8 pm; Wednesday, noon to 8:30 pm; Thursday, noon to 9 pm; Friday and Saturday, noon to 10 pm

Cambridge Brewing Company
One Kendall Square, Bldg. 100, Cambridge

This list wouldn’t be complete without a shout-out to Cambridge Brewing Company, a local mainstay in the heart of Kendall Square. This beer garden has been drawing customers in for over 30 years (unfortunately, they just announced they are closing in December). Check out the brewery’s menu, too—they’ve got classic bar bites and pub food, alongside a bunch of different burgers (like the smashed patty double burger and the black bean burger), which pair excellently with a cold pint.

Fan favorite: House Lager

Something new to try: Taste the Rainbow, a fruity wheat beer

Hours: Monday to Thursday, 11:30 am to 9 pm; Friday and Saturday, 11:30 am to 10 pm; Sunday, 11:30 am to 8 pm