Somerville Beer Guide: Your Somerville guide to beer, beer bars, breweries and brewpubs

Latest reviews from Somerville

70 /100 400 HIGHLAND AVE
“Big sports bar kinda vibe place. Pretty decent taplist in terms of locals and a variety of styles, but nothing super high quality. Enjoyed the food. Decent spot.“
explosivedog 287 days ago
80 /100 14 TYLER ST.
“Awesome spot. Large area with lots of tables plus an area for vendors to sell different food options. The beer is all excellent with lots of styles to choose from.“
BroSpud 901 days ago
76 /100 14 TYLER ST.
“Spacious industrial taproom with a large outdoor courtyard. Beers are decent, good range of styles. Well priced. Definitely worth a visit. Note that the entrance is on Tyler St, even though google maps does not make it look like that.“
explosivedog 1085 days ago
36 /100 14 TYLER ST.
“Tucked away in a semi-industrial, semi-residential area, parking can be tough, but we found a spot on the street. Not sure what was going on when we arrived, but staff seemed flustered and were pretty abrupt serving us. A dozen or so taps - only pre-set flights available, ranging from $10-14 for 4 beers - outrageous for a brewery. And the beer was very weak. Not a recommended stop.“
mcberko 2134 days ago
82 /100
Redbones (Bar)
55 CHESTER ST
“Strange building in modern neighborhood. Little bit of dark and music was too loud. Food portions were huge. 24 taps + 1 cask + some cans. Maybe not worth of visiting in beer sensitive way but if you want to eat good southern style bbq with some good beers this place is a must.“
VastActiv 2317 days ago
56 /100 225 ELM ST
“Since my visit to Redbone's was shorter than expected, I decided to explore. This place is only a couple of blocks away. Vibe is straight up 70's era liquor store with crappy tile and weathered metal shelving. They had lots of local and regional craft but they don't sell singles of most things and to echo other reviews some of it had been sitting a while. Also some of the prices were so egregious as to cause double takes. Pass.“
DiarmaidBHK 2439 days ago
62 /100
Redbones (Bar)
55 CHESTER ST
“Perhaps if I'd eaten the food, I might have a different opinion of this place. Parking in Somerville sucks but luckily there's a parking lot a couple of blocks away. Vibe is Dive Bar but not in a good way. They had 22 or so taps but mostly filled with easy to find imports, like Delirious Tremens and Weihenstephaner Hefe, and locals from mediocre breweries. Not really feeling this place.“
DiarmaidBHK 2439 days ago
40 /100 301 CANAL ST
“From outside this place looked promising. Beer Garden near trendy Assembly Row. They even has spot for kids!...Then only got downhill from there. Music was blasting so loud that you could not hear talking. Good luck kids with your hearing. Washrooms were dirty and smelly. Beers were served in plastic cups with outrageous prices. 7$ for not full pint ?...in plastic cup. This place seemed to be trap for tourists like me. Avoid.“
Radek Kliber 2515 days ago
72 /100 14 TYLER ST.
“Came on a Sunday in February 2016. Located in an industrial park sort of area, parking could certainly be a difficulty here. Space is a bit dark but very open. Eight beers on when I came, a variety of styles including a couple sour things. 5 ounce pours of everything were available for $2-3. Got here right at opening on a Sunday and there was already a person or two in there, and slowly people trickled in. Crowler station as well as traditional growler fills. One beer available in 6 pack cans to go as well. The reason for the slightly darker than expected lighting becomes clear later as a few patrons play on an original NES on the wall by way of projector. There are some games scattered around as well, and this is definitely a place intended to be a hang out spot. Large communal tables, though there are a few smaller ones for those who can’t be social with strangers. Glad I stopped in, and I’ll probably try and swing by again next time I’m in Boston. Fun and worth a stop. “
j12601 2978 days ago
78 /100 14 TYLER ST.
“This is a nice large brewery and is probably even better when the whole thing with the food court type thing next door is open. In any case, when we were there, there were only five beers on tap of varying quality; although, it appears that there could be as many as seven beers on tap. The guy serving them was nice, though I didn’t really talk to him. The place had live folk music playing, which I am partial to. The place was well lit and we played a very long game of jenga and Card Against Humanity, which are the two games that are, for some reason, obligatory for taprooms (along with cornhole).“
mansquito 3194 days ago
72 /100 225 ELM ST
“Immense beer section sports just about everything standard and seasonal you’d want from the NE Micro scene. As far as rest of the country/world is concerned, it certainly has some rare treats (found two more burgerbraus) and has a decent belgian section (hansons oude gueuze was a pretty cheap find here). The highlight was the 3 bottles of the Newport Storm 02 they had remaining, while they also carry everything Stone produces for national distribution.

UPDATE. The prices have gone through the roof and the selection has somewhat slipped in the past 2 years. But regardless of the selection, I just cant believe how horrible the prices are. This and Martys are just gouging people.
7/29/15 update. Prices continue to be horrendous. 65 dollars for Bzart lambiek and kriekenlambik. 24 for hanssens scarenbekka kriek, ~45 for De Cam Oude Lambiek, etc...At least, if you are rich, they do have these beers available, where few other stores do.“
ClarkVV 3234 days ago
62 /100
Redbones (Bar)
55 CHESTER ST
“Southern BBQ and beer what isn’t there to like? A bit older and rundown, feels like one of those places that hasn’t changed in 20 years, but that’s exactly why people like it, and the locals love it. Our server was a bit aloof. Attentive but quiet, knowledgeable but not going to share unless you pull it out of him. Igor ish. The draft list was big, but not local focused. Only about 20% were locals. A couple solid beers, but nothing crazy. Some of the food was really great, especially the okra, and a pulled chicken. The corn bread was a little dry and not as sweet as I like. The hush puppies needed to be sweeter as well. Pretty decent food, but rated as a beer joint, nothing special.“
chibuck 3262 days ago
76 /100
Foundry On Elm (Restaurant)
255 ELM STREET
“Very surprised this place isn’t in the database yet something like Soundbites is....This is slowly becoming one of the better beer destinations in Somerville. Redbones still has it beat, most of the time (though certainly not all), but it’s a very close second. With 32 taps, MOST of which are very well-thought out, you’re not going to be unhappy showing up here. Lots of New England locals (primarly MA locals) and an awesome decor/ambiance to boot. Very friendly waitstaff/barstaff and all the food I’ve had has been excellent. Really enjoyed the Tagliatelle Bolognese and I’m pretty particular about that dish. Anyways, if you’re here to check out Redbones and Downtown Wines, it’s probably worth a stop in. They do taster flights as well and have a great wine and cocktail list.“
ClarkVV 3295 days ago
76 /100
Redbones (Bar)
55 CHESTER ST
“Decent beer list, very unique vibe, great barbeque!.“
williamstome 3605 days ago
72 /100
The Independent (Restaurant)
75 UNION SQUARE
“Lovely outdoor patio, good food, nice selection, but a bit expensive. Excited to go back.“
williamstome 3605 days ago
74 /100
Redbones (Bar)
55 CHESTER ST
“The beer list here is mostly what I would call ’intro craft beer’. Lots of quality, some standard imports, but nothing crazy. Average pricing. Funky vibe. I gather the food is good here but I didn’t eat during my visit - I guess I really should have. A decent neighbourhood spot, I would say, but not a destination bar for beer - perhaps for the bbq.“
Leighton 3644 days ago
70 /100
Flatbread Company (Restaurant)
45 DAY ST
“Good spot for laid back local beers and pizza. They focus on locals, so highly recommended for the visitor. The bar runs the length of the bowling alleys, so you can watch people bowl while you drink. E pizza is really good as well. Definitely a popular place for families, especially on weekends. Kid friendly.“
mkgrenwel 3755 days ago
46 /100 407 WASHINGTON ST.
“Generally a pass. Dusty place clearly focused on things other than beer. You can find something good here, but you’re better off elsewhere.“
mkgrenwel 3755 days ago
80 /100 400 HIGHLAND AVE
“I want to hate this place for being the cookie cutter version of a hip restaurant and bar, but they do everything so well that I really enjoy it every time I go. Nice beer list, really tasty food. Staff is obviously trained on the beer and can give good suggestions. Atmosphere is a trendy Somervillevbar, complete with a uniform of flannel shirts for the staff (which makes them indistinguishable from the clientele). A welcome upgrade over Redbones.“
mkgrenwel 3755 days ago
74 /100 716 BROADWAY
“Nice little spot for beer and wine. Selection isn’t exceptionally huge, but pretty good. They always seem to have some stuff I haven’t seen elsewhere around town; not necessarily rarities but just random variety which I like. Staff is more helpful than average. Good store to be aware of if you’re in the area.“
mkgrenwel 3755 days ago
60 /100
Thirsty Scholar Pub (Restaurant)
70 BEACON ST
“okay tap list, okay nice hole in the wall bar ambiance. guiness, harpoon, sam adams offered. no particular reason to swing by if looking for tasty brews.“
SrSilliGose 3756 days ago
50 /100
SoundBites (Restaurant)
704 BROADWAY
“not a beer destination. popular breakfast spot with lines offered on weekend mornings. 6 or so taps with a jack’s abby brew, maybe some kind of sour, and a couple other sessionable brews. bit of a preference for ball square joint next door for breakfast.“
SrSilliGose 3756 days ago
76 /100
Redbones (Bar)
55 CHESTER ST
“Stopped in for the first time in about 9 years on 28 December 2013. I forgot how much I enjoy this place. The food really is about the best BBQ you will find anywhere in the city. Draft list is solid just like I always remembered it to be. I almost never make it to Somerville anymore but if you like BBQ and good local drafts hit this place during non-peak hours for the better experience.“
AirForceHops 3809 days ago
84 /100
Redbones (Bar)
55 CHESTER ST
“When I visited: Mid-September 2013. What I had: Ballast Point Sculpin IPA on tap, BBQ Beef Plate with beans and coleslaw, Corn Bread to split, Pulled Pork Sandwich and soda for my better half. What I liked: Unpretentious, casual atmosphere, awesome decor, fast and friendly service, delicious smokehouse fare, robust draught list, parking nearby. What I disliked: Beer prices are a tad high as the more interesting stuff is $7/pint and Belgian draughts are twice that amount. But you’re paying for quality in a well-to-do area. Would I go back? For sure. Redbones nails the beer and barbecue theme with its authentic Southern food, redneck ambiance, and impressive tap lineup. Worth a visit. Overall Rating: 84“
cratez 3825 days ago
68 /100 282 BEACON ST
“Burger joint, neighborhood pub, diner, I’m not sure. Several good beers including Sierra Nevada Torpedo. Snug atmosphere. Food is the focus here.“
beerjeep 3853 days ago
56 /100
Thirsty Scholar Pub (Restaurant)
70 BEACON ST
“Nice decor, generic beer selection for the number of taps. Food, ordered spicy fries received regular. One girl serving the whole bar and restaurant on a Saturday afternoon. We left for greener pastures.“
beerjeep 3853 days ago
92 /100
Redbones (Bar)
55 CHESTER ST
“Great place to have a few pints and some great food. The upstairs and downstairs bars each have their own character, and it’s always a great time. The selection of beer is great, and they have weekly cask tappings.“
noradeirdre 3917 days ago
74 /100
Bronwyn (Restaurant)
255 WASHINGTON ST
“Bronwyn is most notable for its excellent, modern German style cuisine but also offers a thorough accompaniment of various German style beers in bottles and on tap. All the best available standards are offered including Ayinger, Weihenstephaner, Plank, and Schlenkerla, and these choices are augmented by some true wild cards like Bon St. Chien 2006.

The ambiance and service are excellent, and as stated the food is the focal point and the true draw of the place. Beers are priced to the standard of a fine-dining establishment in a big city, which is to say, recklessly through the roof. But whatever. This is a very cool place that offers a great experience; if you’re a food and beer nerd who wants a great meal and an adequate beer list, Bronwyn is a must. From a beer-nerd-only perspective, well, not really.“
Stine 3942 days ago
94 /100
Redbones (Bar)
55 CHESTER ST
“Amazing food well priced and very fast service, good taplist“
Ernesto987 3959 days ago
84 /100
Redbones (Bar)
55 CHESTER ST
“Hole-in-the-wall place, great friendly atmosphere, knowledgeable staff, good selection of local and national brews, great ribs, etc. A fun way to start a visit to Boston“
rondphoto 3997 days ago
90 /100
Redbones (Bar)
55 CHESTER ST
“I’d go for the barbeque alone, but they have wonderful, moderately priced beers on tap. Walls are alive with creative cartoonish illustrations. They always have something going on. Great crowd, great place.“
radarsock 4018 days ago
74 /100 225 ELM ST
“Pretty good selection of beer however, some have been sitting for a while. The inch of dust on the bottles gives that away. Plus some winter seasonal’s where floating around in the coolers. If you grabbing higher ABV bottles you are fine, if you’re looking for local lower ABV be careful. The staff helped my buddy find a few bourbon’s he was looking for and then directed us to a place that had it because they happened to be sold out. If you’re in the area give it a shot but really nothing to go way out of your way for.“
AirForceHops 4043 days ago
78 /100 225 ELM ST
“Very nice selection Helpful staff the beer area seemed to go on forever. but nothing here mind-blowing. lots of beers had dust.“
AdamChandler 4044 days ago
60 /100
The Independent (Restaurant)
75 UNION SQUARE
“as far as ambiance goes, the building was nice enough, but they were playing really really bad music. like the bs you would hear on the radio that is playing the hits of 70s 80s 90s and today. service and food were fine. beer list is good enough. kind of pricey. not a great reason to go back.“
SrSilliGose 4148 days ago
88 /100
Redbones (Bar)
55 CHESTER ST
“The bar and the tables are reached through separate doors, but they intercinnect inside. Come here for the bbq, it’s amazing. Draft selection was very solid too. Didn’t see any bottles. Roulette wheel will choose for you if you can’t decide in your iwn. The barladies gave me a samole if the cask dipa just to reinfirce their steering me away from it. Great place.“
Travlr 4288 days ago
80 /100 400 HIGHLAND AVE
“Large place with a nice open air front and two bars. Selection was large and geavy on locals and regionals. Food was tasty.“
Travlr 4288 days ago
74 /100 225 ELM ST
“Large wine store with a pretty extensive beer selection and a tasting bar in the back. Prices were mostly on the high side, but some stuff (ie 8 Wired) was reasonable enough. Only a block from Redbones, so worth a stop on the way in or out.“
Travlr 4288 days ago
84 /100
Flatbread Company (Restaurant)
45 DAY ST
“man. i have had quite a few pints of wormtown ipa at this place for less than $5. got a bar, pizza parlor, and tiny bowling alley. very laidback, relaxing atmosphere. always seem to have a fine time here.“
SrSilliGose 4290 days ago
64 /100 17 HOLLAND ST
“often a cover, which is annoying. gritty place. spacious. couple local brews on tap. some eclectic blues, jazz, etc. music at times. convenient location short half a block walk from davis square. not really a beer destination though.“
SrSilliGose 4290 days ago
72 /100 518 MEDFORD ST
“pleasant local pub feel. decent tap list that highlights some local offerings. dim lighting. laid back atmosphere. probably the best beer joint in somerville that isn’t in davis square.“
SrSilliGose 4290 days ago
82 /100 716 BROADWAY
“good selection. helpful, knowledgable staff. provide the GF with good recommendations when she goes in. higher prices than liquor world which is about a mile away. but get 10% of 6 bootles or 15% off 12 bootles so prices are just fine after discount. put anything in singles which is nice for ticks. clean well run store. fine place.“
SrSilliGose 4290 days ago
72 /100 400 HIGHLAND AVE
“has that boring wrigleyville bar look from the outside, but it has the potential to be rather nice inside. tacos were pretty good. nice tap list. needs some breaking in, but enjoyed my time here. some of the highest beer prices in all of boston. raised prices and/or cut ounces recently. a lot of $6-7 12 oz pours and $8-$9 16oz pours of ipas :(“
SrSilliGose 4338 days ago
82 /100
Redbones (Bar)
55 CHESTER ST
“cool hangout for fans of bikes, beer, and bbq. one of the few places that holds events for the tour de france- like bbq and beer breakfasts during mountain stages. lot of character to both the bar and basement. neat art in the basement reminds me of three floyds. bbq is fine, but nothing special. unique ambiance and fine beer list are big draws. also within walking distance from me, so convenient to boot.“
SrSilliGose 4338 days ago
72 /100 225 ELM ST
“We stopped in here on Saturday night on the way home from ACBF for souvenirs. Nice selection of brews available for sale tucked into the back end of the liquor store. Lots of great micro labels to the left with world offerings to the right. I was able to find some nice items to take home with me. Service seemed no existent, but I really wasn’t in need of any. Seems a bit pricy even by Boston standards. I would go back if I was in the area, but I probably wouldn’t go out of my way to shop here.“
johnnnniee 4386 days ago
86 /100
Redbones (Bar)
55 CHESTER ST
“I went here for the first time this past Saturday after the ACBF, its really not what I had imagined it would be. It’s tightly packed with chairs, loud, eclectic and crowded. We’ve got a bar on the left with seating against the wall and seating at the bar as well. On the right side of the wall is the main dining area. We grabbed a beer and snagged a couple of seats in the bar area while we waited for our table. The service was great despite the number of patrons filling the place like they know how to handle busy. We waited 30 min or so for our table and ordered some hush puppies as an appetizer. We both got brisket, I got a plate and my company had a sandwich. The food is great, the brisket was tender, ample and flavorful, the dirty rice side was also great. Its barbeque and its done well and priced as such. If in the area I would definitely come back.“
johnnnniee 4386 days ago
80 /100 400 HIGHLAND AVE
“Wonderful selection, good prices and comfortable. Good service and bonus selections from small brewers“
joet 4397 days ago
60 /100
SoundBites (Restaurant)
704 BROADWAY
“A great place to go to get breakfast food all day long, and some decent beer options, but if you want great beer, skip it over your meal and head to Ball Square Fine Wine & Spirits which is like two doors down.“
williamstome 4410 days ago
84 /100
Redbones (Bar)
55 CHESTER ST
“This is a serious BBQ place with an extensive choice of BBQ meat. The plates are huge and I had hard time eating more then half of what was in my plate. Extensive selection of craft beers from MA and around the world is also plus. The place is quite popular and we had to wait about half-hour before being seated even though we showed past 8pm on a Sunday night. It doesn’t really matter has it leave time to sit around the bar and have a few drinks. The waitress was great and really helpful. The only things that I though could be improving upon would be the sides, the coleslaw was lacking in flavour and the beans were not sweet or smoky enough (the mac and cheese was great though). This place is really worth the half-hour train ride from Central Boston.“
Boutip 4412 days ago