Cambridge, Massachusetts, renowned for its prestigious universities and rich history, also boasts a thriving craft beer scene. The city’s diverse array of breweries and taprooms offers beer enthusiasts a unique opportunity to explore local flavors and innovative brews.
Cambridge is home to numerous craft beer destinations, including Lamplighter Brewing, Remnant Brewing, and Aeronaut Brewing Company, each offering distinctive styles and atmospheres. These establishments range from cozy pubs to modern brewpubs, providing visitors with a wide variety of options to suit their tastes.
The local craft beer culture in Cambridge reflects the city’s innovative spirit and commitment to quality. Beer lovers can expect to find everything from traditional ales to experimental brews, often crafted with locally sourced ingredients. This vibrant beer scene adds another layer to Cambridge’s already rich cultural tapestry, making it a must-visit destination for both beer aficionados and curious travelers alike.
Exploring the Cambridge Craft Beer Scene
Cambridge’s craft beer scene is thriving, offering a diverse array of local brews and unique drinking experiences. The city boasts several standout breweries and beer bars that showcase the creativity and skill of local brewers.
Lamplighter Brewing Company is a popular spot, known for its innovative beers and welcoming taproom. Their experimental brews often incorporate unexpected ingredients, pushing the boundaries of traditional beer styles.
Aeronaut Brewing Company, while technically in neighboring Somerville, is a favorite among Cambridge beer enthusiasts. They offer a rotating selection of craft beers in a spacious, industrial-chic setting.
For those seeking a more traditional pub atmosphere, The Druid in Inman Square serves a curated selection of local and international craft beers. Their cozy interior provides the perfect backdrop for enjoying a pint.
Cambridge also features several beer gardens that come alive during warmer months. These outdoor spaces offer a relaxed environment to sample local brews while enjoying the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
Many Cambridge breweries and bars emphasize seasonal specialties, crafting beers that reflect the changing New England seasons. From refreshing summer ales to rich winter stouts, there’s always something new to try.
The city’s craft beer scene is deeply intertwined with its food culture. Many local restaurants partner with nearby breweries, offering beer pairings that complement their menus and highlight the versatility of craft beer.
The Pioneers: Must-Visit Breweries
Cambridge’s craft beer scene boasts several innovative breweries that have made their mark on the local and national stage. These establishments offer unique flavors, inviting atmospheres, and a commitment to quality brewing.
Cambridge Brewing Company (CBC)
Cambridge Brewing Company stands as one of the oldest brewpubs in the Boston area. Established in 1989, CBC has been a pioneer in craft brewing, producing a wide range of styles from traditional to experimental.
Their brewmaster consistently creates innovative beers, including barrel-aged sours and Belgian-inspired ales. CBC’s spacious brewpub in Kendall Square features a rotating tap list of house beers, seasonal specialties, and creative small-batch brews.
Visitors can enjoy fresh beer paired with farm-to-table cuisine in the restaurant or outdoor patio. CBC’s commitment to sustainability is evident in their use of locally sourced ingredients and eco-friendly practices.
Lord Hobo Brewing Company
Lord Hobo Brewing Company has quickly become a force in the New England craft beer scene since its founding in 2015. Known for their bold, hop-forward IPAs, Lord Hobo has gained a devoted following among beer enthusiasts.
Their flagship Boom Sauce IPA exemplifies the hazy, juicy New England IPA style. The brewery’s modern taproom in Woburn, just outside Cambridge, offers a rotating selection of fresh beers on draft.
Lord Hobo’s experimental spirit shines through in their limited releases and barrel-aged offerings. Their beers can be found in many local bars and restaurants, making them a staple of the Cambridge craft beer landscape.
Lamplighter Brewing Co.
Lamplighter Brewing Co. has carved out a niche in Cambridge’s competitive beer market since opening in 2016. Located in a former auto garage, the brewery’s taproom exudes a cozy, industrial-chic vibe.
Lamplighter specializes in New England IPAs, sour ales, and creative small-batch brews. Their commitment to quality is evident in their meticulous brewing process and carefully curated tap list.
The brewery hosts regular events, including trivia nights and live music performances. Lamplighter’s collaboration with local food vendors allows visitors to enjoy tasty bites alongside their fresh brews.
Aeronaut Brewing Company
Aeronaut Brewing Company embodies the spirit of innovation that defines Cambridge’s tech and academic culture. Founded by scientists and engineers in 2014, Aeronaut approaches brewing with scientific precision.
Their spacious taproom in Somerville, bordering Cambridge, serves as a community hub. Visitors can sample a diverse range of beers, from crisp lagers to complex barrel-aged stouts.
Aeronaut’s commitment to the local arts scene is evident in their regular live music performances and art exhibitions. The brewery’s experimental mindset leads to unique flavor combinations and brewing techniques, keeping beer enthusiasts coming back for new experiences.
Brewery Hangouts and Ambiance
Cambridge’s craft beer scene offers diverse atmospheres for every beer enthusiast. From intimate pubs to lively gastropubs and outdoor spaces, the city provides unique settings to enjoy local brews.
Cozy Pubs with Craft Beer on Tap
The Druid in Inman Square embodies the quintessential cozy pub experience. Its warm wooden interiors and friendly staff create an inviting atmosphere for sampling craft beers. The pub offers a rotating selection of local brews on tap, perfect for a relaxed evening.
Russell House Tavern in Harvard Square combines a historic ambiance with modern craft beer offerings. The brick-walled interior and intimate lighting set the mood for enjoying unique local ales.
Cambridge Common, a neighborhood favorite, features an extensive craft beer list in a comfortable, unpretentious setting. Their knowledgeable staff can guide patrons through the diverse selection of regional and national craft beers.
Lively Gastropubs with Unique Brews
Lamplighter Brewing Co. on Broadway stands out as a vibrant gastropub. The industrial-chic space buzzes with energy as patrons enjoy house-brewed beers and creative pub fare. Their taproom often hosts events, adding to the lively atmosphere.
Aeronaut Brewing Company offers a unique experience with its warehouse-style taproom. The space features long communal tables, encouraging socializing while sampling their innovative brews.
Lord Hobo brings a sophisticated touch to the gastropub scene. Their curated beer list showcases rare and sought-after craft beers alongside elevated pub cuisine.
Outdoor Patios and Beer Gardens
Charlie’s Kitchen boasts a beloved beer garden in Harvard Square. The multi-level outdoor space provides a casual setting for enjoying craft beers and classic American fare under string lights.
Remnant Brewing’s dog-friendly patio in Union Square offers a laid-back atmosphere. Patrons can relax with their furry friends while sipping on freshly brewed craft beers in the open air.
Cambridge Brewing Company features a spacious patio perfect for warm weather drinking. Their outdoor seating area allows guests to enjoy house-brewed beers and seasonal specials in a pleasant alfresco setting.
Pairing Food and Craft Beer
Cambridge’s craft beer scene offers exciting opportunities to pair local brews with delicious food. From gourmet pizzas to innovative gastropub fare, the city’s eateries provide perfect companions for its diverse beer selection.
Gourmet Pizzas and IPAs
Area Four stands out for its artisanal pizzas paired with local IPAs. The pizzeria’s thin-crust pies, featuring creative toppings like foraged mushrooms, complement the hoppy bitterness of India Pale Ales. Brewpubs like Cambridge Common offer a rotating selection of IPAs that match well with their signature pizzas.
For a unique experience, try pairing a New England-style IPA with a white clam pizza. The beer’s juicy, tropical notes balance the briny flavors of the seafood topping.
Brewpub Eats: Sandwiches and Pale Ales
Cambridge’s brewpubs excel at pairing sandwiches with crisp pale ales. Russell House Tavern serves a short rib grilled cheese that pairs perfectly with a local pale ale. The beer’s balanced hop profile cuts through the richness of the meat and cheese.
Many venues offer beer flights alongside sandwich platters, allowing patrons to explore different pairings. Popular options include:
- Turkey club with American pale ale
- Veggie wrap with wheat beer
- Cubano with Vienna lager
Innovative Gastropub Cuisine
Cambridge’s gastropubs elevate traditional pub fare with creative twists, offering ideal pairings for craft beers. Short rib poutine at Cambridge Common pairs well with a robust porter, the beer’s roasted notes complementing the rich gravy.
Fried pickles, a popular appetizer, find their match in tart, refreshing sour beers. The acidity cuts through the breading while enhancing the pickle’s tangy flavor.
For a lighter option, sweet potato fries paired with a saison create a harmonious blend of earthy sweetness and spicy, fruity beer notes.
Craft Beer Varieties and Recommendations
Cambridge’s craft beer scene offers a diverse array of flavors and styles to suit every palate. Local breweries excel in creating unique and memorable brews that showcase the city’s innovative spirit.
Iconic Local IPAs
Cambridge breweries have mastered the art of crafting exceptional IPAs. Lamplighter Brewing Co. stands out with its Birds of a Feather, a New England-style IPA bursting with tropical fruit notes. Aeronaut Brewing Company’s A Year With Dr. Nandu delivers a balanced blend of citrus and pine flavors.
For hop enthusiasts, Cambridge Brewing Company’s Flower Child IPA provides a classic West Coast-style experience. These IPAs showcase the brewers’ skill in balancing hop bitterness with aromatic complexity.
Local bottle shops often stock limited releases from these breweries, allowing beer lovers to explore seasonal variations and experimental batches.
Savor the Sours and Porters
Cambridge’s craft beer scene extends beyond IPAs, offering excellent sours and porters. Lamplighter Brewing Co.’s Werewolves of Cambridge, a tart and refreshing Berliner Weisse, delights sour beer fans.
For porter lovers, Cambridge Brewing Company’s Charles River Porter presents a rich, chocolatey profile with subtle coffee notes. Winter Hill Brewing Company occasionally features unique porter variations in their rotating tap list.
These styles demonstrate the versatility of Cambridge’s brewers and their commitment to satisfying diverse taste preferences.
Experimental and Seasonal Brews
Cambridge breweries continuously push boundaries with innovative recipes and seasonal offerings. Aeronaut Brewing Company’s Robot Crush, a German-style wheat beer infused with green tea, exemplifies this experimental spirit.
Remnant Brewing, located in nearby Somerville, rotates unique small-batch brews that often incorporate local ingredients. Their seasonal pumpkin ale has become a fall favorite among Cambridge beer enthusiasts.
Cambridge Brewing Company’s Great Pumpkin Ale and Winter Ale are highly anticipated seasonal releases, showcasing the brewers’ skill in crafting beers that complement the changing New England weather.
Flights of Beer for the Connoisseurs
Many Cambridge taprooms offer beer flights, allowing visitors to sample multiple brews in one sitting. Lamplighter Brewing Co. typically offers a four-beer flight, perfect for exploring their diverse lineup.
At Cambridge Brewing Company, patrons can create custom flights from their extensive draft list. This option is ideal for those wanting to compare different styles or track the evolution of a particular beer over multiple batches.
Aeronaut Brewing Company’s flight options often include limited releases alongside their core range, providing a comprehensive taste of their brewing philosophy.
Beer flights serve as an excellent introduction to Cambridge’s craft beer scene, enabling visitors to discover new favorites and appreciate the nuances of different brewing styles.
Navigating the Cambridge Area
Cambridge offers a diverse craft beer scene, with distinct neighborhoods each contributing their own flavor to the local brewing landscape. Visitors can explore popular brewing hubs and expand their beer journey into nearby Boston.
Brewery Touring in Kendall Square
Kendall Square has emerged as a hotspot for craft beer enthusiasts. This innovative district houses several notable breweries within walking distance of each other. Visitors can sample unique brews while taking in the area’s tech-driven atmosphere.
Local favorites include Lamplighter Brewing, known for their experimental ales and lagers. The taproom offers a rotating selection of fresh beers on draft, often featuring limited releases.
Nearby, Cambridge Brewing Company stands as one of the area’s pioneering brewpubs. They serve a wide range of styles, from traditional ales to barrel-aged specialties.
Cambridge Common: Central Hub for Beer Enthusiasts
Cambridge Common serves as a central gathering place for beer lovers. This historic area boasts several pubs and restaurants with impressive craft beer selections.
The Plough & Stars, a cozy Irish pub, offers a carefully curated list of local and international brews. Their knowledgeable staff can guide patrons through the ever-changing tap list.
Cambridge Common Restaurant, despite sharing a name with the area, stands out with its extensive beer menu. They feature over 30 drafts, focusing heavily on New England craft options.
For those seeking a more upscale experience, Russell House Tavern provides a sophisticated setting to enjoy craft beers alongside elevated pub fare.
Beyond Cambridge: Boston Breweries
A short trip across the Charles River opens up even more brewing possibilities in Boston. The city’s rich beer history and thriving craft scene make it a natural extension of any Cambridge beer tour.
Harpoon Brewery, one of Boston’s largest craft breweries, offers tours and tastings at their waterfront facility. Visitors can sample their iconic IPA alongside seasonal and experimental brews.
Trillium Brewing Company, with locations in Fort Point and the Fenway area, has gained national recognition for their New England-style IPAs and innovative sour ales.
For a unique experience, beer enthusiasts can visit Aeronaut Brewing in nearby Somerville. This community-focused brewery often hosts live music and cultural events alongside their beer offerings.
Beyond the Brew: Pubs with More To Offer
Cambridge’s craft beer scene extends beyond just great brews. Many local pubs offer diverse experiences, from craft cocktails to fresh food and entertainment options.
Craft Cocktails and Fine Spirits
Several Cambridge pubs excel in mixology alongside their beer offerings. Russell House Tavern stands out with its extensive bourbon selection and expertly crafted cocktails. Their bartenders use fresh ingredients and house-made syrups to create unique flavor profiles.
Night Shift Brewing Kitchen & Tap, while known for beer, also features a rotating cocktail menu. They experiment with rum-based drinks, often incorporating seasonal fruits and herbs.
For those seeking rare spirits, Cambridge Common boasts an impressive collection. Their knowledgeable staff can guide patrons through tasting flights of small-batch bourbons and artisanal rums.
Pubs with Fresh Prepared Foods
Cambridge Brewing Company takes pride in its kitchen, using locally sourced ingredients. Their menu changes seasonally, featuring dishes like pizza topped with foraged mushrooms and short rib poutine.
Remnant Brewing partners with local farms to create fresh, beer-friendly fare. They offer small plates highlighting regional produce and artisanal cheeses.
Five Horses Tavern focuses on farm-to-table cuisine. Their chefs use balsamic vinegars and other high-quality ingredients to elevate classic pub dishes.
Casual Settings with Indie Films
The Brattle Theatre, while not a traditional pub, combines craft beer with indie films. They offer a curated selection of local brews to enjoy during screenings of cult classics and new releases.
Aeronaut Brewing Company occasionally hosts outdoor movie nights. Patrons can sip on craft beers while watching independent films projected on the brewery’s walls.
Some pubs, like Democracy Brewing, feature small screening rooms. These spaces allow guests to enjoy craft beers while watching documentaries or short films by local filmmakers.
