BostonUSA Pubs, & Brewery Tours & Pub Tours for Visitors

Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau Visitor Services Department Contact: 1-617-536-4100; 1-888-SEE-BOSTON (toll free within the United States), e mail  visitus@bostonusa.com

 

October 2007 Edition

 

Contents

 

 

Brewery Tours

 

Harpoon Brewery 306 Northern Avenue, Boston waterfront

Since 1986, New England's largest craft brewery, makers of  Harpoon IPA, UFO Hefeweizen, and our variety of brewery-fresh beers. Upon receiving the first permit to be issued in twenty five years by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to brew and package beer commercially (we hold Massachusetts Brewery Permit No. 1), the Harpoon Brewery began brewing at 306 Northern Avenue, Boston. We are still at the same location brewing a true Boston beer, having changed and expanded considerably since 1987. Please come and visit the brewery.

 

The brewery is open to the public Tuesday through Friday from 11:00 am to 5:30 pm and Saturday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.  You can shop at the brewery store for all sorts of great Harpoon merchandise or purchase brewery fresh beer to go. Our most popular item is the Harpoon Growler. It is a 64 ounce collectable bottle that we fill to order right from the taps. You can also view the Harpoon Brewhouse "up close" from  our Brewhouse platform. Our Tasting takes place in our Tasting Room and includes in-depth information about Harpoon and the great beers we brew. This information is narrated by our knowledgable staff and includes complimentary samples of our delicious beer. That Tasting lasts about 1 hour which includes access the the Brewhouse Platform. Because of our small size, we do not have the ability to allow people to walk through the brewery.

 

The Harpoon Tastings takes place on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 4:00 pm. Friday at 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm. Saturday at 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm. No reservations are necessary and families are welcome. You must be 21 years or older with proper ID to sample. Groups of 15 or more should call ahead at 888-427-7666 ext 522.

 

Boston Beer Company - Sam Adams Brewery Tour:  30 Germania Street Jamaica Plain Boston

Experience the art and mystery of brewing. Taste the rich malts and spicy hops, the classic ingredients of beer. Tour the Boston Beer Museum and learn about Boston's proud brewing past. And taste the history-the classic, award-winning beers of Samuel Adams. Call for recorded directions 617-368-5080. $1 donation; 100% of proceeds given to a local charity. Tour Times: Thursday at 2pm; Fridays at 2pm & 5:30, Saturday at noon, 1pm and 2pm; additional tour on Wednesday at 2pm during May through August. 30 Germania Street, Boston, MA 02130, Phone: 617-522-9080 http://www.samadams.com

 

Freedom Trail Foundation - Walk into History Tour - Historic Pub Crawl Warm the cockles of your heart and your tastebuds, too! Hear the tales of Boston's treasonous events brewed in four of Boston's historic pubs. Led by an 18th Century Costumed Guide, stroll to four taverns – Bell in Hand, Green Dragon, The Point and Union Oyster House - and sample a variety of Samuel Adams beer styles – lagers, ales and Hefeweizens.
Make a meal of the light fares included in the tour (oysters, baked beans, wraps, and beef stew) and take away a Sam Adams historic Pub Crawl souvenir pub glass. Revolutionary ideas may have come from speeches at Faneuil Hall or a meeting of the Sons of Liberty, but their courage and inspiration came from Boston’s taverns. TOURS: Tuesdays, at 5:30 pm. Departing from Bostix booth, Faneuil Hall Marketplace.
COST: $39 per person. All reservations must be made 24 hours in advance.Must be 21 years of age, must show valid ID. Available for Groups and Private Tours: Contact: Freedom Trail Foundation, 617.357.8300 Sam Jones at  sam@TheFreedomTrail.org , 99 Chauncy St. Boston, MA 02111, Tel  617-357-8300 http://www.thefreedomtrail.org 

 

 

Boston’s Colorful Bars : America’s most famous bar: “Cheers!” the Bull & Finch on Beacon Street

Known for years as the Bull & Finch Pub - it's the original inspiration for the setting of the American TV classic, Cheers! Home of Boston's best burger & best Bloody Mary. Cheers is open seven days a week from 11 AM. Sports fans can catch their favorite teams on one of 10 DirecTVs. Located across from the Public Garden. Children’s menu, late nite, full bar. The Gift Shop is open daily 10:00 AM. 84 Beacon St. Boston, MA 02108 Tel 617-227-9605 http://www.cheersboston.com
 

 

Boston & Cambridge Irish Pubs

 

Back Bay: Solas, MJ O’Connors

 

Solas ground floor Lenox Hotel

Solas means comfort in Gaelic and comfort is exactly what you'll find in this modern day space influenced by Irish architecture and embroidered in style. Cozy corners and a lively bar allows for intimate gatherings, celebrations, and animated events. 710 Boylston Street Boston, MA 02116 http://www.solasboston.com

 

 

 

 

M.J. O'Connor's ground floor Boston Park Plaza Hotel

This warm and welcoming atmosphere enhanced with eye-catching stained glass creates a spectacular setting for business meetings, social functions, and special events. Restaurant with an Irish flavor. 27 Columbus Avenue next to the Park Plaza Hotel, Boston, MA 02116, Fax: 617-482-2255

 

Downtown, Fanueil Hall Marketplace neighborhood

 

Black Rose

Adjacent to Faneuil Hall Marketplace and the waterfront, The Black Rose is one of the most famous watering holes this side of Galway Bay. The menu includes mouthwatering corned beef and cabbage, aged Angus steak, Shepherd's Pie, as well as New England seafood and a pint or two of Guinness. Traditional Irish breakfast is served every Saturday and Sunday. The Black Rose is a landmark for Boston's Irish and a destination for many visitors. Children's menu, full bar, reservations recommended. Live Irish entertainment nightly and on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. 160 State Street, Boston, MA 02109, Phone: 617-451-7400 http://www.irishconnection.com/blackrose.html

 

J.J. Donovan's

Come into J.J. Donovan's for the true New England Pub experience. Faneuil Hall Marketplace.North Market Building
Boston, MA 02109 Phone: 617-523-9522

 

The Boston Stone Pub

Cozy, multi-level pub and restaurant located on the Freedom Trail. Gathering spot for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunches. Luncheon specials daily. Live entertainment nightly. Function room on the second floor is available for private events.  147 Hanover Street Boston, MA 02108 Phone: 617-523-7020

 

Kennedy's Midtown

Irish pub and steakhouse featuring aged steaks, seafood and classic pub fare. Located in Downtown Crossing steps from the Freedom Trail.  42 Province Street Boston, MA 02108 Phone: 617-426-3333

 

Theatre District/ Boylston Street/Boston Common neighborhood

 

Bishop's Pub

Inviting to all, Bishop's Pub makes you feel right at home. A warm and cozy haven, Bishop's is hidden in Boston's fast-paced business and theater districts. Stop by and choose from a wide selection of beer. Enjoy quiet conversations and relax to live acoustic music. Bishop's Pub is an English pub in an Irish town!

One Boylston Place Boston, MA 02116 Phone: 617-351-2583

 

Kennedy's Midtown
Irish pub and steakhouse featuring aged steaks, seafood and classic pub fare. Located in Downtown Crossing steps from the Freedom Trail.

 

Across the River : Harvard University World: Harvard Square Cambridge

 

Grafton Street Pub & Grill

Grafton Street is a combination of traditional Irish pub and contemporary restaurant. Grafton Street features more than a dozen beers on tap and an extensive wine list.

1230 Massachusetts Ave.
Harvard Square
Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone: 617-497-0400

  

The Plough & Stars is the oldest Irish pub in the Cambridge/Boston area. Offering f friendly bistro style dining, Plough & Stars serves fish, poultry, meat & vegetarian dishes. Also on the menu are a variety of the finest imported and domestic beers including the best pints in town.  912 Massachusetts Avenue Cambridge, MA 02139 Phone: 617-441-3455

 

Temple Bar

Named after the bustling entertainment district of Temple Bar, Dublin, here you can relax, dine, and enjoy the wide selection of wine, beer, and single malt scotches. Late night dining. 1688 Massachusetts Avenue Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone: 617-547-5055 http://www.templebarcambridge.com

 

The Harp

With three distinct rooms and an upscale Irish appeal, The Harp is the ideal location for a relaxed gathering or a grand scale event. Address: 85 Causeway Street, Boston, MA 02114. Phone: 617-742-1010, http://www.harpboston.com.