Boston Common - Niche Media - A side of Boston that's anything but common.
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GUIDE imbibe The New World Tavern in Plymouth offers 32 rotating beers on tap. top taps FROM BELGIAN IMPORTS TO ARTISAN BREWS, BEER GETS BIGGER AT NEW ENGLAND'S BEST GASTROPUBS AND ALE HOUSES. BY BRANDY RAND The Fat Cat Drawing beer aficionados from across the North Shore and beyond, Ale House prides itself on its selection: 30 rotating draughts and over 100 bottles, from Stella Artois stout to unique lambics and wild ales. Ask the bartenders for what's new, or follow the latest stream of updated tap choices on social media. 33 Main St., Amesbury, 978-388-1950; amesburyalehouse.com Always packed, this cozy neighborhood pub serves classic comfort food along with a good beer selection that caters to both conservative and adventurous palates. Beyond domestic favorites, there are fun and funky choices like Abita Purple Haze, Young's Double Chocolate Stout, and Wells Banana Bread Beer. 24 Chestnut St., Quincy, 617-471-4363; fatcatrestaurant.com Armsby Abbey Home of some of the most unique beer on earth, this crown jewel of beerdom has everything from Trois Dames l'Amoureuse from Sainte-Croix, Switzerland, to a Pot Kettle Black by Yeastie Boys in New Zealand. The staff's training includes more than two months of intensive education and weekly workshops, so you can be sure to learn while you taste. 144 Main St., Worcester, 508-795-1012; armsbyabbey.com Cambridge Brewing Co. This brewery-restaurant lays claim to being the oldest of its kind in the Boston area since opening in 1989. Known for innovative takes on a variety of beer styles, the brewing company attracts fans who love the focus on the fresh and local. Take a seat at the outdoor patio and enjoy the weekend "Beerunch" with a house-brewed Tall Tale pale ale or Charles River porter. 1 Kendall Sq., Cambridge, 617-494-1994; cambrew.com 122 BOSTONCOMMON-MAGAZINE.COM 122_BC_G_Imbibe_SUM13.indd 122 Lord Hobo This gastropub amazes with 44 beers on draught, not to mention killer cocktails. Regular selections showcase local craft brands such as Pretty Things Beer, Ale Project, and Jack's Abby Brewing, plus special bottles like Enlightenments Bière Brut, a Champagneconditioned ale—all perfect foils to truffle fries and pork belly. 92 Hampshire St., Cambridge, 617-250-8454; lordhobo.com The New World Tavern Cape traffic got you down? Stop in for a pint and peruse the 130-bottle menu and 32 ever-changing draught selections, including Nantucket's own Cisco Brewers. Brewery visits, live music, and a beer club ensure you'll be back to try them all. 56 Main St., Plymouth, 508-927-4250; thenewworldtavern.com Novare Res Bier Café Beer geeks delight in this hard-to-find haven in Portland. Reminiscent of a European beer hall, with communal tables and no TV, it's a place meant to gather at and converse. Did we mention the 450-plus bottles and 33 draughts to choose from? 4 Canal Plaza, Portland, ME, 207-761-2437; novareresbiercafe.com HOP TO IT A round with Will Meyers, brewmaster of Cambridge Brewing Co. The Pour Farm Tavern A creative list of upscale brews coupled with a wide selection makes this a surprise spot for beer drinkers. Bottle choices include Full Sail Brewing Co. Session lagers and Green Flash West Coast India pale ale. If you can't decide, try a flight of four five-ounce pours. 780 Purchase St., New Bedford, 508-990-1123; pourfarm.com The Publick House This Belgian-inspired craft beer bar and restaurant serves up more than just great frites. With 36 beers on tap like Allagash and Smuttynose and a list of 100 choice bottles, you'll be sure to find a new favorite. 1648 Beacon St., Brookline, 617-277-2880 The Squealing Pig What are people looking for in beer today? Hoppy beers are popular, especially IPAs, and there's new interest in "farmhouse-inspired" beers and sour beers. What's a memorable beer you've brewed? Our 24th anniversary beer, called Shadows and Light. It's aged for eight years under a process used for making madeira and sherry. What's your favorite food and beer pairing? Our own Sgt. Pepper with cheese from Jasper Hill Farm in Vermont—specifically, their Alpha Tolman and Cabot Clothbound cheddar. PHOTOGRAPHY BY RACHEL CARRIER (MEYERS) Ale House Both the Mission Hill and Provincetown locations make you feel like a local. Try rotating taps from BBC and Cambridge Brewing Co., stick with summery imports like Blue Moon, or simply hang loose with the house IPA. 134 Smith St., 617-566-6651; squealingpigboston.com; 335 Commercial St., Provincetown, 508-487-5804; squealingpigptown.com BC Cambridge Brewing Co. is the oldest brewery-restaurant in the Boston area. 6/7/13 12:55 PM