Boston Beer Gardens & Outdoor Gathering Spaces
Cool Outdoor Places to Hang out with Friends
Beer Gardens to Visit in Boston This Summer
The Beer Garden on City Hall Plaza -- D&D Beer Garden
It's back! The Beer Garden on City Hall Plaza (formerly The Patios) in partnership 67 Degrees Brewing, is set atop City Hall Plaza overlooking Faneuil Hall. Fenced by an artful BOSTON sign, it's also become a great place for a local photo op. The site will now be called the Distraction & Democracy Beer Garden (D&D).
photo courtesy of The Patios
D&D Beer Garden, a collaboration between local breweries Democracy Brewing and Distraction Brewing, to partner with Jimmies Cafe of Roslindale to provide food and beverages for all ages. The beer garden will open June 7, 2023.
The City’s partnership with D&D Beer Garden is part of the administration’s efforts to revitalize Downtown Boston with social and economic opportunities. D&D’s hours of operation will be from 4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 12:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. on Saturdays, and 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. on Sundays. Beginning in mid-late June, D&D’s hours will expand daily.
The beer garden will also feature an array of programming including live music, entertainment, art classes and showcases, and yoga classes to build community and enhance the space.
photo credit: BostonCentral
Food trucks will also be on site during operating hours. The City will be releasing an RFP later this fall to select a longer term vendor to take over operation of the Beer Garden starting in the spring.
Trillium Beer Garden
Outdoor beer gardens have taken the city by storm lately, and Trillium Beer Garden on the Rose Kennedy Greenway is a super cool place to mingle with other young professionals in the city. Happy hours here quite popular and people line up and are very willing to wait awhile to get inside the fences.
Trillium Brewing Company will be opening for the season on the Greenway on April 14, 2023.
In addition, they will be unveiling a new space near the corner of Boylston and Tremont Streets, near the Emerson campus and the MBTA Green Line station. The new space is planned to open by May 4 and operate through Nov. 1.
The new seasonal performance space and outdoor beer garden offering music, food, and beverages on Boston Common, with performances that represent all of our residents and a new, beautiful outdoor gathering space for all. In addition to beer, Taqueria El Barrio will be providing a number of delicious food options.
Photo courtesy of Emerson College
Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4-9 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 12-9 p.m., and Sundays from 12-6 p.m. The garden seats more than 400 people and will offer food and drink from both Trillium and Taqueria El Barrio.
During the season, Food Trucks line up right nearby so you can grab a quick bite while you wait. Trillium actually has several locations - the Trillium Restaurant & Brewing Co. is a building tucked back one street off of Seaport Blvd. in Fort Point
The venue features a large patio & deck setup, as well as indoor seating for the cooler months. Another year-round, indoor-outdoor Trillium taproom is located in the Fenway.
Trillium’s drink offerings will be paired with some incredible partners from the Greenway's 2023 Food Truck Program. You’ll find Burgundian on Thursdays, Revelry on Fridays, Dining Car on Saturdays, and Pennypackers on Sundays throughout the season!
Atlantic Avenue & High Street
Boston, MA
Boston Common
corner of Boylston & Tremont
Night Shift Brewing - The Owl's Nest (The Esplanade + 5)
The Esplanade location of Owls Nest Beer Garden is a perfect summer spot to hang after work, relax after a run, or catch up with friends.
Indulge in eats from The Smoke Shop BBQ and sit back and relax with a cold craft beer, hard seltzer or glass of wine. Enjoy all that summer has to offer with your friends - the four-legged kind are welcome, too!
Seasonally open Thursday - Sunday, visitors can enjoy lots of tunes, events, and food trucks, along with brews from Night Shift Brewery, and the breezes and excellent views of the Charles River. New this year, guests can also enjoy shuffleboard and pickleball courts as well.
photo courtesy of Owl's Nest Beer Garden
6 locations:
ESPLANADE (Boston): Between Berkeley & Clarendon Streets along the Storrow Lagoon (use the Dartmouth Street footbridge for access)
ALLSTON (Herter Park): Between Harvard Stadium & Everett Street along Soldier's Field Road (big, free parking lot adjacent the beer garden itself)
CANAL DISTRICT KENDALL (Cambridge): Termeer Square, West Kendall Street, Cambridge, MA (parking at 350 Kendall St Garage)
HOOD PARK (Charlestown): 6 Stack St, Charlestown, MA (across from 100 Hood Park Drive)
UNIVERSITY PARK (Cambridge): 65 Sidney Street, Cambridge MA
ASSEMBLY ROW between Foley Street and Revolution Drive
Check it out Thursdays & Fridays from 4-10 p.m., Saturdays from noon-10 p.m., and Sundays from noon-6 p.m.
Cisco Brewers Beer Garden (Seaport District)
Nantucket’s favorite brewery is popping up in Boston Seaport for the summer.
Head over to the Seaport District and you can enjoy a round at the Cisco Brewery Beer Garden showcasing an extensive portfolio of beers including favorites like Whale’s Tale Pale Ale, Grey Lady Wheat Ale, Wandering Haze Hazy IPA and its seasonal Summer Rays Golden Ale, as well as hard ciders, wines, frosé and coolers.
Cisco Brewers is back, and now open through October. This year Cisco brings their famous portfolio of beers, while also offering craft cocktails, wine, and spirits from Triple Eight Distillery.
The new Cisco Brewers Kitchen serves will include a classic New England clam shack, a sushi bar, and a taco truck. Come by Cisco this summer and enjoy a cold one while listening to live music from local artists.
When the space opens, it tends to fill up quickly. Seating is limited to 90 minutes so there will be turnover, but best to plan accordingly. Guests can add there name & cell # to the waitlist on busy evenings and you’ll be summoned when your table is ready.
photo courtesy of Cisco Beer Garden
Cisco Brewers Seaport has daily live music from local artists, including Salty Sweet, The Lustre Kings, Alex Rohan, The Regular Gents and Bondra & Morris.
Open: Check it out Tuesdays through Thursdays from 4-11 p.m., Fridays from 3-11 p.m., Saturdays & Sundays from noon-11 p.m.
65 Northern Ave
Boston, MA 02210
Dockside Beer Garden | Aquarium
Aquarium's Dockside Beer Garden is now open seven days a week w/ special extended hours on July 4! The Central Wharf Plaza venue offers a vibrant waterfront atmosphere with beers from Cisco Brewers and Kona Brewing, as well as other beverages.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of menu items, including barbeque ribs, pulled pork and chicken, burgers, and cornbread.
On Acoustic Thursdays, they offer free live music from 4pm-7pm with rotating artists, and vibrant waterfront views all evening long!
photo courtesy of Dockside Beer Garden
City Winery on the Greenway (Boston)
City Winery has a secondary location on the Rose Kennedy Greenway right across the street from South Station.
This urban, wine garden oasis is conveniently located at Dewey Square, which is one of the most picturesque sections of downtown Boston. The wine garden is a fun and friendly destination for all to gather, play and unwind.
photo courtesy of City Winery
The Greenway / Dewey Square
Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA 02111
The Anchor (Charlestown)
Finally, you can enjoy some fun outdoor games, harbor views and brews at The Anchor, in Charlestown. The Anchor is an all-ages gathering space that is complemented by live music programming, public art, and backyard games.
Indulge in a finely curated collection of local and international brews, as well as a robust selection of wines, sangria and bubbly. Espresso, coffees, teas, freshly squeezed lemonades are also available for refreshment.
photo courtesy of The Anchor
Open: Seasonal Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 4:00pm-11:00pm
Friday - Sunday: 11:00am-11:00pm
The Lawn on D
The Lawn on D is a park and playground oasis for children and adults near the Boston convention center. The park features art installations, live music, very cool LED illuminated circular (think glowing) swings, inflatable maze and so much more.
The park attracts many families and young adults in the area due to its cool features, live music and seasonal festivals.
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photo courtesy of The Lawn on D
420 D Street
Boston, MA 02210
Sam Adams R&D Taproom at Faneuil Hall (Downtown Boston)
Sam Adams Boston Taproom The Sam Adams Boston Taproom opened its doors on January 30, 2020 at 60 State Street steps away from the iconic Samuel Adams statue in Faneuil Hall. Hours: Sun - Wed: 2-8pm and Thurs - Sat: 12-8pm.
The taproom is 15,000 square feet consisting of 3 floors including our rooftop outdoor deck and our lower level featuring beer hall style tables perfect for larger groups.
photo credit: The Boston Calendar
Check it out Wednesdays & Thursdays from 2-8pm, Fridays & Saturdays from 12 noon-8 p.m., and Sundays from 12 noon-6 p.m.
60 State Street
Boston, MA 02109
Over the Charles: Jack's Abby Rooftop Beer Garden - Boston
Over the Charles at the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Boston/Cambridge is now partnering with Jack's Abby while offering such food options as Bavarian pretzel sticks, flatbreads, burgers, lobster rolls, and chocolate chip cookies (cocktails are also available as well).
The Framingham-based Jack's Abby is known in part for their German-style beers with an emphasis on lagers.
The bar is open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings.
DoubleTree Suites by Hilton
400 Soldiers Field Road
Boston, MA, 02134.
Rooftop at The Envoy Hotel
The Envoy’s modern building, radiating light and glass is crowned by the Lookout Rooftop, a sleek rooftop bar in Boston. The panoramic views of the city skyline and Boston Harbor are unmatched and on par with the best rooftop venues in Boston. The beverage-only bar features unique house-made craft cocktails, microbrews, and wine by the glass.
Aeronaut Brewing Beer Garden - Somerville
This cozy Aeronaut beer garden that sits in an alley outside of the original Somerville location is a great spot to meet up with friends and enjoy some great brews. The indoor space is larger and boasts lots of table and board games to entertain your group during all types of weather. Additional Aeronaut tap room locations include Allston and Everett.
Castle Island Brewing Company Beer Garden - Norwood
Located in Norwood, southwest of Boston, Castle Island Brewing Company Beer Garden is a spacious outdoor area that offers plenty of seating and shade. The beer garden features a variety of Castle Island's popular brews, as well as a menu of sandwiches and snacks. Visitors can enjoy lawn games, such as cornhole and giant Jenga, while sipping on their favorite beer.
Castle Island Beer Garden
In conclusion, Boston's favorite beer gardens offer a variety of atmospheres and experiences for beer enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a cozy spot to enjoy a few drinks with friends or a spacious area to play lawn games, these beer gardens have something for everyone. There are lots of things to do for young adults in Boston.
So grab your friends and try a new a cold brew as you relax, and enjoy the beautiful Boston weather at one of these popular spots.
Boston is host to so many outdoor activities during the summer. It's cold so much of the year, that summer truly is the time to be outside. From free outdoor movies, to Boston Festivals, top notch farmer's markets and free summer concerts, you'll find a treasure trove of things to do in any Boston summer.
Summer is also the season of Boston fireworks displays so be sure to check our handy guide to find a display by date or by town, near you.
You can find lots more things to do in Boston during any season in our handy guide to the city. Stay in-the-know about family-friendly events in Boston all year round by subscribing to our free weekly events newsletter!
Stacey Sao has been the Managing Director of the family-friendly events and activities website, BostonCentral for over 20 years. She continues to enjoy discovering & exploring new places to visit in the Greater Boston area.