featured picture by @moooose_theminidood on Instagram
Summertime in Massachusetts is just the best.
There’s truly nothing like it anywhere else.
The air is warm, the breeze is light, and the outdoor breweries are open.
The outdoor breweries are open.
Ask any Masshole you can find; I bet they’re excited about this too.
There’s just something about sipping a cold, craft beer outdoors with your friends and family that always sounds so nice.
When I go brewery hopping, I tend to make an entire day out of it.
I’ll often spend the whole day outside, listening to live music on an outdoor patio.
But for my friends with dogs, spending the day away from their pup is always a challenge in one way or another.
If you can’t find a dog sitter, you’re either paying to kennel your furry best friend, or on a strict time crunch so you can get back in time to relieve them.
That’s why a dog friendly brewery is the absolute best case scenario.
You get to enjoy your time outside, you get to bring your dog along, and they will get all of the attention they desire from random people walking by.
A win-win scenario for everyone involved.
Unfortunately, the city of Boston itself has a mandate that doesn’t allow dogs on outdoor patios (with the exception of service animals).
But don’t worry, there are plenty of dog friendly spots on the outskirts of Boston that’ll allow Fido to tag along and get all of the treats and pets he can handle.
On this list you will mostly find pup approved outdoor spaces, with a few dog-friendly taprooms mixed in as well.
And I’ve compiled them all into one master list for you to go off of.
Here’s a directory of all the breweries, distilleries, and cider houses in and around the Boston area that’ll allow your dog to join in on the fun.
Table of Contents
Cambridge Brewing Company
This is about as good as it gets for dog friendly breweries in the Boston area.
These guys have been at it a long time, and have a menu chock full of delicious beer options including Pilsners, IPAs, and Stouts.
Aside from their wide selection of craft beer, Cambridge Brewing Company’s friendly brewmasters and creative food options keep everyone coming back to their killer location for more.
Not only do they welcome dogs, they encourage them, too.
Just make sure to leave your pet home if it’s raining—it’s patio only.
Remnant Brewing - Bow Market
2 Bow Mkt Wy, Somerville, MA 02143
Summer days in Somerville just got so much sweeter.
This newer brewery is stocked with everything and anything your heart could ever desire.
The best part of it is, it’s located all along an outdoor dog-friendly marketplace with over 20+ vendors, so you can grab any food or drink your heart desires while you sit outside and enjoy your cold, craft beer.
Remnant Brewing also boasts an espresso bar, which is a game changer for your friends who aren’t feeling the brews.
Short Path Distillery
Okay, so this one isn’t a brewery.
But it’s the same kind of idea, so I had to throw it on the list.
Who doesn’t love homemade spirits on a gorgeous patio? Their seasonal offerings from rum, to gin, to whiskey are to die for, and you can enjoy them among a fleet of locally made snacks, salads and pizzas.
Dogs are welcomed and encouraged on their patio for an amazing outdoor experience.
Trillium Canton
With a newly redesigned (massive) patio, this brewery is the perfect place to relax and unwind with your furry pal.
Trillium has dozens of craft made beers on draft, a wide variety of snacks (plus a restaurant Wednesday-Sunday), and a gorgeous, bustling lawn space filled with lawn games and good times, Trillium Canton makes driving a bit south of the city worth it.
While dogs are only allowed on their patio, the scene is thriving, which makes it all the more worth it.
You’ll never want to bring your pup to the dog park again, as long as Trillium exists!
*Dogs are not permitted at their Fenway location or Fort Point location.
Night Shift Brewing
325-275 Assembly Row, Somerville, MA 02145
Termeer Sq, West Kendall Street, Cambridge, MA 02339
87 Santilli Hwy, Everett, MA 02149
Night Shift Brewing is widely popular in and around the Boston area, for its delicious unique craft brews.
Personally, I love their sours. There’s something to be said for a place who can make a mean sour, and Night Shift knocks it out of the park.
Although this microbrewery has many locations, there are only three that allow dogs. You can bring your best pal along to the Everett tap room, the flagship Night Shift location, and to each of the Owl’s Nest expansive patios in Assembly Square and Kendall Square.
Outdoor views, friendly dogs, and brews; what more could you ask for?
Mighty Squirrel Brewing Co.
411 Waverley Oaks Rd, Waltham, MA 02452
130 Arsenal Yards Blvd, Watertown, MA 02472.
With two wonderful locations, this popular Boston area brewery has become a hit for brew-pups around the state.
I love frequenting both of their locations to enjoy my absolute favorite bee anywhere: Cloud Candy IPA.
No matter which location you choose, the Waltham Taproom or Watertown Biergarten, there’s for every dog imaginable in their outdoor areas.
Mighty Squirrel is famous for its craft beers, food trucks, good times, and love for dogs.
In fact, they’ll even give you some sweet treats to bring out for them!
Sounds like heaven for all dog owners, if you ask me.
Downeast Cider House (pop up)
256 Marginal St #32, East Boston, MA 02128 (across the street on the waterfront)
Though this East Boston popup doesn’t serve beer, it does make cider on site.
And trust me when I say, if you don’t try it, you’re missing out.
Even as an avid beer drinker myself, I still make it a point to buy some Downeast Ciders every now and then. They’re just that good.
Their summer time popup location right in the heart of East Boston couldn’t be more ideal for you and your pup. This great place has plenty of picnic tables and other seating for groups and is overlooking the waterfront, which is a killer duo in and of itself. Add dogs to the mix, and you have the perfect summer day.
Dorchester Brewing Company
Known for its beautiful aesthetics, creative beer offerings, and delicious food, Dorchester Brewing Company was one of the trail blazers in New England Brew Dogs culture.
With a 20 line tap system, as well as a line of ciders and wines, the beers in this popular brewery are created by the Head Brewer for the avid local community with the utmost love and creativity evident in the craft.
While dogs are only allowed on the sidewalk patio of this popular brewery (service dogs are allowed indoors), they’re still able to come along, as confirmed by a phone call to the brewery.
Come and try one of Boston’s original taprooms—you won’t regret it!
Bone Up Brewing Co.
Brewing and boozing in Everett since 2016, it’s evident in the name that Bone Up Brewing Co. is somewhere that every dog deserves to visit.
The craft beer is inspired by Belgian farmhouse brewing techniques and local ingredients.
The result is a famous culture that has been cultivated for beer connoisseurs and dog lovers alike.
Their outdoor patio boasts a dog friendly outdoor beer garden with about 70 seats.
It’s open from May through the end of October, so pay them a visit!
Break Rock
Located ocean front in the heart of Quincy’s Marina Bay, this popular spot allows well behaved leashed dogs inside of their taproom!
With frequently scheduled food popups (and even a regular brunch pop up!) there’s something for everyone at all times of the day.
From IPAs, Amber Ales, and even a craft made seltzer, your options are endless.
Come here for the views, stay for the brews. Whatever works, just bring your dog.
BearMoose Brewing
To these guys, “nothing ruins a reputation faster than having mediocre beer on tap.”
We couldn’t agree more!
You might recognize these guys for their famous Galactic Haze NEIPA, or their Tuesday night trivia. Regardless of why you’re going, one thing’s for certain—this is a total dog-friendly restaurant. Your dog is allowed both inside and outside with you.
Score!
Time to pay these guys a visit if you haven’t yet.
Boston Harbor Distillery
This place is in the heart of the Neponset section of Dorchester, and is owned by who is considered one of the trailblazers for the craft beverage industry.
Founder Rhonda Kallman opened this place in 2012 to commit to her first love—whiskey.
It was then that herself, Dr. James, Swan, and John Couchot started creating innovative and award winning spirits. They offer whiskey, rum, gin, liqueurs, and distilled beer from Sam Adams.
Best of all, dogs are allowed indoors and outdoors, and doggie playdates are available by reservation.
You have to try them!
Distraction Brewing
This is one of the newer locations on this list, and it’s coming in hot!
Having recently opened in 2019, Distraction Brewing is located right by the Roslindale commuter rail and has had a wild ride providing fresh beer to the neighborhood, allowing customers to “kick back and beer yourself.”
From flights to unique brews, this family owned brewery has some delicious beer.
Enjoy food from local vendors in Roslindale square, all alongside your dog who will be allowed to experience everything from the outdoor patio.
Best of all, this dog-friendly bar is located on the outskirts of Boston, providing customers with a wonderful day in the city.
Idle Hands Craft Ales
Last but certainly not least is this wonderful brewery, located in the heart of Malden, MA.
Head brewer Chris started experimenting with home brewing when he turned 21, and the rest is history.
They brew an array of belgian beers to compliment a meal and to “keep idle hands from making the devil’s playground!”
Enjoy their craft ales over their own food from their onsite kitchen, and with your furry pal on the patio.
Go and see what you’re missing out on!
