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| Pretty Things "Field Mouse's Farewell" at The Publick House; photo: BEEROBSESSED.COM |
Husband-and-wife team Dann and Martha Paquette started Pretty Things with 8,000 bucks three years ago. Once their first batch of Jack D’Or was produced, they had to wait to sell it before brewing again. They were broke. Working on a lease (they don’t own their own brewing facility), they now employ four people and plan to brew up to 4,000 barrels this year. “People call us established and big,” says Martha. “But we’re really not.” They’re just everywhere, and really good.
Here’s where to head to sample offerings from breweries like Pretty Things, Jack’s Abbey Brewing and Clown Shoes.
Area Four: Industrial and sparse, this New American by Michael Leviton leaves plenty of space at the bar (albeit small) so you can focus the nose of the beer - 100 percent draft and all from New England - without distractions. Have at it with Pretty Things Jack D’Or, Jack’s Abbey Hoponious Union, Rapscallion lager, Mayflower IPA and more (617-7580444).
Cambridge Common: This stalwart watering hole with a pub vibe, great burgers and live music downstairs (Lizard Lounge) in Porter Square, Cambridge, fixes to be one of the top shops for local brews. There are always 30 beers on tap and at least eight bottled microbrews in the mix. Among them are Pretty Things Baby Tree and different styles from Cape Ann Brewing Co., Cambridge Brewing Co., Smutty Nose Brewing Co. (N.H.) and Berkshire Brewing Co. (617-547-1228).
Deep Ellum: Intimate, dark and dangerous in a good way, this Allston American is a magnet for hopsheads after the likes of Jack’s Abbey Hurts Like Helles, a German-style maibock; Notch Session Saison, a farmhouse ale; Clown Shoes Clementine, a Belgian-style wit beer with orange peel; and, of course, a Pretty Things (617-787-2337).
Ducali Pizzeria & Bar: Owner Philip Frattaroli prides himself on a regional, craft-beer list - and has created a Bud Light-free zone. Within the 10 beers rotating on tap, there’re also beer flights, including $7 selection of five four-oz. pours of MA-based brews (617-742-4144).
Post 390: Looking for some Back Bay swank in a tavern-type spot? Order up the Steel Rail Extra Pale Ale from Berkshire Brewing or the Post 390 Black & Tan Steel Rail EPA Guinness Stout. There's also Narragansett lager and Cisco Whale’s Tale (617-399-0015).
The Publick House: You want variety? Come here to this Brookline tavern that stocks beers from around the world, and focuses its list by style of beer. Among the producers from this corner of the earth are Coffeehouse Porter by Berkshire Brewing Co. and Belgian-style selections from Allagash Brewing (Maine) and Pretty Things (617-277-2880).
Sunset Grill & Tap: Here you’ll find 112 taps (at least 24 local brews) and 380 micros and exotic imports. But to quench your local thirst, you’ll have to check out Slumbrew Happy Sol among the Pretty Things and Clown Shoes. And we love the options; tap pours come in 2, 5, 10, 16 or 23 ounces (617-254-1331).
80 Thoreau: This elegant Concord New American is dedicated to sourcing local brews, including Cisco Brewers Sankaty Light golden ale; Haverhill Brewery Gestalt German brown ale; Clown Shoes “Clementine” and Opa-Opa Brewing Co. IPA (978-318-0008).
No one has a better selection of microbrews, many local, than Tavern at the End of the World, in Charlestown on the Somerville line.
ReplyDeletetimkens, thanks so much for letting us know. I'll check it out -- and be sure to include going forward. Thanks!
ReplyDelete- Naomi
Yep. @TavernEndWorld's been around three years, upwards of 60 brews, 16 on tap and a handful of locals include Slumbrew and Mayflower. Pub menu, L&D. Say Hi to owner Raymond O'Neill, not a townie (he's from Cork City, all in his brogue) but he's worked in restos around Boston 22 years.... "It was time for me to do my own."
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