Boscos Restaurant & Brewing Co.

Boscos Restaurant & Brewing Co.Boscos Restaurant & Brewing Co.
Boscos Restaurant & Brewing Co.Boscos Restaurant & Brewing Co.
Brewery, Bar, Eatery, Beer-to-go

2120 Madison Ave
Memphis, Tennessee, 38104-6502
United States

(901) 432-2222 | map
boscosbeer.com
BEER STATS
Average:
3.59
Beers:
38
Ratings:
177
PLACE STATS
Average:
3.8
Reviews:
18
Ratings:
41
pDev:
12.89%
View: Beers | Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by LXIXME:
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Rated by LXIXME from New Mexico

3.66/5  rDev -3.7%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3.75 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3.75 | food: 3.75

May 20, 2015
More User Ratings:
Photo of JZH1000
Reviewed by JZH1000 from Colorado

3.83/5  rDev +0.8%
vibe: 3.75 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5
The vibe is a traditional but relatively open irish/English pub atmosphere. Moody lighting with the kitchen exposed, and the equipment slightly less exposed but still visible.

Quality was very good. It seems like they've been working to perfect these beers for a while since the steinbier was exceptionally nutty and amber.

Service was inviting and lighthearted without being overbearing. Some beers were sold out however.

Selection could be better, but the place isn't that big. They have 8 beers to choose from but again some were out of stock.
Oct 23, 2022
 
Rated: 3.5 by Cuervo_PCB from Florida

Aug 28, 2022
 
Rated: 3.78 by Sammy from Canada (ON)

Jan 23, 2019
 
Rated: 3.79 by Rubezahl from Pennsylvania

Jul 07, 2018
 
Rated: 3.79 by SpaceBeagle from Utah

Apr 10, 2018
 
Rated: 3.93 by Zenboy99 from Wisconsin

Mar 30, 2018
 
Rated: 3.53 by Taphouse_Traveler from Florida

Mar 20, 2018
 
Rated: 4.84 by Pav42 from Tennessee

Jun 01, 2017
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Reviewed by PapaGoose03 from Michigan

3.86/5  rDev +1.6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 3.25 | food: 4.5
(#47 of 49) It's hard to find a brewery in Memphis that also has a reputation for good BBQ, so we ended up here to try their beers and to have dinner. This pub is located in a busy retail area with many restaurants/bars so it was very crowded, even on a Sunday evening. Parking was a challenge, but we finally found a spot.

There is a nice patio to one side of the building, but we chose to sit indoors. A rectangular bar is located just inside the entry, and dining rooms are off to either side. We ordered a sampler flight of all 8 of the beers that were available. All of them were brewed in varying degrees in excess of their respective style so that we scored them in a range from a B-minus to a B-plus. Good job on the beers.

As good as the beers were, the food was even better. We thoroughly enjoyed our dinners so that we gave the food an A-minus score! Well done. We'd stop here again in a heartbeat if we are ever in Memphis again.
Sep 17, 2016
 
Rated: 3.93 by 22Blue from Kansas

Jan 03, 2016
Photo of SaisonRichBiere
Reviewed by SaisonRichBiere from Michigan

3.91/5  rDev +2.9%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4 | food: 3
Nice brewpub in a hip area. Lots of different beers on tap organized by beer color. True to style beers. The world famous Steinbeer that they market as their flagship was pretty average, but some of the other selections were solid.
Jun 21, 2015
Photo of Wildwest1986
Rated by Wildwest1986

3/5  rDev -21.1%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3 | service: 2 | selection: 3.5 | food: 3.75
Atmosphere is good, and the beer is good. Staff seems overworked, and not excited to be there.
May 01, 2015
 
Rated: 4.25 by JDR78 from Tennessee

Jan 04, 2015
Photo of hmvalp
Rated by hmvalp from Tennessee

3.11/5  rDev -18.2%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3 | service: 3.25 | selection: 3 | food: 3
mediocre beer, mediocre food, mediocre service.
Dec 23, 2014
 
Rated: 3.25 by Davepoolesque from Massachusetts

Oct 20, 2014
 
Rated: 5 by willrmc from Tennessee

Aug 19, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by rajreddy from Tennessee

Jul 17, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by fastestmanalive from Florida

Jul 01, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by atlbravsrno1 from Maine

May 12, 2014
 
Rated: 3.25 by memphischas from Tennessee

Feb 17, 2014
 
Rated: 3.25 by CraigTravor from California

Jan 26, 2014
 
Rated: 3 by mattmarka1 from Minnesota

Jan 13, 2014
Photo of ubenumber2
Reviewed by ubenumber2 from Arkansas

2.33/5  rDev -38.7%
vibe: 3 | quality: 2 | service: 2.75 | selection: 2
Stopped off in the Memphis location after not enjoying the Little Rock location the last time I was there. What was the hook? A bourbon barrel irish ale , so being the sucker I am and having 45 minutes to kill be before Wiseacre opened up I dropped in.

The bar is nice and in a safe neighborhood , but that's where the good ends with this joint. The beer all has this weird funky aftertaste like they need to clean their beer lines , I've not talked to one person who really loves craft beer who enjoys this place. The bartender seemed like a snobish jerk and the clientele that day were talking about how they wanted to go to a certain beer bar but it was in the poor part of town and they didn't do business in that part of town. Oh and the Barrel aged Irish? Tasted like the Barrel was was dragged out of someones attic , stale and flavorless

Overall this is a place for people who THINK they like craft beer and want to seem cool for doing it , can not see anyone who truly loves craft beer going here and enjoying what they serve as beer
Dec 23, 2013
 
Rated: 3.75 by mecmd from Tennessee

Oct 25, 2013
 
Rated: 4.5 by JGilbrech from Texas

Oct 11, 2013
 
Rated: 4.25 by grahamboudreaux from Tennessee

Oct 10, 2013
Photo of Volsdawg10
Reviewed by Volsdawg10 from Mississippi

3.26/5  rDev -14.2%
vibe: 3.25 | quality: 3.25 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3.25 | food: 2.75
Nice place for dinner and a few brews. Upscale atmosphere but nothing that will make you uncomfortable. With it being located on the square there are several other bars to go to within walking distance. I have been here several times and their menu is unique and different but has enough to meet the needs of everyone. They have a decent selection of beers. I have tried the Flaming Stone, Tennessee Cream and Midtown Brown. All good in there own ways.
Apr 02, 2013
Photo of jsprain1
Reviewed by jsprain1 from Minnesota

3.83/5  rDev +0.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4 | food: 3.5
A- Atmosphere is decent, especially in summer sitting out on the deck on a nice day. Inside can be a bit noisy for conversation, but on the whole it's a decent vibe.
Q- Quality of beer varies. I personally think their Scottish Ale is the standout of the fulltime lineup. Their seasonals are mostly hit, but some are misses. I tend to find that any style that tends to be low on hoppiness is where they excel.
Ser- Service is particularly hit or miss. The bartenders have all been quality servers in my experience and know a good amount about the beers but the greeters/seaters never seem all the excited to see you, especially when it's busy.
Sel- About nine or so taps at all times, usually with a good variety of styles available.
F- I recommend the pizzas and most of the appetizers. The pasta dishes have tended to let me down.
All in all the bright spot in the Memphis brewing scene, especially with growlers available. On the whole a good beer locale.
May 23, 2011
Photo of lespaulrocker
Reviewed by lespaulrocker from Tennessee

3.23/5  rDev -15%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.5 | service: 2 | selection: 3.5 | food: 4
Went to Bosco's Square with my fiancee this last weekend while visiting her in Nebraska. I was excited because I love going to local breweries, she wanted a glass of wine and I wanted a good glass of beer. I'll start with the positives. We ordered a light appetizer of spinach and artichoke dip, which was phenomenal. The rest of the menu looked great as well. I had the Midtown Brown Ale and my fiancee had a nice glass of red wine. She had a Rosemount Shiraz, which she loved and I'll admit was a good glass of wine. My Midtown Brown was good for a brown ale, I'm not too crazy about brown ales though, as I'm learning. Whether you're a beer or wine lover, you'll find something here. The atmosphere was great as well, nice homey bar feel.

Now on to the negatives: Our server seemed to be annoyed the entire time we were there. We sat in the bar but at a table by ourselves rather than sitting at the bar with the happy hour regulars so we could talk and just enjoy each other. Apparently, since we weren't regulars and were causing her to leave the bar to wait on us, we were nothing more than a nuisance. I was also frustrated that the menu said they were still offering the seasonal Hefe yet when I ordered one the server again looked at me like I was an idiot and informed me that they stopped brewing it a week ago. Not a problem, I understand it's seasonal, just don't treat your customer like he's an idiot when there's a beer still on the menu that you don't have.

Overall the experience was great. I had a decent glass of beer and my fiancee had a great glass of wine and we shared an excellent snack. The happy hour prices make it worth going to enjoy a pint.
Aug 12, 2010
Photo of Vancer
Reviewed by Vancer from Illinois

4/5  rDev +5.3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 3.5 | food: 4
A nice little chain brewpub just 5 minutes from downtown (too bad the trolley only runs to 15th or so street) in their "midtown". Easy car ride, no problem parking in the back - but this was on a Friday afternoon.

Big ol' wooden bar inside, but on a 65 degree sunny day we sat outside in the open aired beer garden which would seat around 80. Clean and good friendly service. Food was tasty, crisp salads before some excellent thin crust pizza.

Not a whole lot of regular beers, but all sturdy and enjoyable:
Boscos Famous Flaming Stone Beer
Boscos Bombay IPA
Midtown Brown
Isle of Skye Scottish Ale

Also, a rotating array of seasonals. I recommend lunch/dinner and some beers here.
Apr 08, 2009
Photo of John_M
Reviewed by John_M from Washington

3.8/5  rDev 0%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 3.5
Located in Overton Square, I guess the location in the name is to help differentiate it from the now defunct, original Boscos out in Germantown.

Seen in a historical context (I went to Law School at Memphis State in the early 80's, and didn't move away until 89), I'm always impressed that a place like Boscos even exists in Memphis. Back when I lived here, our idea of an exciting beer was a bottle of St. Pauli Girl at the local dive bar (of which Memphis has more then its fair share).... but I digress.

Upon walking in the main door at Boscos, and then walking through the small foyer, one is confronted with a good size dining area with a very large wrap around bar, more or less in the center. The atmosphere at Boscos is not its best feature, IMHO, reminding me very much of your typical Chili's or TGIF. However, with a few exceptions, that's pretty much the style of most restuarants on the square, so it's in keeping with its surroundings. There is also quite a bit of dark wood everywhere (which I like), and there's sort of a cool, dark vibe to the place. In fact, Boscos is a very nice place to hang and have a beer on one of the typically hot, muggy Memphis summer afternoons.

As for quality of the beers made here, it's fine for what it is. I like the Bombay IPA very much, and some of the other beers made here are competently made as well. While I've never had anything bad here, I can't say I've ever been wowed by any of the beers here either. The story behind the making of the Stone ale is interesting, but the beer itself is not anything to write home about (IMHO). Supposedly Boscos has cask beer on occasion, but I've never had any here. It's only available certain hours and certain times of the week (I've never seen this any place else, and I have no idea why Boscos does this), but even the times I've come by during "cask" hours, they've always been out of it. Otherwise, the selection varies, but the times I've been here, seems like they usually have between 6 and 10 beers on tap.

Service has always been pretty good here, which is no easy thing considering how crowded it often gets. I try to always sit at the bar, as otherwise there can sometimes be a considerable wait for a table. The times I've ordered food here it's been OK. It's pretty much your typical upscale pub grub, with usually a few interesting entree specials as well. Portions are decent and while nothing I've had has ever been memorable, everything has always been pretty good.

All things considered, Boscos is a solid brewpub, one I always try to stop by whenever I'm visiting old friends in midtown. Cheers!
Jan 09, 2009
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Reviewed by Tilley4 from Tennessee

4/5  rDev +5.3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 5 | selection: 3 | food: 4
I've stopped in here for lunch a few times. The service is always top notch and the staff is very knowledgable about their beers. The food is good but is very pricey for what you get. I had the HopGod Ale and the Bombay IPA both which were good little brews. The Memphis beer scene isn't all that great but this place is a good little stop if you're just drinking. The atmosphere at lunch is terrific. Its busy but there's always room at the bar and you never have to wait for a beer which is a good thing.
Jul 14, 2008
Photo of nlmartin
Reviewed by nlmartin from Ohio

4.25/5  rDev +11.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
This was a most excelent reprieve from a rather dismal beer scence in Memphis. After a short cab ride we arrived at Boscos. It was very busy when we arrived. The hostess stated it would be about 1/2 hour for a table but setting at the bar was available. This suited me just fine as I had a powerful thirst. My wife and I had the Baltic Porter to start with. Hey! They are not playing around with the beer. This was a pretty dam solid and tasty porter. My wife and I sampled pretty much everything that was on tap that night. Somewhere in the neiborhood of 10 taps and 5 different pints apiece. It was time to regroup all this beer went straight to my head. We had some artichoke and spinich dip. It was dam tasty. Shortly after we ordered two different pizzas as we couldnt make up our minds. My wife being the inquisitive soul she is asked what exactly they had in the mysterious bottle conditioned beers on the menu. The bartender came back shortly with a small list of yet another 10 beers. We drank the bottle conditioned foreign export stout. I was distressed how quickly the beer left the glasses. No matter the pizzas arrived hot and tasty. We drank a few more of the bottle conditioned treats with the pizza. No beer reviews can be provided as we quickly reduced ourselves to an insensible good time. The beers at Boscos are all solid. Should you find yourself in Memphis this is the one beer stop not to be missed.
Nov 06, 2007
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Reviewed by CJStout from Missouri

3.83/5  rDev +0.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5 | food: 3.5
We arrived in Memphis on a friday night for my son's weekend soccer tournament. I was very much looking forward to a quality pint after our 4-hour journey from St. Louis with two 12-yr old boys.

My first impression was nice atmosphere, very crowded, and ... "What, a twenty-five minute wait!". As we waited in a far too small of a waiting area I read an available regional brewpub publication, checked the brew list, kicked the boys out into the parking lot to play grab a$$, and tried to stay positive.

Once seated the experience became more enjoyable - prompt service (ordered a sampler), comfortable seating and an excellent menu with fair prices. The beers included in the sampler were very good (not great, no Belgians), with one exception - the Seasonal English IPA was excellent.

Overall the experience was good - except for the fact that they DID NOT honor my American Homebrewers Assoc. Pub Discount. No big deal, but very irritating and left a bitter aftertaste rather than a smooth finish.
Nov 06, 2006
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Reviewed by Fuller from Tennessee

4.03/5  rDev +6.1%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4
Lived around Memphis my entire life but today was my first visit to Bosco's. It will definitely not be my last.

Atmosphere was upscale but not so much that I felt out of place in jeans and a t-shirt (came straight from work).

The beer sampler was a good value for the first visit. One 4oz. glass of every beer on tap (5 which were available all the time and 3 seasonals). The seasonals - a witbier, the BBR (their take on PBR) , and "Duff Beer" (not real sure what this was suppose to be) were nothing special. All were actually fairly bland. The "always on tap" beers were much better. I really enjoyed the Midtown Brown, Isle of Skye Scottish Ale, and the Flaming Stone Beer.

For food I had one of their pizzas, the California. Price was decent for a single serving pizza at a nice restaurant ($8-$10) and was excellent.

I look forward to going back when I don't have to drive and can enjoy some full size brews.
Jul 02, 2006
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Reviewed by Afty from California

4.05/5  rDev +6.6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
My wife and I live in Boston, but I grew up in Memphis. I had never been to this Bosco's before, but I had been to the one in Nashville and liked it. We went for dinner with my parents last night.

Atmosphere is somewhat upscale, with a young professional crowd on the Wednesday night we were there.

I was impressed with the beers. My parents split a sampler, so we were able to try the whole range of beers offered. The best was either the nut brown or the Scottish ale; the IPA, porter, and stone beer were very good, and the other 3 choices (a witbier, a PBR clone, and a "Duff Beer") were OK but lacking a bit in flavor. Prices were very good at $3 for a pint and $8 for a sampler -- 8 4-oz. servings.

The food was remarkably good, though a bit pricey. All of us were very pleased with what we had ordered. I would say the food was even better than the beer here.

Service was also impressive. Our waitress was very familiar with the beers on tap, and her descriptions helped us choose what we wanted. She was very friendly and helpful.

On the whole, I was very impressed with Bosco's. I would put it on par with any of the brewpubs in the Boston area. If I lived in the area, Bosco's would be one of my favorite hangouts.
Jun 30, 2006
Photo of rokoch27
Reviewed by rokoch27 from Virginia

4/5  rDev +5.3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4
If you have outgrown your college drinking days and are searching for a more “sophisticated” or family-friendly brewery/restaurant, then look no further than Bosco’s. Cool branches in both Little Rock and Nashville, this one is located in a fun area directly south of Overton Park (golf, zoo, art museum, etc) in midtown Memphis (10 min from downtown). Think about catching a movie at Studio on the Square (art films & blockbusters with beer/wine available) or a show at Playhouse on the Square. It is one of my favorite places to eat in town and certainly worth a visit, even if you are in town for one day. Great patio and lots of different seating options inside. Parking is easy enough to find in the many nearby free lots.

They always have 3 seasonals on tap, but if you are only going to have one beer, then make it the Flaming Stone. You can always do a sampler too. All the food is good from appetizers to wood-grilled pizzas to desserts. Nice wine menu as well. Definitely a local favorite, you can expect friendly service and great atmosphere. My only complaint is that I have noticed a common theme/taste among all of their beers. Don’t get me wrong, all of their beers are good and worth trying, they just all start to taste somewhat the same after going there a couple times each month. Get there for happy hour on weekdays to try the cask beer (and tap it if you get lucky) or on Sundays for an awesome jazz brunch.
Jun 07, 2006
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Reviewed by elmocoso from Nebraska

4/5  rDev +5.3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4
We hit town on a weekend afternoon and hit Bosco's on our way to Beale St. Parking was not easy to find, since they built a deck/biergarden over there parking-lot, but once we got inside all was good.

It was very busy for the time of day, but we got 2 seats at the bar. Woody interior with stacks and stacks of Mug-club mugs above the head. The equipment was in the back rear of the joint. We got a sampler and enjoyed it. All very solid beers. I cant remember the price, but it was about average. If i was local i would BE a mug club member.
Apr 25, 2006
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Reviewed by Gagnonsux from Texas

4.08/5  rDev +7.4%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 3.5
I enjoyed Boscos Overton Square much more than their Little Rock location. The primary reason I liked Overton Square better is because the atmosphere was more casual and had more of a neighborhood institution type of a feel. The beer menu was much the same as Little Rock, except that there were 5 regular beers and 3 seasonals. Also the seasonals were different than Little Rock which I went to two days beforehand. The menu was exactly the same so I doubt I'd come back for the food. Eat a meal somewhere else then come here for the beer.
Feb 09, 2005
Boscos Restaurant & Brewing Co. in Memphis, TN
Brewery rating: 3.59 out of 5 with 177 ratings