Overnight in Boston - Waltham

Coming from the airport, makes the most sense to drive to the fort point location. I don't think the parking situation is anywhere near as bad as people make it out to be. As long as you can live without finding a spot right next to the place.

If driving from Waltham I still think I would go into Boston instead of driving down to Canton. I haven't been in rush hour down that way in years but I imagine it's absolute hell and Canton is already pretty far.

Fort Point has seemed a lot less busy since Canton opened for sure

 

And of course the traffic going INTO Boston around evening commuter hours isn't as bad.

 

When you're coming back from Canton, make sure to stop over in Norwood and go to Castle Island. Canton is probably better than Fort Point, too, to echo what many others have said... if you do prefer to go to Fort Point, hop the Commuter Rail instead of driving. Driving sucks and parking can be brutal.

 

Yeah lol, I'd still take it over Canton. Once in a while though the traffic can be easy.

 

Meefmoff couldn't have given better advice. I've been to the Ft Point location after work (5:30 or later) too many times to count and parking is never an issue. Now the traffic in both directions leaving once I've picked up my haul....that's another story. Definitely head to Row 34, enjoy a drink, and give it and hour or so.

 

Bison County on Moody Street (1/4 mile down the hill from The Gaff) has some good bbq and a decent taplist if that's your thing. I tend to prefer the drinking experience at The Gaff but both spots are good.

 

Fort Point is definitely the way to go. Unless there's a special release going on, you are likely to be in and out with bottles in literally 5 minutes or less. It's also a ~15 minute detour, getting off 90 and ten back on. Canton is going to be a 90 minute affair. Also, Fort Point Market right next to Trillium has a fantastic selection.

 

Since we have as a group definitely resolved the issue of the Great Trillium Driving Battle of Feb 2016, one overlooked Waltham gem for food - Moody's Provisions on Moody Street. Great house made salami, sausage, etc. Great sandwiches too and a couple of different canned beers. Not a bar, but a great store / deli / sandwich place.

 

Well, they do have a bar now.

 

Blue Hills is in Canton as well. Nothing mind blowing. But another stop to add in the general area. When fresh their DIPA is good and I liked the new 7th Anniversary DIPA.

 

The only reason I mentioned Canton was with the idea that if he's staying overnight in Waltham it might be easier to swing down in the evening (closer to 7pm) on his second night, rather than try to drive into Boston being unfamiliar with the city if he's not able to make Fort Point in time after arrival.

 

Bars in Waltham - Copper House Tavern in the Best Western on 95/128. Bison County, Jocos, Gaff on Moody St. No need to go to the city at all if you want good beer. If you desire geek/esoteric selections then by all means go deal with traffic & hassles-much worse as an outsider.

 

Branch Line in Watertown is not far from Waltham and has a fantastic tap list and easy parking. Food's a little pricey, but great beer.

 

Great tap list there, definitely still very much under the radar

 

Wow, used to live right near there and frequent La Case De Pedro, looks like there is another good eatery added now. Good tap list.

 

The nice thing about Branch Line is that the drink prices are reasonable compared to the cost of food. Similar beer program as Row 34, but a little cheaper and not quite as top shelf. FYI, the taplist on the website is usually out of date. What's up there now is the same beer menu from when I was there last, 2 weeks ago.

 

Risking repeating things that have been said...
If you're only looking for bottle shops, Gordon's on Main in Waltham is a great place to go, and Craft Beer Cellar in Newtonville (if you take the Pike to Waltham, you're about 2 seconds from the store, it's across from the Supermarket overhanging the Pike) is also great.
Trillium is starting to be seen fairly regularly in stores, so you may be able to get some at one or both of these.
If you plan right either Fort Point or Canton locations for Trillium are doable. Also, Jack's Abby is a 20 minute ride from Waltham, if you have time or inclination for food and or brews there. Night Shift and Mystic in Everett are also recommended if you have time (maybe the night you get in, instead of heading west, go northeast a few minutes.)
For bars, The Gaff is a great place, and a decent kitchen, if the size of your average small closet.

 

I work in Waltham near the 90/95 interchange & the Trillium Canton location is about a 45 minute round trip if you go at lunch on Thursday or Friday. Also, Craft Beer Cellar in Newton is the best bottle shop that isn't too far away. I go there from work all the time. Where are you going to be in Waltham?

 

2nd Moody's Deli. Best deli in Boston according to Boston Magazine. The spicy Cuban is silly good.

I also live in Watertown, Branch Line is solid but pricey. Great tap list though.

Live in Watertown, work in Waltham. This is my area.