Springfield MA recommendations. Shops/bars

Can't speak much for Springfield itself, but along Rt. 91 you'll find some great beer north and south. I know north better and can recommend Vanished Valley (open Wednesdays for cans I believe) and then in Northampton you've got Building 8 for cans as well as a few good beer bars. Unfortunately I think the Easthampton places are all closed until Thursday, but keep an eye out for Abandoned Building and Fort Hill beers, both quite good. If you head further north you'll be in range of Honest Weight and Brick and Feather. Lastly, you're certainly within striking distance of Tree House, which will be open on Wednesday for cans.

Others can speak of the new places around the Hartford area to the south. Sorry I can't help much with Springfield itself. However, I think one you've been in Springfield for a few minutes, you might be itching to see what's available outside of it.

 

For a liquor store, I always hit up Table & Vine when I'm passing through the area, you should find plenty of stuff there to take home.

 

Haven't been. But looks promising.

http://www.irondukebrewing.com/

 

The Beer Shop in East Longmeadow. 1,000 or so beers as singles with a great selection of local stuff.

 

Not beer specifically, but Chef Wayne's Big Mamou shouldn't be missed. It's BYOB so when you find something you like that's a great place to drink it.

 

Holy crap, look at that menu!

http://www.chefwaynes-bigmamou.com/Lunch_Menu.html

(looking for a drooling emoji...)

 

If you are looking for a pour within Springfield proper, two places you may want to check out are Smith's Billiards (taplist updated daily on their website) and The Student Prince (traditional German restaurant with large selection of German drafts and some local craft options, great food). The Student Prince also displays one of the largest collections of German beer steins in the US.

 

+ 1 for Student Prince, great German restaurant.

Try Theodore's BBQ, went there for a work thing and it was surprisingly good. Pool hall upstairs had some good beers.

 

+1 for Big Mamou - unbelieveable food and BYOB as Nate mentioned. Smith's Billards (above Theodores) is probably the best craft beer bar in downtown Springfield - fantastic selection (and Theodores will bring food up to you!).