Between Smithfield and Boston

Hmm... you're probably going to end up in Foxboro/Walpole/Norwood/Sharon. If you're looking for a nice restaurant that has decent craft beer, I'd recommend checking out Olivadi in Norwood - really good Italian food and a decent albeit not fantastic craft selection. Otherwise, the best beer-oriented place I can think of is British Beer Company in Walpole on Route 1, which per their website currently has Grey Sail Captain's Daughter on tap.

Nice thing is if you go to that area you can also probably swing by Castle Island Brewing which is on Route 1 in Norwood.

 

If you're hitting up Castle Island. Stop by Trillium in Canton as well.

 

Not halfway between, but Doherty's in Pawtucket usually has a great tap list. Natty Greene's in North Attleboro can have some good beers on tap too...

 

This is your answer! There's also a great spot in Mansfield, MA called Flynn's Pub with a good craft selection and some damn good burgers.

All of these will be a little extra drive time for sister but I'm sure she can make an exception!

 

Certainly can't complain! Although I want more of their IPAs because I'm not big sour guy.

And upon further review, the Flynn's tap list is looking pretty darn good right now: http://www.gotoflynns.com/beer/mansfield

 

Not an answer to your question, but hopefully you get a chance to check out some of the better craft bars in Providence while you are in town. Julian's, Malted Barley (brand new Providence location), Pizza J, What Cheer, two different Harry's Burger locations to name a few. And I agree with Doherty's in Pawtucket, great spot!

 

I recognize that avatar from another forum. Are you a UConn fan?

Adding one other option, Worcester is an easy drive up 146 from North Smithfield, to Armsby Abby. Hill Farmstead on tap and other great choices. My buddy in Cumberland can do it in about 30 minutes.

 

I've been to Flynn's a couple times (me brother lives in Mansfield) and concur on it being a cool place to hang out with good tap list. Know, though, that it's not high end. It's a pub. Food's pretty good, though, for what it is.

 

I meant a different forum altogether...Boneyard.

 

Closer for you but I suggest Natty Greene's or Flynns. Food and beer wise both are pretty even. Flynn's gets a little edge for me since closer to highway, parking is better, and a few other options close. Jimmy's is decent then your not too far from Gillette.

Another option is Yard House Dedham. Getting more and more cookie cutter by the day but can alwaya fins something worthy to drink.

 

I stand by my suggestion that Armsby Abbey is is an easy drive via 146, and will have more unique offerings than anyplace else.