Boston Marathon Race Day Beers

There is the aptly named Start Line Brewing in Hopkington.

I can vouch for Stone's Public House in Ashland.

Exhibit A appears to be right on the route in Framingham.

From there I don't see too much of interest until hitting Chestnut Hill/Brookline where your options will start to improve. Publick House is along the route, then the new Mighty Squirrel in Fenway will be along the route. You could also very easily justify the jaunt down to Trillium Fenway from there too.

 

I agree on these spots. But you may also be underestimating the crowds, closed roads and insane traffic along the routes. You will need to research this and how to cross the race route. Anywhere in Boston will also be insane that day

 

At least when I ran it (back in 2009) it was impossible to find parking in Hopkington. My dad's boss lived there, so we were able to park in his driveway.

After the start my parents went to Wellington to park their car for the day and took the T near the finish line.

 

agreed, pick a spot, don't move. hundreds of thousands on the race route watching. 10,000 running. Doing anything other than breathing near the race route sounds like a bad idea.

 

Ultimately the Boston Marathon is basically a line from the further suburbs which rules out public transit. I do wish you well. Boston is a great scene (I'm from Central Mass) so hopefully you get a chance to enjoy it on the non-race day. If it were me, I'd find the best beer bar near to the end location and get there EARLY. Be there to support your SO.

Conceivably you could check out some places along the subway line then catch up to support her later if you're trying to maximize breweries. Boston still has a solid transit system which covers the areas.

Jack's Abby is a strong recommend if you can get out there. I don't know how much time you'll have after the race with the idea you'd go with the SO. I assume before race is a "no" due to the alcohol. Cambridge has some nice options and Cambridge Brewing Company is always doing solid work. But these are post-race non-race day suggestions.

 

I would consider hitting up Trillium first. Get there before they open and wait since it’s also next to a big public market that serves beer as well. You may see lines so just go before open and find a spot on their patio. If the weather is shit, Trillium Fenway inside is small and may not be worth it. Then go straight to Squirrel or pick a bar. But those will also fill extremely fast.

This is basically a day that most of the city takes off and people go out and go nuts. I’d say it’s kind of bigger than St Patrick’s day as many consider that amateur hour. Given the events around this race it’s also very important to thousands(if not millions) to be out in support and for many healing. So no matter if you’re going for the race, a racer or drinks all those areas are extremely busy. But have patience that day. Everyone has a reason they are there in those overwhelming crowds.

 

Just chiming in as someone who hit some of these spots on race day maybe three years ago? It's very crowded on the ACTUAL route where the runners are. But Fenway, while close, isn't where racers run through. At least in my experience if I wasn't at a restaurant or bar with a view of the race, places weren't that packed (and it was a beautiful day too, no pandemic restrictions, we were past that).

We hit up Trillium Fenway first around 11:30, and there was barely anyone there. Then we walked along the route towards Trillium Greenway (it was the first day it was open). It was very windy and chilly at this point. But we were the only ones there. Then we headed over to Notch Brighton late afternoon. There were some people there post race, but it wasn't busy at all.

 

I’ve lived in the Boston area for 54 years and this is my favorite day in the City. I haven’t missed one in 15 years; torrential downpours, sleet, massive heat, even bombings will not keep me away. But, yeah, it can be a shit show getting around that day, especially near the marathon route. Great options in previous posts for drinking beers but please allow yourself some time to walk around near the Finish Line and enjoy the experience.

Mike

 

Also, not sure if you are familiar, but "solo cupping" is very much a thing along the route (remember it passes by Wellesley College, BU, BC, etc) and the cops don't bat an eye.

 

Similar but different question: how big of a shitshow is Tree House Tewksbury expected to be Monday after the race?I know it is a bit of a drive from downtown so I’m hoping most don’t want to make the trek…

 

I’m sure it’s quite manageable that day. Far enough out of the city and the outside should be in play.

 

If you’re running and go after, bring your medal or race bib. They gave out a sweet souvenir glass last year to runners.

 

Good to know, I’m not typically one to bring a medal along with me for post race beers but will for sure!

 

If it’s also your birthday, you my friend, will get two free glasses

 

Me either, and they did it for like a week after the race last year if you don’t end up getting there post-marathon. That’s when I got mine.

 

Trillium and/or Mighty Squirrel are definitely the answers here. As you're not familiar with Boston, I would strongly advise against trying to move in/around the city that day as it's generally a clusterf*ck.

Mighty Squirrel is right at the Mile 25 marker as runners go over the Beacon St. bridge and down into Kenmore Square (this is where the Dana Farber team camps out for the day). Trillium Fenway is a short walk away.

Next to Trillium is Time Out Market which is an open food court with lots of local food vendors and the bars feature regional breweries. A block away is a Yard House if that's your thing. Depending on the weather, the Fenway area will generally be crowded with the Red Sox hosting the Indians at 11:05 AM. Any chance you're a Cleveland fan?!?

 

It’s here, let us know how your travels go. Anyone else for that matter as well. For science.

Congrats to any BA’s who might be running as well. I’ve run one Marathon. The amount of training and hours taken up on the weekend is something else. But a cool feeling when you finish 26 miles.