Boston Marathon Race Day Beers

Discussion in 'New England' started by Westwood614, Mar 18, 2024.

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  1. Westwood614

    Westwood614 Devotee (370) Jan 25, 2011 Ohio

    My wife is running the marathon and I am planning to hit a couple spots on the route to cheer for her. I am curious for those in the forum that are familiar with the route, are there any breweries or beer bars in decent proximity to the race route that I could hit on race day? Trying to be productive with my down time by supporting the local (beer) economy.
     
  2. yuppiescum

    yuppiescum Zealot (519) Jun 4, 2009 Massachusetts

    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.
     
    el_bobbo likes this.
  3. Jbrews

    Jbrews Pooh-Bah (2,214) Aug 6, 2013 New Hampshire
    Pooh-Bah

    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
     
  4. AlcahueteJ

    AlcahueteJ Grand Pooh-Bah (3,242) Dec 4, 2004 Massachusetts
    Society Pooh-Bah

    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.
     
  5. Patrick_in_DC

    Patrick_in_DC Devotee (382) May 8, 2015 Maryland

    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.
     
  6. Westwood614

    Westwood614 Devotee (370) Jan 25, 2011 Ohio

    Appreciate all the feedback, this has been great. Figuring out all the other logistics as well, but at least wanted to try and tie in some beer. I have utilized public transit to do this in other cities for race day (including NYC) but realize Boston is a different beast. I may keep it to one race route location closer to the hotel which would mean probably Squirrel or Trillium. Have never been to Boston, so really looking forward to checking out the brewery scene (especially Notch). Thanks!
     
    AlcahueteJ likes this.
  7. Patrick_in_DC

    Patrick_in_DC Devotee (382) May 8, 2015 Maryland

    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.
     
  8. Jbrews

    Jbrews Pooh-Bah (2,214) Aug 6, 2013 New Hampshire
    Pooh-Bah

    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.
     
    #8 Jbrews, Mar 19, 2024
    Last edited: Mar 19, 2024
  9. AlcahueteJ

    AlcahueteJ Grand Pooh-Bah (3,242) Dec 4, 2004 Massachusetts
    Society Pooh-Bah

    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.
     
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  10. LakesideBrewing

    LakesideBrewing Zealot (604) Dec 1, 2013 Massachusetts
    Trader

    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
     
  11. yuppiescum

    yuppiescum Zealot (519) Jun 4, 2009 Massachusetts

    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.
     
    GonzoHomebrewer likes this.
  12. Sammonsd

    Sammonsd Crusader (435) Aug 13, 2015 Michigan
    Trader

    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…
     
  13. Jbrews

    Jbrews Pooh-Bah (2,214) Aug 6, 2013 New Hampshire
    Pooh-Bah

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

    Mikecap Pooh-Bah (2,098) May 18, 2012 Massachusetts
    Pooh-Bah Trader

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

    Sammonsd Crusader (435) Aug 13, 2015 Michigan
    Trader

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

    Jbrews Pooh-Bah (2,214) Aug 6, 2013 New Hampshire
    Pooh-Bah

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

    Mikecap Pooh-Bah (2,098) May 18, 2012 Massachusetts
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    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.
     
  18. Piels25

    Piels25 Savant (1,034) Dec 17, 2013 Massachusetts
    Trader

    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?!?
     
    el_bobbo likes this.
  19. Westwood614

    Westwood614 Devotee (370) Jan 25, 2011 Ohio

    This seems like it will be the plan for me as we will be staying in this area as well. I really appreciate all the responses and good info.

    Yes, we are Cleveland fans! We have tickets to the game on Tuesday night. Great timing!
     
    Piels25 likes this.
  20. Jbrews

    Jbrews Pooh-Bah (2,214) Aug 6, 2013 New Hampshire
    Pooh-Bah

    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.
     
    el_bobbo, AlcahueteJ and seakayak like this.
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