Ask any Bostonian about their go-to beer and chances are, many of them will be partial towards Samuel Adams (Sam Adams). So am I. As a newbie to the city, I found their beers offered at bars, restaurants and even events. What particularly caught my attention were their seasonal brews. In the summer it would be a Blueberry Hill Lager, in the spring a Maple Ale. Intrigued, I made my way to their brewery with a friend to take their guided tour.
The tour was a mix of knowledge and humor in equal parts. We started off by observing the various ingredients used to brew beer, rubbing the barley against our palms and tasting the 'hop'. This was followed by watching how their beer is brewed in a commercial brewer. The best was saved for the end - getting a chance to taste a flight of their current brews while our humorous guide entertained us with interesting stories and nuggets of information about the Sam Adams brand and the its founder, Jim Koch. For $5 a head, the tour was certainly the most fun I've had on a budget in the city. Plus, beer for brunch never hurts right?
Find your way with 128 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"Veggie Crust" in Boston is definitely not just another pizza joint; first off it's 100% vegetarian. They even have falafel pizza, and it's actually good!
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"Rose Kennedy Greenway" in Boston was a work in progress for many years. Now it's dotted with sculptures, fountains, food trucks... a true destination!
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"Flat Black" in Boston makes Australian-style espresso. These guys roast their own beans in Dorchester and make the best carving designs into the milk!
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"Charles River Dam" in Boston, with the Musical Locks, is a great place to cross on my bike the water that separates Boston and Cambridge...
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"Sound Bites" in Boston has a reputation. I also have a personal, touching story that has made me really like this breakfast cafe. I'll share it with you.
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"Hilton's Tent City" is where the Boston outdoorsmen of yore picked up their stuff before Goretex and GPS. I like that they have modern and classic brands.
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"Brooklyn Boulders" is a solid addition to the climbing scene in Boston. Of course the choice to set up show in this specific street is deliberate & edgy.
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"Puritan & Company" in Boston is a brunch spot when the day calls for luxury. The reason I go to this cafe is to indulge on their pastry basket...
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"Taza Chocolate" Boston - a chocolate factory, but I'll resist the urge to make a Willy Wonka reference. In this shop they make it in the Mexican tradition
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"Clear Flour Bakery" in Boston has the best chocolate croissant in the city. Believe me, this isn't just some idle praise... Also check out the caneles!
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"China Fair" is my first stop in Boston when I need everyday tools, like cocktail spoons! Here, cooking is work, and they sell you tools for cheap.
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128 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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