Best Beer Establishments in New England

If you’re looking for a great place to enjoy a pint, check out our list of some of the best beer establishments in New England. You can find more great regional recommendations like this in our May/June 2011 “Best in New England” issue.

BEST TAVERN
The London Tavern, Temple, NH
With a menu that includes bangers-and-mash, bubble-and-squeak, and to-die-for shepherd’s pie, this classic eatery, housed in an old stagecoach stop (The Birchwood Inn), will feed your inner Anglophile. You can stay the night, too.
340 Route 45. 603-878-3285;thebirchwoodinn.com

BEST PINT OF HISTORY
Samuel Adams Brewery Tour, Boston, MA
Start with a lesson on one of America’s Founding Fathers (and early malt suppliers); then take a step-by-step tour of the beer-making process. Wrap it all up with a free sample or two of the award-winning brews in the tasting room.
30 Germania St. 617-368-5080;samueladams.com

BEST LOCALS’ BAR
Skunk Hollow Tavern, Hartland Four Corners, VT
It’s hard to find a place less touristy than this c. 1790 country tavern/restaurant where locals, and Dartmouth students from across the river, pack the downstairs pub. There’s a slew of New England microbrews on tap, and on Thursday nights $15.95 buys you a half-pound burger and a pint. Regular live music, too.
12 Brownsville Road. 802-436-2139;www.skunkhollowtavern.com

BEST BREW
Willimantic Brewing Company, Willimantic, CT
Internationally influenced ale, beer, and stout, all brewed on site in this former post office. Sip the suds or a glass of wine with basic steaks, or sample fish and chicken prepared with flair.
967 Main St. 860-423-6777;willibrew.com

These are our some of our favorite beer establishments in New England. What are yours?