Night Shift Brewing at Lovejoy Wharf

When I heard that Lovejoy Wharf, a sad eyesore (honestly click the link, an eyesore may be too nice a word, the thing looked like it would sink any minute) for many years on the Boston waterfront (more like Charles River basin-front), was being renovated into the headquarters for Converse shoes, I was thrilled. Arriving into the heart of the city from Charlestown, Lovejoy Wharf is the first building you’ll see over the bridge. Now with residences starting at $750,000 for a studio, Lovejoy looks like this (look below). In addition to the building’s rehab, I soon found out that Night Shift Brewing was moving into the building as well and knew I needed to get there.

Let’s just stay here

I had been to Night Shift’s brewery in Everett and enjoyed my experience there. I like to pick up four-packs at my local store and think it’s really cool what they are doing on the distribution end of things. This branch is truly unique though. All they need to do is throw a few beds in there and a shower and there would be no reason to ever leave! It is literally open from 6 AM to 1 AM most days meaning it’s open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and beyond. They serve breakfast sandwiches, brewing Night Shift coffee and offering a grab-and-go at their market on site. The food’s prices are reasonable and the burger is spot on.  

The visit, the beer, the food

My visit occurred with family in tow for lunch on a weekday. Their restaurant/brewery/taproom is quite large, spacious, and modern with atmospheric electronic music overhead. My son immediately felt right at home with the kids’ menu and Night Shift owl logo coloring page. We ordered drinks, with a Ricky Weisse for my wife, a raspberry/lime sour, perfect for the current heatwave. I opted for a few small-sized beers, all on the IPA side of things with the Fracatalizer being my favorite. Many of the small-batch brews are exclusive to this location. There is ample outdoor seating too, but again, it was hot during my visit. 

We split a few appetizers: cajun popcorn, ahi tuna tacos, and the aforementioned burger. All of us enjoyed our experience at Night Shift Lovejoy and look forward to going back again. 

Next door neighbor: Converse world headquarters

Afterward, we hit up the Converse flagship store, which featured some nifty Tom and Jerry shoes. My son totally enjoyed walking around the wharf. Another cool feature is the light-up candelabra/sculpture made entirely of Converse All-Stars at their headquarters. 

Night Shift at Lovejoy – take the kids

My son was enthralled just being in Boston, looking at “all the big towers.” Boston has changed much since I lived there fifteen years ago. The one time no man’s lands of the Seaport and this area of the West End are now thriving and futuristic. No wonder that this city is world-class. Night Shift is a great place, not just for the beer but for the whole experience. I love the fact that after a tasty lunch, and a variety of craft beer, I was able to get a cup of their own coffee (iced, it was 90 degrees) and a homemade cookie for my son. 

This Backyard Road Trip brought me to a former backyard of mine, Boston, now what’s in your backyard? 

For more Massachusetts beer click here, here and here.