The whole idea of analyzing brewery culture began at Second Wind Brewing in Plymouth, Massachusetts. A friend and I were out for a beer and we were noticing the predominantly male clientele and decided to probe into why that was. Given the location on a side street, its garage-like feel and lack of seating (for a large crowd) all came into play. That led to the question, what are the best breweries for a guys night? It was almost easier for me to analyze the best family-friendly breweries since guys nights are much more infrequent for me than when I’m with my whole crew (aka my family).
The Best Breweries for a Guys Night: The Basics
After putting out a word-on-the-street-quiz to a bunch of guys, the answers seemed to fall into one of a few categories. 1) Good beer–guys will flock to a place just for the beer. They will stand in a long line, or enjoy a pint albeit while being squeezed in with no room between fellow imbibers. 2) Guys like a place that serves food. 3) Guys like a comfortable location where you can have a beer (and food in some cases) that has laid back vibe–think if Cheers was a brewery.
Vitamin Sea Brewing- Weymouth, MA
Vitamin Sea was recently chosen as the number one brewery in the country by Hop Culture. Living in the South Shore (also where this brewery is), Vitamin Sea is the “it” beer in the area. I’ve been a handful of times, and the product is superior. Saturdays are their most popular day which comes along with difficult parking, what can be a longish line to purchase beer (typically only a few cans per person), and cramped seating, I don’t recommend taking the kids or the dog (ignore the baby bottle in the picture or the dog). The new expanded hours on Thursdays and Fridays would be more conducive for the family.
This spot though makes for a great guys night (or afternoon). Get together with a few guys who don’t mind shooting the breeze while standing in line and are into good beer (or willing to try). For a brewery that is so popular, the Vitamin Sea ethos is quite relaxed and easy-going, with surfing movies playing, good tunes on the stereo, and an overall positive vibe. The hype is real, this beer is damn good!
Throwback Brewery- North Hampton, NH
Located in a barn in New Hampshire, Throwback Brewery has some great beer but also checks off the boxes for a relaxed atmosphere and downright delicious food. During the warmer months, the outside, with onsite garden, is great for hanging out. On my visit, I ordered a flight which ranged in styles. And my food, a bbq bowl, was simply awesome. Throwback is definitely one of the best breweries for a guys night!
Second Wind Brewing- Plymouth, MA
This is the place that inspired the whole slew of articles. Second Wind’s beer is putting them on the map in downtown Plymouth. The atmosphere is definitely the coolest garage party you’ll ever be invited to. It gets crowded, and even though I have brought my kids, I’d rather leave them and the dog at home. On a quieter night, sitting with the guys at the bar is a friendly experience. When it’s crowded, chit-chatting in the adjacent lot fits the bill. No permanent food, but various food trucks, and soon they will be opening a second location, this time a restaurant in downtown Plymouth. They also have an awesome beer garden series at Bramhall’s in Plymouth.
Bissell Brothers- Portland, ME
Certainly, this is a go-to for the beer. Bissell Brothers is on every beer lover’s shortlist. Similar to Vitamin Sea, lining up to grab the cans-to-go is often the first priority. Once that act is out of the way, it’s time to have a beer and enjoy the space. On warm days, the porch out front is open. In a brick warehouse, the feel is open and airy with cool designs and arcade games. It’s also got a really welcoming atmosphere that encourages a bit of fellowship and a lot of good beer. There’s a burrito joint (Locally Sauced) adjacent to the brewery. When visiting the Portland, Maine area, a stop at Bissell Brothers is a must!
Gritty McDuff’s Brew Pub- Freeport, ME
Gritty’s is one of the original Maine brewpubs. Although the first location, the bar located in downtown Portland, is truly authentic, Gritty’s in Freeport has some tasty menu options, heavy on the bbq and pub grub side of things. Order some good eats with a flight of their beer options, hang with some good friends, and it’s a perfect night. Nothing fancy about Gritty’s, be it the spot or the beer, but it’s all-around one of the best places for a guys night.
Stellwagen Beer- Marshfield, MA
Stellwagen, like many breweries, is located in an industrial park. It is brightly lit, with an open feel. The guys I talked to enjoy it for a post-work beverage before the weekend night crowds settle in. It’s a comfortable spot to grab a glass or a flight. They always have something new and much of what they brew is really tasty. The picnic table seating makes it easy for conversation. No food located here permanently, but Stellwagen brings a mix of welcoming atmosphere and destination-worthy beer.
Mayflower Brewing- Plymouth, MA
Of all the different entries in this series, Mayflower Brewing seems to come up the most! Whether you’re a kid, a dog, a guy, a girl, older or younger, Mayflower fits the bill. Another industrial park brewery locale, it is a bit off the beaten path. With much of Plymouth walkable, Mayflower is not. It makes up for that with a solid lineup of beer. As I’ve previously lauded, “They simply do beer well.” Everyone that I’ve talked to comments on how welcoming it is there. It’s easy to sit at the bar, or grab a table, sip on something delicious, and talk. No food, but sometimes food trucks. They also have an awesome beer garden at the Pinehills in the warmer months (pictured).
Epicure Brewing- Norwich, CT
Epicure Brewing is located in the newly rehabbed and improved downtown Norwich. From the outside, in a mid-20th century former newspaper building (think the Brutalism architecture style), you’d never guess what is in store on the inside. Epicure is a large space with a bar and a number of tables. High ceilings, neon lights, brick walls, and a motorcycle hanging overhead. It’s truly a stunning space. They don’t serve food but encourage B.Y.O.F. There are many worthwhile restaurants to pick up from such as D’Elia’s Grinder Shop down the street (hands down a classic; try their sausage grinder… yes, grinder, it’s Connecticut), Royal Punjab if you’re in the mood for Indian food, or Namoo if Korean is what you desire. They have a vast array of changing beer. I’ve been partial to their New England style IPA and stouts. Epicure is comfortable, never pretentious, and a good spot to catch up with the guys. Fun Fact: where the brewery is located is the former printing area of the local newspaper, the Norwich Bulletin
Widowmaker Brewing- Braintree, MA
This is definitely not the first time Widowmaker Brewing in Braintree, Massachusetts has graced one of these entries either. Guys like Widowmaker for the beer. It’s really, really good. But the brewery itself is large, with cornhole, big-screen TVs, and a communal atmosphere which are all checks in the plus column. Another industrial location, they’ve transformed the space inside for everyone to feel at home. Widowmaker checks all the boxes: great beer and relaxed vibe, it is certainly one of the best breweries for a guys night!
The next time you’re looking for the best breweries for a guys night, here are a few choices with great beer, some with stellar food, and all with an inviting atmosphere.
