Tree House Brewing Is Looking to Open at Faneuil Hall Marketplace in Boston

It looks like one of the best-known breweries in New England could be coming to downtown Boston, though plans are in their early stages.

According to an article in the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, Tree House Brewing Company has filed a proposal to open in the former Mija Cantina & Tequila Bar/Cheers Replica Bar at Faneuil Hall Marketplace, with the plans being to operate a brewery and distillery that would also include an outdoor beer garden. These plans are in their very early stages, as Tree House has only applied for a Farmer-Brewery license with the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission as of this writing and it has not yet met with the Boston Licensing Board.

In 2024, Tree House Brewing Company had looked at opening a taproom, distillery, and tasting room at the Prudential Center in the Back Bay, but those plans never came to be, though they do have a kiosk at the Pru site where they sell cans and merchandise while also having a seasonal beer garden; the company currently has locations in Charlton, Sandwich, Deerfield, and Tewksbury along with a farm in Woodstock, CT, and a taproom in Saratoga Springs, NY, with its website being at https://treehousebrew.com/

(Follow Marc on Bluesky at @marchurboston.bsky.social)

---

[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

---

Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)

Boston Harbor Distillery to Open a Beverage Garden in the Former Trillium Space on The Greenway in Downtown Boston

Last month it was reported that a popular outdoor beer garden would not be returning to its space in downtown Boston, and now we have learned that a familiar name will be replacing it.

According to a press release, Boston Harbor Distillery will be taking over the space on the Rose Kennedy Greenway that had previously been home to Trillium Garden on The Greenway, with the distillery--which is based in the Port Norfolk section of Dorchester--setting up a family-friendly beverage garden that offers cocktails, mocktails, beer, wine, and locally-produced snacks. This follows the news in January that Trillium would not be returning to the space after being there since 2017.

The Boston Harbor Distillery beverage garden (which opens this spring) will be across from the Boston Harbor Hotel and International Place at the corner of High Street and Atlantic Avenue. The website for the business is at https://bostonharbordistillery.com/

(Follow Marc on Bluesky at @marchurboston.bsky.social)

---

[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

---

Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)

GrandTen Distilling to Leave Its Home in South Boston, Plans to Reopen Elsewhere

A distillery and cocktail bar in South Boston going to be saying farewell to its space, though it is looking to open back up in another location.

According to an article from What Now Boston, GrandTen Distilling on Dorchester Avenue is planning to leave its home this fall, saying the following in an Instagram post:

...The truth is that all things must change. Like many businesses, we are facing the challenge of rising costs in the city we love. This has made it increasingly difficult for us to operate from our current location. While it's time to close this chapter, we are not closing the book. Consider this a "see you later," not a goodbye. Our departure is temporary, and GrandTen will return to Boston. In the interim, we will be announcing our new location shortly. With immense gratitude, we thank each and every one of you for your support and for sharing a drink with us. Your visits to our distillery have made our journey unforgettable, and consider this your invitation to join us one more time before we head out.

The post mentions that GrandTen Distilling plans to close after business hours on October 19.

GrandTen Distilling first opened in 2011, adding its cocktail bar in 2016.

The current address for GrandTen Distilling is 383 Dorchester Avenue, Boston, MA, 02127. Its website can be found at https://grandten.com/

(Follow Marc on Bluesky at @marchurboston.bsky.social)

---

[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

---

Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)

Namu Distilling Company to Open in the Mission Hill/Jamaica Plain Section of Boston

A new distillery is on its way to Boston, and it will be focusing on two types of spirits.

According to a Bluesky post from @jeremyk.bsky.social, Namu Distilling Company is planning to open on the border of Mission Hill and Jamaica Plain, with the Heath Street address indicating that it will technically be in Mission Hill. The upcoming business will be a Korean-American small-batch distillery and it will focus on soju and gin; no opening date has been given as of yet, though its LinkedIn page says that "We are now very busy getting our federal, state, and city licenses and permits so we can open our doors to everyone as quickly as possible."

The address for the upcoming Namu Distilling Company is 89 Heath Street, Boston, MA, 02130. Its Instagram page can be found at https://www.instagram.com/namu_distilling/

(Follow Marc on Bluesky at @marchurboston.bsky.social)

---

[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

---

Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)

Short Path Distillery in Everett Is Looking to Open a Cafe

A distillery just north of Boston is making plans to add a new addition to its space.

According to a page within the numarket.co website, Short Path Distillery in Everett is raising funds to help open a cafe within its Kelvin Street facility, with the page saying the following:

Have you ever spent an afternoon in the Fermentation District of Everett and thought "I wish there were a cafe around here". Us too! There's a serious lack of coffee and communal workspaces in our neighborhood and we want to fix that. The Cafe at Short Path Distillery will be a new addition to our current cocktail bar. By making investments in our space with your help, The Cafe will offer not only quality coffee and espresso drinks, but also a cozy workspace for those seeking somewhere to escape. Our menu will include espresso drinks, drip coffee, cold brew, specialty offerings, and baked goods. The best part -- we're partnering with a local roaster and want your help in choosing which one.

Short Path Distillery first opened in 2015, offering such options as rum, whiskey, gin, ouzo, brandy, and more.

The address for Short Path Distillery is 71 Kelvin Street, Everett MA, 02149. Its website can be found at http://shortpathdistillery.com/

(Follow Marc on Bluesky at @marchurboston.bsky.social)

---

[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

---

Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)

 

Chattermark Distillers in Charlestown Opens Tasting Room

A distillery in Charlestown that was first announced in the spring of 2021 has debuted its tasting room/cocktail bar.

According to a post within the bostonchef.com site, Chattermark Distillers on Terminal Street soft-opened its brand new tasting room on Friday, November 11, with rye, gin, and bourbon offered. The post mentions that an outdoor patio will be set up during the warmer months, and while food is not available at the facility, patrons are welcome to bring in their own or order via delivery from nearby spots.

The tasting room at Chattermark Distillers is currently open on Fridays from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM and Saturdays from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM, with hours expanding once it is fully open.

The address for Chattermark Distillers is 200 Terminal Street, Charlestown, MA, 02129. Its website is at https://www.chattermarkdistillers.com/

[April 12, 2023 update: A press release indicates that Chattermark Distillers has its grand opening weekend for its tasting room from April 14 through April 16, and its new hours has it opening on Fridays starting at 4:00 PM, Saturdays starting at 3:00 PM, and Sundays starting at noon.]

[Earlier Article]
Chattermark Distillers Plans to Open in Charlestown; Tasting Room in the Works

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

---

[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

---

NOTE: Leslie Hurwitz, who is the father of Marc (the founder of this site) is currently dealing with health issues and needs your help. Please donate if you can at https://gofund.me/76d8ba28, thanks!

Baramor in Newton Centre Is Debuting a Pop-Up Beer Garden; Will Include Distillery Cocktail Takeovers

A neighborhood restaurant and bar in the western suburbs is setting up a temporary beer garden which should also be of interest to lovers of spirits and mixed drinks as well.

According to a press release, Baramor in Newton Centre is launching an outdoor beer garden starting Thursday, June 3, with the rotating pop-up taking place on Thursdays from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM throughout the summer. The first pop-up on June 3 features Roslindale's Distraction Brewing while Exhibit A in Framingham will be onsite on June 10 and True North in Ipswich will be there on June 17. In addition, distillery cocktail takeovers will take place as well, though no names have been mentioned as of yet.

Baramor first opened in the spring of 2019, taking over the space that had been home to Terry O'Reilly's Pub.

The address for Baramor is 45 Union Street, Newton Centre, MA, 02459. Its website can be found at https://www.baramornewton.com/

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

---

[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

---

Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)

Payment Options

Option 1 : $1.00 USD - monthly Option 2 : $5.00 USD - monthly Option 3 : $10.00 USD - monthly

Chattermark Distillers Plans to Open in Charlestown; Tasting Room in the Works

A brand new distillery is in the process of opening in a hidden corner of Boston, and the plan is to open a tasting room as well.

According to a licensing board hearing page within the city's website, Chattermark Distillers is looking to set up a tasting room in Charlestown, with the business being below the Tobin Bridge on the small peninsula formed by Little Mystic Channel and the Mystic River. A check on its website and social media pages indicates that the distillery is currently offering two types of rye and a gin for curbside pickup, while also saying that they are "Boston's only rye and bourbon distiller" (it looks like a bourbon, an American whiskey, and another rye are in the process of being aged right now).

Chattermark Distillers mentions on their website that they are a veteran-owned business, with John Sorgini being the founder and CEO and Kyle LeClerc being the head distiller.

The address for Chattermark Distillers is 200 Terminal Street, Charlestown, MA, 02129. The website for the business can be found at https://www.chattermarkdistillers.com/

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

---

[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

---

Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)

Payment Options

Option 1 : $1.00 USD - monthly Option 2 : $5.00 USD - monthly Option 3 : $10.00 USD - monthly

Guidelines Set in Place for Reopening of Beer Gardens, Breweries, Wineries, and Distilleries in Massachusetts

A couple of weeks ago, the Baker administration introduced a four-phase approach to reopen the Massachusetts economy based on public health guidance, including the reopening of restaurants. Now we have learned that new information has been given on the reopening of businesses that are involved with the making of beer, wine, and spirits.

An updated page that gives detailed information on when businesses can reopen states that beer gardens, breweries, wineries, and distilleries will be able to open back up in Phase 2 (presumably outdoor areas at first, with indoor areas opening later in Phase 2) if they provide seated food service under retail food permits issued by municipal authorities, but those places that do not provide seated food service will have to wait until Phase 4 to reopen. This means that those in the former category may be able to open outdoor areas as soon as June 8 depending on when Phase 2 begins, while those in the latter category would not be able to reopen until at least July 20, based on the three-week intervals for each phase--and also keeping in mind that the phases could go longer than three weeks.

Some of the above information is based on the information given for restaurants, where they can open outdoor areas at the start of Phase 2 and eventually be able to open indoor areas later in Phase 2--all with restrictions shown here.

[Earlier Article]
Guidelines Set in Place for Reopening of Restaurants and Bars in Massachusetts

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

---

[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

---

Luminati Spirits Plans to Open at Cambridge Crossing in East Cambridge

[Ed note: This article was updated on December 10 to reflect confirmation that Luminati will indeed be opening at Cambridge Crossing.]

The people behind a Cambridge brewery have some new plans in the works, as they hope to open a distillery, nanobrewery, and taproom in what appears to be a space within a new complex in East Cambridge.

Eater Boston is reporting (via an Instagram post) that the owners of Lamplighter Brewing on Broadway are planning to open Luminati Spirits, with a rendering within the Instagram post indicating that it is apparently coming to Cambridge Crossing near where Cambridge, Somerville, and Boston meet. Very little information has been given about the upcoming business other than the fact that it will be a "distillery and brewery project" based on the Instagram page for Luminati, with the Instagram post from Lamplighter promising more to come over the winter. Construction on the space appears to be starting up now, and if all goes well, Luminati Spirits could be opening in the summer of 2020.

Lamplighter Brewing first opened in the fall of 2016, moving into a space between Central Square, Kendall Square, and Inman Square.

The Instagram page for Luminati Spirits is at https://www.instagram.com/luminatispirits/ while its website will be at http://www.luminatispirits.com/

[December 10 update: A boston.com article confirms that Luminati Spirits plans to open at Cambridge Crossing in a two-story retail building called The Shed.]

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

---

[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

---

Damnation Alley Distillery in Belmont Is Closing

by Marc Hurwitz

A local small-batch distillery is closing down after being in business for a bit more than five years.

According to a Facebook post from the place, Damnation Alley Distillery in Belmont plans to close its doors on March 31, with the note saying that "we will be...taking a break and determining our next steps." The post also mentions that it will be open regular hours until its final day, with hours continuing to be 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Fridays, 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Saturdays, and 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Sundays.

Damnation Alley Distillery, which first opened on Brighton Street in the fall of 2013, has been known for its different whiskey offerings along with vodka and gin.

The address for Damnation Alley is 7 Brighton Street, Belmont, MA, 02478. Its website can be found at http://www.damnationalleydistillery.com/

[April 11 update: A check on its Facebook page confirms that Damnation Alley is now closed.]

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston

---

[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

---

Tweet

Bully Boy Distillers in Roxbury Getting Ready to Open a Tasting Room/Craft Cocktail Bar

A local distillery will soon have a space where people can enjoy some cocktails.

According to a licensing board page within the City of Boston website, Bully Boy Distillers has applied for a license to operate a tasting room within its new facility on Cedric Street in Roxbury, with the space being just over 350 square feet in size. An earlier Boston Magazine article had mentioned that the tasting room would be a "still-to-glass" craft cocktail bar located in Bully Boy's new 8,000-square foot home, which is across the street from its original space. It is not yet known when the tasting room might open, but more should be learned around the time of the hearing on February 1.

Bully Boy Distillers features handcrafted whiskey, rum, and vodka, along with gin, punch, and a bottled version of the Old Fashioned cocktail.

The website for Bully Boy can be found at http://www.bullyboydistillers.com/

[April 18 update: An email indicates that the tasting room cocktail bar at Bully Boy Distillers opens to the public Friday evening (April 21), and that the space will have seating for 28.]

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston

---

[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

---

Tweet

A First Look at Short Path Distillery in Everett [Photos]

A brand new distillery has just opened in Everett, and we had the chance to look at the place over the weekend.

As reported earlier, Short Path Distillery opened its doors in Everett on Saturday, June 27, with the Kelvin Street spot featuring gin and rum that are made by "combining old-world distilling techniques with a new-world, chemistry-based approach to spirit development." The distillery is located in an old rubber factory just west of Main Street and just north of the Revere Beach Parkway, with one room including a bar area for tasting along with a few tables, and the other room being the manufacturing area where the spirits are made. We took a tour over the weekend and participated in some tastings, and also got to see the equipment used and how the gin and rum are made. A few pictures of the place can be seen below. (For those interesting in visiting Short Path, it is located at 71 Kelvin Street, with its website being at http://shortpathdistillery.com/).

Short Path Distillery Is Opening in Everett

A brand new distillery is on its way to the Boston area.

According to its website, Short Path Distillery is opening its doors in Everett on June 27, featuring spirits that are made by "combining old-world distilling techniques with a new-world, chemistry-based approach to spirit development." The business, which will be located on Kelvin Street (north of the Revere Beach Parkway and near Night Shift Brewing), will offer rum and gin, with the former being "bold, rich and full-bodied" and the latter being a London dry-style that is light and crisp.

A number of other distilleries can now be found in and around Boston, including Bully Boy in Roxbury, Damnation Alley in Belmont, and GrandTen in South Boston.

The address for this new distillery in Everett is: Short Path Distillery, 71 Kelvin Street, Everett MA, 02149. Its website can be found at http://shortpathdistillery.com/

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston

---

[Note: Please join the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook Group Page to get more info on dining spots and also chat with others about Boston-area restaurants.]

---

Tweet

Update: GrandTen Distilling in South Boston to Open GrandTen Bar

[Ed note: This article was updated on July 5, 2016 to reflect new information given, including a new name for the place.]

It looks like a distillery in South Boston is opening a bar within its space.

Eater Boston is reporting that GrandTen Distilling on Dorchester Avenue is looking to raise funds via Indiegogo to open a craft cocktail bar tentatively called Bar 383 inside its distillery, with the plan being to offer drinks in a "relaxing environment" that includes a "fully functioning bar serving spirits only available at the distillery." The business is trying to raise $20,000 by April 22, with the money going towards the installation of bar equipment and "requisite hook-ups" while keeping the historic character of the place intact.

GrandTen Distilling, which first opened in 2012, makes such products as rum, gin, cranberry liqueur, and more.

The address for GrandTen Distilling (and its proposed bar) is 383 Dorchester Avenue, Boston, MA, 02127. Its website can be found at http://www.grandten.com/

[July 5, 2016 update: A new article from Eater Boston states that the cocktail bar within GrandTen Distilling opens this weekend, and that it will be called GrandTen Bar (not Bar 383, which had been its original name).]

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston

Tweet

Boston Harbor Distillery Is Opening in Dorchester

It looks like a brand new distillery is coming to a Boston neighborhood, and it will be located within an historic structure by the water.

Eater Boston reports that Boston Harbor Distillery is planning to open within the old Putnam Nail Factory/Lawley Shipyard complex that is located on the Port Norfolk peninsula in Dorchester (just east of Tenean Beach and the Southeast Expressway by the Neponset River). The article mentions that a couple of big names are behind the proposed distillery, including Rhonda Kallman, who co-founded The Boston Beer Company (which is known for its Samuel Adams brand of beer), and Corey Bunnewith, who has worked at such places as Coppa and Drink. While it looks like Boston Harbor Distillery will focus on whiskey, they may also be making rum as well, according to EB.

It is not yet known when the distillery might open.

[May 20, 2015 update: According to a Facebook post from Corey Bunnewith, Boston Harbor Distillery is one step closer to opening, as it now has an occupancy permit.]

[June 11, 2015 update: According to social media posts from the place, Boston Harbor Distillery opens to the public today at 4:00 PM.]

It appears that the address for Boston Harbor Distillery will be 12 Ericsson Street, Dorchester, MA, 02122. Its website can be found at http://bostonharbordistillery.com/

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston

Tweet

Damnation Alley Distillery Has Opened in Belmont

A small-batch distillery has opened in a suburb of Boston that, until fairly recently, was not known for selling alcohol of any kind.

According to its website, Damnation Alley Distillery is now open in Belmont, featuring locally-crafted vodkas and whiskeys using grains, produce, fruits, and herbs from Massachusetts farms. The Brighton Street distillery has a retail store, with hours being 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Fridays, 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Saturdays, and 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Sundays.

The address for this distillery in Belmont is: Damnation Alley Distillery, 7 Brighton Street, Belmont, MA, 02478. Its website can be found at http://www.damnationalleydistillery.com/

Thanks to a poster on the Chowhound site for bringing this to our attention.

---

[New article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Twelve Comfort Food Items from Boston-Area Restaurants]

---

Tweet