Best Beer Bars in Brookline and Allston/Brighton

No need to go downtown when there's plenty of nightlife and great pubs farther along the Green line. For beer lovers, some of the best spots around are in Brookline and Allston. Check out these beer bars in your neighborhood and save yourself a cab ride home.
By Katherine Santiago

The Publick House

1648 Beacon St
Brookline, MA 02445
(617) 277-2880
www.eatgoodfooddrinkbetterbeer.com

For beer lovers, Publick House is heaven. The menu has pages and pages and pages filled with artisanal beers. There are selections from all over the world, but the focus is on Belgian brews. The Monk's Cell, a room separate from the restaurant, exclusively offers Belgian draughts. All beers are served in the correct glass and at proper temperature to ensure you enjoy the full flavor. Not only is the beer great, but the upscale pub fare is also delicious. Save your receipt and bring it down the road to the Publick House Provisions Store to get 10 percent off a purchase.

Common Ground

83 Harvard Ave.
Allston, MA
(617) 783-2071
www.commongroundallston.com

The Common Ground carries a few dozen beers, with about half of them on tap. Their beer menu mixes in a solid selection of local and high-end craft beers.

Sunset Grill and Tap

130 Brighton Ave
Allston, MA 02134
(617) 254-1331
www.allstonsfinest.com

Quantity is the name of the game at Sunset Grill and Tap. They have 112 beers just on draught! Add the hundred of bottles they carry and Sunset offers nearly 500 different beers for patrons to try. Samplers allow you to try several beers at once, or you can order a sample size of any draught before you decide on a pint. If a pint of plain old beer is too boring, try one of their beer floats or "beertails." Or split a yard – a 3-foot tube filled with beer- with some friends. That is, if you all can agree on just one.

Deep Ellum

477 Cambridge St
Allston, MA 02134
(617) 787-2337
www.deepellum-boston.com

You won't find Bud or Coors on draught here. Located right on the Allston/Brighton border, Deep Ellum reserves their 29 taps for high end craft beers and microbrews. Roughly 80-100 bottled beers round out the suds selection at this small neighborhood pub. The bartenders know their beer and can help you choose a brew based on what you already like. Deep Ellum is also known for their great cocktails, a rarity for beer establishments.