Democracy Brewing a brewpub destination in Downtown Boston, Mass.
One Saturday, our “good beer hunting” took us to Democracy Brewing in Boston, Massachusetts.
A night out for us is usually casual, and in the suburbs. We generally go into Boston only for company holiday events, or if we are given tickets to sporting events. So, it was a different experience for us to chose to go intown for a Saturday evening.
We decided to try out the brewpub, Democracy Brewing, on Temple Place near Tremont Street, The Boston Common, and Downtown Crossing. Our monthly parking pass for a nearby parking garage made the trip affordable and parking convenient. We went late afternoon and traffic was light, perhaps as snow was predicted later. As we live near a Mass Pike exit, our trip took about the same time, or less than if we went to a restaurant or brewpub in the suburbs.
Table with a view and viewpoints
Democracy Brewing is in a blue building with large plate glass windows facing Temple Place. We were immediately seated at a table for two by one of the windows. Our location was a little drafty, but we were dressed for winter. The plus was we could people watch as we sampled beer and munched on appetizers. At an adjacent table we could intermittently catch snatches about politics. Someone at the table seemed to work for a legislator or campaign. It seemed fitting, with Boston’s history, and with the State House nearby.
Brew and Grub in the pub
Democracy Brewing offers a variety of beer styles. We both opted for flights – 4 samples of 5 oz. for $11. We liked them all, but the 1919 Strike Stout was our favorite.
The food menu was brief, but has enough variety. The prices seemed fair, especially since we were in the city.
Reasonable pricing is part of the theme and goal of this worker-owned business, which pays their employees $15 and hour plus tips. The Worker’s Pint, a golden ale, is priced at $5, the low end for a glass of craft beer. The idea, according to brewery founder and head brewer Jason Taggart is, “Just because your boss doesn’t pay you enough doesn’t mean you don’t deserve a delicious and fresh brewed beer.”
We decided to order a pretzel and a veggie and hummus plate to split.
The pretzel was the most unusual one we have had. It was more like a bread and was on the sweet side. The mustard was rather like a dressing, in that it was thinner than most mustards we have encountered at breweries. It was tasty, but not as dense as most pretzels we’ve enjoyed at other breweries.
The raw veggie plate with black bean hummus was different and tasty. The veggies had been marinated in a light dressing. They were delicious with and without the hummus. The charmoula baked flatbread that rounded out the plate, well, frankly fabulous.
Democracy Brewing is on a Boston Bus Route
As we sipped and dipped we people-watched. There’s a Silver Line SL5 Bus Stop opposite Democracy Brewing and people and busses were constantly in flow. A digital sign shows bus arrivals and departures. At this writing, the bus ride is free. The SL5 route is between Temple Place (across from Democracy Brewing) and Dudley Square along Washington St. There are several stops along Washington St. You can see the bus route here. The MBTA runs other Silver Lines, including one into Logan Airport.
Location and Experience = Recommended when looking for good beer in Boston
We were glad that we went when we did. The brewpub started filling up about 20 minutes after our arrival. Next time we hope to be seated more centrally to enjoy more of the ambiance.
While their beer menu was limited, and some selections sold out/kicked, we enjoyed all the samples. That isn’t always the case for us. So, if you are looking for a craft brew experience in Downtown Boston, give Democracy Brewing a try. Easy to find, good food and beer, and modest prices for a city establishment.
Yes, if you are looking for some good beer in Boston, go to Democracy Brewing.