Local Favorites: Pints & Brews in Gloucester 

September 20, 2023 / Uncategorized

Good friends, good food, and a good beer. In the minds of many Americans, that’s a perfect combination. Now that the calendar (and soon the leaves!) are starting to turn to autumn, it’s time to relax with those three ingredients – friends, food, and a cold beer.

According to a study published in USA Today, Americans overwhelmingly prefer beer as their alcoholic beverage of choice. That is where the agreement ends, however. From there the debate rages about which variety of beer is the best – those from major beer distributors or from a more local craft variety. Pilsner, ales, pale ales, stouts, lagers, and the list could go on and on about which style is the best beer. 

Thankfully, Gloucester not only is home to beautiful beaches, a rich history, and a maritime legacy spanning hundreds of years, but it also has amazing bars and restaurants to satisfy the desire to find your best brew. The options of craft brews and traditional distributors are so extensive that there is no reason to travel miles to the closest taproom when we have it all here in Gloucester. 

Let’s explore the casual and formal dining options around Gloucester where you can find your perfect pint. 

1606 Restaurant & Bar Gloucester MA

Brews with a View 

One of the best things about heading out for the night with friends on Cape Ann is that you can not only find some of the best beer options around but many times those options also come with a spectacular waterfront view. 

1606 Restaurant & Oyster Bar

Located on the lobby level of Beauport Hotel Gloucester on Commercial Street, 1606 Restaurant and Oyster Bar offers seaside dining, warm decor, and an upscale atmosphere to enjoy the beverages you choose. 

The oceanfront views are not the only thing you will remember about 1606. You will also notice the wide range of beverage options including specialty cocktails, wines, and bottled and canned beer. 

If a freshly tapped beer is your thing, you won’t be disappointed with the list that includes ales, stouts, pilsners, and lagers from local and regional breweries such as the Notch, True North, Rockport Brewing, Great March Brewing, and Ipswich Ale Brewing. They even have options from further away such as the Berkshire Brewing beers and Maine’s famous “Lunch.” 

Rather than spending your time driving to each of these breweries, you have the opportunity to find it all in-house at 1606 as you enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean over Pavilion Beach.

Don’t forget that in addition to the comprehensive drink menu, 1606 Restaurant and Oyster Bar offers a modern American cuisine menu with fresh seafood, a huge entree selection, a raw bar and so much more.

Drift Gloucester 

Situated on Main Street overlooking the harbor and downtown Gloucester, Drift is a perfect place to relax with friends and have a pint whether you dine alfresco on the patio or enjoy the unique open-air layout inside while you listen to live music.

The extensive drink menu includes some truly unique cocktails, craft cocktails, wines, craft beers, stouts, and of course, hard liquor. The representation of microbreweries is considerable. Patrons have the option of choosing from Notch, Bent Water Brewing, and Rockport Brewing locally, as well as Mast Landing Brewing options from Freeport, Maine. 

Check out the full menu online and be sure to visit on nights when they host live music to enhance your experience. 

Seaport Grille

Right in the heart of Gloucester’s Cruiseport at 6 Rowe Square, you will find one of the best water-view dining locations at the Seaport Grille

Dine on one of two decks that overlook the harbor as you’re entranced by the boats, the waterfront activity, and the sounds of the water. Once you choose your meal including surf and turf options, Italian-inspired dishes, or classic American cuisine, you can get down to the business of choosing your drink to enjoy. 

Choose from a long list of Seaport Speciality Cocktails, Margaritas, frozen drinks, wines, and everyone’s favorite: beer! The beer options abound, and patrons can choose from bottled or canned options, as well as local brewery favorites. Names like Rockport Jetty Juice, True North rotating taps, Stella Artois, and Kona Big Wave may catch your attention. To view the full drinks menu visit the Seaport menu online

Mile Marker One

Ever heard of Dock-and-Dine? No? Mile Marker One offers this unique service for those looking for good food and drinks without having to even step off their boat, thus allowing a day of fun on the water to continue even during meal time. Pull your boat right up to the dock at Mile Marker One and they will deliver your meal and drink orders directly to your vessel. 

Of course, you’ll want to order some of the amazing fresh seafood options or American cuisine, but the drink options will blow you away. Reserve a space to  Dock-and-Dine online, or during the cooler months, book dinner in an Igloo online, overlooking the water, and see why they were voted  “Diner’s Choice.” 

Jalapeños 

Located on Main Street in Gloucester, Jalapeños offers authentic Mexican recipes from Mexico City, central and southern Mexico. Established almost 30 years ago, this Mexican restaurant is known for having the genuine taste of freshly prepared foods using local ingredients. 

In addition to serving traditional Mexican entrees and dishes, Jalapeños offers a comprehensive drinks menu including cocktails, margaritas, frozen drinks, as well as draft and bottled beers. Some of the notable drafts include brews from Notch Brewing, Harpoon, Sam Adams, Smuttynose, Newburyport Brewing, and Downeast Cider. 

Minglewood Harborside logoMinglewood Harborside 

Minglewood Harborside, located on Rogers Street in Gloucester, is a sports bar and pub and a big beer drinkers’ delight!

If you enjoy a nice cold beer and waterfront dining, Minglewood should be on your list of must-visit this fall. Come in to enjoy fresh, local seafood, creative sushi, and tavern favorites such as the many draught beers. Enjoy an Allagash White, Banded Brewing’s Wicked Bueno, Notch’s Session Pils, and so many more on tap. Check out the full drinks menu. We promise you won’t be disappointed. 

North Shore Brewery Tours 

Want to tour the breweries on the North Shore? North Shore Brewery Tours has you covered. These public or private tours will take you to the Brewery Partners along the North Shore of Massachusetts where you will enjoy craft beer tasting or a full pour at each location. You will also enjoy a meal at one of the locations, and an insulated tote bag to bring home canned or bottled offerings.

Craving a cold hoppy beer this season? Head to Gloucester where you can experience the water views, a delicious meal, and some of the best brews around.