Brewpub recommendations north of Boston

[NicksMaint]

Hi,

Going to be in Andover MA for business later this week and wondered if there were any recommendations for a place that brews beer (or has great selection) and has good food. Driving into Boston is probably not an option due to time constraints, but anyplace North of the city should be fair game.

TIA

~NicksMaint

[newportstorm]

Best bet is to head up Rte. 495 to Haverhill. Get off on the River Street exit (#49?) and travel a few miles along the river into downtown Haverhill. Just after you pass under the train bridge, take a right and park behind the old row of buildings. You've arrived at The Tap. Great beer and good grub awaits you.

http://www.tapbrewpub.com/
http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/3185/?view=beerfly

Can't be more than a 20 minute drive.

You could also head to Lowell and enjoy some Concord Brewery beers at the Brewery Exchange. Haven't been in a couple years, but it used to be a solid place for a pint and bite. Service has always been spotty, and it is located just off campus from UMass-Lowell, so you're bound to share the place with plenty of coeds.

http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/104/?view=beerfly

There is also a Flatbread Co. in Burlington if you want some good pizza and beer. Latest draft list contained some local brews like Geary's HSA, Sebago Boathouse Brown, Wachusett Ofest (ale), Allagash White, Wolaver's IPA, Smuttynose Portsmouth Lager, etc.

http://www.flatbreadcompany.com/Home2006.htm

Still think The Tap is your best bet. Grab a growler or sixer of Leatherlips IPA to go after the meal, too.

Cheers!

[NicksMaint]

Thanks for the recommendation. It does look close by, so we will try and get over there on Thursday night.

[NicksMaint]

Newportstorm,

Thanks again for the recommendation. We went last night and it was a great place. We got a couple of samplers, just so we could hit all the beers. Every beer was very good. We had a wine maker in the group with us and he was very impressed with the quality. Food was good too and a we definitely kept the waiter busy.

Looks like I will be travelling to the Andover area a few more times, I will check out the other spots and for sure take a trip back up to Haverhill.

~NicksMaint

[MadDog88]

Salem Beer Works in Salem has the same offerings as the Boston Beer Works chain. It is a quick drive down from Andover. Their Oktoberfest was very good and the Blueberry has been popular.