When asking yourself about something to do near me in Cambridge with a group of friends or family, consider
Lamplighter Brewing Co. - Broadway
Why Lamplighter Brewing Co. - Broadway is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Lamplighter Brewing Co. - Broadway is a vibrant craft brewery located in the heart of Cambridge, MA, occupying a spacious 10,000 sq. ft. former auto repair shop turned brewery. This location features both a full production brewery and an inviting taproom with front and back seating areas. The space operates on a first-come, first-served basis with limited seating, encouraging visitors to arrive early for the best experience. Guests are welcome to bring their own food or enjoy the brewery’s frequent pop-up food events that provide a great way to complement the craft beers on offer. The Broadway taproom is lively and social, often hosting fun weekly events such as trivia nights and collaborations with local restaurants, making it a great spot to gather with friends. Lamplighter Brewing Co. is well known for its aroma-packed, funky, and flavor-driven ales, including a variety of sour and unique beers crafted through innovative yeast experiments. Founded by AC Jones, Cayla Marvil, and Tyler Fitzpatrick, the brewery focuses on producing both one-off batches and consistently drinkable beers, providing something new and exciting for both casual drinkers and craft beer enthusiasts alike. Its warm and welcoming atmosphere embodies the spirit of the Cambridge gaslights, making it an ideal destination to enjoy quality craft beer in a friendly, community-oriented environment.
Here's what people think of Lamplighter Brewing Co. - Broadway
As of recent, Lamplighter Brewing Co. - Broadway holds a 4.6-star rating based on 934 reviews.
Reviewers consistently praise Lamplighter Brewing Co. - Broadway for its wide variety of exceptional beers, particularly noting the quality of their IPAs and unique sour ales. Many appreciate the ability to sample multiple brews before settling on a favorite, making the experience accessible and enjoyable. Positive reviews highlight the brewery's friendly and knowledgeable staff, the engaging taproom atmosphere, and the welcoming space that fosters socializing and community connection. Reviewers also commend the brewery for hosting diverse events, including trivia nights and local food pop-ups, which add to the overall vibrant experience. On the other hand, some negative feedback mentions limited seating due to the first-come, first-served policy, which can result in difficulty finding a spot during busier times. A few reviewers have noted that while the beer selection is vast, the space can become crowded, impacting comfort. Nonetheless, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many patrons praising the brewery’s commitment to innovative beer crafting and its friendly, community-focused vibe. In conclusion, Lamplighter Brewing Co. - Broadway remains a highly recommended destination for craft beer lovers looking to explore creative and flavorful brews in an inviting and lively setting.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
John Allie
Lamplighter Brewing was a must-visit on my recent trip to Boston—and it far exceeded expectations. The vibe is exactly what you want in a brewery: laid-back, stylish, and welcoming. The beers? Phenomenal. Well Spoke is a standout German Pilsner—light and crushable but packed with flavor, not watery at all. Solstice Summer Ale was another highlight—refreshing and easy to drink without being heavy. Bonus points for the attached Pepita café, which offers great food and coffee options. All this in a beautiful part of Cambridge, making it the perfect stop on a relaxed stroll through the neighborhood. Absolutely recommend. Would come back in a heartbeat.
Justin Huynh
This weekend we stumbled upon Lamplighter Brewing Company in Cambridge. It has a welcoming and hipster vibe. Really enjoyed seeing the pride flag at the bar— felt like a safe space for all. The Cambridge location is busy around the time we went, which was around noon on a Saturday. There is lots of seating in the front but also in the back which is a little more quiet. The setup is a little confusing for ordering though. There's one big line for food and coffee, but you don’t need to wait in that line to order beers. I wish we knew that because we didn’t see any signage to indicate where to order what. We also saw a lot of people sitting at the bar eating and drinking coffee, so it took a little bit to find a spot at the bar just to have a drink. I think the bar should be reserved for those looking to have a beer. A positive though is that the beer tasty— light and refreshing. I thought some of the flavors were really creative. For example, I tried the Chrysalis which I believe had notes of jasmine and honey. Overall would definitely come here again and try their food and coffee next time!
Alexa Baratucci
really incredibly creative beers. I've never heard of some of the hops they use but everything i tasted was AWESOME. great place for trivia, studying, etc. the little cafe in it is cute and the food was good too!
Steven Schwartz
A hippie hipster vibe in a good way. Wide selection of brews in varied styles that are interesting and brewed on the premises. Does flights but not food. However you can bring your own and they do occasional pop ups. Frequent events but no music due to “cabaret “ restrictions. Has been around since 2011 and has a large back room that is cozy and open when business warrants. A nice addition to the Cambridge brewpub scene.
James Healey
Beautiful building, great energy inside, and the beers are super delicious. Lots of options to choose from, especially at all ABVs, including NA. Really enjoyed the hazy IPAs. Service was quick and kind and enjoyed the people watching and warm lighting.
How to reach Lamplighter Brewing Co. - Broadway
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Why Lamplighter Brewing Co. - Broadway may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Lamplighter Brewing Co. - Broadway with your friends?
Gathering with friends at Lamplighter Brewing Co. - Broadway is an excellent choice because this brewery offers a lively yet welcoming atmosphere that naturally encourages connection and fun. With a strong 4.6-star rating from over 900 reviews, it’s clear that many patrons find this venue perfect for socializing. The combination of expertly crafted beers and a spacious, laid-back environment provides a superb backdrop for catching up and making memories. Unlike typical bars, Lamplighter blends the energy of a vibrant brewery with the comfort of a community space, where friends can relax over flights of innovative New England IPAs, experimental brews, and unique barrel-aged concoctions. The venue’s design strikes a balance between a buzzing taproom and intimate seating areas, making it suitable for groups both large and small. Whether you're meeting for an afternoon hangout or an evening celebration, Lamplighter’s Broadway location offers a distinctive setting that encourages lingering conversations, laughter, and the shared appreciation of quality craft beer.
What activities can you enjoy at Lamplighter Brewing Co. - Broadway?
Lamplighter Brewing Co. - Broadway isn’t just about great beer; it’s a dynamic hub for various activities that cater to different group interests. You and your friends can start by sampling a diverse array of beer flights that allow you to taste multiple selections without committing to a full pint. This makes for an engaging tasting experience, sparking lively discussions about flavor notes and brewing styles. The brewery also offers “crowlers,” large sealable cans perfect for those who want to take home some favorites or share with the group later. Beyond beer tasting, the taproom frequently hosts collaborative pop-up food events with popular local food vendors, adding an exciting culinary dimension to your meetup. While the daytime vibe includes a coffee shop setting, when the brewery transitions fully into taproom mode in the afternoon and evening, it becomes a buzzing social spot where you can enjoy live music or themed events. The spacious backroom area ensures that your group won’t feel cramped even when the venue is busy, providing plenty of seating options ideal for games, casual meetups, or celebration parties.
Why is Lamplighter Brewing Co. - Broadway perfect for group meetups?
Lamplighter Brewing Co. - Broadway is especially suited for group gatherings due to its thoughtful layout, inviting atmosphere, and attentive service. The taproom is spacious enough to accommodate diverse group sizes while maintaining a cozy, community-oriented feel. The infrastructure includes large communal tables as well as smaller intimate spots, offering flexibility depending on your group’s needs. This flexibility is paired with a lively ambiance that encourages conversation without overwhelming noise, which is often a drawback in busy bars. Moreover, the brewery’s emphasis on quality and variety allows each group member to find something that suits their palate, from bold IPAs to complex wild ales. Another practical advantage is the dual nature of the location, which operates as a coffee shop during the day—ideal for laid-back daytime meetups—and transforms into a vibrant brewery in the evening, perfect for festive occasions. Additionally, the brewery’s location in Cambridge makes it easily accessible for groups coming from Boston and surrounding areas, simplifying planning and transportation logistics.
How does Lamplighter Brewing Co. enhance the social experience?
Lamplighter Brewing Co. enhances the social experience by combining excellent craft beers with a strong sense of local community and vibrant cultural engagement. Their collaboration with sought-after food vendors and frequent hosting of events provides fresh reasons to return and discover new tastes and experiences together. The venue’s design promotes mingling and shared experiences—beer flights encourage trying multiple brews, which naturally fosters conversation and connection. The brewery also cultivates a welcoming environment by balancing energetic gatherings with quieter spaces, allowing groups to choose their preferred mood. The presence of Pepita Coffee Co. inside the Broadway taproom adds to the space’s versatility, providing a relaxed environment for daytime meetings before the full brewery vibe kicks in. Many visitors appreciate that despite its popularity, Lamplighter maintains a friendly, approachable atmosphere where both newcomers and regulars feel at ease. This blend of environment, offerings, and social energy makes Lamplighter a memorable spot for groups to experience together.
What types of beer and food can groups expect at Lamplighter Brewing Co. - Broadway?
At Lamplighter Brewing Co. - Broadway, groups can expect a rich and diverse selection of beers that appeal to a wide range of palates. The brewery is renowned for its expertly crafted New England IPAs, which are full-bodied and well-balanced, exhibiting layers of hop flavors without overwhelming bitterness. In addition to these flagship brews, Lamplighter offers experimental saisons, barleywines, wild ales, and Mexican-style amber lagers, giving your group a chance to explore a variety of styles. Beer flights allow everyone to sample different options, making the tasting experience interactive and educational. On the culinary side, while the taproom primarily focuses on beer, they regularly collaborate with food pop-ups from acclaimed Boston-area vendors, offering everything from Malaysian bites to Filipino sandwiches. A staple offering includes freshly baked pretzels served with an exceptional hot honey mustard, providing an ideal savory companion to the beers. Whether your meetup is casual or celebratory, the carefully curated beer and food pairings at Lamplighter ensure everyone leaves satisfied.
How accessible and convenient is Lamplighter Brewing Co. - Broadway for group meetups?
Lamplighter Brewing Co. - Broadway scores highly for accessibility and convenience, vital factors when organizing group meetups. Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, it is just a short trip from downtown Boston, making it an easy destination for city dwellers and suburbanites alike. The brewery’s hours—from mid-morning until late night on most days—allow flexible meetup timing that can suit both early cases and late-night fun. Accessibility is improved by nearby public transportation options and available parking in the area, easing group arrivals. The spacious taproom design ensures that even during peak hours, with some advance planning, groups can find comfortable seating. Many visitors recommend arriving earlier, especially on weekends, to secure good spots before the venue fills up. Additionally, the option to purchase “crowlers” for take-home or to-go gifts adds a convenient way to extend the experience beyond the taproom itself. All these factors combine to make Lamplighter Brewing Co. - Broadway a hassle-free and enjoyable choice for hosting your group gathering.
What unique features make Lamplighter Brewing Co. stand out among other breweries?
Lamplighter Brewing Co. - Broadway distinguishes itself through a harmonious blend of innovation, community focus, and an inviting space that caters expertly to groups. Its dual identity as both a coffee shop and a brewery creates a uniquely versatile environment where patrons can work, socialize, and celebrate without compromise. This mix is rare and highly valued, especially in a city like Cambridge, known for its energetic yet casual scene. The brewery’s commitment to crafting varied and experimental brews continually refreshes the tap list, which ensures regular visitors always have something new to discover. Furthermore, Lamplighter’s engagement with local food businesses not only enriches the tasting experience but also showcases its support for the regional culinary community. Combining all these traits with strong positive reviews praising the friendly staff and lively atmosphere, Lamplighter Brewing Co. - Broadway stands as a top-tier destination for groups seeking a fun, quality-driven brewery outing.
Lamplighter Brewing Co. - Broadway stands as a superb location to gather with friends and family, offering both an excellent craft beer selection and a lively, inclusive atmosphere. From the variety of tastings and the unique blend of food collaborations to the spacious yet cozy setting and convenient location, every aspect of this brewery is designed to enhance social experiences and create lasting memories. Whether meeting for a casual weekend hangout, a special celebration, or simply a place to connect over good brews, Lamplighter promises an inviting and enjoyable destination for your next group meetup.