Try It: Belgian Beer Bars

Updated: June 04, 2008

Does your mouth water for a wheat-based beer? Or is your perfect pitcher filled with a pale ale? Beer snobs have long believed that Belgium churns out some of the world's greatest beers. Here's five local bars worth seeking out if you're looking for Belgian brews.

On this page:Bukowski's Tavern, The Publick House, Sunset Grill & Tap, Sunset Cantina, The Lower Depths.

Bukowski's Tavern

  1. 1 4 Star Rating: Recommended Bukowski's
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    50 Dalton St, Boston, MA 02115 (map)

    The Back Bay's premier beer bar packs a ton of sudsy options into its tiny space, including its fabled "99 bottles of beer on the wall." BONUS: Burgers and dogs are $1.69 each before 8pm on weekdays.

The Publick House

  1. 2 4 Star Rating: Recommended The Publick House
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    1648 Beacon St, Brookline, MA 02445 (map)

    Nationally-recognized beer bar has a smaller Belgian beer alcove, the atmospheric Monk's Cell, where you can enjoy the 15 (or so) Belgian brews on tap. BONUS: Beer snobs love the bar's high-tech filtration systems and specialized glassware.

Sunset Grill & Tap

  1. 3 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Sunset Grill
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    130 Brighton Ave, Allston, MA 02134 (map)

    The city's largest beer selection encompasses roughly 500 selections, including 112 taps and plenty of Belgian options. BONUS: Frequent customers can become members of the bar's Tap Tour or Euro Tour, receiving incentives as one progresses through the beer list.

Sunset Cantina

  1. 4 4 Star Rating: Recommended Sunset Cantina
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    916 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02215 (map)

    This B.U. offshoot of the Sunset Grill sports a similarly lengthy beer list, including several Belgian brews. BONUS: Enjoy free appetizers Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights from 12am-1am, and Wednesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons from 4pm-6pm.

The Lower Depths

  1. 5 3.5 Star Rating: Average The Lower Depths
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    476 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02115 (map)

    This offshoot of Bukowski's, located a couple of home runs from Fenway Park, sports a similarly strong beer list. BONUS: Fenway Franks, fresh off the grill, cost only a $1.