Manchester Beer Guide: Your Manchester guide to beer, beer bars, breweries and brewpubs

Latest reviews from Manchester

76 /100 836 CANDIA RD.
“Smallish place with a small parking lot. Boy, haphazard describes the place well - macro stuff mixed in with local beers mixed in with ciders mixed in with gin & tonic cans mixed in with Belgian stuff. But like a library, it's really worth taking your time and having a good browse. Staff came over and offered help, and the guy seemed to know his beers. Decent prices. Steady stream of customers for the sandwiches, although there's no place to eat them in house, so the parking lot was full of people eating in their cars. Just a few doors down from Candia Road Brewing so this one is an easy stop.“
Travlr 421 days ago
78 /100 840 CANDIA RD
“Although the brewery has been around for years (and brewing in this location) they just added the taproom two years ago. It's in a small pillbox house from the 1930s complete with the former owner's piano. Long bar with stools on one side overlooks the fermenters, while the brewhouse and cooler are in the basement. The rest is scattered tables, lots of character. Very small parking lot but you can park in adjacent business' lots after hours. Beers are tasty and there's a variety of styles; some are better than others, but no faults. Sadly no flights though the bartender was generous with samples, even without my asking. My favorite was a WCIPA. They do burgers and dogs including some vegan versions. There's a rail trail narby if you need to work off the calories. Worth a stop.“
Travlr 421 days ago
68 /100
Puritan Backroom (Restaurant)
245 HOOKSET ROAD
“Classic old skool restaurant that has kept up with the times, so the interior feels shiny and new even though it's been around forever. That could also be because it caters to the well-to-do. The bar is huge, a long, winding thing with two bartenders. Narly full on a Monday lunchtime, I managed a seat at the bar. Oddly they had 13 taps, four of which were macros and the rest were from New England. Food was very tasty, but pricey. Huge parking lot plus ample street parking, so it's easier to visit than some downtown places. Not a beery place, though you will probably find enough to go with your meal.“
Travlr 437 days ago
70 /100 9 N MAIN STREET
“We've had this place on the list to visit forever. Really a short hop from Canandaigua if you are doing the tour there, or if you are overwhelmed by the crowds there. This is a totally different vibe, more of a locals feel, small. Beer was decent, food they don't generally have but night we were there they had a cafeteria style pizza.Recommend but you might not be wowed.“
jb 575 days ago
82 /100 720 UNION ST
“Away from the central downtown spots. Next to a laundromat and a bike shop. Tiny parking lot and some non-metered street parking on a very busy street, good luck. Inside has a decent sized bar and some restaurant tables. Steady crowd of locals coming and going, everybody knew everybody, except me - but folks quickly adopted me and were very friendly. Beers were well above average, every style I tried was very tasty - favorites were a classic West Coast IPA (where have they all gone??) and a nice earthy full-bodied coffee stout. Flights of four are possible, as well as 4, 10 or 16 ounces. They did have a decent list of snack food, but since no one else was eating, neither did I. Worth coming from some distance for these beers.“
Travlr 637 days ago
76 /100 88 MARKET ST
“Interesting place. A couple blocks off the beaten tourist track so it seemed like locals only, very LGBTQI-friendly. Nice outside area looks like a Covid expansion of a previously small patio next to the parking lot. Inside was large but slightly claustrophobic, long long bar and a whole bunch of restaurant tables. Interesting beer list and large food menu too. Worth a stop.“
Travlr 645 days ago
68 /100 795 ELM STREET
“Large place, huge central square bar and a bunch of restaurant tables. Lots of sports on lots of TVs thankfully with no volume. Tons of beer on tap, flights of six available (I know because the poor bartender had to pour 12 flights at once). Good selection of beers from all the larger craftish breweries all around the country plus a handful from Maine and a few from NH. Untappd taplist and website are not up to date. Pub grub. Rowdy noisy atmosphere even early on a Tuesday evening included a couple at the bar rounding second base heading for third, with several tables of toddlers and little kids getting an early sex education. As other review have said, not the place for quiet conversation. College student vibe. Pricey - price was not marked for a 12 ounce pour of a local saison but it was $12 so watch carefully.“
Travlr 645 days ago
70 /100
The Packie (Beer Store)
323 SOUTH WILLOW ST.
“Helpful staff with a pretty good selection. The most important thing is they offer singles with a discount if you buy six or more. Anytime I’m in the area I swing in here. And quite honestly the best beer store in the Manchester area. You can argue Berts but that’s kind of on the Hooksett town lime.“
AirForceHops 757 days ago
50 /100 1 AIRPORT ROAD
“If you're waiting for a delayed flight, this place is the best option in MHT. The service is fine for an airport restaurant. Selection is limited, as one would expect.“
GregMooreNH 815 days ago
50 /100
A Market Natural Foods (Grocery Store)
125 LORING STREET
“It's small, crunchy supermarket. The selection is unexciting and the service seems confused when asked about beer. Nothing to see here.“
GregMooreNH 815 days ago
80 /100 1050 HOLT AVE UNIT 14
“Located in an industrial park, don't let that stop you. Open concept with a long bar and plenty of tables. Attentive staff. Decent selection, but they often have canned beer that's not on the menu in the back that they can get you if you ask. Good stop.“
GregMooreNH 837 days ago
76 /100 720 UNION ST
“Kind of off the beaten track in Manchester. Not the most handsome of buildings but I like the spacious tasting room with the 10-12 beers available on tap. There is a pleasant outdoor seating area. Knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff. Food is served but I think the beer is more appealing. The parking lot is small but you can park on the street. Flights available. Crowlers and cans to go. I'd go back.“
puboflyons 1351 days ago
70 /100
The Packie (Beer Store)
323 SOUTH WILLOW ST.
“It is located on the backside of a low profile multi-business building on busy South Willow Street. Several metal shelves about six feet high each and a wall of coolers. Singles are sold in the coolers, while 4 and 6 packs are on the shelves. I did not see anything here that I can't get in other New Hampshire bottle shops. Friendly service. I do like their trading table where you can bring something in that they might not have and trade it out with other customers. The place could be difficult to find if you are not familiar with Manchester though.“
puboflyons 1537 days ago
76 /100 PLAZA AT BUCKLAND HILLS, 1480 PLEASANT VALLEY ROAD,
“Typical Total Wine layout. Good selection of singles, especially CT based. Overall, about the norm for Total Wine, which is good.“
GregMooreNH 1690 days ago
82 /100 1032 TOLLAND TURNPIKE
“Open space, located in a mall plaza with a BJ's. Warehouse style, beer is on the left side. Good single selection, with a number of foreign rarities. Good spot.“
GregMooreNH 1690 days ago
64 /100 720 UNION ST
“Neighborhood Brewery in the North End of Manchester with a fun young vibe. Bright colors and high ceilings with large garage doors in the front and a good amount of arcade games around.“
IPAScout19 1700 days ago
74 /100 720 UNION ST
“Brewery is located in repurposed industrial building. Front is open tables and bar, with brewing in the back and game room off to the side. Service was prompt and happy to help. 10 taps, and 2 were kicked, so selection is not huge. Overall, a good new place. Food is notional, at best.“
GregMooreNH 1783 days ago
76 /100 720 UNION ST
“Stopped in here for the first time this afternoon with a couple of friends. Weird location on Union St in Manchester in the middle of a sea of triple deckers between Bridge and Webster Streets. Laundromat next door and an un-rented space between them. Limited lot parking that's shared with said laundromat or on street parking. Large open room with some table games and puzzles and board games for your enjoyment. Limited food options that I didn't sample on this trip. They had 10 beers on tap today with a really nice variety of styles represented, only 3 were IPA's. A stout two hefe's one dark a gose a saison. Great variety. Samples flights pints and crowlers to go. Relaxed feel, not horribly busty this afternoon and when it started to get a little warm they opened the garage door to let some air flow through, and its even screened. all service is at the bar but they were prompt and attentive. I can see some future trips for myself.“
johnnnniee 1795 days ago
72 /100
The Packie (Beer Store)
323 SOUTH WILLOW ST.
“Lower level, in the back of a strip mall. Three shelving units of beer with coolers. Single available of some beers. Selection is decent, but nothing exceptional. Service was good.“
GregMooreNH 1799 days ago
84 /100 1211 SOUTH MAMMOTH RD
“Located a couple of miles from the airport, Backyard Brewing is in huge building with plenty of parking. I went during Easter Sunday which was kind of slow, but the staff were still attentive and personable. I had the chicken Caesar salad which I enjoyed. They beers I had were very tasty and went down very easy. I'll definitely go back when I'm in the area.“
DiarmaidBHK 1858 days ago
76 /100 21 KOSCIUSZKO STREET
“A Manchester staple. Food is good pub grub. Service is good. Beer selection is limited, but they pour a hell of a Guinness.“
GregMooreNH 1938 days ago
72 /100 500 N. COMMERCIAL ST.
“Located in the basement of a mill building, Milly's/Stark Brewing is a decent brewpub, with OK food, good service and a selection of locally brewed beer.“
GregMooreNH 1938 days ago
74 /100
North End Superette (Beer Store)
1308 ELM STREET
“Antiseptic convenience store layout, that happens to have some great craft beer. Service is nonexistent, generally, but prices are good and they often have some rarities. Best beer store in downtown Manchester.“
GregMooreNH 1950 days ago
80 /100 1211 SOUTH MAMMOTH RD
“This has become my go-to place in this area of Manchester (just a short drive down the road from the Mall of New Hampshire) Two reasons I have stopped in multiple times:

1. The food is pretty good, priced well and the waiting staff has been good each trip. 2. The beer is on a near consistent rotation and the brewer likes to experiment. New offerings are available every visit. Some of the brews are hit or miss but it depends on your preference. Not everything is geared for the masses which is a major plus. Also, plenty of beer-2-go choices. “
AirForceHops 1955 days ago
70 /100
The Packie (Beer Store)
323 SOUTH WILLOW ST.
“I stopped in here for the first time this past weekend although they have been open for probably a year now. Their retail space is directly on Elm st but the entrance is around back where the parking is so you have to drive down one of the side streets on either side of the building one of which is a one way street. So anyhow 7pm on a Friday and its just me and the guy behind the counter. He greeted me when I walked in then left me to peruse the shelves. After 10 minutes or so he asked if I was looking for anything in particular. Service if you want it but not up your butt like some places. They have a decent selection of brews for the state with many of the NH breweries represented on the 3 wire shelving units. Two singles coolers on the left wall and a mixed singles and 6 pack cooler against the back wall. Tasting area up front and they were sampling Woodstock brewery, although I didn't notice it until I was leaving. 10 percent off 6 or more singles and another 5 percent off your entire order if you bring back their branded white six pack holder. Prices about what I expected to pay. It's not a huge space but it seemed kind of empty. Like a store that had just opened and hadn't been fully stocked yet, or a store that was closely watching their inventory because they had already thrown away too much old beer. I managed to find enough beer to keep me interested. There are better larger selections of beer not far from here, but I wouldn't hesitate to shop here.“
johnnnniee 1955 days ago
80 /100 840 CANDIA RD
“The CRBC recently remodeled the homebrew shop and turned the space into a bar that sells their beer and some food. they do still have some homebrew supplies. Square space with maybe a dozen tables and a bar that seats maybe half that. The recipes are new and they are now canning. I'm looking forward to enjoying more of their offerings.

Review from Jan 2012 This is a brand new nano brewery that just recently opened on Candia road in Manchester. They are in the same building as the homebrew shop with the same name. They do sell bottles on site, the stout is ready, with two more beers approved and awaiting carbonation. They will eventually be selling growlers as well. The brewer/homebrew shop guy is very personable. Hours are whenever the shop is open. Nice stout too!“
johnnnniee 1957 days ago
84 /100 1211 SOUTH MAMMOTH RD
“I've been here quite a few times since they opened or should I say since they reinvented themselves. They used to be the yard restaurant one of those old time places where the food is alright but you only go there because your grand parents have fond memories of the place. Its a huge restaurant with lots of seating inside with some function rooms as well. Wooden fence slats adorn the wall to facilitate the backyard feeling. The patio outside is a great space to enjoy some brews and food on a warm day. There's a throwback bar in the back that is true to its name, They will have up to 12 beers on tap sometimes a guest beer as well. The beers have been solid to great in my opinion aside from the one diacetyl IPA I had once. Crowlers to go from anything on tap and 16 oz four packs in the cooler at the hostess station. The food is pretty good, they have slimmed the menu down and tried to make it somewhat foodie but haven't gone overboard. The Prime rib egg rolls always find their way onto my table and a few of my friends really like the brussel sprouts. I just wont. I've always gotten great service, there were some hiccups when they first opened but in my experience that's been fixed. Prices are what you'd expect these days at a beer-centric restaurant. I plan to have more visits in the future.“
johnnnniee 1957 days ago
94 /100 1211 SOUTH MAMMOTH RD
“This is a place riding the craft beer wave fer sher. Was set aback when I stopped in to this place after hitting the smallish personal long blue cat right up the road. Almost didn't go in because it seemed so busy. The easy to find large parking lot was nearly filled. Once in, there was plenty of room for the bounty of patrons, mostly a family affair atmosphere I thought. It is very large with a warehouse feel to it. Big bar with lots of tables and eating room. Sectionalized with lots of attached rooms. Lots of eye candy and waitresses as well. The waitresses were certainly hoppin. When I stopped in, it was really rocken and luckily I found a place at the bar. From Pittsburgh, I was glad they had the Steeler game on and there were even local patrons rooting for the Bughers, go yiwnz!! The help was so good and the beers were pretty good too, had a wide selection, I think over 15 beers on tap. I was impressed with the selection, service and prices.“
cheap 1975 days ago
64 /100 909 ELM STREET
“Irish-themed pub that has a good feel and frequently has live music. Food is Irish-themed, which is unfortunate and the beer selection isn't too expansive. Good place for St. Pat's at least!“
GregMooreNH 1982 days ago
76 /100 836 CANDIA RD.
“First off - it's a convenience store. The ambiance is nothing to write home about. The beer is also spread about haphazardly. Good news is that they have a great selection of local microbrews and some rarities. Plus, they make great sandwiches.“
GregMooreNH 1984 days ago
78 /100 88 MARKET ST
“Decent tap list, decent food and decent ambiance for Manchester's first craft beer hangout. It's a cozy and, at times, loud place - especially once the bands start to play. Always a safe bet to get a decent beer and grub.“
GregMooreNH 2049 days ago
84 /100 494 ELM ST
“Nestled on Elm St, across from the arena, lies the place with the most beer taps in the Manchester area. The food is good pub food, the beer choices exceptional, which helps to make up for the below average service. Overall, a must stop for beer lovers visiting Manchester.“
GregMooreNH 2049 days ago
82 /100 1211 SOUTH MAMMOTH RD
“Large brewpub with a nice beer selection. Had the burger and it was great .“
edgallow 2054 days ago
82 /100 795 ELM STREET
“Formerly JW Hill's, this location has long been a good way-station for people preparing to go to concerts and sporting events at the arena two block down Elm St. The beer selection is enviable and rivals Murphy's Taproom for taps, but the bombers push it over the edge in terms of overall selection. Food is standard pub grub, not great or bad. The room is loud in the evenings, so this isn't the place to go if you're looking for a quiet conversation and a beer.“
GregMooreNH 2062 days ago
70 /100 22 CONCORD ST
“Firefly is an excellent restaurant, though not exactly a beer lover's place. Taps are limited and mostly local brews. The food is excellent and a good reason to come here.“
GregMooreNH 2062 days ago
74 /100 642 HILLIARD ST, SUITE 2003
“Small location in a very old mill building. Good service and decent beers.“
boto 2072 days ago
76 /100 148 FOREST ST.
“Located in an old mill. Very nicely renovated keeping the older feel. Love the old floors with the flat nails. Brew area is visible thru windows in a few spots. Bar staff was knowledgeable. Beers are good. They had 5 on tap the day i was there. Some pre-made sandwiches available, as well as a food truck the day I was there.“
boto 2072 days ago
82 /100 1032 TOLLAND TURNPIKE
“I stopped in here on the way back from Cape Cod on way to NY. As the wife waited impatiently in the car for me I told her I just wanted to get a few local beers. They had a very large local section and I ended up getting a full case of singles. Much better prices then I had expected. If in that area again in the future, I'll stop in again.“
Ron 2101 days ago
86 /100 1032 TOLLAND TURNPIKE
“A pretty epic store that has an extensive wine selection first and foremost, but also a wonderful beer selection that is perhaps more impressive for its imports than locals. They even have a special mead section that even includes 5 Polish meads. Very good prices too. If you’re in the area, it’s worth a detour to check this great place out.“
mcberko 2123 days ago
70 /100 1211 SOUTH MAMMOTH RD
“Two large rooms, one long long bar in each room. One room is like stepping into a 1970s time warp, complete with a TV set like my grandmother used to own, back when TVs were large pieces of furniture. Pool table with Coors Light and Miller Lite signs everywhere and British style carpeting. The second room is a bit more modern but still reminds me of a moose lodge or VFW post. You can sneak peeks through glass into the brewhouse though. They are getting ready to celebrate their first anniversary of brewing, but the restaurant has been around for some 40 to 50 years. Large variety of beers on offer, the hoppier ones were unimpressive but the stout and porter were tasty, even the kolsch and lawnmower beers were fine. Food was old timey pub and restaurant grub too. A fun place, but needs updating all around.“
Travlr 2131 days ago
80 /100 1050 HOLT AVE UNIT 14
“Fairly large taproom in a light industrial area next to a bingo hall. Fortunately they designated enough parking spots as brewery only. Long bar and restaurant table plus swag area and some coolers for cans to take away. Turns out I know the guy who runs the canning line from his time in Charlotte, so he showed me around the brewery a bit. Beers were some of the tastiest I've tried on this trip, and a good range of styles. Flights of four available. Staff were friendly and knowledgeable. No food, I don't think. Well worth a stop.“
Travlr 2132 days ago
86 /100 1211 SOUTH MAMMOTH RD
“This place used to be known simply as "The Yard," and then they decided to start brewing their own beer. Spacious rustic setting with a wrap around bar that winds its way through two rooms. At least 10 beers on tap. They offer a wide array of styles that are both traditional and experimental. They also sell crowlers and they can a few of their flagship brews. Four-beer flights available for $7. Friendly staff. The food is pub fare with a few off-the-beaten path choices. But the lunch I ate was very tasty. It is about 3 or 4 miles south of the Mall of New Hampshire in Manchester and worth visiting if you are in the area.“
puboflyons 2224 days ago
72 /100 1050 HOLT AVE UNIT 14
“Open space with 15 tables in a warehouse district. Edison lightbulbs over a nice, long bar with wood ceiling above it, pot lights in a drop ceiling for the rest. 8 taps of house beer available at two stations. Swag and canned beer available for purchase. Concrete floors. Appetizers, soup, sandwiches, though didn't have any. 4 oz taster pours, many available for $1.50. Wide range of age groups present. Not the most funky of atmospheres but open, clean, friendly. Good beer, decent variety (IPA, DIPA, Pale Ale, Rauchbier, Stouts, Porter, Cranberry Wit available today).“
tfontana 2253 days ago
96 /100 1211 SOUTH MAMMOTH RD
“Great location, great beer. The spot is ideal, with lots of parking and a nice decor. Food is outstanding, as it transitioned from a quality restaurant, just adding the brewery. The beer is fantastic. They cover the gamut in terms of styles, and everything is quality.“
GregMooreNH 2258 days ago
88 /100 1211 SOUTH MAMMOTH RD
“Found this to be a solid brewpub at a convenient location when travelling north. Typical but well done pub fare. Lots of different brews to sample and pretty much all of them were decent.“
BroSpud 2291 days ago
70 /100 PLAZA AT BUCKLAND HILLS, 1480 PLEASANT VALLEY ROAD,
“Expanded place close to Manchester Wine and Spirits. Doesn’t have the same selection, but prices seem a little better. Organized by US/international, then by style. And also by singles/packs. A few locals. No one asked to help, but I wasn’t looking for help either.“
TheJester 2847 days ago
90 /100 1050 HOLT AVE UNIT 14
“Certainly the best place in the area to visit. The owners (Rob and Lisa) are extremely friendly and dedicated to craft beer. Rob is an accomplished brewer, his IPA is one of the best in the nation and his rauchbier reminds me of Bamberg. Hard to find a reason to not stop in, if you are in the Manchester area.“
rbowser 2861 days ago
84 /100 795 ELM STREET
“This location is the 3rd in the Thirty Moose chain. The building sits in downtown Manchester and years ago it was a hotel. What use to be the hotel lobby area is now the pub and kitchen. The upstairs area is now apartments.

I didn’t eat here but guessing it is comparable to the other two Tap houses in the chain. I was here for the beer and they managed to have 4 or 5 beers on tap that I hadn’t sampled. (which is an accomplishment on behalf of this establishment) Chances are I could return based on the fact a decent part of the beer menu is focused on New Hampshire. “
AirForceHops 2890 days ago