Boston/ Food & Drinks
Published on August 14, 2018
Booze and bites: Get to know 3 of Boston's newest spots for bothDemocracy Brewing. | Photo: Will H./Yelp

Looking for booze and bites in Boston? We've found a lineup of new spots just for you. Here are the newest places to check out the next time you're in search of a place to pair alcohol with a meal. 

Chickadee

21 Drydock Ave., South Boston

Photo: josephine f./Yelp

Chickadee features Mediterranean-inspired fare as well as wine, cocktails and beer. It's located in the Innovation and Design Building in the Seaport District.

The restaurant promises a seasonal menu based on local New England ingredients. Currently, that means starters like smoked sea trout dip and spiced lamb tartare, and vegetable dishes like fried cauliflower and heirloom melons. Main dishes include lumache pasta with lamb ragu, fava beans and labneh, and a spiced duck breast with smoked almonds.

The extensive wine list features offerings from France, Italy and California. There are a handful of craft beers on tap, beers and ciders by the bottle or can and cocktails like the Flyway, made with vodka, tomato, strawberry and lemon. 

With a 4.5-star rating out of nine reviews on Yelp so far, the new restaurant is on its way to developing a local fan base.

Brian G., who reviewed the new spot on Aug. 6, wrote, "Went there for lunch today, what a great spot. The area lacks a lot of options, especially for dinner, but this restaurant is a breath of fresh air. The vibe inside was modern but cozy."

Yelper Kevin D. added, “The dips and main sandwiches were incredible — well-composed, tasty, multidimensional, and filling without leaving me feeling like I had to be rolled out of the restaurant. I especially loved all of the pickled vegetables done in-house.”

Interested? Stop by to welcome the new business to the neighborhood. Chickadee is open from 11 a.m.–11 p.m. from Monday-Saturday. (It's closed on Sunday.)

Democracy Brewing

35 Temple Place, Downtown Crossing

Photo: Mark C./Yelp

Democracy Brewing is a worker-owned brewery that's being funded through a Direct Public Offering, which allows Massachusetts locals to make small investments in the business.

"We believe the dream of owning your own business shouldn’t be attainable to only a few, and the majority of folks who work should be able to enjoy the profit and pride that comes with ownership," the company writes on its website.

The brewpub, which appropriately made its debut on July 4th, offers house-brewed beers like Suffragette pale ale, Fighting 54th saison and 1919 Strike stout. The menu will also feature some rotating seasonal beers, from a maple-spiced ale in the fall to a tart cranberry ale in springtime. 

To complement the brews, there's a full food selection, including pizza bagels, hand pies, burgers and entrees like chorizo-stuffed chicken and gnocchi primavera. 

With a 4.5-star rating out of 35 reviews on Yelp so far, Democracy Brewing has been warmly received by patrons.

Paul M., who was among the first Yelpers to review the new spot on July 5, wrote, "It was hot outside so I tried the light ale, very refreshing, and then a pale ale with a little more heft. Both were bright and flavorful."

And Nate H. wrote, "Great service, great food and drink, and a beautiful new space at Downtown Crossing. The front windows open accordion-style for a nice breeze."

Swing on by to take a peek for yourself: Democracy Brewing is open from 11:30 a.m.–11 p.m. on Monday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m.–1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m. on Sunday.

Downeast Back Porch

600 Atlantic Ave., Downtown

Photo: downeast back porch/Yelp

Downeast Back Porch is a beer garden, cidery and food truck. Downeast, which is based in East Boston, is known for its ciders in flavors like Aloha Friday (with pineapple) and Mint Lemonade.

This new cider garden offers drinkers the opportunity to enjoy the company's beverages outdoors, with lawn games, a rotating selection of food trucks and live entertainment.

For those who'd rather not sip cider, the Back Porch also offers beer from a rotating brewery of the week and a selection of wine and sangria. 

With a 4.5-star rating out of five reviews on Yelp so far, the new beer garden is on its way to developing a local fan base.

Nick L., who reviewed the new spot on June 18, wrote, "Great cider, great beer and wine, great activities. Love the rotating beer selection for non-cider drinkers, the live music (when they have it), and the Wednesday night run club."

Yelper Sara M. wrote, "So much fun! We got some tokens and had a couple of ciders. We were able to sit at a barrel high-top table and people watch. A great way to relax on a sunny afternoon."

Interested? Stop by to welcome the new business to the neighborhood. Downeast Back Porch is open from 4–9 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, noon–9 p.m. on Saturday, and noon–7 p.m. on Sunday. (It's closed on Tuesday and Thursday.)