Tree House Brewing is aiming for one of Boston's most recognizable pieces of real estate: the long-vacant replica 'Cheers' bar at Faneuil Hall Marketplace. The plan on the table calls for a taproom, a small distillery and a beer garden serving draft pours and to-go beverages right in the middle of Quincy Market. If regulators sign off, it would mark another major move downtown for the cult-favorite Massachusetts brewer.
What the proposal would look like
Tree House has submitted liquor license applications for 200 Faneuil Hall Marketplace, and the state Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission has not yet granted approval, according to CBS Boston. A term sheet reviewed by the station describes a "best-in-class brewery and distillery" with a beverage garden operation that would pour draft beer, sell carry-out drinks and offer limited retail. The documents cited in reporting outline roughly 9,671 square feet of combined ground-floor and basement space, plus about 6,287 square feet dedicated to an outdoor beer garden area.
Tree House's Boston push so far
Tree House launched in Brimfield in 2011 and has since expanded into multiple New England locations, including a flagship brewery in Charlton, according to Tree House Brewing Company. The brewer has been steadily building its presence in Boston after testing the waters with pop-up beer gardens and opening a storefront at the Prudential Center, as reported by the Boston Business Journal. City paperwork and licensing discussions show Tree House kicking the tires on several formats in Boston, from beer-to-go kiosks to larger taproom-style concepts, even though some of those early ideas never reached the opening stage.
Why the 'Cheers' spot matters
The Faneuil Hall address is not just another vacancy on a leasing sheet. It sits on the tourist circuit and has long been woven into the Quincy Market experience. The replica 'Cheers' bar at Faneuil Hall shut its doors in August 2020 after about two decades in operation, with ownership pointing to the COVID-19 pandemic and a dispute with the marketplace's landlord as reasons for the closure, according to Wikipedia.
Licensing and next steps
For Tree House, everything hinges on the ABCC's review. A commission spokesperson told WBZ that the applications are still under consideration and have not been approved, according to CBS Boston. The station also reported that it contacted Tree House for comment and that the company has not publicly committed to any opening date, leaving the project dependent on licensing decisions and final lease agreements.
What it could mean for Faneuil Hall
Tree House's Charlton campus and its recent Boston beer gardens suggest the brand can pull in sizable crowds, a factor that could reshape how people move through Quincy Market and nearby shops if the plan goes ahead, according to Tree House Brewing Company and local reporting. Supporters say a busy taproom in the core of downtown could give a lift to daytime retail and the evening dining scene. Skeptics counter that heavier traffic could bring headaches, from long lines and crowding to questions about how a high-energy taproom fits with Faneuil Hall's historic feel. For now, neighbors, merchants and city officials are watching the ABCC docket, waiting to see what shows up in the next round of public filings.
