The Thoughtful Splurge — worth every penny
Local brewery with taproom and outdoor seating. Rotating beer selection, food trucks, community vibe.
The Maitre d' Recommends
The Vibe
Lamplighter Brewing feels like Cambridge's collective backyard—spacious, welcoming, and full of neighbors. The taproom in the Broadway location features high ceilings, communal tables, and a garage door that opens to outdoor space in warm weather. Dogs are welcome, food trucks rotate, and the beer is made right there.
Energetic buzz—speak up a bit
Why It's Great
Cambridge's Community Brewery Where Everyone's Welcome
Lamplighter Brewing opened in 2016 with a simple mission: make great beer and create community spaces. The two taproom locations—Broadway in Cambridge and Kendall Square—have become neighborhood gathering spots where the beer is the draw but the atmosphere keeps people coming back.
The brewing philosophy embraces variety. The tap list rotates constantly, featuring everything from classic lagers to experimental sours. IPAs remain popular, but the brewers aren't afraid to explore Belgian styles, dark beers, and seasonal specials. There's always something new to try, which rewards regular visits.
What makes Lamplighter special is the atmosphere. The Broadway taproom feels like a community center that happens to serve excellent beer. Communal tables encourage conversations between strangers. Dogs are genuinely welcome (not just tolerated). Food trucks provide sustenance. The vibe is inclusive in the best possible way.
The Kendall Square location (499 Broadway) offers a different energy—smaller, more intimate, closer to the tech scene. Both locations maintain the same commitment to quality beer and welcoming space. In a city full of options, Lamplighter stands out by making everyone feel like a regular.
A sunny afternoon on the outdoor patio: a flight of new releases, a food truck taco, and the company of friends (and dogs).
Rotating Tap List
IPAs, lagers, sours, and seasonal experiments—always something new
Beer Flights
Sample multiple styles to find your favorite
Food Truck Fare
Rotating food trucks provide meals to pair with your beer
Canned To-Go
Take home fresh beer from the source
Why It's In Our Guide
Lamplighter Brewing has become Cambridge's community gathering space. The beer is excellent, but the inclusive atmosphere—dog-friendly, food truck-supported, genuinely welcoming—makes it essential.
“Lamplighter isn't just a brewery—it's Cambridge's community living room.”
— Boston Magazine“The best kind of local brewery: excellent beer, welcoming space, genuinely part of the neighborhood.”
— Eater BostonCambridge residents treat Lamplighter as an extension of their homes. The dog-friendly policy is taken seriously, and the regulars know each other by name.
Insider Tips
Sunny weekend afternoons when the outdoor space opens. Weeknight evenings are more relaxed.
No reservations—it's first-come, first-served. Large groups should arrive early for seating.
The outdoor patio is the best when weather allows. Communal tables inside encourage mingling.
Ask the bartenders what's new—the tap list changes frequently. Flights let you explore multiple styles.
Street parking in Kendall/East Cambridge is possible. Both locations are walkable from the T.
Ratings & Reviews
Based on 2,801 reviews
1,567 reviews
Updated 2024-12
1,234 reviews
Updated 2024-12
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Dogs are welcome at both Lamplighter locations, both inside the taproom and on the outdoor patio. It's one of the most genuinely dog-friendly breweries in the area, and the crowd tends to be canine enthusiasts.
Reddit Mentions
Contact Details
284 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02139
Mon-Thu: 3PM-11PM, Fri: 12PM-12AM, Sat: 11AM-12AM, Sun: 11AM-11PM
10 min walk from Kendall/MIT
RedJulia Child lived on Irving Street. She would have opinions about this.
“She was my Rushmore.”
— Herman Blume, on Cambridge dining