While many come to Assembly Row in Somerville (http://assemblyrow.com) for the LegoLand Discovery Center or any of the myriad retail stores (everything from Brooks Brothers and Carter’s to Reebok and Sugar Heaven), one of he most popular and fun destinations is also one of the most delicious.
Created by the local-philic people from Somerville’s Slumbrew brewery (www.slumbrew.com), American Fresh Brewhouse (AFB) combines fresh local beer with fresh local food, fresh local crafts (including Magoun Square Soap, Taza Chocolate and items from Doves & Figs), and fresh local (and not-so-local) people.
Intended as an open-air beer garden (which it is for as much of April through October as is possible), AFB offers all-season enjoyment with a heated tent that makes the venue even cozier when the weather is not. No matter when you go, however, the atmosphere and food will both be warm and inviting. From their 10” grilled pizza (perfect for sharing or lingering over with a beer and a laptop), cheddar ale soup with homemade pretzel bites, or their “signature” and similarly hand-crafted charcuterie plate to an adult-friendly but young-at-heart almond butter and sparkle jam sandwich with a side of Grillo pickles, there are bites of various sizes and set-ups to satisfy every visitor. And when it comes to washing it all down, the brewhouse shines with a rotating raft of popular pints (all of which will soon be available at Slumbrew’s new Boynton Yards brewery) that includes their Assembly Row Pale, Flagraiser double IPA, the Porter Square Porter (featuring Taza cacao nibbs), and, on special occasions, the Yankee Swap 12% (as in alcohol) Imperial Stout that is aged in Turkey Shore rum barrels. There are also a set of seasonals swapping in and out and ciders from Somerville’s own Bantam.
For the non-legal guests, the Brewhouse still has plenty to offer, including sanitized Legos and other toys and a “half-pint” menu that includes organic and soy milk boxes, Spindrift ginger beer and juices, mac and cheese on Frisbee plates, and what may perhaps be Somerville’s greatest claim to fame – Fluff! And while the kids get stuck on a new favorite toy or just get stuck in their sandwiches, their parents can gather for social events with or without a focus on brews. Other options to build community include game nights, trivia contests, and even free 5Ks and regular appearances by some of the best (you guessed it!) local musicians available. There are also other regular rotating specials, including a waffle and beer combo for $10! For those who wish to come back time and again (and there are many…and many reasons!), the Brewhouse has a Koozy Club that allows members to keep their beer coolers onsite and make their claim to the AFB community vibe.
So whether you need a break from shopping, a fun place to go after a trip to LegoLand, or just a new place to go again and again and never have the same fun twice (unless you want to), take a trip to the Row and assemble a food, folks and fun combo for your very own.
American Fresh Brewhouse
301 Canal Street
Somerville, MA 02145
www.slumbrew.com