Editors’ Choice
Oak + Iron Brewing Co., Andover
Standout Qualities: The biergarten features picnic tables, umbrellas, and crushed stone, perfect for lingering on a sunny day. A decent run of grass just beyond it provides room for kids to run around and a place for hosting the occasional live music performance, too.
What’s New: Oak + Iron itself—the brewery just opened last year and features small-batch craft beer from locals John Helferich and Jim Cass.
Insider Tip: You can bring your own food to supplement the house-made apps.
18 Spring Rd., Andover, 978-475-4077, oakandironbrewing.com
Readers’ Choice
Notch Brewery, Salem
What’s Unique: The large biergarten in on the South River Basin is open year-round, so you can enjoy a beer by a heater as the snow is falling.
283 Derby St., Salem, 978-238-9060, notchbrewing.com