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    Back East Brewing Company

    4.6 (101 reviews)
    ModerateBreweries
    Closed • 12:00 pm - 10:00 PM
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    Alexandra C.

    Back East Brewery is one of my favorite breweries in Connecticut. The vibes are chill, the space is beautiful, and the outdoor seating area is such a win. There are comfy chairs perfect for soaking up the sun, and a shaded section if you need a break from it. Inside, the space is just as great, with thoughtful updates over the years, including the addition of a full kitchen (huge win!). I meant to take a photo of the chicken tenders, but they disappeared before I had a chance. Seriously, they were that good. As always, the beer selection is top-notch. I tried the Blast Off Close Encounters (DIPA. I believe it was 11% ABV), and even a half pour was more than enough. They also have a great menu if you're in the mood to sample a flight and find your new go to. Kids, babies, and families all blended in perfectly, and there's even video games and a Nintendo if you're feeling nostalgic. It's a big enough space that it never feels cramped, and the energy is always just right. Shoutout to Ice Cream Man, which is easily one of my favorite beers and the one that got me hooked on craft beer in the first place many years ago. If you're new to breweries or looking to explore something beyond the basics on tap, this is the place. The staff is amazing as always. Super friendly, knowledgeable, and always ready with samples or solid recommendations based on what you like. If you're into craft beer, Back East Brewery is a must visit in Connecticut. It's practically a rite of passage.

    Ice cream man  for my hubby!
    Nancy F.

    The music tonight was amazing! The taproom was packed but we were able to find spots at the bar. I had the Mediterranean platter which was packed!Tzatziki, hummus, feta, Greek olives, carrots, falafel, cake slices and grape tomatoes. So large I took half home. The atmosphere is fantastic! All ages welcome!

    Summer ale
    Kim M.

    Was surprised by this place! The beer was good - got the summer ale. I usually have my doubts on food at breweries but the wraps I had were delicious. There was an outdoor space as well as activities to keep you entertained. I'd recommend!

    I claimed this column as mine.
    Bill Z.

    Over the past year, I've discovered just how many great breweries one can find in Connecticut, and Back East certainly ranks high on that list. They easily accommodated our large group even on a busy Saturday afternoon. The beer selection offers something for everyone. I would have been content to spend the entire afternoon here drinking their peanut butter stout. My only disappointment was that they do not offer flights, but that disappointment was easily pushed aside by ordering half-pours of several beers. The atmosphere was very festive too. On this particular day, there was a food truck in the parking lot too (Fat City Kid, separate review) serving "all the foods" that you would want to have with your beer. Cans of most of their beers were available for purchase in the refrigerated case, and for any of which they were sold out, they were willing to provide you with growlers. Enjoyable beers, enjoyable experience!

    Marney R.

    Great vibe and good selection of beer for all tastes. We went on a live music night. Perfect addition to chill rainy evening.

    Collaborative Beer Dinner with Four Dads Pub at Back East Brewery
    Dan R.

    So, what do you get when a very cool pub with some talented cooks collaborates with a very cool brewery with some fantastic beers, and both of them share a love for the Grateful Dead? Well here's what you get -you get a five-course collaborative beer dinner with five beer pairings and a lot of live Grateful Dead music all night by Steelhead. About 65 appreciative dinner guests were treated to all of this in the Back East Brewery's big and gorgeous taproom as we drank their beers and fed our faces on some amazing food prepared by Four Dads Pub. Here's the lineup, and you Grateful Dead fans out there will appreciate how their song titles were weaved into the course descriptions: 1) Bertha Rita paired with an Amuse Bouche starter A margherita with Tequila and BEB's Mango Berliner Weisse served with a bowl of sweet/salty glazed nuts 2) Ramble On Rose paired with Summer Ale BEB Summer Ale served with an incredible watermelon and roasted pork belly salad 3) Dire Wolf paired with Porter BEB's award winning Porter paired with hot and sweet Italian sausage, marinara, peppers, onions, rice, and a big hunk of garlic bread 4) St. Stephen paired with Double Scoop BEB's super popular Double Scoop IPA paired with beer and butter poached shrimp, pineapple and coconut coulis, and jalapeno candied coconut slaw. 5) Ripple paired with Black Raspberry Pound Cake paired with Ice Cream Man BEB's signature beer -Ice Cream Man paired with an amazing dessert - house-made crumb topping and warm mixed berry compote over lemon pound cake (from East Hartford's Perfect Poundcakes) with a scoop of ice cream (from Granby's Grass Roots Ice Cream). Between courses, we heard from representatives of the Pub and Brewery to introduce the various pairings. Congrats to both, this collaboration was a tremendous success.

    Devang P.

    You have to drive to the backside to get to the entrance. They have plenty of outdoor seating and indoor seating as well. The servers were knowledgeable of their products and it was easy to order. I ordered a few IPAs and enjoyed all of them. They have other options as well. I'm not a big sour beer fan but my party enjoyed it. There was a food truck outside next to the building. Food looked good but didn't order any. They also had a live band playing outside which was nice. If you're in the area the place is worth checking out.

    Flights and Pours
    Chuck M.

    Fun, mid sized brewery with a great wait staff and large beer menu. This is a solid brewery in that they have something for everyone. The snacks are just ok, but they supplement that with rotating food trucks and we come for the beer and setting anyway. Ice cream man is a solid IPA and their other flavors are fun including Double Scoop or Bubble Scoop, Triple Scoop, lil Scoop, etc. they have some great bottled and aged selections as well. Overall, great little place that always treats its customers right. The brewtenders are well versed on their products and super attentive. Try it if you haven't been before, it's a pleasant surprise.

    Elisa F.

    First time here in several years and they did one hella upgrade!!! If you're familiar with the CT craft beer scene, you know Back East. Their beers are everywhere! They have so many brews on tap so there's something for everyone. They have a whole new gorgeous patio out back and the interior is completely redone since we last visited. Definitely will be here more often!

    Arcade machine and game shelf nestled in the back corner. There's also a foosball table.
    Sara W.

    The number of breweries in Connecticut is (mostly) growing, but since it opened about ten years ago, Back East has continuously improved and grown and is hands-down one of the best breweries in the state at this point. They opened a new taproom directly next to where their old space was. What was once small and kind of felt like a dentist's office waiting room is now spacious and bright and gorgeous. This also gives them more space to brew, which was very much needed given how much they've blown up since they released beers like Ice Cream Man. Speaking of which, they've also opened two checkouts: one for draft pours and one for can sales, because when they have a special release, the line can get pretty long for can sales. Onto the beers. They've got an extensive selection, and when I was there, I remember numerous IPAs (West Coast and NE), a few lagers, a Berlinerweisse, some stouts. Nice change from a lot of local breweries that are pretty much only IPAs at this point. Additionally, they've got some snacks but, but they also have a great food truck schedule when you're looking for something more substantial. Overall, definitely a brewery to check out in Connecticut, especially in the Hartford area. For sure try the Ice Cream Man as it's become what they're really known for, but everything I've ever had is delicious.

    a glass of beer
    Shawna H.

    It's been several years since I've visited Back East and I feel like I went to a completely different brewery! I was blown away by the extensive renovations they've done and the space, both inside and outside, is absolutely stunning! The beer was just as excellent as I remembered and I loved that the Square Peg Pizza truck was on site on this particular day because there is no better combination than great beer and perfectly cooked pizza. I can't wait to return and sample more delicious beer and enjoy their gorgeous new space.

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    2 years ago

    Awesome beer and environment. They just added a kitchen and the food was great ! Give the Philly cheese steak a try.

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    3 years ago

    From the beer to the staff, this place is incredible. Beautiful tap room, huge patio and easy location to find.

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    2 years ago

    Great beer, friendly staff and delicious food! Highly recommend a visit! Outdoor seating too

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Back East Brewing Company

    Review Highlights - Back East Brewing Company

    “Not only do they have award winning IPAs, but their menu is expansive and includes a broad variety.”

    Mentioned in 12 reviews

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    Dudleytown Brewing Company - False Prophet: Pineapple, Banana & Coconut Smoothie Ale

    Dudleytown Brewing Company

    4.4(63 reviews)
    1.5 mi

    Dudleytown is the best place around for a drink after work. Right near several business parks, its…read morenot uncommon to run into colleagues. They have several sours, seltzer & a smoothie beer for people like me who are not the biggest beer drinkers. I love coming in the fall and sitting by the fire outside. Last night, a jam band was playing and the vibes were very chill. The burgers are very good, pizza fresh out of the huge log-oven in the back. I would reccomend Dudleytown to anyone looking for a place to check out. You can sit at the bar, the restaurant, or seat yourself at the copious tables indoors & out. Thank you to the bar staff last night for letting me sample so many drinks! They're the best!

    Stopped by after work for some drinks with the girls , the brewery is very large with lots of…read moreoutdoor and indoor seating , which was nice . On one side of the brewery is the bar where you can order drinks and on the opposite of the brewery is another area where you can order food ( which was a little weird, they give you a pager to let you know when the food is ready and you can go pick it up ) The bar tender was super nice I normally don't drink or like beer however they had so many options here . I tried the smoothie beer which was really good ! I also preferred the pretzel which is my fav thing to order at a brewery which was also really good . Overall great atmosphere , nice and helpful staff in the bar area and great bear options even for people who may not like beer ( like myself )

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    Bar and restaurant

    Dudleytown Brewing Company - The taproom

    The taproom

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    Talcott Mountain Collective - $8 and pretty good

    Talcott Mountain Collective

    4.0(61 reviews)
    5.7 mi
    •$$

    Review #900: This…read moreplace looks and feels like a ski lodge nestled on the foothills of Talcott Mountain State Park. The Hublein Tower can be seen clearly. We went on a Saturday (February) afternoon and it was pretty busy but we were able to snag a table. They were playing reggae music, the fire was going, beers/cider/wine were flowing; a fun and chill afternoon. They offer so many beers from all different breweries! I didn't really know what to expect before going and this place was on my "to check out" list. I was pleasantly surprised. I was happy they were kid friendly because we brought our two little ones. I saw some people eating pretzels and we got some delicious buttered popcorn to snack on. The kitchen offers wings, chips/salsas, lobster rolls, bratwurst/kielbasa, burgers, etc. They have food trucks onsite, but when we were there (early afternoon) I didn't see one yet. I can't wait to go back during the summer/fall because their yard looked fantastic. They had a small stage, picnic tables, and fire pits. For recreation, they have disc golf, Cornhole, etc. In the summer, they also serve ice cream. This place will definitely be one of my go to spots to chill!

    Gorgeous venue. Live music from Booyah was awesome last night…read more Everything is expensive and my best advice is to eat before you go! The food trucks are insanely expensive. $15 cover charge and then $40 for the small fish and chips and $55 for the large. From a truck? No way! We ordered food indoors. The chicken tacos (3) were $15 with no side. The ice cream stand was very good and had quick service and decent portions.

    Photos
    Talcott Mountain Collective - The bar!

    The bar!

    Talcott Mountain Collective - Summer night crowd enjoying live music

    Summer night crowd enjoying live music

    Talcott Mountain Collective

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    Tours of Distinction - fun at greenfield village

    Tours of Distinction

    1.8(18 reviews)
    5.3 mi

    Tours of Distinction is not a company we will use ever again. Our recent trip to Nova Scotia and…read moreP.E.I. (while they are beautiful islands) was not what we expected because of last minute itinerary changes that lead to excessive time on the bus. The hotels initially stated in itinerary were downgraded so much that our last hotel had NOTHING around it. On the bus again for 2 nights to go to dinner. We have taken many trips over the years and we are flexible with changes that have to occur however this last minute changes were unacceptable and we were never notified prior to the trip. They did not respond well to our concerns and took no responsibility for any of the issue we faced.

    We recently returned from Tours of Distinction's Highlights of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island…read moretour, and unfortunately, it was not the vacation we expected or believed we had paid for. At 8:58 p.m. the evening before our departure, we received an email telling us that a major portion of the itinerary had changed. The CAT ferry and overnight stay in Yarmouth had been eliminated. The original plan would have given us time to explore Bar Harbor before boarding the CAT ferry, followed by an overnight stay in Yarmouth to rest before continuing on to Halifax the next day. Instead, we faced an exhausting 11-hour day on the bus, eventually arriving in Halifax. Hopewell Rocks was added to the schedule, but the timing was poorly planned, and because the time change was not properly taken into consideration, we missed the tide change there. Unfortunately, that experience reflected how much of the rest of the trip felt. There was simply too much time spent traveling and not enough time enjoying the places we had come to see. Stops often felt rushed, and by the end, it seemed as though we had spent more of our vacation sitting on a bus and in hotel rooms than actually experiencing Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. We were also disappointed by some of the accommodations. One hotel was so isolated from town that we had to use the bus simply to go out for dinner. Some of the hotels did not feel consistent with what we believed had been advertised. The motorcoach itself was also disappointing, It was old and did not have a working dvd player. With only 13 people on our tour, we were left feeling that several important parts of the trip had clearly been scaled down. The ferry was eliminated, we spent far more time traveling by bus, and some of the hotels were below the standard we expected. The overnight stay in Yarmouth would have provided a welcome break and time to rest during the journey, but instead, we were given an extra night in Halifax. That did not make up for losing the more relaxed and thoughtfully paced itinerary we had originally booked. We contacted the company afterward and explained our concerns, hoping they would acknowledge how significantly the trip differed from what we expected. Instead, we were offered a voucher toward another trip. Given our experience, that was not meaningful compensation because we have no interest in traveling with the company again. This tour was supposed to be a memorable vacation exploring Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. Instead, we came home feeling disappointed that so much of our time had been spent getting from place to place rather than enjoying the destinations themselves. We would not choose Tours of Distinction again and would not recommend them based on our experience.

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    Tours of Distinction - Frakenmuth america's little bavaria

    Frakenmuth america's little bavaria

    Tours of Distinction - Beautiful mackinac... view from our boutique hotel

    Beautiful mackinac... view from our boutique hotel

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    Back East Brewing Company - breweries - Updated October 2026

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