Limited good selection of beers with a food truck outside. Friendly service and lot of seating options available right in the downtown.

My girlfriend and I went to navigation today and we had an amazing time! First the beer! I had a saisson and it was absolutely amazing. It had a bit higher ABV than usual at 7.9% but I noticed that most of navigations brews are a bit higher in the ABV category. Navigation is pretty bare bones, there's no food, although sometimes there are food trucks. Navigation is dog friendly indoors, and the people were fun.! read more

Navigation Brewing Co - Saisson - Breweries Near Me - Chelmsford , Massachusetts

Came for the flights and really enjoyed them! The bartender was super friendly, gave us a sample one of we didn't add to our flight, and gave us some history of the mill. We were there right when they opened so we had the place to ourselves, but seemed like it would be a great spot to hangout! read more

Navigation Brewing Co - Breweries Near Me - Chelmsford , Massachusetts

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Miss the pepper beer we had in Lowell a few years ago. We still do regular trips to Lowell for a cold one. Chelmsford location is a nice option but check ahead for food trucks our BYOF from some nice food options in center of town read more

[For the new Chelmsford location: Not-no-neighborly service at neighborhood pub] Was super-excited for the big opening in Chelmsford...beer! In Central Sq! Planned a date night with hubby, got a babysitter for the kiddos, all had fallen into place. Here's a timeline of our ultimately doomed outing: 7:30: Babysitter arrives, and kiddo #1 has diaper blowout, kiddo #2 locks self in bathroom [chaos, tears... before all is well] 8:20: Driving! 8:25: Walk in the door 8:26: Wait patiently behind dude with dog, talking it up with server 8:30: Still waiting 8:32: Dude moves aside, we greet server & order. Server says taps close at 8:30, sorry, come back tomorrow 8:35: We step aside, super-bummed, check phones if there's anything else open for drinks in Chelmsford...nope 8:40: Drive back home, defeated I understand that places have last call... yet, if the reason that two folks miss it is because of a server chatting it up with a buddy, ideally the goodwill can go both ways. read more

Super cool spot. We are actually here right now!! Seating inside and outside, cool vibes, cool decor. Lots of beer options. Dog friendly. Food trucks! Friendly staff, like super friendly which we so appreciate!!I. They sell hot sauces and some crafts too which is neat. It's in a super cool industrial location. It's nice in cool inside too, and I overheat easily!! Only thing I'd like to see is for them to cook up a sour or fruit beer for us who like the girly beer. We just came from tree house brewing and I like it here better!! Worth the visit for sure! read more

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Beer selection is OK. No wifi and no music. Suggestion to the owners. WiFi is a given everywhere these days and cell reception in your brewery is not very good. If you're going to have a jukebox on the wall, it should take credit card payments instead of bills and quarters. Or just play music! My wife has never had a hard seltzer that she couldn't drink. Her critique is that Navigation seltzer tastes like soap. Also the ONE person you had working there was less than friendly with absolutely no personality. The new process of ordering seems odd. It was better when you could just walk up to the counter and order a beer. You don't need waitress service. What you need is better beer, Wi-Fi and music. Pretty sure I've beaten the Wi-Fi and the music thing to death but it's a bar. Definitely won't be going back anytime soon. Treehouse is not much further and everything and I mean everything is better there. They even have a decent pizza which they sell a ton of. read more

I've been meaning to check out Navigation Brewing for some time now since moving back, and was glad to arrive right around when they opened to snag a shaded spot on the patio where I could work on some things, sip my beer, and brewery watch. :) The IPA was really good--light and flavorful--and still very much an IPA, haha. You can tell that a lot of the folks who hang here seem to be regulars; there's a community feel which is quite nice. That, and the rotating food truck outside makes it a wonderful spot! read more

Was super excited to see a new business in town, however, not being a drinker, am bummed they don't offer food. Downtown Chelmsford needs more restaurants...sigh. read more

Found this little gem this year and SO exited that we did! Navigation Brewing Co is one of the dog-friendliest breweries around, and the beer is really good too. They also have limited food available onsite, too, so you can definitely come and sit for a while. Space is not huge but not too small either. Great for small group gatherings. Definitely recommend checking Navigation Brewing Co out - maybe we'll see you there! read more

Within walking distance from my home, I decided to pursue my resolution of going to breweries more. Navigation is tucked into the corner of the Western Ave Art Studios. They made great use of the small space and had alot of seating for drinkers. We started off with the Kolsch and Double IPA which totaled $13. Started to think my thing is IPAs because it was sweet and smooth going down. My cousin, who doesn't drink much also liked his beer. He likes how it's not as thick or bitter as say Heineken (which is a family favorite and why he doesn't really drink). Then we went for a Flight of 4 for $10. Saison 2, Strong Ale, Season Pale Ale and American Stout. We both took 1 light and 1 dark. Yeah, although the dark ones (stout?) tasted like coffee/tabacco, it definitely wasn't our cup of tea. Want cheap, delicious beer whilst in Lowell? I recommend coming to Navigation, and then maybe view the art gallery when done. read more

Both times I've been Fri/Sat night, they are sold out of the beer I want to try, bummer! You must have to go when they open to get the good stuff! Nice place though and friendly bartenders, always have fun when I'm there. They sometimes have food trucks too though I haven't seen them. Very dog friendly too! read more

Been here twice and had a great experience each time. The first time was for a private function and the tap host was very attentive and helpful in choosing a brew. The second time was during a Saturday afternoon and the place was hopping. It was also very apparent that it's a dog friendly venue. There were at least 5 puppers sitting around with their humans. How great it's that. Drinking beer with man's best friend. The selection of beer was great both times. Something for craft beer lovers and something that a a a Bud/Coors only drinker word be able to enjoy. This is a tap room so no wine nor spirits and no food. For the group event we could bring in our own food and during normal hours there's usually some food truck outside that you can purchase food and bring in. Nice fun place to hang out and taste good brews. read more

Navigation Brewing Co - Flight take off - Breweries Near Me - Chelmsford , Massachusetts

Unfortunately, we never ended up going because they have no phone number in which to contact them. However, they were kind enough to respond to my Twitter request and they do not take reservations and it's first come first serve. I think that probably when we are in Lowell Massachusetts again will stop bye and see if they have any space for food and drink. So I gave them a three out of five because they were Curtis enough to return my Twitter request for a phone number promptly. read more

This place has the best beer but is also very dog friendly. My dog loves being the unofficial greeter. They don't serve food but usually have a food truck onsite. I highly recommend it just look how happy my dog is here read more

Navigation Brewing Co - Entrance with greeter - Breweries Near Me - Chelmsford , Massachusetts

Nested right near some train tracks, sharing a tiny spot in a warehouse-like nook is Navigation Brewing, one of only a couple of Lowell's breweries. Founded by two very friendly guys, Bob and PJ, the operation is still in some pretty early stages of growth but already celebrated their first anniversary over this weekend. Having heard quite a bit about their operation I decided to drive up route 3 and go check it out for myself. After arriving and parking across the street in an overflow lot, I found myself entering a medium-sized room where a tap line ran and where tables were setup for retail bottle sales. A few folks were there including both founders who were very happy to not only introduce themselves but also talk about the beers. Amongst the selection of beers available were a few different stouts including a coffee one and a milk one as well as a pale ale. The latter was pretty good but the stouts were excellent. Thick, creamy and packed with flavor, I was very impressed. I loved the fact that their named their dark beer series "Art of Darkness" too, which is a nice homage to Joseph Conrad's book. While the place was a bit cramped they did mention that they will soon be looking for a bigger space and that they will also be improving their somewhat limited hours. Neither Bob nor PJ do this full-time for the time being but I can honestly say that I will be making the trip back hopefully sooner rather than later. The beer was great, the folks were great and I really do believe that they're onto something here and wish them the best of luck as they try to expand. read more

Navigation Brewing Co - Breweries Near Me - Chelmsford , Massachusetts

Navigation is more than a hole in the wall. Excellent beers made by excellent people. Owner and staff are good people. The facility is ideal for a microbrewery and they have arranged the taproom to make the most room of the place. Dog friendly. Occasional food vendors set up and always good food. To address the beer temp, If you want ice cold beers that mask flavor you may want to go to one of Lowell's outstanding bars or pubs, but if you want flavor with your beer, the ideal joint is Navigation Brewery. In addition, all of their beers have been true to style and exceptional their respective categories. My suggestions: The Pale Ale is one of the better APAs you can find anywhere. The IPA is great with tons of citrus flavor and aroma. Not a bad beer in the lineup. read more

Came on a quiet Saturday in early spring. It was a little tricky to find. Needs to be a sandwich board sign or something because we circled the parking lot and road before finding it. (Look in the back corner). The beer was pretty good but the space was lacking in atmosphere. Lots of space to sit, they need to get some board games! There was a TV but it wasn't on. A band was setting up, but we didn't stay long enough to hear them play. Friendly people, nice dogs. We'll come back in the spring when it's warmer read more

Great brewery to spend a night out at. The location is off the beaten path but it's worth the drive. The beer and it's production are the main focus which in my opinion is how it should be. I feel that too many breweries focus more on their decor and food selection over the beer itself, but not at Navigation. I'll be back! read more

Navigation Brewing Co - Breweries Near Me - Chelmsford , Massachusetts

Delicious beers. I loved both of the IPAs and the sour. Dog friendly as long as your dog is friendly. Nice atmosphere inside and shady picnic tables outside. Next time your craving a beer in downtown Lowell check it out! read more

Was eager to try based on recommendations and was in the area. Beer wasn't so hot and actual temperature of the beer was not very cold. They had a nice Triple IPA, but the rest were beers I would not order again. Staff were pretty attentive. read more

Finding this place was a bitch. If you use safari maps on your iPhone, the directions don't make sense. It will say to go down Dutton St which takes you to a dead end. After a while I figured out that the brewery was actually on the other side of the train tracks. I went crazy trying to find a way to get to the other side. I gave up and parked in a random spot that I don't think I was supposed to park in (near a Dunkin Donuts) and just hopped over the train tracks. Hey, I was desperate. Once I found the place, all was good. I had a Belgian pale ale and quite liked it. In truth, I came here because I wanted to catch a food truck, but I ended up finding a really cool place in the process. Upon closer inspection of the map, I found that you actually go down School Street and make a turn onto Western Ave., which is a weird street since it's separated by these train tracks. You go all the way down the street and eventually you hit it. This place is cool. It's just confusing if you don't know the area super well. read more

my husband and i have been to navigation brewing twice, both to see our wedding photographer who works up in lowell, and this serves as a convenient spot for us to meet. their beers tend not to be my favorite, as i prefer more fruit infusions and other flavors, but these are for true beer lovers. my husband is always happy with what he orders. there is a mainstay pizza food truck that is really good, and offers great snacky options for drinking. the atmosphere here is very congenial and welcoming. the space is open, though it can get quite noisy inside when they're really busy, but there's also a great patio outside. plenty of space for everyone to be comfortable. pups and kids are welcome. finding the bathroom can be a little dicey (the brewery is part of a larger complex of businesses), but there's usually someone coming back from it who can point you in the right direction. overall, we've enjoyed ourselves when we've come, and would definitely recommend checking it out. read more

My husband and I often come here for the food trucks, the beer selection, the outdoor patio seating and because they are apart of Western Ave studios, which support local artists. The little things I can critque is that their beer seems to be a little inconsistent- the Citra Wheat for example went from amazing to just okay, however the biggest issue why we have been constantly leaving this brewery is their policy towards children. We have left more than once because of numerous misbehaving children and idle parenting. To name a few: screaming children, toddlers hitting toys against tables and walls, kids running up and down the incline deck, kids playing with their toys where people are trying to walk. Drinking beer is not suppose to include your local brewery being a substitute daycare. Now I do not blame the brewery but I can imagine this issue is affecting many people who simply want to enjoy their beer in peace. Often times we weren't the only group that rolled their eyes, chugged their beers and left at the sight of more patrons lugging in their car seats of misbehaving infants. Today there was at least a dozen kids there. It's getting ridiculous. read more

Love this place! The people are awesome as is the beer. I feel at home when visiting this brewery. read more

Navigation Brewing Co - Great hole-in-the-wall Brewery with good beer all the time. - Breweries Near Me - Chelmsford , Massachusetts

Nice little brewery in Lowell. Not a ton of beers, but they are all refreshing in their own right. dog friendly which is a plus, and outside seating is a great addition as well. Will definitely be back for more. read more

Nice little brewery. Cool vibe. Beer was good Great pizza next door. Will come back in warmer weather to sit out side. read more

Very cool. Neat place have only been there twice. Small staff (usually 2?) are able to keep the beer flowing. They did have live music but did their stage over to a sitting area which isn't terrible..but must say the music was pretty cool on a Saturday afternoon. I mean where do you get THAT and also be allowed to take your dog. Cool spot for a few beers! Bring the music back! read more

Navigation Brewing Co - Breweries Near Me - Chelmsford , Massachusetts

The hard seltzer was delicious but they ran out by 7:30. Band left something to be desired. Beautiful weather for their outdoor seating area. read more

Great local craft beer. Located in the Western Ave Art Studios. Several type on beers on tap, available by the glass, growler or bottles. Super friendly service dog there often :) Be sure to enjoy the food trucks or food they have brought in from outside vendors . I was also pleased to see they take credit cards!! They were very supportive of our Walk for Boston Children's Hospital. read more

Loved this place! Fun atmosphere, friendly people and great beer. Would definitely recommend Navigation Brewing, and looking forward to returning soon. read more

A diamond in the rough! How are we craft beer enthusiasts who live in Lowell and didn't know about this place? We ordered the pale ale. The bartender gave us brown ale but until someone sat next to us with the pale ale, we had no idea because the brown ale was delicious, so no harm, no foul! We followed with the pale ale--also delicious. You get a sneak-peak of the artist-renovated mill on the walk to the restroom and it's amazing. Even the bathroom is artsy and cool. There were a couple of pubes on the toilet seat but you can't fault the brewery for some cave woman leaving her mark. My only grievance is dropping $3 into the jukebox not to be able to hear the songs. A sunny, April Sunday brunch consisting of beer and donuts needs tunes. The quirks of this place match Lowell and match mine and my husband's vibes. It's non-pretentious, unique, and has delicious beer. We will not only be back but I'm going to call and ask them to host my law school graduation party. read more

Navigation Brewing Co - Exterior of the mill - Breweries Near Me - Chelmsford , Massachusetts

Not COVID compliant. Some staff walk around without a mask and talk to guests within a foot or two of them, the beers, and their food. What are they thinking! Beer was good but I won't be back for a while. read more

Great spot. The folks who work here are awesome. The beer is fantastic, the vibe is cool and there's usually a food truck outside to meet your hunger needs. I recommend this spot to anyone looking for a relaxed and very casual spot to have a beer and a chat. read more

Very cool scene. Great beer and a nice selection. Very nice and helpful servers. Some interesting flavors like jalapeño but also more traditional brews like IPA, stout, etc. Cool events all the time too. One of my new personal faves in Lowell when I want a beer...or two... read more

Friendly, knowledgeable staff and straight forward, delicious beer. One of the few breweries where you can all for a Brown Ale (best I've had in ages) and that's what's on the label. Lots of seating and cool atmosphere. read more

Changing my review to 5 stars. Navigation seems to be coming out with more beers lately and they're going to be extending their hours to include Sundays too! Looking forward to them being open more and trying some more of their beers! I really love Navigation and will definitely be visiting here often now that I have moved back to Lowell! I only wish they were open more and had a few more beer offerings, but what they do have on tap is excellent. I am kind of a "beer snob" and visit as many breweries as I can, their beer is some of the best I have had. I joined their mug club this past weekend as well, that's a fun and unique thing that they offer. Parking is never a problem which is great, especially for a brewery in a city. read more

Small brewery with pretty good beer and a great taproom. I wasn't enamored with any of Navigation's beers, but all were perfectly drinkable. They make a pretty good double IPA. The taproom is in an awesome old mill building with high ceilings and garage doors to open it up when the weather is warm. They seem to frequently have live music and food trucks. Lowell needs a place like this so I hope they continue to do well. read more

I'm no beer snob or expert, so you should probably take my taste with a grain of whatever. But I have a REALLLY good smelling talent, and the more hoppy the better. Not only is Navigation in my hometown of charming Lowell, (which is why I tried it), but they make my current absolute favorite which is the double IPA. I just don't think this good ever really happens in big commercial batches. Beer is just better made by someone who takes the outcome personally. I think they care that much and that makes better beer. Sorry, Bud. also, not sorry, bud. plus there's a dog at the door. read more

One of my new favorites! Great beers, location (art studios!) and excellent service. The food truck was a nice touch. Will be back!