Epigram Brew Co. — Restaurant in Tyngsborough

UPDATED 5/26/2024

So I have now been back to Epigram twice since my inital one-star review. As their operation has matured a bit, the opening weekend chaos a distant memory, I've developed a liking for this place. A big plus for me is the continued emergence of non-IPA options on tap. Even better, as a South Shore bar pizza fanatic, I love having an option to enjoy one this far north. Service has been nothing but attentive and friendly. In short, they righted the ship, 100%. So I understand we went to Epigram right on its opening weekend, but having thought about it for a few weeks, there are several things I want to address.

The Facility: the facility is great--no complaints here. New and clean with nice high ceilings, the inside looked great. The patio is nicely done and covered with astroturf, which is a fun touch. The whole thing was well-designed and well-executed.

The Service: When we sat on the patio and 10-15 minutes went by with no service, my wife went to the counter inside and tried to order beer from there. We were told that we should order from our waitress, who would be by shortly, and that we should order from the inside only if our waitress failed to show. After upwards of 20 additional minutes and no waitress, she went back in and was able to order beer. After 10 more minutes of dealing with the line at the counter, she returned with a Kolsch for me and an IPA flight for her. I was about halfway through the Kolsch when our waitress finally checked in. Once she did make contact with us, the service was polite and attentive, though I don't think that quite excuses the delay, which bordered on absurd.

The Beer: We were told by the waitress that the plan is eventually to have 16 beers on tap but that currently, management was only running the 8 which were deemed to be the most ready-to-go. My wife is a hardcore NEIPA enthusiast whereas I am am a bit burnt out on beer that drinks like Sunny D and smells like weed. Only 3 of the 8 styles on tap were not IPAs of one kind or another. I sampled the stout but found it kind of cloying, and fall doesn't feel like fruited sour season to me, so I stuck with the Kolsch. Do you like that clingy banana aftertaste that you get in a classic hefeweizen? Then you'd love this Kolsh. Personally, I thought it was a bit much, distracting from an otherwise decent beer. My wife's IPA flight didn't fare any better. In her opinion, all 4 tasted very similar to each other with an unfortunate "dishwater-y" quality. It's very rare that I've visited a brewery where there isn't at least one or two beers I can really latch onto--we'll see how things progress over the next few months.

The Atmosphere: As noted by at least one other reviewer, Epigram was experiencing something a feral child problem that weekend. A crew of about 15 grade-school-aged boys were yelling and basically running laps around the patio with their parents seemingly nowhere to be found. I kept thinking one of them was going to mow down a customer or wipe out into a patio table. At the very least, you'd think Epigram would want to do something about this from a liability perspective (little Cody's parents will love your brewery right up until they see a chance to sue it). It appeared that all or most of the kids had been seated inside at a long "kids' table" covered in a mess of half-eaten pizzas. The whole thing gave off serious Chuck E. Cheese vibes, which is not something I generally look for in a brewery. I've been to close to 100 breweries in New England and this was a...

Epigram Brew, nestled in the heart of the city, is more than just a brewery—it’s a vibrant cultural hub for craft beer aficionados and newcomers alike. Renowned for its diverse selection of expertly brewed beers, Epigram Brew excels in creating a welcoming atmosphere where everyone can find something to love.

Upon entering, you’re immediately enveloped by the brewery’s warm, inviting vibe, making it the perfect spot to unwind. The taproom boasts a rotating array of beers, from hoppy IPAs and rich stouts to seasonal specialties that highlight the creativity and passion of their brewing team. Each visit offers a new taste experience, supported by knowledgeable staff who are eager to share their insights and recommendations.

But the appeal of Epigram Brew extends beyond their beer. They host a variety of regular events that transform the brewery into a lively community space. Be sure to check out their calendar for upcoming happenings like Bingo nights and live music events. These gatherings are not only fun but also a great way to meet people and enjoy the brewery’s dynamic atmosphere.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on their seasonal releases and limited editions. For regular visitors, joining the brew club can provide exclusive benefits, including early access to new brews and discounts on merchandise.

#EpigramBrew #LocalBrewery #BeerTasting #CommunityHangout #SeasonalBrews #BreweryTours #BingoNights #LiveMusicBrews #CraftBrewLove

Epigram Brew is the ultimate destination for anyone looking to enjoy great beer and good company in a lively setting. It’s a place where each visit is unique, thanks to their continuous rotation of events and brews. Share your favorite moments and discoveries at Epigram Brew with these hashtags to help others catch the vibe and...

The atmosphere here is fantastic—plenty of space, a lively vibe, and an impressive selection of beers. We came with a large group of 14, including 3 teenagers and 2 young kids. Our waitress, Sue, was absolutely wonderful—friendly, attentive, and courteous throughout the evening.

Some of the food really hit the mark: the tenders and fries were delicious, and the chicken sandwich was outstanding. Unfortunately, not everything came out as expected. A few dishes arrived cold, the pizza was rubbery and pretty much inedible, and a couple of our double smash burgers came out as single cheeseburgers (though they were removed from the bill without issue).

Where things went downhill: The manager's attitude left a lot to be desired. She seemed visibly annoyed while helping to bring out food and asked who ordered what with noticeable frustration.

To make matters worse, we were watching the Celtics vs. Knicks playoff game—7 minutes left in the 4th quarter—when all the TVs were suddenly turned off. When someone asked why, the manager curtly replied, “Because I’m the manager and I can. We closed 18 minutes ago.” At that point, we hadn’t even received our bill yet.

It was an awkward and uncomfortable ending to the night. We quickly settled up, even helped rearrange the tables, and ironically, the TV was turned back on just as we were leaving.

The strangest part? The patio outside still had a party going strong with no signs of being rushed out. Just a very inconsistent and disappointing experience overall.

Sadly, despite the great beer list and some solid dishes, we probably won’t...