Distraction Brewing Co.
Brewery · Roslindale
2 Belgrade Ave, Roslindale, MA 02131
Highlights
"Distraction Brewing, a recent addition to Roslindale, welcomes babies and kids; they’re required to remain seated at the table. In non-COVID times, the brewery provides books and games, but at the moment, it’s recommended to bring your own entertainment for your kids. Seating is first come, first served, and dogs are not currently allowed. Distraction is currently open for indoor and outdoor seating, as well as beer takeout and delivery." - Rachel Leah Blumenthal
"You shouldn’t visit Distraction in Roslindale without trying both their triple-wit hybrid and vanilla porter - two excellent beers that are just what you’re looking for when you’re bored of mediocre New England IPAs. This tiny corner spot is the smallest brewery in Boston. And while it doesn’t have much of the live music or big events you’ll find at other places in this guide, it makes up for it with a genuine neighborhood pub feel - at times it seems like everyone in here knows each other from sharing several overprotective hours at the toddler playground together." - dan secatore
"Distraction Brewing is essentially the communal living room for the entire neighborhood of Roslindale (and depending on when you go, you may feel out of place if you’re not in there with a stroller). While most Boston breweries are big enough to house a fleet of seaplanes, this tiny corner spot feels more like a pub. There’s no food beyond a few snacky things, and the smaller size means it only has about six or seven beers at any one time. But it has some very good ones, including the Belgrade Tripel, a pretty unique hybrid of a wit and a wheat beer." - Dan Secatore
"At long last, Roslindale has a brewery of its very own. Distraction Brewing Company (2 Belgrade Ave.) debuted over the weekend, unveiling its 80-seat taproom and a selection of pale ales, IPAs, and porters. The brewery opened in conjunction with Roslindale Open Studios, a weekend celebration of local artisans and creators, and it served as a host. 'We were very pleasantly surprised just to see how many folks came in,' co-founder Patrick French told Eater. French has been working with Distraction’s other two co-founders Mike Estey and Justin Garnache to get their 10-barrel brewhouse up and running since late 2017, together with their spouses — JoAnna French, Lora Estey, and Lauren Peter — and with business partner Ren Layne. 'Our wives have always been equal players in this and we truly all work together as a team to get things done,' French said. 'Frankly, we couldn’t have gotten to where we are without them.' Distraction took over the former Emack & Bolio’s space in a historic triangular building, which figures prominently in the brewery’s logo. French said Distraction did a few test runs with friends and family before opening for the neighborhood event, where people came in to see the artists and sample beers. The brewery opened for limited hours over the weekend and will pick up with a Thursday-through-Sunday schedule this week, operating from 4 to 10 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. French said they may expand hours down the line but will do so incrementally. 'The last thing we want to do is run out of beer at 5 o’clock on a Saturday,' he said. While Distraction’s anchoring lineup will eventually feature six beers available in full and half pours, it’s starting out with four: RoslinPale (a pilsner-like pale ale), Hoppily Distracted (a New England-style IPA), Bank on Brown (a brown ale that’s a nod to the building’s former life as a bank), and Belgrade Tripel (a blend of two Belgian styles). Distraction doesn’t serve food, but customers are welcome to bring in their own. 'We’re surrounded by a number of amazing restaurants in Roslindale Square as it is,' French said, encouraging customers to take advantage of the neighborhood offerings. The brewery will eventually offer pre-packaged snacks and some kid-friendly drinks like juice boxes as well." - Dana Hatic
"In a skinny building that was once home to an Emack & Bolio’s ice cream shop, “three friends with a passion for beer” are on the verge of opening their Distraction Brewing Company taproom and brewery." - Rachel Leah Blumenthal
