Why wait for the weekend to start when you can hit the ground running on Friday. Our Hard Hittin’ Friday Night Beer Shuttle is a tribute to the industrial roots of Central Connecticut, taking you through a lineup of breweries that are as hardworking as the cities they call home.
For just $25, you can leave the GPS and the designated driver duties to us.
[note: pricing and itinerary may change]
Here is what to expect on this high-energy route:
The Lineup: 4 Stops, Zero Stress
1. Alvarium Beer Co. (New Britain, CT)
First stop: Alvarium Beer Co., or as the locals call it, ‘The Hive.’ This New Britain staple has a vibe so welcoming you’ll want to say ‘Honey, I’m Home’ the second you walk through the door. It’s the perfect place to kick off a Friday, complete with a dog-friendly taproom where the pups are just as welcome as the people.
The Vibe: Industrial-cool with plenty of space to spread out.
The Beer: You have to try their flagship New England IPA, phresh. Expect vibrant notes of orange, mango, and a hint of berries, all with a clean finish that makes it incredibly crushable. For a taste of local history, grab a Cremo Ale—it’s a smooth, crisp revival of a classic New Britain brew from the 1940s.
Insider Secret: They also have a coffee roasting cafe on-site. If you need a caffeine kick-start before the beer starts flowing, their cold brew is top-tier.
(note: check coffee hours prior to visiting)
2. Coles Road Brewing (Berlin, CT)
Located right near the Berlin train station, Coles Road offers a slightly more intimate, neighborhood feel. It’s the perfect mid-route stop to enjoy some high-quality, creative brews.
The Vibe: Relaxed, friendly, and perfectly situated for people-watching. Their great outdoor deck overlooks Main Street, making it an ideal spot for a sunset beer. To top it off, they frequently host live acoustic music performers, giving the taproom a soulful, laid-back energy that’s perfect for a Friday night.
As a small-batch brewery, they take pride in a constantly rotating tap list that offers a wide array of options. Whether you’re a fan of hazy IPAs, crisp lagers, or rich stouts, their small-batch philosophy ensures there is truly something for everyone to enjoy.
Pro-Tip: Because they brew in small batches, the menu changes often—be sure to try their latest experimental pour before it’s gone!
3. Relic Brewing Company (Plainville, CT)
Relic feels like a step back in time in the best way possible. As one of the very first taprooms to open in Connecticut, they are still going strong and remain a “must-visit” landmark on any local beer tour.
The Vibe: Moody, vintage, and packed with character. While the history is rich, the fun is modern; they’ve transformed the space into a social hub featuring cornhole, pinball machines, skee-ball, and electronic darts.
The Beer: Relic is famous for its massive variety. Whether you want a hazy Double IPA or a traditional European lager, they have one of the most diverse tap lists in the state.
Insider Secret: Because they have so many games on-site, this is the perfect stop to spark a little friendly competition with your group between pours!
4. 5CB (New Britain, CT)
We round out the night at 5CB, located in a stunningly renovated building with massive windows overlooking downtown New Britain, CT.
The Vibe: Bi-level, airy, and bustling. It’s the ultimate “social” brewery.
The Food: This is your dinner stop. Their wood-fired pizzas are legendary.
Insider Secret: Try the “Werder” series if it’s on tap—it’s a unique, fruit-forward beer that drinks almost like a wine.
How to Join the Next “Hard Hittin'” Friday Night Beer Shuttle
We offer three different session start times (starting at 5:15 PM, 5:30 PM, and 6:00 PM) so you can choose the pickup location most convenient for you (Alvarium, Coles Road, or Relic).
When: 1st Friday of every month.
Cost: $25 per person.
Tickets: Must be purchased in advance.