Let’s play a game of word association. I say “Jack’s Abby,” and you say “Oh, great local beer!” Well, they do brew a tasty adult beverage. In fact, they brew upwards of fifty beers, but beer isn’t all Jack’s Abby does well. Let me be the first to introduce, or maybe reintroduce, you to Jack’s Abby Beer Hall and Kitchen.
Jack’s Abby describes itself as a German style beer hall with open seating, twenty-four beers on tap, and an eye catching New England built wood-fired oven located at 100 Clinton Street, Framingham, MA. Upon entering the beer hall, you will be greeted by a small gift shop with a selection of their more popular beers, as well as a growler filling station. Quickly, your attention is shifted to the large open seating area, with the working brewery as the working backdrop.
A unique feature of Jack’s Abby is the large bar that awaits guests as they gaze across the large wooden tables and benches.The bar itself is not the unique feature, but rather the required tab each guest must open, which a first seemed strange, but ultimately was a convenience when it came to ordering beer and food. Speaking of beer, the twenty-four beers on tap is initially overwhelming, but a few well priced flights, and narrowing down one’s favorites becomes less daunting. The open seating concept lends itself to a bit of beer tasting, as guests may encounter a bit of a wait on busy nights, as it may take 20-30 minutes for seating to open. Simply, don’t let a crowd on a busy night deter you from waiting to experience all that Jack’s Abby has to offer.
Now, being a beer hall, the beer is the star of the evening, but don’t overlook the food selection. The menu is by no means extensive, yet there is plenty of options for multiple pallets. Additionally, the menu is designed to both pair and enhance the beer selection. The food is a mix of traditional German fare, such as the Smoke & Dagger Braised Beef Goulash, or the House Bratwurst. But the menu also provides more sophisticated dishes such as Seared Sea Scallops with Spinach Risotto, or House Brined Wood Fired Chicken with Leek/Kale Mashed Potatoes, Baby Carrots and Gremolata. Finally, the wood fired pizza and wings provide a nice alternative for those looking for a more casual culinary experience.
Despite being a busy Friday night, the service was of high quality, and the staff is well versed in their knowledge of both the beer and food menu, and willing to provide suggestions to patrons. The food arrived at the table quickly, and the staff never once hinted that it was time to clear our table to make room for most customers.
Jack’s Abby Beer Hall & Kitchen is a unique experience, and one that has built a loyal following, in part because of the work of Gregg Bergeron. Whether it be a warm summer evening with the expanded outdoor seating, or a raining fall day, friends and families alike can take advantage of a quick meal or several hours of food, beer and a brewery tour.
