Framingham Could Get Its First Beer Garden Starting In July

FRAMINGHAM, MA — Framingham could get its first beer garden this summer, if plans are approved by the Planning Board. Exhibit 'A' Brewing offered site plans to the Planning Board for its proposed beer garden, located across the street from the taproom on Morton Street.

The beer garden would be temporary, open from July through October 30 and set in the unused parking lot across the street from the taproom. String lights would hang over benches and planters as well as sun sails to create a calm atmosphere for people to enjoy a beer and gather. The space is designed for beer enjoyment on sunny days — if it rains, customers will have to move into the taproom.

The Planning Board was vocal about it's support for the space and a second public hearing will continue on Thursday.

"People want to eat and drink outside and there's not a lot of availability for that in Framingham," said Matthew Steinberg, co-founder/head brewer. "This would be the first of its kind in all of MetroWest," said Kelsey Roth, general manager.

Although the beer garden will be across the street from the main facility, people won't be walking back and forth with their drinks — all beers for the beer garden will be stored and served at 82-84 Morton St. The beer garden itself will be fenced in with openings for customers to enter and exit, manned by staff checking ID's and making sure people don't leave the area with drinks.

Christine Long, chairwoman of the board, highlighted the need for a gathering space for residents in the city. "I think we need something like this because we certainly have a shortage of comfortable, amenities-type places for people to go to and gather," she said.

The business hopes to open the beer garden by July 5. The Planning Board still needs comment from several other city departments before it can give the green light this week.