Wormtown Brewery’s Be Hoppy IPA is an institution. There are few more familiar sights in the Massachusetts craft beer scene than the yellow smiling face on a black backdrop, promising a great IPA at a good price.
Most local beer drinkers know Wormtown’s flagship IPA. What they may not know is that Wormtown’s Worcester location isn’t what it used to be before COVID hit.
No, literally, it’s a different taproom.
That’s news to some customers. Even as they approach Year 3 in their new space, the folks at Wormtown Brewery regularly have to tell people they have a new tap room just around the corner from its old spot.
Wormtown’s new(ish) taproom sits in a bright, colorful space directly on the main drag of Shrewsbury Street. The brewery has since adopted a full food menu to go with a wider range of drink options.
That’s because Wormtown makes a whole lot more than just beer these days. Behind the bar, you can spot Wormtown’s line of spirits, which they use for their ever-evolving list of cocktails. They also have a line of hard seltzers called Shook, which are 100% gluten-free.
It’s a new taproom for a new era. Back when Wormtown opened in 2010, all you needed to thrive was a lights-out beer like Be Hoppy. But the craft beer scene has grown up. You need to offer a whole lot more than just a good beer to keep pace with evolving tastes and demands.
So you might be surprised at some of the concoctions Wormtown is specializing in these days.
“I think the biggest thing is that we offer an awesome espresso martini,” Wormtown president Kim Golinski says. “Like, if you see some of the cocktails this team has come up with – now, I know this is a brewery and I know that beer should be on the list of like, what’s supposed attractive, but for me the fact that we have spirits here, it’s just so much fun.”
Golinksi says Wormtown has been opening its doors to more than just beer drinkers. The new space represents a destination for a group of friends who can’t agree on where to go. You don’t like beer? That’s fine, they have hard ciders and cocktails. You like wine? They have a sangria-flavored seltzer. You don’t drink alcohol? They’ve got non-alcoholic options, like hop water.
While the craft beer scene has witnessed rivals of every shape and size pop up around Central Mass., Wormtown has been quietly evolving. In 2021, the brewery changed leadership and taprooms. Over the past three years, it’s been adding creative concoctions that go far beyond what you expect from a brewery.
They’re more than happy to show you what they have on top.
Free samples? Take a sip.
Let’s stop for a moment to deliver a message from Golinski: You don’t have to know what you want when you step up to the bar (provided it’s not busy and there isn’t a line).
“My team’s super, super helpful. Like here, try a sip. If you don’t like it, we’re not offended. … That’s part of my team’s responsibility is educating people, giving them an opportunity – because they don’t have to commit to a whole pour.”
But if you and the bartender have a moment, take your time and ask questions. The goal isn’t to have some craft beer snob staring daggers at you because you don’t know how a session from a saison.
The concept of getting a beer sample from a brewery isn’t unique to Wormtown. But it’s something Golinski emphasized in discussing her team’s approach to customer service.
For those who are new to craft beer. it can help open the gate to a world that can seem snobbish and jargon-laden. For returning customers, it’s an easy way to show off new products.
Plus, who doesn’t like a little bit of free beer?
“Especially some people who are newer to the craft beer world, it can be intimidating when you walk into a space like this,” Golinski says. “You don’t have to know you want. Try everything. In most breweries, it’s the same way. You want to sip? Absolutely. I mean, it’s hard when there’s six people in a line of the bar. So kind of use your judgment on it. But we will always always pour you a sample.”
That generosity often pays dividends. Golinski has seen it happen time and again. She’ll see someone come who says they don’t like IPAs. But then they’ll see the creatively packagesd She Hoppy and have questions.
If they’re curious, why not try a sample?
“They’re like, ‘Oh my gosh, I didn’t realize that an IPA tastes like this,” Golinski says.
The new Wormtown, right next to the old Wormtown
For years, Wormtown’s taproom was a compact taproom space that cranked out pints and flights — and also had a nifty patio area. That space still exists. But nowadays, it’s called the Wormtown Beer Garden.
The Beer Garden is closed in the winter. So if you go to the old entrance, you’ll be greeted by a locked door and a folding sign informing you that you’re in the wrong place. Just take a quick right around the corner past Volturno, and look for the big tap handle hanging above Shrewsbury Street.
The taproom (in the space that used to be Simjang) is a major upgrade from the old location, which was big on character and small on elbow room. Wormtown’s new location is large, but not cavernous. The two-floor taproom features a bright, colorful space with TVs and loads of seating. Heck, the upstairs area even has cozy couches and a second bar.
The Beer Garden remains a fun space that leans more industrial. Those who are interested in the production side of things can see the brewing space in the background.
But the new spot? It’s bright and comfortable. It’s also far more suitable for events, of which Wormtown has plenty. The upstairs area is available for private events any day of the week. It sees a lot of use.
“We brew our beer with the idea that there’s a reason to celebrate – graduation party, birthday party. We host so many baby showers here. I’m like, ‘The mom can’t even drink!’” Golinski says with a laugh. “She’s gonna need a drink, though.”
Gone are the days of the bare-bones brewery with picnic tables and no comforts. Wormtown is a fine-tuned, well-cushioned machine designed to make a night out more fun.
Lots of places have live music. But Golinksi stresses that Wormtown specifically books their live music gigs to be small enough so that it’s not too loud for their customers. If you’re coming as a group, they don’t want the conversation drowned out by the musical act.
“We are cautious for what our space means. We don’t ever want anyone to feel uncomfortable,” she says.
Wormtown turns 14 in 2024, making it positively ancient in craft brewery years. When you’re part of the old guard, it’s easy to get lost amid all the excitement of new breweries opening up.
But don’t sleep on Wormtown. That time has turned into experience. They don’t have the dankest, haziest super IPA on tap. Instead, they have a well-balanced, thoughtful menu of drinks and food in a comfortable taproom where all the details are fine-tuned and polished.
More stuff you should know about Wormtown Brewery
Check them out: Website | Facebook | Instagram
What’s the address? 72 Shrewsbury St, Worcester, MA 01604
What’s the parking situation? There is an off-street parking lot next to the brewery. Street parking is also available on Shrewsbury Street.
Do they serve food? Yes, there is a full kitchen.
Is there outdoor seating? No in the main taproom. But the old beer garden does offer patio seating when it is open.
When are they open? Here are the listed business hours at the time of writing:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Noon – 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday: Noon – 9:00 p.m.
Thursday: Noon – 9:00 p.m.
Friday: Noon – 10:00 p.m.
Saturday: Noon – 10:00 p.m.
Sunday: Noon – 6:00 p.m.
