This Washington Square speciality food store is the baby brother / retail arm of the beer haven, The Publick House. They sell gourmet products stocked including cheeses, sweets, and interesting condiments. Though originally conceptualized as a venue to sell all of the bottled beers sold at the Publick House, they had to fight the man in Boston, but after months of doing so, finally got their liquor license in September 2008, and now their coolers abound with craft beers. The emphasis is on Belgian brews.

From husband & wife team David Cicollo & Ailish Gilligan, the owners of Brookline's The Publick House comes Roadhouse BBQ, a little piece of Texas in Boston. Roadhouse purchased and transported a 4500 lb. smoker to put in their new rib and beer joint. That's right, a 2 ton smoker, so large they had to sign a separate lease just to hold it. The restaurant is housed in the space formerly occupied by Vinny T's. Roadhouse opened in early September 2008. The highlights are 1) real pit smoked BBQ, 2) a focus on on American craft beers, 3) two great bars, and a 4) a 50 seat outdoor beer garden. Inside there are three rooms: a 35-seat dark mahogany bar, a massive 170-seat 6-plasma screen dining room sporting solid wood booths with antique brick, and the take-out area (where the pit smoker resides). Beerwise, they are offering 40 draughts, among them selections from Six Point, Magic Hat, Ommegang, Allagash, and Dogfish, as well as lesser known brewers like Mojo, Cisco, Avery, Rogue, and Bear Republic. They also feature quite a few more offerings in bottles. Food highlights include pulled pork, ribs, mixed sausages, brisket, and chicken fried steak - all of the items a BBQ joint should have. They offer one side with their entrees, and pricewise, it's certainly not cheap as far as BBQ goes ($19 chicken fried steak), but the food is solid. BTW: In you are a BBQ fan, click here to see a comprehensive (but evolving) list of BBQ places near Boston to try. Or here for the interactive map version.

The Publick House is popular because of its selection of fine beers. True beer snobs flock to the Monk's Cell, the bar's tiny alcove that specializes in Belgian ale. The Publick House takes beer very seriously. Trappist beer made up most of the menu, which is extensive and informative. If you dont know what to get on the menu I would suggest the burger. It is flavorful and their homemade cut fries are delicious. Also get a basket of fries to start. They come hot and in a paper cone on the table. They also have two dipping sauces. Try the beer ketchup and habarano mayo. The chef does a good job of incorporating beers as flavors in the various dishes. They are quite subtle but add taste. This place is not for you if you are a wine drinker or hard liquor. They just dont have anything like that except for fruit beers.