5 Mighty Secrets Behind Mighty Squirrel’s New Arsenal Yards Taproom & Tapas Experience
The craft beer scene in Watertown, Massachusetts, is experiencing a "Mighty Move," with the highly anticipated opening of Mighty Squirrel Brewing Co.'s new Taproom & Tapas experience at Arsenal Yards. As of today, December 26, 2025, excitement is building for what promises to be a major hub for craft beer aficionados and foodies alike, cementing Arsenal Yards’ status as a premier community destination in the East End neighborhood. This permanent fixture is a significant expansion for the locally owned and independent brewery, bringing the vibrant energy and award-winning brews from their other locations to a stunning new space.
The grand reveal of this new craft and cuisine concept is set for a major celebration, with the official Grand Opening Event scheduled for Friday, May 23, 2025. This new location, situated at 102 Arsenal Yards Blvd, is more than just a taproom; it’s a full-service kitchen and a tapas experience designed to perfectly pair their famous brews with delicious food. The unique setting, complete with a massive outdoor patio overlooking the newly developed Arsenal Yards Park, is poised to become the ultimate destination for spring and summer gatherings.
The Founders’ Story: From Protein Beer to Craft Empire
The success of Mighty Squirrel Brewing Co. is a testament to the vision and persistence of its co-founders, Henry Manice and Naveen Pawar. Their journey began not in a traditional brewery setting, but as friends and home-brewers with a unique idea.
The Early Years and Unique Concept:
- Founding Vision: Mighty Squirrel was founded in 2013, though the company officially launched in 2015 through contract brewing agreements.
- The Protein Pivot: Initially, the brewery focused on a niche market: protein-packed beer. This early focus on innovation set the stage for their future, rapid growth in the competitive craft brewing industry.
- The Founders: Co-founders are Naveen Pawar and Henry Manice.
- A Career Change: Naveen Pawar famously traded a career in orthopedics to pursue his passion for brewing, demonstrating the deep commitment behind the brand.
- The Mission: The founders built the company on the idea of creating a beer for every moment, focusing on quality, consistency, and a variety of styles.
Their dedication has resulted in Mighty Squirrel becoming one of the fastest-growing craft breweries in the nation, a reputation they now bring to the Watertown community.
The Arsenal Yards Taproom & Tapas Experience: A New Era of Craft & Cuisine
The new Arsenal Yards location is a significant departure from a standard taproom, introducing a "Taproom & Tapas" concept that elevates the dining experience. This fusion is the perfect marriage of award-winning craft beer with a curated food menu, designed for sharing and savoring.
Key Features of the New Location:
- Concept: Taproom & Tapas, offering a full kitchen menu that pairs perfectly with their extensive beverage lineup.
- The Patio: A huge outdoor patio offers ample seating and picturesque views of the adjacent Arsenal Yards Park.
- Park Amenities: Guests can enjoy their brews and bites while overlooking new recreational facilities, including tennis and pickleball courts.
- Service Options: The location offers full dine-in table service, walk-up bar service, and the convenience of beer to go, ensuring patrons can enjoy their favorites at home.
- Coffee Bar: Adding another layer to the experience, the taproom features a dedicated coffee bar, catering to early risers and non-beer drinkers.
- Private Events: The space is designed to accommodate private events, offering various packages and a dedicated catering menu for large gatherings.
The interior is crafted to bring the vibrant, energetic atmosphere of their Fenway location to Watertown, creating a welcoming and modern community hub.
Must-Try Brews: Decoding the Cloud Candy IPA and Other Flagships
No discussion of Mighty Squirrel is complete without diving into their renowned beer selection. The Arsenal Yards location will feature a full lineup of their most popular and award-winning brews, including their signature Hazy New England IPA.
The Mighty Squirrel Beer Portfolio:
- Cloud Candy IPA: This is their flagship Hazy New England IPA, a fan-favorite with a solid 4-out-of-5 rating on Untappd.
- Flavor Profile: It boasts a 6.5% ABV and is a tropical hop-bomb, dominated by notes of papaya, mango, and star fruit. Other tasting notes include grapefruit, pineapple, orange, and peach, all contributing to a soft bitterness.
- Magic Rain: Another popular Hazy New England IPA that will be featured on the tap list.
- Variety: The taproom will feature a rotating list of approximately 20 draft beers, alongside canned pours, non-alcoholic options, refreshing seltzers, and fruity drinks.
The brewery's commitment to quality ensures that every pour, from the classic 'Cloud Candy' to their seasonal releases, meets the high standards that have made them a national success story. The ability to watch the entire beer-making and packaging process at their main brewery location is a unique aspect of the brand's transparency.
Arsenal Yards: More Than Just a Shopping Center
Mighty Squirrel’s decision to open a permanent taproom at Arsenal Yards underscores the area's transformation into a true mixed-use neighborhood. Located along the Charles River in Watertown’s East End, Arsenal Yards is a curated destination for retail, dining, and entertainment, making it a perfect partner for the brewery.
The Surrounding Community and LSI Entities:
- Location: Heart of Watertown, MA, situated along the Charles River.
- Entertainment: The complex hosts various community events, such as "Movies Under the Stars" every Thursday in July, and is known for local celebrations like Porchfest.
- Dining Neighbors: Mighty Squirrel joins other premier dining establishments in the area, including City Works Eatery & Pour House, further establishing Arsenal Yards as a dining destination.
- Retail & Wellness: The community hub also features premier new establishments ranging from fan-favorite doughnuts to services like facials and cryotherapy.
The integration of the taproom with the park and surrounding businesses means patrons can easily transition from a day of pickleball or a riverside walk to enjoying a fresh, cold 'Cloud Candy IPA' on the sunny outdoor patio. This synergy is what makes the Arsenal Yards location a "must-visit" for anyone in the Greater Boston area.
Final Verdict: Why Mighty Squirrel Watertown is a 2025 Must-Visit
The opening of the Mighty Squirrel Taproom & Tapas at Arsenal Yards is more than just a new restaurant; it represents the culmination of a decade-long journey for founders Naveen Pawar and Henry Manice and a major win for the Watertown community. With a Grand Opening slated for May 23, 2025, the new location will serve as a permanent fixture and a vibrant social hub.
From the unique "Taproom & Tapas" concept and the dedicated coffee bar to the expansive patio overlooking the new tennis and pickleball courts, Mighty Squirrel has created a multi-faceted experience. Whether you’re a local resident, a craft beer enthusiast chasing a tropical-flavored 'Cloud Candy IPA', or simply looking for a new spot along the Charles River to enjoy a meal, this new Arsenal Yards kitchen and taproom promises to deliver a truly mighty moment.
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