7 Surprising Elixirs And Eats At Hopothecary Ales Brewery And Kitchen That Will Cure Your Craft Beer Craving

As of December 2025, Hopothecary Ales Brewery and Kitchen in North Reading, Massachusetts, continues to solidify its reputation as one of the North Shore’s most innovative and community-focused brewpubs. Far from the industrial, minimalist breweries of the past decade, Hopothecary has successfully blended a full-service, creative kitchen with a high-volume, award-winning craft brewery, creating a destination that is both a culinary hotspot and a beer lover's paradise. This deep dive explores the unique history, flagship brews, and must-try menu items that make this establishment a true prescription for good times. The brewery, founded by brothers Mike and Steve Gabardi, along with co-founder Kevin, has become a cornerstone of the North Reading community, filling a void for a rich, local brewing presence. The founders embraced the challenge of opening a large-scale operation from the start, bypassing the small-batch, industrial beginnings common in the New England craft beer scene. The result is a vibrant space at 303 Main Street where exceptional beer meets truly inventive comfort food.

The Hopothecary Profile: Founders, Location, and Philosophy

The story of Hopothecary Ales is one of passion, a career change, and a commitment to quality that began in a home kitchen.

• Official Name: Hopothecary Ales Brewery and Kitchen (sometimes referred to as Dos Lobos LLC)
• Location: 303 Main Street, North Reading, MA 01864
• Founders: Mike Gabardi, Steve Gabardi, and Kevin
• Inception: Pilot brewery opened in January 2019; full operation started in 2019
• Concept: A full-service brewpub that combines a high-quality, high-volume brewery with a creative, scratch kitchen.
• Flagship Beer: Elixir Double New England IPA (DIPA)
• Community Focus: Regularly hosts charity events, such as the "Hop Over" for the Joe Andruzzi Foundation.

The name "Hopothecary" cleverly combines the main ingredient of beer, the hop, with the concept of an apothecary, suggesting that their brews are a kind of medicinal 'elixir' for the soul. The founders, with one having worked in healthcare for 27 years, were ready for a new chapter, which led to the creation of this unique brewery and kitchen. This philosophy is reflected in the quality and variety of their offerings, which are designed to "cure" any craving.

The Flagship Brews: Why Hopothecary’s Elixirs Stand Out

Hopothecary Ales has quickly gained a devoted following in the competitive Massachusetts craft beer market. Their success is rooted in an impressive commitment to variety and quality, boasting thousands of unique beers tracked on platforms like Untappd. This constant innovation keeps the tap list fresh and exciting for both local patrons and traveling beer enthusiasts. The most notable of their creations is the Elixir Double New England IPA. This flagship beer is a quintessential example of the New England IPA style, known for its hazy appearance and intensely aromatic profile. With a potent 8.1% ABV, Elixir is celebrated for its rich aroma and exceptional balance, making it a powerful yet smooth drinking experience. Beyond the Elixir, the brewery consistently releases new styles, including various IPAs, stouts, and experimental brews, ensuring that every visit offers a new discovery. The brewers' dedication to perfecting the craft is evident in their high ratings and the sheer volume of different recipes they've mastered.

More Than Just Beer: The Unexpected Culinary Delights

What truly elevates Hopothecary Ales beyond a typical taproom is its full-service kitchen, which is as experimental and high-quality as its brewing operation. The menu is far from standard pub fare, featuring inventive, chef-driven dishes that pair perfectly with their craft beer selection. This focus on both beer and food is a key differentiator in the North Reading and greater North Shore dining scene. The kitchen specializes in elevated comfort food, taking familiar concepts and giving them a creative, often surprising, twist. The menu items are designed to be decadent and satisfying, appealing to a wide range of tastes.

Must-Try Menu Items (The "Cures" for Hunger):

1. Barbecue Burnt End Mac and Cheese: A rich, creamy mac and cheese topped with smoky, flavorful barbecue burnt ends, a dish that screams comfort and craftsmanship. 2. Cool Ranch Chicken Tenders: A unique appetizer that takes a beloved snack flavor and applies it to crispy, juicy chicken tenders. This item is frequently highlighted in reviews and media coverage. 3. Cheeseburger Pizza: An inventive fusion dish that combines the best elements of a classic cheeseburger—ground beef, cheese, and toppings—on a perfectly cooked pizza crust. 4. Hot Agave Fried Chicken Sandwich: A spicy and sweet take on a classic, featuring perfectly fried chicken drizzled with a hot agave glaze, offering a complex flavor profile. 5. Classic Burger: While they offer creative dishes, their commitment to the basics is seen in their Classic Burger, an 8oz patty served on a brioche bun with all the traditional fixings, demonstrating execution excellence. 6. Seasonal Specials: The kitchen regularly rotates specials, often incorporating local ingredients and seasonal flavors, ensuring the menu remains dynamic and fresh. 7. The Pairings: The staff are experts at suggesting beer pairings for each dish, enhancing both the food and the brew. Pairing the crisp bitterness of an IPA with the richness of the Mac and Cheese is a popular recommendation.

Community and Charity: The Heart of the Hopothecary

The Gabardi brothers and their team have made community involvement a core part of the Hopothecary philosophy. They consistently host or participate in local events, cementing their role as a community hub in North Reading. One of the most notable recurring events is the annual "Hop Over" event benefiting the Joe Andruzzi Foundation (JAF). This foundation, established by former New England Patriots player Joe Andruzzi, provides financial support to cancer patients and their families. The "Hop Over" event is a chance for the community to raise a glass for a great cause, highlighting the brewery's commitment to giving back. The event, which has been scheduled for 2025, demonstrates that the brewery is actively involved in local philanthropy and continues to use its platform for good. The welcoming atmosphere and professional service at the brewpub are frequently praised in customer reviews. From the moment patrons enter, they are greeted by a friendly and professional staff, which contributes to the overall positive dining and drinking experience. This focus on customer service, combined with their innovative products, has cultivated a loyal customer base that appreciates the effort put into every detail, from the brewing process to the table service. The continuous evolution of Hopothecary Ales Brewery and Kitchen, from its pilot brewery beginnings to its current status as a premier brewpub destination, is a testament to the founders' vision. By offering thousands of unique craft beers, anchored by the stellar Elixir DIPA, and pairing them with a menu of wildly creative and delicious comfort foods, Hopothecary has successfully carved out a unique and essential niche in the Massachusetts craft beer and dining landscape. It truly is a place where you can find a cure for whatever ails you, whether it’s a thirst for a great Double IPA or a craving for Cheeseburger Pizza.