Idle Hands Craft Ales
89 Commercial St, Malden MA 02148
$
American
As of May 29th, 2021 we are no longer accepting reservations. All seating (bar, indoor and patio) is available on a first come, first served basis. Any questions, please email us [email protected]
Reservations
Booking Notes:
As of May 29th, 2021 reservations will no longer be needed. Seating will operate on a first come, first served basis. Simply visit the Taproom during business hours, find a table, a seat at the bar or make use of the standing room areas and enjoy.
Business Info
- Address: 89 Commercial St, Malden MA 02148
- Cross Street: Centre St
- Cuisine: American |
- Cost: | Very Inexpensive
- Category: Brewery Restaurant
- Star Rating:
- Reservations: Required
- Dress Code: Casual
- Meals Served: Other |
- Parking: Public Lot | Private Lot |
- Payment Options: VISA | Amex | MasterCard | Discover | Diners Club | Cash | Apple Pay | Google Pay | Debit |
- Corkage Fee: N/A
- Website: www.idlehandscraftales.com
- Phone: 781-333-6070
- Features: Outdoor Seating, Free Wi-Fi,
- Occasion: Meet for a Drink,
Photos
Business Hours
Reservations Available
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
F.A.Q.s
Frequently Asked Questions- Are children allowed?
- We are permitting children 12 and under as long as they are accompanied by an adult. If the child is not capable of sitting on an adults lap for the entirety of your stay, we ask that you include them in the number of people in the party.
- Are pets allowed on the patio?
- We allow well behaved pets on the patio. All pets must be kept leashed and at the owner's side at all times. If the animal becomes a nuisance, we will ask you to leave or remove it. Pets are not allowed inside the Taproom.
- Why can I not make a reservation for 1 person or for 7 or more people?
- We are operating under a very limited capacity. In order for us to be profitable at such a small number, we need to maximize our seating. As things open up more and the state starts to relax some of its restrictions, we may be able to revisit this.
- Will flights be available?
- We are removing flights (tickers delight) temporarily from the menu due to the increased number of touch points and articles that would need to be sanitized as a result of serving them. We are now offering half pours of any beer on draft if you are looking for a smaller pour.
- If there are no flights, then can I get a sample/taste?
- Not at this time. We are trying to limit the amount of glassware, etc that needs to be touched and limit close interactions between guests and staff. We don't feel we can provide samples/tastes while maintaining safety at the same time.
- How long is my reservation?
- We ask that you select an appropriate time of stay when you make your reservation. A max of 90 minutes is allowed with the understanding that we will ask that you surrender the table10 minutes prior to the end of you reservation so that we can clear and reset/sanitize the table for the next party.
- Do I have to order food with my beer?
- Yes, as of August 11th, the state requires that food must be purchased with the first round of beer. "Alcoholic beverages may only be served for on-site consumption if accompanied by food prepared on-site. For each customer, an item of prepared food must be ordered at the same time as an initial alcoholic beverage(s) order. One or more shareable food item(s) may be ordered, as long as it/they would sufficiently serve the number of people at the table."
- Is the patio heated?
- No, the patio is unheated and is only open when the weather permits.
- Why do I have to make a reservation more than two hours in advance?
- Due to our limited capacity we ask that online reservations be made more than two hours in advance. This ensures the best experience for guests and staff and allows us to sit walk ins if tables are open. If any tables are not reserved, they will be available on a first come, first served bases. No reservations will be accepted over the phone.
- Do I need a reservation?
- As of May 29th, 2021 we are no longer accepting reservations. This is a return to pre-covid normal. Just show up, order at the bar, find a seat or standing area and enjoy.
Customer Reviews & Ratings
4.89 out of 5 stars based on 592 votes
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 8/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
May 17, 2021
James A.
The Staff is fully attentive throughout!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Apr 01, 2021
John S.
I absolutely love going to Idle Hands. Awesome experience everytime.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 5/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 8/10
Mar 28, 2021
Laura K.
Great beer , had 2 IPA , Honeyball and Fourseam both excellent, We also had a kill your Idles great sour, Fast service , cool guys working that day! Safe set up , patio is sunny! Will be back.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Mar 26, 2021
Katie I.
Our favorite local spot!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 6/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Mar 16, 2021
Beth G.
Our favorite brewery !
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Mar 09, 2021
Molly V.
So nice that they allow dogs outside! We will be back for sure!!!!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Mar 02, 2021
Donna F.
It was a great way to spend some time out on a Saturday afternoon, our table was ready when we arrived. The beer and service was great. We were given a 15 minute reminder when we were getting close to the end of our reservation time so we could finish up and decide on beer to go. Overall a great experience that was fun and safe during the pandemic.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Feb 21, 2021
George C.
Had a great time. Can’t wait to go back
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Feb 08, 2021
Amy L.
Best brewery around, our favorite place to go!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Feb 03, 2021
Katie K.
We've been here twice in the past month and found the beer, service, pretzels, and atmosphere (in regards to COVID safety measures) top notch. Definitely a new favorite spot!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 8/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 10/10
Dec 15, 2020
Ed N.
Mid-December and 60 degrees allowed for an enjoyable afternoon sitting in Idle Hands patio tasting some terrific local beer. Highly recommend! And get a few 4 packs to go.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Nov 14, 2020
Lisa H.
Great food, great beer, extremely safe atmosphere and very nice staff. 5/5 can’t wait to go back!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Nov 03, 2020
Angela E.
Love them! Quality beer, safe experience, knowledgeable staff
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 8/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 6/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 20, 2020
Tanya T.
I am a long time customer of Idle Hands. The beer was fantastic as always. Our servers were lovely and kind, and even threw in some free koozies! If I had any feedback, it would be to expand the menu. Only having three options is kinda tough. If the issue is not having kitchen space for prep, maybe starting a partnership with some of the local Malden restaurants for delivery would be a good option! Lastly, it is starting to get cold. If they plan to stay open into the winter, I think some heat lamps would be a valuable addition to the patio.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 12, 2020
Savhanna S.
Great spot!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 12, 2020
Keith H.
Hi all still my favorite brewery. Great experience , service , food but most of all great beer. Keith
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 06, 2020
Beth G.
Always a great time ! The staff is just terrific !
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 22, 2020
Marissa L.
Thanks for having us! It was a great space to enjoy outside our own house!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 15, 2020
Cal S.
Nice patio and a nice selection of beer. They cant control the weather but on a nice day its hard to beat this place.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 9/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 15, 2020
Holly S.
I love the Idle Hands beers - lots of good choices that are not too hoppy.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 7/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 15, 2020
Joanna G.
Loved being able to grab a beer on the patio!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 8/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 15, 2020
George C.
Can’t wait to go again
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 8/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 11, 2020
Natalie M.
Amazing people, wonderful beer, and comfortable setting!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 10, 2020
Emma K.
The outdoor patio seating was spacious and I felt very comfortable with respect to Covid considerations. The staff was clear about mask requirements, food/drink ordering regulations, and all other items. They were also very personable. The beer is great! Can't wait to come back!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 7/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 9/10
- Value: 9/10
Aug 11, 2020
Jim M.
Very friendly staff!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jul 27, 2020
TERESA D.
I love this place. The beers are top notch and I was very impressed with their virus guidelines. They followed them to a t. I felt very safe and had a great time.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jul 25, 2020
Jennifer C.
Beers and pretzels on the patio were great, server was great, and best of all we felt very safe all things considered. Thank you!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jul 23, 2020
Britt W.
Love Idle Hands! So happy to have the patio open again
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jul 23, 2020
Landon B.
We love going to IH. The employees are great and so are the beers. I really appreciate the employees going above and beyond. I realize that they are not waiters, they are brewers and bartenders... but they are doing an excellent job.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 7/10
- Value: 10/10
Jul 14, 2020
Joshua G.
Great experience with friendly staff. Beer was also great. Thank you!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 0/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 10/10
Jul 14, 2020
Ainsley C.
Didn’t have any food, but the beer and service were excellent. The patio is great, wish it wasn’t on such a busy road.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jul 05, 2020
Suzie S.
We love idle hands and were so happy to be able to enjoy their beer outside again!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jul 04, 2020
Keith H.
Idle hands is my favorite brewery. The different beers are great for everyone that I bring with me. All my family and friends want to go when I make reservations. We all love the brewery. Thanks so much Keith.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 8/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 10/10
Jun 29, 2020
Lauren R.
Idle Hands is a great local brewery and they've done an excellent job adapting to the new COVID guidelines. Their outdoor space is nicely laid out, the team is really careful about cleaning between guests, and most importantly, the beer is delicious! They have a limited food menu if you're looking for a snack, or you can bring your own food as well.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jun 28, 2020
Sarah B.
Idle hands is our favorite brewery by far! The staff is super nice and accommodating especially given the circumstances. We love you guys!!!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 0/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jun 28, 2020
Keri P.
Even though it was starting to sprinkle and they were going to be closing the patio, they let us come in for one quick beer. The rain held off, we had a couple beers, and we had a lovely experience. The beer was good, and the service was pleasant and friendly. It was nice to get out somewhere for a short while and also support a local business. We didn't purchase any food, and there's not an N/A, hence the 0 on food.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jun 26, 2020
Beth G.
Love everything about Idle Hands. We were so glad to be back on the patio !
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jun 26, 2020
Mike F.
Best brewery around, hands down. Great staff and great beers!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 5/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jun 22, 2020
Sonia P.
The staff are so great. Ambience is perfect with the outdoor dining. Love it.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jun 18, 2020
Kate S.
Idle hands provided a wonderful experience for our first beer out in months. They followed all the safety guidelines to a T! I can’t wait to return and enjoy another delicious beer on their patio!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jun 18, 2020
Baruch H.
They've done a really nice job with the outdoor / social distancing thing. Plenty of beers to choose from tap / can / bottle and their stuff is always top-notch. Service was great, you can even buy retail and they'll bring it to your table. We didn't get food.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jun 16, 2020
SUSAN N.
Everything was great!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jun 15, 2020
Kirsten D.
My friends and I had the best time at Idle Hands yesterday!! Service, drinks, and food were incredible. We will be back soon!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 8/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 10/10
Jun 15, 2020
Deven E.
Had a great time - good beer and the pretzels are excellent.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jun 14, 2020
Tim M.
The best beer made on the planet. Period.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jun 13, 2020
Kathy S.
It was great!
- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 5/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 5/10
Apr 26, 2021
Mike N.
Beers are delicious and everyone very nice and all that, but $9 a pour is on the pricey side and I won't be back for quite some time.
- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 1/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Mar 18, 2021
Taina N.
More food options sounds good. Or options for delivery (restaurants)
- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 9/10
- Ambience: 9/10
- Value: 8/10
Jul 14, 2020
Phyllis M.
Great beer,good service, very good to get out in public.
- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 7/10
- Value: 5/10
Jul 02, 2020
JoAnn J.
It was great to return to enjoying a beer on the patio. Staff was very responsive and enthusiastic and made us feel comfortable that sanitary guidelines were being followed. Can’t wait to return. I hope they open up their parking lot so more seating is available.
- Overall: 8/10
- Food: 4/10
- Service: 8/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 8/10
Aug 24, 2020
Bob S.
Could do more with the food. Maybe work with food trucks to help other businesses while also helping your own?
- Overall: 8/10
- Food: 5/10
- Service: 9/10
- Ambience: 7/10
- Value: 8/10
Aug 24, 2020
Thomas M.
Very limited food choices unlike others in the area. Staff are very attentive to your needs and very professional.
- Overall: 8/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 8/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 9/10
Jun 25, 2020
Hemali P.
The beers were great. We felt rushed at the table when we were told we had to finish up in 15 min soon after our second beers arrived. We were planning on ordering shares appetizers for the table but were told we would have to eat them in 10 minutes. When we sat down, we were not told about a time limit at the table. It would have been nice to have been informed earlier.