Beer & Liquor: Downtown Wine & Spirits

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By Laura Dargus

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The Dig endorses alcoholic libations for picnics of the backyard and rooftop varieties. And Dan Parsons, general manager of Downtown Wine & Spirits, is here to help us help you in the quest for some adult refreshment to perfectly accompany your spread.

Choosing what'll add to and not entirely derail a picnic may seem daunting, but Parsons is quick to think of the theoretical guests' best interest. "Beer's a little more session oriented. You can relax and drink it for a while, and never get too drunk." Just ruling out the hard stuff, so your get-together with friends doesn't turn into "something invariably different," still leaves over 1,300 brews to choose from. "Definitely talk to the people in the store because they can hook you up with something that's more about your individual experience and less about ... whatever's nearest to the door."

In Parsons' mind, specificity is a virtue. Rather than thinking just "picnic!," mention the types of food and people that'll be present, "because you don't want to bring a nice beer and have someone who tries to shotgun it." With just a portability-to-package ratio in mind, growlers from local brewers Berkshire Brewing Co. ($8.25) and Opa Opa ($7) are a win-win. And if breakage is more a concern, Parsons suggests some craft beers that come in cans. What if your contribution is booze sans involvement with what's being served? Mixed 12-packs of Harpoon ($14.75), Flying Dog ($17.50) and Long Trail ($15.75) are Parson's' recommended go-tos. Or why not try mixing your own six-pack, Downtown's most popular option aside from Budweiser—"you can't spoil the beast."

While the grab-and-go concept is tempting, talking to an actual staff member is your best bet for optimal picnicking results, especially since they're hired based in part on their individual preferences—some better at the food pairings than others. "Everything is subjective, which is why we all have a job."

And Parsons' parting advice for would-be public consumers should show you he truly does care. "If you're bringing booze, keep your shoes on, because you might have to run."

[225 Elm St., Somerville. 617.625.7777. downtownwineandspirits.com]

[Charles St. Liquors]

Right across the pedestrian bridge from the Esplanade, Charles Street Liquors has an impressive selection of beer (800+), wine and other libations to help lubricate your picnic's social interactions. As an added bonus, once you've retired to your roof deck to continue the festivities, they'll even deliver! They drive, so you can drink—it's like having a designated driver you don't even have to leave home for. [143 Charles St., Boston. 617.523.5051. csliquors.com]

[Marty's Liquors]

Since Marty's in Allston closed, the famed "Back to the Future Corner" is down to just Great Scott and the mini clock tower. However, if your picnic wanderlust is pulling you westward, Marty's stellar selection of beverages, cigars and snack foods, along with their wondrous deli, is still available right off the Newton/Watertown exit on the MassPike. Stop and stock up for wherever your day takes you. [675 Washington St., Newton. 617.332.1230]

[Blanchards]

The Jamaica Plain and West Roxbury locations of Blanchards literally sandwich Harvard's Arnold Arboretum—a prime picnicking spot if there ever was one (good for getting lost in, too). Pair their location with the option of ordering online for pickup, and your outdoor excursion practically plans itself. [418 LaGrange St., West Roxbury. 617.327.1400. 741 Centre St., 617.522.9300. blanchardsliquor.com]

MORE SPRING DINING:

EASY: Spice & Rice, Coast Cafe, James Hook & Co., Sultan's Kitchen

VEGGIE: Grezzo, Haymarket, Clover Food Lab, City Feed and Supply

COLD: Dave's Fresh Pasta, J Pace & Son, Savenor's Market, Lionette's

WINE & CHEESE: South End Formaggio, Cardullo's, Golden Goose Market, The Wine & Cheese Cask

BARBECUE: Blue Ribbon Bar-B-Q, Redbones, Smoken' Joe's, Mrs. Jones

LIQUID: Bubble-T Zone, Boston Tea Stop, Blue Shirt Cafe, Black Seed

PATIO: The Other Side Cafe, Barking Crab, Grafton Street, The Beehive