Boston Beer Garden in Naples has revolving selection

Boston is known for its craft beer culture, so it is not surprising that several local Boston theme bars embrace craft beers. Boston Beer Garden is no exception. The sports-themed pub is located in the Green Tree Shopping Center and has been open since 2007.

Boston Beer Garden features TVs that can be viewed from almost any angle and is a great locale to watch any game. The restaurant is owned and operated by the Zeto family. Although the name implies that the bar features Boston area games, managing partner Nicholas Zeto says "Everyone is welcome."

The Naples area pub was based on the original located in South Boston but has changed a bit over the years. For example, as the craft beer market started to pick up in Southwest Florida, Zeto added more taps — going from an original of 10 to 25. The craft beer selection at Boston Beer Garden is great with seasonal selections on draft, as well as year-round favorites.

Generally, there are 13 craft beers on draft and about 20 more available by the bottle. As with many restaurants, the craft beers change frequently, so you never know what you will be able to try. Zeto says that he sees the craft beer market really taking off and wants to be able to offer patrons a variety of styles and selection.

The menu at Boston Beer Garden features an array of traditional bar foods and some twists on old favorites. The original menu has been modified over time to better accommodate the Florida palate. Lighter fare consists of soups, salads, sandwiches and burgers. Entrees cover the gamut from burritos to filet mignon and everything in between. Unlike many sports bars in the area, Boston Beer Garden offers a varied menu, not just bar foods. Menu items range from $10 to $20.

For an appetizer, the White Truffle Tater Tots were paired with the Goose Island 312 Urban Wheat. The White Truffle Tater Tots are an adult tweak to a childhood favorite, featuring classic tater tots sprinkled lightly with white truffle oil and Parmesan cheese. Being that this is a light appetizer, still retaining mostly a potato flavor, it was paired with a light beer. 312 has a bit of yeast on the nose and is very light on the tongue with hints of citrus flavor. 312 would be a good beer to try if you are a not a craft beer drinker, as the flavor is light and reminiscent of traditional American lagers. This is a summer beer and would be a good beer after a day of gardening or working outside.

On the suggestion of the server, the Lobster Mac and Cheese was tried as the entrée. This entree was paired with another Goose Island beer: Honker's Ale. Honker's Ale is an English-style bitter with enough maltiness and hoppiness to impart a slightly earthy taste, which really pulled out the tanginess of the cheddar in the mac and cheese. However, this is a mellow beer without a lot of bitterness so it didn't overwhelm the taste of the lobster. This beer does seem a bit sweet on the nose but any sweetness is gone quickly and it becomes what many describe as a "bready" beer on the tongue. Honker's Ale would be a great beer for those trying to expand their craft beer palate without moving directly to a hoppy, piney IPA.

Next time your favorite team is playing, instead of heading out to your regular sports bar, try Boston Beer Garden. You can expand your craft beer knowledge while enjoying something a little less traditional from the menu. You'll be able to see the game from almost any seat in the house while having a new culinary experience.

Boston Beer Garden is located at 2396 Immokalee Road, Naples; 596-2337; bostonbeergardennaples.com

Have an idea for a craft beer and food experience, contact the author at tereza@beerbloggette.com. Tereza runs a travel beer blog, The Beer Bloggette, and is a certified beer server.