James Razsa is a man with a plan—and a beer. A former community organizer, Razsa is a co-founder of Democracy Brewing, the brewery and pub scheduled to open in Downtown Boston soon. “We’re a worker-owned, democratically run business,” he explains. “I thought that a brewery would be a great way to build an economic justice model, while also having a great time and making a great product.”    

When Democracy Brewing opens for business at 35 Temple Place, it will embody “the feel of a traditional, German beer hall, mixed with some elements of a Victorian pub.” In addition to a communal table, there will be a traditional Irish snug (or private room) and an event space that seats 45. Razsa hopes the brewery will host movie nights, live music, local fundraisers and more. “We are very close to City Hall, so I’m hoping we can be a good spot for quite literally democracy as well,” he quips. Of course, you don’t have to be a Bostonian to be welcome. “If you’re passing through and just want to enjoy a spirit of innovation along with some amazing pairings of food and beer from our chef and head brewer, come in, enjoy some live music, and get to know the City of Boston.”

Razsa is a self-confessed “history nerd,” and plans to celebrate Boston’s story and American democracy through historical photographs and paintings in the pub. “Boston is in the forefront of everything, from the American Revolution, to the Abolitionists, the fighting 54th [the first African-American infantry regiment organized in the North during the Civil War] and beyond.…We really want to celebrate those who have come before us, who have made democracy possible for people in America. In a lot of ways, we feel that we are standing on their shoulders, and taking democracy to the next step—democracy in the workplace.”

Razsa is betting that his patriotic combination of beer and equality will provide the kind of community-oriented hangout in Downtown Boston that he and his friends have craved for a long time. “We’re hoping to provide a fun, casual, neighborhood place—but in the heart of the city, where it’s easy for all of Boston gather.” Democracy Brewing, he hopes, will “really be Boston’s public house.” 

Democracy Brewing 

35 Temple Place, 857-217-BREW, democracybrewing.com