Craft Brews and Bars in Burlington, VT

Danielle Call

The Queen City is filled with local craft breweries, cozy cafes, and all kinds of different bars for your nightly entertainment. There is something for everyone in Burlington, whether you just want to hang out and listen to some music, or you're ready to get moving on the dance floor!

Tags: Beer, Breweries, craft beer

  • Deli 126 in Burlington, United States

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    • mustangdmv

      Deli 126 is one of my favorite places to come for a beautifully crafted cocktail. I might be a little biased because a friend of mine is the owner, but I can tell you she is amazing at what she does. When you first walk in you go through a luscious velvet curtain and step into a classic jazz club with plush booths, wooden tables, and a beautiful bar with gold accents. They will often have a live band playing in the background, but it just adds to the atmosphere without overpowering you. For now, they are doing cocktails to go through their online ordering system, and if you go, be sure to tell Emily that Dani says hi! :)

  • Foam Brewers in Burlington, United States

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    • mustangdmv

      Foam Brewers is fairly new to the Burlington craft beer scene, but has quickly established itself as a must visit. Located right on the waterfront you can grab a pint and relax looking out on Lake Champlain; if you're lucky you might spot Champ in the distance (Nessie's smaller cousin). I suggest getting a table on the patio to watch the sunset over the Adirondacks!

  • The Whiskey Room in Burlington, United States

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    • mustangdmv

      If you're looking for something a little different look no further than the Whiskey Room. Cozy and relaxed, the Whiskey Room offers local spirits from around Vermont and the Scotch and Irish standbys. Grab a booth and settle in for the evening.

  • Muddy Waters in Burlington, United States

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    • mustangdmv

      Another coffee brew, Muddy Waters is one of my favorite coffee shops in Burlington. It's relaxed, somewhat hippie vibe, instantly relaxes you as you walk in and smell the fresh ground beans. It's also a great place to bring your laptop and get some work done with a fresh brewed coffee in hand.

  • August First in Burlington, United States

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    • mustangdmv

      At August First, you can get a great cup of coffee, a pastry or sandwich, and help support local Vermont charities. August First donates 1% of their profits to give back to the community. They are only open for breakfast and lunch, so don't hit snooze too many times or you may miss out on a warm maple biscuit *drool*.

  • Great Harvest Bakery + CafĂ© in Burlington, United States

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    • mustangdmv

      Housed in a former Maple Syrup Factory, it doesn't get much more Vermont than that! Great harvest is a super cute, cozy cafe and bakery next to Arts Riot. Come grab a cup of coffee and a pastry and enjoy the warmth of the wood and brick decor of Great Harvest.

  • Speeder & Earl's Coffee in Burlington, United States

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    • mustangdmv

      Brews include coffee too! Speeder and Earl's is a Burlington institution! Formerly located on Church Street they moved to the arts district for a bit more space. This location now features a deck where you can hang out and enjoy a coffee and a pastry for breakfast or an afternoon pick me up!

  • Citizen Cider in Burlington, United States

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    • mustangdmv

      It's safe to say Citizen is my favorite cider! This cider house is close to Zero Gravity in the arts district. You could easily make your own "pub crawl" in Burlington with the number of great bars and breweries so close together. Citizen has a great tasting room with an outdoor deck (dog friendly) and delicious poutine! My favorite cider is the Dirty Mayor made with ginger, but they have so many different kinds that you have to get a flight and try them all!

  • Queen City Brewery in Burlington, United States

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    • mustangdmv

      I mentioned that Burlington is called the Queen City and this brewery aims to live up to the namesake. I have not been to this brewery because their beers are more similar to European Lagers and Ales, which are just not really my jam. But if that's your thing, don't miss out on a visit to their tasting room and check out their beautiful mahogany bar (I do love a good old wooden bar).

  • Zero Gravity Brewery in Burlington, United States

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    • mustangdmv

      A crossover from my dog friendly places, Zero Gravity is a fantastic small town brewery. They offer a wide selection of Vermont craft brews in a relaxed modern, almost warehouse-like setting. I'm a big fan of the Little Wolf which is a refreshing pale ale. They also have a covered outdoor space with heaters which is great for winters in Burlington. From here you can wander around the Burlington arts district and head back up to Church Street or the waterfront.

  • Magic Hat Brewing Company, United States

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    • mustangdmv

      This is a pretty obvious one for Burlington as Magic Hat is very well known. But did you know their tasting room is also dog friendly? The brewery tour is similar to any other tour you could fine elsewhere, but the tasting room has some eclectic decorations and a great vibe to sit and have a beer. I love a #9 fresh from the taps, it's just never as good bottled!

  • Higher Ground, United States

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    • mustangdmv

      Okay so this is not technically a "bar" but it is a fantastic intimate music venue in South Burlington where you can always find a great show. I've seen a bunch of smaller groups perform here like Zox (great music you should look them up) and the venue is so intimate that you'll probably even hang out with the band afterward. You can also find local bands like Grace Potter and the Nocturnals and Old Crow Medicine Show performing here regularly.