Downtown Burlington may be small, but its full of variety. Whether you’re a UVM student or just visiting friends, the B-town bar scene is definitely worth a thorough investigation. Downtown is small enough that you can walk from any given bar to another in under 15 minutes, so there’s no reason to stay at a place you don’t like.
So for those of you who are going out on the town tonight, here are our top 3 picks for the best bars in Burlington. We tried to select three very different types of places to appeal to the very different preferences people have. With that in mind, the first on our list is:
1) Drink. A relaxed, casual bar with a large variety of local micro brews and specialty mixed drinks. The atmosphere is quiet enough to actually have a conversation, something that isn’t possible at most bars. They also have a wide selection of board and trivia games to keep you entertained. All in all, a great place for people who are tired of loud, crowded bars and want something a little bit more laid back.
2) Red Square. This is a good bar for people who are looking to drink, dance and have a loud good time. Live bands and DJs play music nightly, and they have an outdoor stage and seating area for the summer months. This a place for singles who want to meet someone, or for those of us that need to let loose after a long week behind a desk. Not for the faint of heart.
3) The Other Place. Affectionately known by locals as “The OP,” this is the place to find authentic Burlington weirdos and hipsters. They boast an endless variety of unusual mixed drinks along with the old favorites (their homemade Bloody Mary recipe is incredible). Best of all, the drinks here are cheap and strong, so don’t expect to meet very many sober people hanging out here. Overall a great place to spend a Friday or Saturday night, but not somewhere I’d want to go if I had to work the next morning!
And just in case these ones don’t do it for you, we have our runners up:
1st runner up: The 3 Needs. They brew their own beer that you can’t get anywhere else, and most of it is delicious. This place is similar in style to the Other Place, but drinks are more expensive.
2nd Runner Up: Nectar’s/Metronome. Downstairs you can order food, play pool and watch live performers on stage. Upstairs has a dance floor and a DJ, and both levels have full bars. This place can get crowded, but is that really a bad thing?
3rd Runner Up: Ri-Ra’s. This place is an Irish-style pub with a full food menu and a huge list of beers on tap. They also feature live music and weekly trivia nights. A good place for the whole family.
And of course, remember to drink responsibly, and never drink and drive.
