Burlington’s center is small, but full of variety. Whether you’re a UVM student or just visiting friends, B-town’s bar scene is definitely worth exploring. The city center is small enough that you can get from any bar to another in under 15 minutes, so there’s no reason you wouldn’t want to stay in the area.
So for those of you going out on the town tonight, here are our top 3 bars in Burlington. We tried to choose three very different types of sites, so that they would appeal to very different preferences of people. So the first thing on our list is;
1) Drink. Relaxed casual bar with a wide variety of local micro brew and specialty mixed drinks. The air is quiet enough to have a conversation, which can’t be done at the top of the bars. They also have a wide selection of board and trivia games to keep you entertained. All in all, it’s a great place for people who are tired of loud noises and crowded restaurants and want something a little more restorative.
2) Red Square. This is a good bar for people looking to drink, dance and clearly have a good time. Bands and DJs live music nights, and they have an outdoor stage and summer seating area for months. This place welcomes anyone who wants to meet someone, or for those who need to let us out after a long week behind the table. Not for the faint of heart.
3) Another Place. Affectionately known by locals as “The OP”, this place is a true Burlington school crowd and hipsters. They boast an endless variety of unusual mixed drinks with old favorites (recipe for an incredible homemade Bloody Mary). Best of all, the drinks here are cheap and strong, so you wouldn’t believe how many sober people you meet here. Overall, it’s great to spend Friday or saturday night, but you don’t want to go anywhere if you have to work the next morning. it was for me!
And just in case these don’t do it for you, we have our own runners;
1st runner: 3 Necessity. They have brew their own beer so you can’t get it elsewhere , and it is most delicious. It’s a similar style place to the other place, but the drinks are more expensive.
2nd Runner Up: Nectarius/Metronome. Down you can order food, play pool, and watch the performers. The upstairs has a dance floor and a DJ, and they have full lockers on both levels. This place may be related, but is that a bad thing?
3rd Runner Up: Ri-Ra’s. This Irish-style place pub with full foodpub. /a> menu and a huge list of beers on tap. They also play music and weekly trivia nights. A good place for the whole family.
And of course remember to drink with conscience, and never to drink and throw away.
