The best bars & nightlife in Burlington

17 bars & nightlife we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Nightlife · 17 places · showing the latest additions first

Slip into The Venetian Soda Lounge for speakeasy vibes, live jazz that actually respects conversation, and cocktails tailored by their…

266 Pine St #122

Slip into The Venetian Soda Lounge for speakeasy vibes, live jazz that actually respects conversation, and cocktails tailored by their mood-reading 'no menu necessary' trick. Zero-proof folks are first-class too with house-made craft sodas, so make it a midweek reset or a date night that lingers.

From the Burlington newsletter, August 7, 2026

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Doma Bar

Nightlife

Sapphic cocktail bar and vinyl lounge Doma Bar is a South End living room, where drinks are built with vision, records spin all the way…

388 Pine St Ste 2

Sapphic cocktail bar and vinyl lounge Doma Bar is a South End living room, where drinks are built with vision, records spin all the way through, and the room asks nothing of you but to relax. Spanish bar snacks, coquito, seasonal Vermont touches, and zero-proof options keep everyone happy.

From the Burlington newsletter, August 5, 2026

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Vibrant comedy club featuring stand-up acts and improv performances, plus a full bar.

101 Main St

Vibrant comedy club featuring stand-up acts and improv performances, plus a full bar.

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Citizen Cider

Nightlife

Vibrant, family-friendly pub featuring unique hard & non-alcoholic ciders. Open for lunch & dinner.

180 Flynn Ave Bldg 2

Vibrant, family-friendly pub featuring unique hard & non-alcoholic ciders. Open for lunch & dinner.

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The 126

Nightlife

Cozy cocktail bar offering classics, new creations, and Prohibition-era drinks, plus live jazz.

126 College St #40

Cozy cocktail bar offering classics, new creations, and Prohibition-era drinks, plus live jazz.

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Wilder Wines

Nightlife

Wine shop and club specializing in natural wines plus wine-tasting events.

210 College St

Wine shop and club specializing in natural wines plus wine-tasting events.

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Warm, convivial destination offering a long draft & cider list, plus traditional Irish eats.

123 Church St

Warm, convivial destination offering a long draft & cider list, plus traditional Irish eats.

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Bar Renée

Nightlife

Warm hangout offering an extensive selection of wines and beers, plus cheese and charcuterie.

202 Main St

Warm hangout offering an extensive selection of wines and beers, plus cheese and charcuterie.

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The Flynn

Nightlife

Venue set in a 1930 art deco theater hosting a variety of live performances, from dance to readings.

153 Main St

Venue set in a 1930 art deco theater hosting a variety of live performances, from dance to readings.

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Mule Bar

Nightlife

Craft brews, house cocktails & elevated bar eats offered in a chill space with blond-wood decor.

38 Main St (Winooski)

Craft brews, house cocktails & elevated bar eats offered in a chill space with blond-wood decor.

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Higher Ground

Nightlife

All-ages venue with 3 bars, staging national & local music acts plus DJ nights.

1214 Williston Rd (South Burlington)

All-ages venue with 3 bars, staging national & local music acts plus DJ nights.

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Casual, no-frills, cozy establishment (a bar) with a deck, a patio, pool tables and darts, plus regulars and friendly staff.

149 Elmwood Ave

Casual, no-frills, cozy establishment (a bar) with a deck, a patio, pool tables and darts, plus regulars and friendly staff.

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The Archives

Nightlife

Mellow hangout offering craft brews, cocktails, wine & an arcade of vintage pinball & video games.

191 College St

Mellow hangout offering craft brews, cocktails, wine & an arcade of vintage pinball & video games.

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Relaxed spot specializing in charcuterie and wines, plus cheese, gifts and pantry staples.

21 Essex Way Suite #412 (Essex Junction)

Relaxed spot specializing in charcuterie and wines, plus cheese, gifts and pantry staples.

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Stylish cocktail bar with a rotating menu, plus local art and friendly service.

111 St Paul St

Stylish cocktail bar with a rotating menu, plus local art and friendly service.

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Halvorson's

Nightlife

Family-run joint furnishing local beers & hearty comfort food in a cozy, wood-lined interior.

16 Church St

Family-run joint furnishing local beers & hearty comfort food in a cozy, wood-lined interior.

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Radio Bean

Nightlife

Intimate underground coffee bar & music venue hosting local & national acts & serving small plates.

8 N Winooski Ave

Intimate underground coffee bar & music venue hosting local & national acts & serving small plates.

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