21 Best Cocktail Bars in Burlington

“I travel to Burlington for work every week. First time here. It was absolutely amazing. The bartenders know exactly what they are doing and are attentive and make some amazing drinks. I had an old fashioned and then their cocktail the good old clover boy and it was one of the best cocktails I have ever had. 10/10 recommendations the pizza is amazing and the vibes are their.“

“We were the 1st couple to arrive last night with no reservations and were quickly seated. Both my husband and my dinners were excellent. I ordered the pork ribs and clams and my husband had the pork schnitzel. We really enjoyed it all as well as our cocktails. It was too dark in there for me, but I got through it!“

“Amazing food and even better service.“

“Disappointed. The food was mediocre and a little pricey. Husband and son had the steak burger which was small and not very well seasoned. Wait staff was very nice. Ambiance is pleasant.“

“Thé freshly made pasta makes all the difference“

“Our server was great. I ordered the fish and chips and the first one came out with raw batter in the middle. They were super apologetic and made me a new one and gave me free dessert. They also have a great list of drinks, both n/an and alcoholic.“

“WOW what a shock! I came home to Vermont tonight after 24 years being away and decided to grab a bottle to celebrate with some friends. I first grabbed a bottle of an “old faithful” brand to remain nameless out of respect, and then I thought it would be fun to grab a bottle of a Vermont distilled bourbon and have a blind tasting to see how Mad River stacked up to a known brand that is nationally available and probably in every “bourbon guy’s” collection. Thinking I had an unfair advantage because I am a self described “bourbon guy” I just knew my palette would let me choose my “old faithful” bottle as my favorite of the two. Then wouldn’t you know it I chose Mad River Straight as my favorite of the two. But not only did I choose it everyone else chose it as well. This is a great bottle of bourbon it hits the palette smooth with a subtle slow heat, followed by gentle notes of smoke, cherry, light hints of maple and a amazing vanilla caramel finish. Being from now from Florida I like light ice in my bourbon to beat the mind bending heat so after the blind tasting I went full Florida threw in some ice and it got even better. I will be the first to admit this is a rare thing most great bourbons don’t stand up well to “Florida Man” drinking but yours does. Congratulations on a great bottle of bourbon, it made for a great welcoming home!“

“Great atmosphere and expert mixologists“

“This place REALLY threw me for a loop… walking there I was expecting a quickie bite.. not an amazing dinner meal that even my picky husband enjoyed!

The vibe definitely did not match the level of culinary skills in the food. We got chive pancakes, they were chewy crispy and savory - perfect appetizer!

Two Asahi’s to complement our entrees:
crying tiger fried rice, the sirloin was marinated to PERFECTION! Best I’ve EVER had.
Duck Penang was an entire duck leg in a creamy delicious curry sauce with pineapples and tomatoes. So mouthwatering thinking about it now..

Staff was soooo young but SUPER hospitable and lovely! Luckily we’re not locals otherwise it’d be a weekly meal here for us!“

“Visiting Burlington and decided to stop by for my 1st dinner in town. I decided to order a bunch of things to try for carry out:

- House fries: 4/5, good flavor, but a bit soggy (this might be my own issue as I did carry out)

- Artichoke dip: 5/5, I ordered the GF option which came with cape cod chips. The dip was delicious and had a great flavor.

- Buffalo , WOW were these delicious. The buffalo sauce was truly one of the best I have eaten. The cauliflower was firm and coated perfectly. The house made ranch was creamy. Definitely my favorite dish.

- Empanada : 3/5, I don't love mushrooms, but wanted to give these a try because I do like jackfruit. I didn't quite love the taste on these, but that's my own personal preference. I did like the crispiness, and the cilantro lime cream dipping sauce was divine!

- Classic , These were SO good! I'm a fan of the impossible burger, but honestly it was the cheese and special sauce that made the sliders so tasty.

Overall I really look forward to coming back to visit, Despacito will become one of my go-to restaurants while in town!

Dietary restrictions: Menu is vegan. Gluten free options clearly labeled“

“This is one of those kinds of restaurants that makes you not want to leave when you’re in from out of town! A local recommended it and I’m SO glad I came. There was already a bit of a line at the door when I got there a few minutes before open. Inside the restaurant is adorable. The white bean dip with focaccia was to die for!! The burrata was a bit smaller than expected for the price but was also fabulous. Fancy’s is the new kid on the block and I fully expect to wait in an even longer line when I’m back in town next.“

“Came here with my husband. It was an amazing experience. Atmosphere was on point, decor, music, lighting and wonderful wait staff. Best of all the food was amazing! Try the Guava Cosmo. 5 stars!“

“Soothing and upbeat jazzy vibes is a quick, relaxing getaway in this hip spot in Burlington!“

“Music forward spot that's eccentric in a good way. While the live bands were switching set-ups (4 bands were playing the night we were there), the DJ in the other connected room was jamming. You can float between the two separate spaces as you want, with bars in each. There is some seating, but it's mostly standing room with a definite college crowd...although that probably had to do with the bands that were playing while we were there which were VT alumni.“

“Awesome little place with soda mocktails, real alcoholic drinks, and great beer cheese. highly recommend, especially on Sunday for some great karaoke“

“Really enjoyed the food and the whole experience. Wish I lived closer.“

“Amazing bartenders amazing drinks amazing prices I would recommend to go here to drink“

“Another great meal. Try the secret menu item, Maria Burger! You can’t go wrong !“

“Everything was so wonderful!!!!! Incredible food, great atmosphere!“

“We have been coming here since 1986 when it was a tiny spot that let us teenagers sit and drink coffee all day. They are one of Burlington’s oldest and most loved restaurants, known for their early bird Bistro dinner that serves French classics like Beef Bourgignon, Steak Frites and even gluten free Cavatappi Carbonara. Tonight it was snowing hard and the restaurant was still full and the service was terrific. It’s our go-to place for the last 35 years and I’m grateful they are still around.“

“Seated right away per our reservation at a lovely table ordered drinks and very quickly (too quickly) our meals arrived . They were absolutely delicious! But I was still sipping on my cocktail. We saved room for dessert and each ordered one. It took over 20 minutes for them to arrive. Ridiculous! Again, they were amazing but Ed waited way too long as we did for the check. They did comp the dessert at my request but it still but a damper on the evening.“