University of Vermont
- Nightlife

Higher Ground

Freestyle battles, rock concerts, and gut-busting comedy routines are only some of the events hosted by Higher Ground. They offer a spacious dance floor and three full bars. Tickets for shows are available online, at the HG Box Office, or any night they have a show.

Rasputin's

Rasputin’s regularly features drink specials and local DJs and is one of the best places in Burlington to go dancing. It’s large, spacious, and if you want the atmosphere but are too shy to dance have no fear—there is a pool table. Also, you can get in if you’re under 21 before 11 p.m. However, Rasputin’s does not have an amazing reputation and is, in general, considered a “dive club.”

Club Metronome

One of the town’s largest live music venues, Metronome enjoys a prime downtown location. The scene inside is trendy, featuring a red and orange central bar area, blue floors and ceilings, a mod lounge area with bright yellow walls interrupted by murals, and a dance floor with state-of-the-art lighting and sound effects. Some musicians that have played at Metronome are Ben Harper, Eddie from Ohio, and the Black Crowes. Cover charges normally vary.

Halvorson’s Upstreet Cafè

On upper Church Street., Halvorson’s features an extensive pub menu. This popular gathering place draws large crowds year around. However, it really rocks in the summer when the seating along the street side comes out, and the rear courtyard opens, creating an open-air scene. However, this is rarely available to students because they are gone.

Vermont Pub & Brewery

The state’s first brewery, Vermont Pub & Brewery is a place where neighbors could share a love for ales and lagers. The pub boasts patio seating, a menu that includes burgers, bangers & mash, and shepherd’s pie, and a full menu of scotches.

Tilley's Café

Tilley’s is a great looking bar that regularly offers weekend drink specials that work for the average college budget. Also, the small but enjoyable atmosphere featuring some great TVs and a pair of really cool fish tanks gives the bar an upper-echelon atmosphere at an affordable price.

What Ales You

There are $1 drafts of PRB and Rolling Rock just about every weeknight.

Waiting Room

The Waiting Room is an upscale bistro lounge that takes you into the heart of New York City with its overwhelming amount of black and velvet. The club features live music and fresh seafood. It is a favorite of the older crowd, but still draws its fair share of the college kids looking for cosmopolitans instead of Miller Light.

Rí~Rá

One of the more popular places to visit, Rí~Rá offers all the charm and comfort of a traditional Irish pub, considering that much of the furniture was built on the Emerald Isle. The space is divided into four distinct areas, and each has a different mood: the cozy Cottage with its stone fireplace, the Library with its literary theme, the unique Victorian Shop, and the Pub with a myriad of Irish trinkets. Rí~Rá hosts a variety of weekly events, from Premier League-viewing parties to live music.

Manhattan Pizza

Great draft beer selection with regular open-mic nights and shows.

Drink

There are affordable specials every single night here, and you can find the most creative drinks in the city here.

Red Square Bar and Grill

From the front, this former Italian restaurant appears to be a tiny jazz club. Take a few steps inside, and you’ll see that Red Square is a never-ending, music-lovers haven. In the warmer months, this popular club takes over the alley next to door, and fills it with more tables and another larger stage. The crowd runs the full gamut from college kids to late 30s. There is a band or DJ every night.

Nectar’s

Well known as the place where Phish got their start, this classic downtown bar and grill is a favorite with locals and students. The interior offers a cozy environment for a quick lunch or an evening gathering with old friends. The menu features an array of standard bar food including burgers, hot sandwiches, and great fries. In the evening, bartenders concoct cocktails and serve microbrews, while the booths and barstools fill up with locals.

Rasputin’s

This is the place for dancing. But get in before 11 p.m.

Manhattan Pizza

Always open to the under-21 crowd.

Students who are underage tend to hit up the cafés and restaurants around town. House, dorm, and room parties are also popular.