8 Best Pubs in Vermont!
Between Native American ties, Irish, English, and Scottish settlers, and a strong French influence to the north, the Green Mountain State knows a thing or two about getting together to have a good time. So whether breaking bread over pizza, sausage, or corned beef, there's a pub in the state with your name on it. Here are the 8 best in Vermont.
Vermont Pub & Brewery, Burlington, VT
Since 1988, this Queen City institution has been serving up cold and frosty pints of Vermont's finest. The oldest craft brewery in the state, Vermont Pub & Brewery offers award-winning beers and tasty pub fare. Dine inside or on the deck, overlooking Lake Champlain. Try Silk Ale, Vermont Smoked Porter, Blackwatch IPA, or Forbidden Fruit, for starters.
Madison Brewing Company Pub & Restaurant, Bennington, VT
This relaxed, family-run brewpub provides hearty comfort fare, house-made beers and sodas, and a fully-stocked bar. Established in the early 1990s in Bennington’s historic district, the atmosphere was always intended to be warm and inviting with a large dining area both up and downstairs. Try Old 76 English Strong Ale, Downtown IPA, Evergreen Dream, or Nor'beaster Chocolate Imperial Stout, to name a few.
Blackpack Pub, Waterbury, VT
A cozy haunt with a seasonal, locally-sourced menu and 22 craft beers on tap, Blackpack is all about the beer. Plus, get Chef Jamie Nelson's farm-to-table cuisine always featuring localvore fare and reasonably priced entrees. Don’t miss, Heady Topper, Boneyard Notorious Triple IPA, Hill Farmstead Anna, Lawson’s Sip of Sunshine, and more.
MacLaomainn's Scottish Pub, Chester, VT
There can be only one. MacLaomainn’s is the only Scottish Pub in Vermont, and this classic neighborhood tavern is a cozy spot in a former barn. Offering casual, authentic Scottish dishes and top-shelf Scotch whiskeys, Mac’s also specializes in Scottish beers. Check out Haggis, Neeps, and Tatties with a single malt to wash it down.
Ye Olde Tavern, Manchester Center, VT
Established in 1790, this New England inn serves hearty Vermont & Continental dishes. With a full bar, the Tavern also specializes in classic cocktails. Take a step back to when superior service and genteel hospitality came with your meal, and enjoy a Colonial candle-lit dining experience. Find New England scrod, pot roast, calves liver, chicken pot pie, beef, seafood, and more.
Killarney, Ludlow, VT
The hospitality at this family-owned and operated pub is unmatched. And they like to party. Featuring 15 drafts and over 30 beers in bottles, plus the best Scotch and Irish whiskey, you’ll feel the convivial vibe as soon as you enter the place.
Kevin’s Sports Pub and Restaurant, North Bennington, VT
With a loyal and attentive staff, Kevin’s featuring a cozy dining room lined with local art and live music on weekends. Plus, at Kevin’s the game is always on, and you can catch it on one of the large screen TVs. Find food driven by local ingredients, prepared from scratch by Kevin himself, as well as tons of beer and wine and a fully stocked bar.
McKee’s Pub and Grill, Winooski, VT
The second Irish pub to top our list, McKee’s offers a taste of traditional Irish hospitality and an atmosphere of friendly people where “everybody knows everybody.” With smiling faces, you’ll be greeted warmly at the door just as if you were in the old country. Find corned beef, burgers, seafood, and more. Plus, don’t miss Sunday Brunch, Irish-style.
