If you ask a local where to drink in Burlington, they will tell you to head to neighbouring Winooski for some of the Champlain Valley’s hippest haunts. One of which is Misery Loves Company, an acclaimed farm-to-table bar and eatery whose strong relationships with local farmers is reflected in the quality of its food and seasonal cocktail program.

For a groovy cocktail lounge and occasional disco dance parties, head to the Light Club Lamp Shop where house libations and local beers flow and vintage lamps abound. The space is so funky it borders on silly, but the cocktail program is serious.

For more local craft beer on tap, head to Foam Brewers. Located in a historic brick building near the Lake Champlain waterfront, Foam is famous for its unique IPAs and rotating selection of seasonal brews.

Hen of the Wood is famous for the rustic yet sophisticated farm-to-table cuisine that put Burlington on the map as a culinary destination. And the bar at the famed eatery is a reflection of this ethos and quality. A destination all on its own, Hen of the Wood’s beverage program offers locally sourced beer, wine and an impressive list of craft cocktails shaken, stirred and poured by attentive and knowledgable bartenders.

Underneath one of Burlington’s favourite farm-to-table eateries lies one of the city’s favourite drinking dens. Communal seating, a roaring fireplace and over 30 draft beers makes this subterranean bar a charming place to warm up with a libation in winter. In the warmer months, Farmhouse’s above-ground beer garden is a happening outdoor patio with occasional live music.

At first glance, The Archives is a cool vintage arcade hall. At a closer look, it’s an impressive cocktail bar worth visiting even if you’ve never played Donkey Kong Jr., nor ever plan to. Cocktail highlights include the Baked Alaska, with plymouth navy strength gin, yellow chartreuse, falernum liqueur, matcha, cucumber, lemon, egg white, and (hence the name), CBD. A rotating list of local beers on tap and a hearty local cheese plate make the Archives a cozy and inviting watering hole for gamers and non-gamers alike.

By day, Monarch (as called by locals) is known for its stand-out brunch. In the evening, a hip crowd bellies up to a small bar where an apron-clad mixologist explains the process of making spiced beet cordial for the Recovery Pod cocktail. She shakes it into a pink frothy liquid with Buffalo Trace bourbon, Amontillado sherry, lemon, egg white and sesame oil and pours it into a coupe glass with a dusting of green matcha.

Now famous for its cans of crisp Green State Lager pilsner, Zero Gravity Craft Brewery began in 2004 here, inside Burlington’s popular pizzeria American Flatbread. Since then, guests have been enjoying all of the Zero Gravity beers on 18 taps along with a varying array of cask-conditioned beers. By 2014, with growing popularity, Zero Gravity opened a second location, the Pine Street brewery in 2015. Replete with tasting room, retail shop and sunny beer garden, the 30-barrel brewhouse in Burlington’s Southend Arts District is a must-visit for beer aficionados and tourists alike.

For a quieter, romantic night out, head to this tiny Italian wine bar where an extensive list of mostly Italian varietals is poured by knowledgeable staff. If you’re hungry, pair that wine with Sotto’s selection of hearty Italian fare.

Apples sourced from nearby orchards get fermented into refreshing ciders at Citizen’s Burlington taproom. Try a flight to taste a variety of ciders on draft or choose from a list of cider-centric cocktails like the “Cold Fashioned”: bourbon, Angostura bitters, ice cider and Citizen’s Unified Press.

Located in Burlington’s South End Arts District, Dedalus is a ten minute walk from the downtown Church Street Marketplace. Also a market and wine shop, Dedalus is loved by locals as a serious wine-lovers’ haven. Sit on the patio under hanging lights and enjoy some of the many pours from Burgundy, Beaujolais, the Loire, the Northern Rhone, California, Corsica, Sardinia, and Piedmont or a sparkling glass of Champagne.