Best 10 Breweries in Burlington VT: Our Top Picks for Craft Beer Lovers

ByAnthony Smith Last Updated:

Burlington, Vermont is known for its thriving craft beer scene, and for good reason. With a plethora of breweries to choose from, there’s no shortage of delicious beer to sample. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, exploring the best breweries in Burlington is a must-do activity.

From the award-winning Zero Gravity Brewery to the trendy Foam Brewers, there’s a brewery for every taste and preference. Many of the breweries offer outdoor seating, making it the perfect way to enjoy a sunny day in Vermont. With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to start. But fear not, this guide will help you navigate the best breweries in Burlington and make the most of your visit.

Overview of Burlington’s Breweries

Burlington, Vermont, is a city that loves beer. It’s no surprise that the city is home to many breweries that offer a wide variety of craft beers. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or just looking for a place to relax and enjoy a cold one, Burlington has something to offer.

Breweries in Burlington offer a range of beer styles, from hoppy IPAs to sour and barrel-aged options. Many of these breweries also offer outdoor seating, so you can enjoy your beer while taking in the beautiful views of Lake Champlain or the city’s bustling streets.

Some of the popular breweries in Burlington include Foam Brewers, Zero Gravity Brewery, and Burlington Beer Company. Foam Brewers is known for its killer views of Lake Champlain and specializes in hop-forward beers, while Zero Gravity Brewery offers a range of beer styles, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. Burlington Beer Company, on the other hand, offers a variety of beers that are brewed on-site, including IPAs, ales, and stouts.

In addition to these breweries, Burlington also has several other craft breweries that are worth checking out, such as Switchback Brewing Co. and Citizen Cider. Switchback Brewing Co. is known for its unfiltered and naturally carbonated beers, while Citizen Cider offers a range of hard ciders made from locally sourced apples.

Top Breweries to Visit

Zero Gravity Craft Brewery

Zero Gravity Craft Brewery is a must-visit for beer enthusiasts in Burlington, Vermont. The brewery offers a wide range of craft beers, including their famous Conehead IPA, which is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The menu at Zero Gravity is carefully crafted to pair perfectly with their drinks, making it a great spot for a meal or a quick snack.

Website: https://www.zerogravitybeer.com/

Address: 716 Pine St, Burlington, VT 05401, United States

Foam Brewers

Located in downtown Burlington, Foam Brewers is a popular spot for those looking to try some of the best craft beers in Vermont. The brewery offers stunning lake views, live music, and a tantalizing menu of creative and fun brews. Foam Brewers is known for its fruity pale ales, sweet-sour ales, and unique stouts and lagers.

Website: http://www.foambrewers.com/

Address: 112 Lake St, Burlington, VT 05401, United States

Switchback Brewing Company

Switchback Brewing Company is one of Burlington’s oldest and finest breweries. The brewery offers a wide range of craft beers, including their famous Switchback Ale, which is a staple in the Vermont beer scene. Despite being one of the more popular breweries in Burlington, Switchback Brewing Company is still worth visiting.

Website: http://switchbackvt.com/

Address: 160 Flynn Ave, Burlington, VT 05401, United States

Burlington Beer Company

Burlington Beer Company is a craft brewery located in Williston, just outside of Burlington. The brewery offers a wide range of craft beers, including IPAs, lagers, and Belgian tripels. Burlington Beer Company is known for its creative and innovative brews, making it a must-visit for those looking to try something new.

Website: http://www.burlingtonbeer.com/

Address: 180 Flynn Ave, Burlington, VT 05401, United States

Four Quarters Brewing

Located in Winooski, just outside of Burlington, Four Quarters Brewing is a craft brewery that specializes in unique and flavorful brews. The brewery offers a wide range of craft beers, including their famous imperial stout, which is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Website: http://www.4qbc.com/

Address: 70 Main St, Winooski, VT 05404, United States

Queen City Brewery

Queen City Brewery is a craft brewery located in South Burlington. The brewery offers a wide range of craft beers, including their famous Vienna Lager, which is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Queen City Brewery is known for its friendly atmosphere and knowledgeable staff, making it a great spot for a beer and a chat.

Website: http://www.queencitybrewery.com/

Address: 703 Pine St, Burlington, VT 05401, United States

Simple Roots Brewing

Simple Roots Brewing is a craft brewery located in Burlington. The brewery offers a wide range of craft beers, including their famous Conehead IPA, which is a fan favorite. Simple Roots Brewing is known for its creative and innovative brews, making it a must-visit for those looking to try something new.

Website: http://simplerootsbrewing.com/

Address: 1127 North Ave #8, Burlington, VT 05408, United States

House of Fermentology

House of Fermentology is a craft brewery located in Burlington. The brewery offers a wide range of craft beers, including their famous sour beers, which are a favorite among locals and visitors alike. House of Fermentology is known for its creative and innovative brews, making it a must-visit for those looking to try something new.

Website: https://www.houseoffermentology.com/

Address: 1211 Ethan Allen Hwy, Charlotte, VT 05445, United States

Three Needs Taproom

Three Needs Taproom is a craft beer bar located in Burlington. The bar offers a wide range of craft beers from local and regional breweries, making it a great spot to try some of the best craft beers in Vermont. Three Needs Taproom is known for its friendly atmosphere and knowledgeable staff, making it a great spot for a beer and a chat.

Website: http://threeneeds.net/

Address: 185 Pearl St, Burlington, VT 05401, United States

Fiddlehead Brewing

Fiddlehead Brewing is a craft brewery located in Shelburne, just outside of Burlington. The brewery offers a wide range of craft beers, including their famous Conehead IPA, which is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Fiddlehead Brewing is known for its creative and innovative brews, making it a must-visit for those looking to try something new.

Website: http://www.fiddleheadbrewing.com/

Address: 6305 Shelburne Rd, Shelburne, VT 05482, United States

Unique Beer Flavors in Burlington

Burlington, Vermont is known for its craft beer scene, and for good reason. The city boasts a wide variety of breweries, each with their own unique flavors and styles. Here are just a few of the unique beer flavors you can find in Burlington:

  • Zero Gravity’s Conehead IPA: This flagship beer from Zero Gravity is a classic IPA with a New England twist. Brewed with Citra and Chinook hops, Conehead is hazy, juicy, and bursting with tropical fruit flavors.
  • Foam Brewers’ Rotating Specialties: Foam Brewers is known for its experimental flavors and unfiltered, naturally carbonated beers. Their rotating menu features a variety of unique stouts, sours, and pale ales, each with its distinct flavor profile.
  • Burlington Beer Co.’s Citra-Pils: This crisp, refreshing beer from Burlington Beer Co. is brewed with Citra hops and Czech Saaz hops for a unique flavor combination. The result is a light, easy-drinking beer with a subtle citrus kick.
  • Simple Roots Brewing’s Deep City: This dark, rich beer from Simple Roots Brewing is brewed with chocolate and coffee for a decadent, complex flavor. It’s the perfect beer for a cold winter night.
  • Four Quarters Brewing’s TMávé Pivo: This traditional Czech dark lager from Four Quarters Brewing is brewed with a blend of specialty malts and Saaz hops. The result is a smooth, malty beer with a subtle hop finish.
  • Queen City Brewery’s Ginger Beer: This refreshing beer from Queen City Brewery is brewed with fresh ginger for a spicy, zesty flavor. It’s the perfect beer for a hot summer day.

Whether you’re a fan of IPAs, sours, lagers, or classic beers, there’s something for everyone in Burlington’s craft beer scene. So why not try something new and discover your new favorite beer?

Brewery Atmosphere and Services

Burlington VT is home to several breweries that offer unique and inviting atmospheres for patrons to enjoy. Each brewery has its distinct ambiance, staff, and services that make it stand out from the rest.

Some breweries in the area offer live music, providing a lively and entertaining atmosphere for visitors. Others offer outdoor seating, allowing patrons to enjoy their beer while taking in the beautiful views of Lake Champlain or Winooski River. Some breweries are located in strip malls, while others are situated near popular attractions such as Waterfront Park.

Breweries in Burlington VT also offer a variety of services to their customers. Some have covered patios or outdoor beer gardens, providing a comfortable and relaxing environment for visitors to enjoy their drinks. Others offer delivery or takeout services, allowing customers to enjoy their favorite beers from the comfort of their own homes.

The staff at breweries in Burlington VT are knowledgeable and passionate about their craft. They are always willing to provide recommendations and answer any questions patrons may have. Reviews of the breweries in the area often mention the friendly and welcoming staff, adding to the overall positive experience of visiting these establishments.

Food and Drink Pairings

Burlington VT is known for its craft beer scene, but it also has a diverse food culture. Many of the breweries in the area have their menus, and some even offer food and drink pairings. Here are a few recommendations for pairing food and drinks at some of Burlington’s best breweries:

  • Zero Gravity Craft Brewery: This brewery has a rotating selection of craft beers and a menu that features locally sourced ingredients. Try the crispy Brussels sprouts with the Green State Lager or the Vermont cheese plate with the Conehead IPA.
  • Burlington Beer Company: Known for its hazy IPAs and experimental brews, Burlington Beer Company also has a menu of elevated pub fare. Pair the smoked brisket sandwich with the It’s Complicated Being a Wizard IPA or the charcuterie board with the Strawberry Whale Cake Sour.
  • Simple Roots Brewing: This cozy brewery has a small menu of snacks and sandwiches that pair perfectly with their craft beers. Try the BBQ pulled pork sliders with the Sweetheart of the Rodeo brown ale or the maple bacon popcorn with the New North End IPA.
  • Four Quarters Brewing: This brewery specializes in Belgian-style beers and has a rotating menu of food trucks. Pair the moules frites with the Dubbel or the waffle fries with the Tripel.
  • Queen City Brewery: This brewery is known for its German-style lagers and has a menu of classic pub fare. Try the pretzel bites with the Munich Dunkel or the fish and chips with the South End Lager.
  • American Flatbread Burlington Hearth: This restaurant has a seasonal menu of wood-fired pizzas and salads, as well as a selection of Vermont craft beers and wines. Pair the Revolution flatbread with the Saison or the Punctuated Equilibrium IPA.

Whether you’re a foodie or a beer lover, Burlington has something for everyone. With so many breweries and restaurants to choose from, it’s easy to find the perfect pairing for any occasion.