Gay bars in burlington

It’s a great time to explore the state as it wakes up from winter.

Summer (June to August)

• Outdoor Activities: Summer in Vermont is all about the great outdoors.

  Here’s the scoop on some of the best gay-friendly venues and events across the state:

  Gay-Friendly Bars

  • Red Square (Burlington): A local favorite among the LGBTQ+ crowd. It's a great spot to meet friends, have a coffee, and enjoy some of their fantastic baked goods.
    
    7. Greggor Mattson, a professor at Oberlin College who studies LGBTQ+ culture, said his research has found as many as 37% of gay bars shut down across the country between 2007 and 2019. 

    Mattson found no single factor that shuttered bars across the country, he said.

    Vermont may not have a ton of gay-specific resorts, but the ones they do have are fabulous. It proudly flies the rainbow flag and calls itself a “queer bar.”

  • Babes Bar (Bethel): While not strictly an LGBTQ+ bar, it’s gained a solid reputation for being super welcoming.

  Most Gay-Friendly Restaurants in Vermont

  Vermont is known for its inclusive vibes, but while you won’t find many places advertising as “gay-friendly,” there are several spots where everyone feels welcome.

  Burlington Area

  • Honey Road: Mediterranean-inspired eats with a warm, welcoming atmosphere right in downtown Burlington.

  • Leunig’s Bistro & Café: A French-inspired spot that’s popular with the LGBTQ+ community, located on Church Street Marketplace.

  • The Skinny Pancake: A laid-back crêperie with locations in Burlington and Montpelier, known for its inclusive environment.

  Stowe Area

  • Plate: New American cuisine in Stowe, owned by a gay couple, and a favorite among LGBTQ+ visitors.

  • Hen of the Wood: Farm-to-table dining with locations in Waterbury and Burlington, where local produce and a welcoming atmosphere take center stage.

  Other Notable Mentions

  • Elixir Restaurant (White River Junction): Enjoy New American cuisine, craft cocktails, and a welcoming vibe.

  Gay-Specific Events or Retreats in Vermont

  Vermont offers some fantastic gay events and retreats throughout the year:

  Gay Men’s Retreats

  • Willow Vermont Retreat Center hosts several gatherings, centered on gay men’s retreats:

    • Summercamp – Gay and Bi-Men’s Gathering: A 3-night retreat featuring yoga, hiking, and visits to gay hangouts.

    • Strawberry Moon – Gay and Bi Men’s Gathering: Another 3-night getaway with similar activities.

    • Ecstatic Self Summer Retreat: A 6-day retreat focusing on personal discovery and spiritual growth, open to all but tailored for queer men.

  Pride Events

  Vermont’s Pride events are the real deal.

  • Montpelier Pride Fest and Parade (May)

  • Rutland County Pride Festival (June)

  • Barre Pride Fest (June)

  • St.

    Some experts link those conditions to facing discrimination and not having familial support.

    While Mattson tallied some 730 LGBTQ+ bars scattered throughout the U.S., none in Vermont — including Fox Market — made his list. Pride Vermont includes a parade, festival, and various parties, workshops, and community events. Plus, it’s famous for being LGBTQ+ friendly.

  • Pride Events: June is packed with pride festivals and events, perfect for connecting with the local LGBTQ+ community.

  • Gay-Friendly Accommodations:

    • Made Inn Vermont in Burlington

    • Stowe Mountain Lodge in Stowe

    • Moose Meadow Lodge in Waterbury (gay-owned)

  • Winter Rendezvous: An annual gay ski week held in Stowe every January.

    It’s a state that’s known for its liberal vibe and open arms for LGBTQ+ visitors.

  • LGBTQ+ Organizations: With groups like the Pride Center of Vermont and Outright Vermont, there’s no shortage of support here. So it’s definitely more of a meeting place and more of a comfortable hangout space.”

    There are touches of decor that hint at the joint’s target demographic, such as a ceramic plate with two penises crossed in an X, but they often go unnoticed by the bar’s patrons.

    But he ended up bartending at 135 Pearl, then known as Pearls, and became its manager just as the owners were looking to sell the business. 

    The 1800s-era building had been an old boardinghouse, he said, then a fine French restaurant that would clear out its tables for lingering customers to become a dance space. 

    After buying the business in the 1990s, Toms rebranded the space as 135 Pearl and refocused it as a part-time performance venue that hosted live theater and music, often from local LGBTQ+ artists. 

    The venue had a lower level with a stage covered in many layers of paint, he said.

    Dunton moved to Vermont from Maine to work for Hunger Mountain Co-op and spent several years living in Elmore, which they remarked “was beautiful, really beautiful. Located just slightly south of the lgbtq+Q-friendly mecca of Montreal on the eastern shores of Lake Champlain, Burlington is a progressive, welcoming, and diverse city where all can find their place and feel at home.
    
    Burlington is a treasured lakeside city in Vermont attracting the lgbtq+Q community all seasons throughout the year.

    It's not a gay bar, but it's very popular with the lgbtq+Q+ community. And, I mean, that was backtracking six months of bills,” he said. 

    The bar was on the market for three years before Toms gave up on selling the business and just sold the building. The walls are lined with bookshelves filled with graphic novels and board games.

    

    Local spots like the Hi Hat and Pearls in Burlington, and Andrews Inn in Bellows Falls were discreet gathering places.

  • Progressive Steps: The state’s first public Pride march happened in Burlington on June 25, 1983. It’s also one of the best gay campgrounds in New England.

  • The Gargoyle House: For something a little more offbeat, check out this clothing-optional retreat for men in Newbury/Wells River.

    It’s a great way to connect with the local community and celebrate in style.

  Winter (December to February)

  • Skiing and Snowboarding: If you’re into winter sports, Vermont is your playground. Cars whiz along the thoroughfare between Montpelier and the Northeast Kingdom.

    Upon entering the building, patrons have the option to turn right into the market, which features a wall of wines, a selection of cheeses and a few daily deli specials.

    Co-owner Doni Cain said “people still show up with their entire gaggle of children to hang out and play games all day.”

    And that broad demographic is partly intentional. It’s the perfect time to take in the crisp air and gorgeous views.

  • Events: The fall season is packed with LGBTQ+ events. Perfect for those looking to relive some nostalgia while enjoying the nightlife.

  • Nectar's Restaurant, Bar and Music Venue: A staple in Burlington's music scene, Nectar's offers live music, great food, and a welcoming atmosphere.
  • Paradiso Listening Bar: A Hi-Fi Vinyl Lounge that provides an intimate setting for music enthusiasts to enjoy high-quality sound and a curated selection of vinyl records.
  • The Monkey House: Located in nearby Winooski, this venue offers a diverse range of music and events, with a focus on local talent and craft beers.
  • The Daily Planet: A local favorite, The Daily Planet offers a cozy atmosphere with a diverse menu and cocktail list.
  • Drink: Spacious bar with a drink theme.