Gay Bars, Hotels & Venues in Burlington, VT — 21 LGBTQ+ Spots

If you're looking for a high-energy dance club with live music and a mixed crowd, Red Square is your spot. This Burlington staple has been going strong since 1997, offering a full bar and an extensive selection of tap beers in a casual, loud atmosphere. Located on the Church Street Marketplace pedestrian mall, it's easy to find. The outdoor seating is dog friendly, and Thursday through Saturday are the busiest nights. You'll find a good mix of gay and straight patrons here, plus an art gallery space that hosts special events.

Leunig's Bistro brings a French-style Montreal vibe to Burlington with sidewalk seating and a roll-up window that opens in summer. It's a relaxed yet upscale spot where the bar is known for being kick-ass and the menu leans European, featuring local ingredients. The bistro has a strong LGBTQ connection: it employs gay and lesbian staff and donates catering each year to Burlington Pride. Make a reservation — they take them, and it's wise on weekend brunch days. Happy hour runs daily (check times), and if you're planning a night out, Friday and Saturday are the busiest. For a quieter meal, aim for a weekday lunch. Afterward, you could walk over to American Flatbread for a completely different pizza-and-beer scene.

The crowd here leans toward music lovers and queer locals catching both touring acts and homegrown talent. Known for its full bar and welcoming vibe, Higher Ground has hosted plenty of LGBTQ+ performers and events. It's currently closed, so check ahead before planning a visit.

Near College and Main in Burlington, this cocktail lounge offers a relaxed atmosphere with comfy chairs and board games. House-infused vodkas are a specialty, and the crowd tends to be mixed gay-straight. Happy hour draws a local after-work crowd, and later evenings get busier on Fridays and Saturdays. Check their current status as Yelp lists it as possibly permanently closed.

Felt on a sticky floor under the dim lights of two pool tables, Three Needs is a dive bar where lesbians tend to frequent most often. The mixed crowd shares space around pinball machines and house beers. It's closed temporarily, so check before heading out.

This spot is best for men seeking a modern salon experience that blends barbershop techniques with full-service hair and spa treatments. The Men's Room is an Aveda Concept Salon offering haircuts, coloring, body hair removal, facials, and massage. It also doubles as an art space, with rotating exhibits on the walls. Established in 1995, it was voted one of America's Top 25 Salons by Men's Health Magazine. The atmosphere is more refined than a traditional barbershop but still relaxed. They welcome all genders and are kid-friendly. Hours vary by day, so check their schedule before heading over. If you're in Stowe, the owner's other salon, Salon Salon, is a 28-year institution there.

Michael's on the Hill serves dinner Tuesday through Sunday from 5pm to 9pm in Waterbury Center. This European cuisine spot focuses on local ingredients. Owners Andrew and Don took over in September 2023; they also run The Brass Lantern Inn in Stowe. The restaurant has earned the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence and Vermont's First Certified Green Restaurant status. You'll find a relaxed atmosphere with full bar, outdoor seating, and free WiFi. The indoor porch dining room offers a romantic setting, while the barn dining room suits larger parties. Servers are attentive but not pretentious. Ask about the fresh trout. Note: Yelp indicates this venue may be permanently closed, so confirm before visiting. Leunig's Bistro is another option nearby.

You'll feel right at home at Vermont's original craft brewpub, a spot that draws a mixed gay-straight crowd and welcomes dogs on the outdoor patio. Founded by brewing pioneer Greg Noonan in 1988, it's the longest-running craft brewery in the state, churning out over 80 beer styles each year from a 14-barrel system and a half-barrel experimental rig. The full bar and full menu pair nicely with those rotating taps. Reservations are accepted, and you can bring your dog to the outdoor seating. Best nights are Thursday through Saturday. It's a casual, reliable choice whether you're a beer nerd or just want fish and chips with a local pint.

Mirabelles is a tiny treasure, with a great hip breakfast menu, homemade bakery items and cakes, and a hot lunch with sandwiches and soups. This chef owned bakery and cafe in Burlington was voted best bakery in Chittenden County. It's a locals' favorite with a casual, mixed crowd. You'll find popovers, pancakes, and creme brulee cake alongside options for celiac or vegetarian diets. Best for a relaxed brunch or weekday lunch, it's open daily from 8am to 4pm. If you're in the mood for a sit-down dinner, try American Flatbread nearby for wood-fired pies.

Steam rises from the oversized outdoor hot tub year-round at The Essex, Vermont's only culinary resort and spa. This Essex Junction property combines a full-service salon and spa (ten treatment rooms, indoor lap pool, steam rooms, saunas) with two restaurants and daily cooking classes. It's mixed-gay-straight and welcoming to all, including dogs and families. The spa opens daily from 8am to 8pm with a social lounge serving lunch until 2pm on Sundays. You'll also find a golf course, ropes course, and seasonal outdoor pool on site. General Manager Nic makes sure every guest feels welcome. If you're exploring further, Courtyard Burlington Harbor is nearby for another lodging option.

Moose Meadow Lodge is an LGBTQ-owned bed and breakfast on 86 secluded acres in Waterbury, Vermont, opened in 1998 by partners Willie Docto and Greg Trulson. The Adirondack-style log lodge offers four luxury guest rooms plus a treehouse, with mountain views, a hot tub, hiking trails, a trout pond, and the Sky Loft glass-enclosed gazebo. It's a rustic but comfortable space where you're encouraged to make yourself at home. Free WiFi is included. The property's hours are round-the-clock daily, and it's popular for weddings and quiet getaways. Regulars appreciate the secluded location near Stowe and Burlington without the resort price tag. If you're looking for a full-service hotel with amenities, the Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa nearby offers a different vibe, but here you get genuine Vermont peace and privacy.

Deer Brook Inn is a gay-owned B&B set in a nearly 200-year-old farmhouse in Woodstock. It offers romantic antique-furnished rooms and breakfast made with local ingredients. The atmosphere is intimate and welcoming, perfect for couples. The innkeepers are friendly and attentive. You'll enjoy free WiFi during your stay. For a classic Vermont getaway, this inn delivers charm without pretense.

This Stowe bed and breakfast is a Forbes.com Top 12 B&B in North America and a Select Registry Innkeeper of the Year winner. It's built more like a boutique hotel, with all rooms featuring king beds, a fireside Jacuzzi-for-two, and garden views. The vibe is romantic and casual, welcoming mixed LGBTQ+ crowds from their 30s to 50s. You'll find outdoor seating and a secluded garden setting. It's open 24/7 with free WiFi, making it easy to plan your day. Just seven minutes from Stowe skiing, it's a couples-focused getaway. If you need more space, nearby Stoweflake Mountain Resort and Spa offers additional amenities.

Bailey’s Place draws a steady crowd of 40- and 50-somethings, mostly locals stopping in after work. The vibe is casual and budget-friendly, with handcrafted cocktails and a small menu of American sandwiches and burgers. This is a straightforward neighborhood bar where regulars know your name. Hours can be limited: open Wednesday at 9am, then Thursday through Saturday from 5pm until late. It's the kind of place you'd swing by alone for a drink and end up chatting with the bartender.

In downtown Burlington, right on the shores of Lake Champlain, this Courtyard is a member of Green Hotels of VT. It recently finished a full rebrand and renovation. The hotel is dog-friendly and eco-conscious, with views of the lake and mountains. Battery Street is nearby. You'll find free WiFi and a swimming pool. The location puts you steps from Church Street Marketplace. It's a solid choice for LGBTQ+ travelers who want a mixed crowd and a convenient base.

This isn't a boutique hotel, but a reliable chain hotel that delivers consistent value. The Hampton Inn & Event Center in Colchester offers family-friendly rooms with free wifi, a workout room, and an indoor swimming pool. It's a practical choice for travelers who want a straightforward stay without surprises. Situated just outside Burlington, you're close to both the city and the natural beauty of northern Vermont. The hotel's event center makes it a convenient option for groups or weddings. If you're looking to explore the area, you might also consider Stone Hill Inn for a different vibe.

You'll find a cozy, bustling spot where locals and tourists alike gather for hearth-baked flatbread and handcrafted beer. American Flatbread, in Burlington's old Carbur's building, has been a community 'third place' since 2004. The vibe is casual and welcoming, with a mixed crowd that includes plenty of LGBTQ+ folks. It's also dog friendly and has outdoor seating when the weather cooperates. The full bar and free wifi make it easy to linger. Reservations are accepted, which helps on busy weekend nights. Regulars know to check the daily specials, and the atmosphere stays relaxed even when it's packed. If you're in the mood for a different scene, Leunig's Bistro offers a more upscale French-inspired option nearby.

Yelp reviews mention ayurvedic treatments alongside the spa, giving Stoweflake a distinctive wellness angle. This hotel welcomes a mixed gay and straight crowd, making it a relaxed choice for LGBTQ+ travelers. The on-site swimming pool and spa add to the draw, especially after a day on the slopes. The spa hours run from 9:30am to 7pm most days, with extended hours until 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays. You'll find it in Stowe, close to other local favorites like The Essex. Best for those seeking a pampered stay with a ski-town backdrop.

Guests at the Stowe Motel & Snowdrift Inn can borrow mountain bikes and snowshoes for free, a perk that sets this family-run property apart. The Ruschp family has owned the Stowe Motel since 1977 and added the Snowdrift Motel next door in 1995, combining them into one welcoming alpine lodge. It offers a range of affordable accommodations, from single rooms to apartment-style suites and houses, making it a practical base for ski trips or summer adventures. The inn is mixed-gay-straight and LGBTQ-friendly. The property includes a hot tub, heated pools, tennis courts, and a game room, plus continental breakfast each morning. It's open daily from 7:30am to 11pm. Stoweflake Mountain Resort and Spa is nearby if you want additional dining or spa options. This is a no-frills spot where the staff's local knowledge and casual vibe make up for the lack of luxury.

You'll find a welcoming local vibe at Warren Store, a nearly 200-year-old building that's been a country store since 1934. Owner Val greets you at the door, and the deli turns out sandwiches and grab-and-go meals. Upstairs there's clothing, jewelry, and housewares, making it a true one-stop shop. The store is dog friendly and has free WiFi, with outdoor seating for warm-weather visits. Beer and wine are available alongside Vermont specialties like cheese and maple syrup. It's open daily from 7:30am to 5pm, so plan accordingly.

What sets Phinneas Swan Bed & Breakfast apart from other Vermont hotels is that it's both LGBTQ-owned and openly welcoming to dogs, making it a rare mix of romance and pet-friendly hospitality. This mixed gay-straight B&B sits off the beaten path in Northern Vermont, perfect for hiking and skiing or as a romantic New England destination wedding venue. You'll find it in Montgomery Center, a quiet corner of the state where outdoor adventures are close by. The isolated setting means you can bring your dog along without worrying about crowds. Check their policies for pricing and exact amenities, as we don't have confirmed details yet.