Start your new year off with planning an unforgettable experience in Burlington, VT. The past few years have been a constantly shifting landscape with some of our favorite shops and restaurants closing their doors. However, 2023 is gearing up to be a great year in Burlington, with the opening of many new restaurants, bars, and unique experiences for locals and visitors alike. Check out some of the newest ideas and additions to the Burlington area. 

NEW RESTAURANTS & BARS AROUND BURLINGTON:

Onion City Chicken & Oysters

 

ONION CITY CHICKEN & OYSTERS Located in the legendary ‘Winooski Speedway’ and opened by the equally famous “Misery Loves Company” brigade, this new restaurant brings another great new vibe into Winooski. Serving up oysters in addition to an assortment of seafood based hors d'oeuvres, their menu is impeccable for a date night or a family dinner. An absolute must for 2023. 

 

BRAMBLE: Opened in Spring of 2022, Bramble is the newest restaurant addition to the Essex Experience and designed to showcase the sharable culinary traditions of the Green Mountains. From supporting local farmers, purveyors, and foragers to serving family-style meals, Bramble’s window-filled dining room and wood-fired concept is the perfect spot to check out next time you’re in Essex. 

 

PARADISO HIFI LOUNGE: Paradiso is a hi-fi listening bar and lounge in Burlington’s south end. The hidden gem is situated behind Dedalus Wine along Pine Street in Burlington. Paradiso's listening bar spins an eclectic assortment of vinyl records on their classic turntables, plan an evening to Paradiso and explore unique culinary options along with delicious libations and music-forward atmosphere. Make a reservation here!

 

Wallflower Collective

 

 

THE WALLFLOWER COLLECTIVE: By definition, a ‘Wallflower” could be considered the antithesis of fun or lively. However, this unique speakeasy style bar is far from that. Serving up delicious libations in a warm and comfortable atmosphere, the Wallflower is the perfect place to sit with friends and family on a cold winter night. 

 

BELLEVILLE BAKERY & CATERING: Belleville Bakery and Catering is located on the corner of College Street and South Winooski Ave., This delicious bakery is open from Thursday  to Sunday from 11am - 2pm. To learn more, check out their website or follow them on social media here

 

THE GREY JAY: The Grey Jay is a new brunch spot located on Pearl Street and right around the corner from the Church Street Marketplace. Bringing a new twist of flavor to Burlington, this delicious new restaurant has a menu with an assortment of brunch specials. Including simit toast, falafel salads, eggplant sabich, as well as a number of traditional brunch items. Check out the menu at the Grey Jay here.

UPDATES & NEW CONCEPTS:

 

Zero Gravity Beer Hall

NORDIC SPA ON LAKE CHAMPLAIN: Silt Bathhouse is a proposed Nordic Spa along Pine Street in the South End of Burlington. This unique concept includes indoor and outdoor saunas, heated pools, cold plunges, steam rooms and relaxation areas. Bringing the concept of Scandavian hydrotherapy to Burlington, where taking the body from extreme hot to extreme cold temperatures can strengthen your immune system, help alleviate various aches and pains, and overall purify your body. Check out the plans for Silt Bathhouse here

 

ZERO GRAVITY BEER HALL: Although not necessarily new to Burlington. The good folx at Zero Gravity and Great Northern have combined efforts to create the Zero Gravity Beer Hall. Beer enthusiasts can now enjoy their delicious pint of ZG specials throughout the entirety of the beerhall, enjoying indoor drinking games, a heated outdoor patio, and best of all, the delicious food the Great Northern was known for. Guests are welcome for coffee and waffles everyday from 8am-2pm and later in the day can pair their pints with an assortment of well-appointed menu items.

 

GOODBYE SWEETWATERS, HELLO PASCOLO: This fall, Burlington lost a long-standing staple when Sweetwater's closed its doors after 41 years on the Church Street Marketplace. Although we are all sad to see it go, there is a very bright silver lining to the story. Pascolo, another Burlington favorite will be moving into the magnificent space on the corner of Church and College Streets. Can't wait to taste the new era!

 

Full Barrell Brewery & Coop

 

BURLINGTON’S FIRST EVER COMMUNITY OWNED BREWERY: Full Barrel Co-Op is a member owned, taproom and brewery located on North Street in Burlington. This concept is aimed to start a community-owned brewery that includes a diverse group of members and builds equity in the community. Built on a passion for beer, if you’d like to become a member, check out their website here

 

 

 

 

 

Amtrak Transportation

 

 

ETHAN ALLEN EXPRESS: It's been decades in the making, but the Ethan Allen Express (EAX) train has finally arrived in  Burlington. Since July, the Amtrak line now runs from New York City, making new stops in Middlebury and Ferrisburgh-Vergennes before ending in Burlington. The new service is ideal for visitors, whether you’re coming up from NYC and the Hudson Valley eager to explore the Champlain Valley region or the reverse. On the northbound track, the EAX departs New York’s Penn Station daily at 2:20pm and pulls into Burlington around 9:55 at night, just in time to grab a late bite and catch a show. Southbound, the train leaves Burlington at approximately 10:10 in the morning and arrives in NYC at 5:45pm

 

NEW ART & CULTURE IN BURLINGTON

THE FRAME - Burlington’s Largest Art Display:  The Moran Frame officially opened in November of 2022. This project has restored the 30-megawatt power plant and municipal generation station into a piece of art. Keeping the integrity of the structure intact to preserve the history of the Burlington Waterfront. Through 2023, we will begin to see different activations of the Frame through art, events, and cultural activities. Read more about it here.

The Moran Frame

UPCOMING ART EXHIBITIONS:  Burlington is full of museums and art galleries. One of our favorites is the Burlington City Arts Firehouse Gallery, with constantly alternating exhibits, this unique, historical fire station hosts 12 art exhibits each year and can be found on the bottom block of the Church Street Marketplace.  For more on upcoming arts, events, and more check out our events calendar here.