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6 Vermont Breweries & Restaurants With Heated Outdoor Seating

The fire pit at Outer Limits Brewing in Proctorsville. Photo courtesy of Outer Limits Brewing on Facebook

With the COVID-19 pandemic still lingering on into 2021, safety is still of utmost importance to many breweries and restaurants, as well as their patrons. Although a vaccine is on the way to the general public, social distancing guidelines will be in effect for the foreseeable future nationwide.

If you're a lover of all things beer and food, you know that finding compliant eateries and breweries can be difficult. We've got you covered with a list of six breweries and restaurants in Vermont that offer heated outdoor seating. Because, why let the winter cold and the pandemic stop you from enjoying the best Vermont has to offer?

 

Idletyme Brewing Company - 1859 Mountain Road, Stowe, VT

Built in 1830 as a blacksmith shop, Idletyme offers its brewpub with brewing apparatus, popcorn machine, and gratis caramel brew aroma, since brewing is just underfoot. There is also a lounge and farm table room that includes a stone hearth fireplace. The backyard seasonal patio and Biergarten includes games and a vegetable garden.

As proud members of the Vermont Fresh Network, Local First Vermont, Farm Plate & Slow Food, the staff at Idletyme tries to use as much local and regional product as they can, and try to grow as much as they can in their own back yard to use on the menu. Many of their beers also appear as featured ingredients in menu items.

Both indoor and outdoor seating is available at this time, along with takeout and delivery. Currently, six tables are available in the outdoor section. Hours of operation are 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., daily, for lunch and dinner. For more information, visit idletymebrewing.com, or call 802-253-4765.



Zero Gravity Taproom - 716 Pine St, Burlington, VT

Zero Gravity Craft Brewery opened in May 2004 in Burlington inside a restaurant known as American Flatbread Burlington Hearth. One of the distinguishing elements of the beers at Zero Gravity is adherence to the qualities of the classic beer styles that make those beers great.

The South End location opened in 2015 after production was maxed out at Flatbread. The new space allows for a 30-barrel brewhouse, along with a full canning line. This location offers a spacious taproom, retail shop, and patio.

Outdoor seating is available at this time, along with curbside pickup on takeout. Currently, 12 tables are available in the outdoor, dog-friendly patio section, which are heated. There are also seven additional tables in the non-heated area. Hours of operation are noon to 8 p.m., daily. For more information, visit zerogravitybeer.com, or call 802-497-0054.



Outer Limits Brewing - 60 Village Green, Proctorsville, VT

The Outer Limits journey began back in fall 2016 when owners Wesley and Taylor first laid eyes on the historic two-story brick building. Upon first seeing it, Wesley and Taylor knew it was meant to be a brewery. The project was a labor of love and the duo are proud to share their dream with everyone who walks through the door.

The property is a 10-barrel brewery and taproom with a diverse beer offering and a small food menu, featuring wood-fired pizza.

Reservations are required at this time, which can be done online at OpenTable or by phone. Outdoor seating is available at this time by the fire pit, which is roaring from 4 p.m. to close every day of the week; however, availability is limited and is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Patrons are only allowed pints and pretzels in the outdoor area. Takeout is available, but due to capacity limitations, some takeout orders may not be able to be accommodated. Hours of operation are noon to 8 p.m., daily. For more information, visit outerlimitsbrewing.com, or call 802-287-6100.



Black Flannel Brewing and Distilling Company - 21 Essex Way Suite 201, Essex Junction , VT

Located next to its sister distillery, Black Flannel Brewing Co. offers beer, food, and spirits made on-site and from scratch. Normally, they have four of Vermont's 17 certified cicerones providing guests with beer education opportunities.

The brewpub offers full service and weekly specials that pair optimally with beer, spirits, and craft cocktails. Takeout is also available. The Essex location features 40 taps with beers brewed on-site and some that are soured and/or aged in the barrel room. The outdoor spaces include a patio and Biergarten, with enough space for special events and views of Mount Mansfield.

Hours of operation are Tuesday through Thursday from 3 to 8 p.m. for takeout service only, Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. for takeout or dine-in (last seating is at 9 p.m.), and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. for takeout or dine-in service (last seating is at 8 p.m.). For more information, visit blackflannel.com, or call 802-857-5629.


Hogback Mountain Brewing, Inc. - 372 Rockydale Road, Bristol, VT

This hyperlocal nano brewery offers the true farm-to-pint experience. A three-barrel brewhouse, Hogback Mountain was founded in 2015, growing into a full-fledged, brick-and-mortar, mom-and-pop establishment in Bristol.

The taproom is open for outdoor seating on Fridays and Saturdays from 3 to 8 p.m. for both outdoor dining and curbside takeout. Food is brought to you by Lucky Star Catering with a rotating monthly menu available. 


The Hotel Vermont - 41 Cherry Street, Burlington, VT

Located in downtown Burlington near the shores of Lake Champlain, Hotel Vermont gives visitors space to be themselves and have room to gather. They’re here to help visitors explore like locals, relax, and soak in every detail.

Three of Burlington’s best dining options, Juniper at Hotel Vermont, Bleu Northeast Kitchen, and Hen of the Wood, are all within steps of the hotel. For locals, the Cherry Street dining scene provides locally sourced cuisine, indoor two-hour free parking, and a vibrant ambiance for drinks, dinner, and dessert.

Their beer program is built on relationships with brewers, maltsters, and those who love beer. The Hotel Vermont is honored to share with its guests what it considers to be the best beers in the world. From crisp lagers brewed on Pine Street to juicy New England IPAs only found at the restaurant, beer is a highlight of the Hotel Vermont experience.
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