• Matthew Thorsen
• Olde Northender Pub

Olde Northender Pub

23 North St., Burlington, 864-9888

Owner Bob Beauvais describes this true neighborhood watering hole as "the best damn make-you-feel-at-home bar." That might be because the building pretty much looks like someone stuck a bar in a house. What the Old North End joint lacks in draft beer selection it makes up for in homey charm.

Esox

194 Main St., Burlington, 862-7314

• File: James Buck
• Esox

Townies, punks and hipsters coexist peacefully around Burlington's most awkwardly placed pool table. Grab a seat by the large open-air window facing Main Street and watch the world go by. Home of the PB Army.

JP's Pub

139 Main St., Burlington, 658-6389

If it's karaoke you seek, look no further. This classic dive serves up wannabe rock stardom at least three nights a week.

Last Stop Sports Bar

12 Malletts Bay Ave., Winooski, laststopvt.com

Find foosball, air hockey, cornhole and darts — and an ample back deck, too — at this friendly sports bar. Live music select weekends.

The Other Place

4 N. Winooski Ave., 863-5803

The OP is the crown cubic zirconium of Burlington dives. It features drink specials every day of the week — we're partial to PBR pitchers on Tuesdays — and one of the more competitive pool tables in town.

The Pour House

1930 Williston Rd., South Burlington, pourhousevt.com

Popular with the locals, this watering hole favors Boston sports teams. The Yankees suck, but the home-style pub fare certainly doesn't.

T. Rugg's Tavern

149 Elmwood Ave., Burlington, 658-0456

This Old North End staple has the distinction of being the only bar in town with a view of a cemetery. So that's something.