• Matthew Thorsen
• The Daily Planet

The Daily Planet

15 Center St., Burlington, dailyplanetvt.com

Live in Burlington long enough, and you'll have at least one first date at this downtown landmark. It's almost a rite of passage for singles in the Queen City. Winner of best cocktails for two years in a row in the Seven Daysies readers' picks awards, the Planet is where the locals go to get away from college kids and sip nifty drinks such as the espresso martini.

Drink

135 St. Paul St., Burlington, vtdrink.com

With a wide variety of mixed cocktails, beer and house-infused vodkas, Drink lives up to its name. Grab a board game and kick back on the swanky black leather couches.

Juniper

41 Cherry St., Burlington, hotelvt.com

Creative cocktails and a ritzy Hotel Vermont location make this bar a prime destination for classing up your game — perhaps with jazz on Wednesdays. In warmer months, chill outdoors by the fire pit.

• James Buck
• Mule Bar

Mule Bar

38 Main St., Winooski, mulebarvt.com

Thoughtfully sourced brews and interesting bar bites are the backbone of this hipster-chic hitching post.

oak45

45 Main St., Winooski, oak45.com

This boutique bar in the heart of Winooski has an epic wine list but none of the snootiness you might expect.

Vin Bar & Shop

126 College St., Burlington, vinbarvt.com

The elegant wine bar serves 25-plus eclectic wines by the glass, plus small plates of cured meats and cheeses.

The Whiskey Room at Rí Rá Irish Pub

176 College St., Burlington, rira.com

It's a room. With whiskey. Actually, it's a really nice room, with really nice whiskey — 150 regular and rare blends. Careful, now.