Manhattan’s, a Burlington staple on the corner of Church and Main streets, is “closed until further notice.” A sign on the door noting the shuttering “per order of the city fire marshal” is dated January 17, 2025.
The recent history of the longtime watering hole, formerly known as Manhattan Pizza & Pub, includes social media controversy, a staff walkout, and a brief stint as Rincon Pizzeria and Tapas Bar. In late 2024, the bar and pizza spot reopened under new ownership as Manhattan’s, moving its focus to live music. A February 20 post on the venue’s Instagram account confirms that it is “closed indefinitely.”
When Seven Days visited in December, Manhattan’s was open but under construction. Jason Sterling, who introduced himself as the new owner at that time, could not be reached for comment on the closure.
Last week, NBC5 reported that the recent construction and associated electrical work had been “done without the proper permits,” according to Burlington fire marshal Matthew Stone. Complete inspections will be required for Manhattan’s to reopen.
Stowe recently saw the closure of Nocturnal, a brewpub and barbecue restaurant associated with North Carolina’s Nocturnal Brewing. In early March, its building at 140 Cottage Club Road was listed for sale for $2 million.
The Vermont location, which opened in the former Sunset Grille & Tap Room in March 2024 after an extensive renovation, served beer brewed at Nocturnal’s headquarters near the North Carolina-Georgia border.
After a four-month run, the collaboratively managed Access Café at 64 Main Street in Montpelier closed with a “See Ya Later” party on February 23.
The five member-owners of the café and community gathering space wrote on social media that high utility costs and the risk of future flooding contributed to their decision. They plan to continue their community support efforts through pop-up collaborations with local organizations.
This article appears in Mar 12-18, 2025.
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