Burlington-Area Clubs That Rock for Live Music 

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• Luke Awtry
• Nectar's

Nectar's/Club Metronome

188 Main St., Burlington, liveatnectars.com

Along with its locally iconic gravy fries, BTV hot spot Nectar's serves live music seven nights per week. The downtown landmark is noted for launching the careers of some of Vermont's biggest acts — Phish and Grace Potter, to name two. So there's a decent chance you might discover your new favorite band on its famous stage. Upstairs at Club Metronome, DJs reign most nights, including at the ever-popular retro dance parties on the weekends. 18+ during the week.

Deli 126

126 College St., Burlington, facebook.com/deli126vt

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• File: Luke Awtry
• Deli 126

Deli by day, jazz speakeasy by night, this recent entrant to the downtown scene is a welcome addition — as much for tasty tunes as tasty sandwiches.

Higher Ground

1214 Williston Rd., South Burlington, highergroundmusic.com

The region's marquee rock club hosts a constant stream of big-name musical touring acts on its palatial Ballroom stage. The adjacent Showcase Lounge features rising stars.

Manhattan Pizza & Pub

167 Main St., Burlington, manhattanpizzaandpubvt.com

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• Matthew Thorsen
• Manhattan Pizza & Pub

This corner college bar secretly boasts one of the best draft beer lists in town. The lineup of underground bands and DJs that play here ain't bad, either.

The Monkey House

30 Main St., Winooski, monkeyhousevt.com

The hippest joint in the Onion City has the most consistently excellent lineup of local, regional and national indie music this side — or that side, really — of the Winooski River. It's often 18+, especially during the week.

Radio Bean

8 N. Winooski Ave., Burlington, radiobean.com

The eclectic hipster haunt is a musical melting pot — and a proving ground for Burlington's brightest up-and-coming talent. The adjoining Light Club Lamp Shop is its sister venue.

SideBar

202 Main St., Burlington, facebook.com/sidebarvt

The unassuming bar adjacent to Mr. Mikes Pizza serves a sneaky-good selection of local bands and DJs, along with some 20 craft beers and fun cocktails.