The X Factor Nightlife fun when you’re under 21
By Dan Bolles FILE Photos: Matthew Thorsen
Radio Bean
Contrary to what you may have heard, college is not all about getting wasted. Someday, you may want to look back on these years and actually remember what you did. To that end, here’s a list of some of our favorite 18+ spots in and around Burlington. The bouncers at some of them will draw an X on the back of your hand if you’re under 21, but they’ll let you in. Movies, music, mini golf — there’s always something to do that doesn’t involve boozing in dingy basements or hiding from your RA in the dorms.
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raDio bean
8 N. Winooski Ave., Burlington, 660-9346 Fortunately for you, the epicenter of the Queen City music scene is almost always all ages. Radio Bean is the heart and soul of the arts community in Burlington and a great place to see and be seen. There’s a bar, but be sure to stick to coffee, OK?
Champlain lanes 2630 Shelburne Rd., Shelburne, 985-2576
Spare Time in Colchester is bigger and a lot of fun, but we also dig the kinds of bowling alleys Jeff Lebowski would frequent. The Dude would certainly approve of this down-home, mom-and-popowned bowling center just a couple of miles south of Burlington. If only they sold Sioux City Sarsaparilla.
Dobrá Tea
80 Church St., Burlington, 951-2424 After you finish puzzling over why this comfy tea room has a Church Street address — the entrance is actually around the corner on Bank Street — settle into the plush pillow pits and sip from one of an unfathomable number of tasty tea options. Head in on Thursdays when the mellow hot spot hosts live music.