Esox

Esox is the dive bar of Downtown Burlington. It’s known for strong drinks, and a crowd that appreciated alcohol. They have plenty of seating, a pool table, pinball machine, and the best jukebox in town. If you want a crazy night, Esox is the place for you.
The servers can be off putting as a new customer, but once you become a regular and they know you, it’s one of the best places in town.

Already turned off from this place from one phone call. I called because next week some friends and I are going to be heading to Burlington for a bachelor party. All I did was ask if they would be getting the big boxing match next weekend between Pac Man and Mayweather. The man who answered laughed at me, and made me feel like an idiot for what i think is a very simple question. A simple no we are not would have been sufficient, but he went out of his way to make me feel like an idiot because I didn’t know it cost more for a bar to order the fight (which I’m unsure if that’s true). Either way, we aren’t going there next weekend. That guy can go pound sand.

Esox and T. Rugg’s are my two favorite «dive» bars in the Burlington area. i’m not really sure what the definition for a dive bar is, but in my mind it must have something to do with the atmosphere being ultra relaxed, the place not being ultra clean and it having an older, been-​around-​awhile vibe.
I don’t really drink, but my friends say the alcohol portions at Esox are inexpensive and generous. I do love their video jukebox and playing pool there on Sunday afternoons. Especially in the winter. Winter can be pretty dismal in Vermont, especially if you don’t like to ski down frigid ice slopes. It’s the time of year when I watch a lot of movies and perfect my pool game.
The bartenders at Esox are very friendly and accommodating. The crowd tends more toward hipster and young on the weekends and older and more seasoned during the days and weekdays.
Oh, and I almost forgot, the ceilings and walls at Esox are covered with «graffiti» or things people have written their over the years. I believe Julia Roberts was their once and so there is something she left, as well. Can you find it?
If you’re looking for a very relaxed, salt-​of-​the-​earth type of place, try Esox. It’s one of the few «dive» bars (other than T-Rugg’s where the regulars are respectful and won’t try to hit on you. Or if they do, they’re very nice about it. Good peeps.

We had a great time here with Rachel. She was amazing and such a wonderful bartender but then Bob took over. He was so disrespectful and rude. I can’t even imagine such a person in the service industry. I have worked in this industry for 15 years and have never encountered such a negative individual in my life. This is such a detriment to the company. But on the other side, Rachel was amazing and we would definitely come back for her!

This is my favorite local dive. The music is great. The beer is cold, the drinks are cheap and well made. The bartenders are always friendly, and the people watching on the street outside can’t be beat. FYI– It’s a Yankees bar for anyone who has been looking for a good one in Burlington, you can catch the games here.

typical dive bar.
get some cheetos with your beer.

I used to be a big fan of this place but it eventually got overrun with hipsters. It can get really crowded on the weekends and the music can get incredibly loud. The bartenders are cool, but the drinks are pricier than you’d expect from the divey atmosphere of the place. Also the pitchers have a huge ice holder in the middle of them, which totally limits the amount of beer you get. If you show up on a weekday when it’s just you and some other locals, it can be nice.

I think the only reason people like eSox is because their friends are there. I’ve fallen for this dozens of times, but its really not for me. Everyone’s been yelled at by the bartender at some point, for me it was because he didn’t understand why I wasnt calling PBR «pibber». There is a constant flow of Dragonforce on the jukebox, admittedly amusing at first. The only good deal is the $ 4.75 PBR pitchers, which are often all taken and you have to resort to 2.75 flat PBR pints or hard booze. Why not just go to a dive bar with drink specials?

My favorite dive bar in Burlington. On a busy night (Friday/​Saturday), it’s a great place to hang with friends, rock the jukebox, and embark on some cheap beers or stiff drinks. Fun place to people watch because the crowd/​clientele is usually always interesting. I give 4 stars only because 1) I dread going to the bathroom here and 2) I dread succumbing to Bob the bartender’s wrath when settling up a credit card tab with only 1 drink on it. (This sometimes happens! Really. I swear.) Otherwise… rage Esox with wreckless abandon if the mood strikes you. It will never disappoint. (Well. Maybe it will. If dive bars aren’t your thing.)

entertaining. pretty much a dive, but it’s fun nonetheless. friday and saturdays are your best bet.

ain’t what it used to be.

barebones, strong drinks. thats all i’ve got.