Stopped by for a quick drink while waiting for a friend to get ready, One Half Lounge or as the locals call it Half-Lounge is just that. Basically it's the size of a pretty small basement or bedroom in the suburbs turned into a bar. It has a tiki bar vibe to it mixed in with the Vermont Hipster Crowd (Tiki-Ster) ? They do attract some pretty talented DJ's because the night i stopped by the two DJ's that played were pretty phenomenal, I just wish there was more space to dance and move around because i definitely could have boogied on the dance floor in this place. Honestly the only downfall is the small size of this place
Review Source:What and what!? This place is amazing. We went last night and the music jam was out of this world. I do not know what they are drinking up here in Vermont but it must be in the water ;)
We live in Brooklyn, New York and was so pleasantly surprised at the musicianship from most of the individuals that played.
Additionally, the cocktails are so good! I had a cucumber gin martini that was homestead, muddled, and yummy.
This place is sexy too.
A must for anyone. Loved it.
Wandering Church Street, went in here for a cocktail since there were some pretty good accoustic musicians in the window One of us had a Manhattan that was good, but I had a horrible margarita. The menu says, lime and no mix, but I asusmed that would be fresh lime. It tasted like Rose's lime juice. I would probably just stick to a beer next time.
The place is really small, but when yougo downstairs, there is another room that is even smaller, but kind of cozy if you had a little group and if it wasn't too crowded.
We did stop by towards the end of the night and the tables and chairs were moved and a dj was playing. It was a different vibe, younger crowd, but no one was dancing.
my friend and I were traveling through Burlington and decided to go out and wandered into Red Square and this place. Being from Philly, we're used to pushy obnoxious folk, and this being Vermont in the summer, we were totally surprised at how awesome everyone was (at both places). The drinks were good and reasonably priced (by Mid-Atlantic standards, at least). Â It was a Wednesday in July and it was still packed (it's a small place). The thing my friend and I were totally unsure about is whether this was a club of hipsters or a surreptitious gay bar (the two being not mutually exclusive). I mean, don't get me wrong, literally everyone there was a hipster (not us, I don't think, but whatevs), which can throw off the gaydar. As a gay man myself, I'm not complaining, but it was baffling. The DJ was awesome; lot's of hits from the 80's, 90's, aughts and today, and I'm not sure I've had a better time anywhere else since everyone there appeared to be having a good time, letting loose, and being themselves.
My only gripe of this place is that they kept all the tables and chairs in the way of the dance floor, which was an odd choice (perhaps it's a hipster thing to trip over furniture while busting a move?). If I could give 4.5 stars, I would.
I love this place! I love going in early enough to actually talk to the bartender! They know their stuff and make great drinks. Every time I've gone in (except one, seriously man, a negroni with dry vermouth and sambouca?!) its been amazing drinks and a great time! Can recommend highly enough
Review Source:It is definitely a bit pricy, but not compared to other similar bars. I appreciate the fact that they never charge cover and pride themselves on the fact. There are some slight nuisances like no draught beers and the cramped space, but it adds to its charm and mixed drinks are strong in lieu of a pint.
I was won over by the basement. I, like many before me, had no idea where my friends were taking me. Before I knew it, I was surrounded by a harem of women (read: group of disheveled men) in a swanky underground lair. Everytime I go, I can escape there with maybe just a couple people other than us. I like the solitude and the ability to always find a seat. Did I mention they have great live music that plays for hours? No I didnt. It's fast becoming one of my favorite occasional hangs in BTV.
Dance clubs are not always my thing, but the Half Lounge is probably my favorite one in Burlington. The dance music here, usually house, is always top-notch-- props to the DJs! There is a small dance floor which can feel cramped, but it's much less intimidating than bigger spaces like Metronome or Red Square. If you're seeking something quieter (maybe for an intimate cuddle sesh?), head downstairs where there are some cozy wooden booths.
The drinks are good--definitely a couple bucks pricier than some other places, but you get what you pay for. There are tons of specialty mixed drinks on the menu in addition to some sandwiches and desserts (not sure how late you can order those).
My girlfriend & I drove from NH to VT in a snowstorm Friday night, as we were visiting her brother who lives in Burlington. Once we arrived we were ready for a few stiff drinks after enduring a white knuckle ride in the snow. The vibe was relaxed and the atmosphere was sexy. The space was tight and there was a good mix of friendly and interesting people. The music was electronic which is right up my ally. I drank a few of the spiced mojitos which were delicious. This place is very similar to a martini bar in Portsmouth, NH called the Red Door.
This was a great introduction to Burlington for me and had all of the essentials for a great lounge. Good drinks, music and an eclectic mix of people. If I ever go back to Burlington, I will be sure to hit this place up again!
PS The locals let me on the "dance floor" and I was high fived after which was pretty awesome. TTFN.
Stopped in one cool evening that I was visiting Burlington. Â My wife and I had a great time. The staff was very friendly and the bartenders actually had mixology skills, recommending a variety of excellent and unusual drinks.
Nice warm and intimate atmosphere that offered a live singer/songwriter set around 9, followed by a DJ set at 10.  I'd recommend it to any couple looking to have a mellow early evening  drink
Great drinks. Â Burlington level service. Â
It is a small venue, with downstairs being a great place to hear your friends and actually hold a conversation. Â The music on the main floor is super loud, but if you are looking to dance, it will definitely do the job.
I had the 1/2 Margarita to start. Â The bartender served me rather quickly (but it was early and not too crowded). Â The margarita was phenomenal- any time it is made with fruit juice instead of florescent sour mix, I'm a happy camper. Â My friends and I migrated downstairs, where a server noticed when we were almost out of drinks and took our orders for another round. Â We all commented that we were impressed, because service in Burlington is consistently "laidback" (ie, sllightly lazy, servers often act like they are doing you a favor, and have no concept of promptness). Â Our impression was short-lived. 20 minutes later, our drinks finally arrived. Â The velvet glove was really unique, with great flavors and beautiful presentation. When we finished those drinks, we went to get our tabs and ended up waiting another 10 minutes for a bartender to acknowledge us and run our cards. Â As I said, great drinks, meh service.
A speakeasy, with a decent DJ spinning and cheap PBRs. Â Man, we stayed there for a long time and we got long-gone.
Intimate setting that ensures you don't have to shout over the music and at the girl you're trying to sleep with that night. Â Stay classy, Burlington, at One-Half-Lounge!
Best place to go for a few drinks with your friends or with a date. Â It's loungy, it's stuffy in a good way, the music is always brilliant, and the drinks can not be beat. Â The wait staff will get you wasted to the point that you forgot you were in Burlington - it feels more like a Manhattan or a San Fran lounge, so it kind of doesn't fit the Burlington bill, but that's why I love this place. Â And with the summer coming around, it gets even better, the outdoor seating is amazing. Â Don't expect to come with a group and all get seated, there's just not enough room.
Review Source:For great people watching and the best margarita in town, go to the 1/2 Lounge. (During the winter, sit downstairs in their very cozy and posh basement)
I wouldn't recommend the tapas here, they seem to be a bit overpriced. But, the mixed drinks are great and usually the band/DJ is really fun. Also, not good if you have a party of more than six - this place is small (but that's part of its charm).
A wonderful upscale place to hang in Burlington that doesn't feel pretentious or full of itself in the way some neighboring establishments do. Great ambiance especially in the cozy basement booths. Both the bartenders and waitstaff are helpful and offer prompt service. Specialty drinks are nicely sophisticated without being overpriced. As another reviewer mentioned the pours are usually heavy so you feel like you're getting your moneys worth from a $8-$10 drink. Highly recommended for the great drinks and lounge atmosphere. My favorite of theirs is the julep.
Review Source:I just at this very moment understood the name of the lounge in relation to its address. Â Clever. Â We went in here instead of the larger/way more popular bar next door. Â The drinks were strong and we sat outside in the comfortable bucket seats. Â I ordered some sort of blood orange and basil vodka concoction and it was fairly terrible. Â I drank it anyway! Â My friend who has been to this bar before didn't mess around and went straight for the Long Island Iced Tea. Â I should have done the same. Â We only stayed for one drink but by the time we left this bar was also getting pretty packed. Â If you want to be in the action but not necessarily right in the middle of it, this bar is a good choice.
Review Source:Place is VERY small. I was visiting for work and, from Yelp reviews, decided to check it out. It was packed with 22 year olds salsa dancing. Which, in itself, isn't a problem. (It's a college town, and young kids everywhere.) However, it was far too crowded for me to even attempt to have a good time. The place is approx. 600 ft  sq, minus the bar area, and if you detract the space needed for the 15 people waiting to get drinks, which leaves about 200-300 sq ft for a "dance floor." It was even difficult to navigate past the swirling dancers to get to the bar. There is also a tiny converted basement, which was not being utilized (another 200 sq ft of space.) This was 9:30pm on a Wed night, BTW. Too small for me. ....could be could be cool if no ones there. I didn't even order a drink.
Review Source:What a delight! We wandered in off the street to grab a drink before dinner at the daily planet & found ourselves completely in love with this wonderful little speakeasy. We love live music & this place offers fabulous talents in a super cozy atmosphere...even better was the fact that the girl we heard sing just happened to go to the same college as me & was really amazing (check out Myra Flynn, she rocks!)
we were disappointed to find that when we tried to go the next night they were closed for a staff "spiritual enlightenment" retreat...but who can complain about a place that treats their staff so well? Absolutely recommend this place for a small bite & a cocktail...the martini list is tremazing!
This place is decent. Â especially outside when its warm because you can people watch. Â They make my favorite drink, caipirinha, a Brazilian drink. Â That is why I gave it four stars. Â You want to learn how to make this amazing drink? Â I bet you do!!!!! Â See the following video:
<a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DzOOEar1woto&s=df75b9490efcce41bb0433882d375b86a36e4ff4f51bf7777163901d6ac0932f" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/w…</a>
or watch a hot woman make one:
<a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DE6P1Q-UycHA%26feature%3Drelated&s=ed889454d5cdc27e0df0fb992d71a7d8ecf6a59add13feb2f3108097d323c521" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/w…</a>
Now you can be just like me!
This is one of the best bars in Burlington!
It is a very tiny romantic bar - perfect for small groups and couples. Â The atmosphere is cozy with comfortable chairs. Â
The music played and artwork displayed make this a truly unique place.
Also, the bartenders and waitresses are very nice!
How I wished for a place like this when I was growing up in Burlington in the late '80s and early '90s. Not that I would have been old enough to drink, but I would have WANTED to come here! How I wish for a place like this in the San Francisco Bay area now that I live there due to the Job I Couldn't Refuse. 1/2 is everything I like about Bay area hispter lounges, and nothing that I don't. It's got the delicious, creative cocktails, and perfect small plates, without the surly attitude. Sometimes service can be a tad slow if you sneak down to the basement without making your presence known, but the servers are always eager to make you feel welcome once they know you're there. The owner, Jess, is an absolute sweetheart. The basement, all wood paneling, rock walls, and curtains dividing the booth areas, looks like a place Dumbledore would go when a stressful day headmastering makes him want to throw back a few single-malt scotches in peace.
1/2 is always a must-stop (like, almost every day), when I'm in Burlington visiting family and friends. Definitely a more upmarket hang, with a vibe that, while friendly, will be most welcoming to you if you realize that no male over the age of 12 should wear a baseball cap to go out on the town, let alone a backwards one.
Pricey? Depends what you compare it to. For Burlington, cocktails ranging from $8 to $10 will feel that way, certainly. Coming from any major city, it'l feel like a bargain. In either case, they're yummy, with a very generous pour.
One request: Please, please, please be the first place in Vermont to pour (recently-legal) absinthe!
I have one (perhaps made-up) word for you, Sorbetini. Â I can't get enough.
Whenever I'm in Burlington, I make a date with my gal pals and we go to 1/2. Â It can be tricky getting a table (especially outside if it's open) and one can find oneself half drunk and holding up a wall if one is not careful....ahem... Â but it's my favorite little night spot. Â
I'm returning now to the sorbetini...it's a big glass of vodka with a big ball of sorbet slowly melting into it. Â I start to get a little fuzzy after one....and after the second one I will admit to being drunk...which is good because they're $8 each. Â In Boston, I expect $8 cocktails, in VT...I don't. Â So for VT, it's a little spendy, but overall it's a swank little night spot.
Also, don't miss the tables downstairs. Â It's all dark and curtained...grotto-esque. Â It's a veritable lovers' lane. Â Don't get too *cozy* though, you will be asked to leave. (Or so I have heard.)
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