You walk into a bar in Montpelier, Vermont. It’s raining outside—that cold, gray New England drizzle that gets into your bones. But inside, it smells like toasted grain and woodsmoke. This is Three Penny Taproom VT, and honestly, it’s not just a place to get a drink. It’s a cathedral for people who actually care about what’s in their glass.
Some call it a "gastropub." That’s a bit fancy-sounding for what it really is. It’s a community hub where the person next to you might be a state legislator or a guy who just spent ten hours fixing a tractor. They’re both there for the Hill Farmstead on tap.
What Makes Three Penny Taproom VT Different?
Most bars have a "craft" list that's basically just three different IPAs from the same massive distributor. Three Penny is different. They’ve built a reputation over years—since opening in 2009—by being incredibly picky. They don’t just take whatever the beer truck drops off. The curation here is legendary.
It’s about the relationships. You’ll find things on tap here that you simply cannot find anywhere else in the country, largely because the brewers trust the staff to handle their product correctly. We’re talking about clean lines, proper glassware, and the right temperature. It sounds nerdy because it is. If you’re going to spend $9 on a pour of a rare Gueuze, you want it to taste like the brewer intended.
The vibe? It’s unpretentious. Despite being world-renowned among "beer geeks," the staff doesn't look down on you if you don't know the difference between a lactobacillus and a saccharomyces. They just want you to have a good time.
The Hill Farmstead Connection
You can't talk about Three Penny Taproom VT without mentioning Hill Farmstead Brewery. For the uninitiated, Hill Farmstead is frequently cited as the best brewery in the world. Their taproom is way out in Greensboro, on a dirt road that'll eat your suspension if you aren't careful. Three Penny is one of the few places that consistently carries their stuff on draft.
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It’s a symbiotic relationship. People drive from Boston, New York, and Montreal just to sit at this copper bar and drink a pint of Edward or Mary. It’s a pilgrimage. But the tap list isn't a one-trick pony. You’ll see European classics—think Schneider Weisse or Cantillon—sitting right next to the local Vermont heavy hitters like Foam Brewers or River Roost.
The Food: More Than Just "Bar Grub"
Forget the greasy frozen mozzarella sticks. The kitchen here actually cares. They source locally, which in Vermont means you're getting produce and meat from farms that are often just a few miles away.
- The Burger: It’s often cited as one of the best in the state. Local beef, perfectly seared, usually served on a bun that doesn't fall apart halfway through the meal.
- The Fries: Hand-cut. Double-fried. They have that specific crunch that makes you realize why people get obsessed with potatoes.
- Vegetarian Options: Surprisingly good. They don't just throw a frozen veggie patty at you; there’s usually something fermented, pickled, or roasted that shows real culinary thought.
The menu changes. It has to. In Vermont, seasons dictate what’s in the larder. You might find a heavy, rich stew in the middle of January and a bright, zesty salad featuring heirloom tomatoes in August. It’s honest food.
The Reality of Montpelier’s "Living Room"
Montpelier is the smallest state capital in the U.S. It’s a tiny town with big ideas. Three Penny Taproom VT sits right on Main Street, and it acts like the town’s living room. During the day, it's fairly quiet. You might see someone working on a laptop with a half-pint of pilsner. By 6:00 PM, the place is buzzing.
It’s loud. Not "obnoxious nightclub" loud, but "lively conversation and clinking glasses" loud. There’s no row of giant TVs blasting ESPN. That’s intentional. They want you to talk to the person you came with, or better yet, the stranger sitting next to you.
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Surviving the 2023 Floods
It’s impossible to talk about this place without acknowledging what happened in July 2023. The Winooski River didn't just rise; it swallowed downtown Montpelier. Three Penny, like so many other businesses on Main Street, took a massive hit. The basement—where the kegs, the lines, and the heart of the operation lived—was submerged.
The recovery was brutal. It took months of gutting walls, scrubbing silt, and replacing expensive equipment. But the community showed up. Crowdfunding, volunteer clean-up crews, and sheer grit brought it back. When they finally reopened, it felt like a victory for the whole town. It proved that Three Penny isn't just a business; it’s a fixture of the Vermont identity.
Why You Should Actually Go
Look, there are plenty of places to drink beer. You can go to a flashy brewery taproom with industrial lighting and cornhole sets. But Three Penny Taproom VT offers something those places usually lack: soul.
It’s the history of the building. It’s the knowledge of the bartenders. It’s the fact that they treat a 4% ABV English Mild with the same respect as a 12% Barrel-Aged Stout.
If you’re planning a trip, here is the move:
Arrive on a Tuesday or Wednesday. It’s less crowded, and you can actually snag a seat at the bar. Order something you’ve never heard of. Ask the bartender for a recommendation based on what you usually like. If you like dry wines, try a wild ale. If you like coffee, ask about the stouts. They won't steer you wrong.
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Practical Details for Your Visit
- Parking: It’s Montpelier. Street parking is your best bet, but it can be tight. There are municipal lots a short walk away behind the shops.
- Wait Times: On Friday nights, expect a wait. Put your name in and go browse the nearby bookstores like Bear Pond Books.
- The "To-Go" Situation: Sometimes they have cans or bottles for sale to take away, but this is primarily a place for on-site consumption.
- Kids? Yes, it’s family-friendly during the day and early evening. You’ll often see families grabbing dinner before the late-night crowd rolls in.
Three Penny isn't trying to be the "next big thing." It's trying to be a consistently great thing. In an era where everything feels like it's designed for an Instagram photo, this place feels designed for a human being. It’s dark, it’s cozy, and the beer is always, always better than it needs to be.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Visit
To truly experience Three Penny, don't just look at the chalkboard and pick the name you recognize. This is the place to experiment. The draft list is organized generally by style, ranging from light and crisp to dark and heavy.
Check the "Cellar List" if you’re feeling spendy. They have a collection of vintage bottles that have been aging under the right conditions for years. Tasting a sour ale that has been mellowing for five years is a completely different experience than drinking something fresh off the canning line.
Actionable Steps for Your Vermont Beer Trip:
- Check the Online Tap List: They usually keep their website or social media updated with what's currently pouring. If there’s a specific Hill Farmstead release you're chasing, check before you drive three hours.
- Talk to the Staff: They are some of the most educated service professionals in the industry. Many have been there for years and can tell you the backstory of the brewery listed on the board.
- Plan a Mid-Week Stop: Avoid the weekend rush if you want a quiet, focused tasting experience.
- Explore Beyond Beer: Their spirits and cocktail program is surprisingly robust, often featuring local Vermont distillers like Barr Hill.
- Walk the Town: After your meal, walk down to the State House. It’s right there, and the gold dome is spectacular at sunset, especially after a couple of high-quality ales.
Three Penny Taproom VT remains a cornerstone of the American craft beer scene because it refuses to compromise on quality while remaining accessible to the people who live down the street. It’s a rare balance to strike, but they’ve been doing it for over a decade. Whether you're a local or a tourist, it's the kind of place that makes you want to stay for just one more round.