Waterbury has long been one of my favorite Vermont towns for food and craft beer. Between Hen of the Wood Local favorite: Hen of the Wood Burlington, Prohibition Pig, The Reservoir and several excellent breweries nearby, there’s no shortage of reasons to spend an afternoon or evening downtown.
But one of my favorite places to grab a beer and something to eat is Blackback Pub.
Located in a historic brick building on the corner of Main and Stowe Streets, directly across from The Reservoir, Blackback has become a regular stop for me when I’m in Waterbury. And if you’re a craft beer enthusiast, it’s a bar you should have on your radar.
The draw? An extensive, frequently changing tap list featuring some of Vermont’s best breweries, a comfortable pub atmosphere and nachos that are reason enough to stop for lunch.
Add its location in the heart of downtown Waterbury, and it’s an easy choice for a casual meal or a few beers with friends.
Blackback Pub’s Beer Selection Is One of Waterbury’s Best
Waterbury has earned its reputation as one of Vermont’s best towns for craft beer, and Blackback has been part of that scene for years.
When I first visited, I was surprised to find eight Hill Farmstead beers on tap, alongside selections from Lawson’s Finest Liquids, Zero Gravity and breweries from well beyond Vermont. At the time, getting your hands on certain Hill Farmstead releases wasn’t nearly as easy as it is today, so finding that many options in one place was pretty exciting.
The tap list remains one of Blackback’s biggest draws. It changes constantly, with a mix of Vermont favorites, harder-to-find American beers, Belgian ales, sours and other styles you won’t necessarily find at every neighborhood bar.
And I love that the selection isn’t dominated by IPAs. Vermont makes some incredible hoppy beers, but sometimes I want a farmhouse ale, a crisp pilsner or something completely different.
The bartenders have always been helpful with recommendations, too. On my first visit, I was offered a few tastes before choosing my beer, and the service was friendly without being overbearing.
Blackback has also expanded its cocktail and wine offerings, with a separate lounge that opens in the evenings. So even if you’re visiting with someone who isn’t particularly interested in craft beer, there are other options.
The Pub Nachos: What to Order at Blackback
As much as Blackback is known for its beer, there’s one dish I’d encourage you to order before anything else.
The Pub Nachos.
These aren’t your standard nachos covered in shredded cheddar, salsa and sour cream.
Blackback’s version combines smoked bacon, blue cheese, cheddar and scallions, finished with a maple-chipotle sauce that brings everything together.
The combination is fantastic. You get the saltiness of the bacon and blue cheese, a little sweetness from the maple and just enough heat from the chipotle.
They’re rich, messy and exactly what I want alongside a good Vermont beer.
And they’re a longstanding Blackback favorite. When the pub changed ownership in 2023, the new chef and co-owner, Cory Swafford, kept the nachos on the menu even as he introduced other dishes.
I can understand why.
If you’re visiting with friends, order a plate for the table. Although I wouldn’t judge anyone who wanted to keep them to themselves.
More Than Your Typical Pub Food
Blackback’s food has evolved considerably over the years.
During my first visit, I ordered grass-fed beef sliders made with local Neill Farm beef and a caprese sandwich served on Elmore Mountain Bread focaccia. Both were a pleasant surprise, particularly since I’d originally expected a fairly basic bar menu.
The kitchen has since expanded its offerings under chef Cory Swafford, with a menu that draws inspiration from several different cuisines.
You’ll find familiar comfort foods alongside dishes with Asian, Mediterranean and other international influences. Recent offerings have included jerk chicken, noodle bowls, gyros, seafood and vegetarian dishes.
I like having a little variety on a pub menu, particularly when I’m visiting somewhere known primarily for its beer.
And while I might come in planning to order nachos and a pint, it’s nice to have the option of turning the visit into a full dinner.
The menu changes, so I’d check the specials before ordering.
A Cozy Pub in Downtown Waterbury
Blackback occupies a historic brick building at the corner of Main and Stowe Streets, directly across from The Reservoir.
Inside, the exposed stone walls, wooden beams and dim lighting give the pub a comfortable, lived-in atmosphere.
The bar wraps through two connected rooms, with stools and tables tucked into the space. It’s a relatively intimate setting, but there’s more seating than you might expect from the entrance.
I remember walking in for the first time and being pleasantly surprised by how comfortable it felt. Waterbury has plenty of busy restaurants and bars, particularly during ski season and peak foliage weekends. Blackback offers a more traditional pub atmosphere, where you can settle in with a beer and take your time.
And its location is hard to beat.
You’re right in downtown Waterbury, within walking distance of other restaurants, shops and the historic train station.
If you’re spending an afternoon exploring Waterbury, Blackback makes an easy lunch stop. Or you can finish a day skiing at Stowe or Sugarbush with dinner and a few beers before heading home.
Make Blackback Part of a Waterbury Afternoon
One of the reasons I return to Waterbury so often is the concentration of excellent food and drink options in such a small downtown.
You can browse the shops along Main Street, stop at a café, visit a brewery and enjoy dinner without spending much time in the car.
Blackback is right in the middle of it all.
For beer enthusiasts, I’d pair a visit with a stop at Prohibition Pig or The Reservoir, both nearby.
If you’re exploring the broader Waterbury area, The Alchemist in Stowe and Lawson’s Finest Liquids in Waitsfield are also popular destinations for Vermont craft beer.
But if you only have time for one stop in downtown Waterbury, Blackback’s combination of an extensive beer list, those pub nachos and a convenient Main Street location makes a pretty compelling case.
What to Know Before You Go
- Location
- Blackback Pub is located at 1 Stowe Street, Unit 2, in downtown Waterbury, Vermont, directly across from The Reservoir.
- Hours
- Open Tuesday through Saturday. The kitchen serves food from noon to 9 p.m., with the bar remaining open until last call. Closed Sunday and Monday.
- Reservations
- Blackback does not accept reservations. Seating is first come, first served.
- What to Order
- The Pub Nachos with smoked bacon, blue cheese, cheddar, scallions and maple-chipotle sauce are my first recommendation. Check the daily specials for additional dishes.
- Beer Selection
- The rotating tap list features Vermont craft breweries, regional producers and international selections. The current list is posted on Blackback’s website, although availability can change throughout the day.
- Cocktails & Wine
- A separate cocktail and wine lounge opens at 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
- Parking
- Street and public parking are available in downtown Waterbury. Spaces can be limited during busy weekends.
- Nearby Stops
- The Reservoir, Prohibition Pig, Hen of the Wood, Waterbury’s downtown shops and the historic train station.
- Phone
- 802-244-0123
Blackback has been one of Waterbury’s strongest craft beer destinations for years, and I’m glad an out-of-state friend originally encouraged me to stop in.
The beer list brought me through the door, but the food and friendly atmosphere have given me plenty of reasons to return.
And these days, I’m not leaving without an order of those nachos.
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