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About Rí Rá

Rí Rá comes from "Rí Rá agus Ruaile Buaile", a phrase translating roughly as divilment, good fun or any sociable activity that improves with fine food, a nice pint of Guinness or dram of Uisce Beatha (whiskey).

About the pub

Rí Rá is located in an historic bank building, designed by Boston based Harper & West, that was completed in 1931. The pub opened for the first time in March 1999, and was extended in 2002 with the addition of the Library area. In February 2012, The Whiskey Room opened its doors. As you enter Rí Rá, you can imagine yourself walking through a door that leads you across the pond to experience the best pubs of Ireland. The pub interiors were salvaged and restored in Ireland prior to being shipped to Vermont. We are proud to showcase a unique and genuine Irish pub in the heart of Burlington.

The Shop Bar & Snug Area

The first bar you encounter as you enter the pub is our Shop Bar. For centuries, people throughout rural Ireland have gathered in these cozy pubs. The shop/hardware items on display are available for sale. Purchase some light bulbs, enjoy a pint, bite to eat, a chat and you will be transported back in time to the quintessential Irish country pub. This area includes a lounge snug that has a retro feel for the swinging sixties that is a perfect spot for a quiet drink.

The Victorian Bar

The Victorian bar in the middle of the pub is a classic example of bars from that period. Its etched glass mirrors, copper finishes and ornate chandeliers were typical elements in pubs during 19th century Dublin. This bar was custom made with salvaged materials imported from Ireland. With its large stage and big TV screen, it is the perfect gathering spot for late night or a major sport event.

The Whiskey Room

You can enter The Whiskey Room at Rí Rá from the street on College Street or through the side door in the pub. The room features an extensive range of whiskey, craft beers & cocktails along with a tapas style menu in a warm, relaxing and fun environment. There is plenty to learn about whiskey and even more to enjoy. The story of whiskey is long, fascinating and worth sharing with good company. The truth is, it’s a journey of a lifetime. So relax and enjoy. There’s no rush.  https://www.burlingtonwhiskeyroom.com/

The Cottage & Library Rooms

These rooms are perfect spaces for all occasions – lunch, dinner or a private party. Both rooms overlook the park and are perfect spots for a quiet meal or special occasion. The low ceilings, exposed beams and working fireplace, together with our warm welcoming staff creates a home away from home environment to escape the hustle and bustle of Church Street. The library area includes a large TV screen for small groups to gather in comfort to watch a game or to stage an event.

Rí Rá in the Community

Here at Rí Rá, we love to be a part of the local community. We enjoy being involved with local groups such as Meals on Wheels and the Humane Society and to make our neighborhood a better place to live, work and socialize.

We are also heavily involved with local charities and try to give back to the community that so graciously welcomed us to the neighborhood. We have been involved with the annual Penguin Plunge in December for the Special Olympics and are very proud of the now infamous annual Santa Run event; held in aid of the Camp Ta Kum Ta charity.

Chef Brady

My name is Chef Brady, and I fell in love with food when I discovered bacon and salt. And salted bacon. You see, I was raised by hippies in the great north woods of Maine, and they fed me health food. Now, I appreciate the consideration for my overall well-being but all that granola and tofu just didn’t float my boat. Before long, I was cooking up my own sodium and lard enriched delicacies, since then food and I have been like two peas in a pod.

I’ve really enjoyed Rí Rá’s consistently evolving vison regarding authentic and traditional Irish Pub fare with an eye towards local, trending and developing foods. After 8 years with the company, and traveling all over the country from my home in the Great North Woods, Rí Rá has grown with me and nurtured my affair with all things delicious. 

Jobs and Training

Rí Rá is a busy and exciting place to work. We are always on the lookout for motivated Managers, Bartenders, Servers, Line Cooks and other hourly positions.

If you’re interested in working in a fun and highly rewarding atmosphere, with a great team, then email your resume to riraburlington@rira.com.  Current open positions can also be found here!

For International inquiries regarding J-1 training opportunities with Rí Rá in the USA, please send an email to careers@rira.com for more details.

20 years and counting!

Hi, I'm Mike!

I’ve been working with Rí Rá for the past twenty+ years. I consider myself lucky to still look forward to going to work every night!