23 S. Main St., Waterbury, 802-244-4120
Barbecue and comfort food meet “proper” cocktails and one of New England’s largest craft beer selections. In the adjacent brewery, pair a pint with tacos or ramen.
123 Church St., Burlington, 802-860-9401
Here you’ll find a friendly pub experience featuring an Irish-inspired menu, craft brews and single-malt Scotches.
10 N. Winooski Ave., Burlington, 802-660-9346
Sandwiched between Radio Bean and Light Club Lamp Shop, the lively café touts international street eats, from Korean tacos to Hawaiian volcano fries.
150 Cherry St., Burlington, 802-383-1505
A showstopping chandelier lends funky elegance to the dining room. Enjoy a vegan salad or sandwich made from fresh ingredients — or take a specialty coffee and scone to go.
149 S. Champlain St., Burlington, 802-540-0060
Laptops and tablets are off-limits at this community-focused café — all the better to strike up a conversation over fresh croissants, soups, garden salads and sandwiches. Look for the baguette-carting Bread Bike in summer.
120 Church Street, Burlington, 802-864-9800
Try the Shirt Sleeve — a wrap stuffed with corn-flake-and-almond-crusted chicken, local bacon and Swiss cheese — at one of Church Street’s time-tested restaurants.
3629 Ethan Allen Highway, New Haven, 802-453-6309
Classic French country cuisine meets Vermont ingredients in a seasonally driven menu. Try the signature steak frites or the red-curry bouillabaisse with saffron aioli.
1 S. Main St., Waterbury, 802-244-7827
Beer fans hit up “the Rez” for its locally famous draft list and locavore pub snacks: chorizo tacos, fried chicken and big-time burgers.
160 Bank St., Burlington, 802-859-0888
Where a McDonald’s once stood, crowds now come for local burgers, innovative entrées and craft beers. The menu showcases ingredients grown, raised and produced in Vermont.
108 Main St., Montpelier, 802-223-8277
Twenty-three taps dispense craft brews for every palate. Sip one with a handful of spiced peanuts, or fill up on a falafel wrap or a “fish’wich.”
1840 W. Main St., Richmond, 802-434-8686
In a historic brick home, chef Steve Atkins serves upscale bistro dishes that have earned locals’ hearts and national attention. Don’t miss the decadent desserts.
115 St. Paul Street, Burlington, 802-861-2999
Flatbreads topped with local, organic ingredients bake before your eyes in an open, wood-fired oven. Sample Zero Gravity Craft Brewery house ales. Weekend brunch.
141 Main St., Vergennes, 802-877-2772
Chef-owner Matt Birong melds international flavors with local ingredients in his “creative-casual” food. Look for eggs Benedict specials on Sunday and bean-to-bar chocolate with organic cacao sourced directly from the Dominican Republic.
82 S. Winooski Ave., Burlington, 802-861-9700
People of all stripes converge at Burlington’s downtown grocery cooperative. Buy some kale, get a sandwich fresh-made at the deli or peruse the hot bar.
316 US Route 2, South Hero, 802-372-4814
Near the shores of Keeler Bay, chef Phoebe Bright devises award-winning plates such as coffee-crusted pork tenderloin and crab ravioli.
36 Main St., Winooski, 802-497-1884
The “twisted comfort food” here includes mac and cheese with add-ons such as lobster and pulled pork. End the meal with a deep-fried PB&J. Weekend brunch.
4182 Waterbury-Stowe Rd., Waterbury Center, 802-244-7476
Elegant, ever-changing plates such as vegetable gnocchi and poached Maine lobster make the most of New England ingredients and the chef-owner’s European roots.
35 C Green St., Vergennes, 802-877-2555
Chef-owner Ian Huizenga grew up on a Monkton farm and sources super-local ingredients for his speakeasy’s “edible cures” and “potent potables.” Don’t miss sister biz Hired Hand Brewing Co., just upstairs.
11 Center Street, Brandon, 802-247-9997
Chef Robert Barral crafts French-inspired comfort food. Try his famous stew of shrimp, scallops and mussels served over saffron risotto. Sunday brunch.
5371 Route 7, Ferrisburgh, 802-877-6316
The handcrafted décor is as distinctive as chef Josh Krechel’s international locavore cuisine. Sit in the octagonal dining room, fireside porch or on the stone patio in summer.
15 Center St., Burlington, 802-862-9647
Since 1982, the Planet has carved out a hip space for food, local art and bar banter. New chef-owner Neil Solis took the reins in early 2020, promising to continue the restaurant’s rich history.
1076 Williston Road, South Burlington, 802-862-6585
Hand-cut aged beef, fresh seafood and a 40-item salad “boat” have attracted diners since 1977. The bar is noteworthy for its Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, extensive craft beer list and specialty cocktail menu.
317 Riverside Avenue, Burlington, 802-448-3070
The wood-fired smokers run 24-7 outside Burlington’s only dedicated barbecue joint. In the dining room, visitors mix and match two dozen draft beers with brisket, ribs, beans and mac. Cold outside? Try the pitmaster ramen.
10516 Route 116, Hinesburg, 802-482-5500
The pub menu changes seasonally to highlight Vermont ingredients, but you’ll always find Monday burger specials and live piano music on the weekend.
100 State St., Montpelier, 802-223-5222
Inside the Capital Plaza Hotel, meat and seafood lovers can find made-to-order dishes and model trains chugging around the dining room. Sunday brunch buffet.
1834 Shelburne Rd., South Burlington, 802-862-1081
Chef-owner David Hoene’s seasonal menus feature dinner plates such as pork schnitzel and escargots with pesto — and brunch favorites including French toast and crab cake Benedict.
156 St. Paul St., Burlington, 802-489-5644
Co-owner John Rao spent years perfecting the Neapolitan-style preparation of his paper-thin pies, which come topped with San Marzano tomatoes and housemade fior di latte. The bar stocks an extensive collection of Italian amari.
189 Bank St., Burlington, 802-497-1668
The Farmhouse Group’s hip taqueria keeps it fresh and fun in a revamped 1950s diner car. Go for tacos, burritos and killer margaritas.
1633 Williston Rd., South Burlington, 802-497-1207
Roaring fireplaces and candlelight set the stage for premium steaks, tavern fare and fresh North Atlantic seafood. For special events, reserve the private dining room.
1760 Quechee Main St., Quechee, 802-295-1470
After watching glassblowers work in the open studio downstairs, head to a chic dining room overlooking a covered bridge for silken cheddar soup or horseradish-crusted cod. The atrium bar serves casual drinks and snacks.
3 Main St., Montpelier, 802-223-0229
At Montpelier’s go-to Italian eatery, the wood-burning oven cranks out pizza, salmon and other house specialties. Check out the gluten-free menu.
92 Stowe St., Waterbury, 802-244-7300
Upscale dining takes a rustic turn in a former grist mill. Creative use of local meats, greens and cheeses has earned chef-owner Eric Warnstedt several James Beard Award nominations.
55 Cherry St., Burlington, 802-540-0534
Rustic charm, locavore cuisine and a legendary wine list distinguish this James Beard Award-nominated restaurant. The bar is open for cocktails and craft brews until 11 p.m.
41 Cherry St., Burlington, 802-651-5027
Head inside Hotel Vermont for food and drink inspired by fresh, local ingredients. Enjoy cocktails on the outdoor terrace.
9 Center St., Burlington, 802-448-3657
Burlington’s first all-vegetarian restaurant promises upscale, “good for you” food made with fresh, local and organic ingredients.
51 Washington St., Rutland, 802-747-7414
Fresh, healthy, local food is the focus. Try the maple-and-molasses-braised pork or a red curry featuring Vermont Soy tofu.
70 Marshall Avenue, Williston, 802-879-7060
Local ingredients make this pizzeria and pub a standout among Williston’s chain restaurants. Wood-fired pies, salads and sandwiches meet 28 brews on tap.
133 Bank St., Burlington, 802-865-5200
Traditional preparation and presentation distinguish dishes such as the nationally recognized mock eel — a favorite of the Food Network’s Alton Brown. Try the tasting menu. Dim sum on Sunday.
26 Seymour St., Middlebury, 802-388-7166
Adults dig the steakhouse’s historic décor and huge salad bar. Kids love the room with books and movies. And where else can you pour yourself a glass of local chocolate milk on draft?
21 Merchants Row, Randolph, 802-728-6776
Chef-owner Sarah Natvig changes the menu at her downtown bistro weekly. The produce for her simple but fanciful fare hails from her husband Chip’s Pebble Brook Farm, and the meats are raised nearby, too.
5247 Shelburne Rd., Shelburne, 802-985-9877
Chef Mark LaRiviere’s eclectic, French-inflected menus spotlight local meats, produce and dairy. Dine near the fireplace in winter or on the sunny patio in summer.
25 Cherry St., Burlington, 802-864-8600
Chef Doug Paine punctuates his menu of sustainable seafood with small-farm meats and produce. Choose from eight inventive Benedicts during Sunday brunch, or pair inspired cocktails with acoustic music on the weekend.
316 Pine St., Suite 114, Burlington, 802-448-3278
Burlington’s hometown cidery invites visitors to “get excidered” about its local-apple beverages. The modern pub fare includes poutines and handmade veggie burgers.
131 Main St., Burlington, 802-489-5699
An elegant space houses southern-inflected farm-to-table dishes and classic cocktails. Weekend brunch.
83 Church St., Burlington, 802-497-1613
Part of the Farmhouse Group, this subterranean spot crafts fresh pastas, wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas and housemade salumi. Pair it all with a fine Italian wine.
152 St. Paul St., Burlington, 802-864-5253
A firelit setting and award-winning wine list distinguish this long-standing restaurant as a romantic Italian destination. Try the housemade pasta or the brick chicken.
70 Essex Way, Essex Junction, 802-764-1489
Nightly specials, from Tuesday flatbreads to Wednesday sliders, keep the upscale pub accessible. Ingredients are locally sourced, and the tap list is 32 brews strong.
70 Essex Way, Essex, 802-764-1489
At the Essex Culinary Resort & Spa’s “interactive restaurant,” chefs converse with guests as they build polished apps and entrées using local meats and produce from the on-site garden.
492 Mountain Rd., Stowe, 802-253-5101
Close to the slopes, chefs sling wood-fired pizzas, roasted meats and burgers to accompany thoughtful cocktails and 25 beers on tap.
192 Boxwood St., Williston, 802-857-5829
Creative burgers anchor the menu at the busy restaurant right next to Majestic 10 cinema. Pair your patty with a specialty milkshake or vodka martini.
126 College St., Burlington, 802-863-5200
Chef-owner Hervé Mahé parlays Parisian culinary training into classic French cuisine. Pair buttered escargots with a wine from Bordeaux.
39 Main St., Brattleboro, 802-254-6245
Chef Ken Flutie brings Italy to the Green Mountains with hand-turned pastas, wood-fired flatbreads and artfully plated entrées.
136 Main St., Brattleboro, 802-254-4141
Award-winning restaurateurs Keith Arnold and Stephanie Bonin serve up indulgent locavore fare such as goat-cheese-stuffed dates and swordfish with saffron rice. Weekend brunch.
2 N. Winooski Ave., Burlington, 802-540-8145
In a sunny corner storefront, chef-owner Samran Kaewkoet whips up affordable Isan cuisine to eat in or take out. Like it spicy? Try the super-fresh green papaya salad.
1859 Mountain Rd., Stowe, 802-253-4765
Sip the draft lineup from the six-sample “brew-ski” — pair it with smoked trout dip, Vermont cheddar fritters or roast chicken and mash. Brewery tours are available by reservation.
46 Main St., Winooski, 802-497-3989
Handcrafted plates such as squid-ink farfalle and aged pheasant have nabbed Winooski’s casual farm-to-table kitchen multiple James Beard Award nominations.
161 Main St., Vergennes, 802-877-9962
The hip neighborhood joint has exposed brick walls, metal sculptures, beet flatbreads and tangy barbecue ribs.
36 Bridge St., Brattleboro, 802-490-2354
Take in sweeping views of the Connecticut River over craft beers and spiced-cider ribs. The Whetstoner session IPA is always on tap.
258 N. Winooski Ave., Burlington, 802-495-0716
The laid-back neighborhood restaurant is a go-to for grown-up drinks and unexpected creature comforts — think General Tso’s cauliflower and mac-and-cheese pancakes. Sunday brunch.
28 Spring Tree Rd., Brattleboro, 802-257-7563
Soak up views of the West River over fried whole-belly clams. Burgers and brewskis on the patio make sunsets extra-special.
388 Pine St., Burlington, 802-865-2368
For many Burlington oenophiles, Dedalus is the place to buy wine. Peruse the expertly curated bottle shop and cheese counter, then visit the charming, low-lit bar for natural wines by the glass — plus handcrafted charcuterie and small plates.
144 College St., Burlington, 802-865-0500
Burlington’s original brewpub deals in classic plates such as country meatloaf and fish and chips, best paired with one of 10 ever-changing beers.
1428 Route 17, Waitsfield, 802-496-2322
Classic comfort food gets a boost from local ingredients — think bacon-wrapped meatloaf and cider-braised pork osso bucco.
14 Court Sq., Middlebury, 802-388-4961
Chef John Hessler reinvents New England cuisine in dishes such as seared sea scallops with roasted fingerling potatoes, bacon lardon, Brussels sprouts and maple brown butter.
28 Walnut St., Williston, 802-876-7129
In a chic industrial-style space, Tex-Mex tacos and carnitas burritos meet modern marvels such as avocado toast. Check out the long list of fine tequilas.
618 S. Main St., Stowe, 802-253-5255
The veggie options at this omnivorous café are so good that locals voted it one of Vermont’s best vegetarian restaurants. Chow down on a breakfast scramble or the ever-popular carnitas wrap.
1190 Mountain Rd., Stowe, 802-253-6245
The Mexican fare includes hibiscus-glazed chicken and ancho-rubbed steak, along with enchiladas and tacos. Find dozens of tequilas at the bar — and bands onstage several nights a week.
35 School St., Stowe, 802-760-6143
Home to one of Vermont’s largest natural wine collections, this market, bar and dinner spot pours more than 15 varietals — and several local beers — by the glass. Snack on cheese and salumi or a larger seasonal plate.
716 Pine St., Burlington, 802-489-5102
Chef Frank Pace’s casual kitchen takes its cues from global cuisines of the north. Slurp shellfish from the raw bar, or snack on fries with smoked pork and Korean pepper aioli.
83 Huntington Rd., Richmond, 802-434-5787
This award-winning brewhouse riffs on German, Belgian and British styles. The kitchen puts out kale Caesars, pulled-chicken sandwiches, and cheddar-ale mac and cheese. Live music nearly every night.
1 Federal St., St. Albans, 802-524-0330
Favorites at this family-friendly bar and grill include loaded potato skins, roasted-beet salad and coconut curried mussels.
207 Flynn Ave., Burlington, 802-540-6400
The South End location of Burlington’s grocery cooperative offers a robust selection of marinated meats and spit-roasted birds in addition to groceries and prepared foods.
73 Main St., Brattleboro, 802-254-2073
Start with a craft cocktail, then sate your hunger with a steak-bomb grilled cheese sandwich, brick-oven pizza or wedge salad.
25 Omega Dr., Suite 150, Williston, 802-863-2337
The creative drafts at South Burlington’s warehouse brewery might include an aged oatmeal-cranberry stout or a hazy IPA infused with flowers and herbs. Pair a flight with a grilled sandwich, tacos or nachos.
22 Main St., Winooski, 802-800-1116
A second-generation restaurateur runs Winooski’s sleek Chinese lounge, where customers pair craft cocktails with dumplings, chow fun, and salt-and-pepper pork. DJs spin tunes ’til late on the weekend.
9 Maple Ave., Barre, 802-479-5545
Regulars come for wings, onion rings and big burgers, plus 24 beers on tap and sports coverage on 20 TVs. The kitchen is open until 11:30 p.m. nightly. Trivia on Tuesday.
8 Route 17, Waitsfield, 802-496-7243
Cuisine inspired by Spain, Italy, France and the Middle East transports diners to the Mediterranean coast. Choose from paella, pasta and seafood dishes, then finish with baklava from a family recipe.
373 Blair Park Rd., Suite 101, Williston, 802-662-4799
Options are endless when diners build their own poke bowls. Choose from ingredients such as raw tuna, salmon, zucchini noodles, beets, mangoes, edamame and more.
7 Fayette Dr., South Burlington, 802-497-3819
The restaurant’s barbecue smokers work their magic on chicken wings, ribs, sausage, brisket and more. Meanwhile, bartenders serve flights of whiskey and “adult” shakes with bourbon or vodka.
4 Carmichael St., Suite 101, Essex Junction, 802-878-1646
The production bakery’s gluten-free goodies include Outrageous Oatmeal Bread, Bodacious Brownies and Feelin’ Groovy Granola. Just waking up? Breakfast includes bagels, scones and quiche.
4 Pearl St., Essex Junction, 802-857-5940
TV sports entertain diners as they nosh on burgers or corned beef and cabbage. Draft beers and top-shelf whiskeys keep ’em happy no matter who’s winning the game.
28 Walnut St., Williston, 802-857-5908
TV sports entertain diners as they nosh on burgers or corned beef and cabbage. Draft beers and top-shelf whiskeys keep ’em happy no matter who’s winning the game.
18 Severance Green, Colchester, 802-871-5480
TV sports entertain diners as they nosh on burgers or corned beef and cabbage. Draft beers and top-shelf whiskeys keep ’em happy no matter who’s winning the game. Sunday brunch.
25 Winooski Falls Way, Winooski,, 802-497-2994
Married owners Leandro Bustos and Lorena Neironi started with a food truck in 2015 and now serve their handmade empanadas, Argentinean asado and flan from a brick-and-mortar restaurant.
716 Pine St., Burlington, 802-497-0054
American Flatbread’s flagship brewery pours pints of Green State Lager and Conehead IPA in a hip South End bar. Pair yours with a handmade sausage in the summer beer garden.
86 St. Paul St., Burlington, 802-495-5491
Retro furnishings complement a fun menu of all-day breakfast, lunch and dinner. There are six types of eggs Benedict. Don’t miss the cocktail flights.
7412 Mountain Rd., Stowe, VT, 253-3560
Spruce Peak’s mountainside bistro prepares snacks, sandwiches and burgers from fresh, local ingredients. Wet your whistle with a local craft beer or signature cocktail.
7 Bakery Lane, Middlebury, 802-989-7026
Chef Matt Corrente forms modern Italian meals from local, seasonal ingredients by the Otter Creek. Sip a cocktail infused with foraged botanicals, then tuck into a bowl of Bolognese. By day, this space is home to Caroline Corrente’s Haymaker Bun Company.
300 Cornerstone Dr., Williston, 802-878-5524
Chef-founders Jozef Harrewyn and Scott Sorrell have more than 40 combined years of experience; it shows in their frittatas, sandwiches, soups and salads. Don’t miss the pastries. Weekend brunch.
1117 Williston Rd., South Burlington, 802-660-7523
Locals and travelers gather for craft cocktails, regional beers and spirits, along with pub-style fare made with local ingredients. Enjoy the outdoor fire pit or the cozy indoor fireplace.
5615 Route 14, Royalton, 802-763-0440
In a historic building, chef Eric Hartling offers spins on classic New England dishes while making room for global influences. The menu changes weekly but might include seared scallops with local butternut purée.
30 Bridge St., Richmond, 802-434-3663
Draft lines ferry 24 carefully selected craft beers, wines and hard ciders from cask to glass. Local ingredients shine in plates such as brisket poutine, fried chicken and crispy Brussels sprouts.
34 Park St., Essex Junction, 802-662-4381
Chicken-fried steak, crab cakes and maple-kissed pork chops are among the offerings at this “inspired comfort food” restaurant — the second from chef-owner Darrell Langworthy of Mark BBQ.
34 Park St., Essex Junction, 802-495-1480
Chef Darrell Langworthy’s Texas-style ‘cue includes smoked brisket, sausages and pulled pork. Get it with mac and cheese, baked beans, or coleslaw.
3 S. Main St., Waterbury, 802-882-8596
TV sports entertain diners as they nosh on burgers or corned beef and cabbage. Draft beers and top-shelf whiskeys keep ’em happy no matter who’s winning the game.
22 S. Main St., St. Albans, 802-524-2244
The family-run restaurant attracts diners of all ages with its popular New York-style pizzas, pastas and more — available for eat in, takeout and delivery.
4 Carmichael St., Essex Junction, 802-288-9494
The family-run restaurant attracts diners of all ages with its popular New York-style pizzas, pastas and more — available for eat in, takeout and delivery.
408 Shelburne Rd., South Burlington, 802-489-5456
The family-run restaurant attracts diners of all ages with its popular New York-style pizzas, pastas and more — available for eat in, takeout and delivery.
2160 Mountain Rd., Stowe, 802-253-9333
Latin and Asian flavors mix and mingle in fanciful menu items such as lobster wonton soup, green chorizo dumplings and chile-ponzu short ribs. The owner calls the tequila and sake selections “the best around.” Sunday brunch.
1 Lawson Lane, Orlando's Bar & Lounge Burlington, 802-540-0033
Smoked meats and traditional sides — think slaw, mac and cheese, and corn on the cob — pair well with live music at this subterranean club. Look for Vermont brews on tap.
93 Beswick Dr., White River Junction, 802-698-8059
What began as a to-go snack shack is now a 30-seat restaurant slinging New England-style barbecue. Meat straight off the smoker includes maple chicken and root beer-basted pulled pork.
133 N. Main St., Suite 7, 14th Star Brewing Co., St. Albans, 802-782-8703
Inside a veteran-owned brewery in a former bowling alley, creative burgers, salads and pretzel sticks pair with ales, stouts and aromatic IPAs. Sunday brunch.
5 E. Allen St.,Winooski, 802-540-0052
The Farmhouse Group’s hip taqueria keeps it fresh and fun on the Winooski traffic circle. Farm-to-table tacos, burritos and killer margaritas are staples here.
111 St. Paul St., Burlington, 802-310-7828
Pastry shop, café and cocktail bar in one, this posh “fine diner” was voted Vermont’s best new restaurant in 2017. Swing in, too, for a handmade CBD truffle. No dinner Sunday or Monday.
2766 Mt. Philo Rd., Charlotte, 802-539-2912
A 400-acre historic dairy farm is now a showpiece for regenerative agriculture. Cozy up by the fire with a pastry and a cup of coffee from the café, or take in the farm views from the stone patio with a seasonal soup or sandwich. Meat and vegetables grown on the farm are for sale in the market.
155 Carroll Rd., Waitsfield, 802-496-4677
Friendly bartenders pour glasses of brewer Sean Lawson’s hop-driven IPAs, along with stouts, pilsners and other styles. Cheese plates keep the hunger at bay.
4000 Mountain Rd., Topnotch Resort, Stowe, 802-253-8585
The sunny resort bistro serves creative fare such as togarashi crusted tuna and butternut squash bisque with spiced coconut cream.
133 Main St.,Putney, 802-387-3052
Exposed beams lend rustic charm to the village restaurant, where chefs use area produce in creative dishes such as goose roulade and ramp agnolotti. Family-style dinner on Sunday.
64 Main St., Montpelier, 802-225-6227
This airy community space brings together chocolate flights and cocktails, cheese plates and Jamaican fare, and live music on “Bacon Thursday.” There’s also a florist on-site whose wares are fragrant, though not edible.