Imagine a place where comfort food meets culinary artistry, where the aroma of hand-tossed pizza mingles with the sizzle of gourmet poutine.
Welcome to Positive Pie, Montpelier’s hidden gem that’s about to rock your taste buds.
Ever had one of those days when you’re so hungry you could eat a moose?
Well, put down that antler and listen up, because I’ve got a tale that’ll make your stomach growl louder than a bear waking up from hibernation.
In the heart of Montpelier, Vermont’s charming capital city, there’s a little slice of heaven called Positive Pie.
Now, I know what you’re thinking.
“Another pizza joint? Big whoop.”
But hold onto your cheese grater, folks, because this place is anything but ordinary.
Picture this: You’re strolling down State Street, surrounded by quaint shops and historic buildings, when suddenly, the heavenly scent of freshly baked pizza crust wafts through the air.
You follow your nose (and let’s be honest, at this point it’s dragging you by the nostrils) until you find yourself standing in front of a brick building with a simple black awning.
The words “Positive Pie” are emblazoned above the entrance, and below, like a siren song to carb lovers everywhere, it promises “Live Music & Hand Tossed Pizza.”
Now, if that doesn’t make your heart skip a beat, you might want to check your pulse.
Or your taste buds.
Or both.
As you push open the door, you’re greeted by the warm glow of Edison bulbs and the inviting chatter of happy diners.
The interior is a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern cool, with exposed brick walls, wooden tables, and funky light fixtures that look like they were designed by a mad scientist with excellent taste.
But let’s be real, you’re not here for the decor.
You’re here for the food.
And boy, are you in for a treat.
Now, I know what you’re thinking.
“It’s called Positive Pie, so the pizza must be the star of the show, right?”
Well, hold onto your pepperoni, because while the pizza is indeed stellar (we’ll get to that in a minute), there’s another menu item that’s about to blow your mind: the poutine.
Yes, you heard me right.
Poutine.
In Vermont.
And not just any poutine, but quite possibly the most mouthwatering, life-changing poutine you’ll ever taste this side of Quebec.
For those of you who’ve been living under a rock (or maybe just a really big potato), poutine is a Canadian dish consisting of french fries smothered in gravy and cheese curds.
It’s basically what would happen if comfort food and indulgence had a baby, and that baby grew up to be a culinary rock star.
Now, Positive Pie has taken this already amazing dish and cranked it up to eleven.
Their version starts with a base of crispy, golden fries that are so perfectly cooked, they should be in a french fry museum.
If such a thing existed.
(Note to self: Start a french fry museum.)
These fries are then generously topped with locally sourced cheese curds that are so fresh, they practically squeak when you bite into them.
But the real magic happens with the gravy.
Oh, the gravy.
It’s rich, savory, and has a depth of flavor that’ll make you want to swim in it.
(Please don’t actually try to swim in it. That would be messy and probably violate some health codes.)
The result is a dish that’s so good, it should come with a warning label: “Caution: May cause spontaneous outbursts of joy and/or marriage proposals to your server.”
But wait, there’s more! (I’ve always wanted to say that.)
Positive Pie doesn’t stop at traditional poutine.
They offer variations that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.
How about the BBQ Pulled Pork Poutine?
It’s like a hoedown in your mouth.
Or the Buffalo Chicken Poutine, which is basically what would happen if Buffalo wings and poutine had a delicious love child.
And for those of you who like it hot, there’s the Spicy Sausage Poutine.
It’s got enough kick to wake up your taste buds and possibly your neighbors.
Now, let’s talk about the pizza.
After all, it is called Positive Pie, not Positive Poutine (though that does have a nice ring to it).
The pizzas here are hand-tossed and cooked to perfection in a brick oven, resulting in a crust that’s crispy on the outside and delightfully chewy on the inside.
It’s the kind of crust that makes you wonder why you ever wasted time eating those sad, limp excuses for pizza crusts in the past.
The menu offers a variety of creative toppings that’ll make your head spin faster than a pizza maker’s dough toss.
Take the “Moonshow” for example.
It’s topped with artichoke hearts, spinach, roasted red peppers, walnuts, and feta cheese.
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It’s like a Mediterranean vacation for your mouth, minus the sunburn and overpriced souvenirs.
This pizza is the culinary equivalent of a Greek philosopher pondering life’s great questions while lounging on a sun-drenched beach.
Each bite is a flavor odyssey, transporting you from the bustling streets of Montpelier to the azure shores of the Aegean.
The artichoke hearts whisper tales of ancient olive groves, while the spinach adds a pop of green as vibrant as the hills of Santorini.
Those roasted red peppers?
They’re like little edible sunsets, minus the crowds of tourists jostling for the perfect Instagram shot.
And let’s not forget the walnuts and feta, playing together like old friends at a taverna, sharing stories and ouzo long into the night.
It’s a vacation on a plate, and the best part?
No jet lag, no lost luggage, and definitely no need to learn how to say “please don’t put olives in my drink” in Greek.
Or how about the “Smokehouse”?
This bad boy is loaded with BBQ sauce, bacon, chicken, red onion, and blue cheese crumbles.
It’s so good, it’ll make you want to hug a pig.
(Please don’t actually hug pigs. They’re not as cuddly as they look, and farmers tend to frown upon it.)
And if you think that’s impressive, wait until you try their “Old School Supreme.”
This pizza is like a time machine that transports you back to the golden age of pizzerias.
It’s piled high with red sauce, pepperoni, spicy Italian sausage, fresh mushrooms, green pepper, red onion, and mozzarella.
Each bite is a nostalgic trip down memory lane, minus the questionable ’80s hairstyles and neon windbreakers.
It’s the kind of pizza that makes you want to high-five the chef, then ask for their hand in marriage.
(Disclaimer: Positive Pie is not responsible for any pizza-induced proposals. Eat at your own romantic risk.)
But Positive Pie isn’t just about the food.
It’s about the experience.
The staff here are friendlier than a golden retriever at a tennis ball factory.
They’re knowledgeable about the menu, quick with recommendations, and always ready with a joke or a smile.
It’s the kind of place where you walk in as a customer and leave feeling like part of the family.
A very well-fed family.
And let’s not forget about the “Live Music” part of their promise.
Positive Pie regularly hosts local musicians, turning your dinner into dinner and a show.
It’s like getting two experiences for the price of one, which is a deal sweeter than their dessert pizzas.
(Yes, they have dessert pizzas. No, I won’t judge you if you order one. Or two.)
Now, I know what some of you health-conscious folks out there are thinking.
“But what about nutrition? What about my diet?”
To which I say: Everything in moderation, including moderation.
Besides, Positive Pie has got you covered there too.
They offer a variety of salads that are so fresh and delicious, they’ll make you forget you’re eating something healthy.
The “Green Machine” salad, for instance, is packed with enough greens to make Popeye jealous.
And if you’re feeling particularly virtuous, you can always opt for one of their lighter pizzas, like the “Margherita” or the “Green Mischetta.”
But let’s be real, you’re probably not coming to Positive Pie for a salad.
You’re coming for the pizza, the poutine, and the positive vibes.
And trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
This place is the kind of local gem that makes you grateful for your taste buds and proud to be a Vermonter (or wish you were one).
It’s the perfect spot for a casual date night, a family dinner, or just a solo adventure in culinary bliss.
And here’s a pro tip: If you’re having trouble deciding between pizza and poutine, why not have both?
Life’s too short to deny yourself deliciousness.
Besides, you can always hit the gym tomorrow.
Or the next day.
Or never.
I won’t tell.
As you leave Positive Pie, belly full and spirits high, you might find yourself already planning your next visit.
Will you try a different pizza topping?
Will you attempt to conquer the entire poutine menu?
Will you finally give in and order that dessert pizza?
The possibilities are as endless as your newfound love for cheese curds.
So, whether you’re a local looking for your new favorite hangout or a visitor wanting to taste the best of Vermont, make your way to Positive Pie.
Your taste buds will thank you, your Instagram feed will thank you (because let’s face it, this food is seriously photogenic), and you’ll leave with a smile on your face and possibly some gravy on your shirt.
But hey, that’s what napkins (and dark-colored clothing) are for, right?
In the end, Positive Pie is more than just a restaurant.
It’s a celebration of good food, good company, and the simple joy of a perfectly crafted meal.
It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best things in life come covered in cheese and gravy.
And really, isn’t that what life is all about?
For more information about their menu, events, and to drool over food photos, visit Positive Pie’s website or Facebook page.
And when you’re ready to embark on your own poutine pilgrimage, use this map to guide you to cheesy, gravy-covered nirvana.
Where: 22 State St, Montpelier, VT 05602
Trust me, your taste buds will write you a thank-you note.