Imagine a place where the aroma of wood-fired pizza mingles with the tantalizing scent of perfectly seasoned chicken wings.
Welcome to Barnyard Wood Crafted Pizza, a hidden gem in South Burlington, Vermont.
Barnyard Wood Crafted Pizza stands as a testament to the old adage, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” Or in this case, don’t judge a pizza joint by its exterior.
From the outside, it looks like your typical rural Vermont establishment – a charming red barn-like structure with a peaked roof and weathervane perched atop.
But step inside, and you’ll find yourself transported to a cozy, rustic haven that’s equal parts pizzeria and comfort food paradise.
The interior is a delightful mishmash of farmhouse chic and modern pizzeria.
Wooden beams crisscross the ceiling, while industrial-style lighting casts a warm glow over the dining area.
The walls are adorned with a mix of local artwork and vintage farm implements, creating an atmosphere that’s both homey and hip.
It’s the kind of place where you can imagine both hipsters and farmers feeling equally at home.
Now, let’s talk about the star of the show – the food.
While Barnyard Wood Crafted Pizza may have “pizza” in its name, it’s their chicken wings that have locals and visitors alike flocking to this unassuming eatery.
These aren’t your run-of-the-mill, drowning-in-sauce wings.
Oh no, these are the Beyoncé of chicken wings – they stand out, they’re unforgettable, and they leave you wanting more.
The secret?
Well, if I knew that, I’d be running my own wing empire instead of writing about it.
But what I can tell you is that these wings are wood-fired to perfection, resulting in a crispy exterior that gives way to juicy, flavorful meat.
It’s like a flavor explosion in your mouth, minus the actual explosion part.
That would be messy and probably frowned upon by the health department.
But let’s not forget about the pizza.
After all, it’s in the name of the place, and ignoring it would be like going to a circus and only watching the clowns.
The pizzas at Barnyard are a work of art.
They’re crafted with the same care and attention as a painter working on their masterpiece, except instead of paint, they use cheese, sauce, and toppings.
And instead of a canvas, they use dough.
Okay, so maybe the analogy isn’t perfect, but you get the idea.
The wood-fired oven gives the crust a perfect char, creating a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the gooey cheese and fresh toppings.
It’s the kind of pizza that makes you wonder why you ever settled for delivery.
One of their standout pies is the Barnyard Supreme – a pizza lover’s dream topped with pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, green peppers, and onions.
It’s like a farm animal reunion on a pizza, minus the awkward small talk.
For those who prefer their pizza sans meat, the Farmer’s Garden is a vegetarian’s delight, loaded with fresh, locally sourced vegetables.
It’s so good, it might just convince a few carnivores to cross over to the green side.
At least for one meal.
But Barnyard Wood Crafted Pizza isn’t content with just serving up amazing wings and pizza.
Oh no, they’ve got a whole menu of comfort food that’ll make you want to hug the chef.
Take their burgers, for instance.
The Ole Smokey Burger is a tower of deliciousness, featuring a juicy patty topped with cheddar cheese, bacon, and a fried egg.
It’s like breakfast and lunch had a beautiful, tasty baby.
And let’s not forget about their sandwiches.
The Vermont Country Farms Meatball Sub is a hearty and satisfying option, featuring house-made meatballs smothered in rich marinara sauce and topped with provolone cheese, all served on fresh, wood-fired bread.
This is comfort food done right!
For those with a sweet tooth (and really, who doesn’t have one?), Barnyard’s dessert menu is a treasure trove of sugary delights.
Their Fried Dough Bites are little pockets of joy, tossed in cinnamon sugar and served with a side of maple cream for dipping.
It’s like a carnival came to town, but without the questionable rides and rigged games.
And if you’re feeling particularly indulgent, the S’mores Pizza is a must-try.
It’s a dessert pizza topped with melted chocolate, marshmallows, and graham cracker crumbs.
It’s like camping, but with the comfort of indoor plumbing and without the risk of bear attacks.
Unless you count the risk of your friends trying to steal a slice.
Now, let’s talk about the drinks because what’s a meal without a good beverage to wash it down?
Barnyard Wood Crafted Pizza doesn’t disappoint in this department either.
They’ve got a rotating selection of local craft beers on tap, including some from nearby breweries like Fiddlehead and Allagash.
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It’s like a liquid tour of Vermont’s best brews, minus the designated driver requirement.
For the non-beer drinkers, they offer a selection of wines and cocktails that’ll make you forget you’re in a pizza joint and not a fancy bar.
One of the things that sets Barnyard Wood Crafted Pizza apart is their commitment to using local ingredients whenever possible.
The vegetables on your pizza?
Probably picked from a nearby farm that morning.
The cheese on your burger?
Likely made just down the road.
It’s like a delicious geography lesson of Vermont’s agricultural landscape.
This dedication to local sourcing not only ensures the freshest ingredients but also supports the local economy.
It’s a win-win situation, kind of like finding money in your pocket that you forgot about, but tastier.
The atmosphere at Barnyard is as warm and inviting as their wood-fired oven.
The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, always ready with a recommendation or a joke.
It’s the kind of place where you might come in as a stranger but leave feeling like part of the family.
A slightly dysfunctional family that argues over the last slice of pizza, but a family nonetheless.
On busy nights, the place buzzes with energy.
The sound of laughter mingles with the sizzle of pizzas hitting the hot oven and the clinking of glasses.
It’s a symphony of good times and great food, conducted by the talented staff and performed by happy diners.
During the warmer months, Barnyard opens up its outdoor seating area.
It’s a charming space, with picnic tables and string lights creating a magical ambiance.
It’s perfect for those balmy Vermont summer evenings when the sun seems to linger in the sky, much like you’ll want to linger over your meal.
But Barnyard Wood Crafted Pizza isn’t just about the food and drink.
They’re also committed to being a positive force in the community.
They regularly host fundraisers for local charities and schools, proving that they’re as generous with their community support as they are with their pizza toppings.
They’ve even been known to donate leftover food to local shelters at the end of the day.
It’s enough to warm your heart, which is good because it’ll balance out the heat from those spicy wings.
Speaking of those wings, let’s circle back to them for a moment.
Because really, they deserve another mention.
These wings come in a variety of flavors, from classic Buffalo to a maple barbecue that’s so Vermont it practically comes with its own flannel shirt.
But my personal favorite?
The garlic parmesan.
It’s a flavor combination so perfect, it makes you wonder why all chicken doesn’t come this way.
It’s like the universe finally got something right, and that something is chicken wings.
Now, I know what you’re thinking.
“But what about the pizza? Isn’t this place called Barnyard Wood Crafted Pizza?”
And you’re right to ask.
The pizza here is indeed fantastic.
But sometimes, a place becomes known for something unexpected.
It’s like how Shakespeare probably thought he’d be remembered for his sonnets, but instead, we all quote “to be or not to be.”
Life’s funny that way, and so is the culinary world.
So yes, come for the pizza, but stay for the wings.
And the burgers.
And the sandwiches.
And the desserts.
Heck, just come and try everything.
Your taste buds will thank you, even if your waistline might not.
But hey, that’s what elastic waistbands were invented for, right?
In the end, Barnyard Wood Crafted Pizza is more than just a restaurant.
It’s a celebration of Vermont’s culinary landscape, a testament to the power of locally sourced ingredients, and proof that sometimes the best things come in unassuming packages.
It’s a place where memories are made, friendships are forged, and diets go to die a delicious death.
So the next time you find yourself in South Burlington with a rumbling stomach and hankering for some seriously good eats, make your way to Barnyard Wood Crafted Pizza.
Your taste buds will thank you, your Instagram feed will thank you (because let’s face it, these dishes are as photogenic as they are delicious), and you’ll thank yourself for discovering this hidden gem.
Just remember to pace yourself.
After all, there’s always tomorrow for leftovers.
If there are any left, that is.
For more information about their menu, hours, and special events, check out Barnyard Wood Crafted Pizza’s website and Facebook page.
And don’t forget to use this map to find your way to flavor town!
Where: 1705 Williston Rd, South Burlington, VT 05403
Who knew a barn could house such culinary treasures?
Vermont, you’ve done it again.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a date with some garlic parmesan wings.