Nestled in the heart of Stowe, Rimrock’s Mountain Tavern is a hidden gem that’ll make you wonder why you haven’t been coming here your whole life.
It’s like your best friend’s living room, if your best friend had an uncanny knack for serving up mouthwatering wings and ice-cold brews.
Let me paint you a picture of Rimrock’s, a place where comfort food meets Vermont charm with a side of sass.
As you approach this unassuming tavern, you’re greeted by a charming yellow exterior that practically screams “Come on in, the beer’s cold and the company’s warm!”
The building itself looks like it was plucked straight out of a New England postcard, complete with a quaint cupola perched atop the roof.
It’s the kind of place that makes you want to cancel all your plans and settle in for the evening.
And trust me, once you’re inside, that’s exactly what you’ll want to do.
Now, I know what you’re thinking.
“Another tavern? Haven’t we seen it all before?”
Oh, my sweet summer child, prepare to have your expectations not just met, but drop-kicked into next week.
As you step through the door, you’re immediately enveloped in an atmosphere that’s part sports bar, part local hangout, and all heart.
The walls are adorned with an eclectic mix of sports memorabilia and local artifacts that tell the story of Stowe’s rich history.
It’s like a museum, if museums served killer wings and had a much more relaxed dress code.
Speaking of wings, let’s talk about the real reason you’re here: the food.
Rimrock’s menu is a love letter to comfort food, with each dish seemingly crafted to give your taste buds a warm, delicious hug.
But the star of the show?
Those wings.
Oh, those wings.
They’re the kind of wings that make you question every other wing you’ve ever eaten.
Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and slathered in a sauce that’ll make you want to write poetry.
Or at least a strongly worded letter of appreciation to the chef.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
Before we dive into the culinary delights, let’s take a moment to appreciate the ambiance.
The interior of Rimrock’s is a perfect blend of cozy and casual.
Wooden beams stretch across the ceiling, giving the place a rustic charm that screams “Vermont” louder than a maple syrup-chugging contest.
The tables and chairs are sturdy and inviting, practically begging you to settle in for a long evening of good food and even better conversation.
And then there’s the bar.
Oh, the bar.
It’s the kind of bar that makes you want to pull up a stool, order a local craft beer, and spill your life story to the bartender.
Not that you need to – the staff at Rimrock’s are friendly, but they also understand the sacred art of knowing when to chat and when to let you enjoy your drink in peace.
Now, let’s talk about that menu.
It’s a beautiful thing, really.
A perfect balance of classic tavern fare and creative twists that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.
Starting with the appetizers, you’ve got your standard chips and salsa.
But why stop there when you can dive into a bowl of spinach and artichoke dip?
It’s served with homemade pita bread, because Rimrock’s understands that sometimes, you need a sturdy vessel for your dip-scooping adventures.
And then there are the wings.
Oh, did I mention the wings?
They come in three sizes: small (10 wings), medium (20 wings), or large (30 wings).
And let me tell you, these aren’t your average, run-of-the-mill wings.
These are the kind of wings that make you want to stand up and slow clap.
The kind of wings that make you question every life decision that led you to this moment, wondering why you didn’t discover them sooner.
They’re crispy, they’re juicy, they’re perfectly sauced.
It’s like the chicken gave its life for a higher purpose, and that purpose was to make your taste buds sing.
But wait, there’s more!
If you’re feeling a bit fancy (or just really hungry), you can opt for the coconut shrimp.
It’s served with a sweet chili dipping sauce that’ll make you wonder why you ever settled for cocktail sauce in the past.
And let’s not forget the Bavarian pretzel.
It comes with a choice of mustard or aged cheddar, because Rimrock’s understands that sometimes, life’s biggest decisions come down to condiments.
Now, if you’re one of those people who insists on eating something green (no judgment here), Rimrock’s has got you covered.
Their salad game is strong, with options ranging from a classic Caesar to a Mediterranean salad.
And if you’re feeling particularly virtuous, you can add grilled or crispy chicken to any salad.
Because nothing says “I’m being healthy” like adding fried chicken to your salad, right?
But let’s be real – you’re not here for the salad.
You’re here for the main event.
And Rimrock’s does not disappoint.
Their entrees are the stuff of legend, the kind of meals that make you want to loosen your belt and declare, “I regret nothing!”
Take the fish and chips, for example.
It’s not just any fish and chips – it’s Schlee’s fish and chips.
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Now, I don’t know who Schlee is, but I’d like to shake their hand.
This dish comes with tater tots, because Rimrock’s understands that sometimes, you need both fries and tots in your life.
And then there’s the quesadilla.
It’s stuffed with cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, because one cheese is never enough.
You can also add chicken or ground beef.
It’s like a choose-your-own-adventure book, but with more melted cheese and less risk of being eaten by a grue.
But let’s circle back to those wings for a moment.
Because really, they deserve their own paragraph.
Heck, they deserve their own novel.
These wings are the kind of wings that make you question everything you thought you knew about poultry.
They’re crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a sauce that’s so good, it should probably be illegal.
You can get them in various flavors, from classic Buffalo to honey BBQ, but honestly, you could probably put these wings in a blender and they’d still be delicious.
Now, let’s talk about the atmosphere.
Because Rimrock’s isn’t just about the food – it’s about the experience.
The walls are adorned with an eclectic mix of sports memorabilia and local artifacts.
There’s a hockey stick hanging from the ceiling, because nothing says “Vermont” quite like a random piece of sports equipment used as decor.
There’s a sign that proclaims “We are hockey,” which is less a statement and more a way of life in these parts.
The wooden floors have that perfect worn-in look, the kind that tells you countless boots have tromped across them, carrying in stories of powder days and aprés-ski adventures.
The tables are sturdy and inviting, the kind of tables that have probably seen their fair share of heated debates over the best ski runs or the superior maple syrup brand.
And then there’s the bar.
Oh, the bar.
It’s the kind of bar that makes you want to saddle up and stay a while.
The bartenders are friendly and knowledgeable, ready to pour you a perfect pint of local craft beer or mix up a cocktail that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.
They’ve got a selection of local brews that’ll make any beer enthusiast weak in the knees.
From crisp lagers to hoppy IPAs, there’s something for every palate.
And if beer’s not your thing, their cocktail game is strong.
They mix up a mean Old Fashioned that’ll transport you straight to a cozy cabin in the woods, even if you’re just sitting at the bar.
But Rimrock’s isn’t just about the food and drink – it’s about the people.
It’s the kind of place where locals and tourists mingle seamlessly, sharing stories over plates of wings and pints of beer.
You might come in a stranger, but you’ll leave feeling like part of the Rimrock’s family.
The staff here have that perfect balance of friendliness and efficiency.
They’re quick with a joke or a story, but they also know when to let you enjoy your meal in peace.
It’s like they have a sixth sense for hospitality, always there when you need them but never hovering.
And let’s talk about the regulars for a moment.
These folks are the heart and soul of Rimrock’s.
They’re the ones who’ve been coming here for years, who know every item on the menu by heart, and who greet the staff by name.
They’re quick to welcome newcomers, ready with a recommendation or a tale of that one time when the snow was so deep, they had to ski to the tavern.
As the evening wears on, Rimrock’s takes on a warm, golden glow.
The chatter grows louder, punctuated by bursts of laughter and the clinking of glasses.
The smell of those incredible wings wafts through the air, mingling with the scent of hops and the faint aroma of pine that seems to permeate everything in Stowe.
It’s the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to linger, to order just one more drink, to savor every last moment.
And as you sit there, contentedly full and pleasantly buzzed, you might find yourself planning your next visit.
Because that’s the thing about Rimrock’s – one visit is never enough.
It’s the kind of place that becomes a tradition, a must-visit spot every time you’re in Stowe.
It’s comfort food and comfort company, all wrapped up in a cozy Vermont package.
So the next time you find yourself in Stowe, do yourself a favor and head to Rimrock’s Mountain Tavern.
Order a plate of those legendary wings, grab a local brew, and settle in for an evening of good food, good drinks, and even better company.
Just don’t blame me when you find yourself planning your next trip to Vermont around a visit to Rimrock’s.
After all, once you’ve tasted perfection, it’s hard to settle for anything less.
For more information about Rimrock’s Mountain Tavern, including their full menu and hours of operation, visit their website or Facebook page.
And when you’re ready to experience this cozy tavern for yourself, use this map to find your way to wing paradise.
Where: 394 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT 05672
Trust me, your taste buds (and your soul) will thank you.