Imagine a state where the mountains whisper secrets of culinary delights, and humble eateries serve up dishes that make your taste buds do a happy dance.
Welcome to Vermont, where these nine unassuming spots are cooking up storms of flavor you won’t believe until you try.
1. The Cupboard Deli (Jeffersonville)
Nestled in the heart of Jeffersonville, The Cupboard Deli is like that friend who always shows up with unexpected treats.
This charming red building, adorned with a whimsical mural, is more than just a pretty face.
It’s a culinary wonderland that’ll make you question why you ever settled for ordinary sandwiches.
As you approach, you might notice the weathervane atop the roof, spinning tales of delicious winds blowing your way.
But don’t let the quaint exterior fool you – inside, it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen.
The deli case is like a treasure chest of gastronomic gems, each more tempting than the last.
Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty sandwich that could double as a pillow (but tastes way better), or a slice of pizza that’ll make you want to hug the chef, The Cupboard has got you covered.
And let’s not forget about their bakery items – they’re so good, you might find yourself involuntarily doing a little happy dance right there in the store.
Don’t worry, the locals are used to it.
2. Wayside Restaurant (Montpelier)
If restaurants were people, the Wayside Restaurant in Montpelier would be that cool grandparent who tells the best stories and always has a treat in their pocket.
This place has been dishing out comfort food since 1918, which means they’ve had over a century to perfect the art of making your stomach happy.
The neon sign outside is like a beacon of hope for hungry travelers, promising good eats and a slice of Americana.
Step inside, and you’re transported to a world where calories don’t count and every meal feels like a warm hug.
The booths are so cozy, you might be tempted to take a nap after your meal – but trust me, you won’t want to miss a single bite.
From hearty breakfasts that’ll fuel your Vermont adventures to dinners that’ll make you want to move in, the Wayside is a culinary time machine.
And let’s not forget their desserts – rumor has it that their pies are so good, they’ve been known to end arguments and broker peace deals.
Okay, maybe that’s an exaggeration, but once you try them, you’ll believe it could be true.
3. The Blue Donkey (Stowe)
With a name like The Blue Donkey, you know you’re in for a wild ride – or at least a deliciously quirky one.
This Stowe gem is the kind of place that makes you do a double-take, both at its name and its mouthwatering menu.
The bright blue exterior and playful donkey logo are like a siren call to hungry passersby.
It’s as if the restaurant is saying, “Hey you! Yes, you with the rumbling tummy! Get in here and prepare for a flavor fiesta!”
And boy, does it deliver.
Specializing in burgers that could make a vegetarian weep (with envy, of course), The Blue Donkey is not for the faint of heart or small of appetite.
Their patties are so juicy, you might want to wear a bib – but hey, a little mess never hurt anybody, especially when it tastes this good.
And let’s talk about their specialty burgers for a second.
These aren’t your run-of-the-mill, slap-some-cheese-on-it-and-call-it-a-day burgers.
No, these are works of art, culinary masterpieces that’ll have you questioning everything you thought you knew about ground beef between buns.
Just remember: in the battle between you and the burger, the burger usually wins – but oh, what a delicious defeat it is.
4. Miss Lyndonville Diner (Lyndonville)
Miss Lyndonville Diner is like that unassuming person at a party who turns out to be the life of it.
From the outside, it’s your classic small-town diner, complete with a charming awning and American flags that flutter in the breeze.
But step inside, and you’re entering a world where comfort food reigns supreme and calories fear to tread.
This place is so authentically Vermont, you half expect maple syrup to start flowing from the taps.
The interior is a nostalgic trip down memory lane, with a counter that’s probably heard more local gossip than a hairdresser’s salon.
And the booths?
They’re so cozy, you might find yourself reluctant to leave – even after you’ve finished your third slice of pie.
Speaking of pie, Miss Lyndonville’s desserts are the stuff of legend.
Rumor has it that their apple pie is so good, it once convinced a die-hard city slicker to move to Vermont permanently.
Whether that’s true or not, one thing’s for certain: their pies are a religious experience for your taste buds.
But don’t let the desserts overshadow the main courses.
From breakfasts that could fuel a lumberjack to dinners that’ll make you want to hug the cook, Miss Lyndonville Diner serves up plates of pure, unadulterated comfort.
Just be prepared for the food coma that follows – it’s a small price to pay for such deliciousness.
5. The Parkway Diner (South Burlington)
The Parkway Diner in South Burlington is like that classic movie you can watch a hundred times and never get bored of.
With its shiny, retro exterior and bold red accents, it’s a visual feast before you even step inside.
It’s the kind of place that makes you want to don a leather jacket and perfect your best “Fonzie” impression.
As you approach, you might hear the faint sound of 1950s rock ‘n’ roll drifting through the air – or maybe that’s just your imagination getting carried away with the whole retro vibe.
Either way, prepare yourself for a dining experience that’s as American as apple pie (which, coincidentally, they serve a mean slice of).
Inside, the Parkway Diner is a time capsule of deliciousness.
The menu is like a greatest hits album of comfort food, featuring all your favorites with a Vermont twist.
Their breakfast menu alone could keep you coming back for weeks, trying to decide between the fluffy pancakes, the hearty omelets, or the life-changing home fries.
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But let’s not forget about lunch and dinner.
Their burgers are so good, they should come with a warning label: “May cause spontaneous outbursts of joy and potential addiction.”
And don’t even get me started on their milkshakes – they’re so thick, you might need to train for weeks just to successfully sip one through a straw.
6. The Skinny Pancake (Burlington)
Don’t let the name fool you – there’s nothing “skinny” about the flavors at The Skinny Pancake in Burlington.
This place is like that friend who’s always coming up with crazy food combinations that shouldn’t work but somehow do.
It’s a crepe revolution, and resistance is futile.
Situated in a beautiful stone building that looks like it could house a secret society of pancake lovers, The Skinny Pancake is anything but ordinary.
The moment you walk in, you’re hit with the intoxicating aroma of sweet and savory crepes mingling in the air.
It’s enough to make your mouth water and your stomach growl in anticipation.
Their menu is a wild ride through flavor town, with crepes that range from classic to downright adventurous.
Want a breakfast crepe stuffed with eggs, cheese, and local ham?
They’ve got you covered.
Craving a dessert crepe that’s basically a slice of apple pie in pancake form?
Say no more.
They even have savory dinner crepes that’ll make you question why you ever ate anything else.
But The Skinny Pancake isn’t just about crepes (although let’s be honest, that would be enough).
They’re also big on using local ingredients, supporting Vermont farmers and producers.
It’s like a delicious geography lesson on a plate.
7. Maple City Diner (St. Albans)
Maple City Diner in St. Albans is like finding a twenty-dollar bill in your winter coat pocket – unexpected, delightful, and guaranteed to improve your day.
This unassuming little spot might not look like much from the outside, but don’t let that fool you.
Inside, it’s a veritable wonderland of maple-infused deliciousness.
As you approach, you’ll notice the cheery green sign proudly proclaiming “Maple City Diner” – a name that’s both a nod to St. Albans’ maple syrup heritage and a promise of sweet things to come.
It’s like the diner equivalent of a wink and a nudge, saying, “Trust us, you’re gonna love this.”
Step inside, and you’re greeted by a cozy atmosphere that feels like a warm hug from your favorite aunt.
The air is thick with the scent of coffee, bacon, and yes, maple syrup.
It’s enough to make your mouth water and your stomach growl loud enough to drown out your inner voice saying, “Maybe I should just have a salad.”
But let’s talk about the food, shall we?
Their breakfast menu is the stuff of legends, featuring pancakes so fluffy they practically float off the plate.
And don’t even get me started on their maple cream pie – it’s so good, it should be illegal.
Or at least come with a warning label: “May cause involuntary happy dances and sudden urges to move to Vermont.”
8. Vergennes Laundry (Vergennes)
Vergennes Laundry is the plot twist in our culinary story – a bakery and café that’s about as far from a laundromat as you can get.
Unless, of course, your local laundromat serves up artisanal bread and pastries that could make a French baker weep with joy.
If so, please give me their address immediately.
Housed in a charming white building that looks like it could be the setting for a romantic comedy, Vergennes Laundry is a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.
The moment you step inside, you’re hit with the intoxicating aroma of freshly baked bread and brewing coffee.
It’s enough to make you consider setting up camp and never leaving.
Their menu is a love letter to simple, high-quality ingredients prepared with skill and passion.
The bread?
It’s so good, you might find yourself hugging the loaf on the way home.
Their pastries are like edible works of art – almost too pretty to eat.
Almost.
Because once you take a bite, all bets are off.
But Vergennes Laundry isn’t just about carbs (although, let’s be honest, that would be enough).
They also serve up some mean coffee and light meals that’ll make you question why you ever settled for fast food.
It’s the kind of place that turns first-time visitors into regulars faster than you can say “croissant.”
9. Misery Loves Co. (Winooski)
With a name like Misery Loves Co., you might expect a dimly lit dive bar serving up regret and bad decisions.
Instead, what you get is a culinary gem that’s about as far from miserable as you can get.
Unless, of course, your idea of misery is indulging in some of the most innovative and delicious food in Vermont.
In that case, welcome to paradise, you masochist, you.
Located in Winooski, Misery Loves Co. is like that cool friend who always knows about the best underground bands and secret speakeasies.
From the outside, it’s unassuming – you might even walk past it if you weren’t paying attention.
But step inside, and you’re transported to a world where food is art, and every bite is an adventure.
The menu at Misery Loves Co. is like a rollercoaster for your taste buds.
It changes regularly, keeping things fresh and exciting.
One day you might find yourself swooning over a perfectly crafted burger, the next you’re questioning everything you thought you knew about vegetables.
It’s unpredictable, it’s exciting, and it’s always, always delicious.
But perhaps the best thing about Misery Loves Co. is its ability to turn simple ingredients into something extraordinary.
It’s like culinary alchemy – they could probably make a gourmet meal out of a packet of ramen and some leftover cheese, and you’d still be raving about it weeks later.
So there you have it, folks – nine humble Vermont eateries that prove big flavors can come in small packages.
From diners to bakeries, burgers to crepes, these spots are serving up slices of Green Mountain heaven.
Your taste buds will thank you, even if your waistline might not.