There are many perks about living in a small state – minimal traffic, shorter lines, and less waiting to name a few. There are simply less people to make a crowd and sometimes the restaurants reflect that. But there are some places that you may have to wait for a table if you don’t have a reservation, if you can get in at all. Here are 13 of the best local restaurants in Vermont where you’ll have to make a reservation in advance.

Thankfully there aren’t many restaurants with a 30 day waiting period, so if you call ahead you should be OK. However, sometimes reservations aren’t accepted and there may be a wait. And still, some may have no lines, but it will take a little extra time to get there since it’s off the beaten path. Regardless of why it takes a little longer, these 13 restaurants are totally worth it.

1. Penny Cluse Cafe - ‪169 Cherry St, Burlington, VT‬.
Tripadvisor/AndroidBoy
You may wait 20 minutes (or more on the weekends) but it’s totally worth it for one of the best breakfasts and lunches you’ll ever have. Or have the best of both worlds and go for brunch! Their Apple Bread French Toast and the Gingerbread Pancakes alone are worth the wait. Check them out online to stay up to date with all that's going on at Penny Cluse.
2. American Flatbread - ‪115 St. Paul Street, Burlington, VT.
Trip Advisor/david717
TripAdvisor/David A
It's so much fun watching the beautiful brick oven cook the flatbreads right in front of you, which is good because sometimes you may have to wait (especially Thursday nights). After all it’s a college town, but the good beer and casual atmosphere are so welcoming that you’ll be happy to extend your experience here. From the plain flatbread to something more adventurous such as the Punctuated Equilibrium, these flatbreads have won the hearts of Vermonters for sure. Visit them online for current information and opening hours.
3. The Farmhouse Tap & Grill - ‪160 Bank Street, Burlington, VT.‬
Flickr/loco4mango
Tripadvisor/management
This popular spot sometimes has a long wait, but if you luck out you can be seated quickly. If you’re looking for an authentic Vermont dining experience, the Farmhouse will not disappoint. The food is fresh, organic and well presented. Be sure to end your meal with the maple cheesecake.
4. T. J. Buckleys -‪ 132 Eliot St, Brattleboro, VT.
Trip Advisor/C_Jeanne
Tripadvisor/PhotoCrawler
T.J. Buckley’s is a teeny, tiny restaurant in an old fashioned train car. It may be hard to get a table but when you do you can watch the chefs in the kitchen making of the most beautiful and tasty dinners. The salads are small works of art and don’t miss the pate plate appetizer. Main courses always come with interesting accompaniments at this gem of a place.
5. Peter Havens Restaurant - ‪32 Elliot St, Brattleboro, VT.‬
Tripadvisor/mjm814
Tripadvisor/management
If you’re waiting at your table with questions about the menu, be patient – you’ll appreciate the time the staff takes when it’s your turn. They are always friendly and willing to describe every dish in detail. The hickory smoked salmon over a bed of risotto has been receiving rave reviews and it’s probably the best salmon you’ll ever eat... anywhere! Call for reservations first as this place is popular for good reason. To make reservations and learn more about this place, visit them online here.
6. Silver fork - ‪4201 Main St. (Route 7A), Manchester, VT.
Tripadvisor/Management
Tripadvisor/Management
Snagging a table might be difficult at the Silver Fork since they only have 6 tables and 5 seats at the bar. If you’re lucky enough to secure a seat, you’ll be treated to a wonderful meal and even better conversation. The owners, Melody and Mark (the chef), are famous not only for their food, but their welcoming atmosphere as they are always on hand with helpful suggestions. Prepare yourself for wonderful food, a nice wine selection, creative cocktails, attentive service and a lovely ambiance. With only 26 seats, the menu is extensive and varied, reflecting the chef's culinary experience in Baltimore, Germany and Puerto Rico. Who wouldn’t enjoy a goat cheese soufflé with fig jam followed by the osso bucco and a portabello mushroom stuffed with lobster? Reservations here are a must.
7. Kismet - ‪52 State St, Montpelier, VT.
Tripadvisor/walker M

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Tripadvisor/kismetvt
Kismet, located in downtown Montpelier, is the perfect combination of cozy, hip and romantic at the same time. The red snapper is amazing… a little crust on the top, while the rest is perfectly flakey. The seasoning of all dishes is out of this world.
8. Simon Pearce (‪The Mill at Quechee) - 1760 Main Street, Quechee.
Tripadvisor/10acious1
Tripadvisor/management
If you don’t have a reservation here, there’s plenty to keep you occupied while you wait. Enjoy watching the artisans blow and create glass objects of beauty in this charming New England setting next to a stunning waterfall. The starters are all excellent with the prosciutto earning an honorable mention. Beautiful plating makes the food as stunning as the art. Enjoy imaginative cocktails such as the caper berry martini and finish your meal with a classic dessert such as their wonderful crème brulee. Make a reservation by visiting the restaurant online here.
9. Big Fatty’s BBQ - ‪186 South Main Street, Hartford, VT.‬
Tripadvisor/jckelly4
Tripadvisor/Management
Who said only fine dining is worth the wait? The delay at Big Fatty’s is getting there since it’s a bit out of the way, but if you like BBQ then it’s worth the trip. The beef brisket, despite the name of the restaurant, is not fatty at all. Combine that with the mac & cheese which is mouthwateringly cheesy and delicious, and the beans which are cooked perfectly with a bit of heat.
10. Mojo Café - ‪106 Main Street, Ludlow, VT.
Tripadvisor/bush242
Trip Advisor/bush242
The Mojo Café might not be on everyone’s radar, but it’s worth a side trip for the food. No matter what you try – the catfish taco, lobster taco, shrimp taco, they are all fantastic! Best chicken burrito around and awesome slaw on the side.
11. Jessica’s at Swift House Inn Restaurant - ‪25 Stewart Lane, Middlebury, VT.
Tripadvisor/PhotoCrawler
Tripadvisor/wydelyn
No reservations? Enjoy a vino at the bar before being seated at Jessica’s. The menu is exciting but it’s the wine list that shines here. For wine lovers, this selection is a dream. Jessica’s has a beautiful location, gorgeous dining room, great crab cakes as well as engaging bartenders. An outdoor deck overlooks the gorgeous grounds which adds seating (and less wait) in nice weather. For winter dining, be sure to request a table in the dining room next to the fire to add ambiance in the cold weather.
12. Hen of The Wood - ‪92 Stowe Street, Waterbury, VT‬.
flickr/ampersandyslexia
Flickr/ampersandyslexia
Reservations are highly recommended at this favorite of both travelers and locals alike. The service is consistently impeccable and the staff is always attentive to your needs. Everything, and I mean everything is wonderful here, so if you can’t decide, try about 6 of the small plates (mind you the portions are generous) and enjoy as your taste buds explode in an exploration of flavor and freshness. If you're looking where to eat in Vermont, Hen of The Wood is a top-notch option.
13. Black Sheep Bistro - ‪253 Main St, Vergennes, VT‬.
Tripadvisor/Paradox398
Tripadvisor/Paradox398
This outstanding restaurant is the #1 choice restaurant in Addison County and the town of Vergennes. The meals are consistently mouth-watering great, and the garlic mashed potatoes, served family style, are to die for.

What restaurants do you enjoy that are totally worth waiting for? Where is the best food in Vermont? Please let us know and share with your fellow foodies!

If you’re looking where to eat in Vermont for hearty food, you’ll want to check out these five amazing steak houses in Vermont.

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More to Explore

best local restaurants in Vermont

Luke | November 23, 2020

What are the best hidden gem restaurants in Vermont?

If you are looking for more hidden gem restaurants in Vermont take a look at this article of 11 wonderful and lesser-known restaurants throughout Vermont. For a snapshot of the article, such restaurants on the list include the Black Sheep Bistro in Vergennes, Mad Taco in Waitsfield, Black Krim Tavern in Randolph, and many more. Check out the article for more hidden restaurants and information and opening hours about these ‘under the radar’ restaurants.

Where can I find the best Pizza in Vermont?

Everyone loves pizza, and Vermont is no exception. We have some downright delicious and savory pizza joints spread out across the state. If you are near Burlington, check out Ken’s Pizza and American Flatbread. If you are in the vicinity of Brattleboro, consider Ramunto’s Brick Oven Pizza or Marigold Kitchen in Bennington. For more exceptional pizza places, take a look at the 12 best pizza spots in Vermont.

What are the best restaurants in Vermont?

Any list of the best restaurants in Vermont will be subjective, but based on reviews and word of mouth, here are some of the most amazing restaurants in Vermont: Hen of the Wood in Waterbury, Downtown Grocery in Ludlow, SoLo in South Londonderry, The Kitchen Table in Richmond, and Michael’s on the Hill. If you are looking for more restaurants in Vermont to explore, check out this list here of the 15 best restaurants in Vermont you have to try.

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Featured Addresses
169 Cherry St, Burlington, VT 05401, USA
115 St Paul St, Burlington, VT 05401, USA
The Farmhouse Tap & Grill, 160 Bank St, Burlington, VT 05401, USA
T. J. Buckley's, 132 Elliot St, Brattleboro, VT 05301, USA
32 Elliot St, Brattleboro, VT 05301, USA
4201 Main St, Manchester Center, VT 05255, USA
207 Barre St, Montpelier, VT 05602, USA
Simon Pearce, 1760 Quechee Main St, Quechee, VT 05059, USA
Big Fatty's BBQ, 186 S Main St, White River Junction, VT 05001, USA
Mojo Cafe, 106 Main St, Ludlow, VT 05149, USA
25 Stewart Ln, Middlebury, VT 05753, USA
Hen of the Wood, 14 S Main St, Waterbury Village Historic District, VT 05676, USA
Black Sheep Bistro, 253 Main St, Vergennes, VT 05491, USA