Places to eat in Vermont

1 more image

Just east of Woodstock is Quechee. On the river in an old brick building is Simon Pearce glassworks and restaurant. We had a fabulous lunch in the glass-enclosed room that juts out over the river and dam. The glassworks downstairs is very interesting and the gift shop is filled with beautiful things.
We didn't know about Quechee when we were driving around Vermont and feel very lucky that we stopped. We stood on the covered bridge while my husband took photos. When I got bored of the photos, I told him I was going to walk over and see what that white building was. That's when we found Simon Pearce, apparently after everyone else! We had a short wait for a table at lunch, but it would be well worth a long wait. There is plenty to see in the building.
We told our waiter that it was the perfect Vermont day with clouds and blue sky, the river and dam, and sheep on the hill. The waiter said if we came back in the evening, we would probably see hot air balloons, too.

Favorite Dish: The restaurant describes its food as "Creative American" and there is a commitment to using local products like cheese, poultry, beer, etc.
From bread to dessert, everything we had was special. My husband loved his cheese soup and Shepard's Pie. I enjoyed the Mediterranean Lamb Burger. The menu features upscale versions of familiar items made from fine ingredients.

This is going to sound a bit odd, but three years ago my wife had the best steak of her life at this restaurant. Prime rib was the special, we were both going to order it, she got the last one, and I got fish. She gave me one bite and it was the tenderest, juiciest, most melt in your mouth steak either of us had ever eaten. It has become the standard bearer upon which all steaks are judged (by the way, we have a little butcher shop by our home in Cleveland that has great cuts of meat, but nothing as good as that prime rib).

On this trip neither of us got the prime rib, they had sold competely out already. It doesn't take a genius to know to stock more prime rib. Oh well, maybe it was for the best, maybe it could never be as good as the first time.

We each ordered different types of steaks which were mediocre. We will probably swing back through the Woodstock area in a couple years. I still want that prime rib.

Favorite Dish: PRIME RIB

One of the best brewpubs in the whole United States. Twelve beers on tap including three cask-conditioned ales served via handpump. I had just been to Dusseldorf to sample the original Uerige Alt and this place comes the closest to duplicating that world classic. On my most recent trip, Doreen drove me there from my aunt's house in New Hampshire. She was sweet and did not drink much so I could. :) On this occassion they had an amazing Imperial Stout that was not only potent but chock full of roasty flavor too.

Favorite Dish: Hey, I didn't eat there, but you can bring stuff in from this great veggie place up the road!

Not really a restaurant, but you mustn't miss it. When in Vermont do not forget to pay a visit to the Ben & Jerries ice cream factory. Here you can have a tour of the factory, and more importantly, have some free samples.

Favorite Dish: Ice Cream!

Smokejacks, located on Burlington's main culinary artery Church street offers some excellent smoked fish specialties as well as an excellent american-made cheese list. For anyone that thought that there is only Cheddar cheese in the US, stop by at Smokejacks!

Little Harry's is located in a non-descript building located in downtown Rutland, VT. However, the interior is well decorated and has a very warm atmosphere. The menu is varied but Thai food is one of their specialities, the interesting thing being that Harry is not from Thailand. Despite that, the reputation of the cuisine served is excellent.

Favorite Dish: We tried a Thai pasta dish with a shrimp sauce - it was excellent but also very filling. Since we are not "bulk" eaters, the single dish was sufficient for our needs! With a couple of beers and wine, the meal cost $36 including the tip.

Billed as a 'Museum Dinnerhouse'. {photos,prints,books paintings,antique sports equipment and clocks, model ships....} They'll give you a tour if they're not too busy.

Favorite Dish: All good - homemade mashed potatoes! Bountiful, fresh salad and bread bar set up around a real boat. Includes peel-your-own shrimp and carrot cake so you don't need to order seperate appetizer or dessert.

Simon Pierce in Woodstock. They also make their own glass, so you can see the glass making process. The facility is powered by their very own hydroelectric plant worth seeing as well. Fall is the best time to see the state. But each season holds a suprise.