By Jennifer Dawson

The average American household spends nearly $4,000 on takeout food every year, a study by Betway reveals. In Vermont, the number is slightly higher at $4,499 per year, a testament to the state’s love of takeout. When it comes to the range of options available, must-try restaurants extend well beyond fast food and go-to choices for takeaway. Locally sourced fine dining establishments and timeless, favored diners provide a sneak peek into Vermont’s varied cuisine, a prompt for natives and tourists alike to hit the roads in search of a hearty sit-down meal.

A storied past meets fine dining

The Green Mountain State’s oldest restaurant is a must-visit for anyone who is in search of unique options for an elevated dinner experience. Ye Olde Tavern can be found in Manchester and was constructed in 1790 — before Vermont became a state. As such, the restaurant facilitates fine dining in a historic, 18th-century location. With options on the menu such as classic chicken pot pie, traditional pot roast, and lobster and bacon mac and cheese, there is no shortage of comforts to be found. The restaurant’s official website and menu highlights a number of must-try dishes, from the cheddar and ale onion soup to a classic New England lobster bisque. To make the experience even more unique, the establishment’s storied history highlights yet another reason to go. Known as the Stagecoach Inn in 1790 to Lockwood’s Hotel circa 1850, and then Thayer’s Hotel in 1860, the structure has seen a number of transformations in its lifetime. The Ye Olde Tavern’s site points out the fact that the first telephone line in Manchester was installed at the location, a tidbit into the location’s rich history.

The farm-to-table experience 

Hen of the Wood is nothing short of a Vermont icon in regard to comfort food. The Waterbury location was opened in 2005, and focused on a few key themes, notes the restaurant’s site. These included community, a place with historic and visual appeal, great service, and “simple technique-driven regional food” in addition to professionals that became family. Comfort classics range from the Parker House Rolls (that are meant to share), as well as small dishes such as funghetti, roasted carrots, and Hen of the Woods mushroom toast. Large dishes underline a range of plates, such as monkfish, pappardelle, hanger steak, and indulgences like duck breast. A side of fried green tomatoes or crushed potatoes are also on the menu. A 2019 review of the restaurant featured in Boston Magazine describes Hen of the Wood as “the kind of place where they leave handwritten birthday wishes on the table — and serve up locally sourced, unfussy food that is both divine and soulful.” A plate of Vermont-made raw-Jersey-milk cheese and the house wine were two special mentions in the review. 

SoLo Farm & Table serves as an equally unique choice. Located in South Londonderry, SoLo creates globally inspired dishes that are served in a refined farmhouse. One TravelSquire article notes that the focus of the restaurant “is squarely on seasonal cooking in a stately old house from 1790 with a large garden.” The farm-to-table experience here is quite literal, with produce grown right outside in raised beds. The review further details the type of dishes that can be found at SoLo, from hand-cut pappardelle with poached eggs, to a Maine lobster risotto with chanterelles. Other stand-outs include a crispy Vermont Family Farm Pork Belly, and a classic Spanish Torrija for dessert. A separate review of SoLo Farm & Table from Danny Meyer, CEO of Union Square Hospitality Group and founder of Shake Shack notes that the bistro-in-a-home “presents a highly personalized menu” from the owners. “Not sure I’ve ever dined better in New England.” 

Diner classics for traditional favorites

American diners are the epitome of comfort food, and Vermont’s diners are no exception to the rule. Built in 1948, the Blue Benn Diner boasts a unique and timeless design of a railcar. Located in Bennington, the Blue Benn serves a range of comfort food favorites from breakfast to dinner. Breakfast staples on the menu include eggs and home fries, sausage gravy and biscuits, and signature omelets, while lunch options include a variety of sandwiches, burgers, wraps, and even veggie options (such as the Blue Benn Veggie Burger). House salads and sides such as hand-cut french fries, sweet potato fries, and onion rings also grace the menu. The Blue Benn is such a Bennington landmark that when it came under new ownership by John Getchell, very little was changed about the diner. In fact, the 2021 Vermont Public article notes that Getchell chose to keep the same cook, staff, and even the menu. With 20 different styles of omelet, homemade baked goods, and roasted turkey, the Blue Benn is a must for locals and visitors alike.

The Blue Benn isn’t the only diner in the state worth a visit. Vermont natives and tourists alike, however, should take into account an establishment’s reputation in order to gauge quality and cleanliness. Online reviews, for example, can shed light onto food quality as well as how clean the establishment is. In addition to clean floors, menus, and other high-contact surfaces (such as tables), restaurant cleanliness must extend to less obvious places like the ceilings. Kitchen ceilings and nearby areas may be home to germs that could become a risk to patrons, especially when grime and dirt has accumulated for some time. Restaurants that implement routine and professional cleaning, however, can mitigate these risks when commonly overlooked areas are proactively addressed. Those who wish to determine whether a Vermont restaurant is up to par in regard to cleanliness and quality may look into the establishment’s scores from the state’s Health Department. The Burlington Free Press points out that these scores can be found online.

The Green Mountain State is home to a number of restaurants that are worth a visit, many with their own storied history, unique touches, and exceptional reputations. Whether you’re in search of Vermont’s classic comfort food or an elevated experience, options include farm-to-table establishments to traditional diners and even historical landmarks.

The Author is a freelance writer living in Arkansas