Foodbank Donation (22)
Hazel
75 Elliot St., Brattleboro, 802-579-1092
Handcrafted pizzas, house-smoked barbecue and craft cocktails are all big hits at this industrial-chic downtown eatery.
3 Squares Café
141 Main St., Vergennes, 802-877-2772
Chef-owner Matt Birong melds international flavors with local ingredients in his “creative-casual” food. Look for eggs Benedict specials on Sunday and bean-to-bar chocolate with organic cacao sourced directly from the Dominican Republic.
Juniper
41 Cherry St., Burlington, 802-651-5027
Head inside Hotel Vermont for food and drink inspired by fresh, local ingredients. Enjoy cocktails on the outdoor terrace.
Bluebird Barbecue
317 Riverside Avenue, Burlington, 802-448-3070
The wood-fired smokers run 24-7 outside Burlington’s only dedicated barbecue joint. In the dining room, visitors mix and match two dozen draft beers with brisket, ribs, beans and mac. Cold outside? Try the pitmaster ramen.
The Windjammer Restaurant
1076 Williston Road, South Burlington, 802-862-6585
Hand-cut aged beef, fresh seafood and a 40-item salad “boat” have attracted diners since 1977. The bar is noteworthy for its Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, extensive craft beer list and specialty cocktail menu.
Fire & Ice Restaurant
26 Seymour St., Middlebury, 802-388-7166
Adults dig the steakhouse’s historic décor and huge salad bar. Kids love the room with books and movies. And where else can you pour yourself a glass of local chocolate milk on draft?
Junction at the Essex: Vermont’s Culinary Resort & Spa
70 Essex Way, Essex, 802-764-1489
At the Essex Culinary Resort & Spa’s “interactive restaurant,” chefs converse with guests as they build polished apps and entrées using local meats and produce from the on-site garden.
Michael’s on the Hill
4182 Waterbury-Stowe Rd., Waterbury Center, 802-244-7476
Elegant, ever-changing plates such as vegetable gnocchi and poached Maine lobster make the most of New England ingredients and the chef-owner’s European roots.
Kismet
52 State St., Montpelier, 802-223-8646
Farm-fresh ingredients, innovative cocktails and artisan wines bring big flavors to a globe-trotting menu at Montpelier’s organic restaurant.
The Daily Planet
15 Center St., Burlington, 802-862-9647
Since 1982, the Planet has carved out a hip space for modern food, local art and live music. In the kitchen, chef-partner Justin Bigelow parlays his fine-dining background into creative plates such as caramelized sea scallops and French onion steak.
Ruben James
159 Main St., Burlington, 802-864-0744
Sports bar by day and dance club by night, RJ’s is the place for music, NFL games, burgers and award-winning wings. Weekend lunch.
Tres Amigos & Rusty Nail Stage
1190 Mountain Rd., Stowe, 802-253-6245
The Mexican fare includes hibiscus-glazed chicken and ancho-rubbed steak, along with enchiladas and tacos. Find dozens of tequilas at the bar — and bands onstage several nights a week.
The Bench
492 Mountain Rd., Stowe, 802-253-5101
Close to the slopes, chefs sling wood-fired pizzas, roasted meats and burgers to accompany thoughtful cocktails and 25 beers on tap.
Three Penny Taproom
108 Main St., Montpelier, 802-223-8277
Twenty-three taps dispense craft brews for every palate. Sip one with a handful of spiced peanuts, or fill up on a falafel wrap or a “fish’wich.”
J. Morgan’s Steakhouse
100 State St., Montpelier, 802-223-5222
Inside the Capital Plaza Hotel, meat and seafood lovers can find made-to-order dishes and model trains chugging around the dining room. Sunday brunch buffet.
Three Brothers Pizza & Grill
973 Roosevelt Highway, Colchester, 802-655-5550
Pulled-pork and spicy Thai pies pair perfectly with pitchers of Switchback at this family-owned pizzeria, which puts an emphasis on local products.
The Scale Poké Bar
373 Blair Park Rd., Suite 101, Williston, 802-662-4799
Options are endless when diners build their own poke bowls. Choose from ingredients such as raw tuna, salmon, zucchini noodles, beets, mangoes, edamame and more.
August First Bakery & Café
149 S. Champlain St., Burlington, 802-540-0060
Laptops and tablets are off-limits at this community-focused café — all the better to strike up a conversation over fresh croissants, soups, garden salads and sandwiches. Look for the baguette-carting Bread Bike in summer.
Bistro de Margot
126 College St., Burlington, 802-863-5200
Chef-owner Hervé Mahé parlays Parisian culinary training into classic French cuisine. Pair buttered escargots with a wine from Bordeaux.
The Bearded Frog
5247 Shelburne Rd., Shelburne, 802-985-9877
Chef Mark LaRiviere’s eclectic, French-inflected menus spotlight local meats, produce and dairy. Dine near the fireplace in winter or on the sunny patio in summer.
East West Café
2 N. Winooski Ave., Burlington, 802-540-8145
In a sunny corner storefront, chef-owner Samran Kaewkoet whips up affordable Isan cuisine to eat in or take out. Like it spicy? Try the super-fresh green papaya salad.
Cork Wine Bar & Market
35 School St., Stowe, 802-760-6143
Home to one of Vermont’s largest natural wine collections, this market, bar and dinner spot pours more than 15 varietals — and several local beers — by the glass. Snack on cheese and salumi or a larger seasonal plate.
