Drifter’s
156 N. Winooski Ave., Burlington, driftersvt.com
It took a while for Queen City residents to discover Drifter’s, which opened in the Old North End in June 2016. But word slowly got out about chef-partner Andrew Ryan’s inexpensive, religiously local fare. From the kimchi ramen bowls made with duck broth and house-smoked bacon to the barbecue pulled-pork sliders, everything is top quality and made from scratch. The fun, laid-back vibe — not to mention the $5 cans of Citizen Cider — will make Drifter’s your new favorite neighborhood hang.
August First Bakery & Café
149 S. Champlain St., Burlington, augustfirstvt.com
Laptops and tablets are off-limits at this screen-free café — so you’ll actually have to strike up a conversation with someone over a delicious mocha and fresh-made pastry.
Barrio Bakery & Café / Pizza Barrio
197 N. Winooski Ave., Burlington, barriobakeryvt.com
By day, the friendly Old North End bakery turns out breads, pastries, soups and sandwiches. By night — Tuesday through Saturday, anyway — it’s all about the handmade pizzas.
Handy’s Lunch
74 Maple St., Burlington, handyslunch.wordpress.com
Three generations of Handys have served diner fare on the cheap — often with a side of political chatter — at this friendly South End lunch counter. (Meet owner Earl Handy on page 26.) Whatever you order, get it with tots!
Henry’s Diner
155 Bank St., Burlington, 862-9010
Breakfast all day and home-cooked dishes in a cozy, old-school atmosphere? No wonder downtown’s favorite diner is a local landmark. Try the Greek specialties.
Nunyuns Bakery & Café
139 N. Champlain St., Burlington, nunyuns.com
This bright Old North End café pairs a living-room vibe with egg sandwiches, breakfast burritos and buttery French toast.
St. Paul Street Gastrogrub
205 St. Paul St., Burlington, stpaulstgastrogrub.com
Belly up to a round of Connect Four at this pint-size South End pub — or snack on $2 corn dogs until the doors close at 2 a.m.
This article appears in What’s Good 2017.
Got something to say?
Send a letter to the editor and we'll publish your feedback in print!
