The Farmhouse Tap & Grill
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Matthew Thorsen
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The Farmhouse Tap & Grill
Sitting at a picnic table in the backyard beer garden at this gastropub, surrounded by growing herbs and flowers, you'd never guess that the previous restaurant in this spot was ... a McDonald's. These days, 160 Bank Street serves local burgers, homemade charcuterie, comfort food and innovative specials. The tucked-away garden is great for sippin' from Burlington's finest — and farthest-reaching — beer list and forgetting about the rest of the world. But you can also snag a table on the sunny front patio, perfect for people watching.
ArtsRiot
400 Pine St., Burlington, artsriot.com
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ArtsRiot Truck Stop in Burlington
Enjoy beef tartare, the signature 400 Burger or popcorn chicken underneath twinkly lights in the hip open-air patio. On summer Fridays, a fleet of food trucks parks out back.
The Inn at Shelburne Farms
Most of the meats and veggies are sourced from the farm at this elegant inn-restaurant, open May through October. Sit outside for a view of the formal flower gardens and sparkling Lake Champlain.
Istanbul Kebab House
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Oliver Parini
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Istanbul Kebab House
Sample sizzling kebabs, savory casseroles and apple-maple baklava — not to mention rose-scented Turkish delight. Rooftop tables offer the best outdoor dining in town.
Leunig's Bistro & Café
French-inflected fare and great views of Church Street make for a memorable meal. The upstairs lounge has made-to-order tapas and inventive cocktails.
Splash at the Boathouse
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Oliver Parini
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Splash at the Boathouse
Eat on the lake — literally. Grab a seat on the floating dock and enjoy the view of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks while eating Malibu Rum coconut shrimp or fish tacos.
Waterworks Food + Drink
20 Winooski Falls Way, Winooski, waterworksvt.com
Patio seats are in high demand at this former textile mill overlooking the Winooski River. The wood-fired oven turns out flatbreads that pair well with inspired cocktails.