Where to Eat in Stowe Vermont: A Foodie’s Guide

I. Introduction

Welcome to Stowe, Vermont – a place where dining meets delight! If you are a foodie heading to this charming town for a vacation, then you are in for some serious culinary delights. Stowe boasts a thriving dining scene, with options ranging from casual cafes to upscale dining establishments that offer a refined culinary experience. Whether you are a fan of farm-to-table freshness, fusion cuisine, or more eclectic fare, Stowe has something to offer. In this article, we will take you on a tour through the best places to eat in Stowe Vermont, with useful tips and tricks on where to find the juiciest burgers, tastiest ice cream, and everything in between.

II. Top 5 Restaurants in Stowe, Vermont to Satisfy Your Culinary Cravings

If you are looking for the ultimate culinary experience in Stowe, then the following five restaurants should be at the top of your list:

1. Hen of the Wood

Hen of the Wood is nestled in a restored grist mill with a cozy bar, a lounge, and a dining room. This restaurant is renowned for its seasonal farm-to-table cuisine with a focus on local ingredients sourced from Vermont’s farms, woodlands, and waters. Their signature dishes include sourdough bread with whipped cultured butter, roast beef carpaccio, and cavatelli with rabbit sausage. Make sure to try their famous maple cream ice cream, which is made in-house and served with candied pecans.

2. The Bench

The Bench is a rustic but chic restaurant that offers a wide range of comfort food, such as brick oven pizzas, burgers, and craft beers. This is an excellent spot for casual and laid-back dining with family and friends. Their signature dishes include the Bench Burger, Birchwood Smoked Pork Chop, and Maple-Brown Butter Glazed Donut. Don’t forget to cap off your meal with their homemade Pecan Pie, which is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

3. Idletyme Brewing Company

If you are a beer enthusiast, then you need to visit Idletyme Brewing Company, which has a unique blend of American cuisine and craft beer. The brewery produces a wide range of beer styles, from lagers to stouts, and all are available on tap or in cans. Their signature dishes include smoked wings, maple butter roasted chicken, and house-made sausage. Don’t miss out on their frozen house-brewed beer slushies, which are a hot-weather favorite.

4. Plate

Plate is an intimate, locally-sourced fusion restaurant with an ever-changing menu that draws from the culinary traditions of both Vermont and Asia. They create dishes that are both inventive and delicious, often blending flavors and techniques that you won’t find elsewhere. Their signature dishes include their famous cauliflower steak, crispy Brussels sprouts with bacon, and miso-glazed salmon. End your meal with their roasted banana carrot cake to top off a fantastic culinary experience.

5. The Whip Bar and Grill

The Whip Bar and Grill is a sophisticated upscale restaurant that has been a staple of the Stowe dining scene since 1965. This eatery serves classic New England fare with a modern twist and an outstanding selection of wine and cocktails. Their signature dishes include their award-winning clam chowder, cider-braised pork shank, and classic New York strip steak. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere by their fireplace sipping on a glass of wine from their extensive wine list.

III. A Foodie’s Guide to Stowe, Vermont: Where to Find The Best Eats

If you want to penetrate deeper into the Stowe culinary scene, then you need to explore the town’s diverse cuisine. Here is a foodie’s guide to Stowe, Vermont to help you plan your culinary journey:

Farm-to-Table

One of Stowe’s best-known culinary highlights is its abundant farm-fresh produce, dairy, and meats. The following restaurants celebrate Vermont’s local ingredients and produce:

• Michael’s on the Hill: This elegant farmhouse restaurant is located in nearby Waterbury, VT, and specializes in locally sourced farm-to-table fare. Their dishes change seasonally and highlight Vermont’s fresh ingredients.
• Doc Ponds: This restaurant has a locally-focused menu that uses only seasonal ingredients that are traceable to local farmers. They serve craft beer and a rotating roster of unique cocktails and spirits.
• Piecasso Pizzeria + Lounge: This casual eatery offers delicious brick oven pizza made with locally sourced ingredients and fresh herbs.

Fusion Cuisine

Stowe is also home to numerous eateries that feature fusion cuisines. Here are the best places to try:

• The Blue Donkey: This popular taqueria fuses Mexican and Asian flavors to create unique and exciting dishes. Their menu items include Peking duck tacos, kimchi pork belly tacos, yuzu ceviche, and more.
• The Grateful Table: This eclectic cafe serves dishes that combine traditional Vermont flavors with international influences. Their menu includes shakshuka, Bahn Mi sandwiches, and turmeric ginger lattes.
• Doc Pond’s Downtown: This downtown location is part of the same family of restaurants as Doc Ponds and offers an impressive menu of burgers, sandwiches, and fusion fare. Their dishes include miso and honey glazed chicken sandwiches, bao buns, and Korean-style chicken wings.

Seafood

If you are looking for fresh seafood in Stowe, then check out the below restaurants:

• The Alchemist Brewery and Visitors Center: This brewery’s taproom serves a selection of seafood options, such as lobster rolls, crab cakes, and local oysters. Their beer selection is also top-notch, with a variety of IPAs and stouts.
• The Bench: Besides their famous burger, The Bench also offers a variety of freshly caught seafood dishes, including fish tacos, raw bar selection, and grilled salmon.
• The Bistro at Ten Acres: This classic New England bistro serves some of the freshest seafood and shellfish in town. Their dishes include grilled octopus, Maine lobster risotto, and seafood bouillabaisse.

IV. Stowe’s Hidden Gems: Must-Try Restaurants for Your Next Trip

While the above-listed restaurants are the main attractions, Stowe is also home to several lesser-known eateries that are worth exploring. Here are some of the town’s hidden gems:

1. Crop Bistro & Brewery

Crop Bistro & Brewery is a family-run operation that specializes in farm-to-table cuisine and craft beer. Located in neighboring Waterbury, this restaurant is known for its diverse menu, including dishes like mussels with chorizo, BBQ pork belly, and Korean fried chicken. Plus, they offer live music weekly, so make sure to check their schedule.

2. Doc Ponds Waterbury

Doc Ponds Waterbury is the sibling restaurant of Doc Ponds in Stowe, and it offers a more extensive beer selection and southern-style cuisine. Their chili, smoked brisket tacos, and hot chicken are among the must-try items.

3. Harrison’s Restaurant & Bar

Harrison’s Restaurant & Bar is another hidden gem located in Stowe’s historic village. This restaurant has been around for over two decades and offers traditional New England cuisine, including seafood dishes, burgers, and hearty entrees. The staff is friendly and welcoming, making for a perfect dining experience.

V. From Farm-to-Table to Fusion Cuisine: The Best Dining Spots in Stowe, Vermont

From casual cafes to upscale restaurants, Stowe has something for everyone who loves food. Here are the best dining spots based on specific criteria:

Best for a Special Occasion: Whip Bar and Grill

The Whip Bar and Grill is a fine-dining establishment tucked inside the historic Green Mountain Inn. This restaurant has been a local favorite for decades, and it’s easy to see why. The menu features classic New England dishes, artfully crafted with the freshest ingredients. Try their chef’s tasting menu for a complete culinary experience or opt for an impressive surf & turf with their premium steaks and local seafood.

Best for Casual Dining: Piecasso Pizzeria + Lounge

If you are looking for a laid-back spot to grab some delicious pizza, then Piecasso Pizzeria + Lounge is the place for you. This vibrant eatery offers a wide range of toppings, including those you don’t usually find on a pizza menu. However, their most unusual pizza is the Elvis Lives with red sauce, mozzarella, banana peppers, pineapple, and peanut sauce. Trust us; it’s a must-try!

Best for Craft Beer: The Bench

The Bench offers an unmatched selection of craft beers, sourced locally and around the world. Their beer menu includes rare and seasonal brews that you won’t find anywhere else, making it the perfect spot for beer enthusiasts. Plus, their gastropub-style food menu complements the beers perfectly.

Best for Date Night: Plate

If you are looking for an intimate setting and a fine dining experience with your significant other, then Plate is the best choice. This fusion restaurant has a sophisticated ambiance, with a menu that blends Vermont and Asian cuisine seamlessly. The staff is attentive and knowledgeable, making for a perfect evening out.

VI. Eating Your Way Through Stowe: Experience the Town’s Unique Flavors

While indulging in Stowe’s famed culinary scene, make sure to try some of the town’s local specialties, seasonal produce, and food fairs. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Trapp Family Lodge Wine & Food Festival

The Trapp Family Lodge host’s this annual festival, which features events such as wine tastings, cheese and beer samplings, and a 4-course dinner prepared by a guest chef. It’s a great way to experience the flavors of Vermont and beyond while enjoying the stunning mountain views.

2. Cold Hollow Cider Mill

Another must-visit spot is the Cold Hollow Cider Mill, where you can enjoy tastings of their freshly-made cider and donuts. They also offer apple picking, a pumpkin patch, and a gift shop to take some cider doughnuts back home!

3. Cabot Creamery Annex

Cabot Creamery offers a wide range of cheeses, including some that are exclusive to Vermont. In their annex, you can enjoy free cheese samples and learn more about the cheese-making process in their video room. It’s a perfect spot to indulge in some dairy goodness.

VII. Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for a fine-dining experience, a casual lunch spot, or a taste of Vermont’s local flavors, Stowe has an abundance of restaurants with a unique vibe and delicious menus. We hope that this foodie’s guide has given you a taste of what Stowe has to offer and that you will indulge in these top eateries on your next trip. Come explore and enjoy Stowe’s vibrant dining scene, where culinary delights meet relaxing ambiance.