Burlington is truly a foodie’s paradise, and the food scene places importance on quality, variety, and sustainability. No matter where you are in Burlington (or South Burlington), there is a plethora of dining and drinking options nearby. Sometimes it can get overwhelming when you want something to eat because there’s so many choices, so here is a guide to decide where to go!
1. When it’s midnight and you want food: Wings Over
Photo courtesy of sites.psu.edu
Wings Over delivers until 1am Sunday-Thursday, and until 3am Friday and Saturday. They have 19 different sauces and 4 dry rubs, so try them all and pick your favorite, because they also accept Cat$cratch! If you try the After Burner sauce, here’s what you can you can expect.
Location: 150 Dorset St., South Burlington, VT 05403
2. When you’re craving Asian cuisine: Gaku Ramen
Photo by Lily Andrea
Gaku Ramen is a newcomer to Church Street, and it’s sure to become a staple for UVM students because of their excellent food and location. They’re open from 11am-10pm from Sunday-Wednesday, and 11am-Late Thursday-Saturday. They use locally grown ingredients whenever possible, and if it’s not local, it’s still sustainably sourced!
Location: 144 Church St., Burlington, VT 05401
3. When you’re trying to be healthy: Zabby & Elf’s Stone Soup
Photo courtesy of yelp.com
Stone Soup is located on College Street and features Jewish and vegetarian cuisine. They have a cold buffet and a hot buffet in addition to specials. Everything is made from scratch in an open kitchen, and they have an assortment of breads and sweets on display that are made daily. So no matter your diet, you can get a healthy and hearty meal at Stone Soup!
Location: 211 College St., Burlington, VT 05401
4. When you’re going on a fancy date: The Gryphon
Photo by Jennifer Nigro
The Gryphon is in the historic Vermont House on the corner of Main Street and St. Paul Street, and gives off a fancy vibe the moment you walk in the door. There’s an old-fashioned-looking bar and live music played on guitar and upright bass, so if you want to impress your sweetheart and enjoy some seafood, definitely go here.
Location: 131 Main St., Burlington, VT 05401
5. When your parents are coming to visit (and paying the bill): Leunig’s Bistro & Café
Photo by Jennifer Nigro
Leunig’s is a great place to go when your parents come to visit, because while it’s one of the more expensive restaurants on Church Street, the food is top notch and sure to impress. They serve dishes that you’ll rave about to your friends and family, like duck confit poutine (pictured above), salmon, pheasant, and wild boar. They save some tables for walk-ins, but you can also make reservations online.
Location: 115 Church St., Burlington, VT 05401
6. When you want to do it for the ‘Gram: The Vermont Juice Company
Photo by Anna Frasier (@annafrasier on Instagram)
While it may be on the pricey side, you’ll definitely get a quality juice, smoothie, or bowl, and a quality photo to share with your followers. Everything is colorful and pretty, and there’s plenty of natural light for pictures. So check out Vermont Juice Co. on Main St. and rack up those likes.
Location: 77 Main St., Burlington, VT 05401
6. When you’re craving something sweet: Lake Champlain Chocolates at Cat Pause
Photo by Caroline McCune
Get your sugar fix without ever leaving campus! Lake Champlain Chocolates has dark, milk, and even vegan chocolate to satisfy any sweet tooth. Cat Pause also carries lots of other sweets if you’re not a chocolate fan, like F’real milkshakes, Maple Cotton Candy, and Cookies!
Location: Cat Pause, Davis Center, 1st Floor
7. When you just turned 21 and want to celebrate: RJ’s
Photo courtesy of yelp.com
Reuben James Sports Bar and Grill (a.k.a. RJ’s) on Main Street is home to cool bartenders, good music, 45 cent wings, pool tables, and on Sunday nights, karaoke! There are plenty of tables and space to dance, and TVs everywhere. You’re sure to find something you like, because they have 20 beers on tap and a full bar.
Location: 159 Main St., Burlington, VT 05401
8. When you or your friends don’t eat meat: Vermont Bean Crafters
Photo courtesy of uvmdining.tumblr.com
Everything at Vermont Bean Crafters is plant based, organic, and local, so if you don’t eat meat or just want to switch it up, this place is for you. It’s open on weekdays in the Marché and on weekends they have pre-made and frozen options. They also have cookies, breads, and muffins that are incredible, and you’d never know they were vegan and gluten free!
Location: The University Marché
9. When you’re sick of Sodexo but don’t want to leave campus: May’s Dim Sum
Photo by Danielle Allendorf
Words cannot express my love for May’s Dim Sum. There’s nothing like that warm and fuzzy feeling when you bite into a meat bun or a dumpling or a crispy piece of sesame chicken from May’s. It’s cash only, but most things are $6 or less, so if you have the bills, get the buns (or anything on the menu because it’s all delicious).
Location: University Pl, Burlington, VT 05405 (In front of Williams Hall)
10. When you have extra points and want to Treat. Yo. Self.: Skinny Pancake
Photo by Julia Macaulay
The Skinny Pancake located in the Living/Learning Center is UVM’s newest place to dine. It also happens to be a bit on the expensive side for those trying to budget points. But if you have some extra points, or just want to splurge a little, treat yo’ self to that crepe or panini or salad or bagel. Everything will make your taste buds sing with joy. We even ranked all the sweet crepes, so you can always order with confidence.
Location: Living/Learning Center and 60 Lake St., Burlington, VT 05401
11. When you’re craving Mexican Food: New World Tortilla
Photo courtesy of btvfoodie.com
New World Tortilla is one of my personal favorite retail dining locations of campus, and based on the length of the line at lunchtime, I’d say many others agree. They have burritos, quesadillas, rice plates, and my favorite, corn tortillas. But, if you’d rather have a Thai wrap, they have those too!
Location: Davis Center, 2nd Floor
12. When you’re tired of Green Mountain Coffee in the dining hall: Henderson’s
Photo courtesy of uvmbookstore.uvm.edu
Henderson’s is located next to the bookstore and serves Vermont’s Artisan coffee and tea. They have pastries from Mirabelle’s, and you can pay with points! They have the classic regular and decaf, plus drinks like cappuccinos, americanos, and my personal favorite, the turtle mocha with chocolate and caramel. They also carry an assortment of teas, so if coffee isn’t your thing, you can still find what you’re looking for. Here are some of the weirdest (but also tastiest!) drinks you can order.
Location: Davis Center, 3rd Floor
UVM and Burlington have a food and drink scene like no other, so take advantage of it. These are just 12 places, but there are even more gems to be found in town, so find your favorite place, tell your friends, and enjoy every tasty thing Burlington has to offer!