Diners' Choice: American restaurants in Vermont

OpenTable

Updated April 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best overall American cuisine in Vermont? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

JJ Hapgood General Store & Eatery

4.9

4.9 (18)

$31 to $50

American

Peru

About the restaurant

JJ Hapgood (aka HAPGOODS): 305 Main Street, Peru (802. 824-4800). HAPGOODS has been a neighborhood stalwart since 1827. Serving up Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Fun, Wednesday through Sunday. Join us for a stellar meal or stop in and peruse our curated selection of artisan giftables, vinyl records, craft food and drinks - or - bring home a little magic with one-of-a-kind finds.

Top review

EricrVIP

Dined on Mar 9, 2025

Hapgoods has become our favorite go to restaurant for lunch AND dinner! We love the food, atmosphere, gift selection and all of the fabulous employees. We cannot be happier that the new owners took ownership in 2024 and have brought our local eatery back to life! Thank you!!! Looking forward to eating here for many years to come! The Robert’s Family

CurATE at Southern Vermont Arts Center

4.9

4.9 (504)

$30 and under

American

Manchester

About the restaurant

curATE café in Vermont promises to bring a modern sensibility paired with classic and regional fare. Artfully curated small plates, salads, artisanal sandwiches, flatbreads, entrees and a full bar — all in the artful setting of SVAC’s galleries and grounds.

curATE will delight diners enjoying the museum’s art and beautiful grounds. The café will be the perfect spot for a special lunch or afternoon beverage – curate your own experience.

Top review

David

Dined 2 days ago

All around great experience. Many menu options. The mussels in garlic sauce served with toasted bread is fantastic. The burger is also a great choice. The service was friendly and attentive. I highly recommend!

Highland Lodge

4.8

4.8 (87)

$30 and under

American

Greensboro

About the restaurant

Highland Lodge is pleased to offer a full service Restaurant & Bar on site. Enjoy the sunset views over Lake Caspian from the convenience of our Queen Anne Porch or nestle up to our cozy little bar and get to know your neighbors and drinkmakers. Our cocktail list has been described as one of the best in the state. With a focus on local, organic food we are proud to be honored with the 2024 Gold Barn Distinction through Vermont Fresh Network- spending at least 35% of our annual food Purchasing budget on local food & products.

We are just a stone's throw from Hill Farmstead Brewery which has been rated #1 in the world several years running. We have a permanent HFS draft line at our bar as well as other local Vermont favorites.

In the Summer months our bar is open for Margarita Monday as we host Caja Madera Taco Truck out in the beer garden from 5-9pm [ Memorial Day- Labor Day ]. On Thursdays we host Trivia starting at 7pm.

Top review

Liz

Dined on Mar 16, 2025

Always such a friendly welcome at the Highland Lodge. Creative cocktails, great beer, a good selection of food options - even for us vegans - and delightful service, makes for a fun meal out.

The Grafton Inn

4.9

4.9 (290)

$30 and under

American

Grafton

About the restaurant

The Grafton Inn is a proud supporter of Vermont’s pioneering farm-to-table philosophy. Our historic inn and two restaurants in southern Vermont offer on-site dining year-round and feature locally-sourced ingredients prepared by food-loving professionals to create timeless, hearty dishes that will please any palate.

The Phelps Barn, originally a carriage house for guests' horses, provides a unique and rustic VT dining experience. Even the hayloft has been repurposed and renovated, providing an elevated seating area as well as our 8-tap bar. It is a fast pace restaurant with live music usually scheduled on the weekends.

If you are looking for a quieter space to have dinner or celebrate a special occasion, we would recommend our 1801 Tavern located inside the Main Inn. This historic space provides a cozy and elevated dining atmosphere. Within the 1801 Tavern you’ll find our recently renovated Pine Room Bar with a working fireplace.

Top review

Sara

Dined 6 days ago

We had a wonderful dinner. We had a two year old and six year old. The staff was very welcoming and luckily the children ( and adults) behaved. The food was great, although the portions were large.

Starry Night Cafe

4.9

4.9 (1222)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Ferrisburgh

About the restaurant

Starry Night Cafe invites you to a culinary adventure in the heart of Vermont. Our menu features fresh, locally sourced ingredients transformed into delectable dishes inspired by global flavors. Savor the delicate notes of pan-seared scallops paired with vibrant mango salsa, or indulge in the rich, earthy flavors of slow-braised lamb shank that melts in your mouth. Each bite reflects our commitment to quality and creativity. As the sun sets, the atmosphere becomes a tranquil haven. The soft murmur of conversation and the gentle crackle of the fireplace create intimacy and warmth. Whether you're enjoying a romantic evening, gathering with friends, or seeking a moment of culinary indulgence, Starry Night Cafe promises an unforgettable experience. Join us under the Vermont sky, where every dish is a masterpiece and every moment is a cherished memory.

Top review

Dined 6 days ago

Coal-roasted veggies with aioli was a starter fav. The swordfish entree was so moist and flavorful. We wished there was a side for the sirloin. We are anxious for the patio to be open. Great ambiance. And two Hill Farmstead options on tap! We will return!

The Reluctant Panther Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (1215)

$31 to $50

American

Manchester

About the restaurant

The Reluctant Panther Restaurant features locally sourced American cuisine in a relaxed yet elegantly upscale atmosphere. Menus are complemented by a multiple year Wine Spectator award winning wine list
The Reluctant Panther is happy to accommodate well behaved children but does not offer a children's menu.
Reservations Required.
Please Note: We do not allow dogs in the restaurant, inside or out, with the exception of service animals.

Top review

SharonVIP

Dined on Apr 5, 2025

Beautiful setting, lovely service outstanding food!

Sawmill Bar & Table

4.9

4.9 (163)

$31 to $50

American

Dover

About the restaurant

Sawmill Bar & Table, Southern Vermont’s culinary gem, uses the local agricultural bounty to create world-class farm-to-table fare. Executive Chef Christopher Lauinger brings his wealth of culinary offerings to provide a menu driven by the seasons for an unforgettable dining experience. Enjoy your evening in our modern rustic Great Room by the fire, in one of our 2 beautiful dining rooms, at our 18th century historic bar, on our beautiful Bluestone Terrace. We are equipped to accommodate events of all sizes, from intimate dinner parties to full-scale weddings. Sawmill Bar & Table welcomes you to the Inn at Farm Road Estate and looks forward to offering a fine dining experience in a casually elegant atmosphere.

Top review

Kathy

Dined on Apr 19, 2025

Food was awesome, and waitstaff attentive. Loved the experience and will return whenever we are in the area.

Simon Pearce Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (6424)

$50 and over

American

Quechee

About the restaurant

Reservations are recommended.

The dining room at the Mill is a wonderful way to experience Simon Pearce. Using fresh local ingredients, thoughtfully prepared creative American cuisine is served with the backdrop of the Ottauquechee River waterfall and covered bridge.

Simon Pearce Retail Store - Shop before you dine! Our restaurant is located at our flagship retail store where you can explore all of our Simon Pearce glass and pottery in person. All of our products are handmade with love.

Top review

JenniVIP

Dined today

Perfection as always. From the food and drink to the service and ambiance.

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The Inn at Burklyn

4.8

4.8 (192)

$50 and over

American

Lyndonville

About the restaurant

Join us for a delightful 4-course Chef’s Dinner, with limited seating, for just $75 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Please arrive no later than 6:15pm to enjoy the crackling fire and a specialty cocktail/mocktail in our foyer before settling in for a wonderful evening at the Inn! Dinner seats promptly at 6:30pm, and we invite you to relax and savor the experience, which typically lasts between 2.5 to 3.5 hours. We look forward to welcoming you!

Top review

Scott

Dined on Mar 29, 2025

Love the format. Single seating. Food is amazing. Wine list is incredible. The cocktails are over the top. I highly recommend this restaurant. You will not be disappointed.

Plate

4.6

4.6 (63)

$30 and under

American

Stowe

About the restaurant

We are open for dinner Wednesday through Sundays at 5:30 pm. We do not take parties larger than 6 and require a credit card to hold reservations for parties of 6. Please call by 1:00 pm the day of your reservation to avoid our cancellation fee. *** Please note we do not have high chairs.

For private events please contact Aaron at amartin0014@gmail.com. Thank you!

Top review

Trina

Dined on Apr 19, 2025

One of the best places to eat in Stowe! It's small, friendly and the food and service are thoughtful. Elevated but not pretentious. We always eat at Plate when we're there.

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