7 Best Restaurants in Southern Vermont, Vermont

Chelsea Royal Diner

$ Fodor's choice
Built into a vintage 1938 Worcester diner, one of the few remaining in the country, the Chelsea Royal Diner serves all-day breakfast and Blue Plate specials from produce (eggs included) sourced from their backyard farm. Save room for homemade ice cream made with local milk and cream from the St. Albans Co-op Creamery—flavors range from VT Maple Cream to Blueberry, Pumpkin, and Mocha Malted Milk Ball.

Peter Havens

$$$ Fodor's choice

A longtime Brattleboro favorite helmed since 2012 by chef Zachary Corbin, this chic little bistro is known for impeccably presented cuisine that draws heavily on local sources. One room is painted a warm red, another in sage, and a changing lineup of contemporary paintings adorns the walls of both rooms.

32 Elliot St., Brattleboro, Vermont, 05301, USA
802-257–3333
Known For
  • pan-roasted duck breast
  • cocktail and wine list
  • vanilla bean crème brûlée
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No lunch Sun., Wed., and Thurs.

Cai's Dim Sum Catering

$

The sourcing and gathering of local ingredients at the heart of chef-owner Cai Xi Silver's cooking is inspired by the food memories of her childhood in Chongqing, China. Her family's Sichuan and Shanghai influences come to life in a to-go menu that includes delicate steamed buns, perfect dumplings, and abundance boxes highlighting regional home cooking backed by Vermont ingredients. Cai's offers take-out and delivery only from her Brattleboro art gallery, with options for private in-home cooking and catering.

814 Western Ave., Brattleboro, Vermont, 05301, USA
802-257–7898
Known For
  • steamed buns
  • assorted seasonal dumplings
  • abundance boxes with local vegetables, rice, chicken, or tofu
Restaurants Details
Closed Tues and for in-room dining; take-out/delivery only

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Mocha Joe's Cafe

$

The team at this spot for coffee and conversation takes great pride in sourcing direct-trade beans from places like Kenya, Ethiopia, and Guatemala. Ground zero for Brattleboro's bohemian contingent and fellow travelers, the café is open until 9 on Friday and Saturday, closing at 8 the rest of the week.

Mocha Joe's Cafe

$

The team at this spot for coffee and conversation takes great pride in sourcing direct-trade beans from places like Kenya, Ethiopia, and Guatemala, and pairs them with an assortment of cookies, cakes, and muffins. This is ground zero for Brattleboro's bohemian contingent and fellow travelers.

Top of the Hill Grill

$

Don't let the diminutive size of this roadside smokehouse deceive you. The place produces big flavors locals line up for: hickory-smoked ribs, apple-smoked turkey, beef brisket, and pulled pork, to name a few.

632 Putney Rd., Brattleboro, Vermont, 05301, USA
802-258–9178
Known For
  • "burnt ends" (brisket burnt ends)
  • excellent view of West River
  • outdoor deck
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Nov.–Mar.

Whetstone Station Restaurant and Brewery

$
One of Brattleboro's most happening hangouts is this nano-brewery and restaurant perched over the Connecticut River. The beer and classic American comfort food are good, but it's the view of the river and its forested banks that drops jaws.