2 Best Restaurants in Stowe, Northern Vermont

Ask Vermont's great chefs where they go for a tremendous meal, and Hen of the Wood inevitably tops the list, thanks to its sophisticated, almost artful, dishes that showcase an abundance of local produce, meat, and cheese. The experience has translated seamlessly from Hen's original home in a converted 1835 gristmill to its sleek new spot on Waterbury's main drag, with a chef's counter, a downstairs speakeasy-style bar, a private dining room, a big patio, and—for the chefs—a much larger kitchen. It's more space all around, which means plenty of room for walk-ins, if you fancy a spur-of-the-moment snack of oysters and mushroom toast.

This restaurant and brewery in downtown Waterbury is always packed for a reason: fabulous craft beers, sandwiches, salads, and North Carolina-style barbecue served in an airy and friendly bar and dining room. The restaurant's Liquor Society offers flights of rare spirits, from local brandy to whisk(e)y from around the world. If you just want a quick bite and a draft, belly up to the tasting-room bar at the brewery in the back, or pop across the street to the Craft Beer Cellar, one of the state's best beer stores.