8 Best Restaurants in Southern Vermont, Vermont

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We've compiled the best of the best in Southern Vermont - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.

1a Coffee Roasters

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This specialty roaster has some of the best cold brew in the state. Mainly solar-powered, it received a sustainability grant from Oatly, and serves its iced drinks in sleek glass jars; pastries come from nearby Starfire Bakery. The owners are also partners in Valley Craft Ales, a brewery project transforming Wilmington's Old Red Mill Inn, complete with a taproom serving New Haven-style pizza. 
123 W Main St., Wilmington, VT, 05363, USA
802-265--0284
Known For
  • Solar-powered coffee roaster
  • Cold-brew coffee
  • Great outdoor patio
Restaurant Details
No dinner

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Blue Benn Diner

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Classic American breakfast and lunch is served all day in this greasy-spoon diner, fashioned from a circa-1945 railcar. The line may be long, especially on weekends; locals and tourists can't stay away.

314 North St., Bennington, VT, 05301, USA
802-442–5140
Known For
  • Local hangout
  • Large menu beyond classic diner food
  • Breakfast all day
Restaurant Details
Closed Mon.
Reservations not accepted

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Dot's Restaurant

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Under a classic neon sign at the main corner in downtown Wilmington, Dot's remains a local landmark and a reminder of diners of yore. Residents and skiers pack the tables and counter for American comfort food classics, starting at 6 am with the Berry-Berry pancake breakfast, with four kinds of berries.

3 W. Main St., Wilmington, VT, 05363, USA
802-464–7284
Known For
  • Convivial community hangout
  • River-view seating
  • Dot's "jailhouse" chili
Restaurant Details
Closed Tues. and Wed.

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Recommended Fodor's Video

Duchess Coffee

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Books and coffee collide at this café and roastery, where the beans are sourced from women-owned farms in Central and South America and the espresso drinks are always on point. In the stacks, Antidote Books stocks a highly curated selection that leans literary; the shop also hosts frequent readings and author signings.

15 Putney Rd., Brattleboro, VT, 05301, USA
Known For
  • Chai-glazed doughnuts
  • Perfect cortados (a Spanish espresso-based hot beverage)
  • Books to browse
Restaurant Details
Closed Wed. and Thurs. No dinner

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J.J. Hapgood General Store and Eatery

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You won't find a better meal at any other general store in the state. This is really more of a classic American restaurant, serving farm-to-table breakfast, lunch, and dinner, than a place to pick up the essentials, but like any good general store, it's a friendly and relaxed gathering spot for locals.

305 Main St., Stratton, VT, 05152, USA
802-824–4800
Known For
  • Buttermilk fried chicken sandwich
  • Outdoor patio
  • Wood-fired pizzas
Restaurant Details
Closed Mon. and Tues.

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The Village Roost

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This bigger-on-the-inside café and lunch joint comes with ample space, especially in the barn-chic back room that serves resting travelers, gaming locals, and conferring coworkers. Keeping them oiled is a menu of organic, non-GMO, locally sourced sandwiches, burgers, soups, and salads.

20 W. Main St., Wilmington, VT, 05363, USA
802-464–3344
Known For
  • Large stone fireplace in the back
  • Quality coffee and tea
  • Hangout space
Restaurant Details
Closed Wed. No dinner.

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Wayside Country Store

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The motto of Arlington's one-stop-shop says it all: "If we don't have it, you don't need it!" This charming country store is known for carrying anything from toilet paper to boxed cocoa mix and boasts a popular deli complete with build-your-own sandwiches, prepared foods, and house-made specials like freshly baked biscuits.

Willoughby's Depot Eatery

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Home of the World Famous Mrs. Murphy's Donuts, this beloved shop turns out fresh doughnuts daily from its small storefront. Old-fashioned doughnuts come hot from the fryer in the wee hours of the morning, so arrive early for the best selection of flavors like cinnamon, maple cream, and cakey cider doughnuts loaded with warming spices.