Burgerlicious!
- Megan Demarest
- 2 days ago
- 13 min read
STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEGAN DEMAREST & THE TEAM AT OLD MILL ROAD MEDIA
Nothing says, “Summertime!” like a delicious, succulent burger, bursting with umami and adorned with fresh, local ingredients. Inspired by the approaching summer months, my Old Mill Road Media colleagues and I embarked upon a burger quest throughout the Shires of Vermont, eager to sample as many juicy handhelds as we could. We went out for work lunches, quick bites, ladies’ nights, family dinners, date nights, and special occasions. After our comprehensive, delightful sampling of local burger fare, we feel confident you’ll find just the right burger to satisfy the moment and your cravings!
421 Craft Bar
421 Main St., Bennington
(802) 440-5972
My family and I love meeting up every so often on a random Friday night and getting some grub at this spot in downtown Bennington. Their 421 Smash Burger is a hit with all of us! What makes this one stand out are the grilled onions, house-made pickles, and the mustard sauce. No need for ketchup on this burger! It’s also topped with cheddar cheese and bacon and served on a brioche bun, which makes any handheld better in my book!
Barrows House Restaurant
3156 VT-30, Dorset
(802) 867-4455
Barrows House is a special place to eat or have a drink, especially before catching a show at The Dorset Playhouse, and, of course, if you’re staying at the Inn as a guest. My colleague, Kim Jones, and I went there for a fun Ladies’ Night out, ready to dig into their signature Woodlawn Farmstead Wagyu beef burger. I was pleased to see another burger on the menu that day, too- the Fondue burger. Mmmm…how decadent! This specialty burger came to me on a Bavarian pretzel bun, sliced and nestled in a layer of sizzling Cabot cheddar fondue on a cast iron plate. I’ve never had a burger like it; it was divine and worth ordering for the drama alone! Kim’s Wagyu burger came with Woodlawn Creamery raclette, bacon jam, and crispy onions on a brioche bun. It’s a burger so stacked and hearty it comes with a large steak knife for easier eating. And then there’s the truffle fries… Do NOT forget the truffle fries! They come piled high with fresh Parmigiano Reggiano, green onion, and white truffle oil, served with a side of maple aioli for dipping. We recommend combining all this deliciousness with a Spicy Ghost Margarita, a Dorset Rum Bowl, or another artisan cocktail and dining on the patio for a memorable night out!
Bob’s Diner
2279 Depot St., Manchester
(802) 362-4681
If you’re looking for a classic diner-style burger, look no further than Bob’s Diner. It comes to you fast, hot, and fresh, satisfying in the way only a good, old-fashioned burger can be. They also offer a beefalo burger on the menu, providing a healthier alternative to the classic ground beef. My colleague, Donna Burgess, and I headed to Bob’s for a work lunch one afternoon—the perfect place to meet up for a quick meal and chat. Donna ordered the classic burger with bacon, and I opted for the beefalo burger. “The burger was cooked perfectly to my preference,” shares Donna. “I also really enjoyed the French fries, which were nicely crisp.”
Bronwyn-on-Battenkill
5403 VT-7A, Arlington
(802) 430-7364
My colleague, Benjamin Lerner, shared this review: Tucked alongside the Battenkill River and steeped in Bavarian charm, Bronwyn-on-Battenkill blends epicurean German culinary traditions with authentic Vermont hospitality. Chef Tim Wiechmann’s menu is a spirited celebration of Central European comfort food, and the Bronburger is a delicious standout: a juicy blend of beef and brisket crowned with Pawlet and cheddar cheeses, house-cured bacon, gurken, and tangy condiments on a freshly baked, signature “bretzel” (pretzel) bun. It’s savory, bold, and unapologetically indulgent—a uniquely German twist on the American classic. Don’t miss it!
The Copper Grouse Kimpton Taconic Hotel
3835 Main St., Manchester
(802) 362-0176
The House burger at the Copper Grouse boasts Wagyu beef topped with VT cheddar, pickles, lettuce, and a special “Copper Grouse sauce.” This signature burger is offered during brunch on the weekends, lunch on Mondays and Fridays, and during regular dinner service. Kim and I, along with our colleague, Craig Light, had a wonderful lunch meeting on a Friday, where we had a chance to sample many menu items created by Chef Nicolas Houlbert, including their maple sriracha chicken wings, which is a great appetizer to share before diving into your burger! Pair your meal with one of their fantastic cocktails, like The Copper Grouse, which is crafted with Elijah Craig bourbon, maple syrup, Luxardo liqueur, Antica vermouth, and bitters- a great choice year ‘round. If you’re feeling more of the summer vibe, then a Lemon Martini or other seasonally inspired cocktail will do the trick!
curATE
Southern Vermont Arts Center
860 West Rd., Manchester
(802) 362-9100
There’s no denying that the curATE Café at Southern Vermont Arts Center (SVAC) is a beautiful space in which to enjoy a delicious burger. Even the walk through one of the Yester House galleries to the café itself is an experience to remember. My favorite place to sit is in front of the glass terrace doors, overlooking the back lawn, and of course, there is seating on the terrace itself during the summer and fall. What makes the curATE Burger shine are the house made pickles, the paprika aioli, and the brioche bun. As a cheeseburger enthusiast, I made sure to add Cabot cheddar, as well as a fried egg. The resulting burger was a rich, gooey blend of flavors, balanced well by the brightness of the pickles. And, of course, it was beautifully presented, as are all the dishes at curATE Café. From the outdoor sculptures to the art galleries to the culinary delights, a visit to SVAC is a lovely way to spend an artful afternoon.
Depot Street Burger
468 Depot St., Manchester (802) 362-7500 depotstreetburgers.com
Depot Street Burger is the crown jewel of burger places in town - it’s all in the name! It’s what they do, and they do it well and fast, using the best local ingredients whenever available. The beef (a 50/50 mix of brisket & chuck) is ground fresh every day. With a build-your-own burger option and a slew of unique combinations, like the Thai Chicken, the French Onion Dip, and the Breakfast burger, hungry folks will always be able to find something here to make them happy. I recently sampled one of their daily specials: a coriander and peppercorn encrusted beef patty with salsa verde, lettuce, tomato, onion, arugula, and pistachio pesto. It was an outstanding combination; the tangy salsa verde complimented the nutty pistachio pesto very well and it made me wonder why no one else ever thought to put these two condiments together!
I remember when I first visited the restaurant on my lunch break a few years ago, I ordered the South of the Border burger, which has fresh guacamole, jalapeño aioli, and pico de gallo, accompanied by a side of Buffalo-style fries. I was hooked immediately, and it wasn’t long before Depot Street became a family favorite. My son loves the build-a-burger option, and my husband is always keen on trying one of their chicken, turkey, or lamb burgers. The owners, Andrea Hammer and Matt LeRay, were kind enough to chat with us about their business, which opened in October 2018. Our conversation included a little bit of their history and a whole lot of plans for the future.
A Bennington native, Matt studied to be a chef at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA). After some years working as a chef in Naples, FL, and Block Island, RI, he returned to the area and became chef de cuisine at the Barrows House in Dorset. Andrea was working at The Perfect Wife when it was still open and spent many years there as the manager. The two met, fell in love, and now have a daughter, Basil. They’ve combined their respective hospitality expertise to run a booming burger restaurant that satisfies both locals and visitors alike with their delicious and interesting burger combinations.
So, what can we look forward to from the folks at Depot Street Burger? A little chef birdie told us that they are preparing to open a food truck this summer, which will serve different kinds of cuisine beyond the fantastic burgers in their brick-and-mortar restaurant, offering up catering and delectable treats at local festivals. Keep your eyes peeled for the grand opening so you can be one of the first in line to try their new offerings!
The Dorset Inn Restaurant & Tavern
8 Church St., Dorset
(802) 867-5500
One of the things I love about The Dorset Inn Restaurant & Tavern is the opportunity to experience a variety of atmospheres in one place. The Tavern tends to be more on the casual side, with the option to sit near the fire when it’s chilly outside. The restaurant is a more formal dining experience with a special occasion vibe. (I went there once to celebrate my birthday!) There’s also a lounge area with couches and stuffed chairs for seating, which creates a casual and fun experience for diners; it’s a really nice place to grab a small plate and a drink before catching a show at the Dorset Playhouse just around the corner. Now, about that burger…the Dorset Inn Beef Burger. The Wallingford Locker bacon is candied, the shallots are pickled, and it is rightfully served on my favorite, the brioche bun, along with Cabot cheddar and a bacon sherry aioli. YUM! Even the ketchup is kicked up a notch with a little bourbon. I can tell you firsthand that it all goes very well with a nice, effervescent glass of TÖST non-alcoholic sparkling beverage! We had a family dinner in the Tavern the night I tried their burger, and we all felt right at home. While my husband and son ordered (and thoroughly enjoyed) other items on the menu, I saw them eyeing my burger and I know at least one of them will be trying it on our next excursion.
Falcon Bar
Equinox Golf Resort & Spa
3567 Main St., Manchester
(802) 362-4700
The Falcon Bar, which offers the full menu from the Marsh Tavern during dinner service, is such a fantastic place to grab lunch in town! I recently had the pleasure of sitting at the bar on a weekday afternoon and having a “party of one,” where I ordered the Battenkill Burger, named after our local river. Equinox’s Executive Chef Chris Tedesco puts his own southern flair on this burger by adding pimento cheese and bacon jam. Chef Tedesco shared with me that while he loves being in Vermont, he sometimes gets a little homesick for Tennessee. The Battenkill Burger is one of the many ways he connects his culinary past to his present, and it did not disappoint! The Falcon Bar has a variety of burgers available on their dinner menu, something to satisfy any palette, and I made sure to note the different offerings for potential devouring during my next visit.
Fire Tower Restaurant & Tavern
5 Village Lodge Rd., Stratton
(802) 297-2000
Our digital media guru, Craig Light, volunteered to “try out” Fire Tower, but we’re pretty sure that he knew what he was volunteering for! Craig shared this: “Getting its name from the Lookout Tower that is stationed at Southern Vermont’s highest peak at 3,936 feet above sea level, the Fire Tower Restaurant & Tavern features a seasonal menu with a wide selection fitting for both friends and families. They offer a wide range of starters featuring a tasty selection of flatbreads. Choose between both large plates and handhelds for entrees at the Fire Tower and you’ll find incredible flavor in all. Served with fries, the Burger options are a Sweet Potato Black Bean and Quinoa Burger, a Wagyu Burger, and their most popular… the Fire Tower Smash Burger. The Fire Tower Smash Burger provides quality that does not compare. Juicy and flavorful, this burger will have you heading back to the Fire Tower ready for another sooner than you think!”
Grizzly’s
5 Village Lodge Rd., Stratton
(802) 297-4371
Craig—an avid snowboarder—volunteered for this delicious destination, as well. Here’s his feedback: “’It’s the Bar at the Base, Baby!’ This après-ski hangout spot offers incredible views with its vaulted windows, replenishing food and drink, and on select days, live music featured on the stage by the bar. You can expect a lively time on holidays and weekends as the skiers and snowboarders find a seat and some warmth, to eat, drink, and build energy for more trips to the chairlift. The menu features some quick bites for when you want to get back to the mountain, classics to warm you up, and a wide selection of sandwiches and burgers, with a few surprises to entice your appetite. On days when you’re burning those calories, it’s hard to steer away from the Grizzly Burger. Grizzly’s famous half-pound ground steak patty is grilled to order with Cabot cheddar and the option to add bacon. Once that burger arrives, it proves tough to watch skiers and riders lap the lifts as you get too distracted by that incredibly tasty burger.”
Johnny Seesaw’s Restaurant
3574 VT-11, Peru
(802) 824-5533
OK. So, let’s be honest. Many of us go to Johnny Seesaw’s for their famous Prime Rib. But – it’s not always on the menu - and to be honest, sometimes you just want a delicious, hearty burger. And the one at Seesaw’s does not disappoint. Grab a drink from the bar (they have a great selection), order the burger and a side of their delicious poutine, and consider it done. That is, until you decide to have dessert!
Mulligan’s
Manchester and Stratton Mountain Resort
3912 VT-7A
(802) 362-3663
Benjamin visited Mulligan’s, a beloved local staple that feels like home the moment you walk in—fun, family-friendly, and packed with locals and visitors alike. “Their Works Burger lives up to its name, stacked high with sautéed onions, mushrooms, crispy bacon, melted cheddar, and an accompanying ramekin of Thousand Island dressing. It’s hearty, nostalgic, and totally satisfying—the kind of burger that brings you back, bite after bite.”
New American Grill
VT-100/VT-11, Londonderry
(802) 824-9844
Kim signed up for New American Grill. Once again, we think she knew what she was signing up for. She commented, “The burger was delicious and the sweet potato fries were outstanding; perfectly crisp and seasoned—and the maple chipotle aioli dipping sauce paired unbelievably with the burger and fries. The atmosphere was fantastic, and the owner, Max, was very friendly, visiting tables and greeting regulars and newbies alike. Don’t miss their trivia night; the restaurant has the perfect atmosphere for hanging out with friends and family. I’m excited to stop by one night and enjoy the live music!”
Pearl’s Place & Pantry
1942 Depot St., Manchester
(802) 367-3098
Pearl’s Place bestows a hearty taste of Southern-style cuisine right here in Manchester. I brought my family with me to enjoy some delectable smoked meats along with their down-home appetizers and festive beverages. They started us off with some outstanding jalapeño cornbread baked into cute corn-on-the-cob shapes to whet our whistles, and I had to hold myself back from eating more, so I could save room for the meal’s main attraction. Pearl’s Brisket Burger is made with Pineland Farms brisket beef, pimento cheese, bacon jam, and fried onions on a brioche bun. Brisket meat has a higher fat content and unique marbling compared to standard ground beef, creating a richer flavor. There was a smokiness to the burger, as well, which is exactly what you want when dining at a Southern BBQ restaurant. Pair your meal with a Dixie Sazerac or Pearl’s Perfect Sweet Tea, and don’t forget to stop into their Pantry during your visit, where you’ll find a variety of gourmet specialties and unique gifts. Pearl’s Place & Pantry invites you to slow down, savor, and stay a while.
The Publyk House
782 Harwood Hill Rd. (VT-7A), Bennington
(802) 442-7500
Come to this American tavern and steak house for the burger, yes, but also for the impressive salad bar, and the stunning view. There is nothing like looking out one of the large dining room windows or sitting on the deck and seeing the glorious beauty of Southern Vermont’s mountainous landscape while enjoying your meal. Another highlight is the complimentary, freshly baked bread served with whipped maple butter, brought to your table warmed up and inviting. “The Wagyu beef burger is amazing, and the scenic mountain view is incredible,” says Nick Burchard, staff photographer & videographer. “What more could you want? Maybe another order of fries?”
Raven’s Den Steakhouse and Taproom
1844 Depot St., Manchester
(802) 768-8779
Raven’s Den has a big menu, and even though it is listed under “Raven’s Steakhouse Burger,” we think it should be called, “Build your Burger at Raven’s Den.” The burger itself is a delicious ½ pound of Black Angus beef blended with short rib and brisket, served on a brioche bun. But then there are the toppings: sauteed mushrooms; sauteed vidalia onions; crispy bacon; cheddar, swiss, and blue cheeses. Served with fries and a tossed salad. What could be better?
The Trailhead
Bromley Sun Lodge, Peru
(802) 824-6941
Their website says, “Classic Dishes & Drink Served in Our Mountainside Lodge” – and boy, do they mean it. From hand-breaded chicken tenders to deviled eggs, beef chili, and “lodge pie”, this recently re-opened restaurant delivers classic dishes in a relaxed setting, with breathtaking views. Try their Trail Burger!
Union South
107 South St., Bennington
(802) 430-9480
With a few different burger options on the menu, you’re sure to find something that suits you at this downtown Bennington hot spot. I like spicy enhancements, so I’m a fan of the Smokehouse Burger with smoked cheddar, bacon, jalapeños, onion rings, and smokehouse BBQ sauce. The Union Burger is customizable, which is always going to make even the pickiest eaters happy. “Union South is a great choice for lunch,” says Nick. “The staff is incredibly friendly; the sculpted burger is juicy and sits perfectly on the grilled bun.” To round out your visit downtown, Nick suggests swinging by the coffee shop and bookstore right next door.
Union Underground
4928 Main St., Manchester
(802) 367-3951
Nick was keen on visiting Union South after hitting up its sister restaurant, Union Underground in Manchester. “We started our meal with an appetizer of poutine shared by the table and all agreed that was the highlight of the entire outing. The fries here are crispy and have the perfect amount of salt. The smash burgers were also enjoyed by the table,” shares Nick. “With two smash patties per burger, plan to take a big nap after one of these.” The Underground also offers a few different burger options, including the Mushroom Swiss, the Wagyu Smokehouse Burger, and the ever-popular Build-a-Burger. Both Union restaurants have a full bar with local brews on tap and delightful cocktail concoctions, like the Mad River Painkiller and the Tom Cat Espressotini. During the warmer months, both restaurants offer outdoor dining!
Zoey’s Double Hex
1568 Depot St., Manchester
(802) 362-0005
Zoey’s is an ideal place to take the family, with its casual and inviting atmosphere that offers booth, table, and counter seating. Their list of burger options is quite extensive, with choices like the Brontosaurus Burger (a beef patty topped with pulled pork!) and the Grilled Turkey Burger. All their buns come branded with the Zoey’s signature logo. If you like fries with your burgers, you’ll love Zoey’s steak fries, nice and thick and made in-house. “Kim, Nick, and I had a wonderful time at Zoey’s Double Hex,” recalls Donna. “Bob, Beth, and the staff were extremely kind and hospitable. The family-friendly atmosphere was great. The service was superb. My burger was excellent and cooked exactly as I requested - medium rare, leaning toward the pinker side. The smothered onion burger, complete with perfectly melted cheese, tomato, and lettuce, was very enjoyable and filling. It also came with coleslaw and a pickle.” Kim added: “Don’t forget the house Birch Beer, the homemade potato chips, and the outdoor seating!”
If you’re wondering which burger we sampled was “the best,” the answer is simple: we can’t choose just one! Now you have a source to guide your own sampling around the Shires, so let your mood and your taste buds lead the way! Don’t hesitate to share your burger journey with us on social media, just tag Manchester Life Magazine—we’d love to see you enjoying every delicious bite!