There’s a reason people who venture into Vermont’s Champlain Valley suddenly stop complaining about finding good food. It’s because Vergennes and its surroundings hide some of the state’s most remarkable restaurants, and it’s where we bring visitors when they say Vermont is just about maple syrup.
Rockers Pizzeria
$ | (802) 870-7341 | WEBSITE
You ever have one of those days where everything feels off and all you need is one perfect bite to set things right? We’re talking about times when you’ve been hiking all morning in the Green Mountains and realize you forgot to pack lunch. Rockers Pizzeria provides the reset you’re looking for. The classic order is the Hawaiian Pizza, but for those days when you’re really in need of a cure-all, go with the soul-restoring Johnny Rocker pie.
Whichever pizza you do choose, make sure to add on the perfectly savory knots. The place is full of regulars who have their order already memorized, which makes total sense the second you taste their delicious crust. Just be prepared for a (quick) line on the weekends.
Queen Bee’s Snack Bar
$ | (802) 989-8607 | WEBSITE
The food wagon at Queen Bee’s Snack Bar feels like it could be swallowed by the forest before you finish your burger. Towering pines surround the clearing and dappled sunlight filters through the leaves onto the simple picnic tables. The obvious move here is a family outing, but the truth is Queen Bee’s is good for almost any casual craving.
Like just about every Vermont snack bar, this is a place you can roll up to in shorts and a t-shirt, but the whole woodland retreat vibe might make you want to linger a little, order a classic burger with crispy onion rings, and get a creamy creemie for the kids playing in the park. The friendly staff at the order window adds a genuine warmth to the experience, checking on your day with a smile as they serve up simple, satisfying food at very reasonable prices.
Village Cafe & Tavern
$ | (802) 425-2149 | WEBSITE
If you’ve been searching for a spot to gather your crew for a laid-back evening of cold drinks and satisfying food, you’ve found it at Village Cafe & Tavern. The space is decked out with sports memorabilia hanging above worn wooden tables, and it’s one of the best places to grab a local craft beer, share a Caesar salad, and dig into crispy pepperoni calzones and juicy burgers. Beyond that, they’ve got a solid selection of domestic and imported beers on tap that are really refreshing, too.
And yes, it will be packed here during the Super Bowl.
Vermont Cookie Love
$ | (802) 425-8181 | WEBSITE
There comes a time on every road trip through Vermont, after hours of scenic driving or hiking, that a sweet treat is in order. If your journey happens to be between Stowe and Lake Placid, you’re in luck. Vermont Cookie Love, nestled in Burlington with its cute branding and inviting atmosphere, has been luring travelers to its cheerful space since it became a permanent stop after gaining popularity as a local favorite.
Think classic cookie varieties like the soft-centered chocolate chip with its perfect crispy edge, or the snikerdoodle with its cinnamon-sugar coating. If you’re looking to pair that afternoon coffee with something special, get the puppy love cookie, which brings to mind the treats you remember from childhood with the addition of colorful sprinkles and a generous helping of sweetness.
The friendly staff keeps service quick even when busy, and at around $2 each (with deals for multiples), it’s an ideal stop for anyone craving a fresh, tasty cookie or a summer soft-serve creamie.
Olsen’s Ice Cream
$ | (802) 877-0094 | WEBSITE
Olsen’s Ice Cream is a local institution in Vergennes where on any given afternoon you’ll find summer tourists sitting next to Vermont lifers who can still remember being delighted when an ice cream shop took over the old storefront downtown. They’re all here for exceptional ice cream, like the maple creemee, strawberry cheesecake hard scoop, skillfully-made soft serve, and maybe the best ice cream deal in Vermont (generous servings for $4.50 or double scoops for $7).
Aside from ice cream, the wild blueberry flavor, real fruit toppings, and tasty crusts are all crowd-pleasers. The covered outdoor seating and fairy garden sandbox keep the space feeling lively even mid-week, when the rest of Vergennes often feels a bit quiet.
Black Sheep Bistro
$$ | (802) 877-9991 | WEBSITE
Black Sheep Bistro has hands down the best French food in Vergennes. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu here, like the creamy cold avocado curry soup and hearty steak, but there are two clear standouts: the tender, garlicky escargots provençale and their sweet maple creme brûlée that’s almost as rich as a custard. The staff are warm and attentive, and it’s a pretty ideal place for a cozy dinner or romantic weekend meal.
Park Squeeze
$ | (802) 877-9962 | WEBSITE
Lunch at Park Squeeze feels like a cozy gathering where someone took a classic Vermont farmhouse and squeezed it into a charming but compact upstairs space. While we appreciate all versions of ravioli, the squash ravioli here is in a class of its own, with a brown butter sauce that adds a rich, nutty dimension to the pasta. Your perfect order includes the venison egg rolls, the pesto chicken, a local craft beer, and the shrimp lulu for dessert.
Arrive early, because the tight dining area fills up quickly. And be prepared to navigate narrow stairs at literally any moment.
Shuen Lee
$ | (802) 877-1020 | WEBSITE
Shuen Lee is a bright and welcoming haven for classic Chinese flavors. Some of their standout dishes are familiar favorites executed with exceptional freshness—we’re talking about you, Crab Rangoon, which truly is the best in the region, and the Singapore Mai Fun loaded with vibrant ingredients. The kitchen also delivers daily specials, and if the Mixed Vegetables Stir Fry is on offer, order it without hesitation.
They also offer really reasonable prices, which makes enjoying generous portions a genuine pleasure (hello, value that doesn’t compromise on taste).
Ferrisburgh Bake Shop & Deli
$ | (802) 877-2100 | WEBSITE
Vergennes has been needing a spot like Ferrisburgh Bake Shop & Deli. Somewhere that’s a step up from a standard bakery, where you can grab a cup of hazelnut coffee and have a light, expertly baked pastry. The open kitchen is where you want to look, watching the staff prepare your meal, and finding comfort in the rustic ambiance. Order the breakfast sandwich, which comes hot and flavorful.
They also have really good seating—because, you know, privacy—that doesn’t feel cramped, especially the large booths with ample space.
Dunkin’
$ | (802) 453-2892 | WEBSITE
Dunkin’ in Vergennes delivers the most reliable coffee and donuts in the area. The standout feature is their drive-thru convenience, which moves briskly even during morning rushes with consistently friendly service. The classic glazed donut is always satisfying, with its light texture and sweet glaze, as is the more substantial Avocado toast for vegetarians.
We frequently grab a dozen donuts to sample their varieties (the chocolate frosted and jelly-filled are particularly good, but watch for their rotating seasonal specials, like pumpkin spice or peppermint mocha). Just remember two things: the drive-thru can get quite busy during peak hours, and you should plan to enjoy your treats in their spacious parking lot or take them to go, since seating is primarily for quick stops.
Old Dock House & Marina
$$ | (518) 963-4232 | WEBSITE
On a sunny afternoon, the Old Dock House & Marina draws more boaters than the ferry crossing at rush hour. Rightfully so, because it’s the prime lakeside spot in Vergennes for a meal before heading out on the water. The service stays quick, though, and so does the kitchen once you’re seated.
Focus on the classics—there’s the highly recommended French dip, with tender roast beef on a soft roll served with a rich au jus for dipping, and crispy fish and chips, golden-fried fillets over a bed of fries that soak up the dish’s tangy tartar sauce. They also pour some of the better cocktails (not too sweet) and cold local beers in the area.
Essex Ice Cream Cafe
$ | (518) 863-3060 | WEBSITE
Essex Ice Cream Cafe in Vergennes serves up fantastic comfort food with homemade pizzas and satisfying calzones. The vegetable pie—their standout and one that delights us every time we visit—pairs perfectly with their vegan tomato bisque (spoilers ahead: it’s creamy and rich). Give their breakfast items a try, like the quiche that combines fresh ingredients with the flakiest, most buttery crust.
They have options for your gluten-free and vegan friends too, and happen to be a cozy spot for families, making them the place you’ll find us after a ferry ride from Vermont. Essex Ice Cream Cafe is one of the many charming eateries near Vergennes, so plan for a relaxed, intimate seating situation.
Backyard Bistro at Charlotte Crossings
$$ | (802) 425-2596 | WEBSITE
Backyard Bistro at Charlotte Crossings is wonderfully romantic, entirely inviting, and a pretty perfect place for intimate dinners (or catered events). If it feels like a cozy gathering started here and has been welcoming guests ever since, that’s because it has. The proof is in the beautiful marble bar top, the fresh beer selection, and the overall relaxing atmosphere that makes you want to linger.
It’s the kind of charming eatery that cranks out classics like chicken Marsala that’s tender and juicy with just the right amount of sauce, gourmet Mac and cheese loaded with BBQ meat and a mouth-watering blend of cheese and pasta, and flavorful options like brussel sprouts and fish tacos. Some fresh beer and that smash burger for your main are no-brainers. Don’t worry about reservations too much, because the friendly and prompt service means you’ll likely be seated quickly anyway.
lu•lu ice cream
$ | (802) 777-3933 | WEBSITE
Lu•lu is the standard for a sweet afternoon treat, and the kind of ice cream shop that everybody wished they had around the corner from their house. Yes, there’s a friendly staff. Yes, all their scoops are $5. And you better believe there are delicious unique flavors like the Slumdog Millionaire with its peanut curry and spicy kick, and impressive homemade waffle cones.
It’s also a prime spot for savory cravings—focus on the loaded tater tots, biscuit breakfast sandwich with fluffy buttery biscuits, crispy bacon, and perfectly cooked eggs. It’s always welcoming and a little bit cozy in here, and the walk-in-only policy and a late closing time cement them as our favorite spot in this part of Vergennes.
Goodies Snack Bar
$ | (802) 759-2276 | WEBSITE
Goodies Snack Bar specializes in classic American snacks and treats. Crispy, golden, and satisfying, but a little heartier than the fast food you’ll find at chain spots. They’re also playful with the flavors, which range from traditional to creative. We dig the Michigan and curly fries, a plate loaded with a happy marriage of seasoned potatoes and crispy texture. The strawberry milkshake with chocolate sprinkles, thick and creamy with a sweet-tart balance, is also great.
If you’re craving a proper sandwich, they nail that, too: the pulled pork with a great balanced sauce, flavorful toppings, and a soft bun that holds up without being too messy. Grab your order to-go, or, if you’re feeling nostalgic for a summer afternoon, snag a seat outdoors and enjoy your food with amazing views, a huge ice cream portion within reach.
Starry Night Café
$$$ | (802) 877-6316 | WEBSITE
Starry Night Café is the kind of restaurant that automatically makes a destination worth the drive. Their combination of outstanding seasonal dishes, attentive service, a beautiful outdoor stone patio overlooking a garden and pond, and cozy atmosphere pretty much guarantee you’ll have a memorable evening.
And that’s whether you’re with family letting the kids run around on the grass area, or on a special occasion savoring the sirloin steak with black garlic—soft and perfectly blended with herbs and potatoes. Pretty much anything on the menu is delicious, locally sourced, and excellently prepared, like the potatoe veggies or the grilled zucchini that might just be the best grilled vegetable you’ve ever had. It’s an excellent spot to unwind any day, but for peak times, planning ahead is wise.