Why this Vermont Town is Quickly Becoming a Culinary Destination

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As a decade-long resident of Vermont, with a passion for all things culinary, I’ve explored every nook and cranny of Waterbury’s dining scene with gusto. And the best part is that more gems keep popping up!

Our charming town, nestled in the Green Mountains, isn’t just picturesque – it’s a foodie’s paradise. I am thrilled to share the best-kept secrets of Waterbury’s culinary landscape.

Waterbury may be known for its scenic trails and quaint Vermont vibes, but its restaurant scene is a hidden gem just waiting to be explored. I’ve dined at a multitude of spots, from cozy cafes to elegant bistros, and now it’s time to share my insider knowledge.

So, let’s dive into the best restaurants in Waterbury, VT – a mix of casual eats, family-friendly spots, and fine dining experiences that will tantalize your taste buds.

This is the bar at Hen of the Wood restaurant. It is modern and bright with windows backing the open shelving on which the bottles and glasses are stored. A bartender pours a drink.

Best Restaurants in Waterbury, Vermont

Elevated dining experiences in Waterbury, VT offer a more intimate experience with food. You can enjoy a multi-course dinner from some of the best chefs in the area! In fact, eating out at restaurants here is one of the best things to do in Waterbury so don’t overlook the potential.

1. Hen of the Wood

Two chefs prep cheese plates and more in a rich dark blue kitchen area backed with coolers. Fresh cheeses of all kinds rest on the counter.

Hen of the Wood was my first foodie-love in Waterbury. When they opened in the old grist mill building in October 2005, my now-husband and I enjoyed an exquisite dinner there shortly after. The experience was so remarkable that I booked our rehearsal wedding dinner there in December 2006!

My personal favorite is their special cheese menu (bestill my heart!) that has local Vermont offerings, featuring an array of artisanal cheeses. I often order cheese for my dessert here. Options like Spring Brook Farm’s ‘Tarentaise’ and Blue Ledge Farm’s ‘Lake’s Edge’ are highlights.

Hen of the Wood showcases the finest farm-to-table cuisine in Waterbury. Their ever-changing menu has small plates and entrees highlighting seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms. If duck is on the menu, I highly recommend it; it’s consistently outstanding and a personal favorite of mine. They also offer chef’s-choice dinners in their Private Dining Room.

Now, in their new location across from Prohibition Pig, they continue this tradition! The original mill space isn’t forgotten, as plans for a new brand with fresh pasta and wine are underway, promising to add another chapter to this beloved spot’s story.

A green plate with gnocchi dressed in arugula and pesto sits on a wooden table next to a fresh tomato salad over a creamy sauce on a brown plate.

A chef drizzles oil over a dish behind the bar in the kitchen area. Customers sit and have full view of the prep and the large stainless steel kitchen area is modern and wide open.

2. Michael’s on the Hill

When you visit Michael’s on the Hill in Waterbury Center, Vermont, you’ll be welcomed into a setting that exudes both charm and elegance. Here, attentive service elevates an already exquisite dining experience. It’s a popular place for special occasions where many couples make annual reservations to celebrate their anniversary!

I recommend delicious dishes like the salmon, gnocchi, or the acclaimed beef tenderloin. Their fresh, beautifully plated preparations are going to WOW you! And for the perfect accompaniment to your meal, an extensive wine list awaits, filled with selections that pair splendidly with the French-inspired cuisine, elevating every aspect of your dining experience.

In September 2023, Michael’s on the Hill welcomed new ownership, marking a fresh chapter in its storied history. Don Jones and Andrew Kohn, who also run the Brass Lantern Inn in Stowe, Vermont, took the reins, bringing their passion for hospitality to this beloved establishment. The couple aims to continue the legacy of fine dining and excellent service

3. Prohibition Pig

The exterior of Prohibition Pig is decorated with fall flowers and more. The view looks down the street in Waterbury on a sunny autumn day. Decorative black lamp posts line the block.

Prohibition Pig is a haven for beer and barbecue enthusiasts and is a local favorite! This pillar restaurant in Waterbury combines mouthwatering smoked meats with an extensive selection of craft beers.

It comes down to really great food and excellent service at Pro Pig! I love to indulge in their tender pulled pork and pair it with a local Vermont IPA, such as The Alchemist’s ‘Focal Banger’ for the ultimate comfort food experience. They also serve great cocktails!

One of my absolute favorite things about Prohibition Pig’s menu is the fantastic array of sides you can pair with your entrées. It’s almost impossible for me not to cave in and order the duck fat fries and mac & cheese every single time.

But then, their veggie sides are also incredibly tempting, leaving me happily indecisive! It’s like a mini adventure deciding which delicious side to enjoy each time I visit. I secretly hope someone in my family will order a side I didn’t so I can sneak bites of cheddar grits off their plate.

4. Blackback Pub

Thai scallops are browned and served on a black plate with a topping of fresh pea greens.

Steamed buns stuffed with ahi tuna, cucumber slices, and carrot shreds are served on a black plate with fresh salad.

Beer lovers can rejoice at Blackback Pub, a cozy spot on the corner where you can sip on a large selection of local and international brews. Their delicious pub fare is above and beyond the typical, including their daily specials which are out of this world.

I am a huge fan of their Broccolini with Gochujang Peanut Sauce, Thai Seared Scallops, and all of the Steamed Buns variations. The menu has a strong Asian-fusion vibe to it and that is right up my alley. It’s a busy little restaurant but we’ve never had to wait too long for a table—they have an efficient and mindful staff.

Snagging a seat at the bar comes with its own little piece of local trivia – you might just find yourself in ‘Bernie’s seat’, nestled right next to Governor Phil Scott’s bar stool! I discovered this fun tidbit on my last visit when I landed Bernie’s spot and read the plaque.

One quirky observation: the seat has extra space on the left, leading me to ponder if Bernie, like me, is a lefty. It’s these little details that add an extra layer of charm to the experience!

5. Salt & Rind

A selection of fresh oysters it on ice in a serving tray atop a bar. Two glasses of champagne are behind the platter and the bar scene with a vibrant mural wall is in the background.

The interior of Salt and Rind. Owners Britt and Luke are in view. The dark stone bar counter contrasts against the metal bar stools in the foreground.

Salt & Rind is a recent addition to the Waterbury food scene and it’s caused quite a stir. I couldn’t wait to get in to try their fresh oysters alongside one of their signature cocktails!

The friendly NECI-trained owners, Britt Thompson (serving guests) and Luke William (chef), are front and center in the intimate space, which feels so welcoming as you are served in this hip 20-seat cocktail and oyster bar.

I thoroughly enjoyed the smoked trout dip, the firecracker shrimp, and an array of fresh oysters and raw countneck clams. Pro tip: order some of your oysters “dirty” and they arrive with lemon crema and caviar on top! Yep, it’s a good thing.

The ambiance of Salt and Rind is upscale yet casual. While I dined there at the u-shaped bar with my husband, Matt, we interacted with other guests. Some raved about the tenderloin sandwich with horseradish! It is apparently hailed as one of the best.

I practically did a double-take as I watched the freshly served cheese & charcuterie being artfully presented and laid out across the bar in front of one couple on parchment paper. It was hard not to get excited about the delicious spread so I’ll be back for that experience!

6. Gallus

A plate of handmade ravioli smothered in a rich tomato meat sauce and topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, accompanied by a small glass of red wine on a wooden table.

A thick slice of rustic bread served with a dollop of whipped butter sprinkled with cracked pepper sits on a white plate. In the foreground, a Caesar-style salad is topped generously with finely grated cheese and crispy breadcrumbs.

Gallus has quickly become one of our go-to spots in Waterbury, and for good reason. We’ve eaten there a few times now, and each visit has us talking about it for days afterward. Their housemade pasta is just so good! Every dish we’ve tried has been a winner, but the ravioli has my heart. I’d order it every time if I didn’t also want to try everything else!

Right when we sat down for our very first meal, our server leaned in and told us we really needed to get the focaccia. We listened, and thank goodness we did. That warm, pillowy focaccia comes with a cacio e pepe butter that might just be my kids’ favorite thing on the entire menu. (Not even kidding. They talk about it like it’s dessert, and now we have to order two so no one gets aggressive.)

Another must-mention is their Caesar. We take our Caesars very seriously in this family, and Gallus nails it. It’s fresh and sharp and topped with toasted breadcrumbs instead of croutons, which I think is kind of genius. That crunch without the big chunks of too-crisp bread? Brilliant.

The whole vibe at Gallus is relaxed but thoughtful, just like the food. It feels like the kind of place where you can have a cozy night out and still be surprised by how creative and refined the dishes are. Definitely a Waterbury gem worth coming back to again and again. Don’t forget to order dessert!

7. The Reservoir

The exterior of The Reservoir sports bright red and yellow skis that hang crossed over a striped snowboard on the door next to the entrance. The holiday greenery and lights hanging can be seen next to the entrance door as well.

The Reservoir is a vibrant brewpub with a lively atmosphere, and it is another go-to spot for craft beer enthusiasts. You can enjoy their rotating tap list while feasting on their hearty pub grub, including loaded nachos and mouthwatering sandwiches. This is also a great place to dine with kids.

I’ve enjoyed many delicious meals at The Res including a perfectly balanced arugula salad and comfort food classics like chicken piccata served over mashed potatoes with broccoli. Meat lovers are in for a treat with options like the flavorful NY strip steak and the hearty meatloaf with garlic herb mash and sage gravy (a favorite of my late father’s).

For a more casual bite, the bleu cheese burger and Mac and cheese are big hits, along with the Rodeo Burger and Brisket Hoagie. If you ask my son, you should always order the poutine! The Reservoir’s lively atmosphere is popular so expect a bit of wait during busier seasons.

Downtown Waterbury is cheery on a fall day with a vibrant red maple, sunshine and partly cloudy skies above the Stowe Street Cafe and Bridgeside Books signs.

8. Stone’s Throw Pizza

Stone’s Throw Pizza in Waterbury has the best pizza that’s a cut above your typical pizza joint. Their thin-crust pizza, like the one topped with pepperoni and Serrano peppers, pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad for a satisfying meal.

The restaurant’s space is beautifully renovated, featuring cozy loveseats, armchairs, and a welcoming bar, with plenty of tables and booths. We love meeting up here with friends because it’s a big enough space for a crowd (just make reservations) and has something for everyone on the menu, including gluten-free options.

Stone’s Throw also serves an appetizing mezze trio, beef carpaccio, and creative pizza toppings. The ‘Hunter’ pizza, with barely blackened veggies and flavorful tiny shreds of meat, is a standout. My personal favorite is the Nomad with white sauce, glazed pork belly, house kimchee, shaved leeks, and drizzled egg yolk!

Plus, the Mediterranean meze and spicy green beans are amazing so give them a try. It’s worth noting that Stone’s Throw Pizza is a place where even vegans can find delicious pizza options!

9. Stowe Street Cafe

The inside of Stowe Street Cafe is cheery with a turquoise display case at the cashier counter and fun gifts to purchase thoughtfully scattered throughout the store. The black menu board hangs above the counter.

The bright cheery sign and vibrant blue exterior with red umbrellas of Stowe Street Cafe make the space very inviting.

Start your day right at Stowe Street Cafe, a charming breakfast spot serving up delicious morning treats and great coffee! From fluffy biscuit egg sandwiches to breakfast burritos, their menu is sure to satisfy your breakfast cravings.

They also have many baked goods to enjoy with a cup of coffee such as chocolate chip cookies, cinnamon buns, and scones. My son says their hot chocolates are the very best he has ever had! They use a special custom hot chocolate mix and it is delish.

The cafe holds special events that focus on celebrating diverse culinary experiences! For example, they host Harvest Community Dinners, showcasing local farm produce, meats, and dairy featuring favorite international holiday dishes over three courses.

There are also cultural-themed dinners like Thai and Filipino, highlighting authentic flavors. Additionally, Empanada Nights, in collaboration with Paprika Catering Company, offers a variety of homemade empanadas using fresh, local ingredients. Each event emphasizes the rich and varied culinary traditions and the bond of community in Vermont.

The old brick exterior of Blackback Pub is seen here. The small raised seating area on a narrow deck has wood bar seats, a counter, and is decorated with red flowers in the autumn.

More Noteworthy Foodie Stops in Waterbury

This list is by all means not complete but I have to include more favorite gems within the foodie scene in Waterbury.

10. Freak Folk Bier

Freak Folk Bier is a unique small brewery and fermentation project that’s known for its focus on barrel-fermented and bottle-conditioned beers. With offerings like Little Death Sour and Cult of Billy IPA, you can’t go wrong! Please keep in mind that kids are not allowed in the brewery.

11. Henders Bake Shop

Henders has the best-tasting cruller I have eaten in Vermont! It takes me back to when I was a child visiting New York City and eating all the delicious pastries. Do yourself a favor and check the current hours for Henders and grab a special treat here while in town. They even have homemade pop tarts!

This is the pick up counter at KC's Bagel Cafe. Bags of chips are on display in the foreground and there's bright yellow wall on which the chalkboard menu hangs. Below the chalkboard is a display of many different kinds of fresh bagels for purchase.

12. KC’s Bagel Cafe

We go to KC’s Bagel Cafe about once a month because my kids LOVE their Lox bagel sandwiches and their flavored cream cheese that we bring home with a half dozen bagels. Their bagels are fresh and super tasty, and the assortment is impressive. Daily soups and breakfast sandwiches are great too!

13. Mustard Tiger at Zen Barn

Combining dining with live music and events, Zenbarn offers a unique and vibrant experience. They’ve partnered with Mustard Tiger to offer a fun menu that boasts delicious food items like Michigan-style hot dogs, mushroom tacos, and perfectly crisp tator tots.

14. Cold Hollow Cider Mill

Cold Hollow Cider Mill has the very best cider donuts in Vermont, in my opinion. I often stop by to pick up a dozen to bring home along with a hot cider for myself. The two treats go together so well, especially on a fall day in Vermont.

Located on the Waterbury-Stowe Rd, the shop has oodles of gifts, food items, and Vermonty things to bring home so it’s definitely worth a stop. Walk right across the driveway and enjoy a great mid-day meal at the Apple Core Luncheonette or enjoy a hard cider tasting too!

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The Wrap Up on Waterbury Restaurants

That’s quite an exciting list for a small town right? I think you will find a handful of places you want to try out. Waterbury is such an excellent choice for food enthusiasts!

Now that you know the town’s culinary scene is a vibrant mix of local flavors, international influences, and innovative cooking techniques, come visit! The businesses here make it a haven for those who appreciate good food and drink.

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, I hope this list helps you find fun options for your own dining experiences in Waterbury!