Our Pretty Amazing Food Scene
Welcome to Eating in Stowe--an important part of your Stowe and Vermont experience!
We have 52 places to eat, drink, have coffee, snack--in a town with a population of about 5,000 permanent residents. So about one restaurant per 500 people. Considering a few of these restaurants serve that many meals or more on a busy evening, perhaps you can imagine how amazing the dining scene is in Stowe.
This is a curated list of what I consider the top choices with emphasis on those close to or in Stowe Village (walking distance to the Nest and Hideaway Airbnb). There are many good choices not listed here!
7 min walk right in the village
Romantic, special occasion, California cuisine. Award-winning.
Seasonal, farm-to-table-focused menu.
Chic and lively ambiance. Lovely staff.
Best cocktails in Stowe.
Souflée. Anything corn. The burger. Tartare.
Anything, really.
Plate
91 S Main St, Stowe
(802) 253-2691
https://g.co/kgs/NqZej6
88 locals recommend
Plate Restaurant
91 S Main St7 min walk right in the village
Romantic, special occasion, California cuisine. Award-winning.
Seasonal, farm-to-table-focused menu.
Chic and lively ambiance. Lovely staff.
Best cocktails in Stowe.
Souflée. Anything corn. The burger. Tartare.
Anything, really.
Plate
91 S Main St, Stowe
(802) 253-2691
https://g.co/kgs/NqZej6
6 min walk right in the village
Romantic, downstairs in softly lit lower room, a special occasion spot, enjoy good portions, food is fresh fresh, seats are cozy and ambiance is warm.
You don't want to miss the crab cakes, scallops, and steak tips!
Harrison's Restaurant
25 Main St, Stowe
(802) 253-7773
https://g.co/kgs/8s4uPd
154 locals recommend
Harrison's Restaurant
25 Main St6 min walk right in the village
Romantic, downstairs in softly lit lower room, a special occasion spot, enjoy good portions, food is fresh fresh, seats are cozy and ambiance is warm.
You don't want to miss the crab cakes, scallops, and steak tips!
Harrison's Restaurant
25 Main St, Stowe
(802) 253-7773
https://g.co/kgs/8s4uPd
15 min walk... no reservations, great outdoor seating. You will wait for a table, but the wait is long for a reason!
Most things cooked in cast iron pans... and do save room for the cooked-to-order chocolate chip cookie!
The ravioli and salmon tacos are favorites of mine.
108 locals recommend
The Bench
492 Mountain Rd15 min walk... no reservations, great outdoor seating. You will wait for a table, but the wait is long for a reason!
Most things cooked in cast iron pans... and do save room for the cooked-to-order chocolate chip cookie!
The ravioli and salmon tacos are favorites of mine.
10 min walk. Outdoor patio. Fun, young almost retro vibe.
Takes reservations -- a Stowe institution.
And don't miss the onion dip, blue balls if they are on special or the Nashville hot fish sandwich ...
Doc Ponds
294 Mountain Rd Stowe
173 locals recommend
Doc Ponds
294 Mountain Rd10 min walk. Outdoor patio. Fun, young almost retro vibe.
Takes reservations -- a Stowe institution.
And don't miss the onion dip, blue balls if they are on special or the Nashville hot fish sandwich ...
Doc Ponds
294 Mountain Rd Stowe
10 in walk. Local favorite for a great burger, tater tots, nachos.
Personal favorite is unexpectedly good, addictive, 3x in a serving, amazing carne asada tacos.
Amazing open patio, even when it rains -- covered -- tucked in the back parking lot at the base of the Cady Bike and Hiking Trails 2 min up Mountain Rd.
Have a drink after an easy hike, bike, or late at night!
24 locals recommend
Backyard Tavern
395 Mountain Rd10 in walk. Local favorite for a great burger, tater tots, nachos.
Personal favorite is unexpectedly good, addictive, 3x in a serving, amazing carne asada tacos.
Amazing open patio, even when it rains -- covered -- tucked in the back parking lot at the base of the Cady Bike and Hiking Trails 2 min up Mountain Rd.
Have a drink after an easy hike, bike, or late at night!
Idletyme is about a 7 min drive
up Mountain Rd. It is a restaurant and brewery.
Highlights:
Beer sampler served on a ski
A beautiful patio
Pumpkin ravioli
The BEST cheddar fritters ever
Wedge salad that will satisfy even the hungriest of diners
Idletyme Brewing Co
1859 Mountain Rd, Stowe
(802) 253-4765
https://g.co/kgs/sqfNKb
137 locals recommend
Idletyme Brewing Company
1859 Mountain RdIdletyme is about a 7 min drive
up Mountain Rd. It is a restaurant and brewery.
Highlights:
Beer sampler served on a ski
A beautiful patio
Pumpkin ravioli
The BEST cheddar fritters ever
Wedge salad that will satisfy even the hungriest of diners
Idletyme Brewing Co
1859 Mountain Rd, Stowe
(802) 253-4765
https://g.co/kgs/sqfNKb
The "Infamous" Matterhorn may look divey from the outside, but it has some of the best sushi you will find outside of a large city, fantastic gourmet pizza, and several other gourmet specialities.
Drinks pour freely, laughter is loud, and the contagious Aprés scene lasts year-round.
I rotate between the Matterhorn Poke Bowl, the Goat Cheese Bacon pizza, and tuna (sashimi) nachos.
94 locals recommend
Matterhorn Restaurant
4969 Mountain RdThe "Infamous" Matterhorn may look divey from the outside, but it has some of the best sushi you will find outside of a large city, fantastic gourmet pizza, and several other gourmet specialities.
Drinks pour freely, laughter is loud, and the contagious Aprés scene lasts year-round.
I rotate between the Matterhorn Poke Bowl, the Goat Cheese Bacon pizza, and tuna (sashimi) nachos.
Food too now at Stowe Cider!!
BBQ and a bit more. Casual. Heard it's pretty good. Cannot personally attest, but friends who care about BBQ say it is good.
Hard cider served up (obviously) is the much-loved Stowe Cider. No wine. They have a few mixed drinks. Non alcoholic too.
Some casual concerts in the bar. Kid-friendly early. Otherwise better for adults. Schedule is online.
Late night bigger name concerts with cover charge in the back room, a newly renovated space that is more a real concert venue.
**There are outdoor concerts in the sculpture garden in the summer. I love these.
65 locals recommend
Stowe Cider
17 Town Farm LnFood too now at Stowe Cider!!
BBQ and a bit more. Casual. Heard it's pretty good. Cannot personally attest, but friends who care about BBQ say it is good.
Hard cider served up (obviously) is the much-loved Stowe Cider. No wine. They have a few mixed drinks. Non alcoholic too.
Some casual concerts in the bar. Kid-friendly early. Otherwise better for adults. Schedule is online.
Late night bigger name concerts with cover charge in the back room, a newly renovated space that is more a real concert venue.
**There are outdoor concerts in the sculpture garden in the summer. I love these.
Ten Acres Lodge
14 Barrows Rd7 min drive.. You can't beat the cow view and salmon here!
The newest Restaurant to hit the Stowe dining scene. January 2023.
Good open ambiance, great for families. less of a wait on busy weekends than some places. Can be had from your grocer's freezer and other Flatbread locations around the country, but it doesn't change how good this pizza is. Service can be spotty.
The best part is actually The Lounge in the back. Relative to the restaurant, it is actually pretty great with a nice bar, two C-shaped leather chair arrangements, and other casual seating. A few games float around and a wall mounted ring toss beckons. You can eat a dinner here, or just drink.
American Flatbread
The newest Restaurant to hit the Stowe dining scene. January 2023.
Good open ambiance, great for families. less of a wait on busy weekends than some places. Can be had from your grocer's freezer and other Flatbread locations around the country, but it doesn't change how good this pizza is. Service can be spotty.
The best part is actually The Lounge in the back. Relative to the restaurant, it is actually pretty great with a nice bar, two C-shaped leather chair arrangements, and other casual seating. A few games float around and a wall mounted ring toss beckons. You can eat a dinner here, or just drink.
Lively and reliable, Sushi Yoshi is a great choice for Chinese, a few Thai dishes, and sushi.
They also have a seating around Japanese grills, giant meals which are great fun, and while not particularly "Stowe," these are especially delicious after a day of hiking, skiing, or "Vermonting."
72 locals recommend
Sushi Yoshi
1128 Mountain RdLively and reliable, Sushi Yoshi is a great choice for Chinese, a few Thai dishes, and sushi.
They also have a seating around Japanese grills, giant meals which are great fun, and while not particularly "Stowe," these are especially delicious after a day of hiking, skiing, or "Vermonting."
10 min walk. Outdoor patio. Fun, young almost retro vibe.
Takes reservations -- a Stowe institution.
And don't miss the onion dip, blue balls if they are on special or the Nashville hot fish sandwich ...
Doc Ponds
294 Mountain Rd Stowe
173 locals recommend
Doc Ponds
294 Mountain Rd10 min walk. Outdoor patio. Fun, young almost retro vibe.
Takes reservations -- a Stowe institution.
And don't miss the onion dip, blue balls if they are on special or the Nashville hot fish sandwich ...
Doc Ponds
294 Mountain Rd Stowe
Great for a Drinks, Fun at Night, Outright "Nightlife" (as much as you could expect in Stowe)
Plate Restaurant
91 S Main StA classy bar with the best cocktails in town.
8min walk. Drink late and no meed to Uber home!! Open the latest in Stowe, the bar draws out many for one last drink. Underneath the Craft Gallery, right of the church. Patio outside.
Lower Bar
151 Main Street8min walk. Drink late and no meed to Uber home!! Open the latest in Stowe, the bar draws out many for one last drink. Underneath the Craft Gallery, right of the church. Patio outside.
Aside from good food and sushi, this is THE APRÉS scene and late scene.
94 locals recommend
Matterhorn Restaurant
4969 Mountain RdAside from good food and sushi, this is THE APRÉS scene and late scene.
Starts late and late late. Dance late into the night and eat tacos here.
10 locals recommend
Alfie's Wild Ride
942 Mountain RoadStarts late and late late. Dance late into the night and eat tacos here.
Great cider and concerts (schedule on the web). Food too.
Some casual concerts in the bar. Late night bigger name ones with cover charge in the back room, a newly renovated space that is more a real concert venue. Outdoor ones in the sculpture garden in the summer. I love these.
Now they have BBQ and other food as of Dec 2022. Heard it's pretty good. Cannot personally attest.
Hard cider is the much-loved Stowe Cider. No wine. They have a few mixed drinks. Non alcoholic too.
65 locals recommend
Stowe Cider
17 Town Farm LnGreat cider and concerts (schedule on the web). Food too.
Some casual concerts in the bar. Late night bigger name ones with cover charge in the back room, a newly renovated space that is more a real concert venue. Outdoor ones in the sculpture garden in the summer. I love these.
Now they have BBQ and other food as of Dec 2022. Heard it's pretty good. Cannot personally attest.
Hard cider is the much-loved Stowe Cider. No wine. They have a few mixed drinks. Non alcoholic too.
Cover photo. See also food section above.
The best outdoor bar in Vermont.
If the best swim up bar in the Carribean were compared to the equivalent idea of what you would look for in terms of the best outdoor Vermonty bar experience, this is it.
A wooden bar seating 40 built into the trees, wrapping all the way around , little lights strung above, whispering leaves in the wind, bartenders who remember your name the next day, icy drinks, amazing cheddar fritters, a giant beer cheese dip pretzel, hamburgers to write home about, maple cream butternut squash ravioli...
Idletyme Brewing Co
1859 Mountain Rd, Stowe
137 locals recommend
Idletyme Brewing Company
1859 Mountain RdCover photo. See also food section above.
The best outdoor bar in Vermont.
If the best swim up bar in the Carribean were compared to the equivalent idea of what you would look for in terms of the best outdoor Vermonty bar experience, this is it.
A wooden bar seating 40 built into the trees, wrapping all the way around , little lights strung above, whispering leaves in the wind, bartenders who remember your name the next day, icy drinks, amazing cheddar fritters, a giant beer cheese dip pretzel, hamburgers to write home about, maple cream butternut squash ravioli...
Idletyme Brewing Co
1859 Mountain Rd, Stowe
10 min walk. Dirt driveway after Ranch Camp bike shop. Go just to drink, if not to eat... amazing open patio, even when it rains -- covered -- tucked in the back parking lot at the base of the Cady Bike and Hiking Trails 2 min up Mountain Rd.
Have a drink after an easy hike, bike, or late at night!
24 locals recommend
Backyard Tavern
395 Mountain Rd10 min walk. Dirt driveway after Ranch Camp bike shop. Go just to drink, if not to eat... amazing open patio, even when it rains -- covered -- tucked in the back parking lot at the base of the Cady Bike and Hiking Trails 2 min up Mountain Rd.
Have a drink after an easy hike, bike, or late at night!
Several bars, from the casual lobby to the more upscale restaurants
25 locals recommend
The Lodge at Spruce Peak
7412 Mountain RdSeveral bars, from the casual lobby to the more upscale restaurants
There is a Lounge in the back of Flatbread Relative to the restaurant, it is actually pretty great with a nice bar, two C-shaped leather chair arrangements, and other casual seating. A few games float around and a wall mounted ring toss beckons. You can eat a dinner here, or just drink.
American Flatbread
There is a Lounge in the back of Flatbread Relative to the restaurant, it is actually pretty great with a nice bar, two C-shaped leather chair arrangements, and other casual seating. A few games float around and a wall mounted ring toss beckons. You can eat a dinner here, or just drink.
Food near Stowe (Waterbury)
Prohibition Pig
23 S Main StLegendary BBQ combined with an intimate spot and a fun bar
Incredible food, little outside Stowe, absolutely worth the drive. Romantic and special occasion.
68 locals recommend
Michael's on the Hill
4182 Waterbury-Stowe RoadIncredible food, little outside Stowe, absolutely worth the drive. Romantic and special occasion.
Great food. Something for everyone.
Our favorites:
top choice: The Burrito, believe it or not, this is the best burrito around.
Anything and everything on the menu...
-Chicken Picatta
-artichoke dip
-homemade chicken tenders
-a great burger
-great beer selection
-can be a bit chilly and can have a wait, esp après ski
-fun, lively ambiance
82 locals recommend
The Reservoir
1 S Main StGreat food. Something for everyone.
Our favorites:
top choice: The Burrito, believe it or not, this is the best burrito around.
Anything and everything on the menu...
-Chicken Picatta
-artichoke dip
-homemade chicken tenders
-a great burger
-great beer selection
-can be a bit chilly and can have a wait, esp après ski
-fun, lively ambiance
Treats, Snacks, Indulgences, Food to Buy
A three minute walk, this sweet chocolate store will not disappoint. Right after Macs Supermarket, find a blue house where inside truffles, chocolate covered strawberries, pretzels, and creations beyond name await your fantasy.
They have regular demonstrations.
Insider tip:
On their website, sometimes they have interactive demos you can attend, and these are posted in advance, sometimes you need to reserve. For a fee, you can participate and take home a creation, i.e. at Christmas, they have a tradition where you can make your own candy cane.
34 locals recommend
Laughing Moon Chocolates
78 S Main StA three minute walk, this sweet chocolate store will not disappoint. Right after Macs Supermarket, find a blue house where inside truffles, chocolate covered strawberries, pretzels, and creations beyond name await your fantasy.
They have regular demonstrations.
Insider tip:
On their website, sometimes they have interactive demos you can attend, and these are posted in advance, sometimes you need to reserve. For a fee, you can participate and take home a creation, i.e. at Christmas, they have a tradition where you can make your own candy cane.
The candy counter is a local favorite among children and adults alike, boasting old favorites and new confections.
The Mercantile has jams, jellies, preserves, syrups, and other delights to bring home too.
It's my favorite store and many would say the same.
6 min walk
51 locals recommend
Stowe Mercantile
37 Main StThe candy counter is a local favorite among children and adults alike, boasting old favorites and new confections.
The Mercantile has jams, jellies, preserves, syrups, and other delights to bring home too.
It's my favorite store and many would say the same.
6 min walk
Famed far and wide, the Achemist offera a take-home "treat" to buy and a stop to enjoy in their brewery (see also Brewerey guidebook). Their Heady Topper is considered the best beer in the US (or some say #2), and those back home will consider this a special treat as it's sold only here in VT.
A few miles up Mountain Rd at the split to Luce Hill Rd, take a right and look for it on the right. It's a giant building.
Insider tip:
You can sit outside in their beautiful field in Adk chairs and have snacks and a beer (or wine) on a warm day. It's delightful.
235 locals recommend
The Alchemist
100 Cottage Club RdFamed far and wide, the Achemist offera a take-home "treat" to buy and a stop to enjoy in their brewery (see also Brewerey guidebook). Their Heady Topper is considered the best beer in the US (or some say #2), and those back home will consider this a special treat as it's sold only here in VT.
A few miles up Mountain Rd at the split to Luce Hill Rd, take a right and look for it on the right. It's a giant building.
Insider tip:
You can sit outside in their beautiful field in Adk chairs and have snacks and a beer (or wine) on a warm day. It's delightful.
Great maple goods shop with way beyond syrup.
Staff can tell you anything you'veever wondered about Maple trees and syrup production.
Cool stuff to look at. Even cooler stuff to purchase. By cool I mean delicious.
They ship!
Edge of town, right before Stowe turns to Waterbury, i.e. towards I89. (Right after Moscow Rd)
Stowe Maple Products
2618 Waterbury RdGreat maple goods shop with way beyond syrup.
Staff can tell you anything you'veever wondered about Maple trees and syrup production.
Cool stuff to look at. Even cooler stuff to purchase. By cool I mean delicious.
They ship!
Edge of town, right before Stowe turns to Waterbury, i.e. towards I89. (Right after Moscow Rd)
This outpost of the famous chocolate store sells their delectable treats at a discount.
But I'm sending you here for a different reason: ice cream sundaes.
You will never have a better one with more delicious hot fudge made from their chocolate and homemade VT cream just-whipped whipped cream and richer ice cream and you will feel sick and it IS WORTH the 8 minute drive towards Waterbury on Route 100.
just trust me.
legal note: I take no responsibility if you feel sick or gain weight from this.
24 locals recommend
Lake Champlain Chocolates
2653 Waterbury-Stowe RdThis outpost of the famous chocolate store sells their delectable treats at a discount.
But I'm sending you here for a different reason: ice cream sundaes.
You will never have a better one with more delicious hot fudge made from their chocolate and homemade VT cream just-whipped whipped cream and richer ice cream and you will feel sick and it IS WORTH the 8 minute drive towards Waterbury on Route 100.
just trust me.
legal note: I take no responsibility if you feel sick or gain weight from this.