Bluebird Barbecue is an american barbecue restaurant in Old North End, Burlington.
Bluebird Barbecue runs from an early-1900s farmhouse on Riverside Avenue overlooking the Winooski River. Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
Signature dishes: Smoked brisket, Smoked wings, BBQ ramen
Must order: The brisket plate by the pound, a basket of smoked wings and a side of cornbread.
Tip: Closed Monday through Wednesday; book Thursday-Sunday or arrive at 16:30 opening for a counter seat.
Address: 317 Riverside Ave, Burlington, VT 05401
Pho Hong is the family-owned Vietnamese counter on North Winooski Avenue that locals queue for. Pho with rich aromatic broth, fresh banh mi, vermicelli bowls;
Signature: Pho tai with rare beef, Banh mi, Vermicelli bowls
Order: Pho tai with rare beef and meatballs; add fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime at the table.
Tip: Closed Sunday and Monday and cash-or-card both accepted; BYOB and the lunch rush after 12:30 clears fast.
May Day opened on North Winooski Avenue in the Old North End in 2024 from local industry pros. House-made bread and charcuterie for deli-inspired sandwiches,
Signature: Deli-inspired sandwiches, House charcuterie, Natural wine flight
Order: The daily sandwich off the chalkboard plus a natural-wine pour.
Tip: Resy reservations; walk-up bar seats run quickly on weekends.
Pho Hong is the family-owned Vietnamese counter on North Winooski Avenue that locals queue for. Pho with rich aromatic broth, fresh banh mi, vermicelli bowls;
Signature: Pho tai with rare beef, Banh mi, Vermicelli bowls
Order: Pho tai with rare beef and meatballs; add fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime at the table.
Tip: Closed Sunday and Monday and cash-or-card both accepted; BYOB and the lunch rush after 12:30 clears fast.
May Day opened on North Winooski Avenue in the Old North End in 2024 from local industry pros. House-made bread and charcuterie for deli-inspired sandwiches,
Signature: Deli-inspired sandwiches, House charcuterie, Natural wine flight
Order: The daily sandwich off the chalkboard plus a natural-wine pour.
Tip: Resy reservations; walk-up bar seats run quickly on weekends.
The Daily Planet on Center Street since 1982 (one block east of Church). Bohemian bar, tranquil solarium, romantic dining room; cocktails the signature.
Signature: Award-winning cocktails, Eclectic mains, Solarium dining
Order: Whatever the cocktail of the month is, plus a daily blackboard plate.
Tip: Weekend brunch from 11:30; weeknight dinner from 17:00. Solarium is the best off-Church table for two.
Eric Warnstedt's Hen of the Wood opened a second location at 55 Cherry Street in downtown Burlington in 2013, eight years after the Waterbury original.
Signature: Mushroom toast, Roasted local pork, Cheese plate
Order: The mushroom toast with bacon and poached egg, plus whatever the daily Vermont cheese flight is pouring.
Tip: Book on Resy 30 days ahead for prime weekend slots. The bar takes walk-ins from 16:00 and serves the full menu.
Cara Chigazola Tobin and Allison Gibson opened Honey Road on Church Street in 2017. The eastern Mediterranean mezze room has been a James Beard finalist.
Signature: Harissa chicken wings, Tirokafteri whipped feta, Lamb shoulder for the table
Order: The harissa chicken wings, the whipped feta with hot honey and the whole lamb shoulder for the table.
Tip: Reservations open on Resy 30 days out and book out the same day. The bar holds walk-ins and serves the full menu.
John Rao shipped a two-ton wood-fired oven from Italy when he opened Pizzeria Verita on Saint Paul Street in 2012; pies cook at 900F in two minutes.
Signature: Margherita DOP, Soppressata pizza, House-made burrata
Order: The Margherita with San Marzano tomato and house-made mozzarella, plus a side of the burrata.
Tip: Walk-ins on Sunday-Thursday move quickly; Friday and Saturday book on the operator site. Bar seats serve the full menu.
