Submitted by MathGeekVT t3_11mrzf6 in vermont
Long-time Penny Cluse fan and I need a new breakfast spot. Any suggestions for something different than iHOP, Athens Diner, or Henry’s. Looking for interesting food and GOOD coffee.
Comments
8valvegrowl t1_jbjbe28 wrote
The Guilty Plate in Colchester, JCAT in Jericho (weekends only, I think), the Parkway Diner in S. Burlington, and the Family Table in Jeffersonville (not Chittenden Co, but not too far either) are all solid choices.
big_ol_sandwich t1_jbjc1p8 wrote
If you're in Vergennes you got to hit Vergennes Laundry as well.
zombienutz1 t1_jbjc5gf wrote
Sneakers
greeneyedbandit82 t1_jbjcpog wrote
The Dutch Mill on Shelburne Rd! Amazing!
Had a really good breakfast at Our House Bistro in Winooski, but have since heard very unflattering things about the owner.
kuz_929 t1_jbjctjd wrote
Milton Diner is actually pretty good. Firebird in Essex, Erica's Diner in Fairfax
Mundane_Income987 t1_jbjcvgx wrote
JP’s in Essex, pretty straightforward affordable breakfast
mr_chip_douglas t1_jbjdqr3 wrote
Putting you name down online is an absolute game changer for this place.
fdm001 t1_jbjeowj wrote
Chefs Corner in Williston is awesome
sicknutley t1_jbjfbwo wrote
Jcat gets a thumbs up.
sicknutley t1_jbjfg9g wrote
Definitely at the caliber of Penny, in all honestly, probably higher quality, too.
WantDastardlyBack t1_jbjhba5 wrote
JCAT are exceptional people. My Mom had Alzheimer's and still liked to go out to eat, but from time to time, she'd insist on having a BLT, which they didn't have on the menu, and the chef would make one for her anyway. I adored them for that. 158 Main in Jeffersonville was the other spot that were fantastic with her.
contrary-contrarian t1_jbjhg47 wrote
Oooh I've been wanting to go there.
chesbyiii t1_jbjhsal wrote
Are they making bread again? I went in after the French family sold it a few years ago and they weren't making it yet. That was a huge part of the draw for that place.
And Paté de Fruit. Hopefully they're making that, too.
braqass t1_jbjj2tg wrote
Firebird in Essex
Fantastic_Painter_15 t1_jbjjtfi wrote
Athens Diner
grnmtgrl t1_jbjkbbo wrote
Dutch Mill eggs benedict 👌
PBDubs99 t1_jbjkoqo wrote
I third Dutch Mill aaaand now I'm hungry!
ETA: TASTee Grill on Shelburne Rd in SoBu (yes in the gas station, yes it's SO GOOD!)
Full_Whereas_2694 t1_jbjln6n wrote
There was a weird transition where an annoying guy tried to turn it into a fine dining place. Now there's a nice couple making really good bread and pastries again (no pate de fruit though) feels like the original again.
Full_Whereas_2694 t1_jbjlsvc wrote
this place rules, self serve Brio Coffee, good food-not pretentious a lot like penny cluse actually.
ballofsnowyoperas t1_jbjmsfu wrote
Jules or Uncommon in Essex. People rag on Jules sometimes but I love their breakfast.
ballofsnowyoperas t1_jbjn0tx wrote
So glad to hear this, I was devastated when Julianne and Didier left.
ballofsnowyoperas t1_jbjn22v wrote
Love the huevos rancheros from Firebird!
mrwalrus88 t1_jbjomxe wrote
Painted Lady in Milton. Really good, gluten free and gluten options. Also serve booze if you're into that kinda thing.
marianleatherby t1_jbjp6i6 wrote
Relatedly, does anybody have (or managed to replicate) Penny Cluse's recipe for the Bucket o' Spuds? It was my favorite breakfast potato and I miss it so.
marianleatherby t1_jbjqqc6 wrote
*pâte, silent "e"
(Pâté, said "patay", is like... the fancy liver spread. Or you can have a veg-based pâté but it's def savory)
I tried making a pâte de fruits one Christmas but the vagaries of pectin defeated me (it didn't gel up right).
Mmmmffffeeerrrr t1_jbjquzq wrote
Tastee Grill! Just trust me.
casually_hollow t1_jbjr9t9 wrote
Firebird’s pancakes are amazing!
chesbyiii t1_jbjrlrc wrote
Thanks for the correction. There’s a little confectioner in Woodstock NY that makes ‘‘em pretty tasty
mochiko_noriko t1_jbjrzfn wrote
Misery Loves Co. in Winooski is serving brunch again and it is delicious. It is a bit spendy but they use quality ingredients so IMO worth it, and the service is excellent.
Amyarchy t1_jbjuddd wrote
If you're going up to Jeffersonville, I'd say 158 Main is a step above the Family Table - but I haven't been to the Family Table in a while so I guess I need to check again for quality control. :) Brunch at 158 is one of my favorite things (OH and if you're up that way check out My Favorite Things for lunch & dinner - upstairs from 158).
assholelarry t1_jbjun2n wrote
It’s the humans that own Jules that make it a no-go for me. The food is “ok”, the pricing is high for what you get - solid meh and I don’t care to support their business with the way they handle themselves.
There’s JPs in Essex Junction as well. Nothing fancy - but it’s fast and predictable. Reasonably priced. Nice humans. Many regulars that I see there every week.
8valvegrowl t1_jbjvd90 wrote
I haven't been to either in a few years, well even longer for 158, but that was always a solid bet too. I know Family Table just had a pretty extensive remodel (I drive past on my way to Smuggs pretty regularly).
bigtimesauce t1_jbjwy88 wrote
Idk about the guilty plate but JCAT and parkway diner have been terrible every time I’ve gone in in the last 2 years
bigtimesauce t1_jbjx3aq wrote
Great if you want to wait a half hour for your undersized order
lantonas t1_jbjx450 wrote
Who would go to an airport for breakfast?
marianleatherby t1_jbjyf2y wrote
Ooh good to know!
drewpy36 t1_jbjyjgh wrote
Butter Bar and Kitchen in the New North End does Brunch on the weekends! Pretty good if I say so myself.
parkbench22 t1_jbjynwf wrote
+1 on this. The breakfast burrito + chorizo is so so so good.
FyuckerFjord t1_jbjytqf wrote
Chef is the retired global head of new flavors for Ben & Jerry's. Also offers day spa type stuff.
chesbyiii t1_jbjz58q wrote
Found it- EJ Bonbons and Confections:
Unique-Public-8594 t1_jbk09w5 wrote
Maple crem brulee!
HardTacoKit t1_jbk11jh wrote
Salty_Charlemagne t1_jbk19wl wrote
I am only familiar with the newest incarnation of Vergennes Laundry and it's wonderful. Great bread, great pastries, solid brunch, and some fun dry goods as well. I believe the new owner has roots in both France and Morocco and that shows in the menu. Highly recommended.
SaintTheShaman t1_jbk1gn9 wrote
The Dutch Mill!
whaletacochamp t1_jbk2ls2 wrote
AHKTUALLY fairfax is in franklin
Necessary_Cat_4801 t1_jbk2nqs wrote
Sneakers is still around I think.
lantonas t1_jbk2ooj wrote
BTV is an airport.
Necessary_Cat_4801 t1_jbk2p6x wrote
Such an unfortunate name...
braqass t1_jbk2sxu wrote
Oh bummer, reallly?I honestly haven’t been in years but it was my go to when I lived in Essex jct
whaletacochamp t1_jbk2w3w wrote
Papa Nicks in Hinesburg is killer, the mill on Rt 7 in shelburne is an unspoken treasure, JCAT in Jericho, Parkway in SB just reopened. Plenty of great options.
whaletacochamp t1_jbk36ho wrote
Tell me more about TASTee. I'm obsessed with little hole in the wall gas station type places that make killer food. The simon's just up the road by the bagel bakery cranks out some surprisingly good stuff, same with a number of the champlain farms. But it's really hit or miss.
Closest thing we have to NYC bodegas.
lilfeet18 t1_jbk38z6 wrote
Right? BVT is Burlington Vermont, BTV is the airport code for Burlington airport.
whaletacochamp t1_jbk3b6k wrote
BTV is the airport code. But many people use it to describe burlington.
whaletacochamp t1_jbk3dx1 wrote
I have had Skinny Pancake for breakfast at the airport many times, including at least 3 times when I wasn't flying.
hagemeyp t1_jbk4fcl wrote
Sugar and Spice (is nice). Be sure to order the hot coco
cho_bits t1_jbk5dhd wrote
Big fan of Sweet Simone’s in Richmond, but they seem to sell out of their savory breakfast-y stuff early on weekends so would note that.
teddytoosmooth t1_jbk6pfj wrote
No it’s always BTV. Anytime someone writes BVT it’s cringe
swordsmithy t1_jbk87ja wrote
Rustic Roots in Shelburne!
jim_lahey802 t1_jbk8i3k wrote
Not breakfast but their Firebird Cheesesteak is bomb
jim_lahey802 t1_jbk8mck wrote
Second JP's been going there since I was a kid
[deleted] t1_jbk8pxv wrote
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jim_lahey802 t1_jbk8r82 wrote
Don't know if they still do it, but Our House in winooski did a killer Sunday brunch
Human802 t1_jbkb8ua wrote
My assumption would be they used a deep fryer for the potatoes, which can be a pain at home.
One thing that makes good home fries, dice up potatoes at prefer size and boil them. When you think the potatoes have about 10 minutes left add a small spoonful of baking soda to the mix and preheat your oven for 450.
Once the potatoes are just slightly soft, drain them and toss them in oil. The baking soda with break down the pectin and crate a layer of mashed potatoes on surface which will brown nicely in the over. Add some salt and seasoning and roast till golden. This can easily be done before hand, I often make these for dinner and then use the leftovers for home fries a day or two later.
Tidder802b t1_jbkcpbf wrote
Did the Guilty Plate reopen? Last I knew it hadn't reopened after the pandemic, plus the owner passed.
[deleted] t1_jbkdbmr wrote
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Stockmom42 t1_jbkdbz8 wrote
They are excellent!
lilfeet18 t1_jbkdqsq wrote
Alright, weird hill to die on, I was just defending the person getting down voted for pointing out btv is the airport and not Burlington.
teddytoosmooth t1_jbked2s wrote
You’re a weird hill to die on
lilfeet18 t1_jbkexsi wrote
Ooof you got me there
8valvegrowl t1_jbkh20y wrote
Daryl of Mark BBQ bought it and re-opened it.
MathGeekVT OP t1_jbkijkx wrote
It doesn’t look like family table does breakfast, am I wrong?
MathGeekVT OP t1_jbkiruk wrote
Cambridge / Jefferson not too far just didn’t want people suggesting The Royal Diner in West Bratt, although that place is fantastic!
MathGeekVT OP t1_jbkizac wrote
I’ve been to both. jCAT has the best smoked meats but not what I’m looking for. Keep hearing mixed reviews about the Parkway
MathGeekVT OP t1_jbkj6y2 wrote
Agree for weekend brunch and good coffee but mid-week I prefer Williston Coffee House. Looking for someone to come around and pour my coffee refills ;-)
ballofsnowyoperas t1_jbkja7e wrote
Can you elaborate on the Jules owners? I’ve only had good experiences but I’m honestly not surprised that there may be negativity surrounding them.
8valvegrowl t1_jbkjm5u wrote
They always used to, but the last time I ate there was probably 2-3 years ago.
dbolg22 t1_jbklsv0 wrote
Firebird Cafe is my go to for good food!
Idislikethis_ t1_jbksmsn wrote
Family Table was closed for a years long renovation and as far as I know are only doing dinner right now. Fingers crossed they get back in breakfast/lunch soon!
jonahhillfanaccount t1_jbkszh3 wrote
The most interesting food in chittenden county is the café HOT. AND they have an amazing coffee program, if you were willing to travel to BTV for Penny cluse, you’ll be satisfied with HOT.
tossawayintheend t1_jbku274 wrote
joeconn4 t1_jbkvrma wrote
JP's in Essex is pretty comfortable for us.
lavransson t1_jbkvtje wrote
I checked the Family Table website just now and it says "We are open Thursday through Monday at 4:00 PM for dinner."
I went for dinner there a month ago. They were pretty full. The meal was amazing, way better than I was expecting. Definitely a step above "diner food."
Looks pretty good inside after the long closing during remodeling.
mrwalrus88 t1_jbkw6c1 wrote
Didn't know that, pretty cool
bigtimesauce t1_jbky3e7 wrote
Parkway got bought and they tout a “scratch kitchen” now, which is great for them but like… their old bread was way better, they never fucked up my eggs, but with the new owners I’ve had my order comped 2/3 times because of how poorly it came out.
JCAT i don’t go to anymore because the last time I went I watched 5 servers standing around a more or less empty dining room for 15 minutes without taking my order, so I left.
Honestly one of my favorite breakfast spots is Quality Bake Shop. It’s nothing fancy and it’s all served on paper plates/plastic utensils, but it’s about as close to a real diner experience as you can get up here. Cheap as shit too, two eggs, hashbrowns, toast, coffee, and a dozen donuts to go was under $20 last I knew.
TheLilLebowski3 t1_jbl3kfq wrote
Mini factory in Bristol is amazing!!!! Fresh jam, baked goods, locally sourced groceries. All the best stuff https://vermontminifactory.com/
zombienutz1 t1_jbl7gry wrote
Absolutely, that and they have a bigger space. No more 20 person lines on a Sunday.
Any_Pie_3065 t1_jblc236 wrote
Erica’s diner in Fairfax. Rozzis on Saturday/Sunday in colchester. The spanked puppy on Saturday/Sunday in colchester. Quality bake shop in Essex. Green mountain bagels in Williston if you want something on the fly, pretty great sandwiches plus they have a bacon bagel.
vtluvsbrady t1_jblllqv wrote
The grill formerly Ricks Grill in Milton actually has really good breakfast. The home fries are really good 👍🏻
Butstuff69420 t1_jblm32f wrote
Go to Franklin county and go to Chester’s in Fairfield, worth the drive. Cash only and freshly made bread and baked goods for a great price
Loudergood t1_jblp3xe wrote
Graceys on Williston Rd is Queen of the Simons.
OhNo789 t1_jblp9ct wrote
Cafe HOT is so good. Good food, coffee, aesthetics, staff. Friendly, helpful, welcoming. Interesting food that is also very familiar.
lipsticktracer t1_jblt6uk wrote
Problem is that neither 158 nor Family Table even comes close to what Jana's was. I fucking moved to Jeffersonville at one point just because of Jana's - just two years or so before they closed.
Tidder802b t1_jblurtu wrote
Oh that's good to know; we'll have to try it.
Historical-Run-1511 t1_jblx44u wrote
Cafe HOT is amazing and OMG Grey Jay. I think maybe they're afraid of the crime if they'll go anywhere in the county but Burlington.
marianleatherby t1_jblx5or wrote
I'll have to try that, thanks.
whaletacochamp t1_jblyclg wrote
Amyarchy t1_jblyu1q wrote
Ah, the good old days!
assholelarry t1_jbm76es wrote
Back in the early days of the lockdown they went on social media blast trashing other restaurant owners and anyone who had any negative comments regarding their food. Like full on bat shit crazy. I get the defensiveness to some degree, but when you verbally assassinate another business because “your” wings are better than “their” wings…
I guess it sounds like friendly competition now that I’ve typed it out, but Ellen went so nasty. And then nastier when people called her out on her behavior rather than admitting she was inappropriate.
It’s not terrible, there are just so many better options that I’d rather support with limited dining out budget.
mikrolaine t1_jbmfhgu wrote
In central Vermont, the Wayside (Montpelier/Berlin) is inexpensive and good.
8valvegrowl t1_jbmhpaf wrote
A) That’s in Mendon B) It’s a tourist trap C) They don’t even serve butter, like WTF?
Go to Backcountry Cafe or Johnny Boys if you are in that area.
VainAppealToReason t1_jbmlnna wrote
JP's Restaurant & Deli in Essex. Love their eggs benedict. Coffee's only ok though.
JerryKook t1_jbmtc6u wrote
I know you said Chittenden County but if you are ever on I89 going east, 4 Aces in West Lebanon NH is great. Coffee is meh but the food is so good.
drew13m t1_jbo2l9j wrote
Firebird repeatedly served me undercooked home fries the 3 or 4 times I got dragged there to eat. Their coffee sucks dicks and their staff is extremely rude and unprofessional, especially after you mention how they’ve fucked up your food.
willowbeest t1_jbo3t1m wrote
Shhhhh! ;)
ciaohow t1_jbojdso wrote
It's great, although I prefer it for lunch over breakfast. They do a peerless reuben.
PBDubs99 t1_jbpfm5i wrote
It's not really like a bodega. It was just a gas station and now it's a tiny diner where you can also get gas! The menu is online, and I've never gotten lunch (breakfast all day type of person), but the eggs benny is delicious, my hubby is fully obsessed with the breakfast burrito, pancakes are great, and the home fries are goo-oood! You can sit at one of four tables or take out!
historycat95 t1_jbqtjwg wrote
I used to go to JPs all the time. The excessive grease became too much, never again.
GrumpyGrawlix t1_jbr8vtj wrote
Not so comfy if you're Black. Lots of stares, open mouths, glares. They didn't even cook my damned eggs right, how does a breakfast place fuck up scrambled eggs?
starsmisaligned t1_jbj9fd2 wrote
Willing to drive into Addison?? 3Squares in Vergennes is amazing