The Best Dining Options Around Sugarbush

Outstanding dining options are always on my radar when I travel, whether it be alone or with the family. For me, travel is often also about the food and local, fresh, options always add to any travel experience.

One of my favourite parts of any trip is finding the best eats in the area or simply discovering something new. For instance, in 2017 we ended up at MINT just outside Waitsfield Vermont and we were collectively as a family blown away by the flavourful fresh vegetarian options. We are not vegetarians but we were keen to see how Mint had interpreted the food. Read on for more about them.

Enjoying great local food is a great way to enrich your understanding of the state, country, city, or region you are visiting. Vermont’s craft beer scene is growing stronger every year and has distinguished itself from that in other states. For me, Vermont’s earthy fresh plant based foods and interpretations of classic American foods like barbecue and pizza, makes it one of a kind.

We have been to Vermont annually since the year that we learned to ski. This year so far we have been to Vermont twice already. It is, in fact, our favourite state to visit so far. Our first trip this year was a visit to celebrate Sugarbush Resort’s 60th year.

The first time we visited in 2017, we explored a few notable local restaurants. This past ski season in 2019 we discovered several more, which is why I thought it made sense to share some of the best dining options around Sugarbush, Vermont. These are my recommendations. We have eaten at all of these venues.

Great Dining Options in Sugarbush

As you might already know, my family and I love to take skiing trips to Sugarbush, Vermont. The area has some excellent skiing and impressive peaks and terrain, and while that’s a massive part of it, the food is also worth exploring. The Sugarbush area around Waitsfield and Mad River also has some fantastic places to grab a bite, as well. From fancy fare to pizza, there’s something to please every palate.

American Flatbread

With two locations in Burlington and Waitsfield, American Flatbread is known for its flatbread pizza. With an atmosphere as rustic as the pizza and flatbread options it’s famous for, American Flatbread offers a family-friendly atmosphere and delicious pizza and flatbread options cooked up in the traditional way in the restaurant’s very own, hand-built wood-fired stoves.

In 2017, we dined here at American Flatbread and after a day of leaving it all outdoors on the slopes, the flatbread pizza and creative, fresh, locally sourced salads were precisely the right fuel we needed.

What You Need to Know About American Flatbread:

Atmosphere: Casual and family friendly.

Service: Attentive

Other Details: On Lareau Farm you need to drive around the back to find it. Look for the cars. Open only THURSDAY through SUNDAY 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

The Blue Stone

The philosophy of The Blue Stone is good food with no bull. They believe in simple, delicious food; craft beer, including strong support for the local beer scene; and of course, delicious pizza and grilled foods.

The Blue Stone has three locations to serve the visitors who flock to the slopes of the area. Find them in Waterbury, Waitsfield, or Montpelier. Hand tossed pizza and grill.

What You Need to Know About Blue Stone:

Atmosphere: Upscale pub. I’d rank it less family friendly than American Flatbread, but still totally fine. Just a bit tight for space and also I feel like kids would be less in love with the extremely creative meal options. Fussy kids might not approve of the creative menu.

Service: Good

Other Details: Creativity points here. I believe our pizza was dubbed Farmer’s Daughter and it had fresh Brussels sprouts on it with pesto sauce. Brussels Sprouts on a pizza?? Unheard of, and fresh and that gets points for creativity in my books.

Fit To Be Thai’d

For something a little different from traditional dining options, visitors should consider Fit To Be Thai’d at the Sugarbush Inn. With a warm, inviting atmosphere, full bar, and a wide variety of Thai food, the restaurant is the perfect spot for visitors to the area looking to try something a little out of the ordinary. Its menu features tons of classic Thai food options to choose from.

What You Need to Know About Fit to be Thai’d

Atmosphere: Casual and intimate with live music occasionally. If you are staying at Sugarbush Inn this is a MUST. Ridiculously convenient.

Service: Friendly and Fast

Other Details: HIGH Marks for taste and also for convenience. I originally thought it would be too spicy when we visited in 2017 and that would be wasted on the kids. It might have been then, but this year in March when we tried it we loved it. They let you choose your level of spice tolerance etc.

Rumble’s Kitchen

Named after Subarbush’s Bernese Mountain Dog mascot, Rumble, who lived for almost 9 years at the resort exploring, adventuring, and greeting guests, this dining establishment is heavy on delicious food and a laid-back atmosphere.

Dining options included classic pub food with a modern twist like fried pickles with sriracha mayo; nachos with poblano queso sauce and pickled chili; a three cheese plate with peach chutney, and more.

What You Need to Know About Rumble’s Kitchen

Atmosphere: Very family friendly ski lodge hearty food and a casual bar as well.

Service: Friendly and fast too.

Other Details: This restaurant is equipped to handle large groups of people and big families.

Mint Restaurant and Tea Lounge

Vegans and vegetarians will love Mint Restaurant and Tea Lounge, located in Waitsfield. This lovely restaurant serves up New American inspired vegan and vegetarian clean cuisine in a setting that is equal parts laid-back and quirky.

Choose from delicious salads, soups, and a host of other options – all crafted with care and a devotion to giving visitors the absolute best vegan and vegetarian dining anywhere in the area.

What You Need to Know About Mint

Atmosphere: Relaxed and clean/ fresh tucked away in a very small shopping area. Accessible from outside.

Service: Attentive and smart. I had many questions to ask about the food and the owner/ server that night was engaging and happy to answer all of the queries I had.

Other: Open only Weds to Sunday to be warned.

Chalets in a Pinch

In a pinch, it is also worth mentioning that the chalet food at Mount Ellen was decent. My kids loved the soup and sandwich options. The soup was tomato with a hint of basil the day we skied there and both kids genuinely indicated it was the best tomato soup they’ve ever had.

Also if you ever pop over to Mad River Glen, they have delicious pub and comfort food in their chalet too.

These Vermont Dining Options Are Memorable

Whether you want pizza, pub food, or maybe some exotic Thai, these dining options in and around Sugarbush can’t be beat. Any of them make the perfect place to take a break or end an evening with amazing food and wonderful atmosphere.

Please note that we received a few of these meals as part of our media trip. Others were paid for on our own. My opinion is truthful.