Doc Ponds

Visiting from California, we had a great time watching the Superbowl while enjoying some of the…read morebest drinks we had in Vermont. The negroni was among the best I've ever had. The crowd was friendly and the staff was super accommodating. Highly recommend.

This is a great little bar on the Main Street in Stowe - super friendly, attentive staff and great…read moreselection of draft beers. They have a small but decent food menu, and it's a great place to watch a game, relax after a day of exploring or people watch from the patio.

Bar interior

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Après Only

Everything is right about this place. We will return every time we come to Stowe. Music, vibes,…read moregood food and drinks. Seriously, it doesn't get any better.

No cocktail menu, no ingredients for cocktails, No s'more's (definitely need to update the website…read moreand social media if certain items are seasonal only ) Prices listed on the wine menu were cheaper than what we were charged. Bartender said she couldn't fix the overcharge after already running my card for the incorrect amount Grilled cheese was good but not enough to save this encounter. Big yikes .. I guess that's why it was empty on a Friday night

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Backyard

4.2(155 reviews)

0.1 mi

Adam was an excellent server. Anticipated our needs and was very accommodating…read more Duck Dumplings were fantastic. I could make a whole meal of those. The Local smash burger was great too. cooked just righ, slightly pink in the center and very juicy.

Good tasting food and friendly staff. Ample parking and nice ambiance. Would have rated them 5…read morestars but was disappointed with the pricing. The sandwiches and burgers already seemed a little steep and if you wanted to substitute fries instead of chips it was an additional $6.00 per substitution.

Full bar

Lunch special and a beer

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Cocktail special

Eastside Bar + Bites

4.9(8 reviews)

0.5 mi

I didn't have the highest expectations for this restaurant as it was part of a resort. But being so…read morehungry, we pulled in and sat at the bar. Interior feels like a cross between Palm Springs mid century living room and an alpine chalet. Service was excellent!! Great beers on tap. And the best part, amazing food. Don't skip the smash burger with the butter grilled brioche bun!

A great place that seems to be a hidden gem! I highly recommend it for food, drink, and the…read morefriendly service. It was a relatively quiet place, even during the Super Bowl. It looks like they have a lot of outdoor seating for better weather.

Wing special

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The Bench

4.2(877 reviews)

0.2 mi

My wife and I loved our visit to this fun and friendly gastropub in Stowe. It was crowded for a…read moreWednesday night, but the staff was friendly and efficient. We waited about 15 minutes for a table. Not bad at all!! Our server was energetic and accommodating. She cheerfully answered all our questions and honored our request to get a margherita pizza as an appetizer. The aforementioned pizza arrived in no time. It was good. Not the best ever, but still quite solid. The star of the culinary show was the salmon entree. Both my wife and I got it and we both loved it. It was a big piece of wood fired salmon and came with a nice assortment of roasted veggies. I'm talking real veggies--zucchini, broccoli, fingerling potatoes, the works. Neither one of us are big drinkers, but there are LOTS of microbrews on tap if you're into that kind of thing. The dining room was lively without being too noisy. Both of us enjoyed hanging out there. It would be a great place to have a beer and watch baseball on TV. Will definitely return the next time I'm in town.

They get you in and out very quickly. Friendly staff as well…read more The pepperoni pizza was incredibly greasy with a layer of it on top of the pizza. It was difficult to eat like that. The duck fries just tasted like rosemary. Very strong rosemary. The 1/2 duck was good and it's a huge portion. The veggies it comes with are great. Nicely seasoned and cooked by the fire.

Mussels = Amazing!

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Mussels - SO GOOD!!

Stowe Public House & Bottle Shop

4.4(55 reviews)

Love this place! Been coming here for years, and there is such a great selection of beer and cider…read more If you can't find it elsewhere, you can probably find it here! We also got a couple of cheeses and did a make your own cheese plate. 10/10 recommend doing the same, they also have a great cheese selection. Great place to sit outside on a cool afternoon. We were helped relatively fast earlier in the afternoon when there were less people, but they still didn't take too long when it got more crowded

Lots of selections for here and to go options. Had one or two beers chatted with the person working…read morehere. Tried local beers and cheese, wining !!!!

Sunny Sunday

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Alfie’s Wild Ride

4.3(52 reviews)

0.6 mi

What a great little spot! Food was excellent - we had 2 picky kids with us and both were thrilled…read morewith the food and the dirty sodas. Highly recommend the nachos and the wings although everything was fantastic. Atmosphere was a lot of fun, og arcade games, ping pong, air hockey and corn hole. Everyone working was incredibly kind, we'll definitely be back. Highly recommend, all around

On paper, the concept of Alfie's is spectacular. An automotive shop masquerading as a watering…read morehole. For a dyed-in-the-wool car enthusiast who happily spends weekends wrestling with a stubborn transmission, this should be absolute nirvana. It has all the makings of the coolest venue in Stowe. Sadly, the execution is a tragic misfire. The primary reason for this failure is the owner, Chris, whose approach to hospitality borders on outright hostility. Our evening began innocently enough. I arrived with a group of ten friends, mostly local Vermonters in our late twenties and early thirties. My fiancée is thirty-three but routinely gets carded for looking younger. It is a perfectly normal procedure. She handed over her legitimate Vermont ID, it was scanned, and we proceeded to order. Then came our twenty-five-year-old friend, visiting from California. Upon inspecting his out-of-state license, Chris abruptly decided the ID was a forgery. Without a shred of preamble, he confiscated the card and unleashed a barrage of expletives, loudly demanding that our entire group leave the premises immediately. At first, we assumed he was joking. When it became clear he was entirely serious, we politely pointed out that our friend had a flight home the next day and strictly required his identification to travel. Chris responded by threatening to call the police. We actively encouraged this, calmly suggesting that law enforcement could easily verify the license and resolve the misunderstanding. Faced with a group of composed patrons actively inviting police verification, the owner seemed to short-circuit. He threw the license at us and continued to shout. As a bizarre parting shot, when one of my friends calmly asked for an explanation, Chris pointed at my fiancée and aggressively voiced his disbelief that she could possibly be thirty-three years old. Alfie's possesses the raw architectural potential to be a brilliant, vibrant space. Yet, if you walk past, you will notice it is often inexplicably dead. After suffering through this particular brand of toxic behavior, the mystery of its chronic emptiness is entirely solved. If you find yourself in Stowe, you would do well to keep your foot down and drive straight past it.

Inside

Rodeo drive burger taco and garlic Parmesan fries. Delicious.

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Beer

Harrison's Restaurant & Bar

4.4(457 reviews)

Best food we ate in Stowe, VT so far, by a long shot. Absolutely fantastic food here. The…read moreatmosphere was warm and cozy. The wine selection was quite good. Every bit of food was prepared just right. We did eat a pineapple salad that was so fresh and crisp and not overly dressed, which was on the Specials menu. I also ate the Halibut for my main course, which was also on the Specials menu. This was nicely done as well. My wife ate the pork tenderloin, from the regular menu, and it was delicious. The coup de grâce was the dessert. The ice cream of the day, which was an maple gingersnap flavor was outstanding, and carrot cake was hands down the best I have had in my life! The service was good, fast and efficient. If you are looking for a very good, but not inexpensive meal, we would absolutely recommend Harrison's.

We walked in around 5pm and were a me to get seat at bar. Dinner was delicious. We had pork…read moretenderloin and chicken Picatta. Both good. The bartender seriously worked harder than anyone I've seen. She did a fabulous job and kept things moving consistently.

Dining Room

Mussels

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Burrata Caprese

Burt's Irish Pub

4.2(43 reviews)

1.6 mi

•$

Great little pub completely unseen from the road. We were staying in the pricey Von Trapp Lodge and…read morejust wanted to get lunch. Ended up having a great lunch, for very cheap, and met some lovely people in the meantime and got some great tourist advice The lady running the bar is lovely, this is not a pretentious hangout it's a place for good beer and fresh made food and meeting other travelers and locals too!! 5 star!!

I didn't have much expectations dining in here but it exceeded my expectations…read more When you think: Pork wings? You're probably like ehhh.... But hear me out -- it's really good. Great crisp and flavor. I liked it over the tamales which was also a popular pick amongst others. Service was friendly and the quick. Ambiance, small and what you'd expect at an Irish Pub there was live music and good amount of people there. 10/10 worth a stop!

Pork Wings and Tamales

Beef and lamb stew

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Tamale

Whip Bar & Grill

4.0(437 reviews)

The restaurant was absolutely phenomenal. Reservation is recommended however we had time and didn't…read moremind waiting to see if a table would open up and it did. Our waitress was a delight and let us know a bit more about Vermont considering we were travelers on vacation. We sat outside and despite how chilly it was they had a beautiful semi enclosed patio with heating that made it feel like we were still inside the restaurant. We got the Gorgonzola crusted filet mignon as well as the chicken Caesar salad and it was truly a 10/10 meal! The flavors were bold and delicious and the filet mignon just about melted on your tongue. If I'm ever back in Vermont I will definitely stop by again to try the rest of the menu!

Love love love!!! Please make sure you order the soups! They serve it with homemade honey wheat…read morebread and delicious maple butter- the perfect treat in Vermont!! The soups rotate daily (I had broccoli cheddar) and the corn chowder is a staple on the menu. Both soups were fantastic and they serve very large portions! They are definitely filling. The chicken pot pie and the French dip were also great options. The kitchen staff were perfectly organized and had the food coming out very quickly. I liked how you could see the chefs cooking! Very neat place!

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37 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Richard H.

Elite 19

147

7 years ago

Doc Pond's is an excellent gastropub that rewards both adventurous and timid menu grazers. Sure, there's a burger, but there are also seasonal treats like wood-roasted tamari broccoli (couldn't stop eating it), and crispy curried chick peas (savory and crunchy), and a heart-stopping garlic mushroom appetizer (gone in seconds flat). The greens in my wife's salad were stunning - the kind you'd expect at Robouchon, not a pub. The setting is rustic hipster, with turntables spinning classics near the hostess station and fireplaces to keep you toasty on snowy nights. The tables are bare wood, and the silverware is in a mason jar at the table. The goofy, eponymous mascot lurks ubiquitously, like Kilroy, showing up on menues and venues. I'm told that during peak season, the wait can be hideous, and with a pile of raves like this one, that is probably true. But I'd say it is worth the wait. In any event, the vibe is super casual, so you won't feel bad rolling up in muddy boots and jeans, but the food is absolutely top notch. My kids prevailed and we ordered desserts, which were downed lustily without regard to the sugar buzz that would ensure an 11pm bedtime. I believe they had the brownie sundae, and basically licked the plate clean. It all clicked for me when, on the way out of town, a barista explained that Doc's is owned by the same team that runs the two famed Hen of the Wood fine dining locations in Burlington and Waterbury. God bless the farm to table movement, and its influence on places like Vermont, where a couple of dedicated chefs can access awesome local produce to knock a meal out of the park for what is, by any standard, a bargain. read more

Belinda R.

Elite 26

172

298

2203

2 years ago

I had the pleasure of dining at a local eatery that offered a delightful meal featuring chicken with chimichurri sauce, creamy mac and cheese, and a classic Caesar salad. We had other items as well but these were my favorite. As the squash was seasoned to lightly and still crunchy. The star of the meal was undoubtedly the chicken, perfectly grilled to achieve a juicy interior with a slightly crispy exterior. The chimichurri sauce, vibrant and herbaceous, added a refreshing kick that elevated the dish. The garlic and parsley notes were well-balanced, with just the right amount of acidity to cut through the richness of the chicken. Each bite was a harmonious blend of flavors, making it a truly memorable centerpiece. The mac and cheese, which did not disappoint. The pasta was cooked al dente, enveloped in a rich, creamy cheese sauce that was both comforting and indulgent. Topped with a golden, crispy breadcrumb crust, it offered a satisfying textural contrast. The Caesar salad provided a refreshing counterpoint. The romaine lettuce was crisp and fresh, tossed generously with a classic Caesar dressing that had the perfect balance of creaminess and tang. The addition of shaved Parmesan and crunchy croutons, a boiled egg added both flavor and texture, making it a delightful starter.I would highly recommend the chicken for anyone looking to enjoy a flavorsome and hearty dining experience. read more

Cole G.

127

11 years ago

I was staying up the road for a ski trip with my father, and we decided to go try this place out. I ordered the Falafel sandwich, he went for a burger, and we got a side of fries to split. I was definitely pleased with what I got; however, the portions left a bit to be desired, but the restaurant operates under a small plate system, so the restaurant itself can't be blamed for this. All that aside however, the place's vibe is what brings this up to a four from a three; the décor was great, and from what I could tell all of the music was played on vinyl, which I thought was a great touch to drive home the sort of modern hipster feel that the place had. While this isn't a meal I'll be raving about when I get back home, Doc Pond's is definitely somewhere I'd recommend for a hungry skier or snowboarder fresh off the lift. read more

Jonathan M.

2 years ago

This charming restaurant in downtown Stowe, Vermont, offers both cozy indoor seating and a beautiful outdoor area, making it the perfect spot for any dining preference. The food was solid--well-prepared and flavorful--but what really stands out is the incredible atmosphere. Whether you're inside or enjoying the fresh mountain air outside, the vibe is welcoming and relaxed. It can get a little busy, but that's part of the appeal of this popular spot in the heart of Stowe. A great choice for a laid-back meal in a picturesque setting! read more

Marc W.

10 years ago

We came here because it is probably the most affordable place in Stowe and we were just there for the day. The burger and fries were excellent, as was the Mac and cheese, and the value for money is exceptional, especially for the area. The decor is fresh, contemporary, and inviting, without losing any of the charm you'd expect from a little Vermont tavern. And the atmosphere is fun but not obnoxious; good for both families and a night out with friends. read more

Tim F.

11 years ago

The Blue Balls are the best! They have a killer beer selection and some amazing food. On my last visit the place was packed and our food was delivered within minutes of ordering. Doc Ponds is surely the new go to in Stowe! read more

Derek G.

2 years ago

My favorite meal in Stowe! The half smoked chicken is a world class dish. The bar hill Negronis are the best in town. The staff and bartenders are grace under pressure and always treat us like family. read more

Sharon A.

8 years ago

We had Mac & cheese, crispy chicken sandwich, burgers, and wings - all the food was although it was a rather small menu. Good beer selection as well. Very crowded and loud. Nice wait staff. read more

Kristine C.

7 years ago

Everything is delicious and well planned. The waitstaff is exceptionally nice and the beer menu extensive. Our favorite Stowe destination.

TheUrbanCrash ..

220

3 years ago

One of our favorite meals and overall experiences at a restaurant, just delightful! On our list to come back whenever we are in town.

Ken T.

4 years ago

Great spot with friends! Simple but excellent food and great beer and bar menu. Plenty of food at a great value. We will be back!

Thuy C.

8 years ago

Nice atmosphere and staffs. Food was amazing. The 1/2 chicken was was a bit on the dried side. The pumpkin seed soup was delicious.

Bob G.

3 years ago

Everything about this places is great. I would recommend this to anybody staying in or passing through the Waterbury/Stowe area.

Douglas M.

10 years ago

It was very good! In the parking lot as we were leaving we both said, when can we come back here! Very good. Very!

Tim B.

4 months ago

Wow!! Great Food. Great Service. Great Vibes. 10/10 Can get busy- but worth it and the waitlist makes things easy read more

Si Ying L.

6 years ago

Everything is burned, the chicken and even the bread... and also the chicken wings as well... very disappointed

Renee R.

9 years ago

Came in for restaurant week. Good food, good atmosphere, good drinks, friendly staff. Couldn't get any better

Courtney P.

324

4 years ago

Nicole was an awesome server! The burgers were delicious and the atmosphere was awesome. Highly recommend.

Tom B.

9 years ago

Definitely a "must eat" place. Delicious starters and sandwiches for lunch. You will not be disappointed. read more

Michael P.

8 years ago

Wow wow wow! There are not enough superlatives to describe the food. One of my all time favorites.

Doc Ponds - bars - Updated October 2026

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We had a wonderful dinner experience at Grant's. Shared a…read morepair of crab cakes (appetizer), half roast chicken (main), apple basque cheesecake (remarkable dessert), and a very nice on-special bottle of wine, all served with great cheer from our waitress Kelly. Grant's exceeded expectations!

We had such a lovely time!! Parking was easy and the interior was cozy! We sat by a large window…read moreand it was so lovely seeing the sky changing colors as the sun went down! We tried a bunch of different things but I only took these two photos...the burger was delicious, fries crispy. We even ordered the mashed potato and it was one of the smoothest mashed potatoes we've ever had. If you wanna go potato loco, try the poutine dipped into mashed potatoes haha The chicken was GORGEOUS and you had half of a chicken!! Trout was good, not dry! Our favorite app was the Brussels sprouts. It was crispy, sweet, savory, and delicious! Our waitress was very lovely and checked in on us several times without being overbearing! One hiccup was that when I walked in and said my party's name the front of the house was very confused and I had to have someone come fetch me/ vouch for me...otherwise it was great!

Rimrock's Mountain Tavern

3.6

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Basically, this is a bar that serves food…read more I had the chicken strips with fries. On the negative side, both strips and fries were both frozen prepackaged. On the positive side, they were cooked properly. The meat tasted fresh and was hot and juicy with a crisp crust. The fries were crisp and well-seasoned. My spouse had a quesadilla that was fresh, hot, and tasty. For beverages, I had iced tea that tasted freshly made. My spouse had a smoked lager that he tells me was the best beer he'd had in Vermont. It was dark, smoky, and slightly sweet. The place seemed a bit understaffed, but the guy who seated us and took our orders was pleasant and helpful. The wait for food wasn't bad at all. As for ambiance, the place is a rustic bar in a strip center. There's a pool room and video arcade attached. There's outdoor seating available.

Cozy tavern in the heart of Stowe that is great for groups or just to catch up with a friend…read more There's an arcade section at one end of the bar and a ton of seating throughout the restaurant. I really enjoyed the historic ski pictures and decorations on the wall. Stowe Cider on tap was great and $8, while the Rimrock burger was decently priced as well. When it comes to tavern food you really can't ask for much and I enjoyed my meal! Sometimes you really just want a great burger with greasy fries. Also, the owner was super nice and our service frequently checked in on us. Great staff and establishment and I will definitely be back in the future! I do have to add that my Rimrock burger has some toppings taken off so it is not everything that is included!

Plate

4.0

(259 reviews)

•$$$

Wow! We were quite impressed with Plate. The food, the service - we can't wait for our next annual…read moretrip to VT to eat here again. We started with cocktails and zucchini fritters. The zucchini fritters tasted so close to my grandmother's that right there and then, they had my heart (and my stomach). We had to wait a while for our main courses and the restaurant started to clear out. We were getting worried about time as we wanted dessert too but didn't want to be those people keeping staff there. The waitress came over and apologized about the wait and said they'd be taking care of our entrees! That's the way you do it. Before we could even complain or say anything they recognized the issue and made it right on the spot. The entrees were well worth the wait as was the dessert. Very impressed!

Loved the banana pudding! Also loved the chicken dish…read more Steak tartar just ok. Mussels were good.

Farmhouse Tap & Grill

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I just enjoyed the best Caesar salad ever! My last best Caesar was in Moab, Utah. I traveled from…read moreAlabama and I wish we could return again soon. My husband ordered the Angus Burger and said it was "Spectacular". Our server Claire was kind and courteous and very positive. We liked the atmosphere of the restaurant and the whole vibe. Thank you so much for caring for us.

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The Cork & Fork

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excellent food and service. Right on the main drag of town, this eatery was a real find in the…read morewoods of VT!

I have been here often and had excellent experiences each time. Food has always been reliably good,…read moreand service has always be great. It has a really nice vibe, and the decor is lovely. They are doing a wonderful job, and I am so, so glad they didn't come and go like the other restaurants in that spot before it. You probably knew that from the other reviews, but I have another reason I am writing this. I came here with my husband one night months ago, and he got a cocktail that had cherry and bourbon as the main flavors. I stole most of it from him :D. It was so good that every time I get another cocktail somewhere else, even if it is good, I just wish it was the cherry bourbon one. So, if you're there and they still have it on the menu, I suggest you get it. And if the establishment is reading this, my vote is to keep that one around.

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