AMAZING!! Start to finish, our entire experience was amazing. We couldn't get reservations through the app so we called. The person on the phone was very courteous and explained the process so that we were able to get a seat at the counter as a walk-in. Beautiful is an understatement when you first walk into the dining area. Meagan, our server, was fantastic and took the time to explain all the nooks and crannies of the establishment and wine selections. Never once did we feel rushed to make room for more diners. Food came out at a good pace, hot and fresh. For starters we had the Gnocco with mortadella and a caesar salad. Both we exquisite. For the pasta dishes we chose the stuffed pappardelle and clam tagliatelle. First off, we both grew up in Italian homes in CT so pasta is a right up our alley yet no one, not a single restaurant in our state can match the artistry and flavor that was presented to us on those plates. After our pasta, we didn't feel like a sack of potatoes. Pasta sits nice and light in your tummy. Portion sizes are plenty even for a big eater like myself. Meagan "convinced" us to get the almond cookies for desert and we're still talking about them. The open kitchen is great to watch and I would encourage diners to sit at the counter to witness real chefs in action. Would make the 4 hour drive from CT to eat here again. Thanks to Meagan and the entire staff for a wonderful experience. read more

The food is amazing!! Sadly... to get to the dining area was a nightmare for me and ... most probably any senior person. The dining room, although very cool, is DANGEROUSLY hard to get to. It's down a DARK stairway w NO LIGHT!! The steps down were painted black and the walls were also dark! No lighting on the walls down!! We used our phone flash lights!! Maybe some yellow tape so it's possible to see the next step in front of you...??? I watched many folks stumble and trip their way down... an accident waiting to happen!! BUT... I am telling you , I got there and "alive".... OMG the food is amazing!! I so want to go again, but I am afraid!! It would only take a couple of wall lights, and maybe some yellow tape on the steps to make the descend into the restaurant easier. I'm hoping I can call... order food, and ask them to bring it up to the door. Otherwise... we older folks, are out of luck!! read more

We tried to call for a reservation. Their voicemail says to book reservations online but that they also take walk-ins. We were in the area just for that day, so we hoped to get lucky to be walk-ins, as the earliest reservation was 8pm. We got there at what we thought was 5pm and asked what the wait would be for walk-ins or if we could be seated at the bar, and the person I believe was the hostess had an attitude about it and said it was impossible to know until 5pm. I looked at the clock on my phone, and it was 4:59pm and several seconds. Instead of waiting another ten seconds for her to then be able to answer us, we decided we did not need that kind of snooty, negative energy on our vacation and went to The Reservoir down the road instead where we ended up having an amazing experience with far friendlier service. read more

Last night my family and I went to Gallus. On the outside of the entrance, there was pumpkins which I enjoyed because it's spooky season! Inside there is a waiting room. Once you're seated, you really get a chance to look around. There is a rock wall with candles, The lighting is dim and there is calm music. The food was perfect temperature and was delicious. At first we got seated near the door and it was cold, we mentioned that and they moved us instantly! Our waitress was very willing to explain all the unfamiliar food options. The food came out pretty quick! In all, I would definitely recommend Gallus. read more

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While gallus has generally been very good i am going to lower them from 5 to 4 stars. Our eggplant parm appetizer and the meatballs with my bucatini were both overcooked. The lasagna remained excellent. The menu is a bit limited and we tend to get the same things as a result. read more

Had a stunning and delicious meat at Gallus tonight! Came here solo for a walk-in and was seated at the counter overlooking the waterfall - such a stunning view. The manager and waitress were both very nice and welcoming. My negroni and food were amazing - started with the eggplant parm, which still had some bite but was creamy and well-cooked. It also came in a smooth roasted red pepper cream sauce. For my entree I had the lumache pasta with spicy ground sausage and the house red sauce. I also tried the focaccia with cacio pepe butter which was decadent. I'll definitely be back with friends! read more

Gallus Handcrafted Pasta - Negroni and eggplant parm appetizer - Bars Near Me - Waterbury, Vermont

Wonderful atmosphere and excellent service. Pasta very good yet drenched in butter which should be dialed back so you can enjoy the pasta. Will definitely try this next time we are in the area. Very busy so plan to wait for a table. read more

Beautiful setting to have dinner. The food is good. The pasta is very tasty but prepared in a very unauthentic Italian cuisine. We had lasagna which was a rollatini stye. It was good but unusual flavor. The ravioli with pesto and garlic scapes was very good and spicy. I wanted calamari but it did not look appealing. It had Parmesan cheese and pickled veggies. I with it was more traditional. read more

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Amazing overall! The housemade Caesar salad was a big portion that can be shared by two people. It had small chunks of anchovies which I actually liked. However, the croutons were a little overdone and were kinda hard to chew. My husband got the polenta stuffed parpadelle with bolognese that we (as well as our 17 month old) thoroughly enjoyed. Their tiramisu (not pictured) was one of the best ones I've had! Their service was top notch and the ambiance was very romantic! We went in the evening but I can't imagine how lovely it would be to sit in the patio with the creek in the backyard. read more

Gallus Handcrafted Pasta - Caesar Salad - Bars Near Me - Waterbury, Vermont

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What a great experience at Gallus! The Restaurant is downstairs in an older former grist mill with beautiful old wooden beams. The restaurant is small and their focus is a small menu of pasta dishes. Our party of 8 tried most of the menu and everything was perfection. The focaccia bread $8 was great. The wait staff was very attentive! Everyone loved their meal! A plus! read more

Gallus Handcrafted Pasta - Bucatini and meatballs - Bars Near Me - Waterbury, Vermont

Five stars all day long! Ambiance, food and service was amazing. All of our dishes were good sized and so tasty. The amaretto cookies were some of the best cookies we've had. Setting on the river/creek was beautiful. Can't wait to go back! read more

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I really wanted to like.. I'll start with pros: hostess was very personable and kind. Waitress also greeted us with a smile. The Caesar, although over dressed, had lovely flavor and I liked the whites anchovies they chop in the dressing. Ambiance was what we expected. And now for the cons: we ordered the special of the night... the waitress said she loved these potato filled pasta, so we ordered. Along with the clams and pasta the mushroom horn pasta. The special, was 22 maybe $23. There were literally eight pasta purses on the plate. They were undercooked and while I enjoy flavor, the pasta was too undercooked and nothing hot, the clam dinner that my husband got was warmIsh. Although he ate it, it was quite heavy on the butter in the end. His was just warmer than tepid. Now onto the trumpet mushroom pasta that I ordered. One bite, pasta was undercooked! And the overall dish was too cold for me so I asked for them to heat it. I had eight pieces maybe nine pieces of pasta on my plate. It was a $26 dinner and she comes back and she says they're going to make me a fresh one and it'll be right out. After some 20 minutes go by, nothing...They brought out my to go order before my dinner. So I told them to keep it. As for the to go order, I ordered the pork Milanese. The pork looks lovely, but it was a to go order and they threw a very heavily dressed radicchio salad right on top in a box that was too small for the order and they handed it to me wide open and said here's your takeout order. I asked another waitress to get me another container so I could put the salad in that so we could at least close the two boxes. Lastly, no gloves are used when touching cooked food.... We will not go back... read more

My husband and I went to Gallus for Valentine's Day, without a reservation. I came by at 5pm and talked to the host. She was able to take us at 6:30pm, which was a huge relief when I saw a packed restaurant. There were no empty tables or bar seating. We got seated at the bar seating and ordered clam tagliatelle, eggplant parm, spaghetti and meatballs, and dessert (gelato and cookies). Pasta was handmade and perfectly al dente. The service was great. I love open kitchens! I saw the chefs and what they were cooking and plating. To me, that means they have nothing to hide. Everything was fresh made to order. Inside was cozy with romantic lighting (probably because of v-day). This place was definitely more suited for couples and small group gatherings. read more

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As far as central Vermont restaurants, the ambiance is second to none. The original Hen of the Woods stomping grounds has been reborn into an authentic and upscale Italian eatery. There are no pretensions, just really good food, libations, and service. The highlights were the lasagna, the spaghetti and meatballs, and the ravioli. The amaretti cookies and affogato for dessert were divine, as was our bottle of red and the 50/50 shots served in chilled shot glasses. I want more of all of the above. Less impressive were our appetizers of fried gnocchi (much more like a wonton), the Caesar salad (overdressed, limp romaine, bland), and my pesto castellane with arugula. Still, we finished every last bite. We'll be back! read more

Cool little spot, well prepared food and good service. The rice in the risotto special of the evening was over cooked, however. Handmade pasta was spot-on. Highly recommend this place. Make sure you get a reservation! read more

Overall we loved everything. The ambiance is great and unique, with a beautiful view of a waterfall. The service was good. The food was fantastic. The calamari was crisp on the outside, yet tender and not chewy, on the inside. The handmade pastas (lasagna, campanelle, clam linguini) were delicious, and while the clam linguini could've used a bit more clam, it was delicious. Desserts were also fantastic. Would definitely come again. read more

Atmosphere terrific. Service good and sprightly. The food....ok, maybe even good, But not great. And it could be terrific with a few changes. We split the calamari. Tasty but soggy due to the topping of giardiniera. Now I am a Chicago kid and appreciate giardiniera on my Italian beef sandwich, but it makes fried calamari soggy. I had the clam tagliatelle. Paste al dente, and surprisingly crunch and tasty seasoned bread crumbs. Only one thing missing. Clams. Perhaps if I added up all the very small morsels of clam in the dish, there was the equivalent of one clam. I would not have ordered the tagliatelle with breadcrumbs seasoned in butter, but that is what I was served. With a bit more attention, this could be a really good place for a very good dinner. The venue is cool and service good. Up the food game, folks. read more

Food, atmosphere and service were fabulous. Our waitperson Neff was appropriately attentive and very accommodating. Would return in a heartbeat. read more

Between the atmosphere, food, and service, it's hard to pick which one is the best. The fact is they're all fantastic. We've never had any food here that wasn't delectable, never had service that was anything less than excellent, and it's my favorite restaurant atmosphere ever. I'm so glad they opened a new restaurant here when Hen of the Wood moved! read more

Ok they earned an extra star. 6 months later I decided to give them another try. I was a single this time so I sat at the "bar". Not really a bar. No bartender- it's basically a counter overlooking a pit where there are a few tables below. Rather a lonely place. No hooks for purse so it sat on the floor. Three stars. Thought I would be ignored service - wise. Surprisingly no. More careful about ordering this time. Ordered a Manhattan. They had no Makers Mark. Actually a very meager selection of rye. The cocktail was just ok. Hen makes them much better. Three stars. Got the Caesar salad WITHOUT the crumbs and egg. An improvement but still a really heavy salad when salads as an app should be light. For the main course I ordered the bucatini amatriciana. This was good, but not great. It lacked the punch an Amatriciana should have, despite being advertised with smoked chilis. The sauce was way too timid - and I'm a person who orders my Thai food mild-medium. More chilis please! Three stars. A couple of other beefs - for a pricy restaurant, they did not change my flatware between courses. Ok maybe they're conserving energy- but at this supposed level of dining - no. Also, I ordered a glass of wine (they have minimal selections) which was TERRIBLE. Not drinkable - so harsh - and I can even drink Josh cab so it wasn't me. I sent it back and got their other red which was fine. But they serve the wine in what looks like a jam jar. Not appealing. Bring your own glass when you come. Two stars. Service - unlike my first visit. It was a major highlight of my evening- I was NOT ignored and my service was awesome. Jillian, my server, was absolutely the best. Knowledgeable, just attentive enough and accommodating. Four stars. One more thing about sitting at their lonely counter. It's quite fun to watch the kitchen. read more

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Very good food I would have like a larger portion. Service was great. Bring your pocketbook!!

Great handmade pasta and beautiful space/ the deck on a nice night is the best place to sit in Vermont for dinner

Our server, Eric was most helpful in guiding us through our first visit there. The food was outstanding!! Everything from top to bottom was absolutely fabulous. The tomato appetizer, the pasta was delicious and the dessert almond cookies - amazing!! Great from start to finish. FIVE STARS ALL THE WAY. read more

As soon as we walked in we knew it was going to be good! Love the decor/ ambiance! Small place so make a reservation, we don't but were able to sit at the bench area. The bread was amazing! We got an appetizer special- arancini. Really good! The Main menu isn't big but perfect everything's made fresh to order. I got the homemade stuff pasta with meat sauce. My husband there style homemade spaghetti and meatballs! Everything was good! read more

The view and the actual space is amazing. It is a hidden gem in a basement that gives awesome vibes. The kitchen was visible, the staff were friendly. The menu is a bit small, but I don't mind. Prices were definitely fair in my opinion but we are from Chicago so may be skewed. My wife order the lemon ice and really enjoyed it and doesn't normally care for cocktails. The focaccia was a very generous portion, not too oily and delicious with the cacio e pepe butter. The Zozonna was very balanced and rich, exactly what the dish is supposed to be. The stuffed pappardelle had a delicious filling and the portion was perfect. My complaint was the sugo. The sauce was pretty split and very oily. Other than that flavor and texture on the pasta was great. Definitely worth a visit! read more

Gallus Handcrafted Pasta - Kale side, Stuffed Paparadelle (Right) and Zozzona (Left) - Bars Near Me - Waterbury, Vermont

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First time here as Gallus. The Grist Mill space has always been amazing and we got to sit outside overlooking the waterfall. Beautiful evening. Top notch server, Bailey, who was enthusiastic about the food and provided some helpful context as we made our selections. We really enjoyed the food. Started with the Caesar to share and then the stuffed tagliatelle and the bucatini and meatballs. Well worth the trip. Thanks again for finding a great occupant for this FANTASTIC space. read more

Delicious made from scratch pastas (where the pasta not the topping) is the star and very tasty large main courses. Had the clam pasta (yum) kiddo had the meatballs and speghetti (also yum) and the ricotta ravioli (triple yum). Also got the pork Milanese. It was huge and I was nervous it was going to be dry based on the texture but it was quite juicy and delicious and the toppings creative. Even the bread and butter was delicious - you could tell the chefs took care in making their dishes and ingredient choices. The space is the old hen of the wood basement of an old mill, so it's also quite beautiful and rustic feeling, with lots of wood beams and stone walls. The waterfall outside is not to be missed by the kids. I have been to many pasta places in Italy and nyc and this was one of the best, rivals anywhere. read more

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Incredible meal and beautiful restaurant. We made reservations to go back before we even left the restaurant.

I loved my mushroom lasagna! The broccoli rabe was perfectly cooked. The salty buttery focaccia also excellent! Pasta entree with mushroom and breadcrumbs was too small a portion. read more

In an old grist mill, this beautiful restaurant serves homemade pasta with luscious sauces and bright crisp salads with a small but excellent wine list. At first my serving of bucatini and meatballs seemed too large but I ended up eating it all and scraping the plate. So delicious! The service was wonderful and the ambiance so lovely as you watch the river roll over big boulders and run underneath. Be sure to make reservations as it fills up fast and far in advance! read more

Delicious fresh food and pasta, lovely location and very attentive waitstaff. It was a little noisy for my date and I squeezed between two tables of two on either side, so I asked the waitstaff if we could move to the bar by the window. They made this accommodation for us which made for a much more pleasant meal and conversation. Thank you! read more

Tried Gallus, located in the beautiful former location of the original Hen of the Wood restaurant in Waterbury. One of the most beautiful restaurants I've ever been to. The food was excellent. I had the meatballs with a delicious dark sauce. My wife, who has gluten issues, had their gluten-free pasta and pronounced it the best she's tried. Prices were very reasonable (for Vermont). All in all a great place. read more

nice atmosphere and great service. my one big complaint is the wine list. it is just awful as others have commented. most wines on the list are virtually undrinkable. they buy cheap wines and mark them up an estimated 500% to 700% and this is how the restaurant makes money on wines by the glass. every good wine list has a red and white on the list that are "GOOD OR BETTER WINES" the restaurant will mark up a bit less so the wine can still be sold by the glass for say $13. you put these wines on the list for the knowledgeable wine lover who dines with you. you don't do that. your list is just awful (by the glass) and it ruins the experience for my wife and i. throw us a bone will ya? read more

I got the pesto dish, it was absolutely amazing! The atmosphere was incredible, I loved the detail, and don't get me started on the waterfall! I have recommended it to friends already and hope to fly out my sister to come experience it with me next time. read more

My partner and I got there after hiking less than an hour before they closed and they still sat us. The ambiance is so cute! Great vibes, and everyone was so nice. The best part though was the incredible Food! Seriously the best pasta dishes I've ever had! We got two different ones and I wasn't even able to choose my favorite bc they were both so amazing and different. We live in Austin but I was blown away by this place and definitely want to come back and try everything. In addition to the main dishes being great the focaccia bread app and the cookies for dessert were also very impressive. I'm so grateful we randomly found this place! 12/10 read more

I had such high expectations for this place based on the reviews. I am a pasta aficionado and was so excited to try this place. 5 stars for ambiance (sat outside on the patio overlooking the river). 1 star for the food, unfortunately. We had a reservation for 7, were not seated until 7:20. Food arrived at 7:58. I got the Campanelle, which was described as "pesto, marscapone, baby arugula and pecorino Romano,". It consisted of extremely overcooked (mushy!) campanelle with a butter sauce and visible flecks of basil. It tasted overwhelmingly of oil and butter with the faintest hint of basil. I don't know in what universe this would be considered "pesto." Tasted like they ran some basil through a blender and added to a butter sauce. Where was the magical emulsification of basil, oil, cheese and pine nuts? This was a buttery, basil-flecked sauce coating grossly overcooked pasta. So unfortunate. read more

the location is awesome - right on the river (snag a spot outdoors if you can!), and the decor inside is gorgeous. our waitress Ella was great, attentive without being over the top. we each got a cocktail, a negroni and an americano, both excellent. the food: - caesar salad (i didn't have, but my boyfriend really enjoyed; however, extremely salty) - olives and arugula with ricotta - olives were delicious but the plate was overly oiled and the rest was fairly bland aside from saltiness - focaccia with cacio e pepe butter - focaccia was good but the butter was pretty tasteless, again aside from salt - ravioli - DELISH pasta, and the bolognese it was served with was delicious. the running trend is the saltiness of every dish - spaghetti & meatballs - nice portion of perfectly cooked pasta with mini meatballs. again, extremely salty. i couldn't decide if we have overly sensitive taste buds or if everything was just unnecessarily oversalted. TL;DR - beautiful location, perfectly cooked pasta and tasty sauce, but too much salt on every dish didn't leave us wanting to return. read more

Everything top down was excellent. Drinks were on point and the pinwheel lasagna was a great way to spruce up the dish

Everything was wonderful! The service was impeccable, the ambiance quite romantic and the food was amazing! The bolognese sauce was hands down the very best I have ever tasted! Definitely DO NOT skip the dessert! read more

Food is simple and tasty. Drinks are thoughtful and at an approachable price point. Service is great and attentive. What steals the show is the ambiance of the place. The restaurant is placed in an old mill right by a flowing river. The most beautiful location to eat in Vermont. read more