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    Handy's Lunch

    4.6 (290 reviews)
    Closed 8:00 am - 1:30 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

    Handy's Lunch Photos

    Business Info

    HANDY'S LUNCH ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Handy's Lunch

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    Ana H.

    We were greeted with a big smile as soon as we walked in. It's a small, cozy place with a luncheonette style. I ordered their Black Belt Sandwich, and it was delicious! It seemed huge at first, but it was so good that I ended up eating it all.

    David L.

    Quick service and friendly staff you can tell that this is a local favorite based on the energy the servers have with the clientele

    SST Breakfast Sandwich
    Doug M.

    Loved this place for lunch in Burlington! This is a text book old school lunch counter in the heart of Burlington...and you have to go! We went with the SST...a filling sando on two pierces of french toast with egg and sausage and cheese...comes with a side of maple syrup. Man this thing was good. For the brave of heart they have a sandwich called the Chuck Norris which was consumed on Man v Food...I am to old to down that and still make the new year...but impressive! The staff was incredibly friendly...and the owner was working the grill that morning...just good people putting out affordable and quality food. In fact he mentioned to us that his son had just successfully completed the Chuck Norris (super sized) that weekend...awesome! We are glad we found the place!

    Blacks belt at Handys.  Love love love this food. Been coming here 4 years in a row and they have remembered us from the get go.

    What a great friendly environment. He's remembered us coming in each time. 1 time a year Love it. Food is great

    Big Daddy Breakfast with Blueberry pancakes
    Casie R.

    My Ohana and I had an amazing experience at Handy's, and I highly recommend your visiting this establishment! The owner and chef is personable and will touch base to see how you're enjoying your food. Service is top tier! Food is to die for! I recommend the big daddy with blueberry pancakes!

    Cecilia P.

    You will not find a better place to eat in all of Vermont. Nestled in a quiet corner just a couple blocks from church street, Handy's is ran by the absolute best people and serves the best food. There is free street parking on the surrounding streets, just look at the signs for length of time. The cozy diner houses a horseshoe counter that can often be packed, but with the quick service, I've never had to wait more than 15 minutes for a seat, even on the weekends at 11 am. I've eaten here at least a dozen times over the course of 6 years, and Earl remembers me, my family, and my friends each time we come in. He remembers what I studied in college, he remembers our anniversary date, and he's so expresses a level of welcome that I've never experienced else where. When you go, just please get one of the breakfast sandwiches served on French toast that automatically come with maple syrup for dipping. They come in several different sizes, depending on your level of hungry/hangover. If you happen to of had something like this before, then I guarantee it's not as good as Handy's. Seriously, a trip to Burlington is not complete without Handy's!!

    Breakfast Sandwich-Home Fries
    Shane M.

    Easily the best breakfast sandwich in Burlington Vermont. Old school lunch counter straight outta the 60's Everything cooked to order and super hot & fresh, coffee always filled, and great service.

    There are no customers here only family and when you find you'll know exactly what I mean. I stayed and talked with Earl for at least an hour and it was like connecting with a cousin. The food is very good and the coffee was perfect. I'll be back here every trip back to Burlington!! Black Belt.

    Menus

    Amazing find while we were on vacation! The owner, Earl (aka Duke of Burlington) knew the locals by name and made us feel so welcome! The food is insanely good, and the home town feel was just as great. You must try his chili dog and the McHandy breakfast sandwich. Doesn't hurt that Earl is a dead ringer for Russell Crow! Run don't walk to Handy's Lunch.

    I've been coming to Handy's since the early 90s when I was in high school. never in all my years and travels of foodie eating, have I had a better burger than the Texas cheeseburger at Handy's. I've also never had an experience of feeling so welcomed and loved as I do with this family. I love striking up a conversation with someone at the counter, it is a true family run place. This is truly a staple and piece of Burlington history. If you're visiting it's a must do and now that my daughter lives there, I've made her pinky swear to try to go at least once a month!

    Kelly H.

    This place is great, your quintessential greasy spoon diner! It was busy when we arrived, but there were a few open seats still available at the counter. They only have counter seating, but there are about 13-15 seats. I ordered eggs and bacon which came with home fries and choice of toast, I chose rye. My sister tried the SST which she said was beyond amazing. My food was hot and very tasty too. Definitely a locals type place, but they didn't flinch an eye when us "strangers" showed up. Great service, great food, limited hours, but worth it!

    Bacon cheeseburger

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    4 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    earl h.

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    11 months ago

    Breakfast. 10/10. 2 eggs, bacon and hash browns. Great service. Love an old school diner.

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    3 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Sliced store bought corned beef is not house made corned beef hash, it is sliced store bought corned beef. Weak French toast too.

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    earl h.

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    9 months ago

    Great old school diner vibe, the owner for sure takes pride in his food. Definitely gets you your moneys worth of food. Would go again.

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    1 year ago

    Trifecta. Great food, great service, and great ambience. go there. Not a chain. Support local business.

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    1 year ago

    What a great little breakfast and lunch joint. The owner is about as friendly as it gets!! Highly recommend Handy's!

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    2 years ago

    Great spot for breakfast or lunch. Love the u-shaped counter - it encourages conversation. Friendly staff, good food. What's not to like?

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    2 years ago

    The literal best breakfast food. If you're in burlington and you miss out on this gem you'd be committing a crime

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    Page 1 of 8

    Ask the Community - Handy's Lunch

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    Handy's Lunch - breakfast_brunch - Updated May 2026

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