Blue Paddle Bistro had some hits and misses, but overall, we had a decent experience…read more Visiting from out of town, we needed a dinner spot and made a same-day reservation, which they kindly accommodated. The restaurant has a cozy, rustic vibe -- think cabin-in-the-mountains charm. The menu was a bit limited, especially with appetizers, but we went with the mussels from Prince Edward Island, and they were incredible. Seriously, some of the best I've had. That said, the portion of bread they served alongside was laughably small, especially for a dish made to share. For our mains, we ordered two different burgers, both medium rare, and unfortunately, they were both overcooked. It was disappointing because the burgers themselves were huge and packed with flavor. The fries, though, were excellent and saved the meal a bit. On the drinks side, the martini I had was fantastic. Overall, I'd rate this a 3.5 but am rounding up to 4 since it was our first visit, and I can see the potential.

This is one of those places where the cliche "I really wanted to like it" fits. But it didn't live…read moreup, confirmed after a second visit. I tried the Veggie Spring Rolls appetizer, with spicy aioli. The veggies were crisp as were the wrappers. There was a flavor that I couldn't place, not disagreeable but strange - or should I say intriguing? Unfortunately it was overpowered by an excess of ginger and way too much salt. The aioli was very disappointing: bland, thin, and blended smooth. It reminded me of thousand island dressing right out of a bottle. Their drinks menu had some interesting cocktails, a very small selection of wines, not just one hard cider but two, and a rotating selection of beers on tap. If you want a bottle you have choices - Bud or Bud Lite! I tried the pineapple daiquiri. It was way too sweet with not great pineapple flavor. I would hope they were using fresh juice but it sure didn't taste like it. For my entree I got the Gorgonzola Encrusted Filet Mignon, with mashed potatoes, caramelized onions, sauteed garlic, grape tomatoes, and balsamic drizzle. I remember really liking this last visit. But it was nowhere as good this time and looked nothing like the beautiful photo on their website. The gorgonzola, which was ample and crispy last time, was scarce and not "encrusted": soft and not even completely melted. Just a slab placed on top of the steak. And first time there was enough that it melted onto the potatoes underneath for more flavor. Not this time. So much for their motto "delicious, unpretentious (and consistent) food." Beware specifying doneness here. Both times, I (and the wife last visit) ordered it medium-rare. All three were somewhat under that level, slightly more than rare but not by much. She sent hers back last time and they corrected it. I probably should have too but didn't as I'm a little more tolerant of underdone steak. But the biggest problem so far in the meal? The entree arrived not more than 5 minutes after my appetizer, which I had only just begun to eat. That's a serious no-no in any restaurant, let alone one that tries to identify as "fine dining". I was having a relaxing meal, nibbling my appetizer, sipping my drink, contemplating life, and out of the blue this plate of steak is plopped onto my table! I expressed my surprise and displeasure to my waitress, whose specific response I don't recall but didn't make any sense, but she did immediately box up the spring rolls for me as I asked. Dessert was a Raspberry Lemon Drop: layered lemon cake with raspberry puree and lemon custard. It was served very cold which I liked. But surprisingly lacking in much lemon flavor, and especially the brighter notes like grated lemon zest of which there was none. The division of the dining area into many small rooms is likely a reflection of its conversion from a house in a prior life. This could make it a problem to find your waiter if you need them, but it didn't impact me personally this visit or last. The biggest problem is noise, especially if a large party is nearby as happened on the first visit. The "Wal-Mart special" air conditioner in the window, complete with dangling power strip to a distant outlet contributed to the noise on the second visit and certainly made the place feel less classy. My waitress in general was polite and adequate but we never did "click" as far as the waiter/diner relationship is concerned. And never once was I asked how things were going, how I liked the food, etc. I did write my comments in the suggestion box on leaving, with my name and contact info, but 2 months later and I haven't heard back. They have a great website with lots of photos by category. Including photos and names of all the staff, bios of the chefs, local info, and lots of dogs. I think they quality as "dog-obsessed" here, even closing their voicemail message with a "Woof!" Good place to bring your dog though, on the outside patio. Worth another visit? Maybe, given the limited choices in the area? But I had hoped for better.

Wow, what a transformation from when we last came to Burlington and having breakfast at Penny…read moreCluse, we were pleasantly surprised to find highly recommended Frankie's in the same location! The same large, beautiful windows are there, but the decor is warm, trendy, and modern. Our hostess immediately wished my husband and me happy anniversary and the bartender team Max and Woody were truly outstanding and made our celebration special. They are adept at making cocktails. We tried Blue Bingo and Inside Out. Both were perfectly balanced. The Blue Bingo with fresh blueberry puree, garnished with blueberry and mint was refreshing. The Inside Out was similar to an Old Fashioned. We selected 4 small plates, one large plate, and one side. For small plates, the striped bass collar was meaty and flavored with an herb sauce and punchy blistered cherry tomatoes. The little neck clams came in a broth that was worth sopping up with the grilled sourdough. It was similar to having mussels in a luscious wine butter sauce. I would have eaten like 12 of the clams if they let me but they alas only give you 6. My favorite was grilled Romano beans, slightly crunchy, fresh, and light, with burrata and fried green tomatoes. The breading on the tomatoes was perfectly light and crunchy. The burrata was delicious, and I would have preferred to have it over the barchetta, fresh ravioli like pastas that came with fennel and arugula. The barchetta was missing that creamy element. The served our pork schnitzel as a "splitzel" served cut in half on two plates. Again, it was perfectly crunchy and light. We ordered pomme puree (mashed potatoes) as a side too, creamy and delicious. They had a decent wine and beer selection. We lucked out with our chenin blanc selection, which paired well with everything we had. Eat here! The menu changes every day. We can't wait to come back.

The bartender was telling me that Frankie's was listed by Boston Magazine as one of the best…read moreup-and-coming restaurants in the U.S. when it first opened, and they're clearly still living up to that standard. I ordered the Something Fun cocktail, which was fruity, refreshing, and beautifully presented with blue salt speckled around the rim of the glass. For dinner, I had the whole trout in a dill sauce with a side of purple cauliflower. Everything is locally sourced, and while the menu features a few staples, it changes daily. Each menu is date-stamped, which I'm obsessed with--it's a great reminder of how fresh everything is. Vermont generally has a great local food scene, and I really appreciate the thoughtfulness behind the ingredients, presentation, and overall quality. Frankie's is a restaurant I'd highly recommend for groups, family dinners, date nights, or even corporate dinners. I'd love to come back and explore more of their wine selection. The staff is incredibly welcoming, happy to chat, and very knowledgeable about the menu. Expect to spend around $75 per person for a meal, a side or appetizer, and one drink.

My Daily Planet still stands!!…read more This was one of my favorite places to wine & dine when I lived in Burlington many years ago, & I was so pleased to see that it hasn't gone anywhere. The interior is still just as fun & spacious, the staff is still very nice. I just dropped in for a drink. The bartender was great & the drink was fine. Not very memorable, but fine. I sat & read for a long time & never felt pressured to drink more or move along. (Be sure to tip well if you camp out at the bar like I do!) The overhead lights were a little bright - I felt like I was kinda on stage. Those are really my only "complaints." Still a fabulous spot, still can't wait to visit & come back.

The food is quite mid, but the vibe is top. Service does take forever, but it is worth the waitread more

From start to finish, this was a 5 star experience! Food - excellent! Service - outstanding!…read moreAmbiance - cool and modern! Going to start with the service first. Our server, Gibelle, was professional, welcoming, and provided us (along with her team) a smooth dining experience from start to finish. She also made sure that there was excellent timing on service throughout the meal. The food was outstanding. My husband ordered Steak Frites. I had the Tartelette de Champignons. Both dishes were delicious (I got to share a bite of the Stake Frites) The Tartelette was rich with the medley of mushrooms, beautiful pastry crust, and a rich blend of of eggs and cream to hold it all together. For dessert we shared Mousse au Chocolate and Taste au Citrion en Verrin. The only downside was we were so full, we could not finish them, The space is open and light with tables spaced out and benches around the outside. The whole space was clean, modern and airy. This is the sort of restaurant I would come back to Burlington just to have dinner here! Yes - I would include this restaurant on my "I would drive out of my way to eat here" criteria.

Went for a birthday celebration and it did not disappoint. Served by Kelly and she was wonderfully…read moreattentive. A sommelier helped us pick our wine and the jurançon sec by Cuvée Marie did not disappoint. They start you off with an amouse bouche of which ours was a cucumber and zucchini gazpacho like teaser. Lucious and fresh on the tongue. Great bread from local O Bakery with plenty of local butter. Delish. Fois gras was well balanced and I was surprised to have morels and other mushrooms on the side. Escargot was some of the largest and most tender snails ever. So good they concerted a non-believer. Lamb was cooked to a great medium rare with divine local vegetables. Dessert was on par with everything else. The chef came out to our table twice. His dedication to excellence is very apparent. Amazing food. Just go! You won't be disappointed.

Went here on a recent humid but breezy Sunday. 2nd time I've been here with my brother and his…read morewife. I had the red wine flight. I don't care for Sangiovese, but they had a nice Sanguovese/Gamay blend. They rotate their wines quite often and don't bother to update their website - so the only way to find out what wines are available is, well, to visit! Which I recommend you do if you're in the area!

Love, love, love this place!! Super friendly and knowledgeable folks. Amazing wines and every snack…read moreI've had there has been well thought out and delicious. Ambiance is lovely, music is always interesting and groovy, just feels cool having an evening there. So happy to have this little gem in the area!

Food - A+, service A+, ambiance's+. A quaint old pub…read morefeeling that took me back to a trip to Scotland. Presentation of food was amazing, taste was on spot. The appetizers are lovely. The Duck liver pate was delicious. Creamy and luxurious. The filet, the lamb rack, the pork chop were all delicious and beautifully served. Leave room for the liquid desserts. The Duke of Suffolk is inspired. World class. You just can't go wrong.

Awesome dining experience 9/21/23 with our party of 5 (4 adults and 1 toddler). We found this…read moreplace located at the property we were staying at (smugglers notch resort) after our son and daughter in-law and our youngest granddaughter joined us for vacation. We left to go dine around 6:15pm at another establishment, but they were slammed. Went to another and it was more of a bar and they were also slammed. People eat early around here! My daughter in-law called ahead after we left the bar type restaurant and they had us a nice table waiting for us! Excellent atmosphere and the service was very friendly and welcoming. I think Billy was the name of our waiter but several of the other wait staff worked together to help him. Our dinners were all excellent and everyone enjoyed them. I had the pork chop and it was prepared perfectly and flavored well. Wife had the scallops with butternut squash and she raved about it. Can't remember what ther other three had. Excellent wine, Ken Write Cellars Pino Noir. So good we got another bottle to go.

Patty Melt (8/10): I think Sundays are their patty melt days? Very good deal. Basically the…read morecheapest thing on their menu for a very solid patty melt. Pappardelle (8.5/10): The sauce was DIVINE! The texture of the noodles was a tiny bit off, but otherwise the meat and veggies were both amazing. Grilled Summer Squash (7/10): Solid and refreshing dish. Tempura Mushrooms (7/10): Executed well. Tastes exactly as you expect, though. No surprises here. I would opt for the more unique options next time Pork Belly Skewer (7.5/10): Also executed well. Also tastes pretty standard. I did like the sauce. There was a lot of it, but it wasn't too overpowering.

It is a small restaurant and has an open kitchen which allows you to watch all the magic happen…read more The staff was really kind and gave great recommendations. I loved the pasta it was the highlight for me alongside the tres leches. The cauliflower steak was the best I've had but was expensive for a veg dish.

This place was at the top of my list for my first visit to Burlington. We visited in the late…read moreafternoon on a Sunday. It was a gorgeous day and we were able to sit outside, which I really enjoyed. They were umbrellas above us, which were much needed when it started to drizzle! I enjoyed the waiter, although my wife did not. He talked a lot and everything I asked him was his favorite. It didn't seem genuine. Especially when the table sat down next to us and everything they wanted or was his favorite too. We were disappointed that the one thing we wanted on the menu was not available for food. They're mocktails were a normal price and their cocktails were a little pricey, but well worth it for the craft that they were doing. I enjoyed both of the cocktails that I had, although was disappointed that they didn't have the monkey brains cocktail that I wanted anymore. Overall, it was a cute place and I'd probably go back to have a cocktail.

Beautiful cocktail bar within walking distance of Church Street. Stopped in on Sunday night and our…read moreparty of three was seated immediately. The cocktail menu is expansive with something for everyone. We went with the "I'm Eggnogstic" which was "a decadent custard with maple syrum, bourbon and rum, & whipped egg whites". We also got a hot drink called "Hot Buttered Yum" which consisted of Flor de Cana 5yr rum, brownie batter, cinnamon, butter, brown sugar, and was topped with toasted marshmallows. Both drinks were delicious, prepared well, and were aesthetically pleasing as well. I wish the Eggnogstic was a little larger - I think it was about 3 ounces? The Hot Buttered Yum was served in an oversized mug. The vibe here was great - perfect place for couples, a girls night, or just friends out for a before dinner or after dinner drink. I loved that it was busy enough, but still quiet enough for a conversation.