Came into The Hot Cafe for breakfast and ordered the breakfast sandwich. It wasn't very busy--no line when I arrived, and most people seated already had their food--so I was surprised that my sandwich still took about 30 minutes to come out. I had great expectations because of reviews and I hate to leave a negative review on popular places. The cashier/server was friendly, and the place has a classic small American café vibe, which I appreciated. Unfortunately, the food really missed the mark for me. The "crispy cheese" just tasted burnt rather than crispy, and there were way too many greens--cilantro and parsley--which completely overpowered the sandwich. I also didn't care for the sauces at all. Overall, it wasn't a good sandwich. I didn't even finish it and ended up going somewhere else to eat. Between the long wait and the disappointing food, I don't think I'd come back. read more

The Cafe Hot - Brakefast Sandwich and Orange Juice - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Burlington, Vermont

I'm so glad I found The Cafe Hot while looking up places for breakfast in town. When we visited in Sept. 2025 the street in front was under construction, but I promise it is worth it. The menu is a little chaotic and hard to read, but I did my research beforehand and knew I probably wanted the brakefast sandwich. Luckily Nate ordered the special number 8 and my friend got the basterd bing, so we all kind of shared. Everything is vegetarian! The employee taking our order was super friendly and kind, very much appreciated! We also got some coffee drinks and a donut to share. The donuts are made with biscuit dough, which was interesting and tasty. The texture is quite dense but not dry. Our food was ready quickly and the portions were large - you could definitely share something if you're not super hungry. I need to take a moment to talk about the number 8 sandwich. It BLEW MY MIND in the greatest way ever. I LOVE when I eat foods I've never had, even more so when those foods are delicious and mind-boggling. This is a breakfast sandwich on a tasty sesame bun and it features chicken fried egg. So imagine a pile of scrambled eggs that they somehow deep fry(???) and it turns into something that so closely resembles fried chicken it's wild. Seriously I'm still thinking about this sandwich. I know it sounds so weird but really you just have to try it. The brakefast sandwich was good, but VERY MESSY. Plan for lots of napkins. I will be back for the number 8. read more

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Chaotic good. Can have long lines, but they crank out food and drinks very quickly. Gentle parenting style when calling out orders, asking customers to line up flowing out of the restaurant rather into the seating area. Anything with a chicken fried egg is incredible. A fluffy egg battered in a batter that makes it tasted exactly like chicken fried steak (etc.). I got the Raven, which was alright, but I was stealing bites from the number 9 someone else ordered. We were a little dubious by how filling the sandwich would be, but it held us over until the next meal. Reasonably priced, divey, but expect to come out smelling a little greasy after your visit! read more

The Cafe Hot - Raven + Number 9 - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Burlington, Vermont

Oh my goodness! Like my friend said "this is the best breakfast sandwich I've ever had!!" And I completely agree. It's unlikely anything you've probably had. It tastes like you're biting into chicken, but it's egg that's covered in ("chicken") fried batter. It's incredible because it's the perfect combination of spices and crunchiness. I got the Number 9 which has the added awesomeness of Hot Honey. I'm from out of town, so I can't wait to go back to Vermont one day to have this (I had this very day while I was there visiting. I will say that they are also known for their boughnuts (biscuit donuts). I tried the chocolate maple and was not a fan...was too sweet for me. Could have been the flavor but also didn't love the texture. But again the egg chicken sandwich is incredible!!! The vibe is cool/funky too. Flames, piercings, tattoos, etc. Since I went in October, they also had eyeballs hanging from the ceiling. Anyway, in case you're still questioning it, get the egg chicken sandwich!!! read more

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All of the brunch spots that were on our radar in the area had long waits, so we ended up around the corner here - and boy am I glad! I didn't realize that this was a vegetarian restaurant, but I was definitely impressed! At first glance, it's unassuming and no-frills, where you order at the cashier and pick up your food yourself, and it's decorated to be "edgy" - think lots of skulls and blood. It's always a toss-up when you take a cuisine/type of food that is traditionally meat-heavy and make it vegetarian, but this knocked it out of the ballpark. Every single item was a hit, but I especially loved my number 9, hot honey chiken fried biscuit (there's no chicken in chiken fried egg, but they deep fry egg until it looks like a piece of fried chicken). I don't say this lightly, but I would easily go back here again. read more

The Cafe Hot - Quick stop for brunch - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Burlington, Vermont

the latte with oatmilk / maple hit the spot. Owner took our order super nice guy! it is a walk up and order. cute decor with comic books to borrow while you dine . read more

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This was an amazing breakfast place. The number 9 and breakfast sammich were amazing and I would highly recommend. The number 9 has honey and i thought this was a 10/10 sandwich. Service was fast and the workers were extremely friendly and I was impressed that they remembered the names of some customers they had seen days ago. read more

The Cafe Hot - Number 9 (Top) Breakfast Sammich (Bottom) - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Burlington, Vermont

This place was amazing. Small menu but everything they do they do well. I totally missed the fact that they are a meatless restaurant so I thought I was getting a chicken sandwich w a friend egg. I was very pleasantly surprised when it was an egg w a chicken fried batter it was delicious filling and totally unexpected. I will definitely be back. I wish we had them closer to home but even w a 3hr ride to get there I will be back. read more

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This cafe is incredible! Between the amazing staff and quick service, the vegan friendly food, and perfect vibes you would be wasting time and the benefit of quality espresso anywhere else. Genuinely, the staff was so kind they made our morning. Then take a sip of a very good coffee to follow. read more

The Cafe Hot - Menu - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Burlington, Vermont

Truly unique cafe serving up the best vegetarian breakfast/lunch sandwiches! Their chicken fried egg is delicious you will not miss the meat. Flavorful sauces and rotating flavors of boooonuts (biscuit donuts). Although the construction on the street can make parking difficult, I'm secretly happy that it makes this place less busy so I can actually get a seat inside on the weekend! read more

Chicken fried egg. What else do you need to know??? Go here. Now. Run if you have to. Ask for the Nashville Hot. read more

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That was too good! Got The Raven, gluten-free, and it disappeared. The black sauce threw me off, but was really tasty. Staff is great, very friendly and helpful talking through the menu. And the deco is great, just nerdy enough read more

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Amazing breakfast sandwiches. But the sweet treats are also stellar. We had an intense Gooey Butter Cake and their boooougnut -- a really good biscuit donut combo -- in their chocolate sage glaze -- there were other flavors too. Espresso tonic was a great accompaniment and not sweet at all. Staff is super helpful and friendly. Place is cute and even has good music. read more

My only wish is that it was less expensive. I don't know how they make their fluffy eggs (or the deep fried eggs that are meant to mimic fried chicken) but they are so good, I would go back just to get their side of eggs. I wonder if their hot sauce is Cambodian inspired, as it has that flavor profile. People are super nice, coffee is great. read more

This place was fun and a convenient breakfast spot for Burlington. The service was quick and friendly and the atmosphere inside was quirky and fun. Inside was packed with people. The food was good, although I will say the portions were ginormous. None of us were able to finish our sandwiches. Also, the doughnuts were extremely hard. Perhaps that's the style of the donut, but they were hard to bite into. The flavors were good, though, as was the coffee! read more

The Cafe Hot - Espresso glaze donut - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Burlington, Vermont

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HOT FRIGGIN DAMN! The number 8 on a biscuit was one of the most unique flavorful delicious breakfasts I've had in the hottest of minutes. The chicken fried egg is culinary genius and truly is better than meat. The pickled veg and tartar sauce added an amazing punch of flavor! I was sooo sad when it was over and even considered going back the next day for breakfast. I will say the signature biscuit donut fusion "bonut" wasn't for me- just the texture a bit stodgy. Counter service and food came out quick. read more

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Yum! Amazing little breakfast gem. I had a biscuit sandwich with egg and cheese. Huge, slightly gooey eggs (which I love) and cheese. It was a handful. Biscuits were flaky and solids and square (great idea!). The hot chocolate was good as well with some cinnamon in it. Counter service and friendly staff. Basic atmosphere but the food is worth it. There seems to be a bunch of regulars---always a good sign. read more

The Cafe Hot - Hot chocolate - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Burlington, Vermont

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Great breakfast sandwiches! This was our last stop before leaving Burlington. I got the d.i.y. egg and biscuit sandwich with cheese. My husband got the brakefast sandwich. You really can't go wrong. They all seem to be quite hefty in size. The brakefast sandwich has this amazing griddled cheese and miso mayo. My egg, cheese, and biscuit sandwich was more simple but very filling and delicious. The cheese was melty and folded into the egg. The biscuit is the true star. Normally I avoid biscuits because they tend to be dry. This one was remarkably buttery and flaky. Service was super friendly! Good amount of seating inside. read more

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This was one of the best breakfast spots I've ever been to. I think the originality of the menu is what makes this so good. I wasn't sure what to order so the cashier was able to help me decide and I was very happy with my order. The brakefast sandwich was a good twist on a standard breakfast sandwich. I liked the harissa addition. The boughnut was very very tasty. As someone who doesn't really eat sweets or enjoy pastries I thought it was a perfect mix of a doughnut and a biscuit. And the hot chocolate.... I think it might've been the best hot chocolate I've ever had. I got the maple cinnamon hot chocolate and will order it EVERY single time I visit. If I was a resident of Burlington I could see that I would be a regular customer. read more

The Cafe Hot - Brakefast sandwich - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Burlington, Vermont

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Yes! First visit to burlington and stopping in here for breakfast made me feel both at home and also like I found something uniquely burlington. The inside is kitschy and fun, staff are warm and helpful. I had the bastard bing with some pickles and chili jam, super complex and delicious. I didn't need to eat the whole thing but it was delicious so I did. read more

Awesome unique breakfast. Honey hot chicken has a great kick and sweetness. Friendly service. You can borrow comic books. read more

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DIY sandwich was my choice. A little $$$ for a sandwich but worth it. This venue it's all about recycling and care for thr environment. You get wood ware NICE. STAFF is friendly. It's a you order and you pick up yourself place. Right now there's road construction but there is parking available across the street; 2 $ the hour. They have all gender restroom. Good ambient rock music from the 70s. If you are in Burlington VM don't miss this cool cafe. read more

The Number Nash gave me diarrhea. Tasted nice and spicy but would not recommend unless you KNOW you can handle your spice. Eat at your own risk. read more

Genuinely the best cafe in Burlington. Possibly that I've ever been to. The GBC is amazing--I normally hate sweet things, but this pastry is incredibly good. The texture and flavor were perfect. The espresso drinks are also wonderful. And the sandwiches! Jesus christ. A chicken fried egg. The people at The Cafe Hot are geniuses and I hope to come here forever. read more

The best breakfast place in Burlington Vermont. If you are from out of town, this is a shop you must visit when you come here. The service is excellent and the staff members are friendly and can answer your questions on menu items even when the line builds up (and a line will build on the weekends). The outside is quaint and unassuming and the setup is like like a coffee shop. There is ample seating on the right side of the restaurant with bathrooms for you. The coffee is good but nothing to write home about but you'll need a cup to go with their donuts which are excellent. They are thicker cake style donuts that are layered. We bought a classic glazed and their chocolate lime flavor and the flavors were excellent. Personally, I thought that the texture was too heavy, however if that is how you like your donuts (I'm a raised yeast donut guy myself), you will love them. The highlight here is their vegetarian breakfast sandwiches. You would never really assume they were vegetarian unless you were looking out for that. On our run we bought the The Raven and The Number 8 special. Both sandwiches were excellent with a good balance on flavors. They are massive sandwiches, if you are not a heavy breakfast person, you could share one and a donut and be happy. read more

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Great little spot off the beaten path. A little pricey but the biscuits are incredible. Cool on the inside too.

Vermont's best breakfast sandwich, and it's not even close. We are not living through an easy chapter in history. Inequality yawns ever-wider, and one consequence is that few people are cared for well enough in any given job to do it at any level of excellence. Service and product quality are often low when eating out, and I can't even be mad about it because I understand that many service workers are barely making ends meet. It is into this context of ongoing disappointment that Cafe Hot arrives in comparatively utopian fashion. Artifacts of Star Trek memorabilia are the first hints of their idealistic project, swiftly followed by exceptionally friendly, enthusiastic service and delicious, high-quality food prepared to order. I've never seen anything quite like it. The menu is no-kill, which is a great reframing of what others might call "vegetarian." I like meat quite a lot, but its absence in no way detracts from the excellence of the final product. The breakfast sandwich is perfectly executed. Instagram ready. Not because we're all influencers, but because we all deserve something nice in our lives. More than a pretty face, the details are exquisite. The tender milk bread bun, the fresh avocado option, the crispy layer of griddled cheese wrapping your egg... it all comes together as more than the sum of its parts. I was DELIGHTED. Don't miss the treats, either. The biscuit donut is WILD. Layered and dense, not quite what you're expecting from something donut shaped, but completely delightful in its carby indulgence. The GBC kinda reminds me of the world's most perfect lemon bar, minus any lemon flavor, if that makes any sense. It's just so perfectly textured and delicious. You've never had anything like it. Note to Cafe Hot: I would set up a direct deposit into your bank account for a lemon version. The 4.8 rating is entirely deserved. Nobody does it like this. read more

The Cafe Hot - Values-forward: these flags are next to the door. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Burlington, Vermont

Amazing coffee, donuts and sandwiches. The chocolate-covered bonut was excellent paired with a black coffee; it's such a great combo if you need a boost of energy and morale. The vegan fried "chicken" sandwich was also remarkably delicious (even hours after preparation) and definitely one of the better ones out there. Service was efficient, too, and I really appreciated the straightforward, simple menu during an otherwise overloaded morning. I would absolutely return if I get to Burlington anew. read more

So good. Great flavor in the breakfast sandwich and worth it. Also a great cappuccino.

Wow. Food was Atmosphere was fun Staff was friendly and helpful. Recommend the basterd bing read more

Ugh this place is the best! Every time I'm in town I just have to come and I always tell anyone coming to VT to come. And today when I stopped in I was the last order of the day and they gave me extra donuts!!!!! Thank you!!!! @the city pls get this construction done quicker so this gem is more accessible to all! read more

Wow! The food! The service! The ambiance! This place is fabulous!! I can't decide what to get because everything sounds and looks so amazing. I finally picked the chicken fried egg #8 and I can't even describe how amazing it is! You must try!! read more

This definitely deserves 5 stars and one of the best breakfast spots we've found! We each ordered a brakefast sandwich for an entree and decided to get a box of biscuits to try them out. The brakefast sandwich was superb. Not only does it photograph well but it was delicious. This was definitely curated to make for the perfect bite. The egg was thick and fluffy and enveloped in a crunchy griddled cheese that almost had a texture of a crispy bacon. The harissa, miso mayo, and fresh herbs elevated this sandwich to seat it apart from the typical breakfast sandwich. I would highly recommend! We are from the South so we take our biscuits pretty seriously. I was hesitant about ordering them as I did not want to be disappointed and I am always scared of getting a hockey puck. However these were an incredible surprise. I wouldn't come in expecting this to be a Southern biscuit because it is not that. But it was flaky, buttery, and fluffy inside. What made this stand out were the spreads that came with it: Local Butter, Maple Chili Jam, and Hot honey. And when they say hot, they mean it!! The honey definitely carries more heat than anticipated. For us, that's great. read more

The Cafe Hot - Biscuit Box of 3. Delicious!! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Burlington, Vermont

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Very good sandwich but to be honest next time I would get without the Harrissa. The Harrissa seasoning was so salty once I peeled that layer back a bit (it's that brown wrapped layer) I was able to enjoy the sandwich much more. The restaurant itself was super cute. Perfect for the veggie and vegan eaters since they don't serve any meat at all. I got the impossible sausage patty on my sandwich. Highly recommend that add on. So meat lovers be aware. They also had cute comic books you can grab to read while you eat with your meal. Though my sandwich was too salty I would go back to try some of their other menu items. read more

The Cafe Hot - Brakefast Sandwich - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Burlington, Vermont

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I'm not a big fan of donuts but I'm still dreaming about the " Bonuts." Lively service and that magical unicorn--a good extra dry cappuccino. Simply awesome. read more

This place is phenomenal. The whole menu is vegetarian but it is incredible! I am a meat lover and I could not believe it! The service was super fast and the staff are really nice! Cannot go wrong with anything in the menu but if you get the sandwich with the chicken fried egg you will be very happy! Very reasonable prices too! read more

The Cafe Hot - Sandwich - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Burlington, Vermont

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Food stellar, service even better. Ambiance unmatched. Not much more to say except give it a try and be amazed

I was planning a trip to Burlington and I decided that I wanted to indulge my sweet tooth a little bit. I searched online for "best doughnuts in Burlington" and The Cafe HOT came up multiple times. I'll admit that I was slightly apprehensive given that they make "bonuts" (a doughnut made from biscuit dough) rather than a "traditional" doughnut, but the unique flavor offerings and the general vibe I got from their website helped to persuade me to try. And let me tell you- I am VERY glad that I did. When I first arrived in town, I was hungry after the drive, so this was actually my first stop. The online ordering made it very convenient. I saw that they had a lemon poppyseed vegan bonut on offer and I couldn't resist that since that is one of my favorite flavors. The bonut was VERY good. I'm not exactly sure how to describe it. It wasn't greasy at all, but it certainly wasn't dry, either. The star of the show, however, was the chicken fried egg sandwich. I sort of impulse bought it because I'm not actually a big egg guy, but man oh man, this was one of the best sandwiches I think I have ever eaten. I don't know how they do it, but that fried egg patty tastes exactly like a piece of breaded and fried chicken. There was a bite or two of the thicker sections where I started to pick up some egg texture, but overall, if I had been doing a blind taste test, I would have assumed it was a full-on chicken sandwich. It's easy to lose focus on the egg patty, but the toppings on this sandwich were absolutely incredible as well. This may be one of my favorite sandwiches ever. And finally, to wrap this up, there's probably no better indication of a place being great than feeling compelled to go there the very next day, right? I think so, at least. And that's exactly what I did. The second day, I got the non-vegan "classic" offering bonut that seems to be the mainstay flavor- Espresso Glaze. While I really enjoyed the vegan bonut offering, I definitely preferred the non-vegan version. There wasn't a huge difference, but the general texture of the non-vegan version was much better for me, personally. And then just for good measure, I had to try the biscuit sandwich. Again, the egg patty was delicious, and the biscuit was really, really good, too. And of course you can't go wrong with hot honey. Just enough heat for my nose to run a little bit without feeling like my mouth was on fire. I will absolutely stop here any time I am in Burlington. The price point is great, the business itself seems to be done the right way, and the food was delicious. Give The Cafe HOT a try!! read more

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Wow. If you're looking for the best breakfast sandwich in all the land...this is it. I didn't even miss bacon or sausage (no meat). The way the cheese is griddled and crispy really ties the whole sandwich together. If you like spicy, I would recommend adding the hot sauce. I went with the basic breakfast sandwich and it was anything but basic. Also tried the espresso bronut, but after the sandwich didn't have room for more. Delicious. read more

The Cafe Hot - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Burlington, Vermont

OMG no words. Just go. The very bestest. We are GF and their GF options are different and delicious. read more