It's just average but there are reasons I keep coming back, the main one being that it's pretty…read moremuch the only sit-down casual dining place nearby. But I like the atmosphere too, always filled with locals: workers on lunch break, people gathered to play trivia in the evening (sadly not in summer though). Service is always good, people are friendly, and the outdoors-themed decor is quirky and dominated by an oversized model rifle over the bar. The open room with the bar in the center means you can enjoy the ambience wherever you sit. The place feels clean, including the bathrooms which are single-use, gender-neutral with changing tables.
The pub-style menu is heavy on burgers, wings, and pizzas. Also nachos, salads, fish&chips, shepherd's pie, pastas, and more. A large selection of burgers, and always a monthly burger special. This month it was the Apple Fest: with cheddar, bacon, maple cinnamon aioli, and apple slices. Interesting enough but the apples didn't really add anything. Points for creativity though. The bacon was nicely crisp. The burgers are large (8 oz) and served on a brioche bun, butter-brushed - a bit too heavily in my opinion. Cooked to your requested doneness - unusual at this level of restaurant - and correctly. Served with a side of fries: decent enough but not outstanding, with a very light cornmeal batter.
What the burger entrees lack is a third item: a pickle, small side of coleslaw, etc. At least throw in a pickle wedge please.
I also like the Rodeo Burger: jalapenos, french-fried onions, lettuce, cheddar, and barbecue sauce. The French Connection is interesting too.
On other occasions I've tried the pizza. Good but not memorable. Definitely better than the other pizza place in town though. It's a thick crust with generous amount of cheese, ample toppings, and a sauce that tastes like more than just tomatoes. The crust isn't made in-house (I asked) but it's better than many.
The french onion soup, which has been on the specials board for as long as I've been coming, is a big disappointment. Thin, metallic-tasting broth, onions cut too small, and cheese topping that isn't properly browned under the broiler. I can't understand why it's popular but I see it ordered frequently.
As for drinks, it's about the beers here. There's a large selection including many drafts. Including locals from the island, nearby Stowe, and elsewhere in Vermont. As for ciders of which I'm a fan, sadly only one: Citizens United, a fairly boring choice but at least it's local. A few wines by the glass are available for the wine drinkers.
Mixed drinks like margaritas are a waste: Weak on alcohol and made from overly sweet mixes. Avoid.
The desserts: brownie sundaes, cheesecake, peanut butter pie, bread pudding. I've never tried them, except once: churros. Unexpected: typically found in Mexican restaurants. Definitely not recommended. Little cinnamon flavor, and a strange filling that reminded me more of a thin cannoli.
One more thing before I go: They ALWAYS have help-wanted signs up and their Facebook page also mentions it frequently. And more than once I saw on their Facebook that they had to open late or close early due to to lack of staffing. I have to wonder: why do they have trouble finding and keeping staff? Is it a problem with morale or bad management? I don't know. But the staff is always pleasant and seem unstressed so if so they're doing a good job hiding it. Whatever the reason, I hope they can fix it. Short staffing and frequent turnaround is not a good thing.
