Vermont’s burger trails beckon! 🍔 Imagine juiciest patties cradled in butter-toasted buns, kissed by smoky grill char and drizzled with local maple glaze.
Adventure awaits where every bite tells a story—no name-dropping required.
Worthy Burger
Tucked into a renovated freight house off South Royalton’s railroad tracks, Worthy Burger has earned its reputation as a must-visit for burger enthusiasts.
Since 2012, this spot has mastered the art of flame-grilled, locally sourced burgers paired with Vermont’s finest craft beers.
The scent of hardwood smoke and sizzling beef tallow fries draws crowds—students, road-trippers, and locals alike—to its no-frills, high-flavor experience.
Food Highlights
- The Worthy Burger: A nearly half-pound patty of grass-fed Vermont beef, charred over hardwood flames, topped with sharp cheddar, lettuce, red onion, and a tangy secret sauce. Juicy and robust, it’s the menu’s star.
- Freighthouse Burger: Bacon, garlic aioli, and sweet-tangy tomato jam elevate this hearty option. Reviewers call it a “flavor bomb” with a perfect char.
- Barnyard Burger: A turkey-and-duck confit patty crowned with a fried egg, thick bacon, and melty farmhouse cheese. Unconventional but unforgettable.
- Truffle-Parmesan Fries: Hand-cut, twice-fried in Wagyu tallow, then tossed with truffle oil and grated Parmesan. Crispy, rich, and impossible to share.
- Veggie Burger: A black bean patty loaded with pineapple, avocado, and spicy mayo—a fresh, plant-based crowd-pleaser.
- Poutine: Gravy-smothered fries with Vermont cheese curds, a nod to Canadian comfort food with a local twist.
Atmosphere
The vibe is rustic-meets-hipster: exposed beams, a chalkboard beer menu, and a buzzing open kitchen.
Order at the bar, grab a picnic bench or a stool by the cement counter, and wait for your buzzer to blare. In winter, the porch stays cozy with a wood stove.
Expect a lively mix of law students, ski-bound travelers, and beer aficionados sipping Hill Farmstead ales.
Bottom Line
Worthy Burger delivers a quintessential Vermont experience—quality ingredients, bold flavors, and zero pretension.
Whether you’re craving a classic beef burger, adventurous toppings (kimchi, whipped goat cheese), or fries that redefine indulgence, this spot is worth the detour off I-89.
Address: 56 Rainbow St, South Royalton, VT 05068
📞 (802) 763-2575
🕔 Open Thu–Sun, 4 PM–8 PM (closed Mon–Wed)
Doc Ponds
Burger lovers, music fans, and anyone craving a laid-back Vermont vibe converge at Doc Ponds, a Stowe hotspot where craft brews flow, vinyl spins, and comfort food gets a creative upgrade.
This isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a mountain-town hangout where every bite and sip feels like a celebration of local flavor.
Food Highlights
- Smash Burger: A single or double patty seared to crispy perfection, layered with melty Vermont cheddar, tangy special sauce, and fresh lettuce. Simple? Yes. Forgettable? Never.
- Double Smash Burger: Double the meat, double the cheese, and a smoky bacon upgrade make this a carnivore’s dream. Pair it with Doc Fries—crunchy, garlicky, and dunked in roasted garlic aioli.
- Vermont Cheddar Fritters: Golden fried bites oozing with sharp local cheddar, balanced by pickled jalapeños and cool crema. The ideal sharable snack before the main event.
- Smoked Bluefish Dip: A savory spread served with crackers and pickled red onion. Briny, smoky, and unapologetically bold—a New England classic reimagined.
- Chocolate Milkshake: Creamy local milk and ice cream blended into a thick, decadent shake. Add Kahlua and vodka for a boozy twist.
Atmosphere
Doc Ponds thrums with energy. Retro records line the walls, live music fills the air on weekends, and the fireside lounge invites lazy afternoons with its mismatched armcharies.
The vibe is unpretentious but purposeful—think flannel-clad locals clinking pints, families digging into burgers, and hikers refueling after a day on the trails.
Even the logo—a pom-pom-hatted “Adventureman”—hints at its playful spirit. Eco-conscious touches, like compostable containers, add modern flair.
Bottom Line
Visit Doc Ponds for burgers that redefine simplicity, a beer list that celebrates Vermont’s craft scene, and a vibe that’s equal parts rustic and rebellious.
It’s where you go to eat well, laugh louder, and leave planning your next meal before you’ve even left the parking lot.
Address: 294 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT 05672
📞 (802) 760-6066
🕔 Open Wed-Mon, 12 PM–9 PM (closed Tue)