When Jed Davis opened The Farmhouse Tap & Grill in May 2010, he transformed a run-down vacant McDonald’s in downtown Burlington into Vermont’s premier farm-to-table gastropub. 🍔
This award-winning restaurant quickly became a beloved local institution by showcasing the bounty of Vermont’s small farms through innovative comfort food and an impressive craft beer selection that draws enthusiasts from across the country.
How The Farmhouse Tap & Grill won Burlington’s hearts
The Farmhouse captured Burlington’s devotion by turning a bold vision into reality — converting an abandoned fast-food building into a space that feels open, inviting, and authentically Vermont.
Davis brought over 20 years of restaurant experience from washing dishes at Vermont inns to cooking in top Manhattan venues, then channeled that expertise into creating something entirely his own.
The gastropub’s commitment to sourcing from local farms like LaPlatte River Angus Farm, Stonewood Farm, and Vermont Heritage Grazers resonated deeply with environmentally conscious Vermonters who wanted to support their agricultural community.
By offering 30 craft beers on tap plus an enormous selection of bottled and canned options featuring rare Vermont brews, they created a destination for beer lovers while maintaining exceptional food quality.
Their success spawned the Farmhouse Group, which grew to include multiple Burlington restaurants and a catering company with 175 employees, proving that genuine farm-to-table dining could thrive in Vermont’s largest city. 🍺
Food Highlights
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LaPlatte River Angus Farm Beef Burger: The locally raised beef burger topped with Pitchfork Farm arugula and pickled red onions represents Vermont terroir at its finest, with options to add Cabot cheddar or North Country Smokehouse bacon for the ultimate local experience.
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BBQ Beef Burger: Topped with Richard’s Vermont-made BBQ sauce, an onion ring, Cabot cheddar, and coleslaw, this towering burger delivers sweet, tangy, and savory notes in every bite.
- New England Fish & Chips: Wild-caught fish with hand-cut fries, coleslaw, and rémoulade sauce brings coastal New England flavors to landlocked Vermont with fresh, flaky results. 🐟
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Stonewood Farm Turkey Burger: The turkey burger showcases red onion jam, grilled apple, dijonnaise, and Jasper Hill Vault No. 5 cheese for a sophisticated twist on the classic that proves poultry can be just as exciting as beef. 🦃
- Black Bean Veggie Burger: The vegetarian option featuring Jericho Settlers Farm tomato and cucumber, Champlain Valley Creamery smoked queso, Pitchfork Farm arugula, and chili mayo proves meatless doesn’t mean flavorless. 🌱
- Cheddar Ale Soup: A creamy comfort classic served with Red Hen toast that warms guests during Vermont’s cold months and consistently earns rave reviews as a perfect starter.
- Vermont Heritage Grazers Pork Burger: This heritage pork creation features sauerkraut, garlic mayo, a sunny side up egg, and Champlain Valley Creamery smoked queso — a hearty combination that’s become a customer favorite for its rich, satisfying flavors.
Atmosphere
The renovated space features an inviting, open design that completely reimagined the former fast-food restaurant into a warm gastropub where locals gather daily.
Guests can enjoy the main dining room with its mix of chair tables, booth-chair combinations, and traditional booths, or head to the seasonal outdoor beer garden that becomes the place to be during Vermont’s beautiful summers.
The downstairs Parlor bar offers a more laid-back speakeasy vibe with board games and darts, perfect for casual drinks and appetizers.
Music plays at just the right volume — present but never overbearing — creating an atmosphere that’s equally suitable for family dinners, date nights, or celebrating with friends in the heart of downtown Burlington. 🎵
Bottom Line
Visit for the award-winning farm-to-table burgers sourced from Vermont’s finest farms, the legendary 30-tap craft beer selection featuring hyper-local brews, the welcoming atmosphere in a beautifully renovated space, the commitment to supporting local agriculture with every dish, and the genuine Vermont gastropub experience that locals have cherished since 2010. ✨
Address:
160 Bank Street, Burlington, VT 05401
📞 (802) 859-0888
🕔 Open Sun- Thurs 11:00 AM-9:00 PM; Fri-Sat 11:00 AM-10:00 PM