Wander Bear Creek: Restaurant Guide

Savor Vermont: Top Eateries Near Waterbury

Photo courtesy of Hen of the Wood

Waterbury, VT boasts some intriguing dining options, and we've curated the top recommendations for you. Enjoy fine dining with a rotating menu of locally sourced ingredients, savor modern American cuisine in a beautifully restored 1800s farmhouse, and don't miss a charming café offering local Vermont goods like apple cider donuts and maple products. Keep reading to discover these must-visit spots and more!

Hen of the Wood

Photo courtesy of Hen of the Wood

Photo courtesy of Hen of the Wood

Distance from Wander: 6.4 miles

Location: 14 S Main St, Waterbury Village Historic District, VT 05676 

Hours: 4:30PM-11PM Wednesday-Monday; Closed Tuesday

Phone: (802) 244-7300

Website: https://www.henofthewood.com/ 

Hen of the Wood offers a relaxed dining experience with a woodsy-chic interior and a menu that changes daily to highlight thoughtfully sourced fare. Founded in 2005 in Waterbury, the restaurant is committed to showcasing Vermont's vibrant products, collaborating closely with local farmers, cheesemakers, and producers. Guests can enjoy dishes like parker house rolls with cultured butter, monkfish with preserved tomato and basil salsa verde, and hanger steak with sourdough béchamel and grilled red onions, all while savoring the authentic taste of the region.

Michael's on the Hill

Photo courtesy of Michael's on the Hill

Distance from Wander: 5 miles

Location: 100 N, 4182 Waterbury-Stowe Rd, Waterbury Center, VT 05677

Hours: 5PM-9PM Wednesday-Monday; Closed Tuesday 

Phone: (802) 244-7476

Website: https://michaelsonthehill.com/ 

Michael's on the Hill, set in a renovated 1820s farmhouse in Waterbury Center, Vermont, offers elegant, locally sourced continental cuisine with spectacular views of the Green Mountains. This award-winning fine dining spot, known for its romantic ambiance and commitment to sustainability, features a menu that changes seasonally, showcasing dishes like Maine crab cake with apple and horseradish cream, pasture raised beef tenderloin with crispy fingerlings, and chocolate black forest torte. With new ownership continuing its nearly two-decade legacy, Michael's remains dedicated to highlighting Vermont's freshest ingredients and supporting local farmers.

Cafe at Cold Hollow Cider Mill

Photo courtesy of Cold Hollow Cider Mill

Distance from Wander: 4.5 miles

Location: 3600 Waterbury-Stowe Rd, Waterbury Center, VT 05677

Hours: 8AM-6PM daily 

Phone: (802) 244-8771

Website: https://coldhollow.com/ 

The Café & Tasting Room at Cold Hollow is a charming spot known for its bakery's cider donuts and a market stocked with Vermont goods. Featuring a locally sourced, Vermont-inspired menu, it's perfect for a hearty breakfast or a leisurely lunch paired with a Vermont craft beer or their own hard cider. Visitors can relax in the cozy tasting room or sun-soaked deck, enjoying delicious items like breakfast sandwiches on homemade cheddar cheese biscuits, grilled paninis, and fresh salads. Open daily with seasonal hours, the Tasting Room offers a variety of hard ciders and hosts events for special gatherings.

Harrison's Restaurant

Photo courtesy of Harrison's Restaurant

Distance from Wander: 12 miles 

Location: 25 Main St, Stowe, VT 05672

Hours: 4:30PM-8:30PM Wednesday-Saturday; Closed Sunday-Tuesday 

Phone: (802) 253-7773

Website: https://www.harrisonsstowe.com/ 

Harrison's Restaurant is more than just a dining spot; it's a labor of love from a mother-son duo. Their vision was to offer locals and visitors alike a cozy and upscale space where you can enjoy creative local dishes. From duck wings and artisan cheese boards to pistachio-encrusted venison and pumpkin squash ravioli, their menu is a delightful blend of American classics with a unique twist. Join them for a memorable dining experience that's perfect for catching up with old friends, enjoying a romantic date night, or simply unwinding with a glass of wine.

Doc Ponds

Photo courtesy of Doc Ponds

Distance from Wander: 10.2 miles 

Location: 294 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT 05672

Hours: 4PM-9PM Tuesday-Thursday; 12PM-9PM Friday-Sunday; Closed Monday 

Phone: (802) 760-6066

Website: https://www.docponds.com/ 

Discover a cool hangout with a modern ambiance, complete with a fireplace and a cozy patio, offering a delectable range of American cuisine and an ever-changing selection of craft brews. Uncover the culinary delights at this charming spot where you can start your gastronomic journey with mouthwatering snacks like smoked peanuts and Vermont cheddar fritters. Dive into small plates such as the refreshing doc Caesar salad or the delightful old school calamari. For heartier options, relish large plates like the Vermont half chicken or the ribeye with Bayley Hazen blue. Be sure to save room for dessert, whether it's a tempting chocolate milkshake or the daily pie special. Complement your meal with a craft beer, cocktail, or a refreshing mocktail.

Tip: Be sure to check out their events page for the latest information on upcoming festivities!

Piecasso

Photo courtesy of Piecasso 

Distance from Wander: 11.7 miles

Location: 1899 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT 05672

Hours: 11AM-9PM Sunday-Thursday; 11AM-10Pm Friday & Saturday 

Phone: (802) 253-4411

Website: https://www.piecasso.com/ 

Make your own pizza or savor the classics at this hip eatery with funky decor, known for its hand-tossed gourmet pies, Italian classics, and a selection of craft brews. Dive into the menu, which includes mouthwatering options like the black bean burger with homemade patty and sweet baby rays BBQ, the chicken parmesan sub with crispy chicken and marinara sauce, or the pesto delight pizza with a pesto base, fresh garlic, tomatoes, and breaded eggplant. With three generations of experience and an unwavering commitment to quality, this spot is a haven for pizza enthusiasts and food lovers alike.

Tip: Gluten-free and kid-friendly options are available on the menu!