7 Spots for the Best Breakfast in Burlington VT

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Wondering where to have the best breakfast in Burlington VT?

Living in Burlington, we’re very lucky to be surrounded by many amazing restaurants. While we will endeavor to try all of them eventually, for the moment we’ve decided to prioritize our favorite meal of the day: breakfast, often known in later hours as brunch. In the name of research (and making our tastebuds happy), we’ve been sampling all of the top breakfast spots in Burlington, Vermont.

On the weekends, these places are the go-to eateries for brunch, that mimosa-fueled, home fry-laden, delightful culinary event.  As we’ve munched our way across town, we’ve discovered and ranked what we think is among the best breakfast in Burlington VT.

Take a look at our faves, starting with our #1 choice: Sneakers!

*Please note, we’re still eating, and the list will be updated as needed.

Ps: Also check out our other posts on Burlington food and beverage, (and things to do!):

Where to Find the Best Breakfast in Burlington VT | Top Burlington Brunch Spots

Sneakers

We might be cheating a bit with Sneakers, which is *technically* in Winooski, Vermont. However, it’s just a few minutes’ drive from downtown, and it is not only a worthy option for your Burlington VT breakfast spot, it’s actually our #1 pick.

Interior of a restaurant. An empty booth is pictured with plants behind it.

Breakfast on a plate featuring toast, potatoes, and a pancake.

Sneakers is bright, cute, and airy, but they could serve food in a cardboard box and it would still be great. The options here are delicious and unique, with piping hot food served in plentiful amounts.

The menu is full of appetizing dishes, so you’ll probably have a hard time choosing. There are various types of benedicts, Kahlua-dipped french toast, and chicken and waffles, just to name a few.

There are always yummy specials, including cocktail specials and even milkshakes, but I’d recommend the Vermont apple cider mimosa for your beverage. It’s a tart, refreshing drink, and the perfect pick me up!

Waffle on a white plate, stacked high with eggs and green onion.

The deets:

  • Sneakers Bistro
  • 28 Main St, Winooski, VT
  • Thursday through Monday, 8am-2pm

Pingala Cafe

Looking for vegan brunch restaurants in Burlington, Vermont? Check out Pingala Cafe! Breakfast is served up all day at this cool cafe, with options like their Brunchwrap Supreme (herbed tofu and aioli all dolled up with jalapeno, cilantro, tomato, and more) and their French Toast Puffs (baked french toast bits served up with ginger butter and a maple berry compote) being crowd favorites.

As far as atmosphere goes, it’s just a cool vibe all around! The kitchen/service counter is set up like a food truck, and the murals on the walls and funky yet naturalistic decor and furnishings make the entire space feel fresh and fun.

Oh, and did we mention breakfast is served all day? ‘Nuff said.

The deets:

  • Pingala Cafe 2 locations!
  • One Mill Street, Burlington, VT, daily 10am-4pm
  • 1353 North Ave, Burlington, VT, daily 11am-7pm

Skinny Pancake

If you’d prefer to stay downtown, Skinny Pancake has one of the best locations for brunch in Burlington, VT. The restaurant is situated almost directly on the waterfront, so you can eat and then go for a stroll along Lake Champlain.

Skinny Pancake is definitely high on our list because they have a huge breakfast menu. It’s also a generally fun place to go.

On the weekends, they often have live music playing on the patio. Unlike other breakfast spots in Burlington, the wait tends not to be as long, perhaps because this is a place with counter service.

White plate with eggs as well as biscuits covered in gravy.

Food on a plate, featuring salad, dips, and a quesadilla.

Skinny Pancake is famous for their fantastic crepes. Prioritizing local produce and local food suppliers, there are both sweet and savoury crepes. Nathan likes the Lumberjack, a crepe with local ham and Cabot cheddar.

I think you can’t go wrong with a basic Sugarshack (made with VT maple sugar) or a Hot Apple Crumble. There are so many creative possibilities, and vegans will like the options too.

In addition to their crepes, The Skinny Pancake offers an all day breakfast menu which includes basics like hash browns, a breakfast burrito, veggie hash, and my absolute fave: biscuits and gravy.

People eating inside a rustic wooden restaurant.

The deets:

  • The Skinny Pancake
  • 60 Lake St Ste 1A, Burlington, VT – (plus other locations in Burlington, Stowe, and Hanover, NH)
  • Hours vary, check the website

Need some ideas for lunch or dinner in Burlington or beyond? Check out our friend Dana’s post on where to eat local in Vermont.

Mirabelle’s

Mirabelle’s is another of the great breakfast restaurants Burlington VT has to offer, known for both their phenomenal baked goods and their delicious grab and go style breakfast sandwiches.

Baked treats like cinnamon rolls and popovers are always a good choice, and you’ll always find inventive creations like the cardamom bun, a brioche dough pastry layered with butter and cardamom filling to satisfy your sweet tooth.

If it’s something savory you’re after, order one of their delicious breakfast sandwiches on either biscuits or croissants like their egg and bacon with pimento cheese – scrumptious!

The deets:

  • Mirabelle’s
  • 3060 Williston Rd, Burlington, VT
  • Tuesday to Saturday, 8am-4pm

Henry’s Diner

If you like old school diner vibes, this might be the perfect breakfast option for you! Having first opened in 1925, this Burlington diner is a town landmark, located right off Church Street.

Serving breakfast all day, you can get your hearty, full serving breakfast classics like Sausage Gravy over Biscuits or an Irish Eggs Benedict any time! Clearly, at almost 100 years in business, this is one of those Burlington diners that can stand the test of time!

The deets:

  • Henry’s Diner
  • 155 Bank Street, Burlington, VT
  • Days open vary throughout the year, 6am-2pm

Vivid Coffee

You’ll find Vivid Coffee in the former New Moon location, and you’re no doubt probably already quite familiar with the roasted goodness of Vivid Coffee, as you can find their offerings at so many local restaurants and coffee shops.

However, Vivid Coffee is worth an in person visit to their store for both their fantastic coffee menu and their breakfast offerings! You’ll find options like egg sandwiches with muenster cheese on an aioli seed bun and their egg tacos divorciado, which are absolutely Chef’s Kiss fantastic!

The deets:

  • Vivid Coffee
  •  150 Cherry St, Burlington, VT
  • Monday-Friday, 7am-4pm
  • Weekends, 8am-4pm

The Friendly Toast

If you’re familiar with New England, you probably have come across a Friendly Toast in your day. This is a regional chain that has locations in Massachusetts and New Hampshire and it is super popular.

Great brunch food combined with a retro vibe makes this a spot that is delicious, fun, and very busy. Oh, and the full bar is always a great selling point, too!

The deets:

Where should we eat next?

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