13 Best Restaurants in Manchester VT (I’ve Tried Them All!)

*This site uses affiliate links; if you make a purchase through these, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you.
Latest posts by Amy Hartle (see all)

When visiting the charming town of Manchester, Vermont, you’re sure to work up an appetite! Fortunately, despite the town’s small size, there are numerous terrific restaurants here.

I lived in the Manchester area for several years, and so I’ve had the chance to eat at all of these. In this guide, you’ll find my recommendations for the best restaurants in Manchester VT. Bon appetit!

Best Restaurants in Manchester VT

Up For Breakfast 

a coffee mug that says "up for breakfast" sits on a table in a cozy cafe with a tiffany lamp chandelier in the back

4935 Main St, Manchester Center, VT 05255

You won’t want to sleep in knowing that Up for Breakfast is waiting for you! They recently introduced new hours: Monday-Friday 7am-12:30pm and Saturday & Sunday 7am-1:30pm, so up and ‘attem!

With its yellow walls and colorful Tiffany lamps, this tiny little breakfast nook tucked above an antique shop is absolutely adorable—and absolutely delicious. Weekends will be busy, but it’s worth the wait for fresh coffee, fluffy pancakes, and rich local specialties. 

Depot Street Burgers

468 Depot St, Manchester Center, VT 05255

If you’re looking for the best burgers in Manchester, Vermont, you’ll find them here. And the fries are pretty great, too!

Depot Street Burgers is delish, with their fresh-ground, smashed-burger style. Definitely what you’re looking for when you crave a burger, and good for lunch or dinner.

Mystic Restaurant & Bar

a flight of 4 light beers sits on a table in front of a small vase of flowers
exterior of a restaurant in a small town sdtreet
a salad on a table with a small vase of flowers nearby
a long bench in a restaurant covered with pillows

4928 Main Street Manchester Center, VT 05255

Mystic Restaurant & Bar is located right in downtown Manchester Center, this bright and sunny spot is ideal for lunch paired with a delicious glass of wine, or a beer flight!

There are some great options for vegetarians here, and pasta is made in house! Other options include salads and sandwiches that are perfect for a light, yet satiating lunch out in Manchester.

I love this spot because it’s incredibly cozy and well-decorated. 

The Little Rooster Cafe

Plate with sandwich and fruit wedges on a blue plate with a sandwich next to it on a white plate

4764 Main St, Manchester, VT 05255

Another one of the most popular breakfast restaurants in Manchester Vermont is Little Rooster Cafe, located on Main Street.

Good coffee, lots of varied breakfast options: you definitely can’t go wrong here for breakfast or for brunch/lunch! My eggs were top notch.

Ye Olde Tavern

5183 Main St, Manchester Center, VT 05255

Traditional comfort food in a historic building—sounds quintessentially Vermont, doesn’t it?

This is what you’ll find at Ye Olde Tavern, a restaurant that is housed in a 1790s inn. There are hearty dishes on the menu such as Cheddar & Ale Onion Soup, Roast Tom Turkey, and Venison. I am obsessed with their signature cranberry fritters and Vermont maple butter served with every meal!

Hound Dogs

a hand holds a chili dog in a parking lot
a red food truck that says hound dogs

Around Manchester

For ‘cheap eats’ in Manchester, VT, you can’t go wrong with Hound Dogs, a food truck/catering service that serves up delicious dogs, burgers, fries, and Philly cheesesteaks.

The prices are right and the food is oh, so tasty! Follow their facebook page to see where they’ll be parked during your Manchester trip.

Reluctant Panther Restaurant

39 W Rd, Manchester, VT 05254

Located at one of the most romantic inns in Vermont, Reluctant Panther Restaurant is perfect for a romantic date night! Think cozy, comfy, a little rustic yet sophisticated, this is the kind of place that fits the bill for most date night criteria.

Menu offerings include fine dining classics like scallops, lamb loins, and filet mignon.

If you’re visiting in the warm weather months when the patio is open, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a nice lunch date. It overlooks the gardens and is incredibly scenic!

Thai Basil

an old building in a vermont town, now a restaurant with a patio. the sign reads Thai Basil

4940 Main St, Manchester, VT 05255

If you’re craving something different, Thai Basil is a very tasty choice along Main Street in Manchester.

They do a great job on traditional Thai favorites like Pad Thai and (my personal fave) Massaman Curry, but there are also signature Chef’s Creations worth trying to mix it up.

This is definitely one of my favorite restaurants in Manchester, Vermont, and I try not to miss when I visit!

Charlie’s Coffee House

a bakery case filled with cake and pastries

39 Bonnet St, Manchester Center, VT 05255

In need of a quick latte? I am right there with you.

While you can certainly head to Manchester’s Starbucks (which, by the way, has a super friendly staff), if you’d prefer to support a local coffee shop, Charlie’s Coffee House is the place to go.

I recommend their maple latte (a must when visiting Vermont). They’ve also got lots of pastries and other prepared foods, great for dining in or grabbing a picnic lunch to go.

The Copper Grouse

a cocktail and a glass of wine on a table
a menu on a dinner table with small candles nearby
hotel exterior and signs that read Taconic Hotel and Copper Grouse

3835 Main St, Manchester, VT 05254

Located at the Taconic Hotel, one of the top places to stay in Manchester, The Copper Grouse has a fantastic cozy vibe.

It will draw you in on a cold winter night and leave you extremely satisfied with craft cocktails and terrific tavern fare that is ideal for a Manchester Vermont dinner date!

Bob’s Diner

The interior of a Manchester Vermont breakfast diner, stools at a counter
Editorial credit: jenlo8 / Shutterstock.com; this Manchester Vermont breakfast diner has a cute retro theme!

2279 Depot St, Manchester Center, VT 05255

Wondering if there are any diners in Manchester Vermont offering up classic diner grub? Yes, there most certainly is!

Bob’s Diner is retro themed and the perfect spot to fuel up for breakfast before a fun day exploring Manchester. You’ll find classic diner fare like omelets, skillets, pancakes and more. This is a very popular breakfast and lunch spot in Manchester!

Silver Fork

48 W Rd, Manchester, VT 05254

This lovely, intimate restaurant is set in a beautiful historic building. Silver Fork is a definite must visit if you’re looking for nice dinner date places in Manchester, Vermont.

Menu offerings include entree items like fresh ground veal bolognese and small plate options like Caribbean chilled crab salad. This is a great spot for anyone looking for an elevated dinner service that is still quite comfortable and approachable.

Zoey’s Deli & Bakery

I would be remiss if I didn’t include Zoey’s Deli & Bakery on this list. I actually worked at this popular lunch spot for many years and I can attest that it was both well-loved and delicious.

Known for its homemade bread (I helped bake the loaves myself) and crispy homemade chips (I cut the potatoes!), Zoey’s has been around since 1991 and still offers the same delicious sandwiches, salads, and soups. Unfortunately, the deli’s namesake, the sweet golden retriever Zoey, is no longer with us, but the legacy of Zoey’s absolutely lives on. When I worked there, customers would tell me ALL the time how they had driven hours just for the potato chips.

My favorite item at Zoey’s was always the Turkey Royal with its cranberry mayo. You can’t go wrong there; and the best bread is the Honey Oat. Enjoy!

Hopefully this Manchester VT restaurant guide will point you in the right direction for where to eat during your next visit.

I’ve included some of my personal favorites on this list, and maybe they’ll become your new favorites, too!

You might also like: