Bluebird Barbecue
317 Riverside Ave., Burlington, bluebirdbbq.com
Above the swirling eddy of Salmon Hole, a famed fishing spot on the Winooski River, Bluebird Barbecue invites diners to “meat here” for down-home brisket, pulled pork and ribs, slow-smoked on the premises seven days a week. There are also traditional sides — from creamy mac and cheese to coleslaw — plus 24 mostly local beers on tap. Pay attention to the daily specials, which include early-bird deals, ramen nights and Tex-Mex.
Al’s French Frys
1251 Williston Rd., South Burlington, alsfrenchfrys.com
Even the hand-cut fries here are a throwback to the ’50s. This retro space also sells corn dogs, cheeseburgers and, in season, creemees.
Archie’s Grill
4066 Shelburne Rd., Shelburne, archiesgrill.com
Diners pile in daily for local beef burgers, hand-cut fries and jumbo hot dogs at this always-fresh locals’ favorite.
Butch + Babe’s
258 N. Winooski Ave., Burlington, butchandbabes.com
A portrait of Pee-wee Herman presides over a dining room that serves varied global fare, from mac-and-cheese pancakes to housemade ramen.
Henry’s Diner
155 Bank St., Burlington, 862-9010
This local landmark offers breakfast all day and home-cooked dishes in a cozy, old-school atmosphere. Try the Greek specialties.
Our House Bistro
36 Main St., Winooski, ourhousebistro.com
The “twisted comfort food” here ranges from frickles (fried pickles) to mac and cheese with lobster or pulled-pork add-ons.
Parkway Diner
1696 Williston Rd., South Burlington, 652-1155
This Worcester Lunch Car, parked in SoBu since the 1950s, serves breakfast all day. Don’t miss the crispy-on-the-outside, buttery-on-the-inside home fries.
This article appears in What’s Good 2016: The Seven Days Field Guide to Burlington.
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