Vermont? White River Junction/Lebanon(NH) to Stowe

[bachman1953]

I'm picking up a rental car in Lebanon and driving up to Stowe to meet some friends for the weekend. I would appreciate suggestions for some good eating during the trip.

1. I'm planning to cut over to VT 100 and drive up through Warren and Waitsfield at about lunch time, and I'm looking for good places, always trying to avoid chain food.

2. The best food markets in the Waterbury-Stowe area (we'll have a fridde in the motel, I'll want some snacks on hand while I'm cross-country skiing.)

3. Good diner-style breakfast places in the Waterbury Stowe area, in particular I missed out on corned beef hash when I was up in New Hampshire last month, and would like to correct that deficiency.

4. Good lunch and dinner places in the Waterbury-Stowe area

5. Any recommendations of nightlife - drinks, music, places to meet and hang out. I'd prefer a more mature crowd, but to too mature. I mean, I've got ski poles in the car, not canes! :) (I think 30+ should do it.)

6. recommendations for box lunch that can be obtained in Lebanon/Hanover/White River junction during the morning hours. I'm returning to the city by train, and the offerings in the snack car are somewhat limited.

Thanks in advance.

[notthatfoodisimportant]

Re query #3, next time you're in the area, consider a 20-minute drive in to Montpelier for breakfast at The Coffee Corner (corner of State and Main Streets right downtown). It's the greasiest of historic greasy spoons, and a great small-town anthropological experience. Ownership has actually changed hands several times in the past 10 years (it is currently proudly owned by at least one former employee and his partner), but the corned beef hash is still the most delicious my husband has ever tasted. I always get the Manghi's maple walnut bread French toast with bananas and (of course) real Vermont maple syrup. For the complete experience, sit on a stool at the low counter or grab a seat at the community table in the front window.

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Coffee Corner
83 Main St, Montpelier, VT 05602

Main Street Cafe
888 Main St, Westbrook, ME 04092

[VTer]

For query #6, a take away lunch for the train...right across from the Amtrak station is Tuckerbox which offers a take-away menu...then go a few doors down to The Baker's Studio for a delicious treat for dessert.

[Morganna]

Oh yeah, get food somewhere to take on the train with you. We did that on our trip to DC, it was totally the best way. Just plan on picking something up before you catch the train. Doesn't even need to be right around the station. :)

[kaszeta]

I'll second the recommendation for Tuckerbox, they make one of the best BLT's I've ever had...

[chuck s]

Lunch on the way up at Simon Pierce in Quechee.

Breakfast at McCarthy's in Stowe but I haven't tried the hash.

The Alchemist in Waterbury for dinner.

[Morganna]

Is the food at the Alechmist is better than Ocha Thai or Stebu Sushi? I've only ever had their sweet potato fries, I'm never in Waterbury during dinner time. :) I've heard mixed things around here from "good pub food" to "nothing spectacular". Oh I think The Reservoir is another good place to go! I've heard good stuff about that. Seven Days gave it a decent review.

[Bri]

I've eaten there for dinner a couple of times and I like the food at The Alchemist (and the beer) and put it into the category of "good pub food." There dipping sauces for the fries are made from scratch (I don't use ketchup but tasted there homemade one and it was very good) and the crabcake sandwich was delicious. I also sampled a yummy meatloaf dinner, may have been a special.

[mjp81]

For dinner- Michael's on the Hill in Waterbury Center.
For Nightlife- The Alchemist in downtown Waterbury. Good food so you could always do lunch there. Great beer too!!

[VtYeti]

Lunch at Alchemist is tough unless you keep late hours...last I knew they don't open until 4 M-Th and 3 F-Su.
LOVE their beer!!! I'd say it's decent to better-than-average pub fare...I love the red beans and rice w/smoked andouille and the prices are very reasonable.

[Morganna]

Breakfast:
Juniper's Fare (at the junction of 100 and 2 in Waterbury), love this place, it's great
Park Row (Waterbury, near Green Mountain Coffee Roasters visitor's center) Yum!

Lunch:
Stebu Sushi (Waterbury, Main Street, on the down slope side in the lower part of the building there)
Ocha Thai (Waterbury, Main street, near the intersection with Stowe Street)
Juniper's Fare, again
Park Row, again

Dinner:
Hen of the Wood (Waterbury)