Restaurants

There are numerous restaurants to choose from in the Mad River Valley: these are our favorites. Please note that the prices are approximate and based on our best knowledge. The descriptions are derived from their own write-ups followed by our own West Hill House (WHH) comments. All the restaurants we recommend are members of the Mad River Valley Chamber of Commerce.

We would be happy to help you by making reservations on your behalf.

Fine dining (reservations recommended):

The Common Man
Over 150 years old, the soaring hand hewn rafters of the timbered interior are lit by crystal chandeliers, soft candlelight, and a huge open-hearth manor fireplace in season. Dining is elegantly casual and casually elegant, definitely romantic, and is applauded by Vermonters and visitors alike. The restaurant has earned scores of prestigious awards. (WHH comment: our favorite restaurant when we get a chance for a nice dinner out. Reservations are essential at weekends. Make sure to ask for the Bistro menu as well as the main menu.)
Evenings of operation vary seasonally - usually closed Sundays and Mondays. Price for dinner for 2 including a glass of wine and dessert is about $90.

SweetWood Grill and Bar
Owner/Chef Jeff Lynn brings to the table an innovative interpretation of bistro classics and great wine with an American style. They offer a delicious menu and good service. Main courses include Chicken Breast, Veal Scaloppini, Atlantic Halibut and Rib Eye. (WHH comment: A less well-known restaurant but a great chef and an interesting menu. Reservations are a good idea.)
Open Thursday - Monday evenings. Price for dinner for 2 including a glass of wine and dessert is about $90.

The Pitcher Inn
Dining at the Pitcher Inn is not to be missed. The Pitcher Inn boasts an exceptional wine list and intimate dinners can be arranged in the private wine cellar. All baked goods are prepared daily on the premises. The restaurant is dedicated to using locally farmed produce, meats and dairy products in an effort to offer a fresh, authentic dining experience while honoring the local economy. In a revival of contemporary American cooking, the menus are regionally inspired, enhanced by cross-cultural influences. Simple rustic ingredients are used with a strong influence on game for main courses. (WHH comment: The Pitcher Inn is the only restaurant in the valley where most people wear more formal clothing to go out for dinner. It is expensive but if you don’t mind the price the experience is worth it. Reservations are essential at all times.)
Closed on Tuesdays. Price for dinner for 2 including a glass of wine and dessert is about $125+.

Chez Henri Restaurant (Skiing season only - opened for the season on December 7th)
A Parisian Bistro in the Sugarbush Village since 1964 featuring romantic fireplace (for warming the bread), Italian marble bar, 1850's mirrors, "Speakeasy" booths, VT Scenes murals.  Delicious cuisine for lovers, weddings, parties, and families. (WHH comment: During ski season you need to eat here at least once, if only to chat to Henri.  A fun evening out and good food.  Reservations are a good idea, and essential at weekends. They do not have a website; phone is 802-583-2600.)
Open daily in season. Price for dinner for 2 including a glass of wine and dessert is about $100.

More casual atmosphere:

The Hyde Away
Enjoy delicious, carefully-prepared American cuisine. The freshest ingredients. Affordable prices. The atmosphere throughout the Hyde Away is comfortable, casual and unpretentious. Enjoy dining on the outdoor deck, in the tavern or in the dining room. They have a selection of chicken, pork, fish and beef, burgers as main courses along with salads, daily specials, and desserts. (WHH comment: This is the restaurant we go to for a friendly and unpretentious dinner when we don’t have the energy to cook for ourselves!)
Open seven nights a week.  Price for dinner for 2 including a glass of wine and dessert is about $50.

American Flatbread Restaurant
American Flatbread is all-natural pizza baked in a wood-fired earthen oven. Vermont Magazine voted American Flatbread best hometown restaurant in the pizza division for 1998. Reservations are taken only in person at the restaurant starting at 4:30 PM, and are essential during holidays and holiday weekends. (WHH comment: A local icon. Everyone needs to eat here at least once!)
Open only on Fridays and Saturdays from 5:30 to 9:30 pm.  Price for dinner for 2 including a glass of wine and dessert is about $60.

Easy Street Café
Creative homemade food in a casual café setting. Selections will vary based on seasonal availability. (WHH comment:  Lacks the atmosphere of the other fine restaurants but their menu is excellent. They do not take reservations.)
Dinners served from 5:30 PM Tuesday through Sunday. Price for dinner for 2 including a glass of wine and dessert is about $70.

Tracks (at the Pitcher Inn)
Offers a small plate dinner menu and cocktails, ideal for something a little more casual whilst perhaps playing a game of pool or shuffle board in the Maple Room or just enjoying the warmth of an open fire. (WHH comment: Less well known than the formal restaurant upstairs at the Pitcher Inn, Tracks is a great place for a light meal with great service and atmosphere.  Reservations are essential at all times and Tracks is sometimes closed for special events.) Closed on Tuesdays. Price for dinner for 2 including a glass of wine and dessert is about $60.

The Purple Moon
Join your friends at the handcrafted mahogany bar or on one of the comfortable couches. The pub offers the finest cocktails, martinis and wine. Pub menu offers unique fare and is served all night. Watch for live entertainment and special events. Raw Bar on Thursday nights. (WHH comment: An informal place for good beer and bar type food.)
Open daily. Price for dinner for 2 including a glass of wine and dessert is about $40.

The Big Picture Theater Café
Waitsfield has a unique movie theater with an attached informal restaurant.  They have Tapas, a full menu, espresso & cappuccino, an outdoor Biergarten in summer and Thursday night Sushi. The theater shows current movies in a very comfortable setting, and also hosts a variety of special events. (WHH comment: For a casual evening out it’s a great place to go.)
Open Wednesday to Sunday. Price for dinner for 2 including a glass of wine and dessert is about $50.

Click here for a more extensive listing of area restaurants.