This Vermont Tavern Serves Crab Cakes So Good, Locals Swear You’d Think You Were On The Coast
Finding authentic coastal seafood in landlocked Vermont might sound like a tall order, but Shanty On The Shore proves geography is no match for good cooking.
This Burlington waterfront tavern has earned a devoted following for crab cakes that rival anything you would find at a Maryland dock or Massachusetts harbor. One bite of their golden, lump-filled beauties will have you questioning whether Lake Champlain secretly connects to the Atlantic.
The Crab Cake That Fooled My Tastebuds
Picture this: harbor air drifting through open windows, the distant call of gulls, a paper napkin beneath your fork as you cut into a golden crust. What gives way underneath is pure magic, a buttery, barely crisp exterior protecting lump crab that sings of brine and ocean depth.
Every forkful delivers a bright hit of lemon and herb that makes you forget you are inland, miles from any saltwater tide. The Shanty sits right on Burlington’s waterfront, specializing in seafood with coastal soul.
That location matters because the kitchen treats every dish like it is destined for a beachside shack, honoring tradition with every sear and season.
Shanty On The Shore – Burlington’s Waterfront Tavern
Old timber beams frame the dining room while nautical touches, weathered rope and vintage oars, line the walls like relics from a seaside voyage. The Shanty anchors itself on Burlington’s waterfront, offering unobstructed harbor views that justify every seafood claim on the menu.
Families settle into booths beside boaters fresh off the dock, date-night couples claim window seats, and the clink of glasses mingles with easy tavern chatter. This is not stuffy fine dining but warm, welcoming energy.
Vermont might lack an ocean, but Lake Champlain lends enough maritime spirit to make coastal cuisine feel right at home here.
What Makes These Crab Cakes Work: Technique & Ingredients
Visibly large lumps of crab dominate each cake, proof that filler takes a backseat to the star ingredient. A light binder holds everything together without smothering the sweet, salty crab center, and a quick sear locks in moisture while building that signature crisp shell.
Texture contrast is everything: the exterior crackles gently, then yields to a pillowy, briny heart laced with subtle herb and Old Bay whispers. Bright finishing sauces, whether lemon aioli or tangy remoulade, amplify rather than mask.
Local reviewers consistently praise the Shanty’s crab preparations, citing them among the region’s finest seafood offerings.
What To Order With It
Crisp local drinks cut through the richness beautifully, while a bright Pinot Grigio or Vermont Riesling lifts the crab’s natural sweetness into the spotlight. Sparkling drink adds festive contrast if you are celebrating a special evening on the water.
On the side, consider a house salad with citrus vinaigrette, hand-cut fries with sea salt, or a coastal slaw that echoes boardwalk nostalgia. Signature sauces, tangy remoulade and lemon-garlic aioli, offer dipping variety.
Traveling with friends means you can order a sampler of seafood starters, letting the kitchen show off its full range beyond the famous cakes.
Why Burlington Residents Keep Coming Back
Regulars call these crab cakes the closest thing to the coast without leaving Vermont, a sentiment echoed in countless local reviews and dining roundups. Burlington food lists frequently name the Shanty among top seafood destinations, proof that word travels fast in tight-knit communities.
One summer evening I watched a family order their second round, the kids dipping fries while parents savored every bite against a backdrop of orange-pink sky. That kind of loyalty is not manufactured.
Late-night orders and sunset reservations fill the calendar because people know this kitchen delivers consistency, flavor, and a little escape from landlocked routine.
Practical Details
The Shanty sits walkable from downtown Burlington’s waterfront, with parking nearby and seasonal boat-dock access for those arriving by water. Summer twilight hours draw the biggest crowds, so timing matters if you want prime seating.
Arriving early secures a coveted window table overlooking the harbor, and calling ahead for weekend nights is smart strategy during peak season. Many establishments post daily seafood specials, so checking the Shanty’s website or phoning in confirms menu availability.
Current hours and offerings shift with the season, making a quick online visit worthwhile before you head out for your crab cake pilgrimage.
Why These Crab Cakes Made Me Forget I Was In Vermont
Lingering briny sweetness stays with you long after the last bite, wrapped in the comforting warmth of a meal done right. These crab cakes transport you to a coastal pier even while you sit beside a freshwater lake, proof that great cooking transcends borders.
Visit on a clear evening when the water glows amber and order the crab cakes with your preferred pairing, then decide whether you feel like the coast too. A must-order dish, worth a special trip.
Tell your friends, bookmark the spot, and let the Shanty remind you that sometimes the best seaside moments happen far from the sea.