15 Vermont Steakhouses That Take Steak To The Next Level
Vermont’s rugged landscape and rich agricultural heritage come together to produce some of the finest beef you’ll ever taste. There’s something truly special about biting into a perfectly cooked steak, its sizzling aroma and bold flavors capturing the essence of the Green Mountain State.
Whether you’re dining in a rustic farmhouse kitchen or an elegant restaurant with sweeping mountain views, Vermont’s steakhouses know how to treat a premium cut right.
With a focus on local sourcing and time-honored cooking techniques, these spots serve up more than just a meal—they offer a true taste of Vermont’s dedication to quality and craft.
1. Guild Tavern: Farm-to-Table Perfection
Stepping into Guild Tavern feels like being welcomed into a sophisticated barn conversion where wood-fired magic happens. Last summer, I celebrated my birthday here and still dream about their dry-aged ribeye.
The chefs work directly with local farmers, selecting premium Vermont-raised beef that gets treated with reverence. Their open kitchen lets you witness the transformation as cuts hit the wood-fired grill.
Beyond stellar steaks, their housemade charcuterie showcases Vermont’s agricultural bounty. The warm, amber-lit atmosphere strikes that perfect balance between fancy and comfortable—exactly what you want when dropping some serious cash on serious meat.
2. The Farmhouse Tap & Grill
Nestled in the heart of Burlington, The Farmhouse Tap & Grill is a beacon for those seeking a rustic yet refined dining experience. The ambiance is a harmonious blend of farmhouse charm and urban sophistication, where wooden interiors and a crackling fireplace set the stage for culinary delights.
The menu is a celebration of local flavors, with each dish crafted to highlight the natural essence of its ingredients. Paired with an impressive selection of drink, the dining experience here is nothing short of extraordinary.
Visitors often leave with a deeper appreciation for the farm-to-table movement, a testament to the restaurant’s dedication to community and quality. With every steak, The Farmhouse Tap & Grill reaffirms its status as a must-visit culinary destination in Vermont.
3. Hen of the Wood: Foraged Flavors Enhance Prime Cuts
Mushroom lovers, prepare for steak nirvana! My cousin dragged me here last fall, and now I can’t stop raving about their woodland-inspired beef preparations.
Housed in an actual converted gristmill beside a tumbling waterfall, Hen of the Wood creates an atmosphere as memorable as their food. Their steaks come adorned with foraged mushrooms and herbs that complement rather than overwhelm the perfectly aged beef.
Chef-owner Eric Warnstedt has a magical touch with fire and iron, coaxing complex flavors from simple ingredients. The constantly changing menu reflects Vermont’s seasons, but premium local steaks remain the star attraction year-round, each bite telling a story of Vermont’s landscape.
4. The Chop House: Old-School Luxury in Burlington
Walking into The Chop House feels like stepping back to a time when dinner was an event. The leather booths practically hugged me during my anniversary dinner there last spring!
This Burlington institution perfects classic steakhouse traditions with tableside preparations and impeccable service. Their dry-aging room (which they’ll proudly show off if you ask) produces steaks with complexity that simply can’t be rushed.
Each cut receives personalized attention—from the butter-soft filet mignon to the robust porterhouse designed for sharing. The sommelier’s recommendations never disappoint, especially when paired with their signature bone marrow butter that slowly melts into the perfectly charred exterior of your chosen cut.
5. J. Morgan’s Steakhouse: Capitol City’s Meat Masterpiece
Politicians and locals alike flock to J. Morgan’s when important deals—or just important dinners—are on the table. During my visit after a day hiking nearby Camel’s Hump, their New York strip restored my energy and then some!
Located in Montpelier’s historic district, this steakhouse balances sophistication with Vermont’s characteristic lack of pretension. The aging process for their prime cuts is meticulously controlled, resulting in steaks with depth of flavor that keeps regulars coming back.
Their signature pepper-crusted filet arrives with a brandy cream sauce that should be illegal it’s so good. The knowledgeable staff guides you through both menu and drink list with genuine enthusiasm rather than scripted recommendations.
6. Cloudland Farm: The Ultimate Farm-to-Fork Experience
Eating steak at Cloudland Farm redefines ‘local’—you can literally see the pastures where your dinner grazed! My family’s summer visit here changed how I think about meat forever.
This working farm in Pomfret serves dinner in a stunning post-and-beam dining room overlooking rolling hills. The menu changes daily based on what’s ready for harvest, but their grass-fed beef—raised right on the property—remains the centerpiece.
Chef Ira White handles these exceptional ingredients with respectful simplicity. The steaks arrive with perfect sear marks, seasoned only with salt, pepper, and perhaps a drizzle of herb-infused butter. Vegetables picked hours before serving accompany each plate, completing a true taste of Vermont terroir.
7. The Perfect Wife: Manchester’s Hidden Gem
Despite the quirky name, The Perfect Wife serves seriously impressive steaks. My spontaneous stop here during fall foliage season turned into the meal highlight of my entire trip!
Chef-owner Amy Chamberlain brings creative flair to traditional steakhouse fare in this Manchester Center establishment. Her signature “Green Mountain Strip” features local beef crusted with Vermont herbs and blue cheese that creates flavor fireworks with each bite.
The tavern room’s stone fireplace creates a cozy atmosphere on chilly Vermont evenings. Regular patrons swear by the bourbon-glazed ribeye that arrives still sizzling on a cast iron platter. Save room for their maple crème brûlée—it’s the perfect sweet finale to a savory feast.
8. Harrison’s Restaurant: Stowe’s Steak Sanctuary
After a day conquering Stowe’s slopes, nothing satisfies like Harrison’s perfectly aged beef. My ski buddies and I stumbled in here, snow-covered and starving, and left feeling like royalty.
This family-owned establishment has been serving the mountain community for decades, perfecting their steak game while maintaining unpretentious charm. The intimate dining room with its crackling fireplace welcomes both dressed-up diners and post-adventure athletes.
Their signature “Smuggler’s Ribeye” gets a maple-bourbon glaze that caramelizes beautifully on their open flame grill. Chef Andrew Harrison personally selects each cut, forming relationships with regional farmers to ensure consistent quality. The loaded baked potatoes here deserve their own fan club!
9. The Bench: Fire-Kissed Flavors in Stowe
Forget stuffy steakhouse vibes—The Bench proves great steak can come with great fun! My best friend’s bachelor party landed here, and their wood-fired ribeye stole the show from the groom-to-be.
This lively gastropub centers around a massive wood-burning oven that imparts smoky complexity to their hand-selected beef. The open kitchen lets you watch flames lick perfectly marbled cuts while enjoying craft cocktails at communal tables.
Their signature “Hellbrook Hanger” (named after a challenging local ski trail) comes with charred scallions and smoked butter that amplifies the meat’s natural richness. The energetic atmosphere makes this perfect for groups, while the serious approach to quality satisfies even the pickiest steak connoisseurs.
10. Park Squeeze: Vergennes’ Intimate Steak Experience
Good things come in small packages—especially at Park Squeeze! This tiny spot in Vermont’s smallest city delivered the biggest flavor bomb steak I’ve had in years.
Housed in a narrow historic building on Vergennes’ charming main street, this intimate restaurant makes every guest feel like family. Chef-owner Matt Birong sources exceptional grass-fed beef from nearby farms, handling it with respect and creative vision.
Their signature coffee-rubbed sirloin develops an incredible crust that seals in juices while adding complex flavor notes. The restaurant’s small size means you might wait for a table, but trust me—watching the sunset over Otter Creek with their perfectly cooked beef makes every minute worthwhile.
11. Starry Night Café: Celestial Steaks in Ferrisburgh
Beneath twinkling lights in a converted farmhouse, Starry Night Café works beef magic that’s truly out of this world! My summer evening there remains one of my most treasured Vermont memories.
Chef Josh Krechel transforms locally-raised beef into artistic expressions that honor both tradition and innovation. The restaurant’s romantic setting in rural Ferrisburgh provides a backdrop as memorable as the food.
Their signature “Constellation Ribeye” features a black garlic and herb crust that forms a flavor universe on your palate. Seasonal vegetables harvested from neighboring farms complement each perfectly-timed steak. The intimate dining room fills quickly, so reservations are essential for this celestial meat experience.
12. Black Diamond Barbecue: Smoke-Enhanced Steaks
Who says barbecue joints can’t nail a perfect steak? Black Diamond proves doubters wrong with every sizzling cut! My motorcycle road trip through Vermont led me here by chance—now I plan routes specifically to return.
This roadside spot in Morrisville might look casual, but their approach to beef is seriously sophisticated. Pitmaster Tom Moran combines traditional steakhouse techniques with subtle smoke influence for uniquely Vermont flavor profiles.
Their signature “Green Mountain Tomahawk” gets a brief kiss of apple wood smoke before finishing over intense heat for perfect crust development. The relaxed picnic table seating and paper plates might seem informal, but one bite confirms this place belongs among Vermont’s steak elite.
13. Pauline’s Café: Garden-to-Grill Excellence
Pauline’s secret garden might be the real star here—until your steak arrives! My aunt introduced me to this South Burlington gem, and I’ve been sending thank-you cards ever since.
This unassuming restaurant surrounds itself with extensive kitchen gardens that supply much of their produce. Chef-owner David Hoene applies classic French techniques to Vermont-raised beef, creating sophisticated yet approachable dishes.
Their signature herb-crusted tenderloin comes with vegetables picked hours before serving, creating harmonious seasonal plates. The restaurant’s homey atmosphere belies the serious culinary skill in the kitchen. Don’t skip their house-made compound butters that melt seductively over perfectly rested steaks.
14. The Windjammer: Burlington’s Classic Steak Institution
Some places earn their legendary status—The Windjammer has been doing exactly that for over 40 years! My parents celebrated their anniversary here annually, and now I continue the tradition.
This Burlington institution combines old-school steakhouse atmosphere with consistently excellent execution. Their famous salad bar (a throwback worth celebrating) complements perfectly aged and prepared steaks.
Their signature prime rib—slow-roasted for hours—achieves that perfect balance of exterior crust and melt-in-your-mouth interior. The veteran staff knows regular customers by name and steak preference. While newer spots might get more press, The Windjammer remains the standard against which Vermont steak lovers measure all others.
15. Roots: Farm-Fresh Innovation in Rutland
Chef Donald Billings literally grew up raising cattle, and that lifelong connection shines through in every steak at Roots! My impromptu weekday lunch here turned into a three-hour flavor journey I still daydream about.
This downtown Rutland restaurant celebrates Vermont’s agricultural heritage while pushing culinary boundaries. The modern, airy space contrasts with deeply traditional respect for quality ingredients.
Their signature bone-in ribeye gets a 45-day dry-aging treatment that concentrates flavor to almost unbelievable levels. The accompanying seasonal preparations change constantly, but always highlight the best of Vermont’s farms. The restaurant’s commitment to sustainability extends to using the entire animal, so adventurous eaters should explore beyond standard cuts.