Vermonters Can’t Stop Talking About The Legendary Maple Bacon Burgers At This Local Spot
Maple meets crispy bacon at Backyard Tavern in Stowe, and the result is a burger people text friends about before the last bite is gone.
You will find it at 395 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT 05672, steps from trailheads and a quick cruise from the village.
The vibe blends ski-lodge cozy with playful local pride, which makes every visit feel like you just joined the in crowd.
Keep reading, because these details will help you order like a regular on your very first trip.
Where To Find The Hype
Start with the essentials because getting there hungry is half the plan.
Backyard Tavern sits at 395 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT 05672, an easy waypoint between the village and the slopes.
You will spot the bright sign, ample parking, and a deck that glows under string lights when the afternoon leans toward sunset.
Walk in and the room opens with paper lantern lighting, snowboards and bikes on the walls, and that friendly hum of families and hungry trail lovers.
The staff greets quickly and keeps things moving, which matters when maple bacon cravings strike.
Seating is a mix of booths, tables, and the patio when weather smiles.
Hours run daily from 12 PM to 10 PM, according to posted details, which makes lunch, an early bite, or a late burger feasible.
Prices for mains typically hover in the mid-teens, with most burgers and plates in the $12 to $18 range, aligning with hearty portions and solid value.
Call +1 802-253-9204 or check backyardvt.com for updates, seasonal tweaks, and patio notes.
The Legendary Maple Bacon Burger
Let us talk star power, because this maple bacon beauty earns every whisper.
The double smash patties bring crispy lace edges and juicy centers, cooked to a satisfying sear that crackles on the first bite.
Cabot cheddar melts into the crevices while apple bacon jam throws sweet-salty Vermont energy across the scene.
Maple cream ties it together with a light, silky sweetness, and peppery arugula pops with a fresh bite.
The bun holds firm without crowding the fillings, keeping each bite composed but decadent.
Portion size lands in that happy zone where you are full yet tempted to steal a fry and keep going.
Texture runs the show, from the crunch of bacon bits in the jam to the soft billow of the bun.
Flavor leans balanced, not sugary, so you taste beef first, then maple, then smoke.
If you love a finishing contrast, add pickles to punch through the richness.
Ambiance That Feels Like Home
First impression lands like a bear hug in flannel, all warmth and easy laughter.
Paper lanterns glow over tables while the patio strings twinkle like a Stowe evening sky.
Snowboards, bikes, and the bear-with-sunglasses logo wink from the walls, giving the room a playful heartbeat.
Music rides just under conversation, so you can chat without leaning in.
Families park strollers, locals stroll in post trail run, and travelers sink into seats with the relieved look of people who chose well.
The layout keeps things flowing, so even busy hours feel energetic rather than hectic.
Seasonal weather makes the patio a mini getaway, whether sunny or crisp. Inside, lighting softens the edges of a long day and sets the table for comfort food.
It is the sort of setting where a burger feels like a small celebration and dessert feels mandatory.
Menu Highlights Beyond The Burger
Here is where the fun starts when you want variety that still feels Vermont.
The menu covers burgers, tacos, tots, nachos, and hearty sandwiches, tuned for comfort and speed. Regulars call out fish tacos with crisp batter and cool slaw, plus a Cuban sandwich that hits salty, tangy, and melty just right.
Tater tots arrive shatter crisp outside and tender inside, with sauces that do more than ride shotgun.
Totchos take the concept further with cheese sauce, pico, pickled jalapeños, Cabot sour cream, and scallions layered like a mini mountain.
Salads provide a fresh reset if you want to balance the feast.
Kids get smash burgers that actually taste like the main event, not an afterthought. Portion sizes land friendly and shareable, so you can sample across the table.
If you are eyeing a lineup, go burger, totchos, and a taco duo to see the range.
Signature Taste And Texture Details
Bite by bite, the kitchen leans into contrast you can feel.
Smash patties deliver crispy edges that snap, then give way to juicy beef and melted cheddar.
Apple bacon jam is sticky-sweet and smoky, with small bacon bits that add a satisfying crunch.
Maple cream smooths across the palate like a friendly note, not a flood, keeping balance intact. Arugula lends fresh lift so each mouthful resets and stays interesting.
Buns handle heat and sauce without collapsing, which makes the final bites as tidy as the first.
Tacos bring crisp batter against cool slaw, with a lemon pop that wakes things up.
Totchos pile textures high, then finish with pickled brightness to cut through richness.
The throughline is simple: bold, clean flavors that stay lively from first plate to last crumb.
Service And Staff Experience
From the door to the table, the team reads the room with cheerful precision.
Hosts seat quickly when space opens, and servers pace orders so plates land hot and ready.
Questions get answered with specifics, whether you want a spice level nudge or portion intel.
When it is busy, efficiency stays high and smiles do not fade.
You will notice quick refills, check-ins without hovering, and a friendly habit of remembering your add-ons.
That combination turns a casual lunch into a well-orchestrated pit stop that feels unrushed.
Names sometimes become familiar after a couple of visits, which adds a local touch. If you are new, ask for favorite picks and listen for a pointed tip about sauces or sides.
It is easy to feel looked after here, even on a quick in-and-out bite.
Value, Prices, And Portions
Budget meets appetite here in a way that feels fair and satisfying.
Most mains sit in the mid-teens to high-teens range, aligning with quality ingredients and careful prep. Portions aim generous without tipping into novelty size, which keeps you comfortable instead of defeated.
Combos become easy wins when you split an appetizer and then go for a signature burger.
Tots offer a high value add because they are shareable and crave worthy.
Dessert leans rich and indulgent, best shared unless you have a serious sweet streak.
Given the steady hours from noon to 10 PM, you can plan lunch or dinner without schedule acrobatics. Quick service reduces the hidden costs of waiting, especially with kids in tow.
Overall, it is the kind of check you pay with a nod and a plan to return.
Best Times And Practical Tips
Timing is your secret ingredient for a smooth visit.
Arrive before the evening rush if you want patio seating and unhurried service, especially on weekends.
Off peak afternoons can feel like your own private deck with mountain air and string light charm.
Parking is plentiful, but trail season and holidays bring a fun crowd, so plan a small cushion.
If you are a first timer, order the maple bacon burger and add tots to share for a perfect intro. Ask about daily tweaks or specials because the crew will steer you right.
If the weather swings chilly, bring a light layer for patio hangs. For a quick turnaround, scan the menu online before arriving and be ready to fire.
Most importantly, save room for a sweet finish because the last bites deserve attention.
A Personal Bite Worth Sharing
One afternoon after a muddy ride at Cady Hill, hunger absolutely won the argument.
Rolling into Backyard Tavern, shoes dusted and grin wide, the host waved me to a patio table with sun warming my shoulders.
A server suggested the maple bacon burger and tots like it was the only reasonable plan.
First bite clicked like a seatbelt, all crispy edges and maple kiss, with cheddar melting into every corner.
Tots shattered and then turned soft inside, perfect dunked in the zippy sauce.
I slowed down at the final third, not because I wanted to, but to make the moment stretch.
When the plate cleared, the view and the buzz of happy tables did the rest.
It felt less like checking a box and more like joining a Stowe ritual. Walking out, I promised the future me to order the same combo again.
Why Locals Keep Talking
Word of mouth builds here because the story is easy to tell. The burger delivers a flavor signature anchored in Vermont with maple and bacon jam, executed with crisp sear and balance. The setting is comfortable, a little cheeky, and proudly local without trying too hard.
Service keeps pace, families feel welcome, and the menu gives enough range to satisfy the crew. Hours are consistent at 12 PM to 10 PM daily, so meeting up is simple and stress free. Location on Mountain Rd makes it an ideal stop before or after adventures around town.
Add it up and you have a place that sticks in memory the way good meals do. You leave with a happy fullness and a plan to bring someone next time. That is how legends spread, one maple bacon bite at a time across Stowe.