You’d Never Guess Vermont’s Fluffiest Pancakes Are Served At This Cozy Breakfast Spot
I’ll admit it—I’m a pancake snob. After years of disappointing, rubbery stacks that promised fluffiness but delivered cardboard, I’d nearly given up hope.
Then I stumbled into Penny Cluse Café in Burlington, Vermont, and my breakfast world flipped like, well, a perfect pancake.
Trust me when I say this cozy local spot serves up the most cloud-like, melt-in-your-mouth pancakes you’ll ever taste—and it’s become my weekend obsession.
A Burlington Breakfast Spot Since 1998
Penny Cluse Café opened its doors over two decades ago, and honestly, Burlington hasn’t been the same since. Owners Charles Reeves and Holly Cluse transformed a simple storefront into the breakfast destination that locals guard like a delicious secret.
Walking past this place on a Saturday morning, you’ll see the line snaking down the sidewalk, and you might wonder if it’s worth the wait. Spoiler alert: absolutely yes. The café has maintained its commitment to fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and scratch-made everything, which explains why people keep coming back year after year.
What started as a humble neighborhood spot has become a Vermont institution. The walls are covered with local art, the staff knows regulars by name, and the energy buzzes with that perfect breakfast vibe.
Where Cozy Atmosphere Meets Fluffy Pancakes
Stepping inside Penny Cluse feels like entering your coolest aunt’s kitchen—if your aunt happened to run the hippest breakfast joint in town. The space is compact but somehow never feels cramped, with mismatched chairs, cheerful yellow walls, and that wonderful clatter of plates and conversation that makes a restaurant feel alive.
Natural light pours through the windows, illuminating tables packed with families, college students, and tourists who’ve done their homework. The open kitchen lets you watch the magic happen, with cooks flipping those famous pancakes on a well-seasoned griddle that’s probably seen a million breakfasts.
There’s something about the vibe here that makes strangers chat with each other while waiting for tables. It’s Vermont hospitality at its finest, mixed with just enough quirk to keep things interesting.
The Buttermilk Stack That Locals Swear By
Here’s where the magic really happens: those buttermilk pancakes are legitimately life-changing. I’m not exaggerating when I say they’re so fluffy they practically float off the plate. Each pancake is thick yet somehow light as air, with that perfect golden-brown exterior that gives way to the softest, most tender interior you can imagine.
The secret? Real buttermilk and a recipe that’s been perfected over twenty-five years. They cook them just right—not too fast, not too slow—so you get that ideal texture throughout. When you pour Vermont maple syrup over them (and you absolutely should), it pools in all the right places without making them soggy.
One order is usually plenty for most mortals, but I’ve seen brave souls tackle two stacks. No judgment here—I understand the temptation completely.
Why Weekend Brunch Lines Are Always Worth It
Let me paint you a picture: it’s 9 AM on Sunday, you’re standing outside with fifteen other people, and you’re questioning your life choices. But then you remember those pancakes, and suddenly the wait doesn’t seem so bad. Most weekends, you’re looking at a thirty to forty-five minute wait, and somehow nobody complains.
The staff keeps things moving efficiently despite the crowd, and they’re genuinely friendly even during the breakfast rush. Many regulars bring coffee from home or grab one from a nearby shop while they wait. The line moves steadily, and once you’re seated, the food arrives surprisingly quickly.
Pro tip: arrive right when they open at 6:45 AM on weekdays or brave the cold for a weekday breakfast when lines are shorter. But honestly? Even the weekend wait has become part of the experience.
From Pancakes to Huevos Rancheros: A Menu Full Of Comfort
While pancakes steal the spotlight, sleeping on the rest of the menu would be a rookie mistake. Penny Cluse serves up some seriously impressive breakfast and lunch options that deserve their own fan clubs. Their gingerbread pancakes are legendary during the right season, and don’t even get me started on the cornmeal cakes.
The huevos rancheros pack authentic flavor with perfectly seasoned black beans, crispy tortillas, and eggs cooked exactly how you order them. Their biscuits and gravy could make a Southerner weep with joy. Everything gets made from scratch daily, using local eggs, Vermont cheese, and produce from nearby farms when possible.
Vegetarians and vegans find plenty of options here too, which isn’t always easy at breakfast spots. The menu rotates seasonally, giving regulars new reasons to keep coming back beyond their usual favorites.
A Community Gathering Place With New England Charm
What makes Penny Cluse truly special isn’t just the food—it’s how the place functions as Burlington’s unofficial living room. On any given morning, you’ll spot city council members discussing policy over coffee, artists sketching in notebooks between bites, and families celebrating everything from birthdays to college acceptances.
The café supports local farmers, artists, and causes, posting community announcements and hosting fundraisers throughout the year. Staff members aren’t just servers; they’re part of the neighborhood fabric, often working here for years because the atmosphere is that good. You can feel the genuine care that goes into every interaction.
This is New England hospitality without pretension—warm, welcoming, and wonderfully authentic. It’s the kind of place that reminds you why local businesses matter and why supporting them keeps communities vibrant.
Why Penny Cluse Café Belongs On Every Vermont Foodie’s List
Food critics and travel bloggers consistently rank Penny Cluse among Vermont’s must-visit restaurants, and the recognition is completely deserved. This isn’t trendy farm-to-table posturing; it’s the real deal that’s been doing things right since before it was cool. The café has won countless local “Best Breakfast” awards and appears in practically every Vermont travel guide worth reading.
What sets it apart from other hyped-up breakfast spots? Consistency and authenticity. They haven’t changed their winning formula to chase trends or expand into a soulless chain. Every plate that leaves the kitchen meets the same high standards that built their reputation decades ago.
Whether you’re a Vermont native or just passing through, missing Penny Cluse would be a genuine shame. Those pancakes alone justify the trip, but you’ll stay for everything else this place represents.
Making Your Penny Cluse Pilgrimage Count
Planning your visit strategically will maximize your pancake happiness. Weekday mornings between 7-8 AM offer the shortest waits, while weekends require patience but deliver prime people-watching opportunities. They don’t take reservations, so everyone waits democratically, which somehow feels very Vermont.
Bring cash if you can—they accept cards, but cash keeps things moving faster. The portions are generous, so consider sharing if you want to try multiple dishes. And please, for the love of maple syrup, order the real Vermont stuff on your pancakes. This isn’t the place for sugar-free alternatives.
Located at 169 Cherry Street in Burlington, parking can be tricky, so consider walking or biking if you’re staying nearby. The café closes at 3 PM, so don’t show up expecting dinner. Trust me on this one—I learned that lesson the hard way.