We get it; our stomachs start grumbling after the 11:30 tour, too. Thankfully, there’s many lunch options nearby in Burlington’s New North End neighborhood. From American classics to ethnic eats, two right turns out of the museum will have you on your way down North Ave and towards some great food.
All of the below are less than 5 minutes from the museum and have ample parking. Restaurants with more limited seating are noted. When the weather cooperates, we suggest bringing lunch back to the museum grounds for a picnic – the picnic shelter has plenty of seating, and is open unless reserved in advance by a private group.
Counter Service
The Bagel Cafe and Deli
1127 North Ave Suite 29, Burlington, VT 05408
Tue-Fri: 6am-2pm
Sat: 6am-3pm
Sun: 7am-3pm
If you ask your tour guide for a lunch recommendation, this is probably what they’ll suggest, and for good reason. There’s a wide variety of sandwich options, soups, and of course bagels galore. In the summer months, treat yourself to a creemee (what we call soft serve ice cream around these parts).
Pingala Cafe & Eatery North Ave
1353 North Ave Suite 102, Burlington, VT 05408
Mon-Fri: 7:30am-7:30pm
Sat-Sun: 9:30am-7:30pm
Pingala offers food-truck inspired, crowd-pleasing vegan fare – think crunch wraps and breakfast sandwiches, not steamed kale. Even Guy Fieri approves: their original location in nearby Winooski was featured on Dinners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
Besserys Butcher Shoppe
1398 North Ave, Burlington, VT 05408
Mon-Thur: 12pm-8pm
Fri-Sat: 12pm-9pm
Sun: 12pm-7pm
A local favorite, Besserys’ deli offers burgers, salads, sandwiches, and more. Besserys doesn’t have indoor seating, but there are several picnic tables outside.
Table Service
Delight Restaurant & Bar
1130 North Ave, Burlington,VT
Tue-Sun: 11am-9pm
Delight serves a plethora of Indian, Nepali, and Indo-Chinese dishes, from tandoori chicken to pork momo.
La Boca Woodfired Pizza
1127 North Ave Suite 32, Burlington, VT
Wed, Thur, Sat, Sun: 12pm-8pm
Fri: 12pm-9pm
La Boca offers pastas, salads, and a page-long list of mouthwatering specialty pizzas.
Volcano Asian Cuisine
Tues, Wed, Thurs, Sun: 1:00pm-9:00pm
Fri, Sat: 1:00pm-10:00pm
1355 North Ave, Burlington, VT 05408
Volcano serves everything from orange chicken to banh mi, pad thai and sushi (lots of sushi). Note that seating is limited, but usually is available.
Butter Bar & Kitchen
1127 North Ave Suite 20, Burlington, VT 05408
Wed-Thur: 4:30pm-8:30pm
Fri: 4:30pm-9pm
Sat: 9:00am-2pm, 4:30pm-9pm
Sun: 9:00am-2pm, 4:30pm-8pm
Butter has elevated diner vibes – and brunch on the weekends.
Honorable Post-Hike Mention
Simple Roots Brewing
1127 North Ave., Burlington, VT 05408
Thur: 4 pm-8 pm
Fri: 3pm-9 pm
Sat: 3pm-9 pm
Sun: 1pm-7 pm
If you’re the type to follow an afternoon exploring the trails around the Homestead with a pint of something local, this is your spot. Simple Roots doesn’t have much in the way of food, but they are in the same plaza as La Boca, Butter Bar, and the Bagel Cafe.