Mad River Valley Restaurant Guide

 (Now closed till next ski season)
The Common Man is housed in a barn over 150 years old. The soaring hand hewn rafters of the timbered interior are lit by crystal chandeliers, soft candlelight, and a huge open-hearth manor fireplace. Dining is elegantly casual and casually elegant, definitely romantic, and is applauded by Vermonters and visitors alike. The restaurant has earned scores of prestigious awards. It is not associated with the chain with the same name in NH. (WHH comment: one of the best restaurants in the area, and also a favorite for our guests. Reservations are essential at weekends and on holiday weeks.) Normally open Thursday through Saturday in ski season. Price for dinner for 2 including a glass of wine and dessert is about $130.

275 Main – closed October 30th through November 22nd
The name for the main restaurant at The Pitcher Inn. The restaurant focuses on local, regional and global cuisine with a Mediterranean flair, and boasts an exceptional wine list. Intimate dinners can also be arranged in the private wine cellar.All baked goods are prepared daily on the premises. The restaurant is dedicated to using locally farmed produce, meats and dairy products in an effort to offer a fresh, authentic dining experience while honoring the local economy. (WHH comment: The Pitcher Inn is the only restaurant in the valley where most people wear more formal clothing to go out for dinner – although it is not required. It is at the higher end of the price range, but the experience matches the price. It has an extensive wine cellar for all budgets. Reservations are essential at all times.) Closed on Tuesdays. Price for dinner for 2 including a glass of wine and dessert is around $150.

(Now closed till next ski season)
Chez Henri is a Parisian Bistro in the Sugarbush Village since 1964 featuring romantic fireplace (for warming the bread), Italian marble bar, 1850’s mirrors, “Speakeasy” booths, VT Scenes murals.  Delicious cuisine for lovers, weddings, parties, and families. (WHH comment: During ski season you need to eat here at least once, if only to chat with Henri.  A fun evening out and good food.  Reservations are a good idea, and essential at weekends and on holiday weeks.) Open daily in ski season. Price for dinner for 2 including a glass of wine and dessert is about $130.

Tracks – closed October 30th through November 22nd
The Bistro Bar at the Pitcher Inn offering small plate dinner menu and cocktails, ideal for something a little more casual whilst perhaps playing a game of pool or shuffle board in the Maple Room or just enjoying the warmth of an open fire. (WHH comment: Less well known than the formal restaurant upstairs at the Pitcher Inn, Tracks is a great place for a light meal with great service and atmosphere.  Bar style seating. Reservations are essential at all times and Tracks is sometimes closed for special events.) Closed on Tuesdays. Price for dinner for 2 including a glass of wine and dessert is about $90.

The Hyde Away Enjoy delicious, carefully-prepared American cuisine using fresh ingredients. Affordable prices. The atmosphere throughout the Hyde Away is comfortable, casual and unpretentious. Enjoy dining on the outdoor deck, in the tavern or in the dining room. They have a selection of chicken, pork, fish and beef, burgers as main courses along with salads, daily specials, and desserts. (WHH comment: This is the restaurant we go to for a friendly and relaxed dinner when we don’t have the energy to cook for ourselves! They normally do not need or take reservations.) Open seven nights a week. Price for dinner for 2 including a glass of wine and dessert is about $70.

The Mad River Barn is an informal pub and restaurant near Mad River Glen. Serves both “lite” fare and a selection of entrees in the upstairs pub/game room and the downstairs dining room. Reservations are recommended weekends and holidays.(WHH comment: the “Barn” has a nicely decorated informal atmosphere in both the pub and the restaurant section.  The food is good and the pub offers a nice selection of Vermont beers on tap.  The pool table, shuffle board and air hockey table can make the pub section a bit noisy.) Open daily till 9PM and 10 PM at the weekends. Price for dinner for 2 including a glass of wine or beer and dessert is about $70.

American Flatbread Restaurant is all-natural pizza baked in a wood-fired earthen oven. Experience the camaraderie and casual elegance of fireside dining and enjoy American Flatbread fresh from the oven. Reservations are taken only in person at the restaurant starting at 4:00PM, and are essential during holidays and holiday weekends. (WHH comment: A local icon. Everyone needs to eat here at least once!) Open on Thursday through Sundays from 5:00 to 9:30 pm.  Check out their weekly special menus. Price for dinner for 2 including a glass of wine and dessert is about $80.

Mint focusses exclusively on Vegetarian fare. It is located in the historic part of Waitsfield just off Bridge Street. Emphasis is on organic, local ingredients. It has outdoor seating seasonally. (WHH comment: Both ourselves and many of our guests enjoy dinner at Mint and can thoroughly recommend it, whether you are a vegetarian or not. Reservations are preferred and recommended.) Normally open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday—note that they close by 8:30PM. Price for dinner for 2 including a glass of wine and dessert is about $80.Watch what our guests John and Rachel thought about Mint…

The Big Picture serves a varied and excellent menu and is committed to buying local ingredients. As the restaurant is part of the movie theater you can have a combined evening out, and even eat your dinner during the movie if you wish. (WHH comment: You will enjoy an excellent dinner; the only caution is that the restaurant is popular with families and can be noisy.) Open for dinner from Wednesday through Sunday from 5PM to 9PM.  Price for dinner for 2 including a glass of wine and dessert is about $75.