Hen Of The Wood Waterbury

Amazing place I always go with my better half when we visit Vermont. It isn’t a successful trip unless we dine here. Always a great time. Service: Dine in Meal type: Dinner Price per person: $100+

Food was fresh and delish, beautiful restaurant and great vibe, service was average at best. Service: Dine in Meal type: Dinner Price per person: $50–100 Food: 4 Service: 3 Atmosphere: 5 Recommended dishes: Cheese Selection, Mushroom Toast

I was in Vermont to tour the Ben and Jerry's factory and spend my 35th birthday, and I had read an article before visiting that said not to leave without trying this place, so I made reservations. They are reservation only and honestly, I can see why. This was by far the best meal I have ever had and I live in Orlando where fine dining abounds. We started with a two cheese appetizer, the goat cheese and Cabot cheddar. Only 10 bucks a piece and they came with maple crackers, apple butter, and hazelnuts, absolutely delicious. Along with our cocktails I knew it would be a great meal. I had settled on steak and my partner had settled on halibut but then the server came by and said the chef had moved on from rabbit to duck breast so we both ordered duck. I've had duck at several restaurants and the duck at hen of the woods absolutely took my breath away. The braised cabbage, butternut squash puree, and pickled cranberries I mean I would fly again right now just to get that meal back. To finish we had the chocolate pot de creme for dessert. Adam L was a phenomenal server as well. You should never visit Vermont without trying this place.

Love the atmosphere! Bartender is great! Phenomenal meal and service! This is for Burlington.

I tried unsuccessfully on several previous visits to Vermont to get reservations at Hen of the Woods. This time, we planned ahead for our party of 6, attracted by the rave reviews. Our high expectations were met with disappointment. None of us, foodies all, were blown away by the presentation, or creativity, or ambiance. The steak was cold, the polenta was soupy, the service lackluster and inattentive. There is better and less expensive food to be had, as we did experience at Jessica's in Middlebury, Leunig's in Burlington, and the Black Sheep Bistro in Vergennes.