Burlington on a Budget

Burlington, Church Street especially, is known for its food, from fine French dining at Leunig's to fresh pasta at Pascolo. But fear not - if you're really strapped for cash or just want something to try, there are plenty of options for you, too. 

1. Tastings
There are always free samples on Church Street - you just have to keep your eyes open. Lake Champlain Chocolates almost always has chocolate or fudge samples out. Besides chocolate, you can also grab a cup of amazing dark hot chocolate, or some really good ice cream if you're up for a snack. In the mood for something savory? Saratoga Olive Oil also lets you try literally every product in their store, which ranges from infused olive oils and balsamics to different types of salt. It's polite to buy something after trying all of those things, of course, but once you've tried them, if you're anything like me you'll wind up walking out with at least one bottle. 

2. Leunig's Petit Bijou
This is my new favorite place - everything is really good and very affordable. If you want a snack, I recommend the scones or the beignets, but they also have salads and other dishes that work as full meals. There is no seating as it is just an outdoor stand, but unlike Leunig's itself, nothing they serve requires a full set of silverware and a cloth napkin for your lap. 

If you know me, you know I love scones - 10/10 would recommend this maple one. 

3. Sweetwaters
I will always recommend Sweetwaters to anyone who asks for food recommendations, but it really is delicious and accommodates a variety of tastes, diets, and budgets. They even have a gluten-free menu - not just a gluten-free hamburger bun option. One of my favorite things to do when I go there with a group is to only buy appetizers (and dessert of course) and then split the check. We get to try a lot of dishes, there's plenty of food, and the bill for each person is much smaller than if we'd ordered an appetizer, entree, and dessert individually. Throwing a salad into the mix boosts the number of vegetarian dishes on the table, and everyone is happy. 

Molten Chocolate Cake and Maple Crème Brûlée - yum!

These are only a few of the places I have been to recently, but there are plenty of budget-friendly menus on Church Street, including Asiana Noodle Shop and b.good. Whatever you're in the mood for, Burlington has. 

Until next time, 
Laura