When you visit Southern Vermont along Interstate 91 there are a few places that top my list of casual food venues. These are not fast food restaurants, and they are also not elegant dining. They are however, very good choices with fresh foods, locally prepared.
First on my list is Thai Bamboo located at 
the corner of Main Street and High Street in Downtown Brattleboro. A pleasant restaurant with polite wait staff, fast service and Exotic Thai cuisine prepared from fresh ingredients. Prices are very good, and this is a great place for the veggie or vegan. Truly one of the best Thai Restaurants in Vermont.
Next - an old favorite with a brand new look. The Marina Restaurant & Bar. The old Marina located where the Connecticut and West Rivers meet in
Brattleboro has rebuilt after a horrific fire a couple of years ago. The result is a new Marina Restaurant on the Waterfront. Rebuilt in the same great location with a fabulous outdoor patio and a multi-level interior with a great bar area. The food is good, atmosphere casual, with a friendly staff and great bartenders.
Looking for takeout or maybe a picnic lunch? A visit to the Vermont Country Deli off Exit 2W on Route 9 in Brattleboro is worth a stop. The sandwiches are made for the larger appetite or perfect to share with a soup or side from the deli case. They often feature Mac and Cheese and other hot items. You can take home dinner to reheat, lunch on the run, or select from the pastries and cookies that are abundant. This is home to one of the original Gobblers - A Turkey, Stuffing and Cranberry Sandwich. Try it with and éclair.
Top of the Hill Grill, on Route 5 south, off exit 3 of I-91 is a warm weather favorite. (Open April through October) This casual roadside restaurant serves wonderful smoked pulled pork, beef brisket, ribs, grilled chicken and burgers, corn bread, cold slaw, beans, and even vegetarian choices. Dine on outdoor picnic tables and or in a heated indoor deck overlooking the West River.
Curtis' Barbecue Exit 4, on Route 5 in Putney, (Open April through October) is a Vermont Classic. BBQ Chicken and Ribs cooked over a wood pit. Take-Out or dine under their pavilion.
Amy's Bakery Arts Cafe on Main Street, in Downtown Brattleboro. A popular spot beginning first thing in the morning. Great Cakes, Cookies and Pastries. Good selection of breads, breakfast goodies and coffees. Lunch specials are served daily. This is one of my favorites as it is a cross between the bakeries of the 60's and modern day artisan bread bakers. Love the cookies.
If you are touring around during the summer months on Saturday morning take exit 2 west off I-91. On Route. 9 is the Brattleboro Farmers Market. One of the most popular Vermont Farmers' Market - this one is like visiting an International Food Court. Plenty of treats for breakfast or lunch - a smorgasbord of unique foods, local farm selling home-made delights, as well as some of the best Vermont grown fresh fruits and veggies. You'll find gluten-free pastries, Mexican, African, Greek, Thai and more.
So plan a day trip or a week discovering southern Vermont. There are many fabulous places just over the Vermont border on I-91. Come to Vermont - casual dining in and around Brattleboro. No invitation required, for breakfast, lunch or dinner!
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