Vermont is home to many amazing restaurants, but few capture the spirit of local food and community quite like The Skinny Pancake. This beloved crepe house has grown from a humble street cart into a statewide treasure, serving up delicious farm-fresh meals with a side of Vermont charm.
Whether you’re craving breakfast at dinnertime or looking for a cozy spot with lake views, this place delivers on every level.
1. Breakfast All Day, Every Day
Who says pancakes are only for morning? At The Skinny Pancake, traditional meal times don’t apply. Their full breakfast menu stays available from opening to closing, meaning you can order eggs and savory crepes whenever hunger strikes.
Craving a hearty breakfast crepe at 8 PM? Go for it. Want something sweet and maple-glazed for lunch? Nobody’s stopping you.
This flexible approach makes dining here feel refreshingly casual and customer-focused, breaking the rigid rules most restaurants follow without question.
2. Unbeatable Commitment to Local Food
Farm-to-table isn’t just a trendy phrase here, it’s a way of life. As proud members of the Vermont Fresh Network, they source an impressive percentage of ingredients directly from nearby farms. Local meats, fresh eggs, artisan cheeses, and seasonal vegetables all come from Vermont producers.
This commitment guarantees you’re getting the freshest, highest-quality meal possible while supporting the local economy.
Every bite connects you to the hardworking farmers and food makers who call Vermont home, creating a meal that tastes better because it matters more.
3. The Savory Crepe Experience
Forget dainty French crepes that leave you hungry an hour later. The savory crepes here are substantial, satisfying meals packed with bold flavors and creative combinations. The Johnny Crepe features maple BBQ pulled pork, sweet caramelized onions, and sharp Cabot cheddar tucked inside a cornmeal crepe.
Or try the Lumberjack with its simple but delicious ham and cheese filling.
These aren’t delicate desserts, they’re hearty, stick-to-your-ribs meals that prove crepes can be just as filling and comforting as any burger or sandwich you’ve ever had.
4. Iconic Sweet Crepes
Sweet tooth calling? Their dessert crepe menu reads like a love letter to Vermont’s best flavors. The classic Sugarshack keeps things simple with pure maple sugar and butter, letting Vermont’s liquid gold shine through.
Meanwhile, the Hot Apple Crispy brings warmth and comfort with local apples, honey, cinnamon, and a generous dollop of whipped cream.
Each sweet crepe balances traditional techniques with creative twists, making them perfect whether you’re ending your meal on a high note or treating yourself to something special just because you can.
5. Stunning Waterfront Location in Burlington
Location matters, and the flagship Burlington spot absolutely nails it. Perched right on the waterfront, diners enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Champlain stretching toward the Adirondack mountains beyond.
The outdoor seating area transforms a simple meal into a memorable experience, especially during Vermont’s gorgeous summer months.
Watching sailboats glide across the water while enjoying a fresh, locally-sourced crepe creates the kind of moment that makes you fall in love with Vermont all over again, or for the very first time.
6. Dietary-Friendly Options for Everyone
Eating out with dietary restrictions can feel like navigating a minefield, but not here. They genuinely care about accommodating different needs without making anyone feel like an inconvenience. Vegan and gluten-free buckwheat batter can replace the standard crepe base for any menu item.
They also feature specific dishes designed with these diets in mind from the start.
This thoughtful approach means everyone at your table can enjoy a delicious meal together, no matter what their dietary requirements might be, making group dining stress-free and inclusive.
7. Try the Famous Hash Purples
Hash browns get a Vermont makeover with this signature side dish that has developed a cult following. Hash Purples swap potatoes for shredded beets and carrots, creating a vibrant, nutritious alternative that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.
They’re typically served with house-made ranch dressing that perfectly complements the earthy sweetness of the vegetables.
One bite explains why regulars order these every single visit, they’re crispy on the outside, tender inside, and packed with flavor that makes you wonder why traditional hash browns ever dominated breakfast plates.
8. Support a Mission-Driven Business
Your meal here does more than fill your stomach, it supports a company genuinely committed to positive change. Their strong social mission focuses on sustainability, community giving, and building a healthier, more equitable food system for everyone.
They even helped develop the ShiftMeals initiative, which evolved into Vermont’s Everyone Eats program addressing food security.
Choosing to dine here means your money goes toward a business that actively works to make Vermont and the world better, not just richer. That’s the kind of restaurant worth supporting again and again.
9. Vibrant Atmosphere and Live Entertainment
Dinner and a show? Absolutely. The larger Burlington location regularly transforms into a casual music venue hosting live performances from local artists and bands. The atmosphere shifts from relaxed daytime dining to an energetic evening hangout spot buzzing with music and conversation.
It’s the perfect blend of good food and good vibes.
Whether you’re tapping your foot to acoustic guitar or enjoying a full band performance, the entertainment adds another layer of enjoyment to an already excellent dining experience that captures Vermont’s creative spirit.
10. A True Vermont Staple and Success Story
Every great restaurant has an origin story, and this one’s particularly inspiring. What started as a humble crepe cart on Burlington’s streets has blossomed into a successful, locally-owned institution with multiple locations across Vermont.
This growth happened because they stayed true to their values while serving consistently excellent food.
Visiting The Skinny Pancake gives you an authentic taste of Vermont’s entrepreneurial spirit and food culture, making it essential for anyone wanting to truly understand what makes this state special beyond the postcards and maple syrup souvenirs.
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