A classic throwback, if you know what I mean - an actual working man's counter luncheonette. Straight up, basic breakfast goods. The "hangover special" breakfast sandwiches were ginormous -not for the faint of heart. read more

Great service, great food!! We had breakfast at the counter. The corn beef is no joke! Perfect pancakes!

My siblings and I came to town for a concert and found this place with a google search. The food was satisfying, but the service was exceptionally good. The owner and his sister were very personable and even gave us some ideas of things to do while in town. read more

Did not like this place. The food was not very good - not like others reviews described - and service was not very good. I don't recommend. You can see by the owners feedback how rude and unpleasant it is. read more

Great diner Cheap prices with friendly service. Use quality boars head meats. Food taste great. Wish they were open later but amazing place to eat for breakfasts or lunch. Had the Rachael sandwich while I was here. Excellent read more

Some diners are better than others. And Handy's Lunch is a family legacy with heart, a horseshoe counter, and hot cookies. I really, really enjoy diners, diner culture, diner food- to me, it's something distinctly American you can't really experience in very many places. The walls in the entryway proudly display their first license, and other special pieces of Handy's history. When we arrived, couples, groups of friends, and families were all dining here and seemed to be engaged happily with the funny, helpful workers here. Try the pancakes, and the omelettes looked great too. This is one of those places where everything is probably really good, if my eyes watering as they kept brining out food indicates anything. Really a special place. read more

This cozy diner is a definate must while in Vermont! The staff is genuinely friendly and the owner actually prepares the meal... custom made!! The "hourse shoe," counter top is amazing, for interacting with the locals. I love it. My go to spot from now on!!! read more

Delicious food and friendly owners. We make this a regular stop on our trips to Burlington!! read more

Handy's Lunch - What a fun spot to meet friends - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Burlington, Vermont

Handy's Lunch is a fantastic, home run restaurant. The design is reminiscent of a 90's diner, and their mannerism matches. You immediately feel welcomed by the smiling cast of cooks and servers. They provide a filling variety of breakfast and lunch options, from pancakes to one of the largest sandwiches you will ever see (the Chuck Norris, it was featured on Man vs Food). My track, lacrosse, and football teams go before every home event as a pre-game ritual. Please consider going if you're looking for a place to get some great food with even better service. read more

Extremely accommodating, super friendly and personal, amazing sandwiches!!!! Thank you Earl!

Really enjoyed the experience here. Good prices, a chill atmosphere, great service, and pretty darn good food (we both had the Texas Hotdog). Will come back again if we are ever in Burlington! read more

Found Handy's Lunch the other day while exploring Burlington (my soon-to-be new home), the food was great and Earl and the crew were so friendly and welcoming. When I official move there, I'm looking forward to being a regular read more

This spot kicks ass! Great food and service mainstay in area for years always go there when in Burlington serval times during visit! Say hi to Earl! read more

Handy's Lunch is on a quiet corner on the edge of the downtown area. As you walk in you want to find somewhere to sit but then realize you only sit at a bar and are served by one waitress. This is a locals lunch spot I would say that 70 percent of the people that come here are regulars. They care about their food though it really is a diner. My son had pancakes that were upgraded with some corn grits for added texture... he said they tasted better than normal pancakes when he goes out and my other one had a breakfast sandwich (again). I didn't have anything because I am on a whole food diet and something about the word diner doesn't mesh with healthy. The prices are incredibly reasonable. Food was better than expected for the price. The waitress was nice and accommodating, the food came on time and was hot. The only issue was that the owner killed the vibe. He was not accommodating to other customers who came in at noon and wanted breakfast. The cook and the waitress said they would do it but the owner flat out said NO to the waitress -- because he would not talk to the customers.... who were right there?! And then proceeded to throw a sandwich at another customer because he was in a rush. Besides the owners somewhat crabby not so nice attitude (that I witnessed) I liked it here. read more

Handy's Lunch - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Burlington, Vermont

Easily the best meats in Burlington. Make sure you try the bacon and sausage if here for breakfast - crunchy with a ton of flavor!

Great local spot - nothing fancy just real people eating traditional American dinner food! Had the breakfast McHandy sandwich- perfect - service with a smile at a reasonable price.. read more

We were on the road from Boston to Montreal and needed a lunch break in Burlington. Found this place on Yelp and am glad we did. We checked the menu while driving and found some interesting choices. The Muffaletta was an awesome Italian style sandwich with a wide variety of tasty top quality cold cuts. They were topped off with an olive and pepper relish with Italian dressing. One of the better ones I've had. This came with fries (crispy the way I like them) and a pickle along with a 20 oz. drink for under $10. The Corporate Hippie had the best name and was a hit. Big grilled hot dog topped with chili on a roll, again with fries, pickle and 20 oz. soda for under $10. While it was a bit messy to eat, that's probably a good sign for a sandwich like this. Finally we ordered a chef salad that was huge, fresh and had plenty of fresh cold cuts. Another solid hit and also under $10. If you can eat like this for $10 and support a Local business, why would you go anywhere else? How good was it? So good we stopped on the return trip and had double bacon cheeseburgers that were just as good if not better. The only downside is we live 4 hours away so have to wait to go again! read more

Excellent Hot Mama - turkey Reuben with fries and a soda. Special of the day for only $9.50. High quality and great flavor.

If 3 1/2 stars where an option... Nothing wrong with Handy's Lunch it just never wows me and they could use a makeover. Staffs friendly and helpful. Pretty quick if you want white bread and non local beef. read more

A great lunch spot with a true counter where everyone interacts. Give Earl a hard time while enjoying everything he serves you up. read more

Handy's Lunch - Try a Philly Blue! Boars Head MarBleu on the Philly. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Burlington, Vermont

I have been bringing my twins to Handy's since they were babies and now teenagers . They are very family friendly, my son loves the bacon cheeseburger. And my daughter and I love the delicious Boar's Head meats and cheeses that we get for our lunches for during the week. The whole staff knows them by name now and don't even have to order anymore. I love how clean it is and we feel safe eating there during COVID. I recommend if you are either local or passing through town do not miss this place. Eat in or take out you won't be sorry. You can see why they've been around 75 years. read more

Amazing, delisious & wonderful people! Highly recommend to anyone who wants amazing home cooked breakfast with wonderful service! read more

Handy's Lunch - Cheese & veggie omelet - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Burlington, Vermont

Got the special for the day -- the Reuben, it was excellent and included were French fries and drink. The quantity of fries was like a double order at some restaurants. read more

Hidden gem of Burlington. Great food. Great service great atmosphere. I recommend the McHandy for breakfast. read more

Excellent hot pastrami sandwich and got a free cookie using the Yelp app. The owner Earl was amazingly sweet and provided superb customer service. Simple, delicious, and quick lunch as we headed home to ct read more

Handy's Lunch - Hot pastrami with Earl's recommended toppings - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Burlington, Vermont

I went there Saturday for breakfast, Not worth the money. I had the eggs ,bacon, english muffin and hash browns.. They put a dab of butter on the muffin, and the hash browns where like dried up raisins...I was very disappointed with the food. read more

We had our final breakfast in Burlington here along with two electricians and a dock worker. Great listening to them talk and interact with the owner's sister behind the counter. The owner's mom was filling napkin dispensers. Breakfast was served just the way we each wanted it with only a small serving of potatoes desired. Perfect breakfast and setting. Highly recommended for good food and local flavor. read more

It's OK. Food is like your mom made it, but she has to go to work in fifteen minutes and for some reason she is down to make French toast out of wonder bread. She doesn't have time for "seasoning" or "flavors." The atmosphere is what people want it for; it's like your dad from Swanton put a bunch of pictures of John Leclair up and some other hometown heroes. If you just wanted bacon and to sit at an amiable place, you got it. You pay a lot for "atmosphere". About half a potatoes worth of home fries for 2.50. Not worth it. Potatoes are dirt cheap, give us more potatoes. read more

I continue to love Handy's and I am pretty sure after being back three times already this semester, I can consider myself a regular. Earl knows I need my diet coke, he knows that I'll probably pretend to consider options but most times end up with a grilled cheese. Great homemade soup too! I love bringing my friends to Handy's, every single one who's been becomes a fan! read more

Awesome breakfast and a super friendly staff! The owner Earl makes you feel right at home. Wr will definitely be back.

Very good food! The atmosphere is laid back and old fashioned. The owner, Earl, was extremely friendly! He pulled out a map for my boyfriend and I, and gave us directions to Ben and Jerrys. I loved the food - try the pancakes! read more

Great service! Great food:) I love the retro feel of the place. My sister and I picked up sandwiches to take for a picnic by the waterfront. I highly recommend for a casual lunch. read more

Handy's Lunch in Burlington Vermont is a real treat. I make it my business whenever traveling through New England (I am from near Philly) to go out of my way to stop there for the Texas Chili Dogs and THE SUPERB SERVICE. I think about the Texas Chili Dogs often and my mouth waters when I do. The taste is so fulfilling: savory hot dog, spiced beef, toasty bread, and tangy deli mustard comes together to make the perfect sandwich. Earl and his Handy staff are the kindest, most fun, and down-to-earth folks you'll find behind a service counter. It's a great all-American story, too -- the restaurant has been in the family since 1945 and to say that Earl runs it with pride is an understatement. The Food Network should do a story on Handy's. You get the sense very quickly that many locals frequent the place because they make you feel right at home. Locals and newcomeers are all made to feel welcome. The U-shaped counter enables Earl to give everyone plenty of attention. It's a great place, folks and I look forward to my next visit. read more

Stopped here for lunch while on a road trip and loved it! You walk in and the U counter was full with people. We got a seat not too long after arriving and ordered. It was a tough decision as everything looked good. We sat on the far end so we got to watch him cook everything. The staff is friendly and willing to answer any questions as the menu does not have descriptions for certain things that you have no idea what it is. We ordered a gyro with sweet potato tots and a Texas Hot Dog with chili and side of fries. Everything was delish! I wish it was closer so we could go back for breakfast! read more

Wow. Walked in, sat down and grabbed their menu. Not a big menu which I like. To me it says we have what you want and we do it well. All seating is around a counter, fun. No descriptions for their specialty breakfasts but the server is friendly and happy to help. I ordered the SST and was not disappointed. Sausage egg cheese sandwich on French toast served with real maple syrup (no extra charge). It was hot and melty and slippery and divine! Not something I would normally order but it hit the spot. The place had regulars and tourists around their weathered counter, all of whom interacted with the cook from across the room while he created everyone's food. I enjoyed my short time there and will go back. Thanks Handy's. read more

First timer... Was a little intimidated because the line was basically out the front door. I decided to order to go to avoid the wait, my plan was foiled because the wait was just as long. Staff/Owner didn't seem to friendly, until I flashed my "redeem coupon". The food was ok, no big thrills and definitely not proportioned to the price. Only three stars for this one... no revisits on this one. read more

Handy's has become my favorite place to come for Breakfast/Lunch in the Burlington area. The atmosphere is welcoming and the family who runs the business are all very friendly. Lastly, the food is to die for. *Every* time I leave Handy's I feel stuffed - but to the right amount - full of delectable food. Handy's is worth a visit, at least once if you're visiting or live in the Burlington area. read more

I think there's a lot to be said for a restaurant where the owner greets you warmly, takes your order, cooks the meal, delivers it to your table, and checks back to make sure everything is OK. Even better if his mother (who, with her late husband) owned the business for the previous generation) joins in to help. Not only did we have a good meal, but a great visit with some totally Vermonty folks! read more

Good comfort food. So stuffed, I might pop. The big daddy breakfast had all the breakfast essentials. Cute coffee mugs. I might become a regular after today. read more

GREAT, super-friendly staff who welcome you in just like any of the many regulars that also dine there. This restaurant is truly a family run business. Complete with numerous special dishes, that all have a story behind them, you'll enjoy delicious food made by Mr. Earl Handy himself. Now don't be scared by the slightly dated decor of the restaurant. I know it's nothing compared to the flashy Denny's and Starbucks out there. But, it's full of charm, history, and Nostalgia. Trust me, it'll grow on you. read more