I went to Handy's Lunch a little while back. The service wasn't the best as I wasn't even greeted....but the food made up for it. The portions were big and the ingredients were good. read more

Best pancakes but the chef understandably would not reveal his recipe . Great staff and seems very popular with the locals. read more

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

This place! Even though it is a little run down.. has wonderful food and friendly staff and customers. The pancakes were delicious and so was the coffee! read more

Excellent food, this diner is one of few in Burlington and is epicurean of classic breakfast and lunch. The pancakes are the best in town not even close. The vibe almost takes you back to when it first opened in 1945 with the red leather stools at the booth. The Chuck Norris meal is yet to be eaten in one sitting...someday. read more

We happened upon Handy's on our first day in Burlington and loved it so much that we grabbed breakfast there on our way out too. This place feels so inviting, which I credit to the friendly staff, including the owner, Earl, who was so nice to talk to while we munched on a seriously delicious reuben sandwich and a cheeseburger (and we had the classic McHandy's on our way home, which were awesome too!). I loved looking at all the cool things on the wall, from pictures of famous visitors to art made by locals, including a story about Earl's father, who ran the place before him. Family history, great food, wonderful staff, gotta swing by Handy's if you're in Burlington. read more

This was a great experience! The chef and servers were really nice and funny and the food was amazing! definitely good for kids also because theres chicken and fries. I got the chicken sandwich and it was really crispy and good and probably the best I've had and that's saying something because I wasn't that hungry. If you're thinking about stopping here don't change your mind because it's very fast and you get your food quick. Thanks for lunch! read more

At the very end of nice Burlington weekend, we wanted to find a non-tourist kind of spot for a bite before hitting the road home. Literally driving around looking for the place where cops and carpenters eat. We found it! We were there nearly by ourselves, just one other couple. We had omelettes and coffee's and we enjoyed them very much. The guy running the place couldn't have been nicer or more welcoming. We loved the place. read more

My standby for more than 20 years - from the giant breakfast to the grab-and-go egg sandwich, Earl has everything you'll ever need. I've tried (and failed) to defeat the Chuck Norris, but highly recommend you take your best shot at it. Anything from the pancakes to the Texas Dog will do you right! read more

The best breakfast , by far, in Burlington Vermont! I get the corn beef hash every time I go. Check out their sandwiches!! read more

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

Came here because of Man Vs Food but will be back because the food was amazing. Nice cozy place and good prices.

This was a warm up for the chuck Norris. Can't say enough about this place. Great food great staff great atmosphere. read more

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I've been here 5 times The first time I had a gift certificate from an online food group, so I was super excited! I have never heard of the place before I ordered my daughter a short stack and a side of bacon. The first half of the menu is all breakfast items and no where does it say that they don't serve breakfast after 11, especially since they close at 1. Money is money, happy customer means repeat service they serve breakfast all day (until 1) on Sat and Sun The second time I went it was after 11, so I was informed that because it was so hot outside, they had turned the griddle off. Okay, it's summer time, makes sense The third time I was told they don't serve breakfast after 11. The forth time I went inside with my daughter, who really likes the guy, so she ran right up to him talking to him, she's 6. She was wearing a mask. He said stand over there, stay over on that side, completely ignoring her and that she was talking to him. He wasn't very nice to her at all. He very easily could have said "wow that's cool, thanks for sharing, can you stand over there so that we're all safe" He totally disrespeced her as a person and as a small child that's super happy to see him. I had already ordered her pancakes and bacon. She was at the old-time counter with spinning chairs. She touched a piece of metal where you put menus, he scolded her not to touch it. I would have left, but the food was for her. I told him he was going to have to clean the counter anyway and to stop talking to her. He totally ignored her and then scolded her, that's how he treats his new customers. The last time I went in it was after 11, so I just wanted to verify that he wasn't going to make her pancakes and bacon, he said no, as I was leaving I fell out of the door because there's a 1 foot drop that isn't marked. Edited: I fell out of the door because I was trying to get out of there as soon as possible, I pushed the door open with my back and fell out, tripping on myself... He didn't ask if I was alright... There were 6 people in restaurant 2 eating together at the counter, probably not from the same household, one entered after I had and was standing less than 2 feet away from me... I was very uncomfortable and was fleeing when I fell out of the door Apparently there is a very sm sign on the door that states watch your step, which I didn't see because I was backing out of the store My daughter was very disappointed, since he was Mr meany pants to her the last time that she saw him and she was just trying to be friendly she really likes the guy. And then this time them not making her breakfast, was kinda the last straw for her, I don't think that we're going to come back, ihop serves pancakes and bacon all day and they're actually NICE to my child I really support small local businesses I really have tried to support this small business, I have been there 5 times, that's a really good effort After leaving this exact same "negative" review, his response was to call me a troll. He has no compassion, empathy, respect for children, or couth read more

It's a cute , old fashion spot which I liked a lot. The owner was there and was very nice , sociable with all the customers. The food was really good but it was a little bit too over priced in my opinion. read more

Handy's Lunch is famously known in the Burlington area, especially in the downtown circuit. It's well frequented and promoted by various social media enthusiast, which is not surprising since Early Handy (owner/cook) is a social media junkie himself. The Burlington community is always grateful for his contributions, promotions, and support for other businesses and charitable organizations, which is truly wonderful. So, I heard a lot about this place and have also known Earl for quite sometime through various social media channels, and I figured it was time I give this place a shot. My first impression - It's a very friendly and welcoming place, just like Benjamin B's review, "You remember Cheers, where everybody knows your name? That's what it's like walking into Handy's." I was greeted by Earl's sister, Mary, who saw I was a little lost with the food choices and suggested one of the specials which has made this establishment famous. I had the Texas Chili Hot Dog, Texas Chili Cheese Burger, and fries. Once my order was placed, I saw Earl do his magic on the grill. In no time, I had a basket of hot, made to order delicious food. Another thing to note is that Earl makes it a point to walk around the horseshoe shaped counter to talk to each and everyone of his customers. Learns their names, ask if things are okay, cracks a few jokes, and leaves everyone in a great happy mood. That is what you would want from an eatery along with great food. I walked away smiling and with a full belly. Cheers to a wonderful family business. read more

Handy's Lunch - Tex-Dogs, Tex-Cheese Burgers, and Fries. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Burlington, Vermont

I love this place, the food is great! It has that welcoming hometown feel to it. I recommend it.

Best people and food. Kind of place that makes you feel like family. So manny hidden gems on the menu. Never have left hungry. Highly recommended read more

Great food, great service, great hometown vibe -- and thank you Earl for telling me you would watch out for my UVM student while he is 3000 miles from home. Definitely stop in for the outstanding, unique, and huge breakfast sandwiches -- with Vermont maple syrup -- Yum! read more

Hate to give such a glowing review because it may loose it's charm. But after 70+ years, I don't see that really happening. We had breakfast there two days in a row while visiting Burlington. The food is good - but you can get eggs and hashbrowns pretty much anywhere. But the ambiance is what makes this place so special. It is small and everyone knows each other and makes you feel at home within minutes. It is a U shaped counter and you quickly become a part of the conversation that is happening between the regulars and staff. read more

Best food.. best service...the feel of an old time diner where the cook/owner makes everyone feel special

In a world where a good diner is hard to find: Handy's Lunch is da bomb. Reliable food and a great place to chat up Earl, his mom, the mayor, the UVM basketball team, and anyone else who walks in the door. Participatory dining at its finest! Tourists get free advice and the local down-low. Get a lunch to go and hit the bike path. How many McHandys can YOUR favorite teenager eat?? read more

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

Just arrived from NC and stopped in for lunch. Wow! The owner took the time to talk with my family and I. First time in Years that we felt so welcomed in a business. Truly a family owned and operated restaurant. Great food and amazing service We left with happy bellies and a warm feeling in our hearts. Thanks for continuing the family business. read more

LOVE THIS PLACE! Everyone is super nice. Great little diner feel. Came one day and got the Chuck Norris. Then came back the next day and Got the Big Daddy Breakfast. Love the atmosphere. Love how everything is cooked right there on the flat top. read more

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

I love this family place! Only a block from Burlington's wonderful waterfront, Handy's is a hyper-local go-to spot for a diverse clientele, from second and third generation locals to international travel groups, to prominent businesspersons, educators, coaches and athletes. Everyone sits at the horseshoe-shaped counter. It's not only for family, it IS family, now in it's third generation of ownership. No pretentious hipster food or attitudes, just good, solid meals and as friendly a crew as you can imagine. They offer take-out, and feature Boar's Head meats and freshly made corned beef hash. Check in on Yelp and get one of Mom's chocolate chip cookies! Don't know if it's a PokeStop, but it is a pretty well placed Ingress portal. read more

Handy's Lunch - From an aspiring martial arts family, Handy's Chuck Norris is a black belt challenge! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Burlington, Vermont

I don't know what I loves more the delicious food or the friendly staff! We were in town for the weekend and looking for something yummy and we found it- the group had omelets, pancakes, and breakfast sandwiches and everyone was happy! read more

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The wait-staff is super sweet and treats outsiders really well. Super helpful, great food at a great price. Came here for two breakfasts in a row - gonna do so again tomorrow. The sweet potatoe fries and the Wednesday sandwich deal was amazing! Thank you guys for your hospitality! Also, I had the Big Daddy Breakfast with blueberries and it was amazing!!! read more

Earl is the best! We've been coming here forever and love bringing the next generations with us! Our son is a go-to hot dog man, but sometimes changes it up with a grilled cheese! You can't go wrong for breakfast either! Big daddy breakfast or a mchandy with sausage will never steer you wrong. Don't forget to give a big thanks to Earl for keeping this Burlington staple going! There isn't a nicer guy in VT, Earl for mayor! read more

Great family owned business. Earl makes you feel comfortable every time and makes great food!

Yummy dinner food for a good price. Lots of locals. I like the seating arrangements: everyone is seated around a large circle. Wasn't claustrophobicly busy when I went on Sunday at noon. Big Daddy Breakfast is filling, coming from a guy with a big appetite. The guy running the grill is Earl. Friendly man. read more

OK...I'm a Sales guy that drives 50,000 miles a year. 4 or 5 times a year i'm in Burlington This spot was worth the time...F... Al's I'm knowledgeable about hot dogs.. I would say this spot gets 100% for delivery New England style Bun Toasted...100% Home Run VERY NICE!!! Chili & Cheese Good ! Dog just OK..better than average Boars Head beef no swine..disappointment ... Service 100% nice smiley ,sincere kid ..great Rings were nice too... Thanks CC read more

I joked with the sweet waitress that the menu said "famous" chili dog. She then whips out the People article that featured their restaurant. Not going to lie,that little chili dog was perfect. Cheap and tasty. Chili had a hint of Red Hot and the onions were fresh and crunchy. Thought about it all day and will probably be back twice before the weekend is over. read more

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

Awesome spot! Everyone was very friendly and the service was extremely fast. I got Aces Sub, highly recommend!

Breakfast 5 (pancakes are excellent) Friendly staff 5 Nostalgic place 5 Cleanliness 1 Coffee 5 read more

The menu here is laugh out loud funny. I always elect to sit at the bar when I come so I can watch them cook up my food and have a nice conversation with whoever is working that day. My brother usually finds himself ordering the Chuck Norris while I still to something a little more conservative. No matter what you go with, you will not be disappointed. read more

Good food and service,the guy that works there Earl or possibly the owner is nice and friendly. The food is cooked very close by making it easy to enjoy the view of him preparing a delicious meal weathered its breakfast or lunch,the food is really good and delicious and the prices are good. The only thing I do not like about this place is they close at 3pm they do not open for dinner. Good place to check it out when in Burlington,Vermont. read more

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Thanks Earl for a great breakfast! We treated ourselves to a picnic on campus. What a perfect Saturday morning! Thanks for keeping us well fed and safe. read more

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

Love this place because of it's history and for what it is. It is a great family owned neighborhood breakfast and lunch restaurant which served very good food at a very fair price. Earl is the owner and a very friendly guy who treats everyone like they are his neighbors. This place isn't excellent because it's gourmet, it's excellent because it's absolutely authentic and what every neighborhood could use. We go annually when we are in the Burlington area and make it a point to go out of our way to get there. read more

Great sandwich selection. A friend of mine always has to go here as it just reminds him of his years living in Burlington. Good prices. Anyway, friendly staff and a local favorite. read more

Don't go during lunch time if you're craving for breakfast diner food. I believe they stop serving breakfast after a certain time which I didn't realize. I searched for brunch/lunch on yelp with one $ sign and I got Handy's as top result, but it was disappointing and felt bad because I recommended it. NOT GOOD Maybe it's what I ordered, but Buffalo Chicken wrap was really not good and for some reason it was one of the more expensive items on the menu. The grilled cheese was awful as well. I think they just use singles like from krafts and it wasn't melted all the way! And the hot dog was really not special. GOOD/OK Perhaps stick with their Specials. Because my friend's Reuben was good. Fries and onion rings were OK. 3/4 people didn't like their lunch :( read more

This was amazing! Stopped on a whim.... Next time it will be officially on our itinerary. As others said, the owners are really friendly. I would add....so are the customers! We will be back. If you haven't tried it yet, you should! read more

The prices were extremely reasonable and the service was great. The one star is due to the fact that the cook (who is in full view to half of the diners) did not wear gloves when handling any of the food nor did he stop to wash his hands after talking on his cell phone, walking over and saying hello to a patron, running his hand through his hair, going to the basement storage to get a hose reel, or going outside and coming back in. Instead, he immediately started handling food with his bare hands (hamburger buns, lettuce and tomato, for example) that was put in plastic serving baskets and delivered to patrons. Totally and utterly disgusting. read more