Honestly, the best sandwich I've ever eaten. Came here around 2 pm on a Sunday and ordered a…read moreVermont Turkey and a German Pork Sauerkraut. We were told it'd be ~20 minutes wait but we read the reviews and knew it could possibly take a little longer (it took ~45 minutes). We saw several parties come in and he actually had to turn some away, I'm assuming because it's only him working. For my Vermont Turkey sandwich, I asked for no mustard since I don't really like mustard but he told me that it's part of the secret recipe so I requested for light mustard. To my surprise, the mustard was really good and complemented the sandwich! Everything about the sandwich was perfect: the bread, the cuts of meat, the veggies. The sandwiches here are definitely a work of art and made the trip to Vermont very memorable!

There's really no way to describe this place other than just absolutely outrageously freaking…read moreamazing in every single way shape and form. The food, incredible. The art, incredible. The guy behind the bar, well let's just say an amazing human being. You just need to go here, and don't expect a normal sandwich place. Be patient, enjoy yourself, and live your life the way it's supposed to be lived.

Ordered some sandwiches, everything was quite good. Excellent turkey panini, french dip and chili…read morewere good, as was the buffalo chicken wrap. Their online ordering is set up well, easy to make changes or build your own sandwich. Definitely worth checking out!

Great sandwiches, meat is high quality sliced thin. Staff are very friendly and service is quick…read more Ordering online is easy

Came into The Hot Cafe for breakfast and ordered the breakfast sandwich. It wasn't very busy--no…read moreline when I arrived, and most people seated already had their food--so I was surprised that my sandwich still took about 30 minutes to come out. I had great expectations because of reviews and I hate to leave a negative review on popular places. The cashier/server was friendly, and the place has a classic small American café vibe, which I appreciated. Unfortunately, the food really missed the mark for me. The "crispy cheese" just tasted burnt rather than crispy, and there were way too many greens--cilantro and parsley--which completely overpowered the sandwich. I also didn't care for the sauces at all. Overall, it wasn't a good sandwich. I didn't even finish it and ended up going somewhere else to eat. Between the long wait and the disappointing food, I don't think I'd come back.

the latte with oatmilk / maple hit the spot. Owner took our order super nice guy! it is a walk up…read moreand order. cute decor with comic books to borrow while you dine .

beautiful place (A little too bright for me but ok), great and authentic food, and the service was…read moregreat. The staff was attentive and friendly. Highly recommended.

When I walked in, I wasn't sure if you ordered at counter or seat yourself or what. The server…read moreannounced fairly quickly that it was seat wherever I wanted and he would take my order. Good to know. Lots of things in the menu I didn't recognize by name (would be nice to have photos of the food near each different item. But I went with the Dóner Kebab, which is basically thin sliced marinated meat placed in a thin bread (like a flour tortilla) with some pickled veg and it has Tzatziki sauce in a little cup that you can pour or dip. The meat was tender and flavorful along with the pickled veggies, made for a balanced 'sandwich'/wrap. I also tried both kinds of Baklava and each were good, but I like the original pistachio ones best. The server was nice and explained anything on the menu I had questions about. He was also from Turkey and was very knowledgeable about the food and culture. The atmosphere was open and welcoming, lots of Turkey images on the walls and the hanging lamps were cute. Will have to come again and try a few new/different items

Delicious sandwiches and huge portions. I tried the stoop kid - a vegan sandwich (but you would…read morehave no idea it's vegan) and it was so flavorful and unique. The focaccia bread held up perfectly. Can't wait to try some of their other veggie options!

Delicious unique sandwiches! Staff is friendly and very attentive. Wish I lived around the corner.read more

Locally owned and independently operated bakery with a counter dining experience. Casual ambiance…read morewith indoor and outdoor seating (garage doors that can be rolled up to expose the front of the cafe on nice days). A no laptop policy keeps things flowing and encourages folks to talk vs work. Breakfast menu is available all day while lunch starts at 11 and goes until close at 3p. We tried a few things: * croissant - super flaky and perfectly made. * breakfast sandwich - with sausage. Buttery and crispy edges toast with fried egg and melted cheese with sausage. One of my favorite breakfast sandwiches ever. * banner eighteen - a play on cheesesteak with broccoli mushrooms and shaved steak in a sesame hogie. This one had slight spice and a slight taste reminiscent of a combination pizza. It's a big sandwich and quite tasty. * oatmeal raisin cookie - not too sweet which I loved. Chewy. * fresh baquette. Bread . . . . . * maple lemonade - slightly sweet with a good bit of tartness. It was good! I'd definitely comeback here if I'm craving some sandwiches

We tried out August First when visiting the Vermont area at the recommendation of a local. We came…read moreduring a busy lunch rush, and although the cafe was crowded, the line moved quickly and we received our food fast as well. We tried the eat the east breakfast sandwich ($11) and the vermonter sandwich ($16). I especially liked the vermonter sandwich and the bread it came on. The cafe also sells various bread items and baked goods. One thing to note is that since the cafe is counter-serve, seating is also first come first serve. We were able to snag a seat right as someone left, but for that reason I would recommend coming at a less peak time if able. August First is deservedly a busy spot in Burlington and I would be there often if I were a local.

This place is solid. Sandwich is made with care not just slopped together. Bread has a homemade…read morefeel but don't think it is. I really like the meatball toasty and cheese nice tangy marinara. The service is prompt but takes a minute but it's worth it. The counter is cool with tons of 60's and 70's vinyl albums that everyone knows if you're of that era. Great stop and sandwich! Clean and friendly place

I stopped here purchase a sub for lunch I really like the inside decor. The sub was perfect size…read moreand tasted great. It was made quickly by the worker. I'll stop again if I'm in the area.

I was strolling around downtown Burlington for the day and walked by Zabby & Elf's on my adventure…read more The big front windows were open and it caught my attention because of how lively it was - so many people laughing and having a good time. I continued walking a few blocks and actually stopped to look this place up and see what it was - and immediately turned around and went back lol Such a unique space, I've never seen anything like it! Part fast casual sammiches, part buffet, part community center?? I could see why it was so popular! Everyone in this place just oozed good vibes! I went with the buffet which didn't have a TON of options but still had quite the variety especially for people that are vegetarian (I'm not but love some good veg options!). I don't even remember what all I got but it was a mix of some types of Indian dishes, chicken wings, various marinated veggies and salads. The wings were kinda meh but everything else was very yummy! They gave me a nice piece of bread to go with it and there was communal water in the center of the dining room. It was VERY affordable, I think my bill was around $15. Staff was nice and friendly, I can see why a spot like this is so popular! Definitely a unique find in Burlington!

Dearest gentle eaters, this is my FAVORITE place to eat in Burlington BAR NONE?! Why? Because you…read morewill be greeted by the happiest and most genuine and enthusiastic person ever, Miles! He exudes positivity and is such a breath of fresh air. Absolutely adore him and all the delicious foods they offer here. They have the best soup in town! Today they had a special of grilled cheese and tomato soup for $15 and boy I'm stuffed! The sweet potato soup was delectable too. If you want there is a salad bar $16 per pound and cold sandwiches of curry tuna, Reubens galore. They also offer a variety of wine and assorted local beer. The place is so cozy and everyone here is respectful and kind! Always great energy and we always leave with a smile! Our favorite dining place in Vermont! Please come and support this local eatery! Also shout out to the bathroom art and gender neutral stalls!

Was recommended this place by a local. Seemed cool, and everything was fun up until I sat at the…read morebar. The barkeep was far more interested in her conversations with her friends at the bar than me. I asked for a deli menu and never got one. My old fashioned had far too much bitters. Like, far too much. I had to be really assertive to get the tab she was so focused in her friends. This place seems cool, but unless you are "in" with the 'keep, not much to be said.

Why hasn't there been a review yet?? It seems ridiculous that this place hasn't garnered at least a…read moremicro following on Yelp. Well, here I go!! First thing to know: this place is a sandwich shop by day, cocktail lounge by night. Second thing to know: make sure you REALLY love meat. The deli: I honestly don't know what to say...but I will anyway! First off, they offer about 12 regular sandwiches, half of them hot and half of them cold. They also have specials and make your owns. Keep in mind that all sandwiches can be hot (or cold I'm guessing!). One thing is that most sandwiches have minimal veg ingredients but it's definitely worth it. Staff-wise, all the guys (and yes they were all men when I visited) were really nice and helpful. Definitely ask their thoughts if you can't decide!! On my visit, I ordered their spin on a Cuban and...daaang! The sandwich weighed AT LEAST 2 lbs!!! What's more, it was mostly meat! This is the first sandwich that I have enjoyed an appropriate bread to meat ratio. I mean this thing was severely pregnant with meat! Whew! Honestly, I probably could have saved half of it for lunch but it was so good that I ate all of it. In a separate visit, the cocktail lounge was very posh in an old school speakeasy jazz club type of way. All of the menus are glued to actual books (is that legal??) and they have a great cocktail list. Their chocolate cake is excellent as well! The room is divided into a music room and the bar area. You can still see the music but it was nice to be divided if you wanted to talk vs listen to music. Overall: the sandwich will hold you over for a week (or at least the day!) and the cocktails are great!

Loved it! The small of fresh baked bread as you walk up the steps is a great sign! Delicious…read morepaninis. Decandent CC Cookies! Lots of wonderful bread selections. Cool vibe inside, nice outside patio.

The counter customer service was very good. The sandwich menu was limited and they didn't have…read moremuch of a selection of meats. I ordered a sandwich with sliced chicken and bacon. The sandwich was tasty, but the bacon was not crispy and there wasn't much on the sandwich so I would not order it again. The breads and sweet treats looked incredible. And the drink menu, that's where it is at. There was some seating inside and a lot outside. Our table wasn't clean during the busy lunch hour. Overall a nice place if you want coffee, bread or sweets.