Tried this place on vacation and it was just bad. I was shocked because they were busy and the lot was full of VT plates. There were only 2 servers so they were short staffed but ours didn't check on us one time and just slapped the bill down after we finished eating. My dish was COLD and I would've asked them to microwave it for 30 seconds if a server actually came over. Place has potential based on location but need staff that care. read more

Great meal and service. This was an excellent choice after a long day of being out and about. Got the grilled chicken sandwich with side salad. Was tasty. Staffing were nice. Only negative was the music up very loud and there were only a dozen people there. Maybe they can Lower the music which was rock and roll. read more

Extremely loud, everything was sticky and both dishes we ordered tasted like burnt food. Even the french fries had an off taste. One waitress was giving everyone a dirty look and I don't think she knew how to smile, let's just say if looks could kill. Maybe this place was just having an off day but I don't think we will return even if McDonalds was closed. read more

We arrived just after 3pm on Sunday based on the recommendation of First Mate Dean from the Loon. The pictures make it look as if you are on the water or have a solid view of the lake, but it is really on the other side of the busy road and a very popular corner to say the least. Decent parking lot for the restaurant. Walked in to a woman at the bar by her lonesome. Not a soul in the joint, but it was an odd time of day for dining, but they showed as open with no mention of limitations, but when we asked to be seated, they were just doing a select menu and mostly fried foods, apps and sandwiches. Decided to sit outside, where there was one more couple dining. We decided on brussel sprouts (amazing), popcorn chicken (average) and truffle fries (quite good). Root beer for my daughter was Root from Maine. We sure wish folks would push to have Rookie's on draft. It's a no brainer if you own a restaurant in VT. They are literally 10 minutes down the road. Bummer. Average draft list at best. Our server was quite miserable until it was time for the check to arrive, so not a super welcoming experience, but the eats were solid enough and the weather was gorgeous. read more

50 Cent wings - how could you go wrong - worth 10 times that / each! Outstanding burger Squash soup & great selection of adult beverages Awesome Service Highly recommend might want to think about reservations read more

Nice bay view, nice, but I'd recommend some bug spray if you dine outside. Enjoyed a beet salad with salmon. Not fast service but responsive. Seemed loud inside. I'd go back. read more

I highly recommend this restaurant. The food was really good! The service was great definitely on the ball for being shot staffed. The outdoor seating is great indoors is too loud for me. Can't wait to go back! read more

The food and staff are wonderful! Lake views. Outdoor seating on the patio in the summer. Periodic evening events, and live music. read more

Most important, my food was delicious. I had the pesto salmon. Arrived around 7:15 on a Friday and several open tables inside but looked filled up on the outside. I sat at the bar since I was alone. Seemed the dinner rush was slowing down. No desert (only one option). Service was good and friendly. I plan to return. read more

See all

Used to be pretty good until about 2 months ago. Have been regulars for about 3yrs. Food quality has degraded and friendly waitstaff that used to be there is gone so not sure what's up. Unfortunate as this used to be our go to place. Alas no more. read more

Good food, friendly service .... We brought in 3 hungry children 5,5, and 3 along with 4 hungry adults and everything was great on a Friday evening. We made a 5:15 reservation online because of the kids, and it was slower, but by the time we left it was filling up fast, so you may want to take note of that. We will definitely dine their again. Oh yes the cocktails we good !! read more

Not quite three but the server was super nice so we'll bump it up. Around seven they already ran out of corn fritters...on a Saturday? Tried brussel sprouts instead. They were huge...flavor was ok, But not easy to cut without a steak knife...beef stroganoff was good. But Buffalo Mac and cheese was pretty much pasta with Buffalo sauce and blue cheese. I guess I expected more of a creamy sauce than the oily Buffalo sauce. And no desserts? Dang! read more

Excellent drinks, apps and entrees. The staff is always quick and attentive even when staff is short handed. Great location and so nice to be on the patio in the summer read more

Everything about this place pleases. The tables are far enough apart so one can have a private conversation. This is a choice of indoor or outdoor venues, and the view is outstanding. Given all this, the managers might be forgiven if the food was just average, but it isn't. My burger was genuine RARE, something I don't often find and my companion told me her fish tacos were outstanding. The server, Hannah Y was efficient but not intrusive. read more

We've been a few times. The food has been okay in the past but every time we've gone there are employees smoking right outside the front door. The last time we went was Sunday for their "buffet". Again employees smoking right by the front door and the one table that was sat was sitting on the patio and smoking. It was just after 1PM and they said they still only had breakfast items and it would be at least a half hour before they had lunch items. We took a look and decided to leave. The "buffet" was pitiful, there were two chafers of food, one was at best half full with some old looking potatoes, the other one had scrambled eggs, some bacon and other meats. The all you could eat option was $24.99 or one plate for $12.99. Since we didn't stay, I can't say if the food was good or hot, but from the look of it, it didn't look worth that. I should have known when I called the day before and they said the buffet consisted of whatever they had leftover in the kitchen. Another group arrived about the same time and also didn't stay. read more

Service was terrible. They legitimately REFUSED to serve us. We stood in the door for 30 minutes without being acknowledged by any staff member. Only when I reached out asked if we could be seated I was met with a firm NO from the waitress. What? I have never once been told I could not be seated in a restaurant. If you don't want us to eat there at least have the decency to tell us before we wait 30 minutes at the door. Service was awful. Restaurant was dirty and noisy. read more

Absolute worst service. We didn't even get to eat here. Waited for a table for 20 min with no one even acknowledging we were standing there. People behind us in line came in and stopped a server and they immediately seated them at the open table. When we asked why the server told us they weren't going to seat us and they were "to busy" to even tell us that. The waitresses walked by us every single trip they made and didn't even have the courtesy to say something to us. read more

We got wings to start, fish tacos and chicken Parmesan. The wings and tacos were great. The chicken Parmesan was ok. Service was great. Glad we found this place. read more

We were looking for a lake view north of Burlington and this was the place. Not too crowded on a Saturday evening but we were there on the early side. The food was great, I got a mushroom swiss burger with truffle fries. Tried a bite of mac and cheese and that was good as well. We got a cocktail that I don't remember the name or contents of, Mallets Bay something. It was a bit too sweet for me but my wife loved it. Their only dessert that day was homemade cheesecake, which we went for. It had a bit of lemon in it I think, big slice but very good. Great food, good view. read more

My mom wanted to go to Pickled Perch in Colchester for her birthday to try a restaurant a little off the beaten Burlington path, so we took her. It was a nice experience. The inside looked comfortable, but we chose to sit outside to enjoy the nice views of Mallets Bay. The food was good. This is not a fine dining restaurant, so you should be approaching it with appropriate expectations. But all of the standard American faire we tried was solid. The burgers were well prepared. The salad was fresh. The chicken wings were well seasoned, if a little small. The sweet potato fries were a little too salty, but were perfectly cooked. Pickled Perch is a casual restaurant in a nice setting with solid food. And the prices are very reasonable. read more

This is a GREAT neighborhood eatery, with wonderfully creative food and a comfy, informal atmosphere. Only open for a couple months so far, this place keeps getting better, and tonight it was superb! The menu changed recently, and it's all good. I had the (new) Caesar Salad for an app, and it was zesty, with house Caesar vinagrette dressing, lots of parmesan, crisp romaine and even homemade croutons. Meanwhile, Sue ordered sweet potato fries as an appetizer, and we were both surprised by the SUPERB result: a generous portion of crispy, yet very-sweet-potato-flavored fries, served with a perfectly-paired honey-mustard homemade dipping sauce. Each bite was a real treat -- the best sweet potato fries we have ever had. Sue and I decided to return for a glass of wine and some sweet potato fries frequently. Sue ordered the Mushronm lasagna for diner, a recent menu addition. Rich, fresh tomato flavor, basil tangs. I ordered the brisket barbecue sandwich, which was off-the-charts. The beef brisket was hugely flavorful, the brioche roll a perfect surrounding, and the barbecue sauce was a subtle complement to the beef flavor. The portion was so large that I had to eat this "sandwich" with a knife and fork. I will order this taste treat again next time I visit the Pickled Perch. Throughout, our server was attentive, but never in the way. And her drink and wine recommendations were spot-on. Give the Pickled Perch a chance: they seem to be honing in on informal excellence. read more

Best thing that has happened to Mallets Bay in Colchester. I have gone several times with my wife Karen and many of our friends. The food is great always new things on the menu. We have had Halibut, redfish, hanger steaks, ribs, chicken, all obviously cooked by a experienced chief. The staff is awesome very friendly and attentive. This five star review is well deserved. Definitely give these guys a try you will be back! read more

Pickled Perch - New American Near Me - Colchester, Vermont

Amazing food and drinks. Love the outdoor waterfront patio area! They now serve lunch on the weekends which is great when you are at bayside beach or park. read more

The food here is very good. We haven't had anything yet that disappointed. It's also a spectacular location, the view of Mallets Bay is fantastic. For this reason, as a community resident, we really want whoever occupies this venue to succeed. Waterfront dining options in Vermont are rare. With that said.....PLEASE, PLEASE get your service straightened out because it is very bad. It's as if the wait staff has no experience at all. Slow to be seated, slow to show up at the table, infrequent checking on drinks, slow with the check - every time. No sense of urgency. You have to get this restaurant fundamental corrected or it will be your demise. read more

The food was very good, such of it as I had. After waiting for a table, we were seated outside overlooking the lake. Subsequently, however, tables seated after us were served. My wife had to go get us silverware once our appetizer finally arrived, and we had asked repeatedly for water. The people seated after us finished their meals by the time my wife were served. I never obtained my entrée; after bringing me the wrong entrée, I was told on several occasions that The correct food was about ready, but as my wife was finishing her dinner, I gave up. The person I presumed to be in charge of the waitstaff apologized after learning what happened, and offered us free desserts. She handed me one container, as I said I wanted it to go by that point, and I did not look at it in the restaurant. When we returned to our Airbnb, we opened it to find one dessert rather than the two she offered and we accepted. We were told that there were problems with the kitchen staff. I don't intend to learn whether they have been resolved, and can't recommend it to anyone else. For what it's worth, the food looked delightful. It would've been nice to have a taste. read more

I have ordered take out three times because I kept giving them another chance. First time the food was ok, but the prices were $2 to $3 higher than their website stated, which we did not know until we stopped to pick up our food. Second order was incorrect and food was again just ok. Last night we ordered and once again the order was incorrect. The food is very basic and not done well. There is nothing special about it. I suppose the restaurant thinks that they can get away with that because of the beautiful view of the bay. They have a long way to go to be a restaurant worth going to. The other reviews I've read about the slow service and lack of cleanliness do not make me want to try eating there either. I would not suggest giving this restaurant a try. read more

This was my first time ordering from The Pickled Perch. My wife and I decided to share the house salad, the street corn fritters and the bacon cheddar burger. The salad was a nice mix of greens, radishes, tomatoes and cucumbers. Everything was fresh and vibrant, which made a very appealing salad. The only thing missing was a little crunch from some homemade croutons. The house dressing was a very flavorful ranch base, and the added dill gave it a nice zing. On to the street corn fritters. They were fried a nice golden brown with a little crust on the outside. The inside was a perfect pillowy consistency and the side of chipotle aioli was a wonderful touch to add some spice to the dish. Burgers can be a touch and go order at a restaurant with consistency of "doneness". However, this burger was cooked to perfect medium. The outside had a nice char with the inside remaining extremely juicy. Accompanied with fresh greens, tomato and red onion, this burger needed no sauce whatsoever to enhance its flavor. This was an outstanding meal. Kudos to the chef on preparation and flavor. We will definitely be making The Pickled Perch a priority restaurant of choice. For those who have never been before, I would strongly recommend a visit for a wonderful meal. read more

Nice spot on the shore of Mallett Bay. Lots of outside seating. Our group made reservations and was seated promptly. Drinks came quickly and our waitress was efficient. Our dinners tasted fine, my steak, scalloped potatoes and grilled asparagus was about a 3 out of 5 for a score. The wait for our food was an hour, that is the reason for a score of 3 instead of 4. read more

we finally got around to trying the Pickled Perch when we were in the mood for some good burgers. It did not disappoint! Burgers were delicious, regular fries and sweet potatoes fries were awesome, and the patio view of the sunset over the bay was an added bonus. We will definitely be going back and are excited to try out more of the menu soon read more

Getting seated was quite easy. We ordered the fried chicken and was told that it was the best seller. The chicken came out as bland as bread and water. The fries were good but the chicken was fried whole without being cut up. No seasoning whatsoever. The coleslaw wasn't that great either. I am hoping they eventually get this together as they figure out the kinks of opening a new restaurant. read more

Street corn fritters and the juniper martini are awesome. Service was great. I'll come back for one of the bigger plates.

My wife, son, and I tried The Pickled Perch tonight for the first time. It was excellent! We had the corn fritters and brussel sprouts appetizers, and both were delicious. My wife had penne pasta, I had the salmon, and my son had a very good bacon cheeseburger and fries. Service was great as well! We'll definitely be back. read more

Great tasting food. For a new restaurant it was really organized. The staff knew how to get things right. I had the beer battered fish and chips (vinegar fries). Not greasy at all and cooked right. My wife had the bbq sandwich with sweet potato fries (included not an extra). The prices were reasonable and the portions more than ample. As they say on their website their food has a "unique twist". Outdoor tables are available with a great lake view. read more

One of the worst restaurant experiences I have had in a very long time! The wait staff was disorganized/not very helpful; the food sub-par and overpriced. Our table was dirty, although I did not realize this until I noticed black spots on personal items I had placed on it. Won't be going back until I see some changes, maybe through future reviews here. read more

Local place with amazing food and service! Love them! Hope they stay open for the winter. Would love to see them do a weekend brunch.

My wife and I were vacationing and found this gem. We both ordered specials - salmon with brussels sprout glazed in honey and soy, and a sausage penne in a red sauce. Both were outstanding. The server was attentive and the food wait time was a little long, but well with the wait (30 mins or so) for a Wednesday evening. We sat on their patio facing the water for a nice view of the water. Great place! read more

This is a nice little restaurant with a cozy evening feel. I was on a New England tourist trip and spent a couple nights around Burlington, and this was conveniently nearby my accommodations. I had a fairly tasty mushroom lasagna (let's be honest, it needs a lot more mushrooms to really qualify) and some local beer to accompany it. The real highlight of the meal was a mysterious dessert pudding I'd never heard of before - budino? - that had some wonderfully salty caramel. Unfortunately, with the dessert and drink, my bill was a bit painful, but I should expect that when I get carried away with courses. read more

I went several times over the summer and it was incredibly awesome every time. One time I had sea scallops another time I had a red curry dish. Both were amazing read more

Checked out the menu after driving by during our visit to the area. The menu had more thank just bar food , nice selection of salads, lobster , poached fish , so we just had to try it . The location allows for scenic dining in or out on the patio with views of the bay and marina . Our party ordered the lobster cargot, fish and chips and poached cod. All very delicious . Side order is fried was hot and crispy fresh cut. Service was lacking . It wasn't that busy so no excuse for taking way too long to bring us tea and then never bring the sweetener . Food came out promptly but never offered refills for our beverage and we waiting 35 min after our plates were removed for our billand then for the waitperson to take it and return the change . The stars or lack of , reflects the need to improve the service . read more

I have been to the Perch several times the food is great and they have the best view in Colchester of the lake. My last meal was steak tips it was awesome. read more