I had one of the finest meals of my life in this very special place. Set in a beautifully converted 1920s diner, T J Buckley's holds no more than 18 people for two seatings a night. The menu changes every night, and I've only been there once, but on that night the dinner was incredible. Not only is the food itself wondrously good, but the sensual experience of sitting a few feet away from a master chef working with a team of food artisans cannot be beat. The eating isn't cheap, but in Boston or NYC a meal for two at a comparable restaurant would be many times more than the $130 we paid for appetizers, entree, dessert and wine. Somehow the place also manages to be classy without being pretentious, probably attributable to the down-to-earth staff and the patrons in 19th century costume who were filling up before a ho-down the night we were there. Reservations are apparently a must, and they do not take credit cards. read more

Unique setting in a well executed up-do of a classic diner; intimate and well lit to create a cozy comfortable yet elegant ambience, with classic diner plates. The food was excellent and the service was professional and welcoming. The complimentary salad was the best side salad I ever had and was beautifully plated and well seasoned. My striped bass was delicious. read more

Food was good, however, after dropping over 100 dollars per person at an 8 person table barely finishing our 17 dollar desserts the waitress was asking us to leave for other reservations waiting for a table. Was ok, it worth the amount paid atmosphere eh, but food was good but can get elsewhere mush less with better service. read more

My daughter is a young culinary grad and passionate chef. When she was in middle school I was afraid to buy a plasma TV because I was afraid the Food Network logo would be burned into the screen. Now fast forward, she is a pastry chef at a popular new restaurant in Mass. and recently she wanted us to join her and her boyfriend (a culinary chef, also at a restaurant in Mass.) at T.J. Buckley's. Well, I thought it was an obscure place, but okay. WOW, did it ever exceed our expectations! What an absolute gem in Brattleboro! Read the previous Yelp reviews (which by the way seem to be written by very thoughtful and intellgent people, unlike some reviews elsewhere) and believe the hype, that's all I can say, it is for real. Yes it is pricey -- and I should point out that I have only been there once -- but if you want a really special meal near Brattleboro, it seems to me this is the place. The server (there was only one -- it's very intimate) was very professional. She recited the menu verbally, down to every last detail, knew it backwards and forwards, and was very helpful in our choosing process (although we pretty much ended up choosing one of everything because everything sounded so good and we wanted to try everything!) . The theatre atmosphere -- it's like you're in the chef's kitchen -- is enthralling. This is a place where one would want to take a date or business client to impress them. It is that special. But you should check it out beforehand to be sure you're okay with the ambiance. It's not glamorous, but it's unique -- VERY tiny and intimate. You watch the whole meal being created, which I think is awesome. By the way, we ordered a birthday cake, which they arranged through a local bakery that they deal with, and it was absolutely top notch. There is nothing bad that I can say about this place. It was a total surprise as to how exceptional our experience at this restaurant turned out to be. No wonder they've been there 30 years. I can't wait to go back. read more

We are up in Brattleboro, VT and just came back from dinner at TJ Buckley's, 132 Elliot Street, Brattleboro, Vermont, 802-257-4922. I am left speechless for superlatives. The only thing I can think of is WOW WOW WOW. TJ Buckley's is an old railway dinning car with 16 seats - yes seats not tables. There is nothing Chef Michael and his staff of three (not including him) missed. We both started with the crab cake - with a mix of fine green Citrus, cilantro, garlic aioli (if I had known how wonderful this meal was going to be I would have ordered the Smoked Trout Tartlet -- chevre, dollop of crème fraiche, trout roe), but then I would have missed out on the crab cake. We had a artistically put together salad of very fresh, soft, baby lettuces, perfectly dressed and if you wanted a sprinkling of fabulous blue cheese. John had the hanger steak with smashed potato, haricot verts (French baby green beans) with an onion relish. I had the Rabbit Loin* Wrapped in Jamon Serrano --Rabbit Leg* Stuffed with swiss chard and double-smoked bacon* -- Maine heirloom beans, winter vegetables, poached Bosc pear. I have never had rabbit this wonderful. For dessert John had Chocolate Orange Chocolate Cake and I had Shortcake-fresh Organic blueberries, blackberries and red raspberries with whip cream and a biscuit. We both had their Sparkling Pinot Noir Rose, John had an Argentina Melbec, I had an Alsatian White which I cannot remember the name of or had heard of which was absolutely wonderful, just a hint of citrus acidity. Everything from presentation, portion size, quality of ingredients, quality of preparation and service was perfect. No detail was too small to be ignored by the staff. I was so blown away I was not able to ask as man questions as I usually would have. I did find out he cooked with a French Chef, which is very evident. The menu is his total creation. His stove is a Wolf. The kitchen is open to the tables so needless to say I had a wonderful time watching. Small cooking area but very well designed. The cooking counters were all wood, a person after my own heart. It is nice to see someone else who love working on wood. The tables were set with white, crisp linens with a mix of dishes a silver cutlery, something else I like to someone else doing. The walls were all wonderful oak. The talent shown all through the meal from taking care of our needs to preparing the dishes the food was to be served on, to the preparation of the food was superb. Like I said in the beginning WOW! WOW! WOW!. Their website is http://tjbuckleys.com. Check it out. John and I had a difference of opinion on who thought Chef Michael looked like. I say Dr. Kildare, Richard Chamberlain. John says Coach Pete Carroll. I can see a little of Pete Carroll but lady's Dr. Kildare all the way. Just a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful meal and evening!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! For those who read from Heidi that Lobghorn Steakhouse is better - do not even think the two restaurants belong in the same breath, As to Nikki Z saying the prices are NY city prices - not even close. NYC would be much more expensive. Dinner for three with comparable dining would cost you at least double. read more

The chef at this restaurant is pretty good. He might be amazing in another setting. However, the space is terrible. It is way too small and because of the smallness they try to get away with having only one waitress who memorizes the menu. Not good. The temperature is labile winter or summer, and there is no privacy. The service is slow but kind. I kept wanting the food to be "a hidden gem" but it was mediocre high end at best. The menu the waitress rattled off was riddled with ___oil and ___oil to the point I wanted to ask: if the chef likes flavor infused oils so much why doesn't he state a flavor infued oil business on the side and devote his attention to good food and service". However you slice it, this place falls way short of what the price tag suggests you should get. read more

real small town in middle of no where, really shady/cheesy looking place from outside but as you step in it rivals the best even what nyc has to offer... the food is not a meal its an experience! amazing is a very small word which fails to describe this place aptly. but like all good places this comes at a price and bit of a drive. although the scenery makes up for a beautiful drive/date. read more

My boyfriend and I wandered in here by accident on our way back to NYC from skiing in Stratton. If we had found a parking space one block up we would have ended up eating hamburgers for dinner at the local sports bar -- and what a tragedy that would have been. The staff here couldn't have been nicer and more accommodating, especially considering we didn't have a reservation. The food was incredible. They do an amazing job of toeing the line between familiar comfort food and unexpected flavor combinations. For example as an appetizer we had a manchego and feta tart that had been prepared by wrapping the filling in puff pastry and baking in a bundt cake pan then served warm by the slice with honey drizzled on top -- to die for. I highly recommend it here - remember that its cash only. read more

My husband and I recently ate here for our wedding anniversary. It was a great experience and we will definitely be back! The food was just wonderful and we loved that the menu changed daily to reflect the best ingredients that the chef could get. For an appetizer we got the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese tart which was packed with cooked greens, pine nuts, and topped with caramelized onions. The dinner salads were a good size, fresh, and beautiful (the blue cheese was so good that we asked where they bought it and got some for ourselves the next day... Boucher blue from the co-op down the street if you're wondering) with a few edible flowers. For our entrees, my husband got the rabbit (prosciutto wrapped loin and stuffed leg, served with heirloom beans and poached pear), while I ordered the wild king salmon (served with parsley and lobster oil over risotto style rice, frizzled leeks, and what I think was house-made sauerkraut with lentils and brined shaved cucumber). For dessert we got the ginger gelato and creme brulee. The creme brulee (I believe made by Wild Flour) was one of the best desserts I've ever had and I would have loved to get a second one had my stomach not been as full. The gelato was delicious as well, and a great ending to the meal. The only downsides to the meal were that there were 2 bones in my fish (this isn't really impacting my review though as I didn't eat either of them, I found them sticking out as I was cutting through it) and I wish that I had gotten currants on my creme brulee instead of blueberries, as I've never had fresh currants before (the table next to us got their dessert as we were leaving and they got currants). The experience we had here was great, and we would definitely go back. Definitely one of the best, if not THE best, overall meals my husband and I have ever had. read more

Fantastic surprise! We went up for Parents' Weekend at nearby Landmark College and didn't have reservations. Not only did Megan rearrange tables in this cozy space to accommodate our party of 8, but we also got to sing Happy Birthday to the chef/owner Michael. Oh, and the food!!! And the wine!!!! Just wonderful all around. We'll plan ahead and be back soon. read more

Group of five, loved every bite! Service snd food was impeccable (and we Are big foodies)! Thank you for such an incredible experience! Will be be back! read more

I wish I could give this restaurant 10, even 15 stars. It is tiny, exquisite, and serves REAL GOOD FOOD. That is all you now. Get a reservation now, go there, and indulge yourself. This place is not for the iphone crowd, this is for the real experience, and worth every penny. We drive from NJ just to visit this restaurant, every year. read more

Wow! Such a great ambiance along with wonderful service! The food is incredible as well as the wine! I would highly recommend going here to treat yourself! My husband and I went to celebrate our wedding day with a few family members... Every single one of us loved every bite and sip we had! We couldn't have asked for anything more for our special day! Thank you TJ Buckley's for an unforgettable experience! We can't wait to go back! read more

The food was perfect and the presentation was beautiful. I sadly have to say- the portions were too small. If you are serving such small portions at least give more bread so you are not starving when your meal is over. It has a very quaint atmosphere and the service was excellent. read more

Been here twice when skiing in VT. Loove, love, love the atmosphere and the display cooking! Can spend a whole night watching the chef and sous chefs patiently and meticulously putting together intricate meal presentations. And the taste is nothing short of superb. Definitely visiting it again when in the area! read more

For Brattleboro this small restaurant is as good as it gets. The food is excellent, someone in that kitchen knows what they are doing. Service is friendly. July/2010 the entrees were all $40 and worth it. If you have any brown rice and organic type friends they will feel right at home here. And for the rest of us who just love good food we also feel at home. read more

Yes its pricy but so delicious that it is a treat to venture forth to this cosy spot. I appreciate the time taken to artfully prepare all of the dishes. Let's face it, we in America usually eat far more than is necessary. The chef chooses to pare the fish portion down to a rather smallish plate and I perhaps would be even more effusive with my compliments if it had been a tiny bit bit bigger. I would forgo eating out often at mediocre restaurants to have an opportunity to return here.. read more

Outstanding dinner experience! This lovely, quaint, and intimate spot is a must for dinner while in Vermont! The 3 course dinner was exquisitely prepared in a kitchen open to the dining room. Everything is expertly dressed and cut and tastes amazing. We ordered the trout tartelette, burrata, duck, and short ribs - all of which defied expectations. Desserts were amazing as well! Great chef and great spot. read more

Excellent, has very few peers. All restaurants should be like this one. Small, Fresh, Highest Quality and Creative. Just go there.

I've never eaten better food in a restaurant. The intimate environment is a chance to be in the studio as a work of art is lovingly created. From the salad on, every bite was perfect. 5 stars are not enough! read more

A wonderful meal - from start to finish!! Staff was excellent!! Food was superb!!! I dream about that meal!!

I can only echo what the other reviewers have said: amazing, beautiful and expensive food in a unique and cozy atmosphere. Definitely make reservations and enjoy! Dinner for two with cocktail/wine, appetizers, entrees, desserts and coffee/tea was $160. read more

Excellent service, wonderful food great atmosphere - can't ask for more. They were extremely accommodating to our food allergies. We haven't eaten that well in a long time! read more

This place rocks. I was happy to discover it. Food is great, service is great. I'd recommend you stop by.

OMG. If you have a mouth, please go here at least once in your life. No matter if you are vegetarian, vegan or omnivorous, go! Save money for a month if needed. A note: make sure you save room for dessert, since the courses are immense, beyond being sublime. read more

Amazing little place with a great regard to local and organic food. Make a reservation and be sure to enjoy the open kitchen. Eating here is more than worth it. Not only does Chef Fuller make sure your experience is amazing, the whole crew does. Be sure to get dessert. read more