For discriminating diners this cozy former 1920s lunch car transformed serves sophisticated and artful food. Brattleboro is blessed. Head and shoulders above other dining options in southern Vermont & beyond. read more

Amazing dinner on Sunday, 4/25 at TJ Buckley's. Excellent service, too! What a gem! Very cool remodeled vintage diner, retrofitted to accommodate this fine-dining restaurant with beautiful attention to every detail. Menu for entrees change changes daily and the server listed every dish with exacting care. Hands down, the best dining option in downtown Brattleboro. read more

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What a unique and special dining experience. This converted train dining car is small and intimate with just six tables. The kitchen is open and adjoining the dining area so you are able see the precision and care with which your meal is being prepared. Abby served us - she was attentive and charming and clearly enjoys what she does. Food was excellent, with much attention to detail and flavor. We ate the beef, the scallops and also had a vegan meal. All delicious. Dessert was gelato (great flavor selection) and creme brûlée, both of which were good to the last bite. Lastly, the wine list provided some great choices and we loved our Pinot noir. Very much recommend this place - reserve well ahead to be sure you get a table. read more

If you're able to make it here (you must absolutely make a reservation), the experience is amazing from beginning to end. It's a tiny diner car, and the chef makes the food mere feet from whichever able you're seated at. Every dish I've tried is great, and the dessert topped off the most delicious experience. read more

I would call this the ultimate foodie, upscale, stop in Southern Vermont. The menu changes daily, the Chef is known for foraging and the experience is a story. read more

T J Buckley's - Outside - New American Near Me - Brattleboro, Vermont

... I have not enough words already in my vocabulary to describe the awe I felt eating at this magnificent place. Each dish was a work of art. Not only in beauty, but in taste. Every element of the dish was expertly crafted into absolute perfection. And tasted divine. Photos to come, but it was so inspiringly breathtaking I took photos with my real camera and not my phone. Just kidding. This was after my brother's wedding, where I took photos, and he requested food photos also. It's intimate and you feel special because you can watch (Michael? Is that the chef's name?) craft each dish. Impressively sear fish. Scoop perfect potatoes. Pile on luxurious salad... This was truly an amazing experience. If you have several hundred dollars to spare in Brattleboro, I'd say this is the spot for it. Indulge. It's worth it. read more

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Small cozy atmosphere. Great food, friendly service. This is not just a restaurant trip, but a dining experience. The menu is limited, but very well prepared. Not only cooked fantastically, but beautiful presentation. From appetizer to dessert, excellence. Highly recommend. read more

This is by far one of the most romantic restaurants in southern Vermont. It is tiny, maybe only 8 tables. The open kitchen and size makes it feels as if you are having a dinner prepared by your own private chef. The service and waitresses were superb. The highlight of the meal was the smoked trout tarte served with creme freche and caviar. Each bite was fluffy and embraced the natural trout flavor without being overly fishy. We also split the duck rillette which was served with the traditional cornichons, whole grain mustard, caper berries, pears and a spiced chutney. I thought the duck was a bit bland frankly, although the spiced chutney did help. There was a refreshing garden salad that came with the meal as well as artfully sliced snd designed radishes, beats, and carrots. We chose to add the optional blue cheese as well. They place great value on intricate presentation here. For dinner my boyfriend had the rabbit that was stuffed with kale and accompanied by a smoky bean medley and pears. I had the swordfish that came with a farro type of rice, sweet potato puree, and a light seafood sauce on the slide. For dessert we had an espresso and two scoops of gelato. One was a spicy Chipotle chocolate and one was rosemary chevre. The chevre was refreshing and earthy. This is by far some of the best gelato that I have ever had. The Chipotle had a nice spicy heat to it. Overall, fabulous experience. Minor edits: the rabbit was under seasoned and needed a bit more salt. The swordfish was a huge piece and the center was quite a bit under cooked. Would have liked more of that sauce for such a large portion of fish. Looking forward to returning soon. This is truly a unique and intimate dining experience that is worth every penny. read more

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We have eaten here several times and the service, food, and overall experience is always top notch. The crab cake appetizer is consistently delicious ( my third time getting it) and the hanger steak was perfect. It was served with delicious mashed potatoes, a nice variety of vegetables, and what I think was shredded scallions that had been charred in some way....yum. The menu here is small and that makes choosing what to get a little easier. All of the options were meat or fish, just so you know. The small menu is verbally described by the server and you won't be given any prices. The price point here is appropriate for the quality, and your entree will include a beautiful small salad, but if $45 per entree is too much for you, consider going elsewhere. Follow the simple rules for having a great time here. Make a reservation and show up on time. If you are early, you will wait outside. The restaurant is small and intimate, so don't bring your loud relation or braggy friend. read more

A local treasure. The most inspired restaurant in the area. A genius chef who brings out the art in everything he does. Homey, personal, expert staff. The restaurant is tiny, nestled in a small diner-looking car that's permanently "parked" on the street. Yet in its small and unobtrusive look, are embedded worlds. When you eat here, prepare to be taken care of by a classy, perfectly run operation. It isn't just a meal, it's a show, where you see your own food and everyone else's prepared perfectly and artfully by the chef. Scallops are always artfully seared to perfection. Rabbit is legendary. Steaks are really yummy. Anything you order will please you greatly. This is a place to make memories. It is not an inexpensive meal. We reserve TJ Buckley's for very special occasions, and most people that frequent it probably say the same. Because the place never disappoints, it is the place you trust to take care of you in those moments. read more

Lovely little place with friendly staff and delicious food. This restaurant has an intimate and romantic vibe, but my favorite thing about this place is the care and attention the staff puts in its service. The food is presented in such an artistic and innovative way- even down to the dinner salads. Be sure to bring someone special here and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. read more

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After posting this review, I have had several people contact me with suggestions regarding the onset time for food poisoning. I feel I should clarify that we ate dinner in the early evening, and became ill in the early morning hours, with many hours passing after we consumed our meal. From the FDA- many food borne illnesses have short incubation periods, contrary to some of the perceived notions. https://www.fda.gov/media/77727/download read more

When you arrive at TJ's don't drive away. The food is amazing and the interior is nicely decorated.

A charming and memorable evening! Their menu changes daily and the entrees are shared by the adorable and attentive waitstaff. Our appetizers that night were a crab cake and the burrata, and were not only a delight for the eye, but the tongue, as well. Entrees were a blackened sea bass, scallops, duck, and wagyu beef. We chose the duck and beef - both expertly prepared and presented - this is why you come here - the best ingredients are prepared and cooked by their expert chef and the entire experience stays with you! Oh, can't forget beautiful desserts - vanilla gelato and creme brûlée - and the cozy, intimate yet personal dining experience. Do not miss this chance when you are in the area!! read more

Went a while ago and ordered the scallops. They were super fresh and tasty--some of the best I've had! Overall everything was really well seasoned and the plating/cutting was excellent. Only complaint that I have is the beef (which my girlfriend ordered). We got the wagyu, which was a bit underwhelming compared to the other dishes. But for $65, I wasn't exactly expecting a "real" a5 olive wagyu. read more

Anniversary dinner! Elegant setting and wonderfully prepared food as has always been our experience. Great wine options and dessert as well!

Out of this world. This intimate dining space immediately whisks you away to flavor-town. You can watch the food being prepared with gorgeous, fresh, bright ingredients, or just get lost in conversation with your family as the car starts smelling better and better. Out of the normal price range, but if you're looking for a special occasion this is the spot. read more

Small, intimate setting. A feast for the eyes and palate. Just a wonderful experience.

Wow, is this place overrated. The food was average, maybe slightly above-average, at best. It's basically a very artistic presentation of run-of-the-mill food. If you think that's worth a $60 mark-up per meal, great, eat at T.J. Buckleys. Or get better food for 1/4 or 1/3 the price at any number of restaurants within an hour's drive (although there may not be pretty flowers in your garnish). Here's an incomplete list of places you are likely to get a better meal for much less money: -- Stonehearth Inn and Tavern (Chester) -- Downtown Grocery (Ludlow) -- Pizza Stone (Chester) -- MacLaomainn's Scottish Pub (Chester) -- Panda North (Brattleboro) -- Longhorn Steakhouse (Keene, NH: one of a chain of steak houses that my steak-loving husband insists serves much tastier steaks than the one he just had at Buckleys) I'm not affiliated with any of those other restaurants, by the way--we just like good food. We went to TJ Buckleys for a fancy celebratory meal, but all of us ended up disappointed by the food and dismayed by the prices. I'm kind of shocked by all these five-star reviews, now that I've actually eaten there. I think it's that no one wants to admit they spent that much money ($275 + tip for three people) and didn't have the time of their lives. We've only lived in the area for about a year or so, but according to local foodies, it used to be the sort of place that lived up to its prices, but lately has been coasting on its reputation. We should have listened! read more

Very disappointed. We had a reservation at 830 pm that cold night and we walked in around 8:20 in which the waitress snootily said, "It would be better and if you left and came back at your reservation time." Meanwhile there is obviously an empty, clean, all-ready- set-to-use table in the corner which I ASSUME was out table. OK So she wanted us to wait out in the cold night (in not such a great neighborhood of Brattleboro I must say), while that empty table just sat there (yeah, like they are going to seat someone and have them finish in 10 minutes to squeeze in before our reservation), just to come in and sit at that table?? Makes no sense unless you are trying to promote a "We-are-doing-YOU-a-favor" establishment. Congratulations you put that vibe right out there! So we went to *Whetstone Brewery* up the street and had the most amazinggg French dip sandwich and the dessert was out of this world. Whetstone is friendly, upbeat, clean and unpretentious AND the bill was only $48. Whetstone has Gourmet, fresh, savory food without the attitude, the reservation that "never works out" and the inflated price. SO glad it didn't work out at TJ Buckley's!!! WHETSTONE WINS! read more

I have been to TJB a few times now in a group and also as a pair. I am so impressed with their hospitality and engagement with customers. The follow up to phone conversations and reservations is beyond any other restaurant I've engaged with. The service is spectacular and impressive. The servers do not over burden during dinner, yet are always keen to fill glasses, clear plates, serve bread, and customize the visit. The cuisine; I cannot adequately give enough favorable descriptors here outside of "perfection". I have tried every appetizer and something new each visit. I have yet to not love something. My personal favorite is the Hanger Steak, especially with the short rib addition. Although, I do love also really enjoy the rabbit. Scallops were cooked perfectly and so flavorful. I am looking forward to the salmon next. The attention to detail is impressive. Every detail. TJB will remain a regular stop. I would really enjoy seeing the Short Rib become it's own entree. It is delightful and would probably become my new favorite! read more

My girlfriend and I stopped here on a little weekend getaway to a B and B a little further north. We had read the reviews and thought this place merited a stop. We were right! Both of our meals were great. I had the rabbit and my babe had the scallops I think. Even more than the meal, the atmosphere and experience were very memorable. You're in this little old train car in a very intimate setting with a super friendly waitress eating yummy food. It just makes you super happy. You won't forget this place! read more

One of the best restaurants I've ever eaten at. There's never a menu, just five choices of whatever was best that morning at the chef's source, and vegetarian if you want it. The salad was the prettiest thing that I've ever had to eat, and it should be for the time it takes. I'm not complaining, it's worth every minute and every bite is delicious. When I worked in Brattleboro I recommended this place so often that a manager came looking for me to thank me. It's worth every penny and I go as often as I can afford to. read more

What an experience! On a weekend trip to Brattleboro, my boyfriend and I had dinner at TJ Buckleys. As the previous reviews suggested, we made reservations about 2 weeks in advance. And boy were we glad we did. Don't even think about getting a table without making a reservation... there are only 8-10 tables! But it was delicious and quite an experience! Situated inside a train car, you are able to see right into the open kitchen and watch the chefs at work. I am a vegetarian and had informed the hostess of this when I made the reservation. They have a very small menu and I had a feeling they wouldn't offer a wide selection of vegetarian-friendly food. What I was served was a veggie paradise! The chef made a collaboration of about 6 different local, fresh veggies including kale, potatoes, carrots, etc. It was delicious! My boyfriend had prosciutto wrapped duck... with that being said, he said it was amazing. Also, the salads were beautifully crafted with hand made radish roses. It was beautiful! Yes, it is pricey. But thats what you pay for an upscale and delicious meal with an incomparable attention to detail. I can't wait to go back again! read more

This little diner hole is the wall is a trip. Every foodie should eat here at least once in their life. Everything here is incredibly good and incredibly fresh. My spouse thinks its the best restaurant she has ever been to, and considering it is in the middle of this little town in Vermont. It truly is AMAZING! read more

This was one of our best experiences ever at a top notch restaurant with great service! A small quaint place with amazing food. Be prepared for an experience that can take an hour and a half. This is not a quick bite but a delicious variety of the best dishes, apps, wine, dessert and service. Enjoy! read more

My husband decided to plan a surprise date night for us since we just had a child three months ago. As a vegan, I was curious as to where we would be dining. When he pulled up to TJ Buckley's, I instantly became excited. I had driven by numerous times and expressed my curiosity about dining there. As a vegan, I was absolutely blown away by all three dishes I received. Each dish was plated beautifully, had a variety of different vegetables, and the flavor was amazing. I kept eating around my plate while being amazing by the taste. This place exceeded my expectations. As a vegan, I know how obnoxious it can be to meet dietary needs. It was nice to have kind service and a chef that was knowledgeable enough to make this work. I would recommend this place!!! read more

They serve the best Halibut I've ever had outside of New Orleans. Food preparation is s work of art, from appetizer to salad, to main course. Dining is quaint and romantic. Make sure to get a reservation. read more

T J Buckley's - Appetizera - New American Near Me - Brattleboro, Vermont

Excellent dinner, Appetizer thru Desert. Halibut plate was the best combination of fresh flavors and textures I remember - San Diego, LA, Boston or NYC. read more

T J Buckley's - Open Kitchen - New American Near Me - Brattleboro, Vermont

Along with Peter Haven's, this represents the top of the heap of eateries in Brattleboro. Menu is ever-changing, but always fresh and tasty. I am partial to their seafood (scallops and salmon come immediately to mind), although I also once had an excellent duck... read more

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How does this place not have more reviews? I feel like for over a decade this has been a gourmet hole-in-the-wall that deserves recognition! Small staff (1 prep, 1 main chef, 1 waiter) Beautifully curated menu of the freshest finds (each night is different!) Decadent wine selection. Ambiance up the wazzzoooo (old converted caboose) I have eaten here myself (I still remember the chicken stuffed with poached pears) and my parents went recently for an anniversary and loved it. BONUS STORY: At the time I was out of the country, and wanted to give them a gift. Since they had made their reservations ahead of time, I called up, and asked if I could send in a check in advance to cover some of their bill. The staff at TJ Buckley's were so accomodating. They remembered, and waited t'il the bill arrived to reveal the surprise from their daughter from a far. I've always appreciated that. It made a special night, even more special. Support this restaurant. It's top notch. read more

Wonderful dining experience! The food was definitely solid, but the service, ambience, and presentation really made it worthwhile. Neat use of flowers in their salad and garnish--never thought of eating french marigolds. Again, presentation was outstanding and you watch them do it across the room. Definitely pricey; comparable to a celeb chef type venue, but you don't have to deal with the chef coming out and hyping you to death about how he uses the best of this and that either :-) We'd def come back next time thru VT! read more

Driving through Vermont and found TJ Buckleys on yelp, and fortunately we were able to make a reservation which will surprise those who have already been inside the quaint 15-20 person restaurant. The open kitchen was interesting and the efficiency of a one man operation in the kitchen was truly impressive. The service was wonderful, and the waitress went through the entire menu by memory. All of the food was great, our table had the steak, scallops and fish and we were all very happy. Great mix of fresh local flavors and perfect portion sizes. It was a great dining experience that left our whole group happy. read more

A magical event. The food is spectacular - works of art!! Yum. The pâté and scallops are the best on the planet. read more

T J Buckley's - And this is just the salad! - New American Near Me - Brattleboro, Vermont

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this chef claims to be working there for 29 years? he doesn't have a wrinkle and he's pure charm! I wish I could have this place in NYC! Perfection is the closest thing I can say about the intimate fine dinning experience you get at this place. from the service, to the wine list, to the food and even their tea selection, you cannot go wrong!!!! Do yourself a favor, go there, and let them serve you, let them pick your wine and your dish and just know it's going to be amazing no matter what! Fantastic! (ps: they made a special vegan dish for me! amazing!!) read more

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What a find! The food is outstanding and the staff are topnotch. My wife had the Hanger Steak, yum! I had the Salmon, double yum. The place is tiny, only seats 16 people at a time so call for reservations. Price is on the high side but for the quality of food and service, you won't mind. BTW: Looks can be deceiving. From the outside TJ Buckleys looks like a diner and that's exactly the decor. This is definitely not your dad's dinner hangout. read more

T J Buckley's - Crab Cake appetizer. - New American Near Me - Brattleboro, Vermont

Burrata. Hanger steak. Rabbit. Maple creme brûlée. Shortcake. Willamette Pinot. All exceeded expectations. read more

Wow - worth every penny. Such a quirky little restaurant (in a train car!) that really lives up to all these reviews... we were skeptical at all the five stars floating around here, but we are now believers. Easy walk from the main Brattleboro drag - should not be missed if you'd like a romantic evening out and fresh, inventive cuisine! read more

Eating at TJ Buckleys is a divine and memorable experience. I have lived in and around Bratt for 30 years and this is by far the best food in Vermont and possibly New England. You MUST experience this place at least once in your life. My hubby doesn't even have to ask me where we should go for birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine's Day, etc. Here's how good it is - I loved the scallops. I know, right?!? I NEVER like scallops! What's up with that, you ask? They are incapable of serving anything that is not orgasmically delicious. I seriously think the chef could turn kitty litter into an outstanding meal. And the ambience? Don't even get me started. It's like having your own personal chef and waitress at a cozy gathering of your 13 closest friends. Go. Just go. Now. read more

We first experienced this place about 17 years ago. We were spooked when we first arrived, as it is an old (and very tiny) caboose diner car on a rather seedy appearing street. But what a surprise!! We have been loyal customers ever since, even celebrating an anniversary with 20 friends for dinner! The chef and staff create art every night. One suggestion would be to go when Michael (the owner chef) is in the kitchen. He IS TJ Buckley's! read more