What a delightful small diner! We were cruising past Fair Haven when we spotted their sign -- it's not a big one, BTW -- and stopped in. Good move by us. We enjoyed a very tasty midday breakfast/lunch with good, easy-going service and a distinctly local flavor. But let's get to the food: over-easy eggs cooked just right, homemade and delicious corned beef hash, and a nice-size burger cooked as requested and yummy. Service was quick, the restaurant was clean, and the new guy in the kitchen merits praise for his good work. Our companion diners at the next table looked as if they might have been seated there for decades, savoring their coffee refills and enjoying togetherness. Nice. Wish we had a diner comparable to Wooden Soldier back home. Well worth a visit if you're headed in this direction. read more

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I grew up in Vermont, but have not been in Fair Haven in a couple of decades. I met an old friend here for lunch and it was exactly as I remembered it, which was incredible. We took an extra long time to decide on food because we were chatting and catching up. The staff were so kind and understanding. When we did finally place an order we both got turkey sandwiches. The turkey is roasted fresh and absolutely incredible. The veggies on the sandwich were nice and fresh as well. It came with chips and sliced pickles. The total for both of our sandwiches was just under $15 including tax! This was an incredible deal. This is a great spot to grab breakfast or lunch. Beyond the food, the service is incredible. I misplaced my sunglasses as I was leaving and could not find them in the booth. My friend and I took a stroll around town for about an hour, and walked back up in front of the wooden soldier where we had parked before leaving town. One of the employees asked if I was the girl who had lost my sunglasses. She let me know that the gentleman who had served us had found them under the booth after we left and had asked to local businesses if they had seen us! She told me to go right back in, even though they had closed and and there was the gentleman who had served us with my sunglasses and a great big smile! These people were the sweetest, this absolutely made my week! Good people, good food, good location. Check it out. read more

Place is great. I've been going there for 50 years and my family for more. Best real hometown diner in New England IMHO. Total local scene which is as comforting as the comfort food it serves. read more

Amazing breakfast with wonderful service and fair prices. So glad we found this little gem!!

My wife and I had the worst restaurant experience of our lives here a few years back, with our food taking an hour and a half to come out of the kitchen and being mediocre. Even the place comping our meal did nothing to assuage our disappointment. Fast forward to this past weekend. We were in Fair Haven to pick up groceries and decided that we'd give The Wooden Soldier another try. It wasn't as aggravating an experience as our previous visit, but the food was mostly terrible, cooked as it was by our server, who split her time between service and cooking and did neither task well as a result. My over medium eggs were over well and had an unappealing texture and bizarre blue tint on one of them. My wife's eggs Benedict had some sort of sweet sauce on it that neither looked nor tasted like Hollandaise sauce. The home fries were barely cooked and completely unappealing. And on and on. In fairness, some elements of our breakfast were acceptable. An order of rye toast. The pancakes. The hot tea. But the eggs, home fries and the ham used in the welrdly-sauced eggs Benedict were all pretty awful, and we both wondered if we were going to get food poisoning from the meal. This was spurred in part by noting that everything on the grill was being handled with the same spatula and that the cook/server was not wearing gloves while handling our food, for example when taking the toast out of the toaster. The Wooden Soldier appears to be popular based on the number of diners who were there during our visit, but based on our visit this past weekend and our last experience a few years ago, I would not recommend this place to anyone. read more

Great specials, Well Priced. The Service was quick and attentive. Atmosphere was homey, and family-esque. Very enjoyable would come back. read more

Breakfast. Tall ceilings reminded me of ice cream parlors out west. Prompt service, food came out fast. Hash in Irish Benidict tasted and looked home made. No added salt required. Bacon side went in the cooler for a BLT snack. Bacon was large and smoked, not Sysco tearsheet nonsense. Potatoes were grilled with onion. Very nice breakfast. Not fancy, but real nice. read more

What I love about this place is that it's classic diner feel on the inside and food. The staff is so kind. We tend to show up on a Saturday morning with a bigger group with 3 young kids. They are accommodating. The food is good. So far my favorite is the chip beef gravy and the home fries are very good. They refill coffees at a good pace. And the service and food has been consistently good everytime we come. They offer coloring and crayons for the kids to pass time. read more

Hey yummy local place for breakfast. Lots of local scenes, and a party homemade breakfast. read more

The Wooden Soldier - Wooden Soldier Diner - Burgers Near Me - Fair Haven, Vermont

My boyfriend used to visit here as a child and he was excited to take me here. And even though I have never been here, it felt like a diner from my own hometown. It also felt like the decor hasn't changed in a couple of centuries. There is absolutely nothing fancy about this place and yet it's pretty magical. The food is simple, home cooked breakfast food that will make you feel like you've traveled back in time. I ordered the weekend special #2 which came with sausage, eggs, pancakes, potatoes and toast. It was not even $10. The pancakes were so thick and hearty and I've been thinking about them for an entire week. And I keep hearing about the chicken and biscuits. Guess I'll have to come back for those. Come here for some nostalgia and great food. read more

The Wooden Soldier - Weekend special #2 - simple good food - Burgers Near Me - Fair Haven, Vermont

Traveling through for a summer camp drop off in Castleton---and saw these Yelp reviews and decided to try this cafe. Wow, really glad we did for breakfast. First, they have you call to make a reservation to maintain spacing (there's a sign in front with the number--not posting because I think it's someone's cell phone and they change it)---COVID and all--- Very charming folks who reminded me of my old baby sitter from 50 years ago welcomed us into a socially distant table---and then we ordered. Holy smokes. Amazing, crispy, light Belgian waffle with real Vermont maple syrup (you knew that hard to part of it, right?) and a 3 egg vegetable omelet that got entirely eaten. $19. lol. Covered it with $25 for the tip. Amazing. I wish this diner was down the block from my house. read more

Good breakfast, generous portions that don't break the bank. Small local spot with great service and a very relaxed atmosphere.

Great people, great food. Love breakfast here. Real maple syrup and good portions for fair price.

I have been refused service twice because I made the mistake of bringing in my child with special needs. least hospitable place in fair haven! they just stared at us like a side show until we left. disgusting read more

Good service but it was one of the worst breakfasts I've had in my life, just being honest. A common theme among the people I was with is that the eggs weren't prepared properly in any form. Stick to pancakes/French toast something of that nature. read more

I ordered the Irish Benedict and my husband ordered two eggs and meat. We had coffee and tea. It was good food and a good value. I was particularly pleased with my Irish Benedict. The owners and grandson(?) were friendly and offered a warm welcome. It is located in a historical building and has lots of charm. read more

Nice diner, best turkey club around. This business has been around for a lifetime and continues to serve its community and visitors.

We stopped here on our way south. Food was great and the service was friendly. I had the best turkey sandwich Ive had in a long time. Real turkey breast right off the bird. Great pancakes for my super picky son. We will definitely stop there again if we are passing through. read more

Fantastic old-school diner (read: dive) serving traditional heart-stopping breakfast and lunch classics! Staffed by friendly local residents who speak English as their first language LOL. Extremely reasonable prices at the Wooden Soldier, my breakfast special was a large egg-sausage-cheese sandwich on an English muffin, a generous side of home fries and coffee, all for less than five bucks. And those home fries were made on the flattop the slow way, not dumped in the deep fryer quickly. The Formica counter and red leather stools are straight from 1950! It's like stepping back in time here. Even the pressed tin ceiling is still there. But if all you can see are the cracked tile floors and the industrial fluorescent light fixtures, then this isn't the place for you. :-) Just like 1950 they only take cash. read more

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The sign on the door says open from 7-1, but we went there at 11:30 and they told us that they are closed already. Makes it hard to spend money at a place. read more

Top tier service. Top tier food. Kind servers. Kind people. Amazing food that I was not expecting. Cozy diner vibe. Amazing Belgian waffles. I had an amazing vegetable omelet with wheat toast! I'm so glad I got to eat at this place. Very inviting atmosphere. If you come to Vermont you should eat here. I am a foodie and I approve! read more

Wow, we stopped here on the way home to Virginia and we were so glad we did!! Our waitress Cindy was the best, the food was awesome and the people in the dinner were great also. We even got a joke from one of the local gentlemen, corny but funny. What a great experience, beats McDonalds all day everyday!! read more

Still haven't forgiven them for a few years back. My family has owned a place in Hubbardton, for thirty years, that I visit on my own once or twice a year. I am a very loyal patron to local businesses and I often pick out a few favorite spots that I frequent when I am staying in the area. The last time I came in to The Wooden Soldier, I was alone. I stood at the door for awhile. It was a busy and I was ready to wait awhile to be acknowledged; especially because the server seemed angry and overwhelmed. I am a breakfast waitress back home and I know the deal. I waited five minutes or so to be acknowledged, not sure whether I had to wait to be seated or whether I was expected to seat myself. A patron suggested that I take a seat at the counter. I did. I didn't demand anything or rush a soul but the server got angry with me because I sat at a spot that had not been cleaned (all that was there was a coffee cup). She thrashed around in front of me, aggressively, to clean me a spot but then proceeded to complain about me as if I was not there. So she had the time to make an example of me but did not have the time to wave and say take a seat or say, give me a minute to catch up. Ya know, adult professional stuff. I've never gone back. read more

We went here for breakfast this morning and the waitress was so RUDE. Never again. The only thing good was the lady that owns the place and she agreed with us about the RUDE service. read more

My family and I went to this local diner in Fair Haven, called The Wooden Soldier. At first glance, it looks like a typical small town diner, with homey decor to match the holiday seasons.The air smelt of freshly cooked egg, pancakes and sausage and made my stomach growl. My family and I chose to sit at the diner counter and eat. We were handed a menu by the owner, Pat, and we were told the daily specials that the ladies had prepared today. We sat going over our menu and looking over all the original features the diner still used, like the dish washing machine and their milk cooler. Pat came back to us when my Dad waved her down to tell her we were ready to order. We ordered breakfast food even though it was supper, but the smell influenced our decision to order breakfast for supper. Well, minus my Dad, he ordered a burger and fries. As soon as we put in the order, we saw and heard our food cooking. The sizzling fries and burger, the bacon sizzling and popping along with the sausage. With all the smells and action coming from the kitchen, I couldn't wait to dig in. Then I heard my bagel pop from the toaster. Oh the smells, I was hungry. Within minutes of ordering, we had our home cooked meal, steaming in front of us. We will definitely be going back as soon as we can to the Wooden Soldier! If you like a home cooked meal and quickly, you should go to the Wooden Soldier and tell Pat we said Hi! read more

pffft nothing organic?! everything has its place and brother, this place is where the old school specials reign supreme. When I want real home cooked diner food Ill go to the Wooden Soldier. They serve creamed chipped beef for christsakes! CREAMED CHIPPED BEEF! When the hell is the last time youve seen creamed beef on a menu? thats chipped beef in white gravy on biscuits for those of you with healthy arteries btw, and it is AMAZING. Eating at this restaurant is like stepping back in time. Walking in you get the feeling that the place hasnt changed since the early 60s, back when this was a working, bustling slate town. My family goes there every time were in Fair Haven and I look forward to it each time, as much for the ambiance as the food. We recently had a breakfast of 6 people there, 6 full breakfasts for $43.00 + tip! Vermont is a good strong working class state with a proud and hard scrabble citizenry, not just a bunch of transplant hippies. If you want tofu and organic asparagus, pick a place in Manhattan. If you want the real local experience, go and eat at the Wooden Soldier. read more

The Wooden Soldier - History - Burgers Near Me - Fair Haven, Vermont

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The food here is delicious. We arrived after camping for a few days and were greeted with a warm smile. We had the breakfast special which was amazing. The biscuits, sauces, pancakes were delicious. The hospitality and kindness of the place is AWESOME! We had to try the pineapple pie and were pleasantly surprised. If you are in town stop by the old bar stools and set up make this place so homey. I'd have breakfast here all the time if I lived here. Thank you. I'll see you soon! read more

This is a greasy spoon but if you aren't into thy style the service and food is completely awesome and will have you coming back. As a coffee fan one of their nice touches is having a coffee serviette at the table so your not sitting there and waiting for a top up. read more

Pleasantly surprised! Breakfast was really good! Portions were very fair! The price was evenly matched with food. Coffee was fresh and food was served fast! I enjoyed the atmosphere of this quaint cute town!!! Will return!! read more

Very nice, food was good, service was fast, love the old diner feel will go back, enough parking which is a plus, was greeted when came in, upon leaving was told to have a good day read more

This is an excellent Diner to eat at. They are all close knit and kind. They have great food and at a reasonable price!! I know many people that come in every weekend and some come every morning. It's a lovely place and worth checking out!! read more

Other reviews here are true. Long established place on the main street in Fair Haven VT. Cindy welcomed us as if we'd been there many times. Chicken 'n biscuit w mashed potato was real comfort food. Drive on past the fast food and gas station snacks and treat yourself to a familiar meal with sincere hospitality. read more

This is a diner, with typical diner food 1960's style. It's best for breakfast. The staff are characters who have worked there for a long time. The food is ok, but stick to the basics - they do the simple stuff best. There is nothing organc on the menu. read more

breakfast is best here. the staff are nice and friendly, the food is what you would expect to see in a diner. They will, however, make almost anything you want. the locals all come here and it seems to be trapped in another time. Good place for the nostalgic. read more

My husband and I LOOOOVVVEEEE eating here! Great service, great food, and great prices! The weekend special will feed you for an entire day!