This is a great diner! I was on a ski trip in VT when one of the locals suggested we take a short drive to grab breakfast here. The diner was comfy and the service was very friendly. We had a couple of mimosas and I ordered the Hippy Homefries. The food and drinks were great! They have a bakery where they make donuts, but they were all sold out by the time we had sat for breakfast. This was a lovely recommendation and we'd stop by when in the area again. read more

Wayside Restaurant & Bakery - Hippy Homefries, coffee, and mimosas - Bakeries Near Me - Montpelier, Vermont

We absolutely loved this place. It is a 100+ year old diner according to our server. I had the turkey croquettes that were on special and they were delightful. Tender, moist with savory onions and celery inside, they tasted like "more." I got them with a side of cranberry sauce and it made it taste like Thanksgiving. My hubby got the clam strips. They were good and crispy, but nothing special. read more

Wayside Restaurant & Bakery - Turkey croquettes and cranberry sauce (special) - Bakeries Near Me - Montpelier, Vermont

I went for the first time the other day and the server I believe was Ericka but I could be wrong anyways she was super friendly the service was amazing but the food was incredible! The cheese pull on the mozzarella sticks omg lol and my steak wasn't cooked rare like I asked but it was so jammed pack with flavor I didn't want to send it back lol read more

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This place is a real gem. Recommended by the front desk clerk at the Comfort Inn. 106 years and still quite updated. Place contains its own bakery wit lots of local delicacies. Don't miss the Maple Cream Pie. All the specials were yummy. read more

This place is a must. The last time we were here we went twice during our trip and we did it again this trip. The food is amazing. It really brings out the Vermont fall cozy feels. Although the staff is super busy, they stay on top of things and always were there when we needed something. Can't wait to visit Vermont again and eat at Wayside. read more

Wayside is probably a step below a week old sandwich from a garbage can. Tasteless food from people who don't understand food, lack culinary skills. What's also lacking is waitstaff who actually know how to treat customers, they all look miserable like they hate the job. Last but not least, ALL THIS CAN BE BLAMED ON POOR MANAGEMENT. We've given them a few tries over the last few years but it's horrendously worse than the time before. read more

These people are in the business. Waitstaff pleasant and efficient. Nothing fancy but clean and comfortable. Plenty of parking outside because there are lots of tables inside. You are in Vermont, so blueberry pancakes are appropriate. Maple syrup is fabulous. Corned beef hash with one scrambled and rye toast and you are set. Bottomless coffee and the waitress checks often, but silently. Good prices, good variety, good quality food. This place is famous because it's great. Trust me. Recommended. read more

Wayside Restaurant & Bakery - Counter seating. - Bakeries Near Me - Montpelier, Vermont

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This lace has been going since 1918. Split pea soup - very thick and tasty but no ham chunks by any of the four people who had a cup each Pork loin with soup and two sides $12. The pork and gravy were good. We got 3 slices of about 4x3x3/16 slice. The apple sauce came in a 1/2 oz plastic container. Just barely enough for two of the slices. Kettle chips seem like from a bag Cole slaw was good Rolls were very soft and very good Denise was server , she was very nice and quick on service. read more

What a happening place! We met a friend here for lunch and the parking lot was packed! That says a lot about the food here. You stand in line for seating which moves pretty fast. Counter seating is no waiting by the way. Once seated, our waitress came right over to get our beverage order and then came back for our meal order. Two Parker House rolls came with my salad ahead of the salad. They were warm and served with plenty of room temp packets of butter. Yummy! My salad was very fresh and just what I wanted. The balsamic dressing came in the small to go containers and was very tasty. Hubby really enjoyed his lobster salad roll which was served in the traditional toasted roll. The bathroom is clean and there is plenty of parking. I wish that I had time for dessert because it all sounds good. Next time! Congratulations to this fine restaurant for all of the years of serving the community. read more

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I've been going to The Wayside for years. They are a local tradition. The food is great, big portions, friendly and accommodating staff and overall a good experience. read more

Perfect diner experience. Food is inexpensive and the service is quick! Turkey club is my go-to.

Our group visited this restaurant on a weekday morning around 10:30 and were able to get a table right away. Since it was too early for me to eat, I got a chicken salad sandwich ($5.95). It was lightly seasoned, which was great because most food in restaurants are too salty for me. While mixed with celery, which I don't like, I didn't actually bite into any, so mostly pure chicken breast meat. It possibly could have used a little more mayo, but that's extra calories anyway. My husband ordered the Norwich Hockey Hat Trick and chose 1 pancake, 2 eggs, and 3 sausage links for $8.50. Our server was very down to earth and made breakfast much more enjoyable even though she was very busy running around making sure her customers were taken care of. We were just passing through, but if I ever returned to the area, I'd come again to try the pies and ice creams... which says a lot because I'm not a dessert person. We appreciate the service, food, and very reasonable prices! read more

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Service is brusk and somewhat fast. There is a diverse menu. Prices are reasonable. Everything we ordered was over cooked and served lukewarm. I would not go out of my way to be at this place. It will get the job done if you are in the area and hungry. read more

Visited on vacation from Oklahoma so the service was expectedly quirky. However the food was fantastic! Had the pot roast and mash smothered in brown gravy served with their delicious yeast rolls and plenty of Cabot butter. Followed up by the raspberry crumble with whipped cream. It was so good I went back for brunch on our last day for an open hot pot roast. Say that fast with a drawl and the waitress couldn't interpret but I can point! May they run me off next time I visit but I am a fan of pancake syrup over Maple. I was raised on Griffin's syrup which is made locally which is more in the southern tradition of molasses. Maple trees don't flow when it only gets below freezing a handful of nights a year. read more

We love this restaurant! We were on vacation & stopped for breakfast we ordered pancakes They were very flavorful, light & airy! The waitress seemed to be alittle distracted but she tried read more

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Great diner, friendly staff. Serving breakfast all day. Desserts are half price after 7pm.

I came here today with my sister in law and we both loved it! Our meals were delicious and delivered very quickly! The classic diner vibe was amazing, I can't wait to come back! Service was friendly and I never got to the bottom of my Diet Coke without a refill! Highly suggest the turkey club! Also- prices are extremely fair! read more

2nd time stopping here when in area for daughter making a visit to Norwich. Came highly recommended by locals and doesn't disappoint. Rolls are out of this world. Will be back. read more

A culinary institution in Central Vermont for the last 105 (!!) years! Eschewing the hipster trends seen proliferating elsewhere, the Wayside continues to do what it does best - serve hearty diner fare in cozy booths at affordable prices - while offering upscaled Vermont specialities, like real Vermont syrup (if you want the fake, imitation stuff, you have to ask for it) and Vermont spirits (I see you, Barr Hill gin) to please the largest swath of us as possible. At breakfast this morning, my coffee mug was never empty and I was able to personalize my "Wayside muffin" with a bagel and cheddar cheese. It was resplendently greasy and satisfying. The side of home fries were cooked to perfection with lots of greasy, savory bits to sop up with my bagel. I was warmly welcomed, never felt rushed, bumped into my neighbors at a booth nearby, and vowed to return soon to taste regional specialties like their Maple Cream pie (featured on the Food Network) and French-Canadian tortieres (December only, of course). I left with a half-dozen sugared apple cider donuts when I paid my check at the counter - these often sell out by mid-morning and are legendary - tender, crispy, just sweet enough, and perfect for sharing with appreciative friends and family. They offer half-price desserts every evening from 7:30-8:30p, 105th birthday champagne mimosas or Bloody Mary's for 6.95, and an extensive breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu. I vow to go out for "breakfast for dinner" here sooner than later! Suffice it to say, that every time I've gone to the Wayside for the last 20 years, I am pleasantly surprised by the price, the portions, the offerings, and the vibe. I am reminded why it's important to the fabric of our community to have gathering places like the Wayside where everyone feels like they belong, from blue-collar locals, teenagers at their first jobs, visiters, our elders on fixed incomes, and everyone in-between. The more things change, the more they stay the same. Here's to the next 105 years! read more

Wayside Restaurant & Bakery - A Wayside Muffin with a side of home fries. - Bakeries Near Me - Montpelier, Vermont

We stopped by the Wayside Restaurant after a recommendation. It's in its 106th year of business! Our waitress was excellent and very friendly! The food was good and the place was clean. read more

Wayside Restaurant & Bakery - The outside of the Wayside Restaurant after with the 106 sign! - Bakeries Near Me - Montpelier, Vermont

Sadly, I cannot give a good review. Stopped yesterday for a late lunch. Not crowded, got seated by hostess quickly, given menu. 15 minutes later - no waitress had stopped by table, no offers of water or taking of order. There were at least 2 waitresses in our section, clearing empty tables, bringing food to others. Could not get their attention. Waited another 10 minutes, then left. Told hostess on the way out that we were NOT skipping out on paying, but that no service had been offered. This is too bad, because we used to stop often, and like to support locally owned businesses, but as service has deteriorated, we found this to be the last straw. We are not rude or demanding, but felt that the treatment of customers was unacceptable. Sorry, Wayside - this is not good customer service. read more

Wayside is conveniently located on the side of the main road in Montpelier. You can't miss it! As tourists, it was appealing due to the location and huge crowd. We dined on a Sunday afternoon for lunch and boy was it busy! When you enter, you stand in a line and whoever is at the front of the line gets the first available table. No putting your name down and given a wait time like most other restaurants. We stood in line with maybe 10-15 people in front of us but only had to wait 10ish minutes. For my meal, I tried the turkey special and it was delicious. My mother ordered the fish and loved it also. We didn't have room for pastries but boy did they look good! read more

I have an eight month pregnant wife and we were waiting for two more in our party. Unlike every other restaurant they refused to sit us until our full party was there. Very rude and disrespectful. read more

Delicious food options at Wayside. Our family of 6 ate here (7/2023) and all our food was delicious. I had the English muffin sandwich with Canadian bacon and a side of the home fries. We also had hamburgers, fries, chocolate chip pancakes and more. We loved the free rolls they give you before your meal comes. We also tried three kinds of pie/cake- the maple pie was pretty good, the lemon cake was moist but cold and the chocolate mouse cake was moist and very flavorful. read more

Wayside Restaurant & Bakery - Chocolate chip pancakes with sausage and real maple syrup - Bakeries Near Me - Montpelier, Vermont

We were visiting Vermont from California and Wayside was recommended as a must. We stopped in for dinner while visiting friends in Montpelier. Not only was the food very good, but it was incredibly affordable. This could be because eating out in CA has become very expensive, but it was a breath of fresh air to say the least. I had the ham steak special which included a side of beets, but there are other options as well. The food was exceptional and hearty as expected in a a country diner. They had a good selection of local brews. Highly recommend if you are in the Montpelier area. read more

It's always a hit or miss here. I have had many good experiences here but also a few not so great ones. Food is alright and at least they fix what they mess up I guess read more

Located well on Barre-Montpelier road with lots of parking. Very popular with locals. Food good and well priced. Daily specials are great. Service is great. Ambiance is ok more like a diner....easy dining but beware of lines if you go at mealtimes. read more

Finally made it here, despite driving by on a very regular basis. The parking lot here is packed every single day, pretty much all day, and had to find out why. My friend and I visited for a quick breakfast, and had an enjoyable meal. The coffee is a bit lackluster, unfortunately, especially for a diner. Overall, food was very good. Breakfast options were very tasty. I had the green mountain special, and my friend got the tripe (not a typo). Generous portions, sides were tasty. The coffee is a bit lackluster, unfortunately, especially for a diner. Very friendly service, not rushed at all. Would revisit. read more

Wayside Restaurant & Bakery - Breakfast tripe was tasty - Bakeries Near Me - Montpelier, Vermont

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If I ever own a diner, this would be a good start. The crowd is easy going, food is good enough and a short way before 8am. I would change the cup to the classic style though The food is okie but I would try the pancake next time. My Canadian bacon with egg is so so. I wish diner would change up a little and use sourdough bread. The steak is a little rough but hey it's under $15. Service is quick and very friendly. They refil my coffee multiple times and that is worth the 5 stars. Ambiance is clean traditional diner read more

Gem. Great find in Montpelier. Terrific and fast service. Food is very very good. Chicken tenders, pancakes (Vermont syrup!). Cool interior read more

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I wanted to update my review because I have been here several times since my initial experience. Your meal and service 10000% percent depend on which staff member you get. There are some VERY kind and attentive servers who really value customers and value the restaurant. I come back for them. And then there are a few others... Nonetheless, as previously stated: I love the Green Mountain and the McKenzie. I also have some of the apple wine each time. They will warm it up for you. Very good with breakfast. All in all, I'm thankful to have this place as a weekend breakfast destination. read more

I visit Vermont every Summer and always eat at least once at the Wayside. Last night was the only bad meal we have experienced. All 4 meals were the daily specials and all poor with two undercooked fish entrees (top side looked cooked). Only two shimps were consumed and the home bathroom was barely within range. It was not amusing. Honestly, we would of sent the shrimp back yet it felt strange to send all four meals back! Also, when a family member is treating one to a local favorite restaurant it is awkward to say the food is aweful. The haddock was raw, turkey over salted, seafood soup chunky (for the wrong reasons) and tuna pea wiggly had no flavor. Waitress was borderline rude. What happened Wayside? Eighty-five dollars to upset three stomachs. Since one group is local to Barre no names will be used yet word of mouth in small towns can be powerful. read more

The service and atmosphere here were top tier. We just came in from out of town, and we felt like locals right as we walked in. Everyone was so friendly and inviting. The food was nothing mind blowing, but it had a comfort to it, like it was something mom and dad made. Definitely worth the money if you need a quick bite to eat. read more

My 93 year old Dad Loves their Homemade Donuts and the homemade meals from 7:00 AM are the best Well Done Wayside read more

Now the ONLY we could find a place to eat in the town of Montpelier VT was this place. Amazing food and great price to boot. We had the special of the day which was chicken pot pie (which was super Loaded with chicken (and tasted almost like WillowTree pie from back home in MA) Came with creamy chicken vegetable soup, homemade biscuit (on top of the pie), onion rings and I opted for garlic Parmesan broccoli as my second side. Also came with fresh baked rolls which we thought home with alot for leftovers. Don't know how they make an profit The staff was very friendly too read more

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In town for vacation saw this place so tried it Food not bad Here for dinner,,, more four stars for our waitress!!! May try breakfast before we leave. Had chicken fried steak, it was tender, just did. It like the breading, seemed like cornmeal, but good And potato skins ,, Yummy !! read more

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Way Side is the best best restaurant my husband and I go there all the time the best food that I have eaten in years we love that they treat us like family to remember who we are when we get there they even though my favourite soda I'm laughing I know but it's so good to go at walk in there and they know who we are they make us feel like we're at home it's so lovely I love that place we go there on Thursdays and Saturdays every week we love it can't wait for Saturday to get here again and Thursday thank you so much guys we love you can't wait to see you on Thursday and Saturday my scallops are my favourite love everything you guys cook keep up the good work Mia be another hundred and what was 150 years you'll do it because you guys are the best. read more

Wayside Restaurant & Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Montpelier, Vermont

We go hear often and usually enjoy it. The staff is friendly and the food is good for the price you pay. Tonight, however, we were seated at a table directly in front of the bathroom doors. We asked not to be seated there and were told that there wasn't a waitperson for the many empty tables we passed on the way to that table. About a minute later the hostess seated two of those tables. People should not be seated near the bathroom unless those are the only seats left. We felt that the hostess was wrong in seating us there. The waitress was nice and the food was fine but but our evening was ruined by the hostess. I guess we could have left but as I said we go here often and it's usually ok. Seems like the management should have a better seating policy. read more

The Wayside is such an institution, and they've evolved since I lived here - now with many more local foods, and better coffee than a decade ago. I can't say that the food, in general, is anything extraordinary, but it's good, well-priced food with such nice servers. The donuts are great, and my weakness. The owners are good people who take care of their employees, and keep them long-term as a result. So stand in line and get some food. read more

Service was great! Food was spectacular. I really enjoyed my meal. A nice evening out.