We have a daughter who attends UVM and are visiting from out of state. We consider ourselves frequent restaurant goers who know when we have had
a good meal. We had a very mediocre meal last night at the Bearded Frog for my birthday.The best part of our experience was a sweet cheerful waitress who recommended a caipirinha cocktail.
Our  $13 scallop appetizer came with 2 scallops. I have never even at the best restaurants in Manhattan ordered a scallop appetizer that came with two scallops. Can you explain this? Are scallops that expensive or that endangered?
Our three entrees were mediocre:
Substitution for bison which was not available : grey- looking strips of steak,
maybe enough for an appetizer portion, accompanied by starchy orange potatoes.
Duck which was asked to be medium, came out very rare.
Lastly, a burger that was on a roll from a grocery store and not half as good as a
burger from Barkeaters down the street. Ok, the french fries were not bad, but
again not as good as Barkeaters.
It seemed as if each course took at least 30 minutes to receive. Thank goodness
we are a family who enjoys each other's companyr!
This was a Sunday night, not a Monday, when the chef may have had the evening off.
I understand it is easy to rest on your laurels when you have a successful restaurant,
but there are quite a few restaurants that are successful for years and still turn out
great food. Before you open any new restaurants please make sure your current restaurants are turning out "great" food.
By far one of my favorite culinary experiences in Vermont and well ever. There is a certain dish here that is the best i have ever had. No restaurant not in NYC or anywhere else has yet to top the Calamari here. It's like the Calamari was handcrafted by Jesus himself and sent down for us to enjoy. I am not over exaggerating here, there are plenty of places that we all know that has a certain dish that has been over hyped or touted as world famous but in all honesty this dish should be one of them. That show on Food Network "Called Best Thing I Ever Ate" or whatever should definitely have had some one of the chefs come up here for the seafood edition and had this dish.
The dish is officially called the "Graham Cracker Crusted Calamari" and literally from the first bite it was love love love. My girlfriend kept telling me days in advance, that i didn't understand how good this dish was. Usually when she keeps raving about something repeatedly she is usually spot on. She took me here for my birthday and i was so happy, it made for a great night. Definitely call and make sure you get reservations because this place is a hot ticket. Upon going in we were seated i think within about two minutes of arriving, staff is very courteous and wait-staff makes sure that your needs are catered to, you don't feel like you are being ignored. The ambiance of the restaurant was beautiful, great layout, everyone around us was dressed appropriately, definitely classy not amateur hour here. Everything about this place exudes excellence and intimate romance.
I will be coming back here again hopefully next month in May , and i can't wait, get the Calamari on deck for me.
We had a great experience at The Bearded Frog! We had reservations and ate on time. The food was delicious and the service was great too. Overall, I would totally recommend this to anyone looking for a classy, delicious and reasonably priced dinner. They were great catering to my dietary restrictions as well!
Review Source:Whether for a burger and switchback or a special dinner, the Bearded Frog is always perfect. The dining area is beautiful, service great and food is amazing. The burgers are by far the best in the Burlington area - and the basil and garlic aolis are incredible. For dessert, the Callebaut chocolate shake hits the spot. It's well worth the short drive from Burlington.
Review Source:This place always meets and exceeds my expectations. I enjoy just about everything about The Bearded Frog; the salads, apps, entrees, burgers, and desserts. My favorites are the Venison Cigar Rolls, Calamari, Duck(always cooked perfectly), The Burger, and sorbet to name a few. Also the Birthday cake is amazing. I have a hard time picking out what to eat as I love it all. Great service, great drinks, great wines, great experience!
MAKE A RESERVATION, as it fills up fast on the weekends and later in the week.
I really enjoyed the filet mignon I Â had here. It was done medium rare, it was seasoned appropriately, and it was done without pretention. Often times if you can do something well, no matter how simple the dish is, then you'll have good results which was the case with my experience here. I did also try the venison cigar rolls, which although imaginative, was lacking in the vension flavor as the frying and dipping sauce completely overwhelmed it. The service and atmosphere was straight foward and overall this would be a place that I would happy to come back to in the future.
Review Source:I wish I could give 3 1/2 stars because the four other people at my table  enjoyed their meal.  I ordered the duck and it arrived cold, so therefore my 3 stars.  Also the lima bean puree was only a couple of dollops and although I love lima beans, this needed something - maybe salt? the "blue potatoes" were boring. The waitress was fine but not really warm. My husband enjoyed the bison flank steak and I heard the halibut was excellent.  I just think this restaurant could be a bit better.
Review Source:We came to celebrate a special occasion and left disappointed. Took the family for the mother-in-law's 75th birthday dinner. There were six of us, planning a fun evening. We were stuck in a curtained off corner behind the fireplace.
So, atmosphere: poor.
The server was good but the runner was atrocious. She shoved the food onto the table like she was slopping pigs. We asked the server not to send her back to our table and she did not return, thankfully.
So, service: meh.
Appetizers: the venison cigar rolls were overcooked and dry. The calamari was ok. The seared scallop was a very small portion.
Mains: The bison, even though cooked to rare, was dry and tough. We returned it and ordered the filet mignon, instead. The filet was very good and tender. The roasted duck breast was delicious. The biscuit served with the chicken and biscuit was described as light and flaky but turned out to be a lump of wet dough: inedible.
Desserts: the Pumpkin Apple Pecan Chocolate Cream Pie Tart Upside-down Cake was creative and tasty. The Fruit Abuse (Pt. 1) was also very good.
So, food: hit and miss.
Sadly, (I try to avoid chain restaurants when I can) we went to the Olive Garden the following night and had great service, every dish was delicious, everyone left happy. My mother-in-law was even serenaded with Happy Birthday by the wonderfully talented hostess (in French, no less). Friendly, knowledgeable servers; consistently good food. That's all I need...
First visit to "The Frog" was good. Â Food was the highlight, very tasty and well presented. Â Entire table enjoyed their meals and the daily flatbread app was delicious.
Atmosphere is cozy, if not aimed for a median age of about 50. Â Pub attached, good wine list. Â Service was just ok, think she was new.
Would like to go back in the summer and sit outside.
The Bearded Frog is one of my very favorite restaurants. The atmosphere is cozy, the staff is extremely knowledgeable, helpful and polite, and the food is always a delicious adventure. Some of the offerings seem a little out there, but I love the chance to try new things. For my birthday last month, I celebrated with the "Decadence" dessert--black truffle and foie gras ice cream inside a vanilla bean profiterole, with Courvoisier '21' caramel, fleur de sel finishing salt, and edible gold leaf. It was bizarre, yet delicious! They also have one of the best stocked bars in the area, and a fun cocktail menu to use all those premium liquors. Definitely worth a visit (or three!)
Review Source:I went here last minute on a Saturday night. I called on my way and they were able to squeeze my four person party in on the covered patio. To start we ordered the Venison Cigar Rolls with Maple Horseradish Dipping Sauces and Curried Spinach and White Bean Dip with Tamarind Date Chutney and Goat Cheese and fresh pita bread. The cigar rolls were a bit too crispy for my taste but the maple dipping sauce was quite good. The spinach and white bean dip was delicious and a great way to start the meal. They also provide complimentary bread and butter which was fresh.
For my entree I ordered the Venison burger that comes with a nice side of fresh mixed greens and french fries. My burger was overcooked, but other than that my order was prepared as requested. The burger bun was on the crispier side of buns, but designed that way. It came with a generous serving of fries that were delicious and perfectly salted. The greens were a nice touch and much appreciated.
For dessert I ordered the Bittersweet Flourless Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Gran Marnier Sauce, Toasted Almond Toffee and Vanilla Ice Cream. This is your standard flourless chocolate cake dessert that was delicious and easily the best part of the meal.
I really enjoy Michel Mahe's restaurants, and though this is not my favorite of his, he does not disappoint!
i had heard so many wonderful things about this place, and finally was able to try it out for myself. went with my parents on a saturday night--the place was all lit up, really beautiful with the small-town charm that shelburne has. the decor was fantastic, and we were seated at a booth near the front of the restaurant. there was quite a draft coming in through the front french doors, but the autumn air smelled nice, and it didn't bother me at all. began with the waldorf salad, which was beautifully arranged and tasted delicious. my dad tried the chilled corn & green chile soup with lima bean salsa, which i tasted and it was very different. he loved it, and, though i'm not much of a soup person, it was delicious. as i cannot eat too much, i got a different appetizer for my main meal (seared scallops in a bed of spinach, roasted tomatoes, olive tapenade, accomponied by grilled rosemary focaccia) which was amazing! scallops cooked to perfection. can only venture to guess that their other fish dishes (the haddock sounded amazing) would be just as wonderful. my parents both had the filet mignon and absolutely loved it. very sweet waitress who truly felt passionately about the restaurant, which is always a good sign. will absolutely go back. also - cocktail & wine menu were great. i  tried sweet tea cocktail and loved it! so refreshing.
Review Source:One of the first times yelp let us down  the  food was OK but the Menu was very limited and it took a long time. It came up as a vegetarian option, but only had one dish. We are not drinkers and it looked like people were enjoying original beers, so that might have changed our opinion. Everyone was very friendly, but we were not wowed.
Review Source:Been here a number of times and I've had nothing but good food. I was especially impressed by the squash bisque and one of the sorbets on the sampler of three sorbets that was made with avocado.
The place is nice and low-key and the service is very good -- attentive but not excessive and very kind.
Great place for family meals as well as get-togethers with friends.
The Bearded Frog was exactly what we wanted for our anniversary dinner. Everything on the menu sounded delicious and tasted even better. The room was well-decorated and the service attentive. A couple of leisurely glasses of wine preempted graham cracker crusted calamari in lime cilantro sauce and well seasoned venison cigar rolls. My dining partner chose the duck breast with a savory mushroom bread pudding and a cherry puree and I stole from his plate early and often. I had the filet mignon with port wine reduction, cooked to perfection. I skipped my haricot verts for being a little too salty, but after the steak and garlic mashed potatoes, I was still delightfully satiated and too full for dessert. A perfect place for special occasions; we will return.
Review Source:On my most recent trip, both my guest and I ordered off of the pub menu-- definitely not worth it. The venison burger was just okay, and the black bean quesadilla had a taste not unlike something you'd find frozen and boxed at the grocery store, or partially frozen on a plate at Applebee's. Still, service amazing and atmosphere cozy and comfortable!
Review Source:A visit to The Bearded Frog never disappoints (well except for the calamari). While it is still a dish or two short from that perfect five stars, their ever-changing menu is consistently good and impressive. For starters, we had the crunchy tofu cakes, which were surprisingly good. I would describe them as vegetarian crab cakes. The lemon caper emulsion was a great sauce to accompany the cakes. The other starter was a bit of a disappointment. The graham cracker crusted calamari was soggy and the breading came off very easily. Everything tasted very oily, heavy, and I did not taste any of the graham cracker flavor.
After we got our entrees, I began to notice a pattern that the chef here loves to drizzle balsamic vinegar on every dish. It's a little bit of overkill, but I'll let it pass because the entrees were good. I had the lemongrass poached haddock and also tasted some of the stuffed acorn squash. The haddock was a solid dish with great Asian flavors. The Thai-inspired flavors went great with the piece of haddock and I enjoyed the coconut-infused rice. The stuffed acorn squash was beautifully prepared with a creamy kale and walnut filling. A flavorful cranberry sage cream surrounded the outside.
For dessert, we shared a simple sorbet trio, featuring blood orange, passion fruit, and lemon. Three small scoops that had a simple presentation, but wish it was a little more creative than that. I think for $7, some of the other items might have been a better option.
I still need to return one of these days to try their delicious-sounding pub food!
i've never been let down by this place. Â whether it's getting an upscale dinner, or something more affordable off the bar menu, they always do a good job. Â the service for me has always been great, and i've been here at least 20+ times. Â they don't even look at me funny when i order the veggie burger with bacon on it.
they haven't had the cornbread muffins on the menu in a while, but if they ever do again, get some. Â seriously.
we had a delicious meal. fantastic burger and fries with delicious dipping sauces, although they serve their burger on a dense, thick, untoasted bun, which was a downer. fantastic fries. my husband got fish in a yellow curry broth that was divine. chocolate mousse cake dessert was great. service was attentive but not overbearing. great special occasion place, yet you can do it on the cheap--they have plenty of sandwiches/salads under $15.
Review Source:The best restaurant in Chittenden County! You have to try the graham cracker crusted calamari and any of their soups. The filet mignon is the most tender steak you'll ever have. The prices are not cheap; plan on at least $100.00 for two, maybe more depending on wine. Nice wine list, great service. The atmosphere feels like money without being pretentious. For a less expensive but equally as satisfying experience, have a seat in the bar and order off the bar menu. Reservations are a must. Worth the 20 minute drive from Burlington.
Review Source:The Bearded Frog is on the top of my nice restaurants in the Burlington Area. Although it is a little pricy, the food is worth it and the portions are great. I have been here numerous times and every time their menu has been different, its always nice to get a change. The food selection is mostly meats prepared in a different, elegant and delicious way. However, being that I am a pescatarian, there is always something there for me as well.
This past time I went I got a superb gram cracker crusted calamari for an appetizer and a stuffed acorn squash. Â They also have a full bar, with local beers on tap. I got one of the best lemon drops there. Finally, if you have room after all of this try their delicious flour less chocolate cake. Make sure to share it though, because it is extremely rich!
The Bearded Frog is just wonderful. The food is excellent, the sauces are great, and the wine selection is ample. I have been there about six times and have never been disappointed.
Try the graham-cracker calamari or the venison cigars, these will blow you away.
The prices are quite reasonable for what you get; dinner for two with wine and apps usually runs about $100.00. Not cheap, but an incredible value for the quality of food that you get.
I was lucky enough to enjoy a lovely birthday dinner at The Bearded Frog this year. Â The interior is very cute, and the bar looked nice and dark and cozy. Â The menu has a great pub selection of hearty fare - if you're put off by the entree prices, I'd still come and check this part out.
I had a fun blackberry and mint margarita and we got a decent half bottle of pinot noir to share.
The Waldorf salad is excellent, I just wish the apples weren't julienned - I'd love a bigger piece! Â The squash bisque was thick enough to stand a fork up in, but it was EXCELLENT. Â The salad and bisque could've been plenty for a meal in fact.
The pork chop was yummy and cooked to perfection, and the lamb with spicy lentils was a perfect blend of spicy, Mediterranean flavors. Â The only odd thing is using the same garnish for every dish - not everything needs an arugula and radish salad madame chef. Â Overall, a great experience.
Visiting VT for the holidays, I needed a great spot to take my lady for her birthday, but upon arrival, I was informed that Smokejacks had been shuttered, and I was at a loss for where to dine on the special day. Â
Apparently in my absence, everyone I know has fallen in love with the Bearded Frog, and told me as much when I asked for recommendations. Â It's expensive by VT standards, but not as costly as the nearby Cafe Shelburne. Â
The menu changes frequently, and offers a diverse selection of what I would call high-end comfort food. Â The squash soup was wonderfully thick, but started to seem like hot baby food, Â and the Waldorf salad was also well made. Â The entrees we tried we both fantastic. Â The lamb with spicy lentils was perfectly cooked and the flavors balanced well, and the pork chop was one of the best I have ever had. Â They have a good selection of beer, unique cocktails and an affordable wine list. Â The service was great and attentive too, but we did have to wait about ten minutes despite having a reservation (a very minor complaint).
If I was only rating the ambiance at The Bearded Frog, I'd give it five stars. Â For VT, this is one of the nicest places I've been. Â Private, classy and somewhat casual. Â The host was great, I didn't love our waitress. Â Did she have to ask us if we were ready to order 6 times before the forth person in our party arrived? Â I mean, our friend was only 15 minutes late. Â Half the restaurant was empty. Â It was a week night. Â But maybe she was just trying to be attentive, I don't know. Â The food was good, but not memorable. Â We got the calamari which was really tasty, the pot stickers, which were good, but what was expected. Â The entrees were "whatever", but still tasty. Â The dessert was OUTSTANDING. Â Damn-it, I'd like to go get another one today. Â The drinks were really interesting, and so was the wine. Â I would definitely recommend the bearded frog, its hard not to enjoy yourself at this restaurant!
Review Source:sometimes you are with friends and they say to each other, "let's go to that burger place we never go to," and you have no idea what to expect. then there you are, pulling into a upscale looking rustic country inn and you think, ahh, shite, this is gonna cost me.
and it will. the burgers are like 12$. i suppose this is how life is in burlington vt (this is 15 miles south). not much cheap ethnic eats. alas. i suppose if i was a yuppie skier with flammable money, i would be charmed by the inn with the refinished ancient hardwood floors and copper tables, dim lighting, and a twee-jackassy little name that makes me want to slap the owner for knowing his audience too well (his other joint is called "the black sheep").
that said, tho, they had great eats! the spring roll appetizer was absolutely fantastic. small rolls but perfectly fried, crispy and warm but not too greasy, and strong meaty flavors within. excellent. they have a cheaper menu with burgers and "flatbreads" (the ethnic types would call them pizza), and because i couldn't bring myself to order a 12$ burger i got a 12$ venison burger. which was great -- big, juicy, cooked red (i asked for rare) and a little gamey but not tough. one of my friends got a pizza and the small bit i had was really tasty -- much like a cambridge one pizza, if you're reading this from boston.
there is an "entree" menu as well, with prices reaching towards 30$. i didn't even look at it. the wine list also appeared extensive.
the beers on tap were nice. there is a shed's ale, which people go nuts over, and a few other VT microbrews that i can't keep track of. one of them comes in a 32-oz mug for 8$. not a bad deal. i got the otter creek which was smooth and the right temp and from a cleaned line. nice. the bar also has some fine scotches and i imagine they know how to mix a good cocktail....maybe next time.
The 5 best restaurants in the 2015 Denver Restaurant Week
3,611 Views | Category: Denver
The complete list of 2015 Denver Restaurant Week businesses
1,972 Views | Category: Denver
The tourists' guide to Portillos: 5 must have dishes
3,318 Views | Category: Chicago
Pho = Pronounced "fuh" not "foe" for pho-king sake
2,915 Views | Category: Denver
Indulgery selected to exhibit at Collision Conference
2,987 Views | Category: Press Releases
Not Logged In
BUSINESSES
Local Businesses
Near Me
My Favorites
SOCIAL
Blog & News
MY ACCOUNT
Login
Register
Contact Us
Add Your Business
