Starry Night Cafe

We've been here four times now, for holidays and other important events and its our favorite place to eat in VT.  The food is always delicious and presented beautifully.  The service is the best we've had as well.  ratatouille risotto was my favorite so far

"Cozy" is a word that you'll see in other reviews on Yelp talking about Starry Night Cafe, and the first word that comes to mind when I recall my experience here as well.

I've passed by this place several times in my travels and understood that it was a relatively upscale establishment and always wondered how a little expensive restaurant could survive  out in the middle of nowhere. I now completely understand why it sticks around.

We were very warmly greeted by a hostess, and despite us being way early for our reservation, got us into a table right away (It helped that the restaurant was not very full at the time). After being seated, we were promptly offered water and other drinks. I had forgotten my ID, but the waitress saw my boyfriends, and after we both confirmed that I was indeed 29, she let me order a glass of beer. The beer list was well rounded with quality brews representing several styles available. I think the wine list was also impressive but I honestly wouldn't know...it looked like they had a good selection though. Cocktails were also available but they don't stick in my mind since I wasn't looking.

The steak tartar was especially memorable here. It came with curried sweet potato chips, which were a fantastic addition over regular russet  potatoes and went along perfectly with the capers mixed into the meat. Yes, steak tartar is raw, but I felt perfectly comfortable eating it there. I've lived the last few weeks, so I think it's safe. There are also house pickled vegetables along the side, which were a nice addition.

I had a strip steak, and I forget the exact weight but it was a decent portion. The potatoes au gratin were quite memorable as well, being they were made with whole grain mustard (one of my favorites!). The mixed vegetables tasted very fresh and were not soggy and drowned in butter as some places do. I enjoyed the bleu cheese and bacon condiment on the steak as well. My boyfriend had a pork dish, which I tasted and was quite good but I can't quite recall what it was. I do remember it came with pilaf though.
The amount of food we had was spot on for the price. It was a little larger than what I'd serve at home for us on a normal dinner night, so I would usually end up taking my left overs, but it was my birthday and I was feeling gluttonous so I ate it all.

Rather than sing happy birthday to me (thankfully! I hate being embarassed!) our waitress had "Happy Birthday" written in chocolate sauce on the creme brulee plate, and they had lit a candle for me. The creme brulee was a very solid representation of the dish and had quite a lot of vanilla bean in it. she also very quietly wished me a happy birthday, which was much appreciated over the ado you would get at say, Outback.

The staff was all very kind. Water glasses were well tended to, and service was very prompt. A man working there (in what capacity, I'm not sure) stopped by to refill my water and claimed I brought the sunshine in with me, and it was setting as I left. I really felt like I couldn't have picked a better place for my birthday celebration and this is my new "go to" celebration spot.

I have a lot of very fond memories of this place, and it is by far my favorite restaurant in Vermont.  Perfect for a romantic date with somewhat dim lighting and a cozy space.  The food is superb, and the steak tartare is a must have.  Have previously enjoyed the calamari, a crab special, and the shrimp risotto.  The duck is wonderful, chicken is delicious, and I have had a superb steak.  The wait staff is always very friendly and informative.  This is not the most beautifully written review, but I write it while reflecting upon wonderful memories here.  Definitely a must stop while you're in Vermont.