EZTrip.com International Destination Guide and Hotel Listings

The presence of ten thousand students during term time ensures that Burlington has ample choice of inexpensive and good restaurants, as well as some pretty raucous night spots. Note that this is one of the most vehement anti-smoking towns in the East, and smoking is banned in most restaurants and some bars.

Bourbon Street Grill 213 College St tel 802/865-2800. Crowded and dimly lit place, with Cajun specials from $8.

Daily Planet 15 Center St behind Church Street Marketplace tel 802/862-9647. Innovative menu combining Asian and Mediterranean cooking with old-fashioned American comfort food.

Five Spice Café 175 Church St tel 802/864-4045. Excellent southeast Asian food, including dim sum and vegetarian dishes.

Muddy Waters 184 Main St tel 802/658-0466. Dark-lit, wood-panelled, eclectic interior and colorful clientele distinguish this popular coffee house. The caffeine beverages pack quite a punch.

NECI Commons 25 Church St tel 802/862-6324. The Burlington outpost of the New England Culinary Institute offers wonderful food and attentive service. Brunch is a bargain, as are items to take away.

Pauline's Café & Restaurant 1834 Shelburne Rd, South Burlington tel 802/862-1081. Innovative American cuisine with a continental flavor. Light meals in a casual setting downstairs, more formality and higher prices upstairs.

Red Onion Café 140 1/2 Church St tel 802/865-2563. Inviting bakery with outdoor seating and the best sandwich shop around. Just try to resist the cookies.

Shanty Restaurant & Fish Company 181 Battery St tel 802/864-0238. Truly fresh seafood in a family-run, laid-back setting with views of Lake Champlain.

Smokejack's 156 Church St tel 802/658-1119. Creative meat and seafood dishes smoked over an oakwood grill, served with a great wine list and custom martinis.

Wine Works/Wine Bar 133 St Paul St tel 802/951-9463. A combined bar and store with wine-tasting events.