The Definitive Guide to Breakfast Sandwiches in Burlington
Burlington, Vermont, may be known for its densely populated brewery scene, but we’d wager that our breakfast sandwich per capita is equally noteworthy. With so many fantastic options for your most important meal of the day, it can be hard to decide where to go. To help ya out, we’ve created the definitive guide to breakfast sandwiches in Burlington, VT. Bon appétit!
Think we missed someone? Let us know!
August First Bakery
August First Bakery is a beloved local spot that has been serving up delicious breakfast sandwiches for years. They use fresh-baked bread and locally sourced ingredients to create sandwiches like our favorite: the "Eat the East" sandwich, which includes scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, arugula, maple curry mayo, cumin onion chutney, and cilantro on brioche. Pair that with a friendly, sun-soaked atmosphere, and you've got a perfect place to take any guests coming into town.
The Bagel Café & Deli
The Bagel Café & Deli is a neighborhood staple in the New North End, serving fresh-baked bagels and great sandwiches. Their breakfast sandwiches include classics like bacon, egg, and cheese, and more unique options like the "Spicy Sunrise" with hot capicola, egg, pepper jack cheese, and sriracha. Snag a sando, and head to Leddy Beach to enjoy!
Black Cap Coffee & Beer
A block down from Burlington Bagel, you’ll find Black Cap and another great breakfast sammy. Alongside their impressive coffee and drink menu, Black Cap offers a variety of classic breakfast sandwiches, all made with local ingredients and baked-in-house bread. Their "Sunrise Gouda" with Applewood smoked bacon, egg, gouda cheese, and caramelized onion is our personal go-to.
Burlington Bagel Bakery
Burlington Bagel Bakery (rather impressively) holds down the fort for breakfast bagel sandwiches on Church Street Marketplace. Their team effortlessly serves lines of tourists and locals alike in record speed. Their well-priced sandwiches feature freshly baked bagels and delicious combos like the "Triple B" with bacon, egg, cheddar, hash brown & chipotle mayo or the “Mary Jane” with pesto, tomato, egg, and Cabot cheddar.
The Café Hot
Dare we say The Café Hot is the "It girl" breakfast sandwich spot in Burlington? Owned and operated by two brothers, The Café Hot serves some of our personal favorite sandwiches in town. The “Number 8” features a chicken-fried egg (no meat included) that is nothing short of magical. Their classic "Brakefast” sandwich features egg & griddled cheese on a seeded milk bun with harissa, special sauce and fresh herbs. The Cafe Hot is truly a menu not to miss – come hungry!
Café Saint Paul
Café Saint Paul is another beloved lunch spot with a sneaky good breakfast menu. Their breakfast sandwiches include the "Northender" with two fried eggs, a choice of protein, Cabot cheddar, and chipotle mayo, and the "Southender" with two fried eggs, choice of protein, Cabot cheddar, arugula, and caramelized onion mayo. You can't go wrong with either!
Feldman's Bagels
The OG bagel shop - Feldman's Bagels, is a South End staple that has been slinging New York-style bagels for over many years. Their bagels are freshly baked, and the sandwich combinations are limitless. This is the spot for a classic bagel sando that always hits the spot. Don’t just take our word for it, though, Food & Wine magazine agrees. They included Feldman’s on their list of the top 50 best bagels in the whole country. Plus, they’re the only spot in town serving authentic bialys!
Grey Jay
Grey Jay is a Turkish brunch spot in downtown Burlington that will absolutely knock your socks off. As a sister restaurant to Honey Road, you know their seasonal farm-to-table menu will never disappoint. In the breakfast sandwich department, their egg, cheese, and lamb sausage breakfast sandwich with homemade zhoug is an absolute must-try! The egg is light and fluffy, and the homemade zhoug really packs a punch.
Handy's Lunch
Handy's Lunch is a historic diner in Burlington that has been around since 1945. Their breakfast sandwiches are classic and delicious, but what is truly noteworthy about Handy's breakfast sandwich menu is their "Chuck Norris" challenge. This monstrous breakfast sandwich features 5 pieces of French toast, 4 eggs, American cheese, bacon, ham, sausage, a burger, AND corned beef. If you love to push the extremes, this is the sandwich for you.
Happy Place Cafe
If you're looking for a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere, look no further than Happy Place Cafe. This local cafe is a hidden gem inside Vermont Comedy Club in downtown Burlington, and their breakfast sandwich does not disappoint. Their sandwich is made with a Portuguese muffin, fried egg, cheddar cheese, roasted garlic aioli, and arugula with a choice of protein and is a guaranteed way to start the day off right. Plus, their staff is absolutely amazing! You gotta check this place out!
Henry's Diner
If you’re looking for a side of history with your breakfast, Henry's Diner is the spot for you. This old-school Greek diner has been serving Burlington since 1925. From the vinyl booths and friendly staff to the generous use of butter, this is the quintessential diner experience. Our personal favorite is the "Santorini Sandwich," which features an egg with grilled spinach, tomato, and feta cheese on grilled homemade Greek bread. You really can’t go wrong with the choices here.
Henry St. Deli
The best not-so-secret secret spot in town may be Henry Street Deli Mart. This neighborhood deli in the Old North End has been serving deliciously greasy sandwiches for over 20 years. Their breakfast sandwiches have rescued many post-late-night mornings and hold a special place in our hearts. They’re huge, fast, and have a price you can't beat.
Kountry Kart Deli
As seen on Jimmy Fallon! Kountry Kart Deli is a local institution in Burlington known for its delicious "Shiner" and "Riser" sandwiches. These sandwiches are simple, just egg and American cheese on a toasted bulky roll, golden hashbrown optional, but something special happens in the kitchen that makes these sandwiches especially good. Our guess is a whole lot of butter. Our favorite is the Shiner with veggies!
Kru Coffee
Kru Coffee is a beloved coffee shop on the top of Church Street that offers a variety of breakfast sandwiches in addition to their noteworthy drink menu. Their "Set Your Soul Brie" with egg, brie, maple sriracha bacon, and arugula on an English muffin always hits the spot. Bring your laptop or a good book, and make a morning of it!
Myer's Bagel
Alongside Feldman’s, Myer's Bagel has also been given the title of top 50 best bagels in America by Food & Wine Magazine. Myer's stands out in the Burlington bagel scene because of their traditional Montreal-style, wood-fired bagels. Their breakfast sandwiches feature fresh-baked bagels and locally sourced ingredients, including smoked salmon, brie cheese, and more!
Nunyuns Bakery
Nunyuns is a cozy and colorful Old North End bakery serving delicious breakfast sandwiches all day long on their homemade biscuits. Their portions are generous and pair perfectly with their coffee to start your day right. You really can’t visit Nunyuns without trying a pastry, so make sure to leave room!
Pingala Café
This is for all the vegans out there! Pingala creates delicious plant-based breakfast sandwiches in the Old East End as well as in their New North End location. Their "Bfast Sammy Deluxe" sandwich is a customer favorite, made with herby tofu, melty American, aioli, and a hash brown on an English muffin. We recommend pairing it with a PB & Jelly Jam Shake if you’re especially hungry.
Poppy Cafe
Poppy Cafe is a farm-to-table restaurant in the Old North End serving what are widely considered to be the best sandwiches in Burlington. Their rotating menu is what your lunch dreams are made of, and the breakfast options are just as good. Our favorite is the “Bruceman” with a fried egg, spiced sausage, herby caper aioli, cheddar, pepperoncini, pickled jalapenos, and arugula. Poppy is only open Tuesday through Friday from 8 am – 2:30 pm, so mark your calendars for this one.
The Spot
The Spot is a popular breakfast and lunch spot in the South End known for its beachy and chill atmosphere. Their "Triple Crown" breakfast sandwich is a classic with fried egg, cheddar, and a choice of protein. The rest of their menu is stacked with delicious options like their "California Toast" and " Rincon " burrito.”
Top of the Block Sandwich Shoppe
A go-to for locals, Top of the Block Sandwich Shoppe is tucked away on the top of Church Street. They’re known mostly for their incredible lunch sandwiches, but they’re worth a visit for breakfast, too. The “Good Time Sally” is our personal favorite with egg, sausage, cheese, and a hashbrown on a bagel or English muffin. Top of the Block is a great choice when you’re on the go and need something quick, easy, and delicious.
Willow's Bagels
Last but not least, Willow's Bagels is locally famous for their unique take on bagels and their creative and delicious sandwiches. Their bagels are made with molasses which adds a deep, rich flavor and creates the perfect base for their sandwiches. Their "Triforce" with local egg, cheddar, sausage, hashbrown, banana peppers, sweet pickles, & garlic mayo is one of our favorites on the menu. They also offer great vegan and gluten-free options! Pro tip: Any leftover Willow’s bagels from the day are bagged and available for free outside the shop!
So, there you have it. We might not have made your breakfast sandwich decision easier, but at least you are now well-informed! No matter what your taste preferences are, Burlington has a sammy to satisfy your cravings and get your morning started right.
Did we miss anyone? Let us know!