Handy’s Lunch
74 Maple St, Burlington, VT, 05401
Handy’s Lunch Menu
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Address :
74 Maple St
Burlington, VT, 05401 - Phone (802) 864-5963
- Website https://handyslunch.wordpress.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :7:00 am - 3:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Breakfast, Brunch
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Amena T.
Looking for a good sandwich, this is your place! Earl and Mary made us feel right at home, it felt like we were at our friends house for a bite to eat. The sandwiches were wholesome and very homey, the sweet potato tater tots melted in your mouth. Highly recommended this place and wish them best of luck! Diners dive ins and dives need to discover this place!
(5)Paige K.
Really really simple, straight forward breakfast. And they do it right! Delicious pancakes, potatoes, eggs, everything! No fresh juice which was a slight bummer for me, but the place seemed more like a stop for people heading to work than a sit-down. Horse-shoe shaped diner really only allowed for maybe 20 people, but we ate quickly and got on with our day! Also, SO cheap!!
(5)Joe R.
Go where the locals go. "Cute" and "fun" are the words for this family-friendly neighborhood diner. I was staying at the Hilton Garden Inn around the corner and paid a pretty penny for a burger last night that could not hold up against the patty melt I had here for lunch at half the price.
(5)Joshua K.
Don't go during lunch time if you're craving for breakfast diner food. I believe they stop serving breakfast after a certain time which I didn't realize. I searched for brunch/lunch on yelp with one $ sign and I got Handy's as top result, but it was disappointing and felt bad because I recommended it. NOT GOOD Maybe it's what I ordered, but Buffalo Chicken wrap was really not good and for some reason it was one of the more expensive items on the menu. The grilled cheese was awful as well. I think they just use singles like from krafts and it wasn't melted all the way! And the hot dog was really not special. GOOD/OK Perhaps stick with their Specials. Because my friend's Reuben was good. Fries and onion rings were OK. 3/4 people didn't like their lunch :(
(1)Tawnya C.
Nice local joint. We stopped in for breakfast before our flight out of Burlington. Service was friendly and fast. Staff definitely knew the regulars and they seemed like family. The food was good and for checking in on Yelp we received a free cookie. Dessert first!
(4)Rebecca R.
One of the most pleasant diner experiences I have ever had. Food was awesome, owner and staff super friendly, made you feel right at home. And seriously, his mom makes the cookies! Amazing spot to hit for quick breakfast or lunch!
(5)Renee B.
Delicious food and friendly owners. We make this a regular stop on our trips to Burlington!!
(5)Jennifer F.
Awesome food, super fun sit at the counter experience and amazing service. Owner is a family guy who gets what it takes to run a biz! We will be back.
(5)Amy C.
Wow. Walked in, sat down and grabbed their menu. Not a big menu which I like. To me it says we have what you want and we do it well. All seating is around a counter, fun. No descriptions for their specialty breakfasts but the server is friendly and happy to help. I ordered the SST and was not disappointed. Sausage egg cheese sandwich on French toast served with real maple syrup (no extra charge). It was hot and melty and slippery and divine! Not something I would normally order but it hit the spot. The place had regulars and tourists around their weathered counter, all of whom interacted with the cook from across the room while he created everyone's food. I enjoyed my short time there and will go back. Thanks Handy's.
(5)Rosanna V.
This cozy diner is a definate must while in Vermont! The staff is genuinely friendly and the owner actually prepares the meal... custom made!! The "hourse shoe," counter top is amazing, for interacting with the locals. I love it. My go to spot from now on!!!
(5)Tom A.
Good food and service,the guy that works there Earl or possibly the owner is nice and friendly. The food is cooked very close by making it easy to enjoy the view of him preparing a delicious meal weathered its breakfast or lunch,the food is really good and delicious and the prices are good. The only thing I do not like about this place is they close at 3pm they do not open for dinner. Good place to check it out when in Burlington,Vermont.
(4)Sally-Ann T.
Found this place on Yelp - wow! Super friendly service, like stepping back in time. Look forward to returning.
(5)B F.
Very good cheap brunch place. The sausage is amazing and they serve real maple syrup. Chocolate and blueberry pancakes are also delicious.
(5)Harjit D.
Handy's Lunch is famously known in the Burlington area, especially in the downtown circuit. It's well frequented and promoted by various social media enthusiast, which is not surprising since Early Handy (owner/cook) is a social media junkie himself. The Burlington community is always grateful for his contributions, promotions, and support for other businesses and charitable organizations, which is truly wonderful. So, I heard a lot about this place and have also known Earl for quite sometime through various social media channels, and I figured it was time I give this place a shot. My first impression - It's a very friendly and welcoming place, just like Benjamin B's review, "You remember Cheers, where everybody knows your name? That's what it's like walking into Handy's." I was greeted by Earl's sister, Mary, who saw I was a little lost with the food choices and suggested one of the specials which has made this establishment famous. I had the Texas Chili Hot Dog, Texas Chili Cheese Burger, and fries. Once my order was placed, I saw Earl do his magic on the grill. In no time, I had a basket of hot, made to order delicious food. Another thing to note is that Earl makes it a point to walk around the horseshoe shaped counter to talk to each and everyone of his customers. Learns their names, ask if things are okay, cracks a few jokes, and leaves everyone in a great happy mood. That is what you would want from an eatery along with great food. I walked away smiling and with a full belly. Cheers to a wonderful family business.
(5)Melyssa W.
Good comfort food. So stuffed, I might pop. The big daddy breakfast had all the breakfast essentials. Cute coffee mugs. I might become a regular after today.
(5)John O.
All our food was served quickly and was so tasty. Top notch and friendly service. We heard of this place from great reviews and it did not disappoint. Walked by a few trendy spots to get here and we made a great decision.
(5)Susan M.
I'm not a breakfast person, but my wife is. Given that I'm not in the target demographic for a diner at breakfast, I'd have to say Handy's did a fantastic job of pleasing me--not always an easy task. I'd normally get something sweet, but we were heading out to hike, so I went with some protein. Got the breakfast sandwich with egg, cheese and sausage. Each component was done perfectly, with a nice bit of spice in the sausage. My wife had the blueberry pancakes with bacon, both of which she found perfect. Real maple syrup, good quality bacon, and lots of blueberries. It was a Friday morning at 10:30, and there were only 5 other people at the counter. So service was brisk but welcoming. I'd definitely return, especially after stopping by Maglianero across the street for a top quality latte--my personal breakfast choice.
(4)Raj R.
Great place to go with family! Staff is very friendly and the food is excellent and affordable. Definitely recommended it!!!!
(5)Adam G.
Hidden gem of Burlington. Great food. Great service great atmosphere. I recommend the McHandy for breakfast.
(5)Michael B.
Good basic breakfast, reasonably priced. The owner is as friendly as can be and does all the cooking on a griddle right in front of you. You sit at a counter old school coffee shop style. Everyone is friendly!
(4)Phil L.
Handy's Lunch is a pretty small mom and pop type restaurant that is no frills and a place where everyone knows each other's name. That is how you know you're in a small town! This is a typical diner although their seating area is very limited everyone essentially sits around a big square ring. For 10 bucks I was able to get a nice breakfast that included a sausage patty, two slices of bacon, two slices of toast, two pancakes, and I'm assuming two eggs as well. Just what I needed right before going on a marathon meeting for the rest of the day. Food came out quickly, was made well, and the service couldn't have been any friendlier. There are a lot more fancy restaurants in town, but being close to downtown it was an easy walk from my hotel and the price was right!
(4)Katherine M.
Family owned, hometown place! Everyone sits at a bar counter making the environment unique. Pretty good food and a decent price.
(3)Sandra C.
Handy's Lunch is the place that if you're new to Burlington VT you will walk in a customer and leave a family member. I came to get a famous Handy's Lunch breakfast sandwich before conference started and met Mrs. Handy (mom), Earl, and his sister Mary. I took my breakfast sandwich to go yet stayed and sat down and talked with Mrs. Handy for almost 40 minutes as we talked about the diner, the family history, and the wall of pictures of the four generations of Handy family photos. First of all, the breakfast sandwich with egg, bacon, and cheese was phenom. But even better is the extreme friendly openness and warmth of this lovely family that makes you want to come back again and again only to see their smiling faces. Bravo, Earl, Mary, and Mrs. Handy, on providing me a little spot that feels like home to a newbie to the BTV scene.
(5)Greg K.
A classic throwback, if you know what I mean - an actual working man's counter luncheonette. Straight up, basic breakfast goods. The "hangover special" breakfast sandwiches were ginormous -not for the faint of heart.
(4)Scott N.
Good, affordable food prepared quickly by some of the most pleasant people you could hope to meet. Handy's is a neighborhood treasure.
(5)Maureen S.
Some diners are better than others. And Handy's Lunch is a family legacy with heart, a horseshoe counter, and hot cookies. I really, really enjoy diners, diner culture, diner food- to me, it's something distinctly American you can't really experience in very many places. The walls in the entryway proudly display their first license, and other special pieces of Handy's history. When we arrived, couples, groups of friends, and families were all dining here and seemed to be engaged happily with the funny, helpful workers here. Try the pancakes, and the omelettes looked great too. This is one of those places where everything is probably really good, if my eyes watering as they kept brining out food indicates anything. Really a special place.
(5)Antonio C.
This place is great! The portions are big, the prices are very reasonable, the food is fresh and the quality is unbeatable! Boars Head meats can't be beat. I highly recommend trying this place. It is easily on my top five list for best diners
(5)Susan T.
Great local family owned diner. Friendly staff & the owner who is the cook came over to chat. Foreign currency is hanging from ceiling which is fun touch - from those who come to dine & have currency that can't be used in U.S. so up it goes. Don't bother w tourist breakfast spots in downtown area. Breakfast for myself & husband came to $16. Yesterday's in downtown was $36!
(5)Ashley H.
I don't know what I loves more the delicious food or the friendly staff! We were in town for the weekend and looking for something yummy and we found it- the group had omelets, pancakes, and breakfast sandwiches and everyone was happy!
(4)Marty S.
This spot has been bookmarked in my Yelp for too long, so when my wife had a craving for breakfast mid day we decided to hit Handy's. WOW, outstanding service and delicious food. The owner recommended a tasty Italian sub. My wife's breakfast was so tasty (especially the hash). Do yourself a favor and check it out!
(5)Charles F.
It's important to patronise and endorse places like Handy's, especially if you live in Burlington. They describe themselves as 'a haven for NY Yankees fans', but I was treated very well sporting a Mets cap. Results probably wouldn't even have varied much with the Phillies shirt I got at Citizen's Bank Park. Run by the same family since the 50s and it doesn't look like they've changed much since, other than closing the adjacent grocery store to expand, installing a horseshoe counter and upgrading the hockey and baseball posters every decade or so. The food is pretty good and cheap too. Get blueberry pancakes with a side of bacon and some coffee. And tip well. It's important to come here. Take it from someone who lives in a city where these places are all but gone (Brooklyn).
(5)Eugene B.
Really enjoyed the experience here. Good prices, a chill atmosphere, great service, and pretty darn good food (we both had the Texas Hotdog). Will come back again if we are ever in Burlington!
(5)Ben H.
Big Daddy's breakfast - phenomenal. 2 eggs, 2 pancakes, bacon, sausage, your choice of toast and real VT maple syrup...for under 9 bucks. The atmosphere and ambience is old school and has been passed down through generations of the Handys family. This was my second time there, it was a pleasing reassurance that the dining experience is consistent. Earl, the head chef and owner of Handy's, had a bright smile and great attitude that assured a comforting meal. And for the bacon - crispy like an apple. Also, loved the oldschool decor and newspaper excerpts around the store.
(5)Dave S.
Great diner Cheap prices with friendly service. Use quality boars head meats. Food taste great. Wish they were open later but amazing place to eat for breakfasts or lunch. Had the Rachael sandwich while I was here. Excellent
(5)Patrick S.
I should give them four stars because they are Yankees fans, but the service and banter was just too much fun. Go in, bring your best Curse of the Bambino chip on your shoulder and have a great breakfast or lunch.
(5)Tim R.
Delicious sub sandwich! Chock full of meat and trimmings. I highly recommend.
(5)Dan B.
Best place in town to eat! Recommend the Ace's sub! Huge sub with tons of meet and great flavor!! DELICIOUS!!! Friendly service and great atmosphere as well! Definitely coming back when I go through Burlington again!
(5)Joseph Y.
Amazing spot. Earl was extremely friendly and the food was delicious. I got the philly steak and it was awesome. Everyone (including customers) were very friendly. If I ever come back to Burlington, I'm definitely coming back.
(5)Francesca M.
Yum. A pastrami Reuben. Yum. I could only eat half. Took the other half home. Didn't think it would survive. Heated it up the next day. Yum. A classic, classic diner where you get treated like family by family. Just a lovely experience all the way around. If you want lots of space and fancy food, even a lemon slice for your water, this is not for you. If you don't mind close quarters - there is just countertop, no tables - and solid diner food at great prices and fun back and forth chatter, head over!
(5)Toby D.
The food is always excellent and a great value!
(5)Samantha T.
Delicious breakfast. The atmosphere was homey and we felt almost like a regular. The staff was very welcoming and the food was great! My husband and teenaged son complained of being "too full" a high never happens. My short stack of blueberry pancakes with Vermont maple syrup was fantastic. Great value and great atmosphere.
(4)Meredith B.
Love the atmosphere, love the people, LOVE the food. I got a little bit of everything, and I couldn't finish it -- and that's saying something. I can't wait to come back to Burlington just for breakfast at Handy's.
(5)Megan M.
ALWAYS TRUST YELP! While in the area to ring in the New Year my boyfriend and I, recently relocated to Boston from LA, was in need for a diner style breakfast. Handy's Lunch was just the place! Earl was delightful, the food was hot and delicious and the atmosphere truly awesome..
(5)Jessica R.
Handy's Lunch was great! Friendly service, great prices, and awesome food. It's a perfect lunch stop. I'll be heading back there again when I am in Burlington!
(5)Christopher T.
I couldn't have chosen a more perfect place for breakfast on my first trip to Burlington. Great family owned business, delicious breakfast, great prices. Owners are very nice, I felt like I was eating with family.
(5)Steve C.
Great diner. Small, simple, good food, prepared right in front of you. Very friendly staff. Not gourmet, but an excellent place for a quick lunch or dinner. Just a few blocks from the lake.
(5)Matt L.
First time dining at Handys and it was a great experience. The seating was interesting but made the atmosphere great. Once seated all of the employees were very helpful and polite. I ordered the chocolate chip pancakes and they were spot on. I also checked in and got my free cookie without a problem. And to top it all off were were given candy for Halloween. Great place. great food. Coming back again soon. :)
(5)Lucas M.
GREAT, super-friendly staff who welcome you in just like any of the many regulars that also dine there. This restaurant is truly a family run business. Complete with numerous special dishes, that all have a story behind them, you'll enjoy delicious food made by Mr. Earl Handy himself. Now don't be scared by the slightly dated decor of the restaurant. I know it's nothing compared to the flashy Denny's and Starbucks out there. But, it's full of charm, history, and Nostalgia. Trust me, it'll grow on you.
(5)David Z.
Incredible amount of food for low prices. Family owned and operated. Talked to the owner while he made my breakfast and since I'm from NJ and his family are huge Yankee fans, we had a lot in common. A horse shoe table was the center of the corner restaurant and it added that extra small time feeling to breakfast. I would go again and again. Ordered the Big Daddy-eggs, sausage, bacon, pancakes and toast for 9 bucks. Can't beat it.
(5)Michelle N.
Got there early on a Saturday for a great breakfast to start the day. Fair prices, decent portions, and everything came out with perfect timing. Earl and the staff are very personable. Get the Super G - you won't be disappointed. Definitely will return.
(5)David B.
I think there's a lot to be said for a restaurant where the owner greets you warmly, takes your order, cooks the meal, delivers it to your table, and checks back to make sure everything is OK. Even better if his mother (who, with her late husband) owned the business for the previous generation) joins in to help. Not only did we have a good meal, but a great visit with some totally Vermonty folks!
(5)Kimberly C.
Great old-time place passed down through generations. Real genuine family feel in that the owner, grandson of the original owner, came out to each customer and asked about their satisfaction. We were the only non-locals and everyone got a "Hi Norm" type greeting, incl. questions about how their families were doing. We were treated equally as well giving us the desire to be one of the locals! Food was great too. Comfort style with a slight twist and truly cooked the way you ask. Can't say enough about what a wonderful feel this place has. Fun U-shaped counter where the owners circulate and check on everyone
(5)ALec R.
pretty great. came here before class with one of the waitresses. Delish pumpkin spice pancakes indicate that fall is here. they refilled my coffee for free which was nice as well :) good place, coming again
(5)Eric O.
Can't beat the food and the company; the diner style breakfast is becoming a thing of the past, but Handy's keeps it alive and well. Two eggs over easy, bacon, home fries, and toast.
(5)Chris F.
Very friendly staff and good food at a great price.
(4)Peter S.
My wife and I found Handy's on Yelp. Great food and service, and the staff and owner are very friendly. The real deal for yummy traditional breakfast in Burlington.
(5)karalyn s.
We were in town for a wedding and stopped in for breakfast, and met Earl. We mentioned that we had some problems trying to find new accommodations for the night on short notice, and within minutes, Earl had called a friend who is a local hotel manager and got us a great room at a discounted rate. His recommendation to stop by Citizens Cider was also stellar, and we had a great time there. The food at Handy's was tasty and affordable, but the exceptionally friendly service is what we'll return for. Thank you, Earl! You made our day!
(5)JM P.
The food is amazing - they've come up with really inventive and delicious menu items. But the best part isn't the food, it's the atmosphere. Mary and Earl will make you feel like an old friend, and Mom is so sweet. You have to try her cookies. Handy's is a classic diner with lots of character, great food, and even better service.
(5)Bailey Z.
One of the great things about living in Vermont is breakfast and brunch. The unfortunate side is the hour-long wait at most of the top spots around town. A great alternative is to hit up an old school diner. I love that Handy's has the horseshoe-shaped counter for that old diner feel. There was no wait on a Sunday morning and our food came out quickly. While the menu doesn't advertise anything eye-popping like locally organic seasonal fruit in its pancakes, the breakfast lineup was solid and relatively cheap. I got the SST sandwich, which had sausage, egg, and cheese between two slices of French toast. It was one of the most satisfying breakfast sandwiches I've had in a while. On top of that, the owner is super friendly and offered a free cookie if you check-in with Yelp. It was kind of cool to see a diner as generational as this one embracing the advent of social media.
(4)Gary w.
This place is the real deal! Charming folk really seem to enjoy & care about their family business. I, unfortunately, only ordered to go - but the time I spent with them was enough time to see how well-founded their reputation is. Just an all-around super crew of personality+ w/a passion to make a good meal for ya & a desire to please. Boars Head purveyors: my olive relish laden "[muhf-fuh-LEHT-tuh]" was A #1.
(4)Benjamin B.
You remember Cheers, where everybody knows your name? That's what it's like walking into Handy's. You open the door and Earl or Jeremy greets you by name before you get to your stool. You look around the horseshoe counter and see many faces you recognize, even if you might not know them by name. If you happen by when it's slow, Earl's always willing to chat sports, politics, entertainment, or just about anything else. (Ask him to see photos of his twins - they're adorable.) The food is good quality diner style. Breakfast or lunch, you don't walk away disappointed. Handy's is one of the few places that I'll order pancakes because they're just the right consistency and (of course) served with real Vermont maple syrup. For lunch, the texas dogs are a good choice. Of course, so is the chicken Phillie with some peper jack cheese. For me, I usually pair either with sweet potato fries. If you're on the run in the morning, the McHandy can't be beat. It's the best breakfast sandwich in Burlington. I get mine with Ham, but you might like bacon or sausage.
(5)Deborah S.
Great people, great food! After an hour at Handy's, we felt like old friends of the Handy family, who have owned and operated the diner for 70 years. The food was delicious too. I ordered a hamburger with everything, french fries with gravy and onion rings. I highly recommend them all.
(5)Gavin K.
Love the bar for sitting. Has all of the staples of breakfast diner and lunch place.
(5)Scott S.
I really wanted to like Handy's; the location is a quaint throwback and the atmosphere very pleasant. But I was there to eat a late breakfast not merely to submerge myself in Americana. The small, bland portions immodestly priced just can't find me recommending a visit.
(2)David A.
You can't pick your family....so don't go judging this place by the other Handy's you know. While every experience I've ever had with Handy's towing, or gas station, or otherwise has been less than pleasant, I left Handy's Lunch today full and will a smile on my face. I saw old friends, met nice people, and was greeted and served with class. The owner was onsite and he was friendly and helpful, and everyone there seemed to be seeing old friends. It felt like Cheers, but with food instead of beer and no fat dude or mailman to laugh at. For lunch I had a roast beef sandwich with tatertots on the side. They suggested a house sauce to go with it and it was perfect. The sandwich was a good size and with a soda and side it was $11...pretty good deal. I went because I stumbled upon a yelp coupon...but I would definitely go back for a nice, low key delicious lunch. Thanks for the experience, it's clear why you've been in business since 1945! Oh...they even gave me a free cookie for checking in on Yelp. :)
(4)Eddy K.
Nice diner feel with good service, reasonable prices and friendly staff. Service: Quick, responsive and attentive to their customers. The environment really caters to this as it has a classic diner setup surrounding the staff. They make conversation with customers and give the impression that you can ask for anything. Food/Drink: I ordered the SSG which was a monstrous breakfast sandwich. Absolutely delicious with good meats and well-cooked eggs. Simple but delicious and quite filling. Atmosphere: Love it. I typically eat at the bar if I am dining alone so this was a great situation for me with the seating purely being a bar setting. I always enjoyed the classic diner environment. Overall: I gave it a 4/5 since purely based on principle the place does not have the most amazing taste. It's not anything real special but definitely beats more common breakfast joints/diners.
(4)Sheon B.
On our way to Montreal we detoured to Burlington, VT. Upon reviewing our fellow yelpers reviews we found Handy's Lunch. Handy's lunch is a great diner. The food is good and the service is excellent. I had the 2 cheeseburger special, cooked texas style. Texas style means a chili sauce added on top of the burgers. The chili sauce was excellent. It was nice, flavorful and meaty. I also had a texas hot dog which was goooood as well! Everything at Handy's was wonderful but I did knock off one star due to cleanliness. Handy's needs a nice scrub down but don't let that discourage you!
(4)Dan Z.
Great local spot for breakfast. Super friendly staff and easy walk from church street.
(4)Judy C.
Easy, friendly and GOOD food! Watched the cook slice, chop and grill the corned beef for the best hash we have ever had.
(5)Randy F.
Atmosphere that is hard to match anywhere. Best Reuben in Burlington! Daily specials, tater tots and cookies too! Same price range as most lunch spots in Burlington, but they put way more meat and toppings on theirs. Great for breakfast and/or catering too.
(5)Brian M.
Great food that tastes like classic, fresh diner food. It takes a little longer to get your meal than I'd like, but the meal is usually with the wait. Great atmosphere, close to lots of Burlington businesses, a fun place to eat. And Earl usually holds court for his customers.
(4)Michelle G.
My parents brought us here as kids (in the 80's). Love the Handy Family, so glad Earl has taken the reigns and not sold. If I lived closer I'd definitely be there regularly. Love my diner food with a side of friendly faces!
(4)Matthew T.
The place was great. The staff made a point of coming out and talking with the customers. Food was amazing. They went out of their way to make my 2 year old happy.
(5)Gerard M.
That's why I'm a regular. I started eating here back in the late 70's. That's when Bob, may he rest in peace, was running the place. Back before there were tablets, Outlook and Blackberries I would plan my week around their lunch special. Now Earl, son of Bob, runs the place and it is as good as ever. You can't go wrong with anything here. The best part, for today's lunch I had the 2 Texas Red Hot', fries and a soda for $8.95.I used a YELP coupon and the lunch was even that more tastier. Eat at Handy's Lunch. You'll love it..
(4)Brian C.
Holy shit this is a real place, it's kind of like that town in big fish- it conjures up a mythic, rockwelliam America past, Vermont style. Standard diner lunch fare, nothing spectacular, but more than worth stopping I'm for the atmosphere and the feeling that really, everything is ok.
(5)M M.
First timer... Was a little intimidated because the line was basically out the front door. I decided to order to go to avoid the wait, my plan was foiled because the wait was just as long. Staff/Owner didn't seem to friendly, until I flashed my "redeem coupon". The food was ok, no big thrills and definitely not proportioned to the price. Only three stars for this one... no revisits on this one.
(3)D B.
Very nice owners! had a very tasty Super G sandwich. great local joint
(4)Nick P.
Great breakfast -- first quality greasy spoon in Burlington that Ive encountered! Friendly waitresses, and Earl (the owner / cook) was quick to come over and welcome us. Its one of those places that you quickly feel like a regular...even on your first time in the door. Hint - get the bacon.
(4)Timothy W.
If I could give a place 7 stars, this would be the place. Awesome old-tyme diner, owned by a Yankee fan in the middle of Red Sox country. We went here for a late breakfast on the Saturday before the VT Brewers festival. We went to the far end of the horseshoe counter to sit down and when the owner \ chef saw the interlocking NY on my cap he gave a little nod of approval as if to say he had my back. They only serve breakfast and lunch. The service was prompt and the breakfast was well cooked. Everyone in our fam was happy with their meal and we'd definitely come back the next time we find ourselves in Burlington. The name of the place also provides plenty of comedy, as I kept asking the DW if she felt like giving me a "handy" :-) Unfortunately she didn't oblige!
(5)Stacie S.
Such a great local diner! Even if you're from out of town the staff makes you feel like you're a part of the community. The food is reasonably priced and delicious as well!
(5)Rory M.
I have a theory of restaurants. There are three categories. Fast, tasty, and price. For a restaurant to be good, it must be two of the three. Fast and tasty, works for me. tasty and a decent price, works, as does fast and lower price. Handy's hits all three. The breakfast was VERY fast. It took about 5 minutes from order to table. That is huge. I had corned beef hash, 2 eggs, home fries and toast. I watched the kitchen as they fresh sliced the corned beef for my hash, a big plus. Everything was tasty and as it should be. My girlfriend got chocolate chip pancakes and bacon. A second about the bacon here. It was not what I expected, but in a good way. It was relatively thick-cut, not that wimpy see-through junk I've got at other diners, and not overdone. The coffee was good and hot, and the service was friendly and fast. It has a typical diner menu, but that's perfect for me. Breakfast for two with one OJ, coffee and the side of bacon came it at $20. Overall, it was a good experience and one I'll be repeating.
(4)Bonnie R.
We found this on Yelp and had a great time! We had just finished going to the local science museum and was hungry. We also had a 22 month old with us and needed a place that was kid-friendly. This was the place! Good sized portions, great service (the kind woman behind the counter even cut the grilled cheese sandwich for our little person into small triangles) and good, hearty, warm food. Loved the feel of the place and was even luckier that we found parking. Thanks Yelp for giving us the heads up!
(4)Ryan B.
Stop by and say hi to Earl if you're ever in the Burlington area. That is if you can find a seat at the counter.
(4)Matt V.
You will not find a better reuben, in Vermot, let alone the northeast....
(5)Bungalow B.
This is, hands down, the best diner in town. You walk in and feel like you're in someone's kitchen. For all I know, this used to be the Handy's kitchen. And when you're there, you feel like a guest in a friend's home because the staff is super friendly and if you want to talk sports with the owner, he'll gladly oblige. The diner is frequented by locals and some of whom have known the family owners since before they were born. There's always a free copy of the morning's paper to be found on the counter. The seating area is essentially one big horseshoe of a table, which only further encourages a friendly social scene. And then the food. Diner food is pretty easy and yet, you can go wrong with food in a diner. There are certain places in town that will leave your stomach second-guessing your choice in establishments. Handy's is not one of them. The food is simple but doesn't disappoint and doesn't make you sick. I love the sausage omelet, where rather than cut up the sausage into tiny pieces, the owner throws two whole sausage patties inside the eggs. It's an egg and sausage sandwich without the bread and it's great. And if you want to add bread, go ahead. They have your typical assortment of breads ready to be toasted. And, OK, I feel kind of dorky describing the finer details of what will only ever be a diner. So let me stop and just say again, Handy's does the diner scene right. You will leave this place with a smile on your face every time and believe me when I say that isn't a sure thing at other places in town.
(5)Maria P.
The food was good. Customer service needs work. Staff was inattentive and kept to themselves...
(3)Christine S.
thank you my fellow yelpers! i never would have found this place without you and your recommendations. GO. GO IMMEDIATELY. you won't regret it. if what you are looking for is a great, home cooked, truly local Burlington eatery - this is your place. get the Super G which is a breakfast sandwich consisting of ham, sausage, bacon, cheese and two eggs on a roll. heavenly :) it is not fancy - at all, so if you're looking for that, head elsewhere. if you are there on a good day, if you check-in through yelp, you'll get a free cookie made by Earl's mom. can't wait to go back.
(5)Dustin W.
This place has all the faux-wood paneling and Formica counter tops that you need in a local diner. Recommended by a former employee- Handy's really hit the spot for a late breakfast. I had the McHandy's (unoriginal yes, in the fact that it's a copycat of the McDonalds Sausage McMuffin, but way better tasting than that) and a coffee, it was a bit pricey but worth stopping by in Burlington.
(4)Peter S.
Great service. They even stayed open late for us. Food was great too. Everybody liked what they ordered and got generous portions.
(5)Tim B.
Great local diner, great food.
(4)Alex M.
Very friendly service :)
(4)Shino W.
This place has been around for ages, but only recently started going there. It truely is a "locals" hangout; there's nothing fancy about this place, it feels like you're at a friends place eating breakfast at the kitchen counter. The fare is similar to a gas station deli menu, except better quality. They're only open for breakfast and lunch, no dinner. All in all, this place is the epitome of "casual". Don't be afraid to join the conversation.
(4)Jeff B.
Seven fast impressions: 1) Saw a local order straight from the cook and get her breakfast sandwich in about 3 minutes. She was rushing to get to work. 2) U-shaped counter. Old school. No table seating. 3) Yankees fans not only welcomed but encouraged. 4) Highly photo-worthy. Norman Rockwell could have painted it. 5) Decent eggs and sausage. Subpar homies. Superior corned-beef hash. 6) Parking is an adventure. For this trip, parked 3 blocks away in metered spot. 7) Go if you like the diner experience. The food will not let you down. (Visit on 10/8/2011, 9 a.m.)
(3)Mike M.
Great old school diner with the home cooked food you grew up with. Forget the trendy burly hip joints go old school at Handys! The kids loved it and wanted to go back for more.
(5)Sam B.
My friends and I came here the morning after a bachelor party and it was just what the doctor ordered. Nice big portions of delicious, hearty food that wasn't overly greasy like you find in some diners. The service was also excellent - it's a family run business in its third generation, and Earl was a lot of fun to talk to. I definitely plan to come back next time I come through Burlington.
(5)Candy M.
Great diner-like atmosphere! Always full of locals, horseshoe counters allow me to speak to everyone in the place, whether they like it or not. Only open for breakfast and lunch, and both are fantastic! I always order the corporate hippie for lunch, basically the best hotdog you've ever had, and like, it might even be two hotdogs. It's perfect. If you're ever hungover, the corp. hippie is the cure. Doesn't hurt that with fries and a soda it's under 10 bucks. Breakfast is perfect as well! You can get eggs, toast, and coffee for like 4 dollars, and Cheap breakfast sandwiches which is always nice on the way to work. They even did a pancakepalooza last year where they had like 8 different things you could add to your pancakes-it was awesome. I brought them to class with me and people went wild while I ate them. Looking back, that was probably an inappropriate meal to eat in class. They even make me bacon chocolate chip pancakes by special request. I'm a big fan of this place. Everything I've ever had is delicious.
(5)Britton P.
LOVE this place! Handy's is the quintessential breakfast experience. This is the type of place presidential candidates visit on the campaign trail. Definitely a highlight of our trip to Burlington. The owner Earl is a great American and likes to chat up the patrons. His mom bakes a mean chocolate chip cookie too.
(5)Matt B.
Perfect Sunday breakfast place - cheap, tastey food, friendly staff. Fantastic country fried steak. Counter seating.
(5)Eric L.
We found this great diner through yelp but did not realize that we had walked in on a Sunday at 1250pm, ten minutes before they close. No matter, because Earl and his friendly crew took care of us with a terrific stack of pancakes and hearty omelette. We never felt rushed and Earl took the time to thank us for our business and even made sure we claimed our free cookie. You owe yourself a visit here just to see how friendly the folks in Burlington really are.
(5)Rob B.
Only ever stopped by for lunch, but this place is solid. Good quality, good portions, friendly service and good prices. Really hard to go wrong here. The only reason I didn't give up five stars is the lack of drink variety. Just bottled sodas/water. If they kept something fresh made like some fresh brewed tea or lemonade, this place would be the perfect.
(4)Niki Z.
The BF and I were visiting Burlington and wanted a good breakfast. Thanks to Yelp we found Handy's which is every bit as good as the other reviewers say it is. We were there around 10 am on a Sunday morning and there were only a couple of other customers there. The horseshoe counter was so nice and the owner himself was the one cooking the food. The food itself was fantastic. My eggs were perfect and the bacon was some of the best I've ever had (and my Grandpa raised pigs for a living!). They also had squeeze bottles of Frank's Red Hot readily available to everyone which is always a plus in my book. Fabulous, fabulous place. If I could give it more than five stars I would.
(5)Bring T.
Gotta love Handy's. I go for the Hot Mama with a Cherry Coke Zero. The Boar's Head meats I grew up on ... Check plus!
(5)Andy J.
Super pleasant and tasty diner food. Nice folks, great atmosphere, endless coffee. What more could you want? How about a $10 for $6 coupon on Yelp? Even better!
(5)Eeka S.
Cute little diner! We all had breakfast and it was delicious. The homemade corn beef hash was cooked with just enough crispy-ness. Great place to stop by for good food and conversation. The owner is an awesome guy! I will eat here again :)
(5)Richard A.
Checked out Yelp for breakfast and found Handy's which was a bit out of the way from the hotel district. I figured it would be less crowded than the closer restaurants. this place just has a horeshoe counter which makes it a bit cramped but it also means it is truly a 'local' spot. my family of 3 jammed ourselves into the stool space but it was worth it. I had a veggie/ham/cheese omlet that was one of the best and largest I have ever had. The vegetables seemed right off the farm and the slab of ham was ample. People stared at my plate like it was a carrier that just docked on a river. It was good. Wife said her shortstack of blueberry pancakes were great. Staff was very friendly and service was quick.
(5)A S.
We really enjoyed our visit here. Not just the food (which was very good), but the owner who engaged our 12 year old in a spirited (but fun) debate (Yankees vs. Red Sox). It made for quite a memorable experience and the owner was nice enough to give my son a Handy's T-shirt and the end. Definitely will come back next time we're in town.
(5)Brian C.
On our way up to Montreal from Boston and stopped here. I signed up just to give this place 5-stars. You should only stop here if you love good diner-style food and really nice people w/ great service. I highly recommend the corporate hippy.
(5)Tina C.
Small joint with old diner style. Simple selection but VERY tasty! Definitely recommend the Hilly sandwich.
(4)Spencer T.
This is my favorite place for breakfast in Burlington. You don't find to many old style lunch counters anymore but this place is perfect. Earl the third generation proprietor holds court and everyone chats and has a great time over classic diner fare with a Vermont twist!
(5)Anne F.
The BEST breakfast sandwich in town! I have been on a permanent quest after trying my first breakfast sandwich in the UVM Waterman cafeteria (an experience both inspiring as it was greasy) to find the greatest breakfast sandwich in town. Handy's will not only excite your tastebuds with buttery, bacon filled goodness but it's the style in which the food is created; in a homey kitchen with the owner Earl chatting with customers and taking orders, the smell of sizzling goods on the grill that makes Handy's a must-go-to stop when in Burlington. Their Texas Dog/Burger is also fantastic; a delicious meat sauce with mustard (though you can get it sans mustard should that not be your thing) piled on top of a sliced, grilled hotdog. Expect to go home not only full but incredibly satisfied. A wonderful place to visit anytime - all the time.
(5)Victor G.
Very nice staff. Good food. Good value.
(5)Melissa D.
Very good food! The atmosphere is laid back and old fashioned. The owner, Earl, was extremely friendly! He pulled out a map for my boyfriend and I, and gave us directions to Ben and Jerrys. I loved the food - try the pancakes!
(5)Jim S.
Thanks to Yelp and previous reviewers, I discovered this place today and had a great lunch. It is so worthy of the 4.5 stars. The Texas dog was awesome, very tasty. I will be back for another one, or two, very soon. Earl, the counter man, and owner, makes you feel like you are having lunch with him at his personal home. Very friendly, attentive and totally welcoming! I like my fries crispy and do wish they had been a little more done, but that's just me. All in all a great fun place for lunch. I will return soon. Thanks, Earl!
(5)Kate B.
Came here on a road trip home to the DC area from Stowe, VT because of how well reviewed it was on Yelp. We knew we wanted to stop by Burlington and grab some late breakfast (it was around noon on a weekday), so I looked for diners, knowing they'd hopefully have some "breakfast all day" type of deal, and this place topped the list, with good reason -- the food is great, cheap, and fast, and Earl, the young, handsome, and charming owner (I promise I'm not just saying this to make up for all the ball-busting I gave him while he was waiting on us), is a great guy who's doing a fantastic job of keeping his family business running for 60+ years. Well, Earl's "only" been doing it for 16 years, according to the story that's printed on the menu and worth reading if you at all give a crap about supporting local/family/small businesses. Which I do, if that wasn't obvious to you yet. All the locals were in there ordering lunch, since it was weekday lunchtime, and everything looked damn good, but we were insistent on ordering breakfast food. Handy's offers only three breakfast selections in its "late risers" menu section: the McHandy's (loved the jab at McD's, had to order it based on name alone -- egg, cheese, and bacon, sausage, or ham, I believe, on an English muffin, and of course I got sausage because why would you get anything else?); the Super G (some kind of egg/cheese/meat concoction on a sub roll, as Earl described it to us?), and the SST (egg/cheese/meat on FRENCH TOAST). The McHandy's is cheap at $4.50ish; the other two are about twice the price, which is still normal/cheap for breakfast/brunch prices, at least where I come from. My husband tried the SST and it was as obscenely good as egg/cheese/meat on French toast sounds like it would be. Earl thoughtfully asked if he would like to "Costanza" his sandwich since it was too hot and messy to eat by hand, and brought silverware even when my husband refused and said he could handle it. This is a man who knows the power of his establishment's food. I know I'm going to miss this place every weekend from now until the next time I'm in Vermont (next year, maybe?) when I wake up and think, "Time for diner food" and then get sorely disappointed by my local offerings. We have egg/cheese/meat combinations here in DC that compare, but no proprietor or service that compares to Earl. I don't even give a crap about baseball but I still had fun ragging on the Yankees on behalf of my sister in absentia, a Sox fan. Pros: Everything. Cons: Nothing that knocks the stars below five. They didn't have grapefruit juice, but since I asked so nicely, Earl might put it on the menu. Not that it matters since I live 10+ hours away, and who ever cared if a greasy spoon had grapefruit juice anyway? They do have orange juice, and besides, what I should have been drinking was cup after endless cup of diner coffee, but again, if it's not obvious to you yet, I could probably do with less caffeine in my life. In conclusion, EAT HERE NOW. Unless it's between 3pm and 7am, in which case you can't eat there now and you'll have to wait until later.
(5)Amie G.
Went to Burlington recently and found Handy's via Yelp. It's a classic style diner with delicious food. My friend and I got subs, tots and fries. We were waited on by the owner who was friendly and pleasant. Next time I go, I'm going for the Texas Dog!
(4)Jay B.
I love diners. I love Burlington. So, of course I would love this family owned restaurant on the corner of Maple and Champlain Streets. But when I drove up and saw "Texas Hot Dogs" well.........the only Texas Hot Dogs I'm eating is at Texas Hot Dog in Altoona, PA . I was skeptical. Walking in, I love the U shaped counter (built by Earl's dad, when his dad and mom were out of town in 1958! and yes, still there). Earl is awesome and friendly and loves to hang out and chat. Now........the dogs. Split down the middle and fried on the griddle and then put into a soft bun and smothered with some deeeeeeeliciouso chili. Andddddddd.......I'll have 2. You should too. Seriously. Two is good with some great fries. No fries you say? Get 3. Lunch with a Coke under $10 bucks! Awesometown.
(5)Angie C.
I continue to love Handy's and I am pretty sure after being back three times already this semester, I can consider myself a regular. Earl knows I need my diet coke, he knows that I'll probably pretend to consider options but most times end up with a grilled cheese. Great homemade soup too! I love bringing my friends to Handy's, every single one who's been becomes a fan!
(5)Michelle G.
My favorite casual breakfast stop in Burlington. Great atmosphere and staff. My favorite pick is a short stack of pancakes with bacon!
(5)Bear Paw B.
Stopped here for lunch while on a road trip and loved it! You walk in and the U counter was full with people. We got a seat not too long after arriving and ordered. It was a tough decision as everything looked good. We sat on the far end so we got to watch him cook everything. The staff is friendly and willing to answer any questions as the menu does not have descriptions for certain things that you have no idea what it is. We ordered a gyro with sweet potato tots and a Texas Hot Dog with chili and side of fries. Everything was delish! I wish it was closer so we could go back for breakfast!
(5)Tom H.
Super friendly diner with well prepared, tasty food. No frills, great prices and conversation!
(5)Chatham B.
Texas dog and sweet potato tots! Delish! Omelette and perfectly cooked bacon, and staff is super friendly! What's not to love?!
(5)Tom M.
Made me feel like a local. Great food and a super comfortable environment. My sandwich was big enough to share, kiddo's were hand breaded works of art. Don't leave without one of Moms cookies!
(5)Nathan S.
Great neighborhood restaurant. If you want to meet some locals and eat some greasy food this is the place to be. I recommend breakfast over lunch. The only issue I have is the owner is a yankee fan! I'll let it slide.
(4)