Magnolia Bistro
1 Lawson Ln, Burlington, VT, 05401
Magnolia Bistro Menu
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Address :
1 Lawson Ln
Burlington, VT, 05401 - Phone (802) 846-7446
- Website https://www.magnoliabistro.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 : Brunch
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : No
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
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Bailey Z.
Magnolia is a great place to sample local Vermont flavor. I love breakfast and brunch places that puts a twist on your prototypical omelet, waffle, and pancake plates. If you love the drab and boring ham and eggs go to Denny's. That being said, Magnolia does a wonderful job of incorporating local ingredients into their take on classic breakfast items. I was about to order the Vermont Omelet, but I realized that one of the specials was the Meat Lover's Omelet, which included maple sausage, bacon, and cheddar. Breakfast dilemmas arise all the time, but one of my golden rules of eating is: when in doubt, go for the bacon (it usually works out). I also make it a habit of only ordering savory plates for breakfast because a whole plate of sweet pancakes or waffles is overkill. Luckily, I had two friends who were just as willing to want to try some of the waffles here so we added the ginger and pear waffle to split for good measure. The first thing I noticed was how small the main portions are. I got a very small square omelet. There wasn't much bacon, sausage, or cheese inside, but the bites that I got that did have the meat and cheese were delicious. It was full of flavor and left me wanting more. I also enjoyed the housemade blueberry and watermelon jam stocked at each table. It went great with my wheat toast. The waitress also offered three different types of hot sauce. I recommend the sweet habanero sauce over the green jalapeno or cayenne. The ginger pear waffle was also good, but probably not worth the price for just a single waffle. I can't imagine that being filling or satiating my palette. There were two things that I didn't care for. The homefries were too soft and not crispy enough for my taste. I also found the egg texture of the omelet to be on the rubbery side, which is no bueno. Despite some shortcomings, I would definitely come back to try the other menu items at Magnolia. It's refreshing to try new flavor combinations for breakfast. The menu seems very original and creative and their specials reflect great local ingredients as well as seasonal items.
(4)Clare F.
Holy brunch, Batman. Headed here for a family brunch (for 10) - we were told that it would only be a 5-10 min. wait for two tables of five, perfect. Walk over (and lets be honest, nothing in the main part of Burlington is a long walk away) and the hostess tells us that she knows nothing of our recent phone call, so we end up waiting a good 45 minutes. Several groups who arrived after us were seated before us (the smaller 2s and 3s, but also a few larger groups). Just as we were about to give up, our names were called. It was all uphill from there, my friends. We had a fantastic waitress - friendly, attentive, quick to recommend. We shared the bread of the day - blueberry peach. Absurdly good. It tasted more like a muffin, but that didn't matter. The coffee was fresh and bottomless. Companions got the hash with eggs, and the breakfast burrito (added in bacon and avocado, per our waitress's suggestion). I had the oatmeal pancakes with blueberries. I was hesitant - oatmeal in pancakes? But I shouldn't have been. They were super delicious. The maple syrup was obviously local (at a certified green restaurant it better be!) The berries were hidden in pockets of the pancakes, but somehow didn't explode into blueberry bursts like in a normal blueberry pancake, which I would have preferred. Restroom was clean and cute, with inspirational quotes stenciled on the walls and awesome smelling hand soap. Definitely would have gone back again if we weren't in town for such a short time.
(4)Sophie R.
What an incredible restaurant! Wish I had eaten there more than once! We got the seitan rueben with a side of german potato salad and the philly seitan sandwich with a side of kale. It was by far, the best seitan I have ever had the pleasure of eating. I've had seitan at hot spots in NYC and Boston, and this blew everything else out of the water. Perfectly moist and tender, with a wonderful flavor. Another great thing about this place is that it serves veg heads a dairy alternative other than soy milk: they have a almond coconut milk, so nice for a change in your morning coffee. Our sandwiches were served with an array of local hot sauces and house made ketchup, all which were delicious. Loved the Rancho Ancho sauce- sweet and smokey. Sandwiches are served on bread from a local bakery called O bread. This is a certified green restaurant as well. They have a lot of decor which had been resourced/recycled, definitely lends an eclectic feel to the space. A beautiful spot to enjoy your locally sourced breakfast or lunch.
(5)Monica A.
Absolutely delicious food and excellent service. We started with a strawberry rhubarb bread served with homemade strawberry cream cheese. My sister ordered a quinoa scramble and I ordered the house cured salmon. Everything was delicious, ingredients were fresh and beautifully served. Coffee was kept full and the OJ was fresh squeezed. Every table has homemade strawberry jam and ketchup. Absolutely recommend this place and will be back.
(5)Andrea W.
We had a really yummy breakfast here. We only had to wait about 30 minutes, which was not too bad for a Sunday AM. The building has interesting details. The menu had great options, and the service was attentive.
(4)Ali K.
my GF seemed to love this place and most of the reviewers do to, but honestly i wasn't like OMG THIS PLACE IS AMAZING. It was above average, it didn't make me weak in the knees buckle like Henry's does. I mean is it the healthier option in the area for breakfast and lunch absolutely! Healthy is good, i love eating healthy but I mean the place didn't blow me away. Came on kind of a cold summer afternoon for brunch and sat outside (GF made me) so i was already miserable because I was cold. Now to the food I got the Bo Knows Breakfast and it was only ok. I would say the highlight of the meal was the maple sausage and the home fries. GF got the Magnolia Eggs Benedict which I did have a bite of and they were superb. Staff was really nice and accommodating, wish I could have liked the food more but the restaurant space of itself inside and out was beautifully designed. I would definitely try this place again for sure.
(3)Tracy Z.
We had a spectacular breakfast here. Love the food, the menu, the ambiance, and the staff!
(5)Jay P.
I adore this place. I had breakfast there every day over the memorial day weekend. I had the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes which were devine, the Eggs Florentine, the best I have ever had, and finally the Bo Knows Breakfast, making sure I had extra toast for the amazing home made strawberry jam. I have been here so many times, but it continues to be my favorite spot in Burlington! The only other place I have breakfast while in town is Meyer's Bagels. I tried Penny Cluse once, the food was good, but way over priced.
(5)Rachel A.
If I lived in VT, I'd be here every weekend. Menu has a ton of variety. I had a delicious daily locavore omelette - a hearty mix of meaty mushrooms, ramps and local chèvre. We split an oatmeal pancake with bananas and dark chocolate chips. The Carolina pulled pork omelette was solid, but had too much meat for our liking. I loved the accompanying unusal hot sauces - like peach - which went well with the eggs. Our waitress was friendly, and I appreciated the efficient service - such as immediately serving coffee and offering several refills.
(5)M T.
Thanks yelpers about this place! Breakfast or Brunch, I don't care what it's called, but it was the best first meal of the day. The mister and I venture here after not wanting to wait an hour at Penny Cluse Cafe. Yes, believe it, the mister and I will not wait that long for breakfast even at the famed Penny Cluse Cafe. MB is across the street from Vermont Pub & Brewery, we had our first night for dinner there. We were pleasantly surprised to find that MB is Vermont's first certified green restaurant. Upon arriving, we were told that it was a 15 mins wait, but we were seated within 5 mins, close to the bar area. We were both starving so both ordered the big breakfast entree, Bo knows breakfast. This entree is a big plate of drunk eating. It consist of two eggs, organic sausage, bread, potatoes, and their famous oatmeal pancake. I am not a big fan of pancakes until I ate their large and thick oatmeal pancake and top it off with maple syrup. Delish! Love the sausage too, if only we got another link. Also, loved the Cajun spice used on the the potatoes. We returned our empty plates to our waitress. The only thing that I did not like was the coffee, it was very weak. I guess the food made up for weak coffee. We were happy to eat at Magnolia for breakfast or brunch or whatever it's called. After wards, the mister and I walked off our meals at the Farmer's Market which was next door.
(5)CC C.
Great food and ambiance. The cook was very personable. Our waitress was the snarkiest I've encountered in quite some time.
(3)Garnik S.
This was the best brunch place I have been to, hands down. You will not regret it. We were coming back to Connecticut from a trip to Montreal and Burlington sounded like a good and convenient spot to grab some food. The town itself is beautiful. It has a college atmosphere and you will enjoy walking around. Magnolia has a very cozy atmosphere. There was a sign in front that noted that Magnolia is Vermont's first green certified restaurant, and it showed. Even the bathroom had recycled paper towels. The food provided a healthier take on typical brunch items. I had the Egg Benedict on rye bread and it was tasty. But what was absolutely to die for was their oatmeal pancakes. The texture of the pancakes is heavy and hearty and it tastes amazing with their homemade strawberry sauce. They even had homemade ketchup. The cocktails are amazing as well. If you're into really fruity drinks, try the mighty bunny (I think that's what it's called). Awesome!! The service was also very good. We asked the waitress to take a photo of us and she took three different photos to make sure that we looked perfect. We will definitely be returning back if we are ever near Burlington again.
(5)David M.
This is a cool place. Vegan friendly with some organic stuff. On the healthy side as far as I'm concerned, but still very tasty. Worth checking out if you're in the area. We parked across the street. You have to go across the parking lot, down the steps and into the building on the corner to get in. The outside seating and giant sign over the private parking lot threw us off. I guess you can also come in through the alley-way on the other side street as well? Wasn't crowded on the Thursday morning we went. Service was acceptable and the food was good. An orange on one of our plates that came out appeared to be half-eaten already. We forgot to mention that to the staff - it wasn't a huge deal. As a few other places in the area, this place doesn't serve Coke or Pepsi products... just an FYI.
(4)Eric S.
Delicious pancakes and pleasant service. Definitely a great stop for breakfast.
(5)Candy M.
My rating still stands. I went back with a friend because it was Mothers Day and we are idiots and forgot and it was the only place with a less than 30 minute wait. My friend is really into sweet breakfast pastries and things, so I figured it would at least be pleasurable for her. I branched out. I got the Carolina Omelette which was an omelette with BBQ pulled pork and cheddar cheese. I wanted to love this. Everything about it sounded good. It was SO disappointing. The pork was DRY and under seasoned. Like, I can't even explain how dry. Horrible. If there had been more BBQ sauce or cheese or SOMETHING I would have enjoyed it more. The eggs were overcooked and under seasoned (under seasoning is a recurring theme at this place) for the omelette, which also made it pretty terrible. I want to stress that I went in with an open mind and wanted to love this, but I can't love anything that bland and dry. My dining companion had the banana bread french toast. I'm not really sure in what world it was french toast, because it did not seem to be dipped in egg, and was extremely dry. Even the maple syrup couldn't save this. My friend really enjoyed the homemade jam, which was acceptable on my toast as well. She also enjoyed the banana bread french toast, but to me it was just buttered and fried on the flattop, not really french toasty. All in all, this place still sucks. Sorry Magnolia, not sure how you fooled people into thinking you were good.
(2)David M.
Food is fresh and pretty good. Priced a little high for breakfast. Feels a little touristy. They up-charged us for splitting a dish which is ridiculous in my book. Only homemade soft drinks. No coke or Pepsi here!
(3)Tom M.
Magnolia is an excellent choice foe a wholesome breakfast. Cozy downstairs area was crowded but not noisy. The three of us went in different directions with our orders. Omelette, blue corn pancake with jalapeño, and tofu sandwich were all good. Made from scratch with local ingredients Bloody Mary's were excellent. Magnolia is a good way to begin the day!
(5)Liesje S.
I love Magnolia's. I always want to go there. It's cozy and the food is very hearty and healthy. I think its my fav!
(5)Ryan C.
We got there around 9:20. There was a 30 minute wait. Based on the Yelp! reviews, I expected it. The hostess was friendly, acknowledging we had arrived and gave us an accurate wait time. Service: The waitress was attentive, and willing to answer any questions. She described the items in a way that made it even more difficult to pick out what to eat! Food: The food was really good, except for the 'hash'. I typically order pancakes, french toast, eggs, etc., but today I wanted something different. I saw a 'hash' on the menu which was described as potatoes, onion and either vegetarian or with a meat. I got it with meat, which was brisket. I was disappointed. It was dry, bland, and the serving was extremely small; it was especially small in comparison to what others at my table got. However, the apple walnut french toast was absolutely the best french toast I ever tasted. The apple cinnamon oatmeal pancakes were also delicious, but I would've preferred the apples to be softer (it was as if it was cut directly for the pancakes, and not warmed/slightly cooked separately). The homemade plum jam was out of this world, and excellent along with my artisan bread. Atmosphere: It's a quaint place in the basement of the building. Decorated nicely to ensure it doesn't have a gross basement vibe, and not crowded given the space. The space is small which is why there is such a wait. Don't go here if you're looking for a basic diner-style breakfast (plain pancakes, eggs, etc.). Do go here if you're sick of the basic diner-style breakfast and want something different, local, and delicious.
(4)Julie Y.
It was hard to find the place at first bc of the building is hidden and it didn't seem like a restaurant lol Banana bread French toast was just ok for me - I prefer soft and chiffon like texture for French toasts but the bread itself was tasty and full of bananas - Yum! Loved California omelette, would love to try more menus however such a shame that I live 5 hour drive away T-T Ketchup was so good!!! I'm not even a ketchup person - it was more like tomato marinades and loved it! I put it on everything lol Definately going back - it deserves 5 hour drive !
(4)mollie p.
Lemon ricotta pancakes are to die for!
(4)Austin N.
I don't rate the entire restaurant. I simply explain the pros and cons of my particular visit. The coffee was quite weak. The cinnamon bun which was a special was very good with a cream cheese frosting, highly recommended. I ordered the both Carolina omelet(pulled pork with Vermont cheddar), it was ok. The meat didn't have much flavor and it didn't have any BBQ sauce. The egg was also very dry. The home fries were very big cuts of potatoes. The seasoning was very good but the chunks were so big the insides weren't very cooked, reminded me of a small baked potato. There were many good looking and local, fresh options on the menu. Next time I would try a pancake or one of the French toast breads. They did soft boil an egg for a friend and she said it was good. I did try to substitute a few things on my order which wasn't allowed. I say if you are going to come here try one of the pancakes or French toasts, both were devoured by my associates.
(3)David K.
By far one of the best breakfast locations I have found. The coffee is very good, the service friendly, the food all organic and amazing. A must stop when visiting Burlington.
(5)Jaclyn P.
This place is the cutest! The food is awesome and the waitstaff were so friendly. Everything on the menu looked great. The restaurant and facilities were impeccably clean, too. The Vermont omelet with cheddar and apples was delicious. And the coffee was good which can sometimes be an afterthought. I have already recommended this place to someone else who will be visiting the area and I will definitely return the next time I'm in VT.
(5)Jonathan C.
I'm not sure how we've never eaten at this gem before. It is tucked behind another building, and you have to find the right door. But it's worth seeking it out. The service was impeccable. Friendly and attentive, without being intrusive. Our server anticipated our needs and was amazingly accommodating with any substitutions or combinations (some of which she even suggested). Probably some of the best service I've ever received. The food was great. Not perfect, but really great. I had the localvore special omelet, and others at my table had a sandwich, french toast and another egg dish. Everything was tasty and just unusual enough to be interesting, without being strange or trying too hard. How could the food have been perfect? The hash browns were dry and uninteresting, and the food definitely could have been served hotter. The center of my omelet, for example, was nice and warm, but the edges (where there's no filling) were cool upon arrival. But other than those little qualms, we all enjoyed our meals and the lingering time we had at the place. The coffee was fantastic. They have lots of vegetarian options. We really appreciated the "green" approach to the place with lots of waste-reduction, local consumption, and organic ingredients. And the prices are very reasonable; they didn't just become expensive because they're green. This is definitely the sort of place I'll come back to again and again. A note about the star rating. I struggled between 5-stars and 4-stars for Magnolia. With only a few dings on the food, I was tempted to go for 5 stars, but as I read other reviews, I find that this wasn't a one-time occurance. So I've put 4 stars and eagerly look back to the next time I can go here to see if it's improved to add a star.
(4)Jazmin H.
Substitute your toast for amazing seasonal bread for $2. The banana bread french toast was amazing, I can't believe I've never heard of it before. Can't recommend it highly enough.
(5)Jimmy M.
We decided on Magnolia Bistro based on the creative menu, and the specials of the day were even more tempting once we sat down. The condiments on the table were well out of the ordinary (home-made jam, local hot sauces). Unfortunately, the food didn't live up to expectations. Our cinnamon rolls (a special of the day) were a bit bland and very undercooked. That could be overlooked, but two of our vegetarian dishes contained bits of real sausage, so even though the rest of the food was fine, our meal was a failure. Service was attentive (coffee and water flowed freely), and they were apologetic about the snafu, but I can't give more than 2 stars due to the chef's carelessness.
(2)Joel D.
Had a terrific breakfast at Magnolia Bistro. Coffee was delicious. Service was very friendly, maybe a little bit too enthusiastic, but it was very good nonetheless. Dishes came out of kitchen very fast and the food tasted great. Go here if you want a great breakfast that is a step up from a typical greasy spoon.
(4)Ami K.
Best breakfast I've ever had! Must try oatmeal pancakes! Does get very packed, probably around 15-20 min wait but definitely worth the wait!
(5)Kristi P.
The first time I went here I was dazzled... Banana bread French toast, eggs Benedict, oatmeal pancakes!! Plus the line was out the door for seating.byte anticipation was overwhelming. It was love at first bite. The second time I went it was just ok. Food was good I enjoyed the local hot sauce they served. The last time I went it was awful. My moms poached eggs had hard yolks. The banana bread side had no signature cream cheese I adore, the service was just terrible, and they over cooked my toast. Ok ok so I was a bit hung over and a little grumpy. But the magic was lost none the less....
(3)Ally P.
Magnolia is a great, inexpensive place to do breakfast in Burlington. Their bloody marys are also TO DIE FOR. The service is usually pretty good and friendly. Sometimes there is a wait, but that's to be expected in Burlington.
(5)Matt B.
Came here for lunch while visiting Burlington. This place has a ton of reviews for breakfast, but as it was 2:00, I figured I would give lunch a spin. I had the tuna salad sandwich - very good.. the bread was as fresh as could be. I had the chipotle beans as a side...long lasting heat, but delicious. Wifers had the California Wrap with Mediterranean Beans a a side. No complaints. The Caprese Side Salad that we split was fresh and tasty...considering we're a ways into New England at this point. The beers were ok...my wife's beer was pretty watered down, and out server was great. Are there better spots for lunch? I'm sure. Did I leave dissatisfied...not in the least.
(4)Bring T.
Yummy, yummy food but beware the stairs. I want so many things on the menu. I went for the first time with my aunt and grandmother and they had trouble making it down, even the back way.
(4)Alexandra S.
I love this place. Their food is great. All of it. Don't really have to say much more than that! Breakfast is to die for. So is the OJ. My favorite time to come here is during the summer, when you can sit outside. It's lovely out there, especially if you are with a significant other on a slow, quiet morning.
(5)Jill R.
Magnolia Bistro has amazing breakfast. I went to Burlington for a weekend and ate there every single morning because it was so good. Their oatmeal pancakes actually changed my life. Seriously.
(5)Devin C.
Top Notch for Breakfast!
(5)Nicole B.
I have been to Magnolia's many times but this was by far the worst experience I've had yet. I went on a Sunday morning for brunch and the wait was only 10 minutes. We started with chocolate milk and their specialty banana bread. The banana bread came with a cranberry flavored cream cheese that was okay, but the banana bread was great. They also make their own jam - today's was pineapple mango flavored jam that was delicious. For my meal I ordered the fruit and yogurt parfait. It comes with vanilla yogurt, homemade granola, fresh fruit and maple syrup. Normally this dish is delicious, but today it didn't have enough fruit and the kiwi in the parfait were not peeled - I'm not a huge fan of kiwi skin. It took a really long time (almost 30 minutes) for us to get our food and then was disappointing when we got it. When our check finally came the bill was messed up which made the whole process take even longer. I usually enjoy Magnolia's and I'm optimistic that next time will be better.
(3)Cala B.
I've eaten at this place three times in five years and have been painfully unimpressed each visit. Firstly, the place has a smell tinged with bleach. I'm not sure if this is because they wash floors with too much bleach or because the kitchen is poorly ventilated. Second: order for our table of five took 28:23 from order to delivery. Third: The meat hash is absolutely disgusting - it tasted like a flavorless, crispy, recently wrung out sponge. The plate was garnished with an orange rind and cold potatoes. If you like the taste of Burlington tap water, you're in for a treat. Oh - and don't sit near the window unless you want to wear your coat the entire time.
(1)Patrick B.
Very pleasant sitting outside. You just gotta love a place where you ask for hot sauce and you're brought three different kinds of hot sauce. Everything was great. Oatmeal pancakes and Huevos Fra Diavolo (I'll let you figure out which was which). Friendly and efficient service from Shelby. (You know, I realized that not one server in Burlington volunteered her/his name. Is that a Vermont thing?)
(4)Lindsay L.
Came for Sunday brunch and didn't have to wait more than ten minutes? Joy! The menu is creative with some unique twists. I wanted to try the Lemon Ricotta pancakes to compare them with my boyfriend's version at his restaurant. The ones at Taverna San Marco in Jacksonville, FL are sinfully good! So good, in fact, that I almost felt like it would be cheating to order them at a different restaurant. So, I went with the black bean omelet instead. My food was good and the service was good. I just can't rave about Magnolia. There were little things that seem simple they could improve: my sister's strawberry pancakes didn't come with any fresh strawberries on top, my potatoes were somewhat cold, my other sister was handed her plate from the server even though it was extremely hot. I would come back, I just wouldn't expect anything too spectacular.
(3)Sarah M.
Delicious, and beautiful! I have lived in Burlington for about three years, and I can't believe I didn't come across this place until recently. I ordered the egg, toast, and bacon combo (can't remember exactly what they called it) and it was scrumptious. They offer tons of unique and locally produced entrees--yum. The prices aren't too bad, either. We ate on the back terrace on a beautiful spring morning, and it was lovely.
(5)Brian C.
I normally go to penny cluse or sneakers for brunch but after tons of people raving about this place, we gave it a spin. It is very popular, there was quite a wait. We were able to sit down at the counter though pretty quickly. We never really do the whole "counter" thing, but figured we would give it a try since the wait was so long. Service was at first attentive but then strayed. They were out of their Iced Tea which was a bummer, and they dont have cappachinos. We ordered some banana bread with cream cheese which was great, but we waited about 20 mins+ to get it. That was a little disappointing. Our waitress seemed to disappear until after we had paid someone else. That was kind of odd. I had a special omlet and wifey had a burrito. Both were very good. Everything was fresh and local and good. Prices werent terrible. Would go again but would sit at a table. Not ready to recommend this to others yet.
(3)Jeremy B.
If you know how I feel about Burlington, Penny Cluse, Skinny Pancake, or other local favs, I'm happy to say tell you that this place has escaped my scrutiny and wrath. It's simple, really: you can eat here for under $10, and it will be decent. How many places in this godforsaken town can still claim this, or even aspire to this? A dwindling number. I don't feel like I'm paying for anyone's next trip to Belize, (or paying for some NECI grad's ill-executed high concepts). And no, this place isn't amazing, by any stretch if the imagination. I didn't get any $14 blue corn pancakes or any fancy gilded waffles and whatnots. I had bacon, eggs, home fries, toast, coffee. Lots and lots, and lots and lots of coffee. Decent coffee, not green mountain or other gas station blends. And you know--the home fries, for the first time ever, weren't burnt. So, they weren't fully cooked either, but why be picky? Still, I could do with out dried herbs on the potatoes, as you risk that dirt taste. But hey, $7??, at one of the nation's first certified "green" restaurants, no less? I admire that it's not one of those places where you know you're paying extra for the privilege of progressive dining or some new hippy greenwashing capitalist venture. Everything is pretty good and reasonable. What more can I ask for? Oh, and they've been upping their gluten-free options, including sandwiches and French toast, so this is one diner my gluten-intolerant companion and I can easily settle on, and she won't have to listen to me grumble about how I wish this town, mostly everything within two blocks of Church Street, would be razed in a fire. At least for a few hours, she wouldn't have to hear about that.
(3)Adam P.
Ate brunch here today. Everything was delicious. I had the banana bread french toast which was excellent. Servers were friendly and knowledgable. I highly recommend Magnolia Bistro for brunch in the heart of Burlington.
(4)Mike G.
Every restaurant in the country should strive to do what this place does on a daily basis !!! All locally grown and organic. Our clerk at the hotel recommended both Penny Cluse and this place for breakfast. OMG !!! The super friendly waitress this morning first told us that they just started making cinnamon rolls this past weekend and a batch had just come out of the oven when we arrived. We have NEVER had a better cinnamon roll in our lives. My sister had the banana bread french toast that she let me taste. It was so dense and full of banana. I had a special steak, cheese and onion omelette. I'm not sure if they marinated the steak before hand, but it was a strip steak diced up perfectly. I'm not sure what is more impressive about this place. The fact that they have a very imaginative menu or the fact that every ingredient is organic and locally made from the beef, to the eggs, to the produce. They even had a homemade ketchup for the home fries that was to die for and a homemade strawberry jam ( flavor changes depending on the season ) that had the consistency and flavor of a slightly thickened strawberry daquiri. Even the hot sauces they offered were original and Vermont made. If every restaurant were this original with ingredients this local keeping the farmers and whatnot in business, everybody wins. Hell, the strawberry jam was so good, when the waitress offered to put some in a mason jar for my sister, I offered to take a second one home for myself. The waitress was boasting that on the weekends, they usually do anywhere from 300-500 people a day, which would not surprise me in the least, but the locals fear that if the tourists like us find out about the place, the locals aren't going to the place to themselves anymore. Well, I hate to tell them this, but for a place this good, 5 stars doesn't do this place justice. People from all over will be flocking to this place !!!! It's just too bad that every restaurant doesn't take their cue and do everything as local as they are. I'm sure with a little research and imagination, they could find local farms and suppliers they can buy from and not get the stuff frozen from who knows where.
(5)Jessica C.
I was in Burlington for the weekend, and stopped by for breakfast. I ordered the Vermont Omelete- it had apples and sausage with a side of potatoes. It was delicious! They were super accommodating about my gluten allergy and even had gluten free toast to go with my omelet! Will definitely come back when I'm in the area again. :)
(5)Renee M.
We really like this place and have gone more there than anywhere else since we have moved to Burlington from LA. Our biggest beef though is the lack of diversity on the menu. While it is nice to have the seasonal specials, many of the menu items are very similar to each other- for instance, a yummy huevos rancheros on polenta with black beans, but also a black bean omelet with the same toppings. We love that they have gluten free options, but some of them are kind of a cop-out (order without toast= gluten free) and despite recently adding gluten free bread to the menu, it has not been "available" the last two times we've visited. We'll definitely keep coming, but we hope they will kick it up a notch before we run out of stuff to order! Service is very good, too. Everyone is very friendly.
(3)Jacki H.
We had a mid-week lunch here and it was awesome. Really good veggie sandwiches. Cute decor in the basement (though their plants really need some help!) Staff was nice. They have outdoor seating too, which I'm a fan of, but it was full.
(5)Shalin D.
Long wait? Not so great. But, still, I love this place. The restaurant? The space downstairs is cozy (perfect for the winter time when it's full on Sunday morning and the server comes around often with piping hot coffee). The food? I like a mix of sweet and savory in the mornings, so I always order the Western Tofu Scram and the Fruit Parfait. Both are so good- fresh ingredients and generous portions. And the Western Tofu Scram is just like chilaquiles despite it being vegan. Go.
(4)Lee H.
Huevos Con Diablo, Muy Bien! Banana Bread French Toast was a table favorite. The made to order omelet & Eggs Benedict were top notch. Service was friendly & efficient. The attractive decor & good value rounded out a super experience!
(5)Daniel P.
This is about as perfect as a sunny day's brunch can get. I love everything about this adorable place. The people working there are super nice and lovely and the menu is cleverly spot-hitting and nap-inducing. The red pepper and coconut soup was experiential, the tofu scramble crisp and browned with cuts of skillet fried potatoes...and HOUSE MADE KETCHUP?! Take me back.
(5)Danny F.
I've had some things here that were phenomenal and some things that were a complete miss. Usually though, the wait is worth it and I recommend to friends and family all the time.
(4)Cookie M.
Had the eggs Benedict with spinach and tomato. Perfectly poached eggs. Really fresh ingredients. They have the first successful homemade ketchup I've ever tasted. Everything was perfect!!! So yum.
(5)Sandra C.
I yelped and chowhounded this place on the off-chance we'd make it to Burlington on a trip to VT this past July. This place was good and well worth the wait to be seated. We sat out on the deck, though it was hot, it was nice o enjoy the sun. I had a great meal, my co-diner was also happy with his sandwich.
(4)Laura H.
This is a great spot for breakfast - especially when you have people visiting and want to give them a VT meal. The menu has lots of options for the meat eater to the vegan - and no one feels left out. You have to try the banana bread with cranberry cream cheese - it is $5 for 2 warm, fresh slices which is a little bit of a splurge, but so worth it! The waitress kept our coffee mugs filled while we waited for our yummy meals. I had the potato pancakes, which are not carb friendly, but great after a night out. I also had a side of their bacon, which is just as good. Others at my table enjoyed the tofu scramble, the standard breakfast, the sietan sandwich, steak and eggs, and the standard - 2 eggs, sausage, toast! Everyone enjoyed their meal and plates were cleaned all around!
(5)Aries L.
I am quite surprised that Magnolia Bistro did not receive a better review here on Yelp. We randomly stumbled upon this place and was a bit uncertain about the place when we first entered the place. It is located in the basement of a building tucked away behind a parking lot. But don't be fooled by its obscure location. The place is marketed as a certified green restaurant... this is something I am not particularly care for, but it is well reflected on their menu, especially their daily specials. My family and I ordered Caprese sandwich, fresh fruit waffles, and their Vermont omelet. They were all pleasant and refreshing. The service was prompt and attentive. It is definitely a worthy alternative to many "tourist traps"on the Church Street Marketplace. Magnolia is definitely the best place I had for quite a while.
(5)Nate D.
Stopped here for an early afternoon brunch, and was very impressed. Place is a bit hard to find, but once we wandered around enough and found it, we were happy we did. The Eggs Benedict was perfect. Served on sourdough bread rather than an english muffin, but the bread held up, and was delicious. The hollandaise was wonderful, and the eggs were cooked perfectly. Got mine with canadian bacon added (in addition to the standard spinach and tomato) and loved the option to replace the homefries with some sauteed kale for no charge. Mimosa was also very good and relatively inexpensive. (I've seen places charging up to $9 for those lately. Absurd!) Friend I was with got the oatmeal pancakes with chocolate chips, and said they were wonderful as well. After going here, I'm not sure I'll ever be able to eat eggs benedict from Sylvesters in noho, ma again.
(4)christian C.
Way Overrated. I feel like I ate someplace compared to the reviews here. The coffee was swill! Which is truly an insult considering the numerous places for good coffee in Burlington. How can you be a restaurant specializing in breakfast and not brew decent coffee which is what the majority of breakfast meals begin with?!?!? The Mexican omelet was light on the jalapenos and rather bland. The locavore special omelet, with bok choy and mushrooms, was good. The Old Bay seasoning on the homefries gave them some zest initially, but after awhile it became tedious. The toast was not served as requested. I've had far better breakfasts for $30 for two people. The space is nice. When we left at 9:30 on a Sunday, the wait was up to 40 minutes. I wouldn't recommend waiting.
(2)Shenny S.
So good, we went twice! It was a bit hard to find but thankfully a local businessman helped us out. The lemon ricotta pancakes were excellent and so was the coffee. The next day I had a beet salad (was in a mood for lighter fare) and it was good. Service was also attentive. For being a certified green restaurant, prices were reasonable. In LA, prices would be at least 50% higher for an organic restaurant!
(5)E F.
Hands down the best oatmeal pancake I ever had! I also sampled some scrambled eggs, homefries and bacon. They were all delicious but do not fall in to the best I ever had category. My boyfriend opted for the pulled pork sandwich and chicken stew which he describes as "kind of blah". We ordered some granola to go and it was the perfect snack for the 6hr car ride home. The atmosphere was nice and servers friendly, im happy to go back next time im in town.
(4)Lisa L.
Soo good! But maybe a little overly pricey. Service is pretty good. My favorite breakfast joint in Burlington.
(4)Trish D.
loved this place! food was interesting and atmosphere was fantastic. lots of tea options and fresh honey. I had the egg platter. all around easy choice for me. would go again and will bring friends.
(5)John M.
I'd love to be able to give them 4.5 stars. We've stopped in for breakfast many times and have never been disappointed. Staff is always very pleasant, the dining area is quaint and clean and the menu is well-thought out. Plenty of healthy options on the menu as well as the usual fare - all skillfully prepared. And the coffee...is excellent.
(4)Viraj P.
I love love love Magnolia's! Their local omelettes and breads are always spot-on, and as another reviewer put it "their oatmeal pancakes mean business" I have not eaten lunch there (nor do I eat beef) but my friend swears by their steak sandwich. Their seasonal jam is always a treat (you have to ask for it, but it is complimentary) and I love the variety on the menu. The reason I REALLY love the place is because of the wonderful service I receive there and the fact that they have wireless. I love heading over there to get schoolwork done in the morning and they definitely keep the coffee coming! The only thing I don't like is the homefries- sometimes they don't taste well seasoned and may even be a teensy bit raw. That's okay, though! Everything else is delicious and I seem to be one of the few with an issue with the homefries...so I'll just avoid them for now :)
(5)Dallas A.
I've visited Magnolia many times in the past few years. Hit or miss! My recent breakfast there was fantastic. Great service, tasty California Omelet, and over all pleasant experience. I've had other a+ meals there as well.... but then there are the times when the eggs were over cooked, lousy service, and cold potatoes. All in all - 3 stars because I still never know what kind of experience I'll have. The atmosphere is lovely for a basement restaurant. Magnolia feels very bright and warm - despite the potential for an uninviting space.
(3)Michael W.
We came here for breakfast, on a whim. Lots of seasonal and local ingredients. I got the steak and eggs, and my wife got an omlette. Even the beef from the steak was grass-fed and local. Make no mistake- this isn't health food, though. The food we got was heavy, greasy and filling, but man did it taste good. This place is like a greasy spoon for the eco-conscious Burlington set. Also, for those keeping score, lots of vegan and vegetarian friendly dishes here.
(4)Brian Z.
Magnolia is a must go to spot for breakfast/brunch if you are visiting Burlington. My GF and I picked a rainy morning to try this place out. Other breakfast spots like Penny Cluse had a line out the door, but there was no wait at Magnolia. It's kind of in a funny spot, but not hard to find at all. From the minute we walked in we felt welcomed by the staff. The decor/ambiance is very hip and quite relaxing. Our waitress was extremely helpful and informative. I ordered an omelet that had maple sausage and apples, sourdough bread and home fries. When the food arrived it looked like something that you would receive if you sat for breakfast at a Vermont residents kitchen table. Everything was extremely fresh and plentiful. This place may be a bit expensive, but all of the breakfast spots in this area are. For what you pay you get great ambiance, food and service. Highly recommended!
(5)Erik H.
Fantastic breakfast, the oatmeal is surprisingly good and different from any I have had before
(4)Senja K.
I was at Magnolia's for breakfast yesterday morning. Sadly, I was not wowed. It has been a few years since I was last there, but I wouldn't go raving about it to my friends, as I had in years past. I had the Eggs Benedict, I am a huge fan of Eggs Benedict, but it was just okay. The tomato was rock hard, and had no flavor. The eggs were slightly overcooked, not runny enough to my liking. The cayenne hollandaise sauce is delicious however. It adds a nice little zing to the usual hollandaise sauce. It also seemed lighter than most hollandaise sauces, which I also enjoyed. I substituted the home fries for fresh fruit, but the fruit was all rock hard and had no taste. The best part was the orange slice on the side of my plate. I greatly wish Magnolia's did espresso drinks, but they don't so I can't add or take away stars for the coffee. The brewed coffee is nothing to rave about, but I have had worse. Our waitress was very attentive, and confided that it was her second day, yet she did a great job making sure my coffee cup was never empty and my water glass stayed full. I would be willing to try it again when the fruit season has really kicked into high gear.
(3)Btv b.
Food is edible but uninspired. The managers seem hapless. This place does not compete with other popular breakfast lunch places in Burlington, like Penny Cluse and Mirabel's. I'm a local and I avoid this place because of it's reputation as "just not that great".
(2)Jen L.
I have lived in the Burlington area for over 13 years and can't believe that last year was the first time ever going to Magnolia. A co-worker had recommended it and I am glad she did! I've been back once and am going back again for my next lunch date. I went on a Monday when all schools were out. The place was packed and surprisingly, my friend and I got a table and our food within a reasonable amount of time. I had the caprese sandwich and it was delish. The bread was toasted just the way I liked it and the sandwich had the right amount of seasoning. I'm getting the waffles the next time I'm there!
(4)Liz A.
Great atmosphere, lovely menu for all comers, no matter what you like. J. had the Sheffield Reuben -- Sheffield Farms seitan, local sauerkraut, melted swiss and homemade dressing. Side of kale. Thumbs up from her. I had a meat lovers omelet with delicious potatoes and sourdough toast. Good coffee, friendly service & fun art on the walls. More thumbs up for the fresh, local, organic bent and the green practices of the place. I look forward to returning to sample more of the fare.
(4)Stavros M.
Amazing coffee, fresh local breakfast spot, best in town.
(4)Janelle M.
Awesome breakfast. Fresh, organic, and local ingredients. Cool décor, attentive staff, and delicious homemade ketchup and bottled hot sauces. I would eat breakfast here all the time if I lived in Burlington. Don't miss out.
(4)Jackie M.
We chose this restaurant based on excellent word of mouth, and because one member of our party was gluten-free (and had been there before). Initially the wait was a little daunting, but considering the amount of people waiting outside with us, we knew it was worth it. Walking down the stairs and seeing how big and packed the place was, was impressive. We were greeted by every employee that we passed on our way to our table. Our waitress was on point and did not leave a single detail out, and even encouraged us to substitute as much as we wanted (most restaurants give me a look of annoyance when I mess with their menu....not here!) She was extremely accommodating, genuinely friendly and constantly stopping by to check on us. Considering how busy it was - she was fantastic, so was everyone else that was always available to help out when she wasn't around. I got the "Bo Knows Breakfast" which consisted of an oatmeal pancake (AMAZING!), scrambled eggs, home-fries, maple sausage and I substituted banana bread french toast instead of regular toast. I finished everything except for the banana bread french toast... it was a tad dry. Everybody in my party, excluding myself cleaned their plates. It was incredibly difficult to stop eating such delicious food. When we were finishing up, our waitress told us not to rush and to enjoy our experience there...so I ordered a second mimosa :) Great experience all around - would definitely go back again!
(5)Benjamin W.
Great place for breakfast, brunch and lunch! We love the food, and it is always a shorter wait than Penny Cluse. It is nice that they are so eco-conscious as well.
(5)Kate W.
Loved the atmosphere. My tarragon chicken salad sandwich was good but I had trouble picking a side for it, nothing looked good at all. I got hash browns which looked a lot better than they tasted. My friend got a bloody mary which was pretty disgusting as well.
(3)diana p.
Can I please be transported here every Sunday for breakfast? We were in town for a very brief visit and Magnolia made it harder to leave. I went for something light- yogurt and granola parfait and my S/O had the berry berry good frenchtoast.SOOOO good- the homemade granola sprinkled inbetween layers of maple syrup, yogurt and fresh fruit made me feel like a kid in a malt shop.It was sweet, light but very filling and hearty. I needed to lick the glass! The frenchtoast was incredible-the bites I COULD steal away that is. Don't discount sitting at the counter either- we had the best, silliest waiter and it felt a lot more personal than the tables. Get there earlier on a Sunday to avoid the intense rush. The wait staff works HARD so tip them well and treat them better. Is it time to go back yet?
(5)Andrew M.
Pretty tasty breakfast/brunch...everything seems super fresh, which is always a nice touch. Had the banana-bread French toast which was outstanding. The portions seemed a little on the light side but whateves, I still left really full. The only issue I had with the place was the fact that we were placed on a waiting list, and after about 35 minutes passed we started seeing folks who came in waaay after us start to get seated. I went to the host stand and they had inexplicably crossed our table and another couple's behind us off the list. It is very busy there around brunch, and I think they may get a little frazzled by their success, so a very kind word of caution. Everything takes a really long time, but I guess good things come to those who wait. I will be back without a doubt.
(4)Dylan C.
Magnolia was recommended to us by a Burlington local and it was an excellent recommendation! There was a 20 min wait at 10am on Sunday morning. All the food is locally grown and organic. We had the oatmeal pancakes and the cinnamon raisin french toast. Both the meals were delicious. Our experience was made better thanks to our excellent waiter, Kevin. He was prompt and courteous. I appreciated that Kevin brewed a fresh pot if decaf coffee for me instead of giving me the old pot. Overall, Magnolia is fantastic and I recommend it to anyone.
(5)Tracey T.
After an hour and 20 minutes at Magnolia, we are seated at the "counter" (an 18" board attached to the wall with chairs that have seats even with my chest). Food just arrived and it looks like it was thrown onto the plate and tastes plain. I've always loved Magnolia, but I am not pleased with this experience.
(2)Chloe B.
Not worth the hype... Had the eggs Benedict and the eggs were hard and not runny. The zucchini bread was good but I won't be making any efforts to return.
(3)Ashe M.
Oh, wow. I want to go back to Burlington just to eat here. I had the chocolate chip oatmeal pancakes, home fries and vegan sausage and tried the potato pancakes and setain philly sandwich. YUMMMMM!!! Delicious. Just go here. Super vegan and vegetarian friendly, lots of options, great vibe, really good prices. Amazing.
(5)Marie G.
Had a great breakfast here on our last morning in Burlington. Loved the atmosphere- in a basement surrounded by brick walls and columns, but lots of natural light somehow. I had the potato pancakes with some scrambled eggs and sourdough toast. They had homemade blackberry jam on the table that was DIVINE. The potato pancakes were quite yummy- a bit chunkier than the potato pancakes my Ukrainian grandmother used to make, but still excellent flavor and crispy on the outside. I recommend eating them with some sour cream, 'cause, when in Rome! The fresh squeezed OJ was also delicious. My husband and I shared a fruit plate and it had quite a bit of fresh fruit on it, including cantaloupe, honey dew, watermelon, berries, oranges, apples. A nice portion for only $5 or so. Only gripe I had was that our server was a bit short with us. Didn't have that warm attitude that I appreciate. However, she did keep our coffees filled and never forgot any of our little requests.
(5)M S.
Not worth the hype! Honestly, can't understand why it always so busy. If your looking for great breakfast the affordable, go to Henry's or Pennycluse
(1)Rebecca H.
Enjoyed a delicious breakfast here with most perfectly cooked egg, oatmeal pancake, delicious coffee, amazing homemade strawberry jam! Everything is made there with local ingredients, unique combos and always fresh! You won't be disappointed.
(5)Jamie G.
This is the second time I have visited this fine dining establishment and I have been impressed each time, and can't wait to go back whenever I am in Burlington. Last time I had the localvore omelet, which is made with whatever local ingredients are available at the moment, which is awesome, and tastes great. This time, I had the special french toast made with cranberry orange bread (so delicious that when I got home, I looked up a recipe for cranberry orange bread to make at home!). Only wish I would have ordered some veggie sausage as a side to have with it. He had the eggs benedict, with said veggie sausage that I fell in love with. The hollandaise sauce was homemade but a little too lemony for my tastes; he loved it. We also had good service, and arriving at 9:15am , had no wait for a table. I love that this place is local, organic, environmental... everything I love about Vermont all wrapped up neatly in this place. Thanks for a great breakfast!
(5)Lauren C.
Craving the philly seitan ... and pretty much every single thing on the breakfast menu!
(4)James D.
The food is original and tasty. I'm a vegetarian (ovo-lacto) and the Magnolia Bistro has a lot of vegetarian variety on the menu! When you travel as much as I do, you learn to appreciate these things. I will be returning to this restaurant every time I travel to Burlington. Highly recommended! Carnivores will be happy as well.
(4)David R.
Staff and atmosphere are are really nice and relaxed and the Pumpkin Bread French Toast was amazing! I'll make a point of coming back and bringing friends there and I hope to keep finding eclectic delights like this on your menu!
(4)nick d.
I know hardly anything about sustainabilitation or green-iness. But this place is amazing. I came here on a trip to Burlington and had brunch. I stuck to a basic eggs, toast and home fries, and ordered a pancake on the side. Because, really, how can you visit Vermont without dousing something in some rich, amber-hued maple syrup? The oatmeal pancakes are delicious and hearty. I also liked the fresh home fries--there was no guessing about whether these came out of a bag or not, absolutely fresh and tasty. My friends got a variety of stuff from the rest of the menu, including omelets and the egg specialties, and not a single one of us was disappointed. In fact I think our conversation suffered a bit due to just not being able to put this food in our faces fast enough.
(4)Lauren G.
My favorite breakfast place in Vermont, or anywhere for that matter. I visited over 4th of July weekend for the first time in a while, and it was as good as I remembered from my many previous visits. Service here is always super friendly. It is not the fastest (but by no means drags), but this is the type of place where it's nice to linger - if you want a really quick, in and out breakfast or lunch, this is not the place for you. Ambiance here is great. I remember this same space as a dark, dreary, sub-par Mexican restaurant before Magnolia took it over. It's hard to believe it's the same place. Despite being at the basement level, it's light, bright, and full of live plants and rustic brick wall charm. The food is the star here. This time, my husband and I started with the in house baked banana bread served with cranberry cream cheese. The bread comes out warm, which melts the cream cheese, and it is just awesome. The bananas are fair trade, to boot. Love it. For breakfast, he chose his old standby, Huevos con Diablo, which is eggs, black beans, soft polenta, and Mexican-style fixins. I had a taste, and it was delicious and rich. I opted for the special omelet of the day. It was made with local ugly tomatoes as well as local dill chevre. The chevre sold me. This omelet was so good - not too heavy but super flavorful. It was served with potatoes (with Vermont Pepper Co. hot sauce) and in house baked toast with homemade raspberry jam. Just delicious. And of course, the coffee was hot and strong. Finally, prices are reasonable, especially considering how much of the menu features organic ingredients. Overall, this place is a win all around, and a must-eat place if you visit Burlington.
(5)Jessica D.
If I could base it just on the giant garlicky Bloody Marys, I would. But the food is fabulous with anything for brekky/lunch for meatheads and vegheads, the people are friendly, and the setting v. cozy. I seem to keep getting the same thing, but IT'S SO DAMN DELICIOUS. All green and organic and local and all that good shit, but more importantly delicious and not pricey. And they have a bar :)
(5)Jennifer F.
So I was visiting my friends in Burlington and did a quick search on great places for brunch in the area. I came across the Magnolia Bistro. After calling the restaurant we learned that the wait was going to be almost an hour. Whoever answered the phone politely suggested that we send an envoy from our party to put our name on the list so the rest of our party could meet up with us later. Since the place was packed I put in our name and walked outside in the square only to return 30 minutes later with the rest of our party to find that they had already called our table. When we approached the host, he assured us he would call our party next. After waiting a little bit longer, we reminded the host that we were still waiting, only to be told that it was basically our fault for not being there but that we would be seated soon. Since we had received such a rude reception, we did not dare approach him again, but then proceeded to wait another hour while parties of 2, 3, 5, and 7 people that arrived after our party of 4 were seated. Completely frustrated, I finally went back up to the host and inquired again about our table. Realizing that he had forgotten about us, he finally sat us next. We did receive an apology, but nothing else for our trouble. Perhaps after waiting for almost two hours we all were hoping that the food would extinguish the bitterness that had accumulated after our waitlist debacle. No such luck. Despite the fact that our table service was really good, the food was lackluster. The coffee was weak, the omelets were just so so and underseasoned (we had two of the special omelets - one mushroom, one fiddleheads), and the steak portion of the steak and eggs was disappointingly small. The only things that I can say that I thought were stand outs were the blueberry lemon bread and homemade raspberry preserves that were on the table. The magnolia french toast was also pretty good. For the amount of money ($75 for four people after tax and tip), I would have expected better flavor and portions. I'd recommend seeking out one of the other great brunch places in the area and saving your time.
(2)Kelly M.
This place is awesome. I had a great perfectly spicy bloody mary. Its great to see a place on the east coast that had some great vegetarian/vegan options. We had lunch two great sandwiches highly recommend if your in Burlington to check this place out
(5)Chris C.
So after a great night of drinking at the Brewer's Festival the night before we wanted a nice breakfast and am so glad we ended up here. First I have to say it is no average breakfast place, but a upscale place focusing on local and organic offerings. I also really like the fact that they go out of their way to reduce their waste and don't understand why more restaurants don't do it. I had the oatmeal pancakes with bacon, homefries, eggs and sourdough toast. I had never had an oatmeal pancake before and don't know how I missed them all this time. While it felt like it weighed a ton it actually was very fluffy and flavorful while not being nearly as filling as you would expect. I would say one oatmeal one is equivalent to eating two regular pancakes. The bacon and eggs were actually done as I requested which was nice. The homefries were ok regular, but I enjoyed them much more when I put some of the peach habanero sauce they had available on it. She had the locavore omelette made with egg whites which had cheddar, mushrooms, and garlic scapes in it with a side of sausage, homefries and wheat toast. It was also very good and not your typical fare. They also had a full bar so you could get all the usual morning cocktails, but we stuck to the fresh squeezed orange juice this time. The restaurant itself was also very nice with funky art and great furnishings.
(5)Josh O.
Great restaurant! The food is delicious and fresh. The staff is professional, efficient, and warm. Definitely a great place to go. Food is a little on the expensive side, but it's worth it.
(5)Mac C.
Quaint place. Local and organic food. Great for kids. Fried potatoes with breakfast were a bit burnt and dry, but overall breakfast was very tasty. Not as good as the Penny Cluse that we ate at the previous day, but still a solid breakfast with a friendly atmosphere.
(4)Hilary W.
My boyfriend and I chose Magnolia Bistro for our breakfast spot twice on our recent trip to Burlington. The reviews sounded great and we love breakfast, so we decided to go for brunch on Saturday. We only had to wait about 20 minutes for a table, which we were more than happy to do. The decor was cute and friendly. Our waitress was great. We eat ordered the oatmeal pancakes. I got mine with apple and my boyfriend got his with sausage, bacon and homefries. Those pancakes were delicious! We even tried to get the recipe. We had to go back the next day. We went around 9am on a Sunday and didn't have to wait for a table. I got the same thing- apple oatmeal pancakes. I couldn't pass them up. My boyfriend tried the eggs benedict which he loved. He also raved about the coffee both visits. Would definitely come back and recommend Magnolia Bistro!
(5)Liz D.
We came here around lunch time on Saturday and ended up sitting at the counter so we didn't have to wait for a table. Since it was just two of us, that was no big deal. The orange juice and limeade that we had were both freshly squeezed and delicious. We ordered a Western Tofu Scram and a Philly Seitan. I ordered my sandwich without mayo and they were happy to do that for me. The food was great and although it was crowded, the service was quick and friendly.
(5)Mamta K.
Here's how this place breaks down. 4 stars for the food - delicious 2 for service - our server was very friendly but uber slow. 2 for attitude, they were super nice, seated us right away, but then it quickly went downhill from there. BF got Bo knows breakfast, he loved it. I nibbled on the veggie patty that came with his breakfast. It was good! Coffee is great. Mom got the seasonal blackberry pancake a single one. She said it was ok could have been better. I got the Banana bread with Cranberry cream cheese. Yum. Now for the really bad part - we were seated at a table right near their server station. When we asked to be moved they politely refused. I intensely disliked that because there were empty tables elsewhere. We were told they were reserved but no one showed up even after we finished our meal and left! I've worked in restaurants before and I get that the hostess wants to give all the wait staff an equal number of tables. However when a customer asks to be moved you move them! This is a service industry!! Last terrible move we were still seated finishing coffee when our waiter came to get the check. Wait till we leave! If we need change we'll ask! So we would go back for the food but only keeping in mind the attitudes of the staff are not so great.
(3)joey h.
We went here for a late breakfast after doing some walking around on Church street... My partner ordered the beef hash, which turned out to be a pile of boiled meat. The OJ was good, and the server was really great... but we both agreed that we wouldn't go back and would check out some where new next time. Not horrible, not memorable either .
(3)Alan M.
We happened to see Magnolia Bistro while walking around Burlington so decided to give it a try for breakfast. That first time we really enjoyed. Our server, Danielle, was wonderfully friendly and had great suggestions for what to eat, which we really enjoyed. It just seemed like a wonderful little restaurant. So we decided to go back for our second (and last) day in town. It was almost like it was a different restaurant. The staff seemed totally different (didn't recognize a single person from the day before). They were out of the first thing I ordered, so I decided to order what I had eaten previously (a western omelette) and it tasted totally different and wasn't great. I would still go back here, but I can't say I wasn't disappointed the second day.
(4)Heather P.
So here I am, on vacation, getting hungry. I pop onto my iyelp and search vegan... this is one of the few places that comes up. We almost couldn't find it. The restaurant is in what looks like a professional building. I suggest, if you can, ask for outdoor seating. The back patio is really nice and is covered with a loose knit burlap type cover so the sun isn't directly beaming down on you. The waitstaff was very friendly and knowledgeable, the food was excellent. I highly recommend the garbanzo burger sandwich and the "tuna" salad sandwich. I don't remember what it was called on the menu but it was fantastic. Also, if you are a vegan, or even if you aren't, get the potato salad as a side. It's one of the best vegan potato salads i've ever had. I's nice to go to a restaurant that actually states what's vegan, gluten free and what's not. The prices were very reasonable for what we ordered. The atmosphere was very clean, comfortable and cozy. If we are ever in the area again, we will most definitely come back.
(5)R B.
Loved this place. I had breakfast here and it was great. I had a special omelet -- fresh fiddleheads and what I think was goat cheese. I didn't quite catch what it was. What's awesome about this place is that they have fresh homemade ketchup and really great local hot sauces. Made the rest of the meal amazing. A bit pricey for breakfast but well worth it!
(5)Kristie B.
I have visited Magnolia many a times considering how little I like it. I have tried the sweet, I have tried the savory. I have tried the seasonal, I have tried the standards. All of it is just totally an Ugh experience. I have felt like most of the menu is just gimmicky. We use local, we use organic....blah blah blah. Because none of it is actually made well. Bland, dry, over-cooked, my toast was burnt last time I was there and my potatoes on several, along with over-poached-poached eggs....If you are going to make the effort to use those ingredients, please do them justice! There is nothing worse than a restaurant that tries to pull those punches just to sell them. My guess is that is what is happening here. Vermonters, Burlingtonians especially, love themselves a local, organic fix, but I have a suspicion that Magnolia is just pulling some wool over our eyes. And, lastly, don't even get me started with the condiments! Yuck! I can't even tell you how frequently I have been disappointed by the jam (if that is what you want to call it and it always looks like it has been sitting in the fridge open with a weird crust to it-eeck). Why do kitchens often kid themselves on their ability to make jam? I just don't get it. Finally, Magnolia, the hot sauces you carry are not actually hot. Please, go anywhere else for breakfast.
(2)Peter A.
family and i debated Magnolia Bistro and Penny Cluse Cafe on a recent trip to Burlington and we went with Magnolia and were not disappointed whatsoever. i chose Magnolia based on the menu, i liked their unique spin on more traditional homestyle breakfast dishes and i think i definitely made the right move. the table ordered mostly pancakes and french toast variations and all were wonderful. their banana bread starter with cranberry cream cheese was awesome and so was the seasonal jam that you have to ask for as one yelper helped me with! the entrees were all on the spot, seasonal pumpkin bread french toast to oatmeal pancakes to banana bread french toast and even the lime zested belgian waffle i ordered. nothing was a miss and the maple syrup, that we usually don't get at home, was the key to every bite. great place with a low key area that made our mornings!
(4)Andrew K.
My wife and I spent a long weekend in Burlington and actually had to go to Magnolia TWICE, because during the first visit, we had so much fun, and such great food, that we knew we had to come back for more. The manager was very friendly and approachable, recommending other restaurants, shops, and place to get a backpack for our daytrip to Stowe. The food was really delicious, and is a hippie-foodie's dream, using all the local, organic, fairtrade, etc there was. You can really taste it in things like Vermont Cheddar and Vermont Maple Syrup, and Maple Smoked Bacon from the farm down the road. I had an omelette special with sausage/cheddar/asparagus that was great. We also love that each table had homemade strawberry jam, and when we asked for Peanut butter, it was a little bowl of home-made peanut butter. It was amazing. If you're visiting Burlington, make sure you start your day at Magnolia.
(5)Patrick H.
Definitely one of the best places I enjoy for breakfast/brunch. It gets pretty crowded though, after about 10am.
(4)Chad N.
Visited for the first time recently, we are brunch foodies so we were excited to finally try this place. LOVED it. I had the Vermonter Omelet, very nice, my partner in brunch hunting had lemon pancakes, although they were very thin and not what she was expecting she loved they taste. The atmosphere was great, nice roomy 'underground' restaurant. Waitstaff was great while the place was busy busy. Waited about 30 mins for a table, the waiting area is the lobby of an office building which is a little weird, at least we weren't cramped into a front door area like some of the places in Burlington. We would recommend, food was awesome, fresh and local, can't wait to get back. Also plenty of big tables for groups (we were only a party of 2 though) FYI the lot with their sign near the street is not a parking lot for them. Prices were great as well we felt.
(4)Andy G.
Not exciting or special food at all. The portions were small and the coffe is much too light. We asked for stronger coffee and got a double strength pot but it was still weak. The service was friendly but almost a little too much. Felt too touristy for us.
(2)Rohan D.
We came here for brunch on a beautiful fall Saturday morning, during our weekend away from the hustle and bustle of city life. At first look, the place sort of induces this feeling of warm comfort, like a Saturday morning at home. Looking at the menu, especially after reading all the reviews, I had to get myself some oatmeal pancakes, but I also wanted some savory to go along with the sweet. There was on an item on the menu that had the oatmeal pancakes along with some delicious Vermont sausages, eggs and hash! The Oatmeal pancakes are FABULOUS!! Definitely lives up the hype, and I highly recommend them. But here is a warning to light eaters, these things are heavy!! and massive, so be prepared to be snacking on them for the entire day. All in all a great experience, delicious food, and excellent Coffee. If you go there on a Saturday, make sure to walk across to the Farmers market.
(5)Scott T.
When I walked in for breakfast, before coffee and after the kids had been fighting, I was not in a great mood. This wasn't helped when we asked the waiter how he was doing and he cheerfully replied, "Perfect, couldn't be better." My mood improved once I tucked into my oatmeal pancakes (excellent!) and the thick cut bacon. It peaked when I had their coffee, almost buttery in its smoothness yet rich. By the time I left, I felt perfect, couldn't be better.... Can't wait to go back.
(5)A J.
I wish I could have eaten here more than once, even with all the great dining choices on the square. The service was the best I've had in a long time. Coffee was brought as soon as we sat down. No sitting around on a full stomach waiting for the check. Absolutely everything was on point. The food was fresh and prepared with love. Great for a date, a business lunch, or a meal eaten alone with a good magazine. Give it a try and I guarantee that you'll be glad you went.
(5)pui-yun c.
While vacationing in the New England area, I tried hard to find more "local" places, so we wouldn't have to resort to Micky D's for every meal. Plus it adds to the fun of being able to try something new. Yay for Yelp for leading me to this bistro, tucked in the middle of downtown. Hubby had the crispy steel cut oatmeal while I had the eggs benedict. I'm normally not a fan of oatmeal, but the few bites I stole off his plate did not disappoint. Totally changes oatmeal - it came out like a little biscut, crispy on the outside, but soft on the inside, one of these days I'm going to have to experiment with this at home. My eggs benedict did not disappoint either - eggs were cooked just right, and all the flavors were well balanced, ask for it with the maple sausage! We also got a few things to go, as we had a couple hours of driving ahead of us while we headed over to NH. The Mr. Limpett sandwich held pretty well - a tuna salad sandwich without the tuna :) The pickled eggplant salad - not so much ... unless you're a fan of pickles.... which we're not really so I don't know what I was thinking, I think I only picked up on the roasted garlic part, which made it sound yummy. We had to wait about 30 mins, but it was worth it, service was efficient. If you're in the area, definitely check it out.
(4)D S.
Ate here for the first time last Sunday. It was our first day in Burlington, our conference didn't start until 1pm, so we arrived at 10. We were told to expect a 30 minute wait, but it was only 10 minutes. We opted to sit at the bar (just 2 of us) and we had so much fun chatting with the wait staff and other guests. Everything was delicious: my friend had oatmeal pancakes with maple sausage; I had the Vermont omelette with maple sausage, apples, and cheddar. We both had the gluten-free toast (delicious), homemade strawberry jam (fabulous -- fruity but not sweet). Home fries were so flavorful -- great with a dab of homemade ketchup (kind of smokey, yum) and also good with a drizzle of maple syrup. The local salsas in the bottle were a treat, as well. We thought about -- and bragged about -- that breakfast all week long ... so on our final day, before catching our flight home, we went back for more! My friend ordered her same meal (because the oatmeal pancakes are uniquely wonderful!); I chose a dish that had polenta, corn chips, Mexican-spiced ground beef, runny eggs, salsa, avocado slices ... in other words: HEAVEN ON A PLATE! This time we were at a table and thoroughly enjoyed the change in view. Exposed brick, bright artwork, quaint and eclectic accessories gave us the perfect final taste of Burlington before heading home.
(5)Kelly G.
Magnolia is my new favorite breakfast spot when I visit Vermont. I love that it's organic and local and that they compost everything. They don't even have a microwave. Rumor has it that they only have one bag of garbage a week. Not even one a day, a week. Can you imagine that? It's amazing. The food is yummy, the staff is helpful, even though they're green/eco out the wazoo they still serve meat. The wait can be a little epic, and I don't think they take reservations, though.
(4)Mari S.
Usually solid, but sometimes they can have an off day (think undercooked oatmeal pancakes). I do however like their lemon ricotta pancakes and the fact that they don't charge extra for soy milk.
(4)Barbara B.
This place gives new meaning to eating local. I ordered a special of the day, the local omelet. Fresh arugala, local cheddar and peppers- fantastic! The decor is quaint and romantic and the staff attentive and friendly. I will definitely be heading back next time I'm in VT!
(5)Llyndara H.
I have given theses guys far too many chances. Between poor service, rotten meat, and under cooked pancakes... I'm done.
(1)Oleg R.
Unexpectedly amazing breakfast place. Great food, especially pulled pork omellette. Hash and pancakes are very good
(5)Topher D.
I'm not really into the organic thing, but this place does it well. Reasonably priced considering what you get - coffee is yummy and bottomless...service is pretty good, food is tasty. Good deal
(4)Sarah P.
four words: BANANA BREAD FRENCH TOAST. heaven!!! a must order!! i would have to say this might be the best thing i've ever eaten. plus it's only 7 bucks :) also tried the north carolina and vermont omelets which were also really good- the pulled pork in the north carolina was really tender and well seasoned; the sausage in the vermont was very tasty and not at all greasy which i loved. the potatoes are delicious and i'm not even a big fan of breakfast potatoes. they also have homemade ketchup and jam which were both awesome. really really good and fresh food at a place w/ nice decor and great service and very reasonable prices. a must try!
(5)K M.
Great good, great service, cool interior. Vegan & vegie friendly. Gluten free stuff too. Awesome steel cut oatmeal & eggs benedict.
(5)jamie v.
I would really give it a 4.75 if i could but i couldn't so i will scale it up. Food is yummy. I ventured and tried the veggie sausage and couldn't tell the difference. THe waiter was very friendly and not overbearing and was good with the refills and service. My kids swear by the oatmeal pancakes. My mom got eggs benedict and they looked awesome and my mom loved them. I've had the omelette w/ sausage and apple and it's also delicious. If you are in a hurry--forget about it. You will have a wait; whether it be for a table or for you food. It is cooked to order and while that is a great thing if you need to be on a clock the wait will frustrate you. I've bee 3 times on college visits and will come back.
(5)Ted h.
magnolia is a totally decent breakfast/lunch place. good, friendly service; tasty food. nothing i've ever had there has been super original or really striking though, and i feel like burlington has better options. magnolia is a good third or fourth choice for brunch. the lemon ricotta pancakes were delicious. and the coffee was good as well. my wife got the potato pancakes, which were good i guess but left me underwhelmed. fruit plate was small and didn't seem particularly fresh. had a lot of dry melon. very friendly wait staff!
(3)Max M.
Great breakfast place, with outstanding service and low prices.
(5)Jane B.
awesome. go!
(4)Kerrie T.
It's off the beaten path and not mobbed like the other over-rated breakfasty places downtown. The food is terrific, try the Vermont Omlet. The staff is super friendly and it's a cool, cozy environment.
(4)Cindy B.
Went there with two kids, and the wait staff could not have been nicer. She offered a half- order each of french toast and pancakes so my kids could try both. I had the "locavore" omelet special with beets and goat cheese - not enough goat cheese. My husband loved the breakfast burrito. Walking distance from the lakefront hotel we stayed at. I'd definitely go back!
(4)Justin C.
I really like Magnolias. The food is very good. The menu isn't as creative the Penny Cluse menu, but there are some hidden gems. I really like the seitan sandwich. All the breakfast options are great. The atmosphere is very chill and it's a great place to take the kids. Bottom line, a great alternative for breakfast in Burlington.
(4)michael c.
wow. this wasnt our first choice for breakfast, but i'm glad we went. penny cluse had a wait time over an hour, so we walked over to magnolia. there was a ten minute wait, but the staff was super friendly and gave us a menu to look at. by the time we gave it a look over, they were ready seat us. we got potato pancakes, banana bread french toast, and seasonal meat hash. it was all incredible. the banana bread was so moist and delicious with just the right amount of crisp from the batter and fry. easily the best french toast ive eaten, and the plate wa huge. the potato pancakes were a bit crumbly, but so tasty. apple sauce and sour cream were not only requisite condiments, but made it easier to grab a forkful. super good, despite not holding together. i got the seasonal meat hash with sourdough toast and eggs over easy. overall it wasnt a lot of food on the plate, but with everything else i was satisfied. i believe the hash was roast beef and potatoes. it was super moist and packed a great beef flavor. it was served as a patty, crispy on the outside. it went perfectly with the egg yolk. the staff was attentive and helpful but didnt hover. the atmosphere was charmingly hippie. the place was proud of being green, which i appreciate. i cant think of anything bad to say. id love to go back next time im in town. there are a lot of things on their menu i still want to try.
(5)Michael S.
Unfortunately, we tried to go there on Friday, August 12, and were not able to. Now, according to their website and the sign on the door, they opened at 7:00. So, my wife and I, along with our 2 year old ventured off to a well-advertised breakfast. We got there around 7:20, and the door was locked. You could walk in the first door, but then to the Magnolia door and looked downstairs - locked door. Ok--we called . "We will have to be closed Thursday, but will be open as usual on Friday...". Hmm...so, something was going on.....but there walked a waitress at the bottom of the stairs. We knocked, to try and at least get an answer if they were open, opening soon, etc. She looks at us and keeps walking. Well, we thought it might have been a one-time thing, so we see her set the large round table at the bottom of the stairs...we knock again....now, the brown-haired waitress stops, looks directly at us up the stairs, and walks away...not to return. Too bad - all we were looking for was an answer. If you weren't open, come up the stairs and tell us. We went to Penny Cluse and had an awesome breakfast.
(1)yva s.
I worked above this place from the time it opened until recently. As a result, I have had the food there many times. The service is mostly good, although a few times when they have truly messed up orders (such as items burned or not even close to as described) there has been quite a bit of indifference on the part of staff and owner. Nice people, but not entirely aware. The food is a mixed bag. I've had some delicious items (the cranberry chicken sandwich), and I've had some very inconsistent items (omelets, potato pancakes). Avoid the homefries at all costs; they look and (sometimes) smell good, but they are the blandest of bland. I think that is the crux of the problem with Magnolia-the inconsistency. You can order the same item three or four times in a row and it will be different, for better or worse, each time. Some might argue that this is what makes it interesting and more close to home, but if I wanted an overcooked waffle I could save myself the money and stay home. That is another problem, the price. It's a bit pricey for what you get. Yes, it's a green and environmentally aware establishment, but does that justify $10 for (frequently burnt) veggie hash? Not especially. Go someplace else and save yourself the trouble.
(1)Hilary L.
I feel like I went to a totally different restaurant than the majority of these reviewers. My husband and I went for breakfast last week while staying in Burlington, and it was really really awful. We were charmed when we walked in -- the decor is very homey and cozy, but our meal was frankly inedible. He got the cinnamon bread french toast and it looked (and tasted) like someone had sprayed on some fake egg product and then lightly toasted it. My lemon ricotta pancakes were dry and gummy at the same time and had a weird garlic flavor (no kidding!), the coffee was room temperature. The staff was very sweet and attentive, but wow that was one of the worst breakfast's I've every had.
(1)Scott B.
We had a great breakfast there- they got my really picky kids to try some different items on the Organic menu. All the food was great - the bacon was exceptionally tasty. Wait staff was relaxed and very friendly. We were sure glad we got there early because the line was out the door when we left. Loved the place.
(4)Sara G.
Loved their lemon ricotta pancakes and wish I could eat here on a regular basis! No wait on a Friday morning and the service was friendly and prompt.
(5)Cian S.
Very good food, and its a big plus that they use local organic produce. if i am ever back in Burlington, I will certainly come visit Magnolia again.
(4)Justin B.
Great organic/local food - went for brunch. it was excellent! great service
(4)Domenic C.
Wasn't the best breakfast of my life. The waitstaff was cool, but the food wasn't that great. Beans on my huevos diablo tasted canned and the dish needed a heaping of salt. My DC ordered the ricotta pancakes, they were not light and fluffy like they should be but more undercooked and oozy and tasting like flour.
(2)Linda Z.
Magnolia Bistro is the perfect place to have a sustainable breakfast or lunch. I love their seitan sandwich selection, as well as the atmosphere. Everything is fresh, vibrant and fabulous.
(4)Marina B.
This was the first place I ate on my 3 day trip to Vermont, and It was a perfect start to the trip! Right after sitting down, I was browsing the menu, (while my boyfriend was looking for somewhere to park), and the server filled up my coffee mug right away. She was really nice, and made my first interaction with a Vermonter a pleasant one! It just felt like a place I could sit and stay a while if I had wanted to do so, since it was so cozy and welcoming! I had the Magnolia's Eggs Benedict, and added the smoked salmon on top, my boyfriend chose the Vermont Omelette, and we shared the lemon ricotta pancakes and the banana bread. The Egg's Benedict was the best I've ever had in my LIFE!! I go out for breakfast 1-2 times per week, and have been to a lot of different cities and restaurants, but this one was the best ever!The lemon cayenne hollandaise was amazing, every drop was magical. The house cured citrus smoked salmon was incredible, and the hash browns were thin and crispy and perfect! I loved the sourdough bread it was served on. My boyfriend enjoyed the Vermont Omelette, and we both liked the Lemon Ricotta "Pancakes" but agreed they tasted more "crepe-like" like it is listed in the description. I also thought maybe it could have used a small amount of lemon curd to make the color pop more, but still enjoyed it nonetheless! The banana bread with the cranberry cream cheese was perfect and I'm so glad we decided to order it! It was the perfect end to an amazing breakfast. :D
(5)Jasper W.
Have been there twice and I like the place a lot! The location is not obvious but they have nice brunch options. I love their food and service, and it's definitely a good place for breakfast or brunch.
(4)Cara B.
Now looking at the time this restaurant closes, makes me think we came a little 'too late'? We arrived at 1:30, they close at 3...you would have thought we walked in at 2:55 by the experience we had. The artsy atmosphere and menu drew (two of) us in and we ordered seasonal bread to start off. It was delicious but noticed it took a while for some bread and butter. Our actual sandwiches then took over 50 minutes from the time we ordered to the time they were served. We even had to go put money into our parking meter bc we had been sitting there for over an hour at that point. We wouldn't typically mind this if we see a crazy busy restaurant, but we were the only people there for the majority of the time. We also wouldn't mind too much about the wait if the food was then outstanding, but it wasn't. The veggie burger was loose corn and beans on an over-buttered bread. The kale side was boiled and nothing more. The portobello sandwich arrived without the chèvre as it states on the menu and the bread was soaked and soggy in balsamic vinegar. We wanted to pay cash and had to break some bills. Our server even took long to pick up on that (and to remind you, the place was empty at this point). We had the intention to tip her 20% to give her the benefit of the doubt, but it was clear that her slow service was a factor in our unsatisfactory experience. We ended up finding smaller bills and couldn't tip what we usually would.
(2)Michael K.
It is OK. The food is tasty, I had the seitan reuben, my wife had the seitan philly. Both were pretty good but they put the least amount of seitan on the sandwich as possible. So little that if there were any less there wouldn't be any. The reuben was basically a sauerkraut sandwich, but the bread was really nice. The service is really disjointed, and has been each time we have come here. There is a wait, but not because it is busy, but because there are just a bunch of dirty tables. We waited 15 or 20 minutes for someone to clean a table so we could sit. Our server was very nice, but she didn't know what they offered for wine or beer when we asked. Food was slow to come, and we sat through the entire experience flanked by tables covered by dirty dishes left by people who finished their meal and left the restaurant before we were even seated. Could be much better if they tightened up the service.
(2)Marie C.
Just finished a great brunch at Magnolia's! Menu has nice variety and it was so hard to decide on a dish because it all looked so good! Before our meal, we tried the seasonal bread which was blueberry peach ... It was served warm and hit the spot! For my meal I had the pulled pork and avocado eggs Benedict. The pulled pork was a little more sweet than I was expecting, but was still a very good dish! The hashbrowns that my meal came with paired perfectly with the homemade ketchup. Our waiter was great too! ... Oh and try the hot sauce on the table.. Made from ghost peppers, it's pretty darn awesome.
(4)Nancy H.
impressive from the very first step into the alleyway where Magnolias is located. The restaurant is located in a beautiful old building in downtown burlington. The inner decor is lovely and charming. We came on a Monday morning and had no wait but I have heard that you should often expect a wait to get a table. (Worth it) We started with mimosas. $25 for a bottle of champagne and fresh squeezed orange juice or fresh squeezed grapefruit juice. We found this to be a great deal compared to the $6 single price. The homemade banana bread was delicious. Served warm with cream cheese; can't beat it! You can either order it as a starter ($5) or get it as your bread with an omelet. Our table tried the crab cake Benedict (pictured), the lime waffle, the seasonal strawberry rhubarb French toast, and an omelet. I would highly recommend the strawberry rhubarb French toast! As a ketchup lover, I was disappointed by the homemade ketchup that I was excited for. Weirdly enough, I hate tomatoes and was given the tomatoes I asked for them to leave off of my Benedict. Not a huge deal. Overall, very impressed and would definitely return.
(4)Rosetta G.
The eggs Benedict here is incredible. Wonderful atmosphere, great service, and a perfect brunch menu. Good coffee and quickbreads as well as breakfast specialties.
(4)Marilyn M.
Fist of all the only reason why I am taking a star is the price. If you are on no kind of budget this place is AMAZING. Fresh, organic, local food. Hashbrowns: Heaven Homemade ketchup and jam. Pancakes: Fantasic Everything is so good. Just a little bit too expensive for a breakfast. ..
(4)JAmerican G.
Loved it! Portions are small, but flavorful! The Mexican omelet was bursting with delightful items! I added an avocado & they didn't skimp on it! It came with hash browns, but a small amount. I had their homemade ketchup, which tasted like marinara sauce!! Nice! I also ordered their veggie sausage, which is basically a meat substitute made from soy. I don't think it was homemade though. It tasted like the Morning Star brand I get at the groceries. My hubby had the banana bread & oh boy!!!! Tasty!!! Add the Vermont Maple Syrup to it & BANG!!! I suggest they put in a screened door if they are going to keep the door opened. Bugs were flying above my head & it was annoying! Not sure if they were mosquitoes or just flies.
(4)Aron G.
Excellent for brunch! I've been coming here for years and it's always been good experience. Magnolia is my second favorite brunch place in Burlington behind Penny Cluse Cafe. It's usually a lot less busy than other brunch locations in the area, so that is always a big plus. I think that is due to the fact that it is a little hidden. They french toast is my favorite!
(4)Craig B.
We arrived for Brunch shortly after 10 on a Sunday and were told the wait would be an hour. We were seated one hour and two minutes later, kudos to the front desk on gauging the wait time accurately. I had a cup of coffee (which could have been a little stronger, but then again I like really strong coffee) and my wife Beth ordered a Mimosa (they are made with freshly squeezed orange juice). I settled on the Crab Cake Benedict special and my wife was torn between ordering a Magnolia's Benedict and the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes. Andrea our server asked my wife which two entrees she was having trouble deciding between and helpfully suggested that she get a half order of Benedict and a single Lemon Ricotta Pancake, perfect! Our wait for food was +/- 20 minutes, not long for a busy Sunday. Andrea did stop by with refills to our water and my coffee in the interim. The eggs were all poached perfectly, and the Hollandaise was fine, I did wish for just a bit more on my order. A couple minutes after we got our food another server, Taylor, stopped and asked if we needed anything. I mentioned that I had thought that my Crab Cake Bene would come with Hash Browns. Taylor masterfully handled my concern by immediately bringing a specials list to the table and admitting that the wording could be a bit more clear. Taylor whisked away to the kitchen and returned immediately with a side of Hash Browns on the house. They were hot, crisp, well seasoned and not 'swimming in oil' as another reviewer has commented. Most people realize that Hash Browns are cooked with a fair amount of oil to produce crispy and delicious browning. Another sign of a well trained staff that puts the customer first. My wife thoroughly enjoyed her Bene and Pancake. She did think the Pancake could have used a bit more Lemon, but felt that the Lemon in the Hollandaise on her Bene could have effected her palate. She offered me a taste of the Pancake and thought it had a bit too much Cinnamon that was masking the Lemon. All in all a very nice meal. Now on to the less favorable parts of the review. When we were seated both of the water glasses were still wet from the dishwasher, not unexpected on a busy Sunday. However, both glasses were quite dirty. Mine had a couple of soiled spots, and my wife's glass was spotty and had a full lip print of lipstick on the rim. (Yuck!) Both glasses were replaced immediately with clean glasses. The plating on my entree was a tiny bit off too. It appeared that the Sourdough Bread had been warmed on a griddle that was not quite clean. There was a bit of egg white cooked to one of the pieces, and there was also a random bit of what appeared to be well browned sausage on the other Bene. The person who sends the order to the table needs to be a bit more attentive to these details. I will admit that my years of cooking, and my wife's years of working as a server make us a bit more discerning than your run of the mill customer. We left feeling well fed, and well taken care of, and agreed that the food and service at Magnolia Bistro were well worth the price, the one hour drive, and the one hour wait. We will be back.
(4)Alice P.
Our waiter was very nice. We needed a table for 3 and were seated after waiting for a little. Just a tip, you can't park in the parking lot right outside of Magnolia. It's a private parking space so you'll need to find street parking. This is my second time here and the experience is similar to the first. The staff are very friendly and helpful, but the wait to get food is awhile. It took them 1 hour ish to bring food for our table of 3. Otherwise they would have 5 stars from me. I had the Magnolia Eggs Benedict, which was delicious. It comes with their homemade hash browns which are delicious and not greasy at all. I also had smoked salmon, which was cooked by the time they put it in the eggs benedict and warm so I'd recommend getting something else on the side. The sauce was very citrusy so it tasted like too much lemon juice was added so if you don't like that, then tell them. I also love the interior of this place. Most of it is wood and there are numerous beautiful little paintings on the walls. It feels very homey, spacious, and "Vermonty." If it weren't for the wait and extra citrus from the eggs benedict, this place would be 5 stars for me! Be sure to make time for this place and get something on the specialty plates menu. You won't regret it!
(4)Walter T.
This is a great place for breakfast. You can eat the Bo knows breakfast or eggs benedict and you will be full all day. The hash browns are terrific. Vermont local grown food and homemade ketchup and raspberry peach jam. How special is that? The food was perfectly prepared and delicious. No artificial anything, including sweeteners for your coffee. Hint, they have free parking lot so you don't have to get street parking. Then go to the waterfront and get two hours of free parking at the College Street parking lot. Love this town!!
(5)Marcus S.
I came here last year and enjoyed it so much I wanted to come back. This time I had the almond pancakes with fruit and it was very good. I also had a glass of the fresh squeezed orange juice that was also quite good. The waitresses/ers were very nice and its quite spacious with plenty of seating. I would definitely like to eat here again. Its a pretty unique spot different from the run of the mill diner with healthy options not often seen in breakfasts. Only thing off was I felt the waitress I had could've pushed some other additions on me - eggs, bacon, sausage, whipped cream like in another review I saw... I assumed the menu was as is so to speak. Sure I could've asked but it would've been nice if she threw it out there. Also she got pretty distracted after taking my order and I didn't see her again til I she brought the check. In between that some other waitresses helped me. it was busy there so I cant be too rough. Still a great breakfast spot I'll only have the privilege of dining at seldomly.
(4)Jack K.
Let's say, I was hungry and I cleaned my plate. The only thing left was me to lick the plate clean. I even ordered more things. I guess, I was hungry, but everything tasted great! I ordered the Bo Knows Breakfast. The rolled oats in that pancake! Yessss! Those hashbrowns! Yesss! That sour dough bread (ehhh, sort of yesss). Those two strips of succulent bacon? Yessss yesssss yessss! Two sunny side up eggs? Double yesssss! Orange juice to put it all down. Well, I was still hungry, so I ordered the fruit plate. Everything seemed very fresh, although the strips of honey dew and cantaloupe were a bit thin. The service was average and wasn't bad at all. We were in a large group, so we expected a little bit of trouble because that's what usually happens when you get more than 10 people together for breakfast! The place is great and I like the feel of the place. Would definitely come back!
(5)Valentina C.
We had the vegan french toast, and it was to die for! And their fresh squeezed OJ was perfect on it's own and in their yummy mimosas. It has a tiny little patio, so you could try to call ahead and reserve an outdoor seat in nice weather. But the indoor area is very well lit and has lots of great art.
(5)Helen L.
I returned here after a ten year boycott. It was better, at least the servers were great and the food was edible. But, here's the thing, I basically got the breakfast equivalent of a taco salad and it was $14. That's high for breakfast by any standard, even if it was tasty. But, the real kicker is that it took an hour for our food to come out. An hour! I give them much improved, but I would much rather go to a diner for half the price, a quarter of the wait, and no lines.
(3)Ray E.
Located in the basement of a building on Lawson, Magnolia Bistro is a cozy little place, with local art (for sale) throughout, and some fantastic food. My wife and I both got the eggs Benedict, on sourdough rather than the conventional English muffin. Really delicious, light, yet very satisfying. Pro tip: this is a legitimate and crusty sourdough; cut of the crusts before you dig in, and it'll be a lot easier to devour. We also took home the beautiful art hanging above our table. Give this place a try. It's a little tricky to locate, but what a find!
(5)Sheera V.
I'll start with the bacon & egg bloody mary, which was the best I've had outside of the comfort of my home. It was delicious, spicy, and refreshing as this drink should be. The service was excellent, very friendly, checked in on us every so often and fast. The food was good, we had the banana bread which was warm and fresh and delightful. I had the Caprese omelet which was a good dish but felt like some spice was needed. My girlfriend had the Meat Hash special which was good but a little oily and steak was a little on the dry side. Overall, excellent experience
(5)Vickie M.
Absolutely wonderful. I had the crab cake eggs Benedict. Amazing. Loved that it came with fresh greens. My husband had the meat hash. Also fantastic. Mimosa was great with fresh OJ. What a find!!! Wonderful and not the regular run of the mill. Will definitely return. Great job
(5)Lisa M.
Seriously the best breakfast I've had! We have been here a few years ago for the first time and it was so good. It's a place that you remember and bring up every once in a while. We planned our trip knowing this place was definitely on the agenda!. Vermont omelet is the best of Vermont in a delicious, flavorful breakfast omelet. The combo of cheese, apple and maple sausage explodes in your mouth. Yes, I really put it that way. And let not forget their homemade jams....addicting! On this visit we also ordered their carrot cake bread and it was amazing. Wished we didnt share it, because i really wanted the while order to myself.This is a must go to place. Can't wait for our next trip here.
(5)K E.
I really don't understand what the hype is with the place. The food ranged from absolutely terrible to average. The service was horrendous (no, we do not want to receive all of our appetizers and entrees at the exact same time on one tiny table!). The atmosphere was standard. Hashbrowns: Swimming in oil and completely gross. Inedible. Sandwiches: Dry! Dry dry dry! Where the hell is the sauce? What are you supposed to do with these things? Eggs: Normal. Nothing special. Coffee: Absolutely terrible. This is almost the most offensive part of dining here. "Sauteed Veggie" Sides: WTF is up with this? These are actually just steamed or boiled vegetables that aren't even cooked properly and have no seasoning on them whatsoever. It's as if they are putting no care into what is coming out of the kitchen. What is the deal with this place?
(2)Ryan B.
I ate here recently with my partner (her review and photos are here: yelp.com/biz/magnolia-bi… ). Overall, the food was satisfying, but I'm unsure it was worth the 45-minute wait to be seated. Perhaps this place is famous mainly for the fact that their brunch offers a wide variety of vegetarian and vegan friendly options...? Not sure. The meal seemed lackluster. Next time I would make a different menu choice.
(3)Lisa R.
This is a quaint cute place to get brunch. The decor is a little on the feminine side. If I were with a group of burly men, I probably wouldn't choose to go here for brunch. Menu was solid with lots of vegan and allergy friendly options. I got one of the tofu scrambles and my partner got the huevos del sol, and while prepared nicely, I thought both dishes were under-seasoned. The homemade strawberry jam was divine. The prices were appropriate. Good location. I'm not sure if it was worth the 45 minute wait on a Saturday morning.
(3)Andrea A.
Very cute setting - cozily furnished brick basement with light flowing in through high windows. The menu has lots of unique choices featuring local and seasonal food. I had hash browns with chevre and a fried egg on top for just $6! The portions were just right. One person in our party ordered sausage on the side of his french toast, but didn't get it until we had all finished with our meals. Also, after we asked our server for another moment or two to consider the menu, I'm pretty sure we waited 15 minutes for her to return. Other than that, no complaints.
(3)Kara S.
We found this gem on a road trip. We took a chance arriving 20 minutes before closing knowing we weren't going to linger anyways. The staff was super welcoming and didn't make us feel rushed at all. The food was excellent with several homemade condiments and fresh, local ingredients.
(5)Melyssa W.
One of my favorite spots in Burlington. Such a great atmosphere, and even better food. Highly recommend their eggs benedict..the hollandaise is amazing. Pancakes are a winner too. I always clean my plate here!
(5)Alex C.
Portion size is a little on the small side here, but the food is great! They have gluten free bread and pancakes and can accommodate dietary needs. I also appreciated their flexibility with their menu. They swapped tofu for eggs in their scramble for me and gave me a double portion. Food is fresh and delicious! Check out their local art for sale too.
(4)Megan C.
You know what sweet dreams are made of? The menu at Magnolia Bistro. Oh, dear lord. You know how sometimes you see, like 10 things on the menu that you're dying to try, but know that you can really only reasonably pick from one (or two)? Yes, that was my first experience at Magnolia. Side note before I forget: great place to choose if you're dining with many different food preferences/needs - my vegan friend was going ape s*&t over the delicious and varied "tofu scrams" and other vegan goodies on the menu, and his super-picky wife was gaga over the wide variety of egg dishes. It's located in a kind of hard-to-find area in a blocked-off parking alcove/driveway thing downtown, so it's actually easier to find if you're walking there as opposed to GPS device/driving. Open the white door, and descend some stairs to a beautiful atmosphere of exposed brick, intimate booths, and get ready for brunch bliss. I ordered from the specials menu, but I would hope that they would make HUEVOS DEL SOL a regular item on their everyday menu. Yes, I'm still dreaming about it, almost a week later. A bed of creamy polenta, topped with two eggs to order, ground beef (or tofu), cheese and SC if you want it, avocado, and a ring of tortilla chips (hence the name - the plate is plated like a sun). I added extra hot sauce from one of their other huevos/southwest menu items, and I was transported to breakfast nirvana. The coffee was also delish, and refilled quickly, as was the water. Service was always prompt, even though the place was busy. My only reasons for not giving a 5-star review are that our waitress mixed up the 3 huevos del sol that our table ordered (all were slightly different, such as no beef, add tofu, no sour cream, no eggs, etc.) probably because she didn't write anything down. Come on, we're a party of 5 who all made modifications to our menu items. It doesn't impress customers when you don't write the orders down...the other reason is that we ordered a SIDE (as in a slice) of the cinnamon raisin bread, and were charged $5...super strange, especially given the very reasonable pricing of the other menu items. I think that Magnolia Bistro really ranks up there with what I've heard about Penny Cluse, and you should just eat breakfast at both spots to compare and contrast. The menu here is awesome, varied, tasty, portions are large and prices are fair. Do yourself a favor and eat here, whether you're local or a wannabe local, just passing through, as I was.
(4)Tia B.
We visited the morning of July 6th while on a short vacation. The menu sounded great, but the food was lackluster. I ordered a western tofu scram. It's possible there may have been some chili sauce in it, maybe a very tiny bit of cheese, and the tortilla chips were present. However, there were no herbs, salsa or sour cream as stated on the menu. Overall everything was overly greasy to the point that there was a puddle on the plate. When the food came out, I was told that my toast would be out shortly as it was "still in the toaster" but I never received it. Overall a very disappointing experience.
(2)Cheryl S.
My family and I had breakfast here while visiting Vermont and I can't recommend it highly enough. The food was fabulous. The service excellent. The menu offered something for everyone, from French toast to eggs Benedict to breakfast burritos. Yum all around. It's tucked back on a fairly hidden alley, but not hard to find.
(5)Chris S.
First time trying this place and maybe my last. Got there around 11am and was told it would be a 40 - 45 min wait. No problem. After well over an hour we had to ask when we would be seated. We were told probably another 25 mins, even though several groups of people that came in AFTER us had been seated. POOR organization and communication with the hostesses. When we finally got seated after 1.5 hrs wait the waitress took our orders promptly and was courteous. Sadly, it took another 45 mins to get our food!! I had to ask where our food was twice before anyone could give me an answer. The food was good, but nothing so great that it was worth wasting almost 3 hrs for when I can go to numerous other places in the same area of town that are just as good but have MUCH better service. I might give them a second chance but this first experience left a really bad taste in my mouth.
(2)Dan G.
I'm a vegan visiting from Texas and I was so fortunate to find this amazingly yummy Burlington gem.... I had the Western Scram ... just two words YUM and MMMY .... as I am writing this review I am trying to figure out how I can get back there before my flight leaves ... do yourself a favor and eat here...more than once!
(5)Joey P.
Great service and atmosphere! We were sat instantly. Staff was friendly and the menu was full of great sounding options. I ordered the banana bread french toast with a side of bacon and my girlfriend got the Mexican omelette. All in all our meal was great but the French toast was a little on the dry side and could have used another dip in the egg batter. The Mexican omelette was OFF THE CHAIN however. Definitely getting something savoury next time.
(4)Megan B.
I want the chicken salad recipe! It's my favorite sandwich in Burly. Good service, always seated quickly unless it's a crazy busy weekend (which is fine if there's a wait!). I do wish that the mimosas were bigger! I just started using Yelp, but I've been going here for a few years. My sister let me know about it and before she moved to Boston we'd go a lot! :)
(5)Ben F.
Something has changed. I have been to this restaurant many times during my time at UVM and always left full and happy! I even considered Magnolia as my favorite breakfast spot in Burlington. When I came back to visit for the weekend, I couldn't wait to go back! Sadly, this time around, after waiting 40+ minutes for our food, the coffee was weak, the toast was stale and cold, and the food was very greasy. The biggest difference was the potatoes served with the omelet. They used to be tender nice chunks of potato cooked with great seasoning and amazing crispy but not greasy texture. What I saw next to the omelet was bland and unseasoned potato stringy strands swimming in the vegetable oil, like the potatoes you find at the Denny's on route 7. Disappointment is an understatement. Has there been an ownership change? What's going on Magnolia?
(2)Mark M.
It was a beautiful warm weekend in Burlington and the Magnolia Cafe was beckoning from its tucked away location on Lawson Lane. We came for brunch. Our hostess predicted a 30-45 minute wait but happily it was about half that. I have to admire her fitness regimen running up and down those stairs for an entire shift. The ambience was great, the table was lovely, the waiter was attentive, pleasant and relaxed. My wife ordered the Eggs Benedict and it was delicious. The Hollandaise was light and lemony, just wonderful. My wife didn't object but I will have to take a small exception to the fact the the yolks in the poached eggs were gelatinous instead of decadently runny. I had the Bo Knows Breakfast because I am always a fan of the sampler; you know, the lumberjack breakfast, the working man's special. I was a bit taken aback to see only one egg, one sausage and one pancake, but I have to say that when all was said and eaten it really was the perfect portion. The oatmeal pancake was the best thing on the plate and I'll probably need a stack of those next time. Now the only real criticism I have is that I don't think 20 minute + ticket times are acceptable for breakfast/brunch/light lunch. And don't tell me it was Parents' Weekend, we were slammed, yada, yada, yada. My breakfast wasn't cold but five more minutes in the pass and it would have been. That's also what happened to the poached eggs. It's obvious that turning tables is your bread and butter. Imagine if you could cut those ticket times in half. And I will say that I never felt rushed at all. You could do this. That said, it was a wonderful brunch, a great restaurant experience and we'll definitely be back.
(4)Jj L.
Yesterday the waitress was so nice and said sorry for the delay as there was a backlog of orders. We didn't mind the coffee coming. I highly recommend it I had the amazing gluten free pancakes and fresh fruits.
(5)Chris S.
I read a review on here that spoke volumes of the service at Magnolia. The person said their made you feel like a local, even if it was your first time. That review couldn't have been more spot on. The servers were attentive, helpful and acted like they wanted to be there! The food was good. I came for breakfast and tried the Bo's. Eggs were cooked to perfection and tasted fresh. The maple sausage was tender and flavorful. And, the hash browns tasted homemade (as was the ketchup that goes on them). In short, for breakfast, I'd recommend it.
(4)David F.
I had the gluten free almond flour pancakes with fresh fruit and homemade whipped cream - awesome! Fun atmosphere, great to get away from the tourist feel of Church St and enjoy some "local eats". Waitstaff seemed to be mostly college students, diners were a mix of students and locals. Lots of brick in the dining area added to the ambiance, outdoor dining under a pergola also an option, too.
(5)N G.
Food is delicious but service is sloooooow at busy times. Make sure you give yourselves a couple hours before you need to go anywhere else.
(4)Paige B.
I went here for brunch and while there was a wait, the host offered to call us so that we could walk around and not have to stay inside. I have Celiac disease and am a vegetarian and the waitress appeared to understand what that meant. I had the almond flour pancakes and hash browns and they were delicious and no reactions! My fiance had the meat lovers omelet and he raved about it. I was extremely excited to have a place to go to where they cater to my diet as well as have options for meat eaters.
(5)Trish W.
Delish! Whether you're vegan, gluten free, or hard core meat lover, they've got you covered and it will be awesome. They also have Benito's hot sauce on the tables, which I appreciate.
(5)Brittany S.
Well, hello there you adorable basement café with a fun menu you. You had me at "hello" with your off-the-beaten path entry, stone walls, booth seating, homemade ketchup, whole berry jam and adorably friendly staff. If that's not enough to win you over, maybe the cranberry cream cheese with the banana bread or uniquely crispy and thinly sliced hash browns will do the trick? I would liken the space to a Boston basement bar turned 1800s Country Living Magazine cutesy. Ya know, curtains, wall art, plants - the feeling that you're in someone's house and you just know the food is bound to be delicious. As for pricing, be prepared for a $15 to $20 breakfast easily if you order a drink. I opted for the fresh juice and my companion the coffee. I would have to say my favorite dish was the hash browns - they were unlike any that I have had before. I guess you'll just have to try them for yourself to understand.
(4)Gerard G.
Service was probably the worst I have ever had. We had to inform the hostess if anyone was here to take our order. (They were not busy at the time we arrived) Once Our Server came She Did Not apologize What So Ever and Took Our order. After 20 min passed we observed people that came in after us get there food and guess who had to ask us if things were better? Not the server but the hostess, once again our server failed to apologize and said it will be a minute or two. What really happened was they probably forgot to place our order. I also had a clear view inside there kitchen and most of them were laughing and giggling instead of doing there freaking Job. Food was pretty good, service sucked and management doesn't follow up in dining room
(2)Morgan S.
How could you even compare this to another place in VT? For a vegetarian breakfast, I haven't found anything better! Sure you may have to wait a bit on some busy mornings, but with good company and delicious food that arrives within a reasonable time, who cares? It's such a cozy dining area that I don't mind hanging out for a while. My boyfriend and I have tried many menu items and all have been wonderful! The first time I went to Magnolia's I was actually overwhelmed by all of the things that sounded so good. But my favorite is the Philly Seitan sandwich when I'm craving something a little less sweet. Love love love Magnolia Bistro!
(5)jeff a.
If you are celiac or gluten free, don't expect to get what you order! I ordered the gluten free pancakes and ate half the order only to find out that I was eating regular pancakes instead of what i ordered. The waitress first denied I ordered gluten free ones, and then came back to say the cook didn't read it correctly. The waitress didn't take the pancakes off the check even after I told her i would be ill from this mistake. Her retort was that I ate the gluten free pancakes when they were remade so why should the meal be taken off the check. Clearly she doesn't understand what celiac is and how this is a big deal. Waitress should not be working here if she doesn't understand gluten free is a big deal. Not going back ever!!
(1)Sarah C.
Holy Cow. Local, organic, certified GREEN restaurant with really outstanding food. Service and prices were right up there as well. Overall a huge win. First....bloody Mary's. Thick, peppery, have a bite to them...they make them with horseradish and wasabi, topped off with a lemon, lime, and huge stalk of celery. They really hit the spot. Fresh squeezed orange juice. Enough said. Their eggs Benedict was one of the best versions of this dish I've ever had. It started with a piece of thick, toasted sourdough bread. I got mine with Canadian bacon, but there are 3 or 4 other opinions. Next, a layer of baby spinach, the tomato, then the two poached eggs. They top it off with a lemon, cayenne hollandaise sauce that is so light and flavorful. Some hollandaise sauces can be too rich and thick or buttery...anywhere from clumpy to runny. Not this one, it was perfect. Just a slight hint of lemon, not too salty. Eggs were poached just right, and the home fries were great too. Browned with onion in there. On the table you can find their homemade ketchup and homemade blackberry jam. This place us worth every last bit of their five stars. Located on the lower level of a building, the walls are wood, stone and brick, yet it's still airy and welcoming. Lots of tables fill the place, but be prepared to wait on a weekend. It's worth it. Local art for sale decorates the walls and compostable hand towels await you in the restroom. Wish this was closer to home for me!
(5)David G.
I was really stoked to find this outta the way little vegan/vegetarian restaurant...and yes they serve meat. All of their products are locally sourced and organic....but the taste was not there for me. My meal was the meat omelet with Vermont maple cured bacon, seasoned pork sausage, and Vermont cheddar....it really had no flavor except the sauces I put on it....check out the pick. My potatoes were rather cold and flavorless. And the sourdough toast was cold, stale, and not very good sourdough....I messed up as the only place to have sourdough is you know where!!!!! SF! The steal cut oats were a very unique way of doing it and it looked and tasted great. The breakfast burrito was good and gone in seconds. I must order the oatmeal pancakes or the banana bread French toast next time. Oh the rhubarb bread with strawberry cream cheese with pretty friggin awesome.
(3)Steve H.
Went in for brunch just before Christmas with 5 other friends. They were able to accommodate our party of 6 and we were served hot coffee upon arrival. I am not a fan of basement restaurants just for the claustrophobic feel. This place was decorated in a welcome and warm way that I almost forgot I was underground. I am not a vegetarian but I do like vegetarian cuisine. Our server recommended the cranberry bread served warm. I am always up for trying any vehicle for butter. The bread was moist and had a good texture and crumb. It was a great recommendation. A couple friends had bloody mary's which I Was able to taste. It had nice flavor but not enough spice for me. The garnish could have been a little more extravagant which had me craving bloody mary from Rustic Roots. Our food arrived in a timely manner and it was delivered all at once. At our table there were 3 orders of Bo Knows. A couple eggs, perfectly cooked over easy. One oatmeal pancake which was delicious. A small pile of under seasoned hash browns. I chose the maple sausage and was disappointed to see a single tiny disc. It was a good bite but I wish there was another patty. I was able to try my neighbors almond flour pancakes which were fantastic. There was plenty to share since the stack was quite filling for one person. My other neighbor had the Huevos which looked great. She talked about not having enough spice so our server was able to offer some ghost pepper hot sauce which did the trick. Across the table I another friend had the Benedict. It looked like a typical take on the classic. She expressed her satisfaction and noted that the eggs were poached medium as requested. Overall this place is pretty good with a focus on locally sourced and house made food. The prices are comparable to other breakfast spots in the area. Next time, I'll try something from the lunch menu.
(4)Phil D.
One of the best breakfasts in Burlington. Service is always friendly. It can take some time to be served but if you order some apps, bread, or an entree to share before the meal, it will get there pretty quickly. I love their meat sandwiches. There are some great veggie options and GF menu items as well. Great place to rent for private parties as well. Sometimes it can get cold in the winter. Just put your coat back on, the food will warm you up. Great selection of items and the flavor is right on! I love their hot sauces. This place is consistently one of the best brunch spots in town.
(5)brad l.
Service was fast and friendly. Seated at a wobble table and they switched us. Noticed an increase in prices for some menu items. I ordered my usual "The Classic" two eggs any style served with toast, homefries and choice of applewood smoked bacon, maple sausage link, or veggie sausage patty. That item price went from $7 to $8. I thought $7 was high enough for what you receive. Yes I understand its local. Everything was cooked great besides the burnt butter drenched bread which included the end piece from the loaf. Our server replaced the toast. We will be back but not as many times as wed like because of the cost. The inside is very nice and cozy and staff has always been friendly and the food good
(4)Val M.
The food was good but I had an unpleasant experience here. When my husband and I walked into the restaurant, the hostess took us all the way to the back, to the worst possible table, right next to the kitchen. There were plenty of open tables in the front. I asked her for another table. She pointed to the table across from the worst one, and I politely asked her to sit us in the front. She got visibly angry and took us to the front without saying a word. The whole experience made me feel really uncomfortable and unwelcome.
(2)Sophie E.
Literally awful service the only two times I've been there, oh and my chicken salad sandwich was served to me without any chicken salad.
(1)Roman M.
Incredibly lackadaisical wait staff. Service was insanely slow. One of our orders was incorrect. And best of all - we got to the table and the hot sauce on the table was completely empty. Were we in the middle of a joke? We had two children with us, so when we asked for the children's menu the wait staff said everything on the menu can be made for kids. Huh?
(1)Jonathan L.
One of my favorite places to get breakfast after a run! This little place sets the standard for breakfast/brunch in downtown Burlington. The menu is totally unique and the options varietous. You won't find these choices anywhere else. Almost all the dishes come with veggie or vegan options, and they are always happy to customize to suit your needs. They use lots of local ingredients. Value is excellent. A bit pricier than a diner, but well worth the upgrade! Food quality and preparation are first rate. Even though they frequently have a line out the door, the service is quick and friendly. Absolutely love it!
(4)Ali B.
I only give one star because I haven't eaten here. So I can't offer any input on the food.. Four of us wanted breakfast. We gave it a shot because a friend yelped a great review. The hostess told us it was an hour and forty minute wait for a table after giving the 2 people in front of us a table suited for 6. Perhaps this was the reason for the wait. Unfortunately I'm not interested enough to try again next time I'm in burlington. I attend an event with 800+ people in attendance once a year. And I will usually wait for a great plate but that's just ridiculous for breakfast. Perhaps a reservation would help but I can't say I've ever made a reservation for breakfast
(1)Linnea J.
This place was absolutely delicious! Amazing food and cute decor and wonderful service.
(5)Kay S.
Usually we're fans of Magnolia, but I wonder if that feeling might just be a residual over-rated opinion. We went for breakfast today. The hostess who took our names didn't seem to be able to read her own writing and was stumbling over everyone's names when she called them. It was FREEZING there (yes, I understand it's winter and it's a brick basement, but with all of the cooking and people, I expected I'd be able to take off my coat and have my layers (including a heavy sweater and scarf) be enough). There was a giant piece of dessert-bread mushed into the carpet at my feet. The vibe of the place is cute and charming, and the menu is full of tasty looking treats. We often bring guests here or meet up with friends for events, and we were there today because my in-laws remembered it fondly from another trip and wanted to visit again before they left town to return to AZ. I was hoping it'd keep a good reputation, but I was already a little worried before we arrived from memories of being slightly disappointed in recent visits with what I expected to be top notch meals...not a good sign. My dish was underwhelming, but okay. Our waitress was nice and kept the coffee coming. The fruit and cheese plate was fine, but not very inventive (there were a couple of what I suspect to be Cabot flavored cheddars that I had at home in my fridge). My Magnolia Eggs Benedict's hollandaise was a little too lemony and thin for my tastes (i love a touch of lemon, but overall, it lost it hollandaise-y-ness to me), and one of the eggs was almost hard-boiled, but overall the flavor was okay. The hash browns were stringy and undercooked, with a stronger taste of onion than I'd prefer (and I love me some fancy hash browns!), but the others at my table were plowing through theirs without problem, it seemed. I tried some of my husband's cinnamon-swirl french toast - it LOOKED amazing, but tasted dry and somewhat "off", which is weird for french toast (he felt he could do better, and he does make some mean french toast!). On the plus side, my father-in-law really liked the orange cranberry bread (and sorta got in trouble for not saying my mother-in-law's was better). :) Maybe all of the cooks were out late last night for NYE? Dunno, but I'm not all that enamored with this place anymore. It's a great little breakfast place (they do lunches, but we always go for breakfast) that we consider one of "our places", but I always end up a little disappointed - I want to love it more!
(3)Jaclyn S.
Awesome breakfast. We had mimosas ($6), pumpkin french toast - really good, fresh maple syrup and maple whip cream. I had the "Bo Knows Best" ($10) eggs with toast, oatmeal pancakes, potatoes - really good and I LOVED the oatmeal pancake. The banana bread appetizer was warm and served with fresh, cranberry cream cheese that paired too well together. Service was friendly, quick. The waiting area is bizarre, it's upstairs, technically outside of the restaurant in a lobby area in a business building. Also, the entrance may be hard to find since you have to walk over cobblestone and in between buildings to find it. Once we got there and put our names down they said 30mins, but it took 10mins. We were seated at the bar and the waitress was friendly, nice and attentive. I would go back here.
(5)Dan M.
A great bfast place near the college. A little hard to locate as it is downstairs below an office looking building entrance, but look for the signs on the outside, and trust your instincts. Start off with their coffee cake of the day or the banana bread with berry cream cheese.. yum. They have interesting combinations of french toast and pancakes. I enjoyed the Lemon Ricotta pancakes with fresh Vermont maple syrup. My friend enjoyed the classic eggs with bacon and toast, and the flavor was great. Wash it all down with fresh squeezed OJ, and it was a great breakfast. Staff were friendly and helpful. If in the area, I would definitely return.
(5)Porsche B.
My personal favorite breakfast spot around. Magnolia has officially become my birthday brunch spot. They've got a fairly large menu, with fantastic house dishes and awesome specials. Highly recommend the banana bread! And their version of the mimosa...I can't remember what it's called (probably the Magnolia), but it's absolutely delicious. Also, considering the fact that they are LOCAL, ORGANIC, AND GREEN, the prices are completely reasonable and totally affordable. The decor as very sweet and nature-inspired. Lots of wood, which I love. It gives the place a very cozy and welcoming feel. Plus the bathrooms have inspirational and generally interesting quotes written all over the walls, which is fun to read once you've finished your fifth cup of bottomless coffee. The staff are always calm and friendly, which is just what I want in the morning. Oh, speaking of the morning: get there early, go on a weekday, or be prepared to wait a bit. Not as long as you would be waiting at Penny Cluse, though. By the way...they've got a full bar. Magnolia is awesome. The end.
(5)C S.
I love this place. Every time I am in Burlington I honestly have found myself eating here multiple times during even just a short weekend trip! The food is great, some unique twists.. fresh and delicious. Wait staff has always been friendly and on top of things. The atmosphere is awesome.. with inside and outside seating in nice weather. Its a small garden patio out back of the restaurant, it's very quaint, peaceful and pretty. I 100% recommend going here!
(5)Karen S.
It was OK, but I definitely wasn't wowed. It's cute inside, but we were seated right outside the kitchen and had a parade of servers going by our table the whole time and our view was into the servers' station. We started by splitting an order of banana bread with cranberry cream cheese. It was good, but was slightly overcooked. I had the Vermont omelet with sausage, apples and cheddar and my husband had the localvore omelet. They were three egg omelets with the eggs cooked thin and folded around the filling. There wasn't enough filling for the amount of egg. It should have been either a two egg omelet or a three egg omelet with more filling. You had to work through a lot of egg on each end before you got to the filling. They were tasty though. The toast, while high quality bread, was super hard and pretty much impossible to eat within minutes of being brought to the table. I thought I was going to break a tooth when I bit into it. Homemade peach jam was provided. Service was acceptable I left underwhelmed and would probably try a different restaurant next time I was in the area.
(3)Lauren P.
My bf and I returned to downtown Burlington on Memorial Day because the weather cleared up and we wanted do enjoy the city before coming home to Boston. We were encouraged by friends to eat brunch at Magnolia Bistro, so that's where we headed. Unfortunately for us, we got there by late morning, so there was already a pretty long wait to be seated. Most places have brunch lines, so we decided to hang out in the sun and wait the 45 min to be seated.... if it had been raining, we probably would have sought food elsewhere. Once seated, my bf ordered a bloody mary, and we reviewed all the specials on the menu. He ordered the special spicy corncakes, I ordered the special omelet (with oyster mushrooms, ramps, and goat cheese)...and then we ordered a third entree because we're fat-asses. The third entree was the banana bread french toast off the regular menu, because if you're going to get morbidly obese, why not eat stuff like that? It should be said that this bloody mary was probably one of the best I've tasted. I think it can be hard to find the right balance on a bloody mary and this was not too salty, with the right spicy kick to it. My bf wasn't too pleased that I kept stealing sips. I enjoyed my omelet. It was not huge like a diner portion--a petite little omelet that came with a side of toast/bread (I got the rhubarb bread which was delicious) and diced potatoes. The potatoes weren't thrilling, so I didn't eat those. My only complaint about the omelet was that the oyster mushroom slices were really big and I think they would have tasted better in the omelet thinly sliced or diced. It was like, 2 bites of omelet with goat cheese, ONE HUGE MUSHROOM PIECE, 2 bites omelet, etc. The banana bread french toast was also quite good, and I loved that they brought us a container of real maple syrup... yay for Vermont! My bf really liked his corncakes, and I loved the couple bites that I stole. They came with a sweet orange syrup, but both of us preferred the maple syrup. I want to recreate those spicy corncakes! Also good to note: they make their own jam and ketchup, which they keep on the tables. Yum. All in all, I'm really glad we stuck out the wait to eat here! I wouldn't recommend coming here at peak hours with a large group, though.
(4)Nikita L.
Awesome food! Great atmosphere! Smaller portions but the quality makes up for it.
(4)Cee C.
Portion are small, but the foods is good. The could stand to put a few extra hashbrowns on the plate. I was happy with my portion. But my hungry husband was not. We ended up spending a 1/3 more money for his breakfast sides. Mind you he is 6ft 200 lbs.
(4)Laura K.
Service was still painfully slow but the oatmeal pancakes and the Peach Bellinis took the edge off.
(4)nicole c.
Delicious breakfast and usually not as long of a wait as some other brunch spots. In the summer they have a nice patio outside too.
(4)Elizabeth S.
What a fantastic, unique menu! Huevos del Sol and Pumpkin French Toast were to die for! The coffee was fresh and hot! Our waitress was friendly and warm. I can't wait to go back and try more of the menu!
(4)Eddy K.
Breakfast-Brunch-Lunch place featuring local ingredients and fresh tastes. Service: Waiter was able to accommodate by giving us additional plates to split pancakes. And basically took a custom omelet order rather than having to order based on menu. Great, speedy service. Food/Drink: Food was delicious, though not amazing. While the menu seems to have very particular and special items, I felt it tasted rather standard breakfast-y. Therefore, slightly overpriced. Atmosphere: Restaurant is located in a nice basement area. The whole environment felt unique and cozy as opposed to typical, high-paced, busy brunch places. It was comforting knowing I can eat in peace without the crazy brunch crowd. Overall: I would likely go again to try something new on the menu, but at the same time I do not feel overly inclined or yearning to do so. Plenty of other brunches to experience.
(3)Bean B.
Vegans won't be disappointed! The menu includes scrambled tofu options. Their menu is very clear about accommodating vegans, too. I just love this place. When we visit, it's usually for the breakfast where get the vegan French toast and a tofu scram but on our last visit we had lunch. The Mr. Limpett (chickpea sandwich) and the southwest burger were both tasty choices. Check this place out!
(4)Ashlie F.
Really pretty place, the food was delicious, we had the Bo Knows Breakfast and the huevos special. The apricot jam on the table and house-made ketchup were to die for! I really wish the apricot jam was available to purchase!
(4)Sharif E.
My girlfriend and I went to magnolia bistro while on vacation. We arrived close to closing. They were very patient and we didn't feel rushed at all. When the food arrived, I was pleasantly surprised. I ordered the seasonal French toast which was rhubarb with a side of eggs with chevre.She had the California omelette and the banana bread French toast. We both agreed it was one the best breakfast we had ever eaten. It was filling but didn't leave you bloated. We will most defiantly go again when in the Burlington Vt area.
(5)Catherine L.
Been there just before christmas time. The place is over-rated. The gluten free pancake was not spectacular, just a american pancake. No expresso. This place needs a real refresh. Disappointing.
(2)Molbert M.
I loved every single thing about this place. The coffee was great. The food was fantastic and had lots of vegetarian and vegan choices. There was homemade ketchup and jam on the table. They provided real maple syrup and local hot sauces on request. I really enjoyed my meal. It was perfect in every way.
(5)Kelly R.
Worth looking for (the entrance is actually down a floor, after going through a small parking lot. Really good food, friendly and quick service.
(5)Leigh S.
Unexpectedly awesome place. The waitstaff (ahem, Emily) is friendly, there's so many vegan options (woo, almond milk! oh, and please try the peanut-coconut stir fry!) and there just lots of creative concoctions (The Dude got pulled-pork eggs Benedict with avocado!)...it's so wonderful! Have a Bloody Mary...they're bloody brilliant.
(4)Chrissy M.
I have been here twice, the second time, we we're staying in the Mad River Valley and decided to come to Burlington just to have breakfast here. We can't get a Vermont Omelet anywhere else. Its awesome!
(5)Ryan C.
The food was good, but not as good as Penny Cluse, I'd go there instead. Also, the service at this place was below avg. The waitress seemed to forget about us and when we finally flagged her down to get more coffee, she seemed visibly annoyed with us. But again, in fairness, the food and atmosphere were good.
(3)Jack B.
This place rocks. They get slammed for breakfast. So the three star reviews come from those that weren't happy with the long wait. It'll happen when someone makes an amazing breakfast in downtown Burlington. Their "meat hash" eggs benedict-type thing is just a great breakfast. All other things I've been exposed to are just as great- depending on your fancy. Get their, put your name in early, or be ready to wait.
(5)Marie W.
Would give this place 3.5 stars if I could. Good, quick service on a weekday lunch. We ordered: -Breakfast burrito -Basic eggs, toast, hash browns I don't think we took advantage of their interesting menu with the tofu scrambles and the different sweeter options (oatmeal pancakes, etc). The breakfast burrito was good and came with sour cream and salsa. The hash browns were a little strange--very thin, stringy, crispy, and too salty. Would definitely give it another shot if I were ever in the Burlington area again.
(3)Samantha H.
Love this place! Yummy food, great atmosphere. Their seasonal french toast is to die for! EVERY SEASON :)
(4)Jason W.
This is one of our go to places for brunch when we have visitors. We love the food, atmosphere and service. There can be a long wait at peak times, especially when the college students are in town.
(4)Colleen H.
Got here at 2:00 on a Sunday afternoon very hungry. :) Happy there was no wait The waitress had to return a few times because they were out of an item we ordered, but the owner, Shannon, appeared quickly and offered us complimentary goodies to tide us over while they modified our order. We ended up in a wonderful conversation with Shannon not just about our orders but also about the integrity of olive oil and the virtues of the Turks and Caicos versus Bermuda. You'll love the range of the menu, the food, and the owner!
(5)Samantha W.
My favorite breakfast spot in town! from the vibe, to local ingredients and a great price...plus the coffee is awesome. You won't see me anywhere else!
(5)Bradley B.
I like to think of myself as an optimist, as I have received probably the worst service of any restaurant at Magnolia Bistro since I have moved to Burlington over two years ago and continue to try again. The reason for this is because I work at a nearby business. There aren't a lot of options in this neighborhood, and I am very busy at work so take out is my only option when I cannot bring lunch. I can start by saying do not even try to order on a weekend as they won't even pick up the telephone. I feel like they should not bother having take out if they cannot even answer their phone. I order very simple things: soup, salads and sandwiches. 6 TIMES IN A ROW there was either something missing, completely wrong, or they even forgot to put my order in. I do not have time to go back to get the correct order because as I have explained, I am at work when I order here. At this point I am now upwards of $75 dollars completely wasted. One order was a salad which consisted of 3 small pieces of chicken and gross looking brown lettuce with holes in it, all for the price of $12 dollars. (are you kidding me?) This particular time I even spoke to someone who apologized and refunded me (which they should have) and then gave me coupons which required me to spend $25 dollars before getting a discount. (again, are you kidding me?) It seems these coupons work in favor of the business as they actually require you to spend more than planned. I am extremely pleasant every time I come here and I have never written a yelp review in my life. That should show you how disappointing the service has been. Finally, after not ordering from here in months I decided to order today. When I called, the phone rang several times before I got through which made me think they were very busy. Then I was put on hold only to be answered by a girl who answered the phone in a very irritated voice only saying "hellllo??" She did not give her name or any sign that she was going to help me. I completed my order and the girl did not thank me and said "ten minutes" and hung up the phone. I walked over to pick up the food and there were only two people in the entire restaurant. I am not sure why I had to be passed off between two people just to order a sandwich or why the person on the phone could not be bothered to speak more than 5 words to me. The sandwich wasn't even heated thoroughly and honestly didn't taste very good. Looking at the other reviews here I am shocked that we visited the same establishment. The difference I can spot is that they ate at the restaurant and I ordered for pick up. Throughout my time in Burlington I have referred many people to Magnolia and have always as I've said been very kind and courteous when dealing with anyone there. I can officially say I do not think I can ever go back here, nor will I refer anyone as I wouldn't want them to have a similar experience. Basically, Magnolia should either re-work or completely stop offering takeout as an option. I guess I'll just have to take a lunch to work from now on.
(1)Liz I.
The food at Magnolia is always delicious, especially the omelettes and waffles. I also adore the Thai Peanut Tofu Scramble, but I can't eat it anymore (curse you, soy allergy!). It is a little on the pricier side for breakfast, but the service is usually on point and I've never had bad food. I would maybe not get the maple sausage on the side again, though, because it wasn't very exciting and more money than it was worth.
(4)Sarah M.
I will dream of the oatmeal and coconut pancake. Holy moses. Best pancake I have ever eaten and I've eaten my fair share. Other things I liked was the bloody Mary, perfect amount of heat and the hot sauces they give you the choice of. One thing to improve upon. People wait a long time to eat here, give them the banana bread that you make at a very cheap cost free while people wait for their food. Don't charge for it you silly nilly gooses. Also, the young man who took our order carded my friend and not me, so I felt like shit, but I know that's my problem. Or he has a thing for blondes. Who knows. But if your waitstaff is going to card one person at a table, have them card the other. He could have at least given me extra vodka to sooth my confidence. Thanks 17 year old boy.
(3)L W.
Relaxed atmosphere and great brunch, including vegan brunch. The tofu scramble is delicious!
(5)L N.
Waited 45 minutes for a table late Sunday morning. Were sat at a bar with no place for our legs, so asked to switch and got a nice little table. I ordered banana bread, fruit platter, and bacon. Fruit was tasty ripe, and the rest excellent. My SO had banana bread French toast, which was great with a nice touch of cinnamon. Their homemade peach jam was a terrific topping for it and a touch of maple syrup changed up the flavor on and off too. I recommend this place.
(4)Drew C.
I visited Magnolia Bistro for breakfast while in Burlington visiting a friend. The restaurant itself is lovely, and because it was around 10 on a weekday morning, the restaurant was relatively quiet. We were seated quickly, and the waitress was prompt with our drink orders. I ordered the eggs Benedict (advertised as a daily special,) with the homefries, both of which I enjoyed. My only complaint is from when the check arrived. Despite being prominently advertised as a special, the waitress charged me the full price for the eggs Benedict. When I explained to her that I was under the impression that it was on special due to the large sign that said "eggs Benedict" under "Daily Specials," she said that she hadn't had time to update the board (despite it being nearly 11 a.m.) and wouldn't honor the special pricing. I suggested that she update the board so no one else was confused, and she dismissed me, saying said she'd get to it eventually. I enjoyed the food at Magnolia, and the restaurant is really cozy. A mediocre waitstaff really ruined my experience here.
(2)Brian E.
Best breakfast out in ages!! Banana bread French toast was incredible. My wife's apple-quinoa burger got raves. The OJ was so freshly-squeezed, it tasted like I was eating an orange. The whole staff was friendly beyond belief. Decor was cool. Lots of brick. Nice paintings all over the walls. Loved this place.
(5)Ron B.
Picked a time to have brunch. Decided on the pancakes because gluten-free and have to stay I was impressed. Everything tasted good, was fresh and the service was outstanding too. A great place to bring vegan/vegetarian friends so everyone can be happy. Added to my list of favorite BTV places for sure!
(4)Tinya C.
Disappointing. Fantastic service, dismal food. After debating where to eat, I decided on Magnolia Bistro for a late breakfast. After reading all the fantastic reviews here, I was actually excited to try this place since the rest of Burlington seems to get middling reviews. I actually got lost trying to find this place. It turns out it's located inside a building in the basement. The building is actually hiding behind two other buildings, in the center of the block. I have no doubt they have great food here, but I just happened to pick the wrong thing. My waitress was very attentive and helpful. I got the steak and eggs, and asked for the home fries and toast to be replaced with a vegetable, like broccoli, since I am avoiding carbs. She said it was no problem, and even offered to give me gluten free toast, thinking I was gluten sensitive. Very thoughtful for her! I asked for the eggs soft scrambled, but they came fully cooked. The steak was cubed and marinated, I suspect with red wine vinegar and soy sauce. I honestly would have preferred a whole, single piece of steak, and the marinade was too strong and the steak was overcooked. I had to spit out some pieces since the meat was so tough. The food came out so fast I suspect that the eggs were batch cooked. The coffee is delicious though! I liked the huge pot of cream on the table, along with their homemade hot sauce and ketchup. I wish I could give Magnolia a better review, but the food was just a disappointment.
(3)Craig D.
The hostess sat my wife, daughter, and me at a large open booth in a slightly more private part of the restaurant. We each had waters and menus within the minute. From start to finish, we couldn't have asked for better service, and I think that's what really makes it a great place to eat. The food was good, however as some other reviewers have pointed out the bread was a bit tough and the home fries were a bit cold. The trouble is, most places coat those food items in oil to cook them easier and keep them warm longer. I'll take the healthier, not-piping-hot version over the oily version any day. When the food arrived, an array of four local hot sauces were offered upon request and really made the meal for this reviewer. A waiter even recommended one (the Ancho Rancho, from Vermont Pepperworks) that would pair well with my California tofu scram. Delish. The portions were average sized, not too small, but not very large. As a whole foods restaurant that is dedicated to locally sourced ingredients, it's fantastic. Even the bathrooms were equipped with Seventh Generation toilet paper, a waste vs. compostable pile, and Vermont organic soap. Kind, earth-friendly, and tasty! I'd visit here again the next time we're in Burlington.
(4)Sara D.
Consistently wonderful. They are happy to accommodate allergies and special diets. You can get almond milk as an alternative to soy or dairy. Yummy seasonal specials. Homemade jam and ketchup.
(5)Alli H.
Boyfriend and I stopped in on a Thursday morning in search of a hearty breakfast before going skiing. We were also seeking "real" maple syrup because I had never had it and my boyfriend insisted that I needed to. We were seated right away (woot woot Thursday mornings!). I had a hard time choosing a meal because everything sounded amazing, but I ordered the banana bread french toast. It was delicious! And I regret that the first 27 years of my life were spent believing the lies that Aunt Jemima told me - Real Vermont maple syrup is sooooo good! :-D Our coffees and waters never got empty before the server was back with refills. The service was friendly and prompt. The prices were fair. The food was great. The decor was cozy. Love it. Please open a Magnolia Bistro II in Philadelphia.
(5)Anik M.
A little over hyped. The food wasn't terribly exciting. The potatoes and hash were slightly burnt and lacked flavor. Good place to go but many better choices in the Burlington area.
(3)Dale P.
I have been here many times before. Magnolia's owner is a true class act and he really knows how to fun a restaurant. The service is great and even better food! I highly recommend!
(5)Diana H.
Food was okay, definitely better places to go in the near vicinity. It is no better then your average dinner. I think if you are a vegetarian you would appreciate this joint more because it looked like a lot of the menu items were geared for you. Service was spotty and prices were fine.
(2)Molly O.
This place has many wires crossed. My friend's rehearsal dinner was planned for an evening, but the manager seemed to think that it was cancelled. Wouldn't most places call the hosts to confirm? Luckily, the Farmhouse was extremely accommodating and in all likelihood, better.
(1)Amber S.
After reading several glowing Yelp reviews, my boyfriend and I decided to check out Magnolia's for a late breakfast. The wait was about 30 minutes when we arrived at 11:30AM on a Saturday, but bar seating was available immediately, so we went that route. We started with coffee, mimosas (also available in fun flavors like cranberry and apple cider) and fresh banana bread with cranberry cream cheese. The other reviewers aren't lying-- the bread is phenomenal, and the coffee was fresh and hot. For entrees, my boyfriend had Pumpkin Bread French Toast (on special) and I had the Eggs Benedict (served with spinach and tomato). The French Toast was insanely sweet-- in fact way too sweet for my taste, but my boyfriend loved it and said the flavor combination was great. The Eggs Benedict was delicious and made even better with the homemade condiments offered on the side (crushed carrot and garlic hot sauce, anyone?). Our server wasn't the most attentive-- it seemed like she was handling a lot of tables outside of the bar top, but a different server was really funny and helpful. She checked on us constantly, and I wish I would have gotten her name to give kudos where it's due. All in all, great breakfast spot. I'm not a vegetarian or eating gluten free, but the menu is VERY VERY friendly to those trying to cater to that sort of diet. Highly recommended!
(4)Dan H.
Looked pretty great from first appearances, glance at the menu, and long wait to get seated but after a more thorough investigation of the menu and actually eating I wasn't very impressed. It's good...period - nothing to get too excited about. The menu appears to have lots of choices but it's really the same kind of thing with slight tweaks so there isn't all that much variety or anything innovative. Since they're a "green restaurant" and serve vegan, gluten free, etc., we also expected the place to have more vegetables in their offerings (real ones... potatoes don't count). The service is good and they are pretty nice - our food took about 40 minutes to come out though (party of 2). No explanation offered. I got the pumpkin bread french toast - sounds fun and exciting but it wasn't very good at all. I'd go with an order of pumpkin bread (plain) and some regular french toast next time. Wife got the Bo Knows which is a mix of stuff. Oatmeal pancakes are big...sausage link tiny and overcooked. Meh.
(2)Ellen A.
This is my favorite breakfast spot in Burlington. Since it's a bit off the beaten path, nestled away in the basement level of a downtown building, it is often less busy during the breakfast/brunch hours that can be pretty crazy at other restaurants in the downtown area. I always get the eggs benedict and they are AMAZING! The ingredients are fresh, local, and organic, and the portions are a really nice size. The prices are very reasonable and they also have breakfast cocktails which is always a plus! It's a very quiet and casual spot that is perfect for grabbing breakfast with a friend.
(4)A W.
Took an hour to get breakfast. Very long wait and no apology but food was good. Had tofu scram dish which isn't a lot of food for $9.50 so I added a side of black beans to fill me up. Love the atmosphere and creative dishes
(3)Caroline L.
Excellent! We loved everything about this place. Amazing service, grey atmosphere and yummy food. I was so impressed with the quality and number of vegetarian options. Philly seitan was delicious and boyfriend loved his Cuban special.
(5)Jen M.
Yum! That's all. Just....yum.
(4)Ilke V.
The location is great, it's only one block down the street from Church Street. The staff is very attentive, the service is great, It's clean, there are a lot of great options on the menu. The food is incredible, very good quality with a lot sourced locally. There is also a bar for some great bloody Mary's or mimosas! One tip, on the weekends either go early or expect a little bit of a wait.
(5)Shaila S.
Great for a large group. Our waitress was fun and friendly and added to our enjoyment. The coffee here is amazing. Not to bitter or strong. We ordered a little of everything to taste. The coconut pancakes and lemon ricotta pancakes both were wonderful and enjoyed by everyone. Their homeade jam is definitely something I had never tasted elsewhere, especially with a slice of their toasted rye bread. Definitely order pancakes, and the poached eggs were a hit as well. The food itself was average. Steak and eggs was not loved by anyone who ordered it. Tarragon chicken was average. Great and caters to vegetarians. I'd definitely come back.
(3)Alissa M.
I love everything about Magnolia, except the fact that everyone else seems to agree, (there is often a wait on weekends) but I get that so it's OK. I love the atmosphere, it has a very laid back homey feeling about it. But mostly I LOVE the food. I love the vegetarian Reuban sandwich and the vegetarian Phila is good to if you like garlic mayonaise, the coffee is even delicious. The service is great as well, but I wouldn't order take out on a busy weekend if you are inpatient, but for this food, you should be patient. The people who work there are also super nice. But if you don't want to go there, that's fine, the less people that go there the less time I have to wait for a table. :)
(5)Hannah O.
This is my boyfriend and my go to spot for breakfast in Burlington! Most ingredients are local and/or organic, which means a lot to Vermonters (we love supporting local business!) - and the staff are always super helpful and friendly. The coffee is refilled frequently and they use Black River Roasters breakfast blend (I asked because it is so good)! I loveee their coffee. I always get the Oatmeal Chocolate Chip pancakes (with real maple syrup obviously.. I don't think they have the fake stuff) which are divine! They give you two huge pancakes which are super filling/satisfying - I usually can only eat one of them. Last time I went with a group of people and they all sampled my remaining pancake and said that they should've ordered those also (and they aren't typically pancake people)! My boyfriend always gets Bo Knows Breakfast (which is your typical Hungry Man breakfast with a pancake, home fries, homemade toast, eggs, etc) and he cleans his plate every time. I have sampled the home fries, which are so yummy. The only bummer can be the length of the wait in the morning, but if it's a Saturday in the summer you can always peruse the farmers market while you wait!
(5)Rory M.
I finally had breakfast at Magnolia Bistro. It was great! The space is really nice. I like the lay out and the local art on the walls. The full bar was a surprise. We had breakfast at about 1030-11am. Our meal started with the seasonal bread, two warm slices from a peach-blueberry loaf. The bread was more like poundcake and it was very good. Our main dishes were Eggs Benedict and hash and eggs. My only beef was that the hash was a tad under seasoned for my tastes and hollandaise was a bit flat. Other than that the service was prompt and friendly and the portions were large. We'll certainly be back.
(4)Erin M.
This is my 3rd time eating brunch at Magnolia. The food was OK. My boyfriend's omelet was bland and didn't really have any taste at all. He had to add salt and pepper to it to make it taste like something. I had the tofu coconut peanut scramble and it was alright, kinda spicy for my liking. The first time we came we got their French toast made on their homemade bread and the lemon ricotta pancakes and both were tasty. I feel like anything with their homemade breads and pancakes would be your best bet. I do appreciate their gluten free options and their gluten free bread is very tasty. To some it up "every time I come here I just leave sad" says my boyfriend. It's true.
(2)Andrew R.
This place was great. Good service, good quality food, and the menu has more than the normal brunch food. We (three of us) split the oatmeal pancakes, french toast, and a southwestern omelet, and all were good. Very filling. Note: portions are big. We went on a Saturday at prime time and didn't have trouble getting seated immediately. They're a super green restaurant.
(4)Leroy J.
I have to disagree with most of these reviews. I liked the space and the staff is great but the food, I'm sorry, the food itself just isn't good. Everything we had sounded great on the menu but never materialized on the plate. The kitchen staff can't even tell the difference between cilantro and parsley. Yikes. One and done for us.
(2)L J.
Bland food, slow service...thought I would give it a second chance but it is not worth it.
(1)Michelle H.
Absolutely love this place! I've been here several times for both breakfast and lunch and I have to say, I may actually prefer their lunch menu. The actual location is artsy and fun, not overly loud and the set-up allows for an intimate meal. Service is fast and friendly and just about everything is made in house or locally made (hot-sauces, syrup = local; jams, quickbreads = in-house). Its also important to note that this place is vegan and vegetarian friendly! That being said, I tend to get the open-faced steak sandwich, which is done to perfection. Going back? Definitely!
(4)Jo P.
If it wasn't for the extremely slow and somewhat inattentive service, I may have given this place the whole 5 stars. The interior is wonderful, the quality of the food is great, and the drinks (bloody mary for me) are excellent. I tried a bit of everything that our 6 person group ordered, and honestly - it was all excellent. The oatmeal pancakes, the blueberry and peach french toast, omelettes, sausages - I tried some of it all, and really the quality and tastiness were super. Nonetheless, waiting 40 minutes for a table, and then at least another 40 for food when one is slightly hung over is never pleasant. I will certainly take this into account next time it's time for breakfast in Burlington.
(4)Erin M.
Went this morning for the first time. WOW! By far the best food I have had in a while. They have wonderful options, as well as many vegan, vegetarian and gluten friendly options. I ordered the Bo Knows Breakfastt, which came with eggs, home fries, an oatmeal coconut pancake, toast, and sausage. It was amazing, I finished every last bite. We also got the pumpkin bread which is seasonal, and it was so amazing I wish I could have it every day. With all of that and a coffee my bill came to $20. The waitstaff is very friendly and helpful. I will definitely be coming here a lot more often!
(5)Alex H.
This place is a little hard to find if you're not familiar. It's inside another building's basement. But, don't let the 'Where's Waldo?' hunt get you down. The food is very tasty. The banana bread appetizer is very good - a nice way to start. Pretty simple, nothing awe-inspiring, but a very nice start. I had the North Carolina omelet and my partner had the California omelet. The North Carolina omelet had a huge chunk of pulled pork in it which was delish, but I wish it was broken up more and throughout the omelet instead of hunked on one side. As a note, this is not ooey gooey pulled pork smothered in BBQ sauce. It's much drier and has a different flavor. Really good though. I actually probably would have preferred a simple sandwich made with that and sour dough over the omelet, but it was still good. Sourdough toast was good as were the home fries. The California omelet came as a scramble and it was fantastic. The best part of the meal for sure. Cheesy and delicious. I would order that next time. A good breakfast/brunch spot in Burlington especially if you are a non-meat eater!
(4)Alexis N.
Oh yuuummmmm Magnolia how I love you! I think Magnolia was my favorite of every meal I had during a 6 day trip to Burlington (for my brother's wedding)... Some awesome veggie migas, a really awesome bloody mary... I loved that the menu had so many vegetarian and vegan options! The atmosphere was so cute, and the waitress was very sweet. I will DEF be back next time I'm in Burlington!
(5)Christopher I.
Delicious. Well Priced. Original. This place is exactly what you want to wake up to on a lazy weekend in Burlington, OR for Brunch/Lunch with your family. It's friendly, Cozy, and has something to make anyone burst with audible 'MMmmmm's when they dig in. I've been here a few times now, and every time is delicious. Wether your a vegetarian or enjoy eating poor animals, you'll find some local, (maybe even organic), concoction to fill your belly. Think local Maple-Sausage, Goat's Cheese, and Fiddle Heads in an omelete.... OH YEAH.
(5)Stacey E.
Was back this week, and it was even better. Service was exceptional, and the rhubarb french toast was ha-mazing. I also gored one homefries, a mimosa, and homemade strawberry jam and ketchup (which I'm still very sorry for spilling). Now officially a favorite spot when up in Burlington.
(5)