A trip to Burlington isn't complete without a stop for breakfast at Penny Cluse. It's conveniently located just off of Church Street, and is clearly a popular spot for visitors and locals alike. Gingerbread french toast, fruit platters, tofu scrambles, spicy black beans, kombucha on tap, incredible coffee... I've never had a bad meal here. They have a highly eclectic staff who always prove to be competent as well as attentive. They made alterations to orders without fuss and are especially understanding of those with allergies or food restrictions. They do serve lunch as well, and while I haven't tried it I'm sure it's equally as wonderful.
(5)
Antonia I.
Amazing! Was seeking healthy and hearty food and this place delivered. I had the taco salad with tofu which came with sufficient avocado, REAL mango (none of that fake boxed/jar/can stuff) cilantro, pico, corn and black beans. Tofu was seasoned perfectly and had tremendous flavor which paired well with the other accoutrements of the salad. We also the fruit smoothies one had the yogurt base and the other in our party had the soy base. Each smoothie had the perfect balance of fruits, not overwhelming with banana or OJ which happens frequently at less quality places. The staff was great and atmosphere friend. All in all a pleasant experience.
(4)
Misty P.
The Penny Cluse is very good. They support local farmers and businesses. I love the menu item Penny Cluse also, probably my favorite dish there. I will let you know if I ever order anything different, lol. They do very well with seating for the actual space they have. There is lots of art, it's very colorful and "trendy". The staff is very attentive, friendly enough, very professional. Even if they are all women, I have yet to see a guy working there. It has the feel of the OP. Which is neither here nor there, just an observation. Penny Cluse is very expensive! But compared to other extremely expensive posh tut tut restaurants, this one is worth it, the food is excellent and it's not a small serving of food. My only complaint about Penny Cluse is that it is advertised as having a Sunday brunch and it does not have a brunch. There are only 2 restaurants that offer and serve Sunday brunch in Burlington: Trader Dukes for $15 per person and the Sheraton for $25 per person.
(4)
Jonas F.
Just so good. The smothered biscuits were out of sight. If I lived in Burlington this would be my go to breakfast. Simple, tasty and unforgettable. Maybe the best smothered biscuits I've ever had. And it was only 7 dollars. I wish I would have taken a pic if it.
(4)
Chapin L.
Incredible food, atmosphere. Go early and get a table before the rush!
(5)
Leslie K.
Love Penny Cluse! Never had a bad meal, service is very good. Long lines on weekend but worth the wait. I am not patient so I go week days. You need to try the bucket of spuds!
(5)
Sara S.
My favorite Burlington restaurant. Well worth the wait! Open for breakfast and lunch only and almost guaranteed to be a wait throughout its business hours. The food and atmosphere draw a constant crowd. I'm always impressed by the professionalism of the servers while still keeping it casual and the kitchen's ability to crank out the plates of deliciousness without any hiccups. While the wait for the table can be long, once you're in, your served and served well. They have standard breakfast and lunch items on their menu and put unique twists to others, like a cornbread French toast with rhubarb or interesting sauces to accompany traditional dishes. One of my favorites is the banana bread. It's griddled warm and served with maple walnut butter, delicious! The tofu randy is my very favorite. I always get an extra side of the rocket sauce to dip the crust in. So good! My husband loves their traditional breakfast with turkey sausage over the pork. BLT, Reubens, baked mac and cheese, all of it is outstanding. To top it off, they are very family friendly and have a ton of fun and educational toys for the kids to play with. The owner clearly understands the challenges parent face dining with children. Street parking is available with credit card or coin payments and there is a parking garage right next door. If your wait is long, there is plenty of places to visit on Church St to kill time.
(5)
Jess P.
One of the great pleasures of dining alone is that there's already an assumption that you're a weirdo. So you can be particular about your seat, ask a ton of questions, stare and eavesdrop at will, and eat way too many calories in one sitting. Oh wait, I already do those things anyway. My Vermont farmer friend instructed me to get breakfast here. I got up extra early (no easy feat) to squeeze in a visit before my return flight. The restaurant is on the second floor of a house, casual and folksy, with local art hanging on the walls, and sunlight streaming in the windows. I opted for the namesake Penny Cluse, a massive breakfast plate. The potatoes are lightly seasoned with mustard seed and roasted onions (next time I would sub fruit salad for $1). The gravy is peppery and creamy, dotted with shredded carrots for sweetness, with a nice texture from a garnish of sliced scallions. There were two huge, buttery biscuits and my eggs were expertly cooked over medium. It's a lot of food. A LOT. I couldn't resist a side of bacon, three slices of thicker cut, perfectly crisp yet chewy, porky and not overly salted deliciousness. I'm a proud member of the clean plate club, but I just couldn't do it. The waiter was friendly and attentive; he called me "friend," which is less creepy than "sweetie." A great local spot.
(4)
A K.
Definitely a must do breakfast place in Burlington. They can have a wait so be prepared for that. But the food is worth the wait. Everything we ate was great.
(4)
Brittany S.
400+ reviews don't lie people. After 4+ visits to Burlington, VT, I finally made it to **the** brunch spot in Burlington. Be prepared to wait at any given time of day. Lucky for me, I was flying solo and had no problem nabbing a spot at the bar at 9:30 am on a Tuesday. It was the menu that won me over. Showstoppers: buckwheat pancakes with blueberries and Vermont maple syrup, gingerbread pancakes and herbed gravy over home fries to name a few. They offer a French Toast of the Day - today it was cornmeal maple (sounds delicious, right?). I couldn't stop looking at my stranger-neighbor's plate. Despite their long lines and popularity, they keep prices budget friendly. My meal accompanied by Jasime tea rang in at $12. *Thankfully, they'll let you order one solo pancake (they're large). Note: their side of fruit is a work of art. Think mango, banana, watermelon, etc. -artfully displayed. Good meals like this have you coming up with excuses to return in a jiffy.
(5)
Rebecca W.
Yes. This place is awesome. I was only in Burlington for a couple days so wasn't able to go back a second time but boy did I want to. The breakfast is delicious. Get the potatoes, best I've had.
(5)
Ruggy J.
The pesto scramble might be one of the best breakfast items I've eaten recently. I found myself moseying through Vermont and made a detour in Burlington. The original idea was to hit the flagship Ben & Jerry's, but that plan was scrapped after realizing ice cream for breakfast was a bad idea. Enter Penny Cluse Cafe located just a Cherry Garcia's pint toss away. They feature familiar and unique twists on American comfort food. They also have a few rotating specials that extend beyond the borders as well (there was an Asian inspired tofu scramble on the chalk board for instance). Being a traditionalist, eggs were my first choice, and a good choice at that. Local eggs doused in pesto and accompanied by roasted potatoes and a biscuit. It was exactly what I was looking for. Check out the menu here pennycluse.com/breakfast… to get a glimpse of what else they offer. Their bucket 'o spuds seems like a swell way to get a huge dose of carbs. The banana bread looks and smells like like it's worthy of a trip in-and-of-itself. Just the right amount of love baked into everything they do. Only knock was the service. It was sleepy and distracted. But maybe that's just the heartbeat of the city. Being a lazy Sunday, it wasn't of too much concern, though.
(4)
Marie H.
First things first, this place is worth the wait. Put your name on the list and explore the cute shops or grab a coffee in the area while you wait. I have never had a bad meal there. But I recommend going there for breakfast and getting the gingerbread pancakes or if you're there in the fall get the apple sauce and sour cream cakes (sounds weird but it's soo delicious!). Real maple syrup and fresh squeezed orange juice complete the whole experience.
(5)
Allison C.
Bucket-O-Spuds will CHANGE. YOUR. LIFE. Upon knowing that I'd be near Burlington for an aunt's wedding at the end of June, I started looking for breakfast spots WAY ahead of time. I've eaten breakfast and lunch at a few places along Church Street in the past, but I wasn't looking for a traditional place. I needed something fun. I'm not using hyperbole when I state that I've been thinking of eating here for the past month. When the day arrived, the 45 minute wait on a Saturday morning didn't even phase me. I was there! That's all that mattered. One, Ruslan, our server, was wonderful at his job, had a great sense of humor, and...well, he was really hot. There. I said it. It just enhanced the experience. Two, the layout of the restaurant is spacious, and I really enjoyed the smaller second level seating area where my parents and I happened to be seated. Three, the menu was next level... The Bucket-O-Spuds, well, I stated my feelings for that early on. Think nachos with medium-thick potato slices, cooked and slightly crispy, replacing tortilla chips, complete with melted cheese, fresh tomato salsa flecked with cilantro, sauteed onions and peppers, sour cream, and green onions. Best part? IT'S BREAKFAST. Actually, the best part is that they know how to assemble it correctly. One of my biggest pet peeves in life (for better or worse) in when nachos are poorly constructed. The fine folks in the kitchen know how to put down a layer of potatoes, put some cheese on it, then put more potatoes and cheese on top of that; by the time I got to the bottom, I still had potatoes covered in hot melted cheese. I washed that all down with a tall glass of amazing Watermelon Agua Fresca along with a fruit plate that I nibbled on, so, at least I hit most of my food groups. ;-) My dad got the Zydeco Breakfast, complete with eggs, black beans, and andouille sausage with corn muffins. My mom ordered the Basic Breakfast, and she got some biscuits with fresh strawberry jam that were beyond amazing. Between bites, or even during bites, I just found myself audibly saying, "Oh my god...oh...my...god..." When Ruslan came back to ask how my potatoes were, I just responded, "...DUDE." He understood. It was all that needed to be said. I sit here back in NYC, pondering how I convince the folks behind this restaurant to open a location in Manhattan. That or I may be giving a lot of money to JetBlue to take flights up here just for breakfast. (Because who really needs to pay back their student loans or pay the rent? Not I!)
(5)
Dee M.
I had the Gingerbread pancakes with strawberries on top and it was delicious. My friend had the basic breakfast with fruit instead of bread and wow!!! The fruit plate was so fresh and there was such variety. I highly recommend this place.
(5)
Sam W.
This place came highly recommended by our daughter that had been in the area about a year ago. Solely based on this we gave it a try. What a GREAT place. Even at 11 AM we had to wait a half hour for a table, but it was worth it. Lots to do in the vicinity while waiting. Service was outstanding, each meal we had exceeded our expectations, as did the diners at tables next to ours. Staff was extremely attentive and efficient. You can't go wrong with a meal here! EVERYTHING was excellent. Staff even offered to fill our water bottles with ice water when we mentioned we were going out for a long bike ride. How considerate is that!!!!
(5)
Sarah M.
Ask a few seasoned Burlingtonians where you should go out to eat if you're visiting. They'll disagree and stumble a little bit on lunch and dinner places, but the consensus will be clear on breakfast/brunch: Penny Cluse. Here's the scoop on Penny Cluse: few of the menu items are particularly exotic or fancy. What Penny Cluse specializes in is taking breakfast staples-- eggs, pancakes, French toast, home fries-- and just knocking them out of the park. Case in point: the legendary gingerbread pancakes (perfect, fluffy, did I mention perfect?) or their incredible home fries, which are more potato than home fry and so damn good. The Bucket-O-Spuds is a plate of the home fries slathered in salsa, green onions, sour cream, and cheese. Hi? Keep an eye out for the specials. There's usually a seasonal French toast special-- the one that comes to mind is zucchini bread French toast-- that's worth your attention. And for the breakfast haters, there are plenty of salads and sandwiches to sate you. Don't let the line scare you. There is always a line, unless you come at 7 AM (and hardcore Penny Cluse fans have been known to do so). Put your name in and wander Church Street, or, if it's a Saturday, the Farmer's Market, until it's time to go back and claim your spot. Believe me, it's worth it.
(5)
Jared C.
My favorite breakfast place in all of Vermont! The lines can be a wait (so get their early) but the food is amazing. Everything is so fresh and the wait staff is awesome. I prefer the upper seating section but the entire place is quaint and comfortable. Highly recommend!
(5)
Jasmine X.
The bf was running a marathon in Burlington, so we stopped by this place to grab some quick brunch after the marathon before our drive home. Penny Cluse had a number of respectable Yelp reviews and overall rating which is how we decided on the place. The place is pretty much a super adorable cute cafe serving up some good breakfast/brunch/lunch food. Service could be a little more attentive, but perhaps they weren't used to having as big of a rush as they did when we went given that it was marathon Sunday. It took them forever to get our drinks to us and to even catch the attention of a waiter, but that's probably because we were sitting on this upper deck seating area. Food here was pretty delicious. I had the grilled chicken thigh with the warm orzo pasta salad. I loved the chicken and the orzo, wasn't as big of a fan of all the stuff that was in the salad--lots of olives and capers but if you're into that, you'll think it's amazing. I did still like the dish very much though. Bf got the chile relleno, which our waiter recommended as a popular choice amongst diners. Final price was pretty fair for lunch--a little over $35 and that's also after us ordering two drinks as well. tldr; cute cafe serving up some yummy home cooking
(4)
Brian C.
Really good, if you can avoid the wait. If it's a weekend, plan on walking around church st for an hour after you put your name in. Then go enjoy a veggie Ruben or the eggs with polenta. They're awesome.
(4)
Bob S.
Oh wow. We've missed this place because we've tended to be in Burlington at dinner time when they are closed, but this time we managed to arrive for lunch. We had to wait just a bit but it was definitely worth it. We had one of the specials: corned lamb, and a smoked salmon BLT. The corned lamb was very good; what seemed to be an unusual combination of ingredients (corned lamb, pickles, beets, potato salad) went together very well. The smoked salmon BLT was more straightforward but very well done, and served with very good fries. Dishes on the tables around us looked fantastic. The dessert menu was a little thin, so we went next door to Lucky Next Door (same owners) for something sweet. Already planning our next trip to Burlington.
(5)
Melanie D.
We enjoyed a nice breakfast at Penny Cluse Cafe during our stay in Burlington. After waiting about 20 minutes, we were seated at the counter and received very good service with a smile. However, we were a bit underwhelmed by the food. My husband and I both had a combo that included french toast, eggs and home fries. It was a little pricey but when the food came out, we understood why. We absolutely should have split one combo between the two of us - HOLY food. If one person can eat that whole meal I think they should enter an eating contest. That said, the food was pretty good; although I was a bit put off by a few giant hunks of garlic I found in my potatoes. I would probably go back, but with new knowledge of what/how to order, and I don't think I'd wait much longer than the 20 minutes we waited when we went (when we left, I think the wait was up to 45 minutes).
(3)
Donna N.
This was such a cute restaurant with a great service. There was a bit of a wait, but it was nice to.people watch while we waited for our table. Coffee comes standard with your food and it was pretty good. I ordered a regular breakfast of pancakes, sausage, and eggs which was delicious. My friend also enjoyed her french toast. I wish we had something like this in Houston as it was awesome. I wish I would have ordered the fresh fruit with my meal as it was so pretty and fresh.
(5)
Emilie M.
Yes. Great place for late breakfast and lunch, super nice and attentive service, very good coffee. The servings are generous and their sandwiches are absolutely perfect. Very reasonable prices and friendly atmosphere. A no brainer if you're in the area !
(5)
Kevin B.
Yum! My favorite the banana bread and corned beef hash. We ate every breakfast here on our 4 night stay in Burlington. Atmosphere and staff awesome. We love this place.
(5)
Sally-Ann T.
This is our traditional pre and post summer camp breakfast spot. Everything is delicious and there are so many choices. Yesterday I had true smoked salmon on a buckwheat pancake with sour cream. Amazing fruit plate for 'dessert'. Kids went crazy for their pancakes, bacon etc. Highly recommend!
(5)
Beth G.
I loved this spot! The food was exceptional, the service was so friendly and timely! I would absolutely go back! Recommend Tofu Scram pesto and the gingerbread pancakes!!!! So wonderful!
(5)
Jack K.
I come here a lot since I've lived in Burlington, VT. The first time, I ordered something regular. It might have been a regular pancakes and eggs kind of breakfast. I don't even remember. However, when I came back? I ordered the special and I got the same thing in a subsequent visit! First, the wait can be long. But, just walk around the city and make sure you come back early (as sometimes, people never return for their table and you end up waiting less time). Coffee is usually good (only once it tasted burnt to me). Other times, it has been delicious and satisfying! On the specials menu was a beet salad with cumin, yellow beets, celery, red apples, pesto sauce, and olive oil. My server said it was his favorite thing on the specials menu. He wasn't lying because it was SO delicious. I also ordered the BBQ Rib Plate (twice now) and it is delicious fall off the bone meat soaked in the beans below. You have sides of corn bread and a good fresh pickles and picked veggie slaw on the side. Yum is the word. I always clean my plate short of licking it. So, there you go! The service is okay. I would say they could improve a little on attentiveness, but it's not bad service, so that's acceptable to me! I come back because of the specials and the home feel you have when you sit down and eat.
(5)
Steve W.
Penny Cluse is great. Expect long waits on the weekend, so if you want to go here at a peak time arrive way before you're hungry. Go on a weekday in the morning if you have the choice. Bucket of Spuds is a must. I don't know if there's anything bad here though.
(5)
Marjorie K.
Stopped here for breakfast! It was awesome! Service and food were both excellent. I had a bacon, egg and cheese on sour dough, it was probably the best bacon, egg and cheese I've ever had. Other members of my party hand pancakes and omelets, they were all very pleased. We walked here from the Hilton, and were glad that we made the stroll.
(5)
Parker S.
I was excited about this place - good ratings with vegan options but sadly I don't think the good ratings correspond with the (one) vegan option...well one option with a choice of a variety of sauces but...meh. I ordered the tofu scramble (?) with the ranchero something (?) and was VERY disappointed to hear their potatoes / fries are not vegan because they cook them in animal fat, ugh. So I settled for just the scramble with a side of toast and fruit. And was very unsatisfied, especially for the price. Don't get me wrong - it was good but that's it, nothing amazing and I ate it BUT I would not come back, sadly.
(3)
JAmerican G.
One of the best meals I had in Burlington! There was a 30 minute wait, which seems to be the norm for great restaurants here! I had the french toast & pancake combo, which also came with scrambled eggs & potatoes. I added red onions, mushrooms, & spinach to my eggs. Then, I ordered a side of their infamous gravy! I poured the gravy over my potatoes & ewwww weeeeee!!! My taste buds did a dance!! The French toast & pancakes were not the best ever, but it came with Vermont's notorious maple syrup & homemade strawberry jam, so that helped! The French toast needs to be dipped in more of the egg batter & I'm not sure what they used to make the pancakes, but I've tasted better at IHOP! That didn't ruin it for me though, so I still gave them high scores!
(4)
Julia H.
Oh this was delicious. Went here for brunch on a Sunday. We were told it would be a wait of about 30 minutes at about 10:30, but it was actually about 7. We sat at the counter, which wasn't my favorite because there wasn't a foot rest, but worth it for the short wait! My friend was really excited about a lot of the options. She ordered the banana bread to start, then scrambled eggs (asked for veggies mixed in), homefries, whole wheat toast, avocado salsa, corn muffins, and a large glass of OJ. They didn't mess any of that up, which seems remarkable considering how particular she was! I ordered an omelette with bacon, tomato, spinach and jack. I got it with a substitution of fruit and grilled baguette as my bread. The omelette was particularly good because each mix-in was perfectly proportioned for perfect taste, the consistency was as fluffy as can be, and the cheese was amazing. I also loved that the bacon was cut into little cubes that were spread throughout the omelette, so I got these tasty salty chewy bites. I saved half of the omelette and the baguette for a lunch sandwich later that day and it was so good. My friend ate until she couldn't move and loved every bite. Would absolutely go back to try the french toast or the grilled breakfast sandwich!!
(5)
Kelsey B.
There was a wait, but I understand why. And the herbed gravy was so good that that's why I would rate this place so highly. Had a Heady Topper with my brunch which I hadn't ever had and I understand is super hard to get and that was really good. The breakfast tacos were super good too. Entrees were so big I'd order the biscuits and herbed gravy starter in the future. And would want to have a Bloody Mary and see how those are here...
(5)
Steve M.
No matter how extremely busy they are, and they usually are extremely busy from open to close, I'm always impressed with the food AND service. I've tried a lot of different items on the menu and everything has always been perfect. I literally mean perfect! You cannot improve upon any item that's put on your plate. They're using great ingredients, they're seasoning them to perfection, and executing their recipes consistently and to perfection. It doesn't get any better than this downtown! I wish they were open for supper and even later!
(5)
Jessica C.
Every time I come to burlington, my visit can't be complete without going to Penny Cluse. I'm hooked on the speciality french toast that changes everyday but if it's maple cornbread that day, definitely get it! Everything else at Penny Cluse looks amazing and I haven't heard a bad review yet. I love the atmosphere and the staff are friendly. Make sure to either get there early or expect to wait, their wait time is usually 45 min- an hour on the weekend!
(4)
Ray E.
I've been looking forward to visiting Penny Cluse all week. We got there just before the restaurant filled up, and had a great meal. The Penny Cluse meal, consisting of eggs, homefries, biscuits, and their famous herb cream gravy, was both of our target. A side of smoked salmon for my wife, turkey sausage for me, and some fruit to round things out, made for a very hearty breakfast. Another gem of a restaurant in Burlington. Can't wait to go back...possibly tomorrow.
(5)
Amy P.
Oh Penny Cluse, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways. 1. Heady Topper cans 2. Bucket-o-Spuds 3. First class fruit salad (figs! mango!) 4. Plethora of vegetarian-friendly options 5. Location, location, location I could go on, but those are the first things that come to mind when I think of Penny Cluse. This place is no secret (we waited an hour and 20 minutes on a Monday morning), but eat here once and you will understand why. Breakfast is served all day (6:45am-3pm on weekdays, 8am-3pm wknds + holidays). The space is huge: 10 seats at the counter, plus tons of tables both upstairs and downstairs. Good for groups. Very friendly and accommodating staff. Killer menu with excellent specials. LOVE YOU PENNY CLUSE. Don't ever change.
(5)
Tova B.
I had heard great things about this place. I heard the brunch was amazing and we couldn't leave town without stopping by. So before we hit the road, we hit up Penny Cluse, and I'm sad to say I was more than underwhelmed. We had a group of four and were told there would be a wait, but I'm prepared for that with brunch. What I wasn't prepared for was the hostess pretty much forgetting about us and skipping over us a couple of times. We finally got a table, a six top made by one two top and one four top pushed together... and then seating a couple next to us on the other half of the four top. Why they didn't separate the tables and put our party at the four top and the couple at the two top is beyond me. Our waitress seemed spaced out, nice but completely not with the program and kept forgetting things. It IS a veggie and vegan place, which does get major points in my book. I will say, the bucket of spuds was amazing. Definitely one of the best things on the menu. Unfortunately, that was the best thing I ate there, the rest of our food, nothing special, nothing to write home about, if anything, kind of bland. We had planned on hitting the road... but waiting for the check also took a while, even after we asked for it. I think next time we're up in the area, we'll be skipping this.
(3)
Allison C.
Came here for my sister-in-law's birthday breakfast, came with an appetite, left barely being able to walk--and I mean that in the best way possible. Coffee was perfect, and birthday gal had a mimosa and her hubby had a yummy (spicy) bloody mary. Everything was great. Next, we shared griddled banana bread and over-the-top delicious bucket of spuds. Food came out right after and the uphill climb was on. I had maple cornbread french toast with rhubarb compote, and also at my table were huevos rancheros and turkey hash. Everything was delicious and reasonably-priced. My host and hostess tell me it gets VERY busy with a long wait, so come early. And come hungry.
(5)
Eliza G.
Charming. That's definitely the word for the Penny Cluse! Easy access from downtown Burlington, busy as *heck* but still not overwhelming for some reason. Good breakfast, good friends, good time!
(4)
Aron G.
This place has the best brunch in town! Don't miss out on this Burlington staple if you are a local or just visiting for the weekend. All of their food is excellent, the wait staff is always professional, and is always an overall pleasant experience. It's always busy for brunch on the weekends, so make sure to get here early!
(5)
Michael T.
Penny Cluse has been my family's favorite restaurant for years. It's not that it's literally the best, most delicious restaurant in Vermont... it's just the perfect fit for us. We don't mind the 45 to 60 minute wait for seat that you will undoubtedly encounter on a weekend. They estimate well and you can spend the time getting a coffee either next door or at our favorite coffee shop Uncommon Grounds. The staff is consistently friendly and very attentive. The food is the right price and always delicious. It's cooked and served very quickly relative to the quality and complexity. I recommend you try the everything. Ok ok, if I had to pick something it would be the gingerbread pancakes, fruit plate and the biscuits and herb gravy. Definitely give the specials a shot. This place is also baby friendly. As a new parent in 2013, I really appreciated that. Patrons also tend to be friendly. Penny Cluse attracts a nice crowd. For those that care, the art work is always rotating so there's always something interesting to look at.
(5)
Bob L.
This is the greatest breakfast i've ever had. I'm visiting Burlington next month and i'm already planning what i'm going to order.
(5)
deanna c.
Been here couple of times and wasn't impressed by the food. Very limited dishes and just simply wasn't to my taste. However service was friendly and polite.
(2)
Ryan C.
Simply put, this place is the best breakfast restaurant I've ever been to! We went twice on our 4 day trip and I ordered the same thing both times, the egg and chorizo breakfast tacos. I always try new things, but they were so good I had to order them again. My wife thought it was equally outstanding both times. There is usually a wait and sometimes it's a long wait, but it's worth it!
(5)
S S.
It's clear Burlington is spoiled, with places like this. All I wanted was to fuel up for a bike ride on my vacation. What I got was tasty pancakes and ham with syrup, and an easy going ambiance of people enjoying what they're doing. Were it not for my desire to try as many different places in Burlington during my stay, I'd have eaten here every day. Do yourself a favor, and do so too!
(5)
Kevin F.
Mu favorite brunch spot in burlington, which is saying a lot with the amazing variety of brunch places in burlington. Get there early (before 10) if you dont want an hour wait. The demand is the one downside to the cluse. All of the food is amazing but I highly recommend the pork plate. Keep an eye out for the specials. Also, the penny pickler is the best bloody mary that I have had to date. Cheers!
(5)
Rob K.
After the brilliant execution of a fried egg and cheddar on crisp sourdough bread, plus a flawless fruit salad, I have no reason to believe that the Penny Cluse Cafe deserves anything less than five stars. Think upscale diner with more fresh and thoughtful menu items than your local greasy spoon. For example, a small fruit salad consisted of kiwi, mango, apple, plum, watermelon, strawberry, pineapple, and an unidentified citrus. I rest my case.
(5)
Ali K.
I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS PLACE! If your looking for the perfect comfort food experience with friendly service then look no more and just head straight to Penny Cluse. My girlfriend took me to this venue for my birthday breakfast as she had a full day of activities planned for me. I am a simple man when it comes to breakfast make me a few eggs, some bacon, and a few pancakes and i am good. But Penny Cluse was pretty much superior to most breakfast places due to the GINGERBREAD PANCAKES!!! Let me tell you something they are just as good as advertised. I ended up getting the BELLBER COMBO which is a hearty serving of two eggs any style, pancakes or french toast, and one side of choice which i chose bacon. Definitely by getting this i was more than filled up for breakfast and ready for the days activities but the Gingerbread Pancakes were literally the best pancakes i have ever had in my life. Big on flavor they literally made my mouth water getting ready and anticipating the next bite as soon as i digested the last one. They were also very light and fluffy as well. The staff was super friendly and the customer service is spot on. The only thing that does suck is they have a no reservation policy and you do have to wait online for a while (i'd say the average wait is between 30-45 minutes) when this place is packed. Hopefully they change it to a reservation policy, but other than that it is well worth the wait.
(5)
Jessi M.
My boyfriend and I were in town for just one day, and I made him get out of bed early to check out Penny Cluse. The Yelp reviews were right, this place was worth the trip. We each opted for a varation of the Bellber Combo - I got pancakes, eggs sunnyside up, and ham, while he went with french toast, scrambled eggs, and homefries. Everything was great. It was a little more money than I'd normally spend to go out to breakfast, but our meal at Penny Cluse was well worth it!
(5)
Prudence B.
The ideal breakfast in a setting that is authentically Burlington! The menu choices draw upon the Vermont ideals "farm to table" and "fresh and local." I had the pumpkin-bread French toast with yogurt and cranberry relish--wow! (Next time I'll ask them to hold the powdered sugar because the pumpkin bread is sweet enough.) I love how a full bottle of real Vermont maple syrup is left on the table for diners to use. I've had the granola several times...very healthy & tasty. My son got the buttermilk silver dollar pancakes and scrambled eggs...and partook liberally of the maple syrup. Coffee is excellent...bottomless cups and freshly brewed. The waitstaff is great--around but not hovering. Prices reflect both quality of the food and the service...not the lowest, but you get what you pay for!
(5)
Mo M.
A gem in the heart of burlington, you know this simple little place is amazing because the line is always out the door. Amazing service, good coffee, and delicious food. The biscuits with herb gravy small plate is almost a full meal on its own! I also highly recommend the gingerbread pancakes with bananas. Yum!
(5)
Jennifer E.
Well worth the wait. I went to Penny Cluse while visiting friends in Burlington. I saw that there were a few other choices for breakfast and brunch in the area, but Penny seemed to be both highly rated and had unique twists on your typical breaky fare. We arrived around nine-thirty and were told a wait of around thirty to forty minutes. After an hour, we were finally seated in a cute upstairs dining area. Our stomachs grumbling, we were thankful that we had used our wait time to peruse the plentiful, if not extensive, menu. They offer both sweet and savory options, from sandwiches to pancakes and their awesome "bucket of spuds". My husband and I ordered their combo meal which comes with two eggs "your way", two pancakes (gingerbread for me!, buttermilk for my boring husband), and a side. My husband got an order of their home fries and I went for bacon. To split with each other, of course. The food was phenomenal. I would wait all over again just for a taste of those amazing gingerbread pancakes. Sweet, spicy, and perfectly drenched in the real Vermont syrup that is provided. Their eggs were perfectly cooked, bacon crispy and thick, and potatoes made with ingredients that provided maximum flavor. My friend's bucket of spuds was not quite a bucket but a heaping plateful of their homefries covered in Mexican-style toppings (salsa, etc). I noticed from the moment I stepped in Penny's that they had an interesting 'Bed and Breakfast from the North-East meets cafe/dude ranch from the West". They had Mexican polka playing on the radio, western themed decor intertwined with their more cozy tea room items on the wall, and items like chorizo and eggs and Colorado Chili on the menu. In some cases this idea might seem odd but in Penny Cluse's case, it just seemed to work. Maybe it was the food coma I was put in to, but I was supremely happy with my experience at Penny's. The service was pretty good, and I was impressed with the way they handled the extreme and ongoing mob of people that come in on the weekend. The wait was over an hour long around the time that we were seated and the people kept on coming. The food was well worth the long wait but i would recommend bringing a good book or a friend who can keep a good conversation going for a long time. The food is great, the service friendly and pretty efficient, and the place itself is cozy and cute. I'll definitely be back in the future.
(4)
Ted E.
Wait wait wait... For rude service and overrated food. I have never understood what is all the rage about Penny Cluse. First of all, you should plan on waiting at least 45 minutes each time you go there. It is as if they feel like it is an honor for you to eat at the restaurant. On a recent visit, I got there just before close. They told me they would not serve us because it was too close to the end of the day. Huh? When I actually have given up a good chunk of my weekend day to eat there, the food is just not that remarkable. With so many good places for breakfast in Burlington, there is no need to go to Penny Cluse.
(1)
Jenny H.
Outstanding!! We arrived at 8:20 on a Sat morning and waited 30 minutes for a table for 4... not too bad. The staff was friendly and the breakfast was AMAZING. I had the Polenta & Eggs... delicious! Husband got the Penny Cluse and he loved it. You can also order single pancakes or single pieces of French toast, perfect for the kids! YUM all around!
(5)
Lindsay S.
seriously analyzed the brunch options in burlington before deciding on this adorable restaurant set in what looks like a house. really cute interior! We got in around 10:15 and the wait was already half an hour! Come early, put your name down and if there is time, walk around Church street while you wait. The vibe is very homey and the staff is friendly. I had the buttermilk pancakes (SO GOOD) which turkey sausage. The pancakes were very fluffy and came with vermont maple syrup. The sausage was also delicious and there were a few types of meat to choose from. My boyfriend got the gingerbread pancakes which I tried and did not love. They were thinner than the original pancakes so they lacked that volume and pillowy-ness that my pancakes had. Would stick with the originals..woudl've loved to try the french toast which also sounds amazing. Next time!
(4)
Danielle F.
Another five-star meal in Burlington. The place is extremely popular, so be prepared to wait. The place not only talks the talks, but the food definitely walks the walk!!!! We waited an hour and a half for a table for 3 on Sunday having shown up around 11:00 to put our name in. We walked around town and returned were seated. Definitely check out the specials written on a chalkboard on the walls. We ended up getting three of the specials and sharing since they all sounded so good. We were not disappointed with our choices: 1. Swiss Chard Pie - had a really flaky crust, though had a little more cheese than I would have preferred. It was still really tasty and unlike anything I had eaten before. 2. Garllcky Kale Quesadillas - came with black beans and pickled cabbage. They were delicious, and the garlic flavor was truth in advertising. 3. Bluefish Hash - came with two eggs (we got over easy) and wheat toast. It was the perfect amount of oily bluefish and it sank into the thinly shredded potatoes for a very unique taste. If you like bluefish, it is a must order. To drink, I had the Penny Pickler (spicy) bloody mary. It definitely had some zip to it and was chock full of vegetables. Was almost like a gazpacho with all of the shredded veggies (celery, pickles, peppers) included in the drink. It does have a little booze in it. The service was attentive. I had a cup of coffee and it was getting refilled without having to request it, always a good thing. Unfortunately, all the food I have reviewed is from a specials board, but I hope that it convinces you to take note of the specials and strongly consider them.
(5)
Dennis K.
4 of us for breakfast on Easter Sunday. Wait not terrible (other reviews aside). Food good, NOT great. I had buckwheat pancakes with crispy bacon ... pancakes ok; bacon outstanding. 2 people had the tofu omelet; both thought good. 4th person had the smoked salmon; again OK. So, bottom line, fairly expensive, fairly long wait, fairly good food, excellent attentive service. Next time we're back to visit our relatives & friends, we'll try additional places, but try here, you may like it more than we did.
(3)
Sara F.
Great brunch! Very, very busy so try to get there early. The sourdough French toast with fresh fruit is great. Setting at the bar is a good option for when it's very busy, wait time will be substantially less than if you want a table.
(5)
Maggie G.
We go to Penny constantly - best breakfast. period. :)
(5)
Joshua L.
Penny Cluse came highly recommended to me both by a friend and Yelp, so when I was back in Burlington this summer, I made a point of checking it out. While I admit they had some pretty delicious food and the service was excellent, the main problem is that it's so popular, you can expect to wait. And wait we did. We came right in the middle of the Sunday brunch rush, so I admit I'm a little biased, but we did have a 45 minute wait for a table (we had 5, so the counter was not an option). Now, I can stomach a 20 or maybe 30 minute wait sometimes, but at 45 minutes, you better have the best food on the planet. So, do they? Eh... probably not. But it is very, very good. I got the Zydeco breakfast plate, which had eggs, black beans, andouille sausage, and corn muffins. The corn muffins were soft and perfectly moist. Everything was cooked pretty perfectly. I also tried out the Gingerbread Pancakes (a friend of mine ordered them) and a few other bites of other people's dishes. All of it was really very excellent. And our server was quite good. He was constantly popping back to get us more water and was very attentive and friendly. Also, he had a pretty awesome beard going on, so let's give him big ups for that. Overall I really enjoyed my experience at Penny Cluse and I would definitely return. Unfortunately, I'm not a patient man, and I'm not sure how I feel about 45 minute wait times when I am starving on a Sunday morning. But hey, if your only flaw is that you're so good that people line up down the street for your food, then you've got the right kind of problems.
(4)
David B.
We stopped by here for a late breakfast, and had to wait about two seconds before being seated. The waiter came right over, gave us all water and asked us if we wanted coffee. In less than a minute, we all had coffees. I look over at a silver container and ask "is this cream or syrup?" "Oh, that's cream. Do you want syrup? I'll go grab you some." Now, I was only looking for cream, but it made me feel good to know that our waiter was more than willing to get me syrup for my coffee. If that's your thing, this is the place to come and syrup-up your coffee without being judged. I love a good Bloody Mary, and the Penny Pickler caught my eye. They have a regular Bloody Mary, which the waiter stated still had a kick to it, but the Pickler looked like something I just had to try. I asked the waiter what it was like, and he let me know that it was blended jalapenos and other good stuff. Ahhhh, nothing says good morning like a glass of vodka-infused salsa. Hesitantly, I asked how spicy it was, and the waiter replied that it was hot but "you can handle it." Nothing like an affirmation of my masculinity to earn yourself a tip. Oh, and it was delicious. I got the Zydeco somethingerother, which was black beans, corn bread, two eggs of my choice, and some kind of keilbasa-like sausage. It was all flavorful, and cooked to perfection. One of my friends got the breakfast burrito, which he stated was great and filling. He got wheat toast that was made with bread from a local baker. He described it as being "how all wheat toast should be." I can't remember what my other friend got for a main dish, so I can't say anything about that. But he got the biscuits and gravy, which we all sampled. Amazing. They were the best I've ever had. I'll upload a picture so you can see how impressive even the presentation is at Penny Cluse. Great service and great food. Make sure you check out Penny Cluse the next time you're in the area.
(5)
H P.
There's a reason why they are busy! Delicious! Well worth the wait! Good service and scrumptious breakfast choices
(5)
Ed L.
Again I hear about extremely popular, must eat at places here in downtown Burlington. This time it's at Penny Cause Cafe on Cherry Street. This place had a long wait and I could tell why my friends chose this place. It was the day after the Vermont City Marathon and we wanted to hang out in the morning before we parted ways. It was a terrific way to spend the rest of Memorial Day weekend, but all things must come to an end sometime. This place was packed and there was an initial wait of 40 minutes, but whittled down to 20 minutes. Once we got seated, the restaurant was buzzing with life and energy. I got the 3 egg omlette, which had basil and spinach in it. Along with wheat toast and some breakfast potatoes, I thought this was great. Swiss cheese imparted are pretty tasty and thought that this place is good for the service and food quality. The prices were about average and the service was definite good. The ambiance was good and I enjoyed the overal experience. B+
(4)
Christine F.
1: Bucket-o-spuds: yummy home fries covered in cheese, salsa, sour cream and onions. They're Grrrreat! 2: Gingerbread pancakes, need I say more? 3: Huevos Rancheros, which are on par with any found in the southwest. 4: Smoothies, any flavor especially if it has pineapple 5: Any dish with Polenta, an underutilized ingredient especially in New England. A well-deserved star for each amazing dish - well worth the long wait on the weekends. I love Penny Cluse, it didn't disappoint in college and it is just as yummy now.
(5)
Tom H.
Absolutely worth a go to anyone who likes breakfast. The heap of spuds is over the top, and just watching what comes out of the kitchen is an experience in itself. They usually "force" the coffee into your cup by holding the carafe upside down, which is slightly entertaining, but we're not in that much of a rush are we? The place is always busy with a loooong waiting list. I don't even bother unless I'm going to be in town early, say by 8am.
(4)
Erin M.
This is hands down the best brunch place in Burlington. I always get the tofu scramble with peanut ginger sauce. It is the shit. Gluten free friendly too! The atmosphere is adorable and the staff is wonderful. The wait time is usually between 30mins to an hour long; but it well worth it! Location is perfect to walk around Church St while you wait! I can't say enough good things about this place!
(5)
Rhonda B.
Best Breakfast in Town! Get the Penny Cluse!
(5)
Jimmy M.
Fantastic breakfast. So much fun to have Vermont syrup on the table. Yummy pancakes and French toast. Friendly staff.
(4)
Bailey Z.
Penny Cluse is one of a multitude of great brunch places to visit in Burlington. This place is consistently packed full of patrons on the weekends and even midday on weekdays. You might have to wait a while for a table (up to an hour), but the homestyle comfort food is well worth it. For starters, there is nothing more comforting than two hot buttermilk biscuits smothered in an herb cream gravy. The biscuits are light and fluffy and the savory gravy makes you forget how dense and bad it probably is for you. The taste takes me back to the old country, just like how they used to make it in the deep South (not that I've ever been, but I imagine that's what I would be saying because that's how good they are). The first time I came here, I tried the Bellber Combo. No, that is not a misspelling alluding to that hair-flipping pubescent Canadian pop star. You get to choose between French toast or pancakes along with any two eggs, and one side. I chose the gingerbread pancakes, poached eggs, and sausage. Penny Cluse is also one of the few places that I've come across that will poach eggs without the inclusion of a Benedict. The flavor of the gingerbread pancakes were spot on and it tasted like I was eating a fluffy piece of gingerbread cookie. The poached eggs were texturally consistent and perfectly cooked. I also loved the sausage, which wasn't your typical links, but one big patty that looked hand-formed. They also have a great lunch menu. I got one of their specials on my second visit, but I can't remember what it was now, which is my excuse for returning to try some more of their good eats.
(5)
Sarah W.
After a few days of camping near Lake Champlain, we headed here for breakfast. It was so delicious- my polenta was flavorful. The portions were great, the service was excellent, and the coffee made me happy!
(5)
Siobhan B.
Delicious - perfect spot for breakfast/brunch for the Burlington tourist! Only downside was the wait, but it was worth it.
(5)
Randall G.
Just adding another rave review for the Penny Clause Cafe. Stayed in Burlington for a night last month and this was our first time eating at the Penny Clause. Good tip - don't head over there starving, you're bound to wait for a table but it's worth the wait. We put our names in and just walked about for a little bit until our table was ready. Plenty of coffee places close by if you need a pre-breakfast caffeine fix. I had the Penny Clause breakfast and the biscuits and gravy were amazing, I'm getting hungry now just thinking about them. A must have! I would definitely eat there again.
(5)
L N.
Waited 45 minutes Saturday morning for a table. My SO had eggs with zucchini French toast. Both were great. I had three buttermilk pancakes as big as a lunch plate with bacon cooked crispy. I should have asked for the bacon limp as I prefer. Pancakes were good. They're served with vermont Maple syrup which isn't my favorite but obviously this is the environment that it should be served in. Overall I'd go back again.
(4)
Chris C.
I've always loved this place for breakfast. Used to hit it up all the time when I went to UVM.
(5)
Caitlin G.
We came here for brunch and were not disappointed -- it's totally worth the wait! My friend and I both had the Penny Pickler, which is a spiced riff on the Bloody Mary. They were incredibly fresh and oh-so-good, even if there wasn't much alcohol in them. Our waiter was fairly prompt with the coffee refills and quite pleasant, our food came out pretty quickly. For my brunch meal of choice I always go with the standard of eggs, homefries and toast, although this time I ordered the corn muffins because they sounded great and, again, I was not disappointed! The jam that came with them was tasty. I was impressed by how fluffy the scrambled eggs were. Someone knows what they're doing here and there's a reason this place gets so packed! I would most definitely return.
(4)
Maree O.
Worth the wait and the weight. Best breakfast place in town, and arguably, in the state. Get a mimosa and the huevos rancheros!
(5)
Stephen W.
One Day to spend in Burlington 1st thing in the morning, headed over to my fave The "Cluse" which is simply too cool for school, ( UVM in this case) Open 7 days, the w e b sez,... and The Web Never Lies ! but its a quiet tuesday morning and they have decided to re-plum/rewire the place, all chairs are up on the tables & its all locked down / I am bummed! kind of break into the kitchen [looking for an errant biscuit or I suppose?] only to find.... (Pls.see my Mirabelle review for more)
(5)
Alexey A.
This was the best breakfast we had during our stay around the Burlington area. We loved the biscuits and gravy, special French toast! Couldn't recommend this place any more than this review. It was exceptional.
(5)
Morgan L.
A-MAZING. We've tried other places to "broaden our horizons" but truth be told, we just can't beat Penny Cluse! The only bummer is that we don't live closer. Go early or expect a wait! Dreaming of those fluffy gingerbread pancakes with bananas and syrup and that bucket o' spuds... Yum yum!
(5)
Nicole M.
Go here for breakfast. We expected to wait, but we were there midweek during holiday period and surprisingly didn't have to wait at all. I could've ordered half the stuff on the menu, nevermind the tempting specials menu, but we went with some basic breakfast/brunch items. French toast, eggs, coffee, the local arts and entertainment paper. All fantastic. Make this a spot to hit during your visit to Burlington.
(4)
Brittany R.
Love this place! Whenever I visit my aunt in Burlington, we always have to stop in here at least once. The long wait is pretty much inevitable, but not without reason. The food is unique and delicious, and the servers are friendly and accommodating. It's a space with a cool vibe, and I always look forward to brunch there. Get the tofu scramble, it's my go-to :-)
(4)
M M.
Hands down the best breakfast spot in Burlington. Great omelettes.. and great everything else. Only downside is the wait and they don't take reservations, but I promise it's worth the wait!
(5)
Ally P.
This is another restaurant that Burlington residents have a love affair with...and i just can't hop on that band wagon. When I went to Penny Cluse I ordered their simple breakfast (eggs, sausage, toast etc.) which was decent. The eggs were teeny and they yolks were cooked through even though I ordered them sunny side up. My boyfriend ordered the biscuits and gravy...though he probably should have read the menu and seen that it was "herbal" gravy. Now, I certainly love a good twist on a classic dish, but this was one of the...well, for lack of a better word...yuckiest things I've ever seen. It was biscuits drowned in this green slop that tasted like pureed parsley. Overall I was just underwhelmed. The food wasn't bad, but it just wasn't good either. Also, it was pretty pricey. For the same plate of food (but cooked better) I could have spent $6 at Magnolia's.
(2)
Harry T.
Best breakfast in Burlington!
(5)
Evangeline L.
Tasty Coffee. Must add on pickled jalapenos to any order. Pretty much the best bacon ever. Order the fresh blood orange juice. Always delicious. Can be a long a$$ wait.
(4)
Samantha C.
best smoked salmon and fresh fruit
(5)
Dave M.
My favorite breakfast/lunch spot! Fresh ingredients, great staff! Breakfast burrito with many sides is always the right choice. There is ALWAYS a wait, but it is well worth it!
(5)
Guilio Ñ.
Overrated and overpriced. The lack of AC in this sizzling weather was ominous. College kids waitressing here need to learn some people-skills. Stay away or better yet just head out to a greasy diner pronto! You'll get better value for money over there.
(1)
Yuko A.
If you love breakfast and are looking for a delicious place to go in town definitely go to Penny Cluse. Things that are great 1. Pancakes are really yummy. Especially the blueberry ones. 2. Banana bread is great. Moist and buttery. It comes with a cream cheese frosting which is good although I wish it had less nuts in it. Things that weren't so great. 1. I ordered the french toast and it was okay. It was like they hadn't dipped it in the batter long enough so some parts of the bread were dry. 2. The strips of bacon are small. You would think they would offer thicker slices cause its Penny Cluse but not when I went which was a little bit unfortunate. 3. This is by far the worst thing about Penny Cluse. It's a fairly small restaurant so GO early. My boyfriend and I were there by 8:30 on a Saturday morning and we had to wait 15 minutes. Its definitely worth the wait but make sure to go early if you don't want to wait up to an hour.
(4)
Bill T.
A Burlington MUST for breakfast! Try the fresh squeezed orange juice, biscuits, and homemade jams/jelly. I've had the Basic Breakfast, omelets, and the biscuits and gravy and you just can't go wrong. Penny Cluse is always busy, but definitely worth the wait. Stop by and put your name on the list then take a walk around Church Street while you wait.
(5)
Irane M.
My friend recommended I check this place out. My matey and I were in the mood for pancakes and were going to hit up Denny's. Thank goodness we didn't. It was pouring outside and we get there only to be greeted by a line OUT the door and told it was at least a 45 minute wait (mind you, it was on a weekday late morning. The weekends are 10x worse). The greeter ensured they were worth the wait, so we just putzed around in the rain for 45 minutes. Fortunately, when we got back we were seated right away. The restaurant itself had a very old-school feel. Lots of wood and rustic, which I liked. Our server was prompt and friendly and brought us water and coffee. Unfortunately, my friend's coffee cup had lipstick on it. We just laughed it off, and quietly told our server who was clearly embarrased and apologetic. Moving on..... I ordered the buttermilk pancakes, and he ordered one of the days specials, which was Zucchini Bread French toast. We took samples of each other's food and OMG the French toast was TO. DIE. FOR. It tasted like warm carrot cake. Even though I got boring pancakes, they were so delicious. All and all, this place was GREAT. If you go, prepared to wait. Also, they close at like 3pm so it's definitely a breakfast/brunch/lunch place.
(5)
Stacie S.
I went in to Penny Cluse for breakfast last week and sat at the bar. The service was fast and the food was phenomenal! The orange juice was fresh squeezed, and I could even go to say it was the best I've had. I ordered french toast with a side of home fries. Both were delicious, and the home fries were absolutely phenomenal. Fair warning though, it was A LOT of food. I was unable to finish my meal. I wanted to pack it up and take it home, but unfortunately breakfast food isn't that great the second time around.
(5)
Chris J.
In a town with quite a few good breakfast options, this is the best. I have been three times and each time the food and service has been excellent. The fruit plate is amazing with a nice assortment of fresh and flavorful fruit. The smoked salmon plate was delicious. The Penny Cluse signature breakfast is nice, as is the breakfast burrito. The only problem is trying to decide between all of the choices and the potentially long wait.
(5)
Shishir S.
Without doubt this place deserves 5 stars.. may I say, it should be on the list of must visit places in Burlington, it is that good! we just relished their breakfast menu while we were in Burlington... Awesome place, feels like home, fantastic service....cannot get better than this.... PARKING: There is a huge public parking right next to the cafe, that gives 2 free hours parking! street parking can be tough in the morning.
(5)
Keith P.
Exceptional food, service and value. This is the "must go" Burlington centre brunch destination.
(5)
Nicole A.
My friend and I went to Penny Cluse for lunch and we thought the food was phenomenal!! Everything we had was extremely fresh, delicious and healthy. I ordered the warm orzo salad with chicken and it was to die for. The chicken was so tender it melted in my mouth. It came with toasted sourdough bread with jam that was extraordinary. My friend ordered the garlic sausage plate that came with potato salad and pickles. It was terrific- the potato salad was light and had various ingredients which made for a tasty bite. We also split a side order of the baked Mac and cheese which was also delicious. Our waiter was very friendly and attentive. The portions were large and the food was very well priced. We had to wait 45 minutes, which seems common so you should definitely put in your name and take a quick walk around beautiful downtown Burlington. The food is definitely worth the wait.
(5)
Trish D.
guys... loaded potatoes?! YES PLEASE. just go for it. delicious food. the waitress wasn't very pleasant so that's why 4 stars. I had the platter- so good. banana bread is SO good also. just go for it.
(4)
Sheri C.
While doing research for our trip to Burlington and based on the reviews, this place looked like a must visit. Not sure if we came on an off day or because we ate lunch, but the food did not live up to the hype. The food was decent but not good enough to make me want to go back for lunch. That being said, maybe we would have had better luck with breakfast.
(3)
Jay P.
Huge portions, unfortunately match their prices. The food was good, but not worth $60 for breakfast for two. We did have a Cypress (Think Mimosa with Grapefruit Juice) and a large OJ, as well as an appetizer. So we could have got out a bit cheaper. I had a combo plate of French Toast, two eggs, and bacon. The eggs were a bit under cooked but ok, the french Toast was great, and the bacon was thick cut, but a tad underdone for my taste. My partner got the Huevos Rancheros. She said it was good, but nothing special. What saved this meal was the appetizer. We got the mound o' Spuds. It was absolutely to die for. If the rest of the meal was as good I would have tried to give a 6 star review. Worth checking out for sure. The service was wonderful, and the atmosphere was great. I would have been happier with half the food at half the price. All in all I still prefer Magnolia and that is where I will be getting breakfast the next time I am in Burlington.
(3)
Mark J.
Great food, very tasty. Big very healthy menu. Inexpensive. Chicken n biscuit best eats on this Burlington trip so far - beating out the awesome Shelborne farms Inn.
(5)
Anna C.
Cute, popular brunch place that unfortunately has NYC brunch lines. :( Everything's delicious, but make sure to get the banana bread with maple-walnut cream cheese!!
(4)
Ivy O.
They have such amazing and creative breakfast and lunch options! As a vegetarian, I love having so many things to choose from. The tofu scram is top-notch in any of their flavors (I especially love the yellow curry mixed with peanut ginger). The herb cream gravy is out of this world. The bucket of spuds is drool-worthy as well as the fresh fruit plate. So fresh and full of variety. The only thing that irks me is how small the coffee cups are, yet the staff is usually good about filling em up!
(5)
Mairead H.
Excellent service, great breakfast, brunch & lunch options for both savory & sweet people. If I could waltz in without waiting at 10:00AM for brunch, and if they had espresso drinks, I'd give it five stars. But that is literally impossible on any given Saturday or Sunday during the calendar year.... Most breakfast options are pretty typical brunch-y type things, kind of on the plain side, but some are more creative. I like the herb cream gravy over biscuits with eggs... yum... In general, I've never had anything I didn't like here, but I've never had anything that totally knocked my socks off the way that brunch at Sneakers (in Winooski) does.
(4)
Nick L.
Breakfast here can be difficult to wait for but trust me worth the wait! On the weekends this place is packed! With good reason! Huevos Rancheros was amazing and there home fries are the best! I have not had the bucket o spuds but have seen others get them and it looks really good. I highly recommend this place!
(5)
Wei J.
Continues to impress over and over. When I first moved, to Burlington from NYC 4 years ago, I came to this place based a review from my friend's mom, who has spent 15 years in the area. Now I always try to bring my out-of-town guests here. Some of my guests request this place on arrival. Pancakes were phenomenal. The blueberry smoothie was excellent. But the Penny Cluse was truly their staple. The herb gravy really makes their breakfast perfect. Stick to the favorites though, I've had friends who pointed out that their specials can be disappointing.
(5)
Stacey M.
One of the best breakfast spots anywhere!!! The varietyof choices on the menu is outstanding and the prices are more then reasonable. Spent the weekend in Burlington and had breakfast here both days - I'm not sure which day was better!! There were 4 in our party and we had the huevos rancheros, breakfast burrito, gingerbread pancakes and and omlette. All were delicious and perfectly made to order. We also tried the fresh tangerine juice which tasted like it was freshly squeezed!!! Its one of the bigger breakfast establishments in burlington and they definitely need the extra space!! The waitstaff was very friendly and eager to please and the decor was entertaining and very "burlington artsy". The first morning we went at 10 and had to wait a little longer then an hour - which was no big deal as we just walked around and did some shopping on church street while we waited! The 2nd morning (sunday)we smartened up and were there at 8AM sharp and were seated immediatly. We just made it b/c before we even got our coffee the tables around filled up as did the waiting area and the line started to form outside. My only regret is not going back and trying the lunch!!! This will defiinitly be added to our must do's every year for our trip to Burlington!!!!!
(5)
Taylor B.
Outstanding! My cousin and I came here on a Sunday morning before heading back from Burlington. Get here early if you don't want to wait. When we arrived at 8:15 about half the tables were full and we were able to be seated right away. By 8:25 all the tables and most of the counter was full and people were waiting to be seated. Coffee was offered right away and refills were made available through out our service. Based on some of the reviews we started with the banana bread. It is one large slice of griddle toasted bread served with a maple walnut cream cheese and it is outstanding! Moist and dense but not heavy. It is not overly sweet and is delicious with or without the cream cheese. One slice is a nice appetizer for two. One of the specials was a zucchini bread french toast with a honey ricotta topping. I ordered that I was thrilled. It doesn't have the same texture as regular french toast but the flavor is great and the bread takes the egg coating well. The ricotta topping added a little sweetness but the orange zest in it gave it a nice brightness. The maple walnut cream cheese from the banana bread was so good that I added some to the french toast and it tasted just as good. I also order a homemade pork sausage link on the side. It was split grilled so it was crispy on both sides and the pork tasted fresh and meaty. It's one one of the few times I've had breakfast sausage that didn't just taste like salt. My cousin ordered the big breakfast platter which comes with two pancakes, a meat (bacon) and two eggs. The pancakes were very tasty and light. The bacon was well cooked but actually needed more saltiness. It was tasty and thick. The portions sizes were bigger than I expected and I found the prices to be very reasonable for the amount, quality, and creativity of the food. With tax and tip breakfast was $38 for two. That was with the addition of banana bread as an appetizer and a side of sausage. If you skip the add-ons and stick with coffee, two people can eat for less than $30. But I would recommend spending the extra money; especially for the banana bread. Go here and go early. But if you have to wait it is still worth it!
(5)
Kari D.
There is no better breakfast spot in Burlington. Interesting choices, friendly service, delicious food. I've been here many times and never had a bad meal. They get quite busy on the weekends, so be prepared to wait.
(5)
Molly C.
As someone who is allergic to eggs, finding a healthy breakfast while out can be a challenge. At Penny Cluse I have sooo many options! I love the tofu scram with peanut sauce, the taco salad, and the veggie rueben and so much more. The service is awesome - efficient, friendly, and knowledgeable. The only downside is that the coffee isn't my favorite (although it is plentiful) and there is often a long wait if you try to go on the weekend.
(4)
Mark S.
The griddled egg and cheese sandwich is delicious! It's the perfect breakfast sandwich, with egg, cheddar and bacon (for extra) on toasty sourdough bread. There's usually a wait at Penny Cluse, and the noise level can get very loud, but this is a great place for breakfast.
(4)
Derick W.
Had the special turkey hash and eggs. I love it when I can get sourdough toast and I did. Nothing can beat this place. The staff is so friendly. The only drawback is that I always leave way to full.
(5)
Julie C.
I am a huge fan of biscuits and gravy. So whenever I travel, I keep my eyes peeled for any joints that serve this. Penny Cluse to the rescue! I am a fan of the herb gravy. Yum! While breakfast here is a bit on the pricy side, its worth it. The breakfast here is great. Apple bread french toast is like eating cake! Service is ok. Friendly but when busy, they tend to forget to refill your water or even when you ask for an extra napkin and it never comes. Even though there are 3 girls standing around. Overall, a great place to start your day!
(4)
Kate F.
Awesome! The line can be long on weekends, but it's worth the wait. Everything is delicious.
(5)
Marty J.
This might be one of my favorite breakfast places of all time. My cousin and I took a trip up here in May for a 4 days and ate here 3 of them. We ordered the bucket-o-spuds and the banana bread to start, which were absolutely spectacular. The spuds were perfectly savory with a little kick from the salsa and the banana bread was baked to perfection, warm, and excellent with the given spread. I ordered the pancakes with maple syrup 2 of the 3 days and they blew my favorite places at home's pancakes out of the water. My cousin got a variety of items and couldn't seem to go wrong each time he ordered. The coffee served was also fantastic. Overall, I would recommend this place to anyone traveling to Burlington and I look forward to returning.
(5)
Jessica D.
Fantastic Bloody Mary. Everything we tried was delicious. Have tried to mimic the cucumber salad at home. So yummy.
11 months later and I still believe this is my favorite brunch place in the world. I come here maybe once a year during my annual I miss and love Vermont too much to stay away for much longer trip. Every trip I fully anticipate my brunch and every time it's like being welcomed home after a long stay somewhere else less brilliant. .....UPDATE...... Long wait, but the minute you start to chow down, you'll forget every about it. It's that good and worth it.
(5)
Katie C.
Delicious lunch. I had the BLT on sourdough with garlic mayonnaise and I ordered the warm orzo salad as my side. The sandwich was good, but the orzo was the real star of the show. Warm, soft, garlicky and just stellar. The bacon on my BLT was smoky and crunchy-chewy...very good. My wife had the orb weaver farmhouse cheese sandwich with turkey and a side of a bucket of spuds. Again, the sandwich was good but the potatoes were divine! Crispy, warm and covered in cheese and sour cream. Not exactly a dieter's friend, but delicious nonetheless.
(5)
Kristen S.
Long wait to get in but worth lt. Our server was great. The food was delicious. Giant portions. Pace yourself.
(5)
Natalie O.
By far, the best place for breakfast I have ever been to! Next time I'm in Burlington, I will definitely be coming back here!
(5)
Linda M.
Went there at 10am yesterday and could not wait nearly two hours, so we came back today at 8:30 and sat down instantly. So happy we came back. This place has great food and really nice service. So many yummy options to try. Really, probably the best brunch I've had in New England. I wish I would have had a Bloody Mary to top it off.
(5)
Christina H.
My favorite breakfast place in Burlington hands down. First thing I ever ate was the banana bread and it comes with a delicious walnut cream cheese. Another favorite, yet simple, is the egg sandwich. To drink I love to have a mimosa with grapefruit juice instead of orange. Can never go wrong here!
(5)
Jem D.
I so so so miss this place. I dream of buckets o' spuds, with and without an egg on top. The waits were pretty long. But boy, were they worth it. One day I hope to return.
(5)
Cameron W.
One of the best breakfasts I've had in a while. Everything was fresh and delicious. I had the gingerbread pancakes which were fantastic. My girlfriend got an omelette with avocado salsa and it was delicious too. Tangerine mimosa? Home run! The servers kept our waters and coffees filled and the service was excellent. We did have to wait a while for a table, but the wait was worth it. Will definitely visit again.
(5)
Matt K.
Best breakfast in Burlington. Period.
(5)
Chuck C.
Turkey Hash, Tofu Scram, Huevos...good god. No better place for brunch in Burlington, IMO. Just don't go in a group on a weekend and expect to be seated. Usually an hour wait at least. Trick is to go by yourself and you'll always get a seat at the bar.
(5)
Annalise D.
Penny Cluse is absolutely delightful - a warm, welcoming atmosphere and breakfast that will knock your socks off! On a recent vacation in Burlington, my family tried Penny Cluse on our first morning in town, and we came back again and again and again. Yes, the food was so delicious and the servers were so friendly that we ate there four times! We took a tour around the menu, and everything was terrific. My favorite - the gingerbread pancakes.
(5)
Denis S.
I came here for lunch and had to wait about 30 minutes before being seated. We decided to stop waiting for a table and sat at a bar. There menu didn't have anything that really caught my eye, but on their blackboard they had a special called the apple bread French toast with apple sauce. It was delicious! Hard to describe, but simply delicious. Tried the regular French toast with raisins and it was really tough... definitely not worth getting. The server was really nice but she forgot my orange juice. Sadness.
(4)
Bobby S.
Best darn breakfast I have every time I go there! Best smoothie, best Huevos Rancheros in VT (and New England!) Great smiling faces from all servers, great crowd atmosphere with a good buzn but never too noisy and my coffee cup was refilled more times than i have ever experienced in my life. There is a reason people wait up to an hour every day to eat here. It is worth the wait.
(5)
Laura D.
We pulled up a few minutes before 8am this morning and there was a line of people waiting for the doors to open. That was a good sign! While we were waiting for the rest of our group we had the banana bread, grilled, and served with walnut cream cheese. Amazing and satisfying. Tangerine juice? So delicious. I personally had the gingerbread pancakes for my meal. The flavor was subtle but you could definitely taste the gingerbread. Other highlights that the group had (and I sampled of course): cinnamon raisin french toast, and apple bread french toast. The apple bread was so decadent and unusual. The service was outstanding. Out waitress was sweet and gracious, and all of the staff was very attentive about water and coffee refills, which was nice. Penny Cluse is a real find. Great quality food that is really interesting and delicious.
(5)
Pete V.
Wonderful place for breakfast. Fresh fruit plate was awesome -- great variety. Gingerbread pancakes were unique and tasty. The biscuits and gravy are particularly delicious! They do a lot of homemade pickling, too.
(5)
Amy G.
Yelpers are way, way in love with Penny Cluse Cafe... and for good reason. It's clearly one of the best breakfasts (and lunches!) tucked away in this corner of Vermont. Hidden toward the end of Burlington's main drag in an old house, folks line up for decadent Vermont takes on breakfast classics, slightly off-kilter, eclectic American fare, and warm, homey ambiance. After a wait far shorter than the hostess quoted us (thanks!), my dining partner and I sidled up to the bar and downed a few cups of excellent coffee and local cream. I got an omelet with spinach and bacon, oozing delightfully sharp Vermont cheddar. The breakfast potatoes? Usually something I avoid... but these were salted, coated in paprika, and cooked until crisp. My dining mate ordered the biscuits and eggs with herbed gravy-- amazing. I found myself sneaking spoonfuls of the herbaceous, creamy sauce off of his plate to mix into my own perfectly runny yolks. Great selection of condiments (yeah, hot sauces!) and, as another Yelper attests, the loveliest fruit platter I've ever seen. No watery melon and rancid grapes in sight, man. Service was quick and attentive, parking wasn't too awful, and my coffee cup never was empty.
(5)
Geno K.
I went back thinking there's no way this place could be as good as I remembered... yeah, it was. Had the same thing - the bucket o' spuds is the best thing ever. The gingerbread pancakes were pretty much dessert.
(5)
liz b.
I work in the travel industry. I get around. (Don't...say...it.) One of my favorite things is finding good breakfast joints in my travels. Wow, how cliche does that sound? Also unoriginal, but incredibly earnest, is my newfound adoration for Penny Cluse Cafe. A friend who went to UVM recommended it, and holy crap is it the best breakfast I have had in ages! I am not Suzy Sunshine who never sees the cloud in front of the silver lining. I am as critical as the next girl about the places I eat. I have not one thing to say about this place that is not positive. Living in Boston lo these past 13 years, I was immediately disarmed by the easy friendliness of the people here, which includes, of course, the staff of Penny Cluse. We sat at the counter (after an amazingly short wait for a Sunday at 10am), where there was lots of cool kitsch to look at. We sipped coffee, (poured post haste), and devoured possibly the freshest fruit plate I have ever had in New England. I can't say enough about this fruit (mango, blueberry, kiwi, apple, grapefruit, date, strawberry and watermelon). Next I had the polenta and eggs, which was also first rate. It came with a whole mess of black beans, a bit of delicious salsa, scallions, and i added a side of sour cream. The combination of these flavors, colors and textures was exactly what I wanted for breakfast. My girlfriend, who is queen of the special order, had all of her requests met quickly and with a smile (not something that happens often in Boston, let me tell you). They serve top notch teas (Numi), and much of their menu comes from local farms. Not to sound too precious, but really, local food just tastes better. Also, this place is a favorite among Burlington residents, which is what sold me on it to begin with, even though it is a block or two away from tourist-laden Church Street. As long as I have working teeth and a pair of legs to get me there, I will be eating at Penny Cluse whenever I visit Burlington. A+
(5)
reuben j.
Ok food, but harder to get in than heaven. I don't want to compete for food on the weekends- and yes, I am a local. Carry on, hipsters...
(2)
Todd O.
Wow! I have been here three or four times now. My wife and I are rarely repeat customers at even very good restaurants, but Penny Cluse is a must whenever we're in the area. My wife loves the Tofu Scram. I haven't tried it myself, but I know that once my wife becomes a repeat customer for the same meal it must be crazy good. I try to vary my meals when I repeat visit, but I cannot get enough of the Penny Cluse. The biscuits, the sauce, the onions, the eggs, the hash browns...it all works. It tastes so fresh and delicious. I always get the Penny Pickler, a super hot bloody mary. Each time I think "this might be just a tad too hot for me" and each time, like an alcoholic alzheimer patient, I order this drink. It's very good...and very hot. Worth a try if you like your bloody marys spicy. We'll definitely be back.
(5)
Rose C.
I had their baked Mac and Cheese and it absolutely blew my mind. It's a classic dish that they have mastered and made their own. When I go back to school I will be eating there often.
(5)
Melissa M.
I've had every kind of tofu scramble they have here. Amazing. The fruit that they serve with it is not just like any regular fruit plate. It was crazy delicious berries, kiwi, FIGS! And it's always so ripe. Just thinking about it is making me hungry. It's a little expensive, or was for me as a graduate student, but the food is such high quality and the place is beautiful. Yum!
(5)
Marie G.
Excellent breakfast. LOVED the Penny Pickler Bloody Mary. Exactly as a Bloody Mary should be- spicy, lots of pepper and horseradish, and a giant hunk of pickle on top. I tried the gingerbread pancakes, scrambled eggs, and homefries and they were all divine. Love the way they cook their homefries, with some turmeric for a lovely yellow color. Coffee was delish. Also tried some biscuits with herb cream gravy. It was yummy, but I would prefer it to have sausage in it. Overall excellent experience and our server was quite pleasant.
(5)
John B.
Best side of fruit in human history. Designed to put other sides of fruit to puling shame. Have you ever had a good cantaloupe? No, you haven't. It is as if Penny Cluse has exclusive access to the world's best supply of cantaloupes. Hint: I am generally indifferent to the cantaloupe. More important, here is a breakfast that is cooked perfectly: a fried pollack, two eggs over medium, a griddled tomato, and a biscuit. I once had a biscuit at the Goody Goody Diner in St. Louis. And now I have had a biscuit at Penny Cluse in Burlington, VT. I will describe these experiences to my grandchildren.
(5)
Stavros M.
I don't really get why people like this place so much. I've been probably 20 times, and have never been told that there is less than an hour wait for a table, which is the first reason it doesn't appeal to me. Out of the 20 times I've been, I've loved my meal probably zero times; it's always just meh. I will say that the staff are awesome, I always feel welcome and enjoy the space and the people, but the food is mediocre. I've tried and tried but I'd never rate any of my experiences with the food more than 2-3 stars.
(2)
Melanie C.
Oh my gosh. Just what you want for a brunch place: bright and airy. totally casual cool staff. a million different choices that satisfy any craving. super delicious, large portions. I don't know what else to say. It rocks. I could eat there every morning.
(5)
Stacey V.
We went late morning on a Saturday and surprisingly only had a half hour wait. We had the banana bread, a few specials, the Penny Cluse and spicy Bloody Mary's- all of it was awesome. The herb cream gravy on the biscuits was unique but amazing. We were visiting from out of state and picked this place randomly through Yelp. Excellent find and would definitely go again.
(5)
Andrea F.
Gingerbread pancakes! Applesauce on top!! These guys know host make the perfect fall breakfast!!
(5)
Daphne L.
Num Yum Yummy. That in a word (or 3 words) describes the breakfast my group had at Penny Cluse. I'm a big breakfast person and found THE breakfast spot. Sadly, it's about 1000 miles away from home. There was a short wait on a Friday morning, but we didn't mind because it's such a charming, cozy, friendly spot, and everyone was engaging and welcoming. I ordered the breakfast sandwich with delicious bacon and sharp Vermont cheddar cheese on grilled sourdough bread. I just drooled a little typing that..so so good. I also had the small fruit plate, that was a huge portion of delicious melon and apple slices. My friend sitting next to me had, upon my suggestion, the sourdough french toast, which happens to be one of my favorite things EVER, and a specialty of mine. If you've never had sourdough french toast with maple syrup, honey you haven't lived. We had a great breakfast with great service, and, there's no doubt that whenever I'm in Burlington I'll be stopping for eggs, etc. at Penny Cluse.
(5)
J S.
Best breakfast place in Burlington. I considered removing one star for the wait but I am not sure how they could improve on that honestly. It is a popular place and no surprise it is always packed! Lunch and breakfast are both excellent. Hash when available is spectacular!
(5)
Elda L.
Ordered the "across the pond" and a side of grilled polenta. Great service and the food is quite good, but they put too much onion in the food. The biscuits and gravy were delicious! My waitress looks like Sarah Silverman but a nicer version!
(4)
Ros C.
While visiting My Son at UVM I came across this fantastic breakfast joint. My claim to fame is sausage gravy so when my son told me that their vegetarian herb gravy & biscuits were just as good I had to try them! I was blown away by the gravy, it was the first time in my life when I thought I could easily become a vegetarian. My sons omelette was perfect and the fruit side was incredibly fresh and had 6-7 unique fruit varieties.
(5)
First L.
Food was great. Ingredients tasted fresh and homemade. The breakfast menu was different and eclectic.You could tell the owner and chefs are on top of the details and demand a certain quality in their food. I loved the fresh baked biscuits. Our waitress recommended the lamb bowl which is a concoction of 2 warm slabs of lamb meat over cold beets, boiled egg and a potato salad. I didn't think it sounded good, but went ahead and ordered it. It was strangely delicious! The waitress was super friendly, attentive, and knew the menu well. On top of the food, she made our experience there that much better. One of the few places that gets the combination of food and service right. It's no wonder the lines are out the door for this place. So get there early. I wish there was a place like this near my house.
(5)
Lydia O.
Had the 'Penny Cluse' biscuits and gravy and wasn't impressed. I think it is vegetarian, and I am used to the rich, southern sausage gravy. I do like their homefries though. The turmeric and onions make them unique. Taco salad was solid. Simple, tasty, and filling (big salad!). Go early for breakfast otherwise there's a terribly long wait.
(3)
Darcy G.
Perfect! We are in town visiting and this place was recommended to us by others who had visited Burlington. The wait was much shorter than quoted, the staff was all very friendly and down-to-earth, and the food was fantastic. We were actually in and out pretty quickly for a Saturday brunch. I ordered a special: Huevos Verde which were delicious and a fruit plate that was fresh. I had my first Concord Grape which I thought was a blueberry until I ate it; I never knew that grapes ever tasted like that! The coffee was great too which is disproportionately important to me. Fantastic. Also, someone has called this place pretentious...couldn't be further from the truth. The staff was awesome, funny...even taking pictures for people.
(5)
Stephanie C.
What a great restaurant in a cute town! My boyfriend and I came here after viewing the rating on yelp and we went overboard lol. We got the bluefish hash, tofu in ginger, biscuits and gravy, bucket of spuds and french toast. The tofu and ginger was the best even though it looks like a bucket of goo. The bluefish is a staff favorite but a bit overcooked for me. Bucket of spuds was great and the biscuits and gravy was my bfs favorite dish. There's free parking next door.
(4)
Ally B.
I love this place! Service is always good no matter how busy. It's hard to get into. Usually a long wait so I opt for other restaurants if in a rush!!
(5)
Ben M.
Truly one of the great American breakfasts, brunches, or lunches. My little brother goes to uni in this town and I've only been here once, but the whole family is absolutely hooked on this place. The cafe is cozy, the food is amazing (and in good portions) with such delicious variety that it makes Penny Cluse an absolute must. Try the gingerbread pancakes. Stunning.
(5)
Phil P.
this breakfast was amazing, although pricey. Chicken & Biscuits lived up to the hype. The homemade sausage and poached egg rocked. The gingerbread pancakes were pretty good but I wished they were whole grain. The bucket of spuds was THE BOMB!! Best version of home fries I've ever had!
(4)
Madeline F.
Yum! Thank you, Yelpers, for pointing me to Penny Cluse! I came here for breakfast with my sister and my husband while we were passing through Burlington. We were all impressed with the very creative menu and had a hard time deciding what to have. My sister and I each had the Tofu Scramble with salsa and loved it. My husband had the Zydeco eggs and raved about them. We had to wait a couple minutes for a table, but considering it was a Saturday morning, expected the wait to be longer. The space itself is open and inviting, and the service was friendly and attentive. Five stars all the way!
(5)
Traci K.
Delicious(ly long wait). We got there on a Sunday morning around 10:40AM and waited 75 minutes for a seat (they had tables and a good number of seats at the counter). Usually I would never wait this long to eat anywhere, but I was on vacation and had heard only great things. Regardless, while the experience was good, I don't know that I would wait that long again. The hostess was incredible. She was juggling pretty much the entire scene. Mobs of people (this is a good sign, yes?) and she made sure people got in when tables were available. The waitstaff were all adorable crunchy hipsters who clearly enjoyed the people they worked with. Even with the crowd, the waitstaff was right on. Coffee service was fast and everyone was relatively happy and smiling. And of course -- most importantly, the food. I had the Penny Cluse (2 eggs, homefries with 2 biscuits and herb gravy) with a side of bacon and some coffee. The coffee was great - though you really can't expect anything less in Vermont. The eggs were over-easy (my fave) and tasty. The biscuits = smothered in gravy. Biscuits themselves were excellent -- good texture and not dry. The gravy, while good, lacked salt. The homefries were tasty with crunchy little bits and perfectly cooked potatoey goodness. But the real star of the meal was the bacon. 1. Dear Bacon, I love you. You are my number 1 meat. 2. The Penny Cluse bacon IS NOT the super market brand, over-salted, droopy and super fatty tasting bacon. It is a nice thick cut with delicious crispy parts and also chewy (but not bad chewy) parts. My biggest surprise was the great bacon-y flavor without all the salt! Totally delicious. Price-wise the food was adequately priced. I did raise an eyebrow at the $2.75 for the side of bacon, but after tasting It was well worth it. Not the cheapest breakfast, but all the ingredients seemed fresh and freshly made. All in all a lovely experience. Cheers to you Penny!
(4)
Namrata A.
Pros: - Delicious banana bread with cream cheese (so good) - Really good gingerbead pancakes with Vermont maple syrup - Tasty pineapple mango smoothie with cocnut and rum - Friendly atmosphere - Reasonable prices (unlike other Vermont spots) - Park for free on the weekends next door (big big plus) Cons - Long wait as can be - 40 minutes around Sunday 10am - Splotchy service, good at times, distracted the other
(4)
Bring T.
Far and away my favorite breakfast spot. Worth the wait. Suggestion for shortening the wait: Just go with one other person and be open to sitting at the bar. The food tastes just as good up there.
(5)
Bob F.
My wife raved over her Maple Cornbread French Toast, and since I'm not a breakfast guy, had only a side of biscuits with herbed gravy, which was excellent. Service was fast and very polite, and we're already planning to eat here again on our next visit!
(4)
Jessica S.
I am so glad i chose to go to Penny Cluse!!! Everything from start to finish was perfect. First off i was greeted with such a warm smile from Ruslan who turned out to be my server. He was the perfect server he kept the coffee coming and we had a brief but nice conversation. I ordered the mini bucket o spuds delicious and the apple bread french toast special with applesause and sourcream. It was phenomenal! It wasnt too dense or mushy it didnt need a drop of the pure maple syrup they put on the table. Id be so happy to find a breakfast place half as good as penny cluse near home!
(5)
Richard J.
Wow! What an amazing spot! I had a phenomenal cornbread french toast with rhubarb compote (which was a special). I also ordered the banana bread, which was moist and delicious, that was accompanied by a maple walnut cream cheese that I seriously could have just eaten straight. I also ordered a fresh fruit plate that came with an excellent variety of fruit. The prices were a bit high, but considering the quality of the food, I'm not complaining. The next time I'm in Burlington, I'm going straight to Penny Cluse for brunch.
(5)
Paulina M.
I love pennycluse!! Makes sure to get there early because the wait can be incredibly long but it's well worth it. Make sure to try their fresh oj or lemonade.
(4)
Mitchell R.
Really yummy!!! Everything was delicious. Good service. A must.
(5)
Lizzie R.
Stopped here during a random pit stop in Burlington on a road trip and was pleasantly surprised with our breakfast experience. I tried the gingerbread pancakes, which were delicious! Home fries were awesome as well, and my eggs were cooked perfectly. My boyfriend ordered an omelet.. and when they accidentally made it with peppers instead of spinach, they gave him coffee for free. The staff was friendly, and even recommend some things to see while we were in town. Would definitely recommend!
(4)
Cassandra D.
Choose the counter over a table and reduce your wait time. Use your wait time to look over the menu, since you'll likely have a difficult time deciding what to order. Gingerbread pancakes? Bucket o spuds? Tofu scram? Let me make it easy for you. If you prefer a sweet to savory breakfast, absolutely go for the Gingerbread pancakes. Make sure to beef them up with bananas. I find that blueberries can overpower the subtle flavors. If you're determined to undo that top button, don't be afraid to get a side of home fries. Salty seasoned home fries meet sweet maple syrup gingerbreaders for a great balance. Top 'em off with a bottomless cup of coffee or the classic cup of Vermont apple cider.
(4)
Chris C.
I have always gone to Magnolias for breakfast/brunch when I'm in Burlington, but I decided to mix it up with Penny Cluse this time. So I heard the wait can be very long and they didn't disappoint there. 10:30AM on a Saturday morning and a one hour wait! Luckily they are cool with you just leaving and coming back when its somewhat near your estimated time. So I just wandered around Church St and the area. So after my hour of time killing I got a table and I was very ready for some food. The menu had a number of good selections as well as a handful of daily specials available. I had the gingerbread pancakes with a side of bacon while my friend had the Huevos Rancheros. Both meals were very good although I don't think the gingerbread pancakes were as out of this world as some of the other reviews make them sound. The orange juice was amazing though. Definitely homemade and done perfectly. The prices were decent and the service was not rushed, but it was bordering on it. All in all a very good place although I still feel Magnolia's food and service are better. Plus, the wait there is much shorter.
(4)
Jessie D.
Any Saturday or Sunday in Burlington, no matter how cold, you will see a crowd of people gathered outside of Penny Cluse Cafe on Cherry Street. The wait is always at least a half-hour (unless you go very early, on weekends the cafe opens at 8am)- but, is always so worth it. This cozy breakfast spot has a diverse menu of delicious, incredibly fresh (and never greasy) dishes. Penny Cluse always offers breakfast and lunch specials utilizing seasonal ingredients, but I always find myself craving some of the staple menu items. The omelettes are amazing, and have so many different filling choices, it's actually a bit overwhelming. Way beyond the standard options, Penny Cluse offers many local cheeses, and meats (including andouille, chorizo, chicken apple sausage, and smoked bacon), and other interesting items like cranberry-almond relish, dulse seaweed, capers, and many, many more. My personal favorite dish is the Chorizo and Egg Tacos a lunch plate featuring two soft corn tortillas filled with house-made chorizo sausage scrambled with eggs and jack cheese, served with black beans, and avocado salsa. The chorizo is packed with spicy and savory flavor, the eggs are always soft and fluffy, and with just a little hot sauce, it makes one of my all time favorite brunch meals. The Mama Cruz's Huevos Rancheros, and the Tofu Scram (I like it with the salsa ranchero and corn muffins), are some of my other favorite savory items. These are served with the cafes awesome homefries, which are so good they could be a meal in themselves (the Bucket-o-Spuds appetizer features a mound of homefries with melted cheese, salsa, sour cream, and green onions, an egg on top is also an option). For those of you who prefer sweet breakfast foods, Penny Cluse offers many delicious options. The Gingerbread Pancakes (served with Vermont maple syrup, obviously) are one of their most popular dishes. I also really love their Banana Bread with Maple Walnut Cream Cheese to share with the table. With a bloody mary, mimosa, or several cups of steaming hot coffee, you're in for one of the best brunch meals in the area (Sneakers in Winooski takes a close second). The food is consistently great, and arrives to your table very quickly after ordering. So wait the half hour, go shop across the street at the Outdoor Gear Exchange (where you can easy spend 30 minutes), believe me, it will be worth it (no matter how bad your weekend hangover may be). For more reviews please visit my blog at: foodequalslovenyc.wordpr…
(5)
Patrick K.
Penny Cluse serves the BEST breakfast in all of Burlington. The food is local, creative, and super tasty!
(4)
C F.
The Penny Cluse could not have chosen a better breakfast meal to name after themselves! The gravy and biscuits are amazing!!! By writing this I am making myself want them actually. I am in love with this place. It is worth the wait on the weekends when they get quite busy. Staff is always friendly, even when very busy.
(5)
Jeremy B.
Nothing quite captures the essence of a town like its prized local eateries. Penny Cluse is no exception to the rule. What a bunch of overpriced culinary hackery. What better place to bring your wealthy folks from Connecticut during parents week? They're paying, lololol! And thank goodness, because if you ever have to work and learn the value of the dollar, you'd probably cringe at what you're paying for at this overrated place. I mean, there's always a line out the door!! This town has really lost its mind. Okay, I used to think, well, the food is decent, but good lord, baby jeebus, we are paying that rent, aren't we! But no, the last time I went there, I was actually almost embarrassed that my girlfriend and I'd brought friends there for their first time. I had polenta and eggs. CORNMEAL. EGGS. BEANS. $10? The polenta had dried thyme or basil in it, which, of course, made it taste like dirt. When you are using strong simple flavors, go with fresh, fragrant herbs, or just leave it out and let the other bold ingredients shine, right? Yuck. Our friends, recent transplants from LA, were politely but clearly unimpressed with the $10+ housemade chorizo taco. Okay, Burlingtonians, I know you may have studied abroad that one semester on Mom n' Dad's dime, or maybe you did that spring break in Cancun when you got wicked drunk and got those corn-rows, or something, but really, your attempts at chorizo and other mex-inspired foods remind me of your many hippy brethren returning from Peru claiming to be Iowaska shamans. The fact that you are even selling what is essentially home-cooking or street food as some exotic $10 entree is an insult to the cultural traditions you are attempting to bastardize. So, I think I'll check out Sneakers, its been a while; hope that spoon hasn't lost too much of its grease! Or Magnolia's: not amazing, but I don't feel angry and ripped off as I do every time I walk out of Pennny Cluse. Aside from the last time, and that was because the gf paid. I do like her. *Btw, I do often find the service here to be exceptional. However, that isn't really why I go out to eat.
(1)
Wendy K.
Don't get scared by the long lines, this place is definitely worth the wait.... Don't go if you are starving, you will be really pissed off by the time you sit down... Go in a group and go marginally hungry, you can make one of your friends stand in line and you can go shopping :-) You won't be disapointed!
(4)
Sarah W.
Love this place. Service is always friendly and fast. Cozy atmosphere. Love the banana bread with the spread it yourself maple cream cheese! We've always walked to the location. However, there's a parking garage next door.
(4)
Aaron N.
A great Burlington breakfast joint. Excellent service, excellent food. They do a great job with Mexican dishes. And they'll serve you stuff from the lunch menu for breakfast if you ask. Coffee is great. You'll need to wait for a table if you arrive after 8:30...but it's worth it.
(5)
Allison K.
This place was great! The food was really good! We had the bucket of spuds, which was delicious, the banana bread (the maple cream cheese spread was fantastic), and the kale quesadillas. Everything was delicious and tasted fresh! The next time I'm in Burlington I'll definitely be hitting that place up.
(5)
Matt J.
An excellent place for breakfast. Have been here a few times now and we have not been disappointed yet. The food has been very good each time, and they have some very good (and interesting) specials. The Egg Sandwich is one of my favs. I will say that you need to come early if you don't want to wait (on the weekends at least when i have been there). Because this place gets busy and you will end up waiting. One thing I did wish for was a small portion menu for the kids. I happy that they don't have the standard fall back (aka...crappy) kids menu. But to pay full price for something that the kids only eat half of is not great.
(4)
nick k.
Excellent home fries, but the cheese sandwich with cranberry relish was just OK. Pickles were of the sweet variety, which is not my top choice. Would like to go back again and try ordering from the breakfast menu, as I saw other guests getting these types of food, and they all looked really good. Lots of vegetarian and vegan options.
(3)
Dan M.
My wife and I were in search of breakfast in Burlington last Wednesday and decided to try out Penny Cluse after reading many good things. We were not disappointed. Penny Cluse is about as good as it gets for a diner-style breakfast. I'd call it a "diner for foodies." I had the Maple Cornbread French Toast (a special that day) with a side of biscuits and gravy and my wife went with the breakfast burrito. Everything was totally delicious; even the coffee was great. Service was fast and my coffee cup was never empty. We sat in the upstairs room and found it to be a bright, relaxing spot. Next time I'm in Burlington, this is where I'm coming for breakfast. No doubt.
(5)
Graham C.
Don't need to add much more about this place that wasn't already said. Though, I will say that if Jesus came back to this earth as a carbohydrate, he would be the warm banana bread and walnut cream cheese. Goddamn that was good.
(5)
Kimberlee M.
When I flew in to interview for the job I currently have I was taken here for breakfast. This is a great memory and one that I always come back to...that day I had the gingerbread pancakes. Wonderful, wonderful people and selections. I love all the savory choices now that I live here. Plan to wait a bit on the weekends, unless you go super early.
(5)
Tia T.
Finally made it to Penny Cluse after many missed opportunities. I'd have to say this place lived up to the hype. We didn't even have to wait to be seated, albeit it was mid-afternoon on a Saturday. I had the Tofu Randy and it was delicious. Their rocket sauce is amazing! It came with a soup also, I think it was carrot ginger maybe, whatever it was I loved that too. My friend ordered the Taco salad and was rather disappointed as he was expecting one of those big fried bowl tortilla things, instead its served on top of a regular crispy tortilla. Looked good to me though. I don't recall what my other friend ordered but she loved it. The atmosphere is bright and friendly. It was a tad warm in there but I guess most places back east don't really require a/c. Cant wait to try the rest of the menu. almost makes me want to head back to VT for a visit... Almost.
(5)
Lucy R.
My favorite breakfast/brunch/lunch place in Burlington. you have to wait in line and they don't take reservations, but it's worth it! I recommend their omelets and the fruit plate as well as the tangerine juice. The specials are always very tempting and inventive, but its hard to get anything but these favorites!
(4)
Maurice C.
I love the gingerbread pancake!
(4)
Pablo B.
The 'Cluse! Best brunch in Burlington. Be prepared to wait for at least an hour on weekends and sometimes on weekdays, very popular. Wait staff is friendly and helpful so it's pretty efficient even if there is a wait. Food is very tasty -- get the garlicky kale quesadilla when it's in season. Cornbread muffins delicious as well as the bucket o' spuds with lots of cheese and onions.
(5)
Arthur M.
The tofu scramble with thai - peanut - ginger preparation was unbelievable! The service was fantastic as well.
(5)
K B.
We almost missed the bucket of spuds when ordering. That would have been a real shame. Adding two fried eggs on top of the home fries with delicious cheese and salsa made this a meal in and of itself. The sourdough french toast and the gingerbread pancakes had us all leaving stuffed. Is it expensive...yes Is it worth it...no doubt Can't wait to come back!
(5)
Lorilee L.
The gingerbread pancakes are PHENOMENAL! Its like swallowing the spirit of Christmas present and it makes your mouth tingle with childish joy. The Chicken Apple Sausage is huge! Perfect blend of sweetness and meatiness. And I love the texture when you bite through the skin. Ok, maybe that's a little gross to some of you. But I like that sensation. -1/2 star for all the flies that were harassing me throughout my meal. -1/2 star for the single bathroom that was occupied 24/7 by the hoards of people waiting to get in. If you're willing to wait for a table, deal with crowds or come at an off-hour...this place is DEFINITELY worth it. The food is fabulous!
(4)
Joseph D.
We waited a LONG time to be seated for breakfast on a Sunday. The food was phenomenal so I really can't complain. Let the long lines be a testament to how good the food is. If you like orange juice, be sure to get some at Penny Cluse. It's fresh squeezed. The best orange juice I've ever had.
(5)
Chelsea D.
I am a huge fan of Breakfast and I am on a never ending search for the best breakfast place. I think penny Cluse might be up there in the top places of mine to eat breakfast. It is by far one of my favorite places in Burlington. The atmosphere is great, with a mixture of college students and families. And the service is great as well. The food is fantastic and always fresh! Their fruits sides are always local and well portioned. And trying their coffee is an absolute must! My friends and i always feel that Penny Cluse sets us up for a great day. Be aware that on weekends waits can be as long as an hour!
(5)
Doris W.
After reading reviews from fellow Yelpers, we decided to come here for brunch on our trip to Burlington. It was between this and Magnolia's but chose this because it was the address I threw into the GPS. We got there around 9:30am on a Sunday and we had to wait for 40 minutes for a table of 4. You guys weren't kidding about the wait. We took the time to explore Church St. while we waited. The wait ended up being an hour but the hostess was apologetic about the wait. We didn't mind since we were in no rush. For starters we had the bucket o'spuds which was AWESOME. I think I ate half of it myself. For the main entree I had sunny side eggs with polenta. Everything was delicious except that I wished there were more of the polenta. It was really good. The salsa had great flavor. I housed that plate as well. I got a medium order of the apple cider which was delicious. My friends enjoyed their meals. My friend especially enjoyed the buckwheat pancakes. I've never experienced this before, but the waitress offered to split our bill 4 ways, including splitting the spuds. This made it so much easier for us to pay, but surprised that she offered to do such a thing. Their menu sounded awesome and I wish I could have ordered everything. The prices were great and the service even better. I will definitely come back the next time I'm in Burlington.
(4)
Jessica N.
I just got home from my annual Burlington visit and finally made it to Penny Cluse the last morning I was in town. This place is definitely popular. Granted, it was a Saturday morning, but we were there 30 minutes after they opened and still had to wait about 15 minutes for a table - no biggie. I had the Bellber combo plate that allows you to pick and choose from pancakes or french toast, eggs any style, and a side of either home fries, bacon, ham, or sausage. I went with the french toast, scrambled eggs, and home fries. My french toast was awesome! Thick, with just the right amount of crunch on the crust. YUM! I was also really surprised with how good the home fries were. They are a huge portion (served on a separate plate) and I wasn't able to finish them off, although I wanted to. My mother and I split a plate of fruit - more often than not, fresh fruit plates tend to be hit and miss. Some of the fruit isn't ripe enough so it I usually wind up picking out the better fruit. However, Penny's fruit plate rocked and it had such a great variety! A few blueberries, a cherry, a couple of slices of watermelon, banana, pineapple, mango...all the fruit was wonderful. The coffee was nice and hot and not too weak. Lunch menu looked great too. I'll definitely be coming back!
(4)
Cameron C.
Absolutely excellent food and service! Best breakfast place in Burlington. I have been many time and have never had a bad meal. Some my favorites and recommendations are the fresh fruit place, bucket-o-spuds and breakfast burrito. Everything is made fresh and made from scratch and reasonably priced. A must eatery in BTV!
(5)
Tia S.
Just adding my happy vote to the throng of fans. This place is absolutely delightful. Adorable interior, remarkable food. I am pretty sure the biscuits with herb cream gravy are made in Heaven and exported direct to Penny Cluse. Pick up a free postcard on your way out of the namesake dog, Penny herself. Double-check the hours before you go...Penny Cluse's brand of Awesome is available for a limited time every day!
(5)
Meg B.
Since I review all of the places I love. This is one of them. I went to UVM so I had my experience of going to find the most amazing places to binge on after a Sat night. If you want to go for breakfast to Penny Cluse,m, I suggest you leave early to get there before the crowd rushes in. I love the atmosphere in Penny because of the decor, it is like you are in someone's enlarged kitchen down south. What is unique about Penny that no other place I have ever eaten at before is their gravy. Amazing! What I also greatly appreciate about Penny is that I always want to eat a pancake or french toast for breakfast, but I always feel blah after eating just carbs without any eggs. Most place for breakfast are either all pancakes or omelets/eggs. At Penny Cluse you can get the best of both worlds by having the Bellber Combo (pancakes/french toast & eggs any style). Also their biscuits are a must! Did I mention Gingerbread Pancakes?
(5)
Cara D.
Yes! This place is a great little gem in Burlington. Yet, so many people know about it! I went with my sister at 7:45 am and it was basically full on a Thursday morning. Whoa! I ordered the gingerbread pancakes, eggs, and turkey sausage. The pancakes were so great! I have never had such a flavor like it- in pancakes! My sister, a non pancake eater, even thought they were out of this world. She ordered an omelet which looked amazing. She got polenta instead of bread, which was delicious! Such a treat! A great breakfast place, for the weekdays. I would be afraid to see what the line was like on a weekend.
(4)
Mimi S.
Oh how I wish I could wake up every morning in Burlington and head out to Penny Cluse for my first meal of the day. But since they serve breakfast all day till they close at 3 pm, then breakfast fare it is for my second meal of the day! Every item in their menu sounds so good, we always have a difficult time choosing what we want during a visit. We travel to Burlington often but not often enough to be able to try everything in their menu. And I don't even want to begin thinking about their specials of the day. I will not reiterate what other reviewers have specifically described about the food here. Trust what they say; at least the ones who loved it. Their menu is available on their website; as are a few recipes of some of the more popular items they serve. Feel like flipping some gingerbread pancakes tomorrow, hmmm? The place is really cozy. Works of local artists are displayed routinely and they do add a nice eclectic touch to the ambiance. Even the bathroom is made a canvas for art. It's a great family place, like others have mentioned. They have a ramp to get in the place. For kids, they offer high chairs, straw cups, toys to play with while waiting and they have a changing table in the bathroom. Their servers are pretty good with giving recommendations. And I commend them, particularly one server we had that time when we ate here before a flight out. I informed her of our situation and she made sure our meals came out promptly and she facilitated everything so that we would make it out to the airport on time. Penny Cluse...I'd put you at the top of my breakfast /brunch place list!
(5)
Nathan S.
Incredible breakfast, Great waitress!
(5)
Marty J.
Great local flavor located on an active corner. I was expecting a Sunday brunch rush delay, but I was seated immediately with a couple at a large table. Super wait staff, good food. Beats IHOP!
(4)
D S.
I ordered the huevos rancheros and a chile relleno on the side. Homemade salsa was fantastic with both items. Next time, I'll skip the eggs and order two chiles -- SO GOOD! My friend loved her amazing French toast. Restaurant is bright and lovely. Enjoy!
(5)
Rob W.
Great breakfast at the Cluse... Had to wait a while on the weekend, but it was worth it. Never saw the bottom of my coffee cup and I left with a full belly and a smile on my face... Will be back.
(4)
Theodore W.
What is all the hype about with this place?? I don't get it. We had an hour and a half wait on a Sunday morning. Apparently this was the norm, and didn't bother anybody else. We finally get in around noon (we are the last in a long line of people who wasted a morning in line for breakfast), and get ready to order. $8 for bacon and eggs (which is absurd), and that's by far the cheapest thing on the breakfast menu. Some crap about them being free-range, organically fed, bathed in humanely monitored 82.5ºF water or some such nonsense. Usually this plate goes for $4-5 anywhere else, so it's about a 75% premium here. Not a huge deal, but it gets worse. My friends order a "small" OJ, and they get something akin to a shot glass (exaggerating...but not by much) of juice, for the price of a half gallon of your most premium OJ in any grocery store. Oh but wait, this is fresh-squeezed, with the oranges raised in high-grade soil and lathered in special nutrients, picked by fair wage, previously-unemployed Americans. Christ. I ordered a "large" OJ, and got a medium-sized glass. I ordered a second one and ended up spending $7 on two glasses of OJ. WTF? The food finally came, and it was good. That's it, just good. No complaints per se, but certainly not worth the money or the time invested in patronizing this place. Breakfast ended up costing over $80 for the four of us. By comparison, four of us went to an old-school independent diner in Southern Connecticut (certainly not the cheapest place on Earth - it's not called the "gold coast" for nothing) for $33. And the wait was 15 minutes. This place also carries an aura of exactly what people dislike about Vermont. It's too crunchy, too expensive, and the air of condescension is thick. Very thick. Pass on this place.
(2)
Allen P.
Had an excellent breakfast here while visiting from Philly. Large portions, great coffee, and plenty of vegetarian choices. Expect to wait for a table, but it's well worth it!
(4)
zoe p.
I was surprised to see this place so busy at 7a - but it was quite good, so now I know why. Everything was good, tasted fresh and the only complaint I could come up with is that my eggs were a little under done. Service was pleasant. I was on a rare trip without my husband in Burlington and look forward to the next time we're there together so I can bring him here.
(4)
Ger R.
Needs a little more zing' in the Mexican dishes. Good service. Good menu. Great black beans.
(3)
Michelle C.
I wish I discovered this place BEFORE my sister's senior year at UVM :-(. We went on a March Sunday and of course there was a wait, but not worries, we went around the corner to BR and shopped the sale racks for a bit. I think our wait was about what we were quoted, so that works for me. The food: I got the huevos verdes, a special of the huevos rancheros with green salsa instead of red. It comes with tortillas, black beans, a little cole slaw I think? and eggs however you want. I got them poached (my fave) and they were poached to perfection. The whole dish was so good, and my only regret? I tasted my sister's bacon and holy crap that was delicious bacon. If you are of the meat eating type, get it, it is TASTY. Seriously, if you have doubts about the wait, put your name in and go shopping then come back, you won't be disappointed. The food lived up the wait and service was great as well. They do take out too, so you better believe I will be ordering out during graduation weekend!
(4)
Andrew W.
My wife and I had a great breakfast there. Went mid-week -didn't have any trouble getting seated. Food was delicious. Staff was friendly and overall terrific. Will go again for sure. We're new to the Burlington area - asked someone on the street about a good place to have breakfast - they enthusiastically said Penny Cluse Cafe - and boy did we love it there. Had a nice neighborhood feel. And what a great menu - so many other meals there to look forward to.
(5)
Dee K.
one of my fav breakfast spots around. i dearly miss this place and there is nothing like it in florida :( everything here is fresh and delish. the place is beautiful. the atmosphere is great. penny cluse is a true gem!
(5)
Mike G.
Too many choices. Get the banana bread and the fresh squeezed OJ. Was one of the best breakfast places with plenty of omelettes and everything is homemade!
(5)
Mac C.
Best breakfast ever. Tofu scram was delicious. Attentive staff. Scored a window table for people watching. Waitress and hostess were walking by each other, put down what they were carrying, high-10'd, then moved on. My kind of place. Awesome.
(5)
Laurie O.
EAT HERE! One of the many things that I LOVE about Vermont is that I don't have to carry my own maple syrup. The real stuff is everywhere! At Penny Cluse Cafe I can pour it next to Gingerbread Pancakes! They serve very good coffee in the best EVER diner type coffee cups with saucers. Lots of variety on the menu and I trust absolutely anything that they make here. I tasted the biscuits and herb gravy and a couple of other items and everything was delicious! They were friendly and they remembered me the second time that I came in. I love that. Also this restaurant is extremely kid friendly. Penny Cluse Cafe in Burlington Vermont is a bit of a trek for me coming from Sacramento but I'm going to do something about that next year. Until then I will have to be happy with the published Gingerbread Pancake recipe (go to the website!) and my many pictures of my two breakfasts in 4 days while I was in Vermont. I have a picture of my breakfast as wallpaper on my cell phone right now. THAT is how much I love this place!
(5)
Mindy S.
I know it seems weird...I seem to rate either 1 star or 5 star...but I think it is because if I really love something I want to share it with the world and when I really can't stand something I also want to share it with the world. I am a passionate person...what can I say! Anyway....I have not been to Penny Clause since the summer of 2008 but I have been there EVERY TIME I travel to Burlington, VT (almost an annual event for me since 2005 except the last 1 1/2 years now) and it has been consistant year in and year out....EXCELLENT. I usually plan to dine there and go in the early a.m. hours so I don't have the long wait time....though it is well-worth the wait. I love the freshness of the food and the clear LOVE the cooks in the kitchen have for their flavorful creations. Right now I am recalling the YUMMY biscuits and gravy!!!! Green with goodness (and onions & lots of fresh herbs) and other spices (but not salty or doused w/ pepper) and the C R E A M that makes this gravy sooooo memorable!!! Being from the south I have a deep appreciation for biscuits and I am pretty impressed with theirs (not fluffy...but not too heavy or hard). I enjoyed the eggs and homemade potatoes and local artisan bread for toast and the locally roasted coffee......NOT BAD....(there are actually some local beans that I enjoyed....scary because I am a faithful and grateful fan of Strongtree Organic coffee and it is usually very challenging for me to find other coffees that meet their high standards in my opinion)....I just wished I had more of it before I felt I needed to get up and give someone else my seat. The staff are really nice and laid back and given that I go back every year I like seeing the same faces (shows that they like working there). I miss you Penny Clause.....it won't be tooo long now : )
(5)
Diana C.
Great atmosphere, friendly service, delicious food, best coffee in town. They have their own speeder and earl blend and it's awesome. And I got a mimosa with tangerine juice that was also awesome. The servers were so nice and seemed happy with their jobs, which is really nice to see. I got a yelp account just so I could share my five stars.
(5)
Geoff P.
The food seemed to be your typical fare from a breakfast spot - eggs, omelets, pancakes, etc. There is nothing really to complain about the food. I do feel like it was a bit lighter/healthier/fresher/whatever than your average greasy spoon. The space is cozy and cute. The staff is friendly, fast and efficient. It seems like THE breakfast destination in Burlington so be prepared to wait. We were told an hour and a half, but it ended up being about 30-40 minutes. We did leave our name and then walked around. The food was good enough for the wait we had, but probably not much longer. 4 stars, but more like 3.5. It's good, but not terribly special. Sorry locals.
(4)
M P.
BEST PLACE EV. everything is amazing included but not limited to the banana bread with maple walnut butter, breakfast burrito, Chile relleno, home fries, biscuits with gravy, and gingerbread pancakes!!!
(5)
Kate D.
The atmosphere is a nice one - very relaxed and light. Even with a 30 minute wait it didn't feel overly crowded. The food's great too, especially the toss salad with the creamy feta dressing (without the onions).
(4)
Candy M.
I've put off writing this review because I just have so many good things to say. I LOVE PENNY CLUSE. I go here at least 3 or 4 times a week, I cannot stop. The food is amazing and CONSISTENT, always good. The specials are a little redundant from time to time (that's what I get for eating there so much), but once in a while they will surprise me with something special, like lamb souvlaki or flounder sandwich. Here are my recommendations. Breakfast- Start off with the bucket of spuds, home fries covered in cheese with homemade salsa and sour cream and green onions. It's amazing for a group to share, and also, the best thing ever to eat after a serious night of drinking. I cant go to penny cluse without getting a bucket, even if I'm alone. Get a fruit plate, you will not regret it. the fruit is all fresh and beautifully presented, and has such a variety. I wish I was a pancake or french toast person, but I just tend to go a little more savory. If you do want to get something of that nature, get the zucchini bread french toast with honey ricotta (its on special right now but will probably be there for another month of so), you will not regret this choice. If you just want to try it get a side of it which is just one piece, which is also cheaper and really all you need. If the huevos rojo is on special, GET IT. Delicious eggs (I get them over medium) topped with a red turkey chili and served with black beans and tortillas. Penny Cluse's bacon is also alarmingly good, as is the chicken apple sausage. if you are in the mood for Lunch... GET THE HAM RANDY. the rocket sauce is out of control, and I mean, I'm obsessed with ham so it really works out well. I love all the Mexican inspired dishes like Chorizo and Egg tacos which I always add cilantro to, and their avocado salsa is off the hook. The Chile Relleno plate is also not to be messed with, so perfect. the ranchero salsa is bomb, perfectly spicy. You can get a side of relleno for $2.50 I believe which is just one chile, and perfect if you want to try it. I could go on all day about penny cluse, about how the servers are all great and so funny, and how one of the the owners calls me mini bucket girl, and he also makes the best bucket of spuds out of anyone who works the line and I aint scurred to let him know that. The atmosphere here is wonderful. I love the eclectic art work (always local and interesting), and I love the coffee. When a breakfast place starts at the basics, like great coffee, you know its the real deal. I would wait all day to get a seat at penny cluse, it is my second home.
(5)
Roy L.
Crowded popular breakfast places almost universally disappoint, since they seem to mostly draw from college students and young professional trying to find a way to kill a morning by hanging out, regardless of how uninspired the food is. But Penny Cluse is the real deal: great food, made from excellent ingredients, great service, and a nice place to enjoy both. Set aside an hour to wait for a table most days though: drop by, get your name on the list, and then walk around town for a bit.
(4)
Meg O.
Two New Yorkers and a Chicagoan stuck up on a mountain in the middle of Route 125 at English Camp had the desire to brunch. Naturally, this meant we drove up to Burlington. Since I don't know Burlington that well, I went onto Yelp and typed in "brunch Burlington, VT." What attracted me to Penny Cluse the most on Yelp, in addition to the overall stellar reviews, was Chad N's review, because, dude, brunch in Chicago is a full-contact sport. We take our brunch seriously, and eat it with much gusto. If there are any fellow Chicagoans reading this, I'd say that Penny Cluse is more of a cross between Over Easy and Flo, than Lula. Well, we can't all be Lula--sigh--but Penny here is good stuff. The wait was going to be 30-45 minutes, but our hostess pointed out that our threesome could sit at the counter immediately. Ravenous and in dire need of coffee, we chose the latter. The coffee here is fantastic, so smooth that I drank my first cup sans cream, which is super rare for me. The only coffee I drink black is my friend Luke's, who roasts his own beans and then brews it French press. There were many delicious options on the menu; my friends and I studied it for quite some time. I was wavering between pozole, the eggs and polenta, the egg and chorizo tacos, and the Zydeco eggs. After much deliberation, I chose the last option, with poached eggs. I also ordered a side of fruit. Dining companion #1 created a goat feta, mushroom, and tomato omelette, and dining companion #2 ordered the eggs and polenta, eggs scrambled. My Zydeco eggs was delicious! Corn bread muffins finer than Wish Bone's (another great Chicago brunch haunt), framed a plate of black beans with an Andouille sausage in the center. Oddly, my poached eggs arrived in separate cups, but they were nicely done, and mixed with the rest of the plate perfectly. And now I must wax poetic on the fruit plate. It had myriad kinds of fruit: cherries, mango, grapefruit, watermelon, cantaloupe, peaches, plums, pineapple, and even fresh figs(!!!) all artfully stacked on a salad plate. Everything was ripe, sweet, and juicy. And this wonder of wonders fruit plate only cost $3.50! I have seen many fruit plates of far inferior quality served for double that price in my brunching days. Even the New Yorkers were way impressed as they partook in its deliciousness. If I lived in Burlington, I would come again. Maybe next time order a bloody mary-which looked delicious, and get some of that herbed gravy that all the Vermonty Pythons rave about. I would like to see more ambitious specials, maybe a salmon scramble or a crab cake benedict, but perhaps they do offer these as specials from time to time. Who knows? Perhaps I'll return before my 6 weeks in VT are up!
(4)
Quinn S.
One of the few Burlington restaurants that holds up to the hype year after year. They open early, they have good specials, they have fun, funky seating, and they are way better than Boogaloos, the restaurant in San Francisco that the owner designed the same menu for. It's worth the wait. Roast Duck Hash=heaven
(5)
Jan M.
The Cluse may not need more reviews--if you live near Burlington and don't know about it, you're not paying attention, if you're visiting, just ask any local--but out of love and appreciation I'll add one more. I moved outside Vermont a few years ago, but every trip back I make sure includes at least one pilgrimage here. It's a breakfast and lunch place, but I need to confess, I stopped seeing the lunch menu a long time ago, no matter what time of day. And although I've sampled most of the breakfast offerings one time or another, and might be tempted by the specials, just two things keep me coming back--besides the great all-around mojo of the place including a top-notch and exceptionally loyal staff. One is the Bucket o' Spuds with an egg over-easy on top. This dish is remarkably simple but it is just about the most beautiful thing that I've ever seen happen to the potato. The bucket is figurative, its a gently heaping pile of potato chunks served on an oval plate, with some melted cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a healthy scoop of solid pico de gallo (they call it salsa, but whatever, its very good), some green onions, and of course the egg. The magic ingredient, what pulls it all together somehow is whatever they add to the potatoes. I've asked about the ingredients, it includes turmeric which gives a distinct golden yellow color, but have not come anywhere close to recreating. I'll just keep thinking that PC has special powers to pull it off so well, so consistently. The other is Mama Cruz's Huevos Rancheros or similar dishes--Zydeco Breakfast, Polenta and Eggs--that all come with black beans and Penny Cluse's singular ranchera sauce. The whole dish shines, but the sauce is the star. I tried many times to approximate this too on my own without much success. I got to talking about it with one of the waittresses once and she brought out the three different types of peppers that they use, a cascabel--small, round, dark plum color (never heard of it), a chipotle (smoked habanero), and a serrano. But after several minutes of pepper talk, she says "and of course you know about the beer right?". I didn't!. One of the original VT microbreweries is McNeill's down in Brattleboro (worth a detour) and they make a "Firehouse Amber" that is great in a glass and even better as the secret ingredient in Penny Cluse's ranchera sauce. Easily one of the best breakfast places on the planet, though it may take a while, or moving away, to appreciate it. Thanks and kudos to talented and committed owners Charles and Holly and their able staff for creating a Vermont institution.
(5)
Tina C.
It's a good place to have lunch. I had tofu salad with ginger dressing, and it was great. Very comfy place, with lots of selections. it's crowded during lunch time, try to go around 11ish, if you don't like to wait in line.
(4)
Jennifer L.
If I lived here I'm sure I'd be eating at Penny Cluse on a regular basis. It's cute inside, service was sweet, it's crowded, but the wait wasn't long and the food is fantastic. It's seriously like the Holy Grail of breakfast/brunch/lunch places. And reasonably priced!! I mauled a good portion of someone else's biscuits and gravy, and ate as much as I could muster of my own delish breakfast sandwich (2 eggs, Vermont cheddar and ham!). Add the fact that I can turn that freshly squeezed tangerine juice into a birthday mimosa and we have achieved perfection. I hope I can make it back for lunch because that onion soup sounded AWESOME. I don't think I'll be able to even go to Boogaloos in SF.
(5)
Chad N.
Wow, what a great place. Recently moved from Chicago and were happy to find a great brunch place (our favorite meal out) Love the unique food menu, and great tasting items. Great staff (have some patience though) The place is a great atmosphere once you are seated. Would have been a 5 if not for the wait. I know that is sometimes an unfair complaint of a restaurant, but the organization of the seating gets annoying. For one the waiting space is smaller then my first dorm room and is in between the sitting customers and the bathroom, so you have people squeezing in the door, going to the bathroom and trying to climb to the front to put their name down with like 2 and a half chairs. I will say it is worth the wait. We are still trying different times to see if they are ever not busy, but only being open until 2 they are ALWAYS packed and at least 30 min wait. Not sure what they can do about it, except maybe move their hostess stand further into the place for room. Again it is worth the trouble getting a table . . . recommended !!!!
(4)
Liz And Clay S.
Its really just an average breakfast place. Standard breakfast that is decent, but it is nothing to write home about. I am confused why people rate it so high? Your money would be better spent at Chefs Corner!
(2)
Polina T.
Great food if you can get a table! A little pricey but the food is plentiful and good quality. I had breakfast... ham,eggs and homemade hash browns.
(4)
Dominique D.
YUMMY! this was a great late lunch with my sister. It was even more special due to the fact we had just gotten tattoos! I had a few great cup of joe and a fish taco. It was fresh and delicious with a few different sides to choose from. SO good! I can't wait to go back and eat there again.
(5)
mike p.
I miss this place more than any other place in Burlington. First, let's deal with the most common criticism: the wait. Yes, it can be long. BUT, it's made much worse if you decide to crowd the lobby. Leave your name with the host and go for a walk. Get a coffee or whatever. It's right off Church street, so don't be stupid and stand around and be like overheated sardines. Other than that, the food's great, and the staff is friendly. Never had a bad meal here. Oh, and the tangerine juice will blow your mind.
(5)
Angie C.
I could not love Penny Cluse more. Everytime I go I am blown away by how perfect and delicious everything is. I've ordered a number of specials and enjoyed them, but my favorite is the two eggs with two biscuits and gravy, with a side of bacon. Cause their bacon is AWESOME.
(5)
Kathryn D.
Arrived with the party of two at 9:30 AM on a Sunday morning and immediately got a table. The restaurant is really pretty and cheerful and has a really interesting menu. In general it's well worth the Price and the food is delicious! The biscuits and gravy are really good with their custom pesto gravy. Also had pumpkin bread French toast and a breakfast burrito which were awesome! Service was fast and they were constantly refilling our coffee. Loved it can't wait to head back to Burlington :)
(5)
Shelly R.
The Penny Cluse breakfast was amazingly herbily delicious. Well worth the wait!
(5)
Kristi P.
This place really is amazing. The downside is the insane wait no matter when you go. If your patient they have this herb gravy that is outa this world! They would get 5 stars if I could ever go there and be seated in under 45 minutes.
(4)
Tony L.
Amazing, fresh, clean, relaxing! Ate here at the beginning of the year, and I have been dying to go back, but I'm just too far away unless I'm on vacation. Go here!
(5)
Natalie M.
Dear Penny, I miss you. We had some good times didn't we? Remember all those mornings, I would stumble in still reeking of Box of Wine or Carlo Rossi or Hot Chocolate & Peppermint Schnapps (if there was a hockey game the night before, natch), and you would feed me, Penny. No questions asked. And for a nominal fee. Was there a wait? You bet. Did I expect it? Absolutely! One can not assume a breakfast as delightful as the ones you prepare to be ready on a moment's notice. I learned how to share. I was totally present that day in Nursery School. Did I still thoroughly enjoy everything you ever put in my face EVER? Yes. Yes, I did Penny. Since moving to back to Boston I have yet to find a breakfast place that even comes close to your succulence. I can't wait to come back and get pancakes and eggs and snausages and home fries and never-ending cup of coffee and the BIGGEST GLASS OF WATER IN CREATION...and OJ. Gotta have the OJ. One Love, Natalie
(5)
Julia W.
Few things could get me out of bed before 11am but breakfast of Penny Cluse. I get homesick just thinking about it :( The gingerbread pancakes are out of this world!
(4)
Zoe A.
The best - absolute favorite place to splurge on a breakfast in Burlington. There is almost always a wait, so if you want to eat here, come early, put your name down and take a stroll up Church Street while you wait for your table. IT'S WORTH IT FOLKS! They bake their own bread and freshly squeeze the juice in house. The potatoes are amazing. Everything is delicious. I can't think of a better way to spend a lazy autumn sunday in vermont.
(5)
Patrick S.
simply the best breakfast ever !!!!
(5)
Xoxo, B.
A friend of ours suggested this restaurant for breakfast while we were visiting Burlington. Our first thought after walking in was .. An hour wait for breakfast? Stfu. And $8 for a breakfast sandwich?? Stfu! But, we decided to stay. The food was delicious. Would I visit again? Maybe.. The prices I still think were outrageous for breakfast food and I would probably check out the Saturday Farmers Market nearby instead.
(3)
Hilary V.
Penny Cluse is worth the long wait. There is usually a long line and the place is packed for breakfast/brunch, but the food is great. My favorite is "The Penny Cluse"--amazing biscuits with herb cream gravy. When in season, they have tangerine juice which is great. The servers are friendly and the service is decent. It's a bit loud when it's crowded, but that never deters me from going :)
(5)
Michael S.
Awesome, awesome, awesome. I cant really say more than that, but i'll try :-) We got to Penny Cluse on a Friday, after trying Magnolia but being rudely turned away. It was a toss-up as to our breakfast spot, so we ended up here. Pure serendipity. We arrived around 7:20ish and the place was already half-full. Good sign. But, we were seated quickly and got coffee just as fast. (Good coffee, too...). Wow, what a menu! Can I have one of everything? But, since we were were dining with our two-year old, we order with him in mind. My wife couldnt decide between the Special French Toast - Zucchini Bread french toast with a honey ricotta, or the omelette with fresh local mozzarella, organic tomatoes, basil and such. When she asked for the waitress' recommendation, she told my wife she could get the omelette, and instead of toast, they could fix her one piece of the special french toast. Sold! How nice and accommodating they were. I got the Bellber combo - 2 eggs scrambled (Soooo good..and soooo fluffy!), 2 gingerbread pancakes and home fries. Awesome potatoes...yellow Yukon Golds with good seasoning and nice crust. Anyway, our two year old got the nicest looking fruit plate this side of Carmen Miranda, and shared some of mine. Oh, and so delicious, we went back Saturday before leaving town. Just as good....almost worth the three hour drive from Albany alone.
Great place for American breakfast in Burlington. I thoroughly enjoyed my thick bacon, fluffy pancakes, eggs over medium (that everyone normally screws up), and real maple syrup.
(4)
Paul L.
We waited 30 minutes for a table but the wait was worth it. The food and service were outstanding..
(4)
Niko X.
Penny Cluse lives up to its hype...without a doubt. It's definitely not the cheapest breakfast place in town, but I feel it's well worth it. The menu is quite unique to Burlington, with a decidedly southwestern take on breakfast. Deliciously unique sandwiches are also served...and the biscuits with herb creme gravy are absolutely not to be missed. There is a bit of a downer to Penny Cluse, which everyone knows is the line on the weekends...but chatting and anticipating is half the fun.
(5)
S R.
I just love Penny Cluse! Great food and decent prices. I always get breakfast there even though they offer lunch items... I just love their tofu scramble with peanut sauce and the Penny Cluse with the biscuits and herb gravy... So good! Their mimosas make me happy too :) staff is also very nice and attentive and quick to check on you. I may have to go today, now that I'm thinking about it! You will not be disappointed. It's worth a wait... Just put in your name and go explore on Church Street for a bit until your table is ready.
(5)
Ryan K.
There's plenty of reviews about this ultimate brunch locale, but I want to echo the positives here and say that this place has it right. It's just homey/comfy enough to make you want to linger and drink coffee all day. Just off of Church St, it's accessible and a worthwhile visit.
(4)
Kevin S.
Definitely a few notches your standard breakfast place. Everything we had was great. Wife and I really enjoyed the bucket of spuds. Wish we had more places like this around us.
(5)
L T.
Really kind of unimpressive. I guess the food is somewhat interesting and a little different than the normal greasy spoon breakfast joint, but the prices are just high enough for me not to care. Also, you have to wait and wait and wait in line and sometimes I leave still hungry. There's a die hard P.C. following out there, so I don't think my review will put a dent in their business, though.
(2)
NP W.
Best Brunch in Burlington! My husband and I visited this place - thanks to all the helpful Yelpers out there. We went early - at 8am on a Sunday when it opened. We didn't wait at all. The coffee was awesome, the corn bread french toast was awesome - the biscuits and gravy - out of this world!!! Worth a six hour drive just for those! Staff wasn't exactly awake at 8am, but they warmed up. Check it out!
(5)
Lisa M.
We had the Bucket o' Spuds, huevos with green chile special, and a custom gingerbread pancake/zucchini bread french toast plate that the waitress kindly suggested when I said I couldn't make up my mind between the two (I liked the pancake better - light and fluffy, with the perfect amount of spice). The coffee was strong and flavorful, and the service was excellent. They were very friendly and went out of their way to accomodate our toddler. We went on a Friday morning and didn't have to wait. We'll definitely return next time we visit Burlington!
(5)
Yonaira C.
By far one of the yummiest breakfast places I have ever eaten. The chorizo breakfast tacos are delish! As is the zydeco breakfast, my personal favorite. I lick my plate clean every time. No trip is complete to Burlington without a visit to penny cluse! The wait is always long, usually 45 minutes even on a Monday but well worth it. Highly recommended.
(5)
Domu A.
I love breakfast. Yes, and I love eggs, but even if I didn't, I'd find something tasty to eat here. Like the tofu scramble...wait...does that have eggs? I think not. Burlington's finest. It is. I wish they didn't butter your toast. Wait, do they butter your toast for you? Eh. Either way, good food, good memories. Go with a friend, and the wait won't seem so long.
(4)
Nick L.
doesn't get much better than this. I take brunch seriously.. and this place ROCKS. Great ingredients, great cooking.. expansive/creative menu selections. Probably the best bacon I've ever had. Top 3 pancakes I've ever had. Solid dark roast coffee. Cannot be beaten for the price. The woman that seated us and worked up front at the counter was really nice and really cute. Our waiter if I remember correctly did a good job but seemed like he wanted to off himself. Anyhow, highly recommend
(5)
ariel d.
i love breakfast. and then i love penny cluse. and then i love about 80% of the women that work there, mostly because i have crushes on all of them. i'd be hard pressed to find a place i love more in burlington. and i don't throw the word love around casually. i went here every friday morning for breakfast before work and if i was running late i would go saturday mornings. the common denominator on both those days is that i go before 930 which is about the time the waits start in pennys. if you wait 30 minutes, that's a short one. their coffee i drank black and it's not often i do that. i always got either the basic breakfast, zydeco, or the mama cruz's and from time to time got something exotic from their list of specials. i slightly regret not trying more on their menu but then again, i always got a great meal from my usuals. if you're coming with a group (which i did often), i always went ahead of the group and put my name on the wait list. then my group would mozie to penny's. it worked because i lived 10 minute walk away. A
(5)
Isaac W.
sorry, i'm only giving it four stars even though i eat here all the time and enjoy the food and feel. the line is usually a little too long, and ever since they switched to local chicken thigh instead of chicken breast from wherever, i don't order my favorite dish. look, i don't care if it's local, i just want my favorite dish back. but anyhow, yeah, it's worth the wait. be patient.
(4)
Michael T.
I waited an hour for this place, and it didn't disappoint. There wasn't much on the menu as far as meat goes, but I'm sure you could find something. I had the biscuits and gravy. Then again, it could be that the food tasted amazing only because I had been eating "Meadowmount School of Music food" for the preceding 4 weeks. But, I doubt that.
(5)
Matthew M.
The best biscuits and gravy of my life I was humbled to enjoy here, after stepping off a brutal red-eye flight. The biscuits were a thousand cuts above Pillsbury, and the chicken gravy was thick but not overly greasy. I left feeling stuffed but not disgusting, and that is a key distinction when it comes to comfort food!
(5)
Anna K.
Friendly staff, fun atmosphere, good food. My only comment is start using organic dairy, eggs, etc...
(4)
Brian C.
This is a burlington breakfast staple. The food is always awesome, the wait is bearable, and the ambiance is unique. This is a good place to go with a small group or a couple. Everything is fresh and very good. Some of the stuff is a little small and the place can be kind of pricey, but you will not leave dissapointed. The special omelet is always good. The servers are very nice and accommodating Great place, highly recomended.
(4)
Jon Z.
I checked yelp for a great place for breakfast, and you guys didn't let me down! Service: Fantastic. Our server was very friendly, kept my coffee cup full and did an all around great job in the busy environment. Atmosphere: Bustling. Like most breakfast places at 9:30 in the morning, this place was packed. It's a little tight in there, but nothing upsetting. It felt bright and happy. Not the best place to go for a conversation (It was a little loud with so many people), but I can't really think of many business in this market that are. Food: W-O-W. I'm the type of guy that likes to try every piece of culture I can get my hands on when I visit a new place... but I can tell you without a doubt, the next time I visit Burlington, I will be going to Penny Cluse. Forget the other guys... haven't tried them, and don't need to. The best breakfast I can remember is at this cafe, and I wouldn't miss another opportunity to eat there. I had the Oatmeal Bread French Toast with Tangerine Curd.... just out of this world. Not too sweet, very flavorful... great portion size. Such a unique take on French Toast that left me perfectly satisfied. The bacon just melted in my mouth; tasted very fresh. My wife had the "Across the Pond;" two eggs over baked beans, marinated mushrooms and sausage. She was a big fan. They even put a lot of pride in their juice... when my wife's orange juice came out, she took a sip and immediately said "Wow, you have to try this." I did, and it tasted like someone had just squeezed an orange at our table into her cup. So fresh. I could go on forever. You won't be disappointed. The menu has a great variety of unique takes on all the breakfast staples you'd expect at a place like this. Now I just need to go back for lunch. Verdict: I signed up to yelp just so I could review these guys. Couldn't be happier.
(5)
Hailey B.
Try the peanut tofu scram or side salad or fresh-squeezed juice or homefries! Everything on this menu rocks.
(5)
A J.
I could not have asked for a more perfect place to eat my last meal in Burlington. Choices, choices, choices. I had the smoked salmon sandwich on wheat with homefries. My toddler had the pork and beans, featuring smoked pulled pork (not hot dogs) but we couldn't pull her away from the eggs, which she never eats at home (go figure). You are sure to find something that you will like on this eclectic, yet approachable menu . Great service. Great breakfast. And you won't break the bank in the process. The 30 min wait on Saturday morning was well worth it. Thanks yelpers for your honest reviews! Keep 'em coming.
(5)
kamel j.
dito to every 5 star review
(5)
Bravo A.
Amazing food. I suggest their "bucket of spuds" and their biscuits with herb butter!
(5)
Kelly G.
Breakfast , to me, was either greasy diner food or Pennycluse (until Magnolia opened, that is) but anyway. Go there before you are starving. There is always always a wait, sometimes an epic wait-- but the proximity to shopping means you can put your name in and wander about a bit before you eat. But if you're starving, go somewhere else because your stomach lining will disolve before you're seated. Once seated, however, the atmosphere is clean and bright, the s taff is courteous, and the food is really good. On my birthday a few years back (oh god, 5 years) I was brought a fruit plate with the fruit formed into a man with a candle in each hand. It was a really sweet gesture. The fresh squeezed orange juice really is fresh and not to be missed.
(4)
Yuan X.
We went on a Wednesday morning so no wait, no lines. The bucket o spud was delicious with all the cheese, tomato salsa and sour cream. Although I think I'd give it more presentation points if it was served in an actual bucket or barrel or something instead of on a plate. Hubby ordered pancakes and sausages, pancakes were big and fluffy and the sausages were juicy. My 3 egg omelet with tomatoes, red onions and mushrooms was just ok, I found it to be a bit bland and pricey for a plain egg omelet, any toppings are extra. But the fruit plate it came with was impressive. All VERY fresh fruits ranging from pineapple slices to plums to strawberries. It was a small plate but usually when these breakfast places say "fresh seasonal fruits" it means chopped up fruits soaked in syrup or from a can. All in all it was a pretty good place to have breakfast.
(3)
Mari S.
Yes, this is a nice breakfast place, it is packed and overrun on most weekends when I attempt to come. However, the food is always good, like always good, and I must say that I prefer their pancakes (gingerbread especially) to their french toast.
(5)
Jillian B.
OK, so we all know that the wait is long, but here's an idea: wake up, roll out of bed, go to Penny's, give your name to the hostess, and head over to Church Street. Grab a coffee, do some window shopping, and before you know it - viola! Your table awaits...they're even good about giving you a table when you come late and they'd already called your name. Items you MUST order: -fresh squeezed tangarine juice -egg & cheese Sandwich, comes on sourdough (it's only $3.50) -the Cucumber salad
(5)
Erin L.
GET THE POTATOES!!! Everything my husband & I had here was superb, but nothing could ever beat the "bucket-o-spuds"!!! The fresh squeezed grapefruit juice was delicious. It's a small place so be prepared to wait a little while, but it's well worth it. We'll be back next time we're in VT!
(5)
CKYelp Y.
This place is great if you're into happiness and delicious food. Sure there's usually a wait, but I think that's a good thing. When we lived in Burlington, we couldn't wait for our out-of-town friends to visit us because that's always were they'd want to go for breakfast. Now, it's always where we want to go for breakfast when we visit. I recommend the gingerbread pancakes and anything involving the maple walnut butter.
(5)
C M.
Very good restaurant for breakfast. Gets VERY busy on the weekends.
(4)
J F.
I've eaten here a few times now, and my last trip solidified my love for it. We lucked out in terms of wait time - got there around noon on a Thursday and only had a ten minute wait. I knew I wanted the biscuits and herb cream gravy, but at $3.50 I figured it wouldn't be enough to fill me up, so I ordered a small fruit plate as well, also $3.50. I was totally wrong about the biscuits and gravy being too small to fill me up - it was perfect! The gravy was so delicious and savory, I've been craving it every since. I still can't get over the great price! Even thought it was enough to fill me up, I'm glad I ordered the fruit plate, because it was impressive. A slice of watermelon, a slice of cantaloupe, sliced plum, pear, pineapple, mango and a sweet yummy date. The service was attentive and friendly and the atmosphere was great. My only complaint is that the herb gravy isn't one of the recipes they share on their website!
(5)
Chica B.
My favorite spot in Burlington for breakfast. But be prepared to wait for at least an hour if you go on the weekend and you're with a friend or two.
(5)
Layla P.
I felt it was necessary for me to get the gingerbread pancakes since I read about them somewhere, and yes I was glad I did although I may always wonder what their french toast is like. The bf got an egg and cheese burrito with beans which was mediocre and did not have much flavor. The place is popular and has a cute atmosphere, worth a stop unless you hear of a better place in town.
(3)
Justin C.
This is my favorite place to have breakfast in Burlington, VT. The menu is eclectic but not too crazy that it does not resemble a traditional breakfast. Things like gingerbread pancakes, polenta, and herbed gravy all make the traditional breakfast unique and exciting. Try the bucket-of-spuds. A heaping mound of potatoes topped with sour cream, salsa and an egg (if you choose). It's sure to be the only meal you eat for the entire day. Warning, if you go on a weekend get there early (they open at 8). Waits of 45 minutes plus are not uncommon.
(5)
Ericka C.
I went here a few years ago. I liked it, but the line is always so long! It's sort of a coin toss whether it's worth the wait or not.
(4)
Dana C.
Oh Pennycluse, how I miss thee. Boogaloo's and its teeny tiny portions just doesnt compare! I'll be back someday, and you can bet I'll be ordering the chicken and biscuits.
(5)
Thomas M.
Had two of the large sausages with potato salad and beets. Wow what a combination. If you are a fan of European breakfasts, especially the Bravarian kind this is the dish. It brings back memories of Octoberfest hung over food for the brave. Very tasty dish. Service very good. Clean place and many locals. Will come back if wver in the area.
(4)
Loubli B.
We aren't regulars, but we did stop by when in burlington (because of wonderful yelp reviews :) You could tell that many were daily customers, who the waitress greeted by name with a smile. We got the pesto tofu scramble, hot granola in milk, and biscuits... the potatoes were the best of the scramble and the granola was delicious- not too sweet, tasted sort of like wholesome arroz con leche. great veg options, but the waitress seemed a little impatient with us as we confronted the menu for the first time. Would be great if they were open for dinner, and it was a little pricey.
(4)
Adam S.
This is THE place to be....if you want to watch the hostess give your table away to people who came in after you and whom you watched put their name on the list. Even better was watching her seat her friends in the window, without putting their name down AT ALL. And then there was the time I asked, while waiting, if we could grab the two open seats at the counter and was told "they'll clean it in a minute and then I'll call it out" only to have someone approach her (no joke) 10 seconds later and ask the same thing and she says "oh yeah, go right ahead and have a seat!" REALLY!? Food was okay, prices were on the right side of fair, but with the experience I had getting seating I will NEVER return. I've had better customer service at McDonald's.
(2)
Meredith B.
Expect to wait for a table but once you're in, it's worth it! Great selection sure to please anyone you're with of all ages and tastes. They're usually great about food allergies/sensitivities. Whatever you do, get the fruit plate - it's the best "fruit on the side" I've ever had. No sad melon and grapes here - big slices of all kinds of fruits.
(5)
Erika M.
The food was very, very good but crazy-overpriced for breakfast, and I'm not sure if it was worth the wait for the really slow and unfriendly service. Understandably the wait is a little longer for food because it's all made from scratch and to-order, but even more of a reason to have the staff be a bit friendlier and more attentive. The staff was dismissive and annoyed at the customers at best. The biscuits and gray were off the charts yummy. The polenta and eggs was scrumptious. The banana bread was great too, but almost $5 for a slice? Come on. We've been there once and were glad to have had the experience, but won't go back again. Even the best food isn't worth having to put-up with lousy service from servers who don't want to be bothered. It's a shame.
(3)
Mike D.
Get here for breakfast if you can, all the food is amazing. Unbelievable taste. Never a bad time. Such a great place!
(5)
Cynthia B.
Yes! This place is everything the yelpers say about it. So glad we got a chance to dine here on July 6th. We had cornbread french toast with rhubarb compote and gingerbread pancakes. Both really good. We were lucky, told 20 minute wait and it was less then 5.
(5)
GG C.
This place is amazing! Best breakfast/lunch in Burlington, hands down, every time!
(5)
Elissa L.
I'd always been curious about Penny Cluse and had only seen it from the outside for years. It looks a little like a deli style restaurant (in that you go up to a counter and order) but it's actually a sit-down restaurant. I went on my own but I still really enjoyed my meal! I had their chicken pot pie with biscuits and it was really creamy and tasty and hit the spot when I went in winter. I didn't have too much time to eat out and was pleased when my meal was brought to me very timely. I'd love to come back and see more!
(4)
Alex V.
This is a great place to grab lunch or breakfast. We stopped in here for breakfast and it was excellent. I really enjoyed the huevos rancheros, but my wife's biscuits and gravy were probably the highlight of the trip. Great service, and a welcoming atmosphere.
(5)
Sheera V.
So this is tricky, since the food is really fantastic, but service is crappy. Took like 15 minutes for our waitress to take our order, and even longer to get our food. I understand they do everything fresh and from scratch but I had to wait until the food came to have the waitress to check in on us so I can order more coffee. I would still recommend it, as the food is really delicious.
(4)
Alice P.
I went here after reading rave reviews and got the gingerbread pancakes. I didn't feel that it lived up to its hype. First of all, the wait time is ridiculous. I waited 45 minutes for 2 seats at the bar. Then we had to wait another 15-20 minutes to actually get our food after we ordered. They're just so busy. The customer service wasn't great. Of course this was during brunch time on a weekend. Better luck on a weekday. Secondly, the food isn't anything special to me. The pancake was fluffy but it wasn't memorable nor did it make me want to return. I much prefer the colorful and somewhat exotic food at magnolias down the street which doesn't have a wait time and a calm atmosphere. Now for what I did enjoy about the place. I think the ambience was good. It's very casual and noisy. However, I do much prefer the quieter and secluded feel of magnolias. I like the prices because they don't break the bank and you can get a good meal under $10. I won't be returning though unless I can get in without a super ridiculous wait.
(3)
Lauren C.
If you are not sure where to grab breakfast in Burlington, definitely stop in at Penny Cluse cafe, we got the mexican scrambled tacos for breakfast and each ordered a can of Heady Topper (best. ipa. ever, seriously.) Do it!
(5)
Paul R.
Go early in the morning or prepare to wait. You cannot get a bad meal. Bring your empty stomach because you will be full when you leave. I had a breakfast burrito with a side of hash. I could have done just with the burrito. All of the ingredients are fresh , the decaf coffee was great, a wonderful Sunday morning treat with my son. Go for the food-go for the food- Get the idea? VERY reasonable prices.
(5)
Alessandro F.
A classic american breakfast with an organic, mouth watering twist. Better than places I have had in bigger cities.
(5)
Tia B.
Great breakfast! Everything was prepared and seasoned very well. Wouldn't bother going anywhere else for breakfast the next time I'm in Burlington!
(4)
Alison L.
Stopped here after flying in to Burlington.. (en route to killington) as it's a few min drive from the airport. It was New Years day.... there was a short wait (but the wait doubled maybe 10 min after we arrived, so I guess rule of thumb, arrive early, and be prepared to wait). Had the apple French toast (special of the day)-- the sausage and turkey patties were amazing... honestly, all of the food was great. I wish I could've ordered 5 more items off the huge menu. If I ever go back to VT (or when), I definitely will stop here again
(5)
Sam N.
First meal while traveling to Burlington from Austin, TX. My partner ordered the biscuits & gravy a Southern staple we are both experts on. Holy s*%!, how is it possible that this place knocked the pants off of any biscuits & gravy we've ordered back home. & trust me, we've probably eaten this dish hundreds of times in our lives. The gravy was fantastic, a green herby color with just exceptional flavor. The biscuits were buttery and golden, perfect for soaking up the delicious liquid paradise of gravy. I will dream of this for years probably. I ordered the breakfast club sandwich.. the bacon inside the omelet was cut up in thick cubes, which honestly I've never had, but thought to myself how genius? The eggs were cooked to perfection. Some may ask you can you f*&! up a scrambled egg, but it happens all the time & these eggs were just perfectly wet. I had the potato salad on the side & it paired nice, the capers were a good touch. Back to the gravy though, I could probably drink that stuff.. we'll be back before our vacation is over. I'm tempted to just order a side of gravy to take home & analyze how to recreate it. Thanks for existing!
(5)
Jaclyn G.
If you come here on a weekend, be prepared to wait! We came one morning and left when they reported a 1hr wait and when we came the next day, we ended up waiting 45min for a table. It seemed like a long time, but people had said really good things. The food ended up being pretty good. I got a platter with french toast and eggs while my date had platter of eggs and sausage. The service was good, but since the place was so crowded, you got the feeling things were a bit hectic.
(4)
Susie S.
Oh mah gahd. I want to move to Vermont based on this breakfast alone. A bright and cozy spot downtown, you won't be waiting in one of those obscene lines if you're an early riser! Coffee was yummy, and it always warms my heart when I get ice water without asking. The staff was friendly and kept refills coming frequently. As for the food, I had the chorizo and egg tacos. Two tacos in corn tortillas, with delicious beans, sour cream, and salsa on the side. The homemade avocado salsa gets its own sentence. It was to die for. I wish I could've bought a jar. Don't miss out on this delicious spot!
(5)
Kyle W.
Wow. One of the best brunch places I've ever been to inside or outside VT! Large menu offers a variety of healthy options for vegetarians and meat eaters. Food is fresh and comes fast. Reasonable prices and a comfortable, homey decor. It gets packed at peak times but worth the wait. A Burlington staple.
(5)
A L.
Not worth all the hype or a long wait, but the food was creative and well prepared, and the staff was wonderful.
(4)
Tenzin G.
Pretty good food and a nice atmosphere. It was really busy with a nice well lit dining area. The food was rather expensive, no regular breakfast option so if you want eggs and meat you'll have to pay an extra 3.50 for meat. Foods not quite good enough for the price, but does seem like quality ingredients which is good.
(3)
Georges T.
Great brunch place. Had the salmon club sandwich with a bloody marry. Everything was delicious. The service was extremely friendly and quick! Highly recommended!
(5)
Rebecca M.
Generous servings, and very attentive wait staff. I have tried a few different dishes here, and always leave happy and full :)
(5)
Becky U.
Great location and setting. The food and service were amazing!!! The tofu scramble with pesto-salsa ranchero are what breakfast dreams are made of.
(5)
Sarah A.
I've heard nothing but great things about Penny Cluse, so I finally decided to take the plunge and go. I've been a few times over the course of the past month or so and I'd wholeheartedly recommend it! The first time, I went by myself and got Chicken and Biscuits, which were incredible. The service left a little to be desired (nobody checked up on me after I got my food and then they dropped my check without asking if I needed anything else), but the server may have just been having an off day. Both of the other times I went, the service was grand! I had the Huevos Verdes, which were great, and the Bucket of Spuds, which was to DIE for. The only I wasn't really impressed with was the gingerbread pancakes, which were a bit soggy. Otherwise, fantastic place!
(5)
M D.
Great place for a delicious breakfast, good coffee and friendly service. It is always busy! Bring your appetite as portions are generous.
(5)
Dee H.
This is a classy joint. I'm more of a Henry's Diner person, but what beats it is the classy decor, top notch waitstaff, and presentation of the food. Altogether, this place needs to be given a 100%. Note that I still wouldn't wait more than 20 minutes for a table (wouldn't do it for most places if I can throw together something wonderful myself in the same amount of time). The wait was not bad during a week day morning around 9.
(5)
Joscelyn B.
Visited for breakfast our first morning in town. I ordered the biscuits and herb gravy along with an order of homefries. Gravy was cold and the biscuits were not very fresh, but the homefries were amazing. I also got orange juice that was decent. My boyfriend got the yogurt and granola with fruit. The fruit and granola was amazing but the yogurt was very sour. We think we would have enjoyed a lot more had we gotten different things. The coffee cups were always full and the wait staff was nice.
(4)
Jessica W.
Favorite spot in Burlington when I was at UVM. Great food and wonderful memories. Long wait during peak hours, but worth the wait. Gravy and biscuit would be my first choice for new diners.
(5)
Todd B.
I enjoyed this charming cafe in Burlington this morning, and it was an idealic setting for my trip. The breakfast menu was quite diverse with a lot of unique and interesting "takes" on traditional breakfast like gingerbread pancakes and herb sausage and gravy. There also are a lot of Mexican options. I was nicely served by a lot of hipsters, and they kept my coffee mug full. I chose the chorizo and egg tacos with really flavorful salsa. I really enjoyed them -- but I'll have to admit that I'm just kind of in the mood for old fashioned breakfast when I'm in Vermont. I would choose otherwise next time on those grounds, but my food was excellent and plentiful for sure. Loved the place.
(4)
Stephanie C.
One of the best breakfasts I have ever had. The biscuits with gravy are amazing, as well as the pancakes. I usually do not eat pancakes, but they literally melted in our mouth! Our experience here was also awesome. The server was constantly refilling our water and coffee and she was very quick to wait on us and bring the bill.
(5)
Laura B.
By far the best breakfast spot in Burlington! The bucket-o-spuds are delicious and the chorizo and egg tacos are a party in your mouth. Great service too!
(5)
Mieko O.
Arriving just minutes after opening (8am) on Sundays is your best bet to get a seat without pressure.
(4)
Ann T.
Penny Cluse was another one of my accidental discoveries. Located on Cherry and S. Winooski, this breakfast/brunch/lunch place is in the heart of the action and only a few feet away from the awesome Church Street. The first thing I should tell you: you will wait for a table - but it will be well worth it. On their menu, you will find a variety of items, none of which fit a particular 'theme' or style. You can go for healthy by ordering a fresh smoothie with the smoked salmon plate or Tofu scram, or totally pig out on the Huevos Rancheros or 'Across the Pond' plate (2 eggs any style with our fresh pork sausage, smoky baked beans, griddled tomatoes & marinated mushrooms). Their lunch menu is equally to die for, showcasing nom-noms like Roasted Pepper & Egg Tacos (Fire roasted red, green & poblano peppers scrambled with eggs in soft corn tortillas with jack cheese, black beans & avocado salsa). Whatever you pick, you can't go wrong. HOWEVER..... no meal is complete with a side of Mac & Cheese. I've had it for breakfast, it's just THAT good. If you want to keep it simple, they also offer salads and sandwiches. Based on my conversation with one of the wait staff, everything is sourced locally and made with love. How can you go wrong?
(5)
Billy T.
One of the go to brunch spots in Burlington, Penny Cluse does a good job of delivering a relatively unique brunch experience. Most of the food here goes with the fresh, farm to table atmosphere of Burlington, while still offering comfort foods that make you feel all warm inside and want to go to sleep. I've been here a number of times and its one currently one of my preferred spots for brunch. Oddly enough, my favorite thing here isn't a brunch item. Its the chicken and biscuits. In my opinion, its the best deal to be had here. For 3.5 or 6 (small or large), you get a nice hearty serving of fluffy biscuit with chicken gravy. I like "stick to your ribs" kind of food and this definitely qualifies. The biscuit is soft and full of poof, while the gravy is surprisingly light and packed with earthly stew flavor. Of the brunch selections, i've had the zucchini bread as a side and the penny cluse. The penny cluse is a standard breakfast with eggs, homefries and biscuits. The headliner of the dish, in my opinion, is the herb gravy. A thicker and creamier version of the gravy on the chicken and biscuit, it generally amps up the flavors of the breakfast. The zucchini is very well done. Dense, but still moist. It allows the natural sweetness of the zucchini to really come. I will definitely be coming in the future to try more of the menu. I'm especially interested in the gingerbread pancakes and the cinnamon raisin french toast
(4)
Wendy O.
My husband and I can't say enough about this restaurant. Every time we head to Burlington we stop at Penny Cluse for breakfast. And every time we have the same order. I have the peanut tofu scramble (amazing) and my husband has the Penny Cluse. Their drinks are delicious (loved my mango mimosa) and my husband loves their bloody mary's. We can't get enough of this spot!
(5)
N G.
Four stars for food, two stars for service. Tasty meals, nice place, but the service is dismissive at best. Completely ignored by waiters for a good long while. Food came, no utensils, had to ask for them. Coffee served, no cream, had to ask. Butter? Ask. Jam? Ask... but before I had time to use said jam, it was spirited away to another table, and I had to ask again (I guess there was a two-minute time limit on the jam). Half way through my meal, server asks me if I need a box. I'm confused, because... still eating? Overall a very disjointed, uncomfortable, unfriendly experience. And just to clarify, I'm not a drunk, smelly, bearded hobo. I'm a middle-aged, decent-looking, well-dressed, educated person who always tips at least 20% and uses words to communicate. I dunno... maybe stop hiring UVM students who clearly don't want to be there?
(3)
Meredith K.
Worth the wait! Delish breakfasts :)
(4)
BJ B.
I had breakfast here and I must say it was excellent! The buttermilk pancakes were extremely tasty and the pure Vermont maple syrup complimented them well. The bacon was cooked just the way I like it, not too crunchy yet not too chewy. The only reason I am rating this a four star is that the coffee was not the best I've ever had. Other than that, this is place is certainly worth a shop for breakfast!
(4)
Chris S.
Ask a local where they eat breakfast and everyone in Burlington seems to point towards Penny Cluse. They've picked a great spot. This place excels in providing excellent breakfast combined with great service in a relaxed and homey atmosphere. The most challenging part is deciding what to choose off the menu. Watching servers cart tasty dishes to other customers while you order makes it even more challenging. I'm not a pancake guy. They are normally too doughy for me. Meanwhile, I asked for a single gingerbread pancake with my meal and it was perfect and actually gleamed with gingerbread flavor. Excellent! The main course came in the form of roasted turkey hash. My parents are big on corned beef hash and this sounded healthier, so I tried it. It was made with sweet potatoes diced in with the regular potatoes and was flavorful and darn good. Even the toast that came with it seemed fresh and local, rather than having been in a freezer for months. For breakfast, this is the spot!
(5)
Craig B.
When we stay in Burlington this is a must for breakfast. There taco egg plate is to die for. Great service and excellent with kids.
(5)
Tom M.
Excellent food. Gingerbread pancakes and a coffee
(5)
Mary L.
Located in downtown Burlington, Penny Cluse is very clean and inviting on a cold winter day. The wait was about 40 minutes though I noticed regulars were stopping in to put their name in and returning after some errands. We ended up sitting on the counter as my stomach couldn't handle another minute of foodless wait. We sat and the man working the counter quickly filled our cups with coffee (and was very efficient throughout doing so!). We had the biscuits and gravy to start, the boy ordered the chorizo and egg taco plate, and I ordered the huevos rancheros. The highlight for us was the biscuits and gravy -- they herb cream gravy was delicious though maybe slightly undersalted but nothing I couldn't fix myself. The two breakfast plates were yummy and, in my opinion, the salsa ranchero with the beans were to die for!
(5)
Gerry L.
Very good homestyle breakfast. A little pricey, but it seems like all food is pricy here. Wife had an egg sandwich, she loved it. I had basic egg breakfast. Fresh made bread, very good. Eggs cooked well. Pantries, some of the best I've ever eaten. FYI - they are cooked with onions. Bacon was very smoky flavored, not how I like my bacon. But if you like that they were cooked well. My son had the pancakes, said they were good but not the best he's had. Only bad thing about the meal - not real orange juice. I love OJ with breakfast so a little let down for me.
(4)
Phil D.
This place is awesome! Really amazing breakfast and lunch dishes (sandwiches, etc. served anytime). The hash browns and rotating specials are my favorite. Often times I find some mexican influences on the specials board..like pork pozole. YUM! Only downside is the super long line. There have been times when I want pennycluse but the line is just not worth it. When this happens, we will end up at Lucky next door (almost as good for sandwiches - and no wait usually) or another breakfast place around downtown. Hit this during the off hours and you will be amazed. Service is great, food is fantastic. 4 stars because of their wait times.
(4)
Rose K.
Warm and inviting on a cold winter day, Penny Cluse cafe serves up classic breakfasts such as French toast, pancakes, eggs, and soups that will fill your belly and prepare you for walking back out into the snow. The wait was about half an hour, but the hostess was sweet and made the suggestion that we could have a cup of coffee or hot chocolate at the coffeehouse next door while we waited. Which was an excellent idea. Wooden birdhouses line the walls as decoration, and the large windows let the welcome sunlight in. The waitstaff was friendly and prompt, and was very helpful in identifying whether each dish could be made dairy-free or not. The apple french toast was delicious, as was the chorizo and egg taco plate. Everything was fresh and delicious, and we could serve ourselves heaping portions of Vermont Maple Syrup to go with the french toast (and whatever else we wanted to dip in syrup). Perfect Vermont winter brunch :)
At 10 a.m. on a Thursday and had to wait to sit at the bar...only 10 minutes, but this is said to let you know how busy this place is. I had the chorizo and egg tacos, very good. Served with a huge portion of black beans. Great service at the bar. Wish I had come with someone, really wanted to try the gingerbread pancakes everyone talks about, but there was no way I could justify ordering two entrees :)
(3)
Dustin D.
As others said this place is well worth the wait. We had brunch here and it was great! Excellent service and a delicious meal. We had a mimosa with fresh squeezed juice and a very unique Bloody Mary. The omelette plate was fantastic with fresh grilled baguette. Banana pancakes were amazing as were the biscuits and herbed cream. The maple syrup and strawberry jam were outstanding as well. We will definitely be back next time we are in Burlington.
(5)
Claudia S.
Great breakfast spot in south Vermont. Pretty small cafes so there was a wait, but nothing too terrible. The pancakes were great, which are sometimes hard to come by. Homefries were also delicious! I had the bellber combo which is two pancakes or french toast served with 2 eggs and a side of either homefries, bacon, sausage or ham. I would come back here for breakfast again if I am in the area
(4)
Mark F.
Great breakfast before our UVM campus tour. My daughter could only get halfway through their namesake offering. The sauce on the Penny Cluse was awesome. My Zydeco was very good. The andouille sausage was really we'll spiced. A real treat to have fresh squeezed grapefruit juice. Worth the wait.
(5)
Dan B.
Fish Tacos were killer, love the Mexican style breakfast choices definitely the way to go. Freshest breakfast joint in town
(5)
Gordon R.
The best brunch food in Burlington. Good selection and excellent presentation. The menu screams "feel good breakfast". You'll wait for it though. No matter what. You'll wait for it. The service could be better trained on execution and attentiveness - but it's brunch and reasonably priced. So I'm definitely a fan!
(4)
Greg C.
Visited the Penny Cluse Cafe for breakfast with my sons. All the food was excellent and we had no waiting on a weekday during slow season (late Feb). The boys had thick fluffy pancakes and french toast and I had the egg tacos. Service was outstanding -- my coffee never got low or cold :) The menu offered traditional breakfast items, sandwiches, etc. along with some more interesting fare that you don't typically see. My egg tacos were served in warm corn tortillas, avocado salsa, and black beans.
(4)
Ryan M.
Awesome got the penny Cluse dish and the smoked salmon, bring your appetite food portions are large. Would come back expect a wait but it's worth it.
(4)
Evan W.
Awesome food. But after attemping to go there on 5 other occasions with a few friends over the past year, there has been a 1.5+ hour wait everytime. I would love to go there again but waiting that long for breakfast/brunch is rediculous. Reservations would help...
(3)
Storm M.
Pennycluse is a Burlington must. Breakfast with a Mexican flare, Pennycluse has a little something for everyone. Although the line is sometimes a little long, it's well worth the wait. I believe the long line stands as a testament to the great service and outstanding cuisine.
(4)
Nicole R.
Penny Cluse is a go to for breakfast or lunch. I have never had a bad meal or service there. The wait can be long for a table at times and you sometimes leave smelling like a diner - but it is all worth it!
(4)
Jeff M.
I dropped in late in the day with my 8 year old daughter. We sat at the bar area and were greeted by a friendly waiter who gave us just the right amount of time to figure out what we would be ordering. My daughter got the blueberry pancakes and decieded to use their seemingly homemade strawberry jam instead of syrup, because it tasted so good to her! I got the Peanut-Ginger tofu scramble which tastes fantastic. While eating multiple waiters and waitresses engaged us in some light conversation which made us feel really welcome. I know from previous visits that you can sometimes wait awhile to get into Penny Cluse and I'd like to tell you it is well worth the wait!
(5)
Nick J.
I'd like to try and order something other than the Penny Cluse sometime but I can't bring myself to order anything else because I love it too much. Biscuits & gravy are one of my favorites at a breakfast joint but they're hard to come by. The biscuits & gravy here are vegetarian and absolutely phenomenal. I have tried their gingerbread pancakes & they were also incredible. This is one of my favorite breakfast restaurants ever!
(5)
Holly Z.
Hands down the best place for breakfast in Burlington!!
(5)
Forrest M.
I'm an eggs benedict person. Penny Cluse does not have eggs benedict. The other things I've tried have been okay -- definitely not worth the wait on weekends.
(3)
Rachel L.
Oh, my dearest Penny Cluse. My long-lost love... After living in Vermont for 9 years and then relocating to NYC, not a night goes by where I do not dream of your Sleepy Nate's Biscuits and Gravy. My once several-times-weekly indulgence is now but a memory. Arguably living in one of the food Meccas, I haven't yet found anything that comes close to satiating my taste buds like your dreamy biscuits along with a glass of tangerine juice. If I won the lottery, I would pay someone to overnight me these delicacies every day. Siiiiigh. I miss those biscuits. My heart is empty every day that passes and my unrequited love just grows.
(5)
Konstantin L.
These guys are the Burlington hotspot, when we came Saturday morning around 1030am, we stepped in to a long waiting list and a 1 hour wait, so we left and ate at Panera bread, which was almost empty. We decided to wake up earlier Sunday and come by early - so we got there about 15 minutes before the doors opened and still had people in front of us, but got seated right away. The tables already had ice cold water setup and our waiter was around in a few minutes with coffee :). I had the "across the pond" with the sausage and a side of the toasted sourdough and an apple juice. The wife had a standard breakfast with home fries and fresh squeezed orange juice. Everything was delicious and as perfect as I've had. Service was very good, for such a busy place, and the whole experience made it clear to me why they are so well rated and why so many people wait in line to eat here. Very well done!
(5)
Kate P.
Order their ginger pancakes. They are simply the BEST! They're also known for their fish tacos. Can't go wrong here.
(5)
Teale E.
Hands down my favorite breakfast place ever. Everything I've ever tried on their menu is phenomenal. My favorite is the bucket of spuds with a side of avocado salsa, will seriously rock your world. Every time I'm in Burlington I make sure to eat here! Plus the inside is so cute and very Vermonty.
(5)
Eileen T.
We have been living in Burlington for about 5yrs now, and the consistency of the food here is pretty great. I love the breakfast chorizo and egg tacos. The green salsa is amazing, and coffee is excellent. Service is always great, the place is usually packed but we found if you get there about 7:45am on a Sunday, you will be able to get in on first seating if your an earlybird ;-)
(5)
Jane G.
This place is consistently delicious. Fresh ingredients and creative and delicious recipes. Fresh squeezed juices. Mexican flair to many selections. They offer hearty portions of everything. There is often a wait for breakfast, but it is definitely worth it. I've had breakfast twice, and loved it both times. Try the busquits and herb gravy! Fantastic! They have lunch options too.
(5)
Porsche B.
One of the best breakfast places around! WARNING: if you're planning a visit on a weekend (or on a major day off), either get there early, or be prepared to wait a while. Good bottomless coffee, an interesting menu, hands down THE BEST turkey sausage I've ever had - and it's house-made! Oh, and the pancakes are fantastic, too. The decor simple but charming. My favorite area to sit is the "upstairs" (you go up maybe 5 steps). It has a bird theme, which I like to think is because that room is higher than the rest of the restaurant, but maybe that's me trying to make too many connections. Either way, the place is very tastefully decorated without seeming clumsy or confusing. The staff? Not overly cordial, which I appreciate, because personally I don't care to be barraged by in-your-face friendliness anytime of day, especially first thing in the morning. But that's not to say the staff is rude; in fact, they are far from it. They seem to have the perfect balance of cheerfulness and nonchalance. It's great. Oh, yeah. If you order something that comes with maple syrup, you get a legit small bottle of it, not just a one-ounce portion like many other places do. What!! Honestly, you really don't have to read all the reviews to learn how fantastic this place is. Just go - you'll enjoy it.
(5)
Grace C.
Best lunch/brunch spot in the entire world! I've had almost everything on the menu and I can safely say every item is nothing short of exquisite. Some of my favorite items include the garlicky kale quesadillas, marinated tofu salad, zydeco breakfast, chicken thighs and orzo, the tofu randy, and so many more. The staff is kind and helpful and you can modify any item on the menu to your liking. You really can have it all at Penny Clues!
(5)
John C.
There is always a long wait (1 hour+) at this place which would be warranted if there was better food and service. I ordered the rib special for $13. I wish I had known that a rib special means 3, count them 3, short ribs. The title should have been, "beans, muffins and 3 ribs" that would've been more accurate. Also, the waitress cleared our table and dropped off the check without asking if we would like anything else. We were going to order pie as the portion sizes left us still hungry but instead we cut our losses and left. Typical Burlington, mediocre food and service at high prices.
(3)
Angie V.
While visiting from Wisconsin, a Vermonter friend recommended this place. The Penny Pickler is one of the most delicious bloody marys I've had. We enjoyed seeing so many healthy selections on the menu. My fish tacos were yummy and my husband really dug the ham randy.
(5)
Peyton W.
I love breakfast at Penny Cluse! Even though it is pricey and the wait to sit can feel like eternity, I have left in an amazing mood after every visit. Even the coffee is outstanding. One day, I had a zucchini bread french toast, and another day a super fluffy and buttery waffle. The specials are something to keep an eye out for because they are always out of this world. My regards to the chef! Eat at Penny Cluse!
(4)
Dana W.
Best. Breakfast. Ever. Went every morning of our last trip to Burlington and never ran out of delicious things to try. Lots of good breakfast dishes, many with a Mexican/Latin twist, but good lunch options too. This is one place I wouldn't miss when in Burlington.
(5)
Colleen G.
Unique food and polite staff despite some very rude and impatient patrons.
(4)
Erin W.
i had always heard that Penny Cluse was good but had a long wait for weekend breakfasts. I didn't realize how long. Our 45-60 minute wait easily was closer to 90 minutes. Apparently that's "not a bad wait time" there either. It's a cute and clean cafe. The menu is decent. The coffee is alright, about middle of the road--not too strong, not too weak. I did like the gingerbread pancakes and the portions were quite generous given the price. The "bucket o'spuds" was a fairly large portion but the potatoes were a bit mushy. I'm not a huge home fry lover, but if I'm going to eat them, they've got to be crispy a bit. Service was suprisingly quick for how busy they were...our waitress was pretty nice too. Very prompt coffee refills, which I appreciated a lot.
(4)
Brian M.
Visited with my girlfriend. Really long wait (especially for a weekday mid morning) but totally worth it. I had the zydeco breakfast - which was very well seasoned. GF had something with an amazing polenta cake in it. Breakfast potatoes were excellent with fried onions. They have a standard Bloody Mary but I went with the penny pickler - which was tasty but a little spicier than I normally want (which says a lot). Having said that it's very tasty - perfect for those who like a thick BM. I joked that next time I was going to stop at McDonald's for a milkshake straw an the way.
(5)
Bryan S.
Food is A+. Waitstaff are friendly and wear a real smile when working. The only thing holding this place from a solid 5 star is the small menu.
(4)
Bridgette A.
Good food and great fresh squeezed juice. Although it's over run by college students and there is always an hour or more wait so I never come here anymore. Especially on a weekend morning. But if you do get the chance, it is a great breakfast spot with a lot of local grown food and great portion sizes.
(4)
Jen M.
The food is really good here, unfortunately that isn't a secret and the wait times are very long. It is also incredibly loud there and doesn't have a very relaxing atmosphere, you pretty much eat and go, not a good place to relax and socialize, but the food is great.
(3)
Anna E.
Penny Cluse makes me want to move to Burlington ASAP. Love. this. place. A friend and former Burlington resident brought me and a few others here for brunch on Saturday and it was both love at first sight + bite for all of us. Everything was phe(nom)enal! From the first to last sip of the full bodied coffee, to the bold, spicy, zesty Bloody Mary that a friend ordered (I stole a couple sips and had total beverage envy), to the food. Oh, the food! There were so many delicious looking items on the specials board and the regular menu. I wanted to order everything. True to form, my indecisive nature got the best of me so to satisfy my need for variety the waitress suggested I get a few different sides that struck my fancy. I ordered the side of polenta, the tofu scram with peanut ginger sauce, and a fresh fruit plate. This turned out to be an excellent decision. Food arrived after a short wait. I was immediately taken with the beauty of my friend's Yogurt & Granola with fruit on top. It was truly a magnificent sight of bright red sliced strawberries, pieces of banana, and apple slices on top of a layer of crunchy granola atop a bed of yogurt. She seemed to really enjoy it. Another friend ordered the Smoked Bluefish Hash off the specials menu. If you are a smoked fish fan and this item happens to be available, I implore you to order it. This was a swoon-worthy dish, so perfect and tasty that I stole several more bites before I tucked into my own dishes. I'm grateful for her generosity. Another beautiful sight worth mentioning was my fresh fruit platter that was unlike any I have seen in the past. The variety! The freshness! A slice of fresh watermelon, a slice of cantaloupe, a slice of grapefruit, a couple of strawberries, slices of mango, slices of pineapple, and slices of apples gracefully adorned the plate. Fruit plates do not get better than this, people. The king of all fruit plates, this one reigns supreme. The tofu scram was not the prettiest of sights, but my, was it scrumptious. On the recommendation of the waitress I ordered it with the peanut-ginger sauce (other sauce options are pesto and salsa ranchero) and it was packed with flavor and had a little kick to it. Loved this. This dish inspires me to make my own tofu scramble at home. I have a feeling, though, that my own version will not be as good. The side of grilled flint corn polenta atop salsa ranchero was also wonderful. On top of all this deliciousness, waiters and waitresses continued to walk around with carafes of coffee and water, on the ready for refills so no cup ever had to be empty. A few words on the decor and space: simple, charming, tasteful, sunny, airy, spacious. Check out the bathroom. I hope you appreciate the wall art as much as I did. A few more words: Get the jam and find a piece of corn muffin to spread it on. Put it in your mouth. You're welcome. Hands down, one of the best breakfasts/brunches I have ever had. Ever. My new favorite.
(5)
Vanessa S.
What a wonderful lunch! Outstanding service and food, and the coffee was first rate. I can't believe I have lived in Vermont for 26 years and this was my first visit to Penny Cluse. I have been missing out. We had the Swiss Chard pastry pie - delicious! The coffee is the best I have tasted in a long time. I was glad I commented on it to our waiter. He let me know that they have a special blend, made by Speeder and Earl's, and you can buy the beans at the restaurant - and I did. I will be back!
(5)
Nicole G.
What a beautiful day to have a Girl's day out! This is one of the best ways to spend a Saturday morning (IMO of course!): Park in the parking garage (free for 2 hours!) Walk over to Penny Cluse, get your reservation, set your cellphones alarm to go off with 10 minutes or so of your wait time, go to the Burlington Farmer's Market and once your alarm starts going off, head back to penny cluse for your amazing breakfast! I got a mexican hot chocolate, my brothers girlfriend got a Vermont apple cider and my mom got a Rookies Rootbeer. Don't come here expecting to get a coke or pepsi, if they have soda available it doesn't say so on the menu. For good reason, there are a lot of interesting drink choices! I was impressed and had a hard time picking one. Fresh squeezed lemonade? A fruit smoothie? A chocolate milk? I picked something I haven't had before and was pretty happy with my choice, even though it was the last drink to arrive at the table. As an appetizer we got a order of Buckets of Studs, mainly because I pointed in the direction of it with the help of yelper's reviews! (Thanks guys!) Oh boy, it was heavenly. Believe it or not, I was not in love with my first bite, but as I continued with stuffing my face, I fell in love, slowly but surely. The best way to fall in love! Everything about the dish was perfect, the onions added flavor and were cooked perfectly. The potatoes were soft, but still crispy on the edges. The cheese was remarkable, what type of cheese was that? The tomato salsa sort of topping, just put it over the top ... man, I'm just getting hungry thinking about it. I got the gingerbread pancakes. They were the best pancakes I have had. In my life. Period. Just so ridiculously good! My mom also kidnapped one of my pancakes, one half at a time, just too good to turn down the second half even tho she was already full! I don't know if I'd get the pancakes again, there is so many tempting items on the menu that I need to try! My mom got chicken and biscuits. She got a half size which was only 4 dollars! Good deal there! She really like it, she said that she would definitely get it again next time. My brothers girlfriend got a turkey sandwich. She raved about the spinach and she said that she would get this same sandwich again. There was just one thing I didn't like and neither did my mom, I got a side of sausage and I was hoping it was going to be more like a breakfast sausage, but it wasn't. Oh well, I'm sure there are people out there that like sausage of that variety! The service was top notch. We all were served ice water when we first sat down, through the meal a waitress would refill our glasses and was always pleasant and friendly with wonderful manners! To have such a booming business packed with customers, I was impressed that none of the waitresses seemed stressed or unhappy, just the opposite actually! For three people the bill rang up to less than 50 dollars including tip! I paid that much yesterday at another place for just two people for horrible food and horrible service. This hands down is the best restaurant I have ever been to on all fronts!
(5)
Samantha H.
Penny Cluse is good, but I don't understand all of the hype. It always seems to be pretty busy, but with so many other great Breakfast/Brunch places in Burlington, I am unsure why. Never left with a need to go back, but I don't have any complaints about the food or service.
(3)
Ruby D.
I am a big breakfast aficionado and Penny Cluse does not disappoint. The flavor profiles are spot on and the interior is bright and pleasant. I really appreciate the variety of local vegetables that are incorporated into their cuisine. You will encounter vegetables beyond your standard potatoes, onions and tomatoes (i.e. kale, broccolini, leeks, etc.). I feel unable to award five full stars, however, because the one thing frequently missing from their dishes is varieties of texture. They have a tendency to have all soft food and preparations paired together. Even if toast is involved, it often has some sort of saucy component dished on top that detracts from its crispness. As many other reviewers have noted, be prepared for a lengthly wait before scoring a table.
(4)
Allison J.
Worth the breakfast wait!! Best French toast and home fries! Great bloody Mary's! Super cute atmosphere and adorable and friendly staff!!
(5)
Lisa D.
The best breakfast Burlington has to offer. Great coffee, great service, seriously great omelets. The BEST fruit plate I have ever seen anywhere. I am obsessed with the garlicky kale quesadilla, which is a special but luckily for me seems to be on the specials board every time I go. The ONLY downside--there is always a wait. So come, put your name down, stroll around church street for a bit and enjoy some great food. I wish I could say I've tried their lunch menu but I always order breakfast because it's just that good.
(5)
Laura K.
I had a pretty good meal here, but in my opinion, not worth the usual wait times. Given the fantastic reviews, both on Yelp and from friends, I was excited to try Penny Cluse. I had biscuits and gravy, which were good, but unremarkable.
(3)
Bobsie H.
I did not understand this place. It was too groovy, my turkey has had no flavor, waitress seemed stoned or just out of it. Just a way tooooo groovy 60's place for us!
(1)
Celestial L.
This place rocks! Their food is plentiful and delicious, fresh and creative. Worth the wait if there is one. Prices are spot on for what it is and how much you get. Give it a try!
(5)
Tina K.
My husband and I stopped in for breakfast on a recent trip to Burlington. The only criticism I have is that we had to wait over 20 minutes to sit at the counter on a Thursday. However, I would happily wait longer to have this food again. This place was packed and after having the food, I understand why. I ordered eggs, home fries and wheat toast and my husband had the breakfast burrito. I haven't stopped talking about the home fries - they were AMAZING. Spicy, flavorful, and not overly cooked - they really were just perfect. I loved that all of the flavors just complimented the potatoes - not masked it. The toast was delicious and it is served with what I assume is homemade jam - very yummy. My husband also enjoyed his breakfast. I love that they actually serve quality food - not a bunch of processed crap. It is good food prepared relatively simply and it shows. I only wished we lived closer so that I can try more of the food on their menu!
(4)
Mark C.
Penny Cluse is consistently excellent. The food is outstanding and the service is great. The Orzo salad is the best!
(5)
Casey Ann S.
Hands down best breakfast in Burlington. The biscuits and gravy is an herby, meat free dish that melts in your mouth. The mini bucket of spuds is the perfect breakfast side. Great atmosphere in this bright, homey, space and the staff is friendly and attentive.
(5)
Lisa R.
Be prepared to wait and well worth it!!! Friendly and courteous staff, and the food was also delicious. Be sure to order the biscuits and gravy. The portions of french toast were massive, I may ask for a half portion if I return.
(4)
Susan R.
My favorite place for breakfast, it is hard to resist the gingerbread pancakes and I have never had a meal that wasn't really great. Wonderful, friendly service!
(5)
Justin H.
Breakfast food is my favorite food of all time. This place was excellent. I ordered the huevos rancheros and the salsa was amazing. The fresh squeezed orange juice was literally the best orange juice I've ever had. The place is clean , bright, and very pleasant. My only complaint is there was only two eggs and what seemed like ten tortillas. Would definately come back.
(4)
Kate C.
Yes, the wait can be insanely long. This is one of those places where it's worth the wait. The staff is friendly, welcoming and efficient. The Bloody Marys are absolutely spectacular. The coffee and water are topped off frequently. I always order the same thing: Basic Breakfast with scrambled eggs, make the potatoes a mini-bucket, biscuits. The biscuits work as dessert once slathered with the (I'm assuming homemade) delicious strawberry jam. Unfortunately I never veer from this standby but everyone I dine with typically loves the food as much as I do. You can get out of here for $15 per person and not need to eat for another 9 hours.
(5)
Liz I.
I have a real love/meh relationship with Penny Cluse. I've been many times over the years, and while the food is really good, I feel like it's a little overpriced and not always worth the long wait you're likely to encounter on a weekend. However, for a midweek late breakfast, it's pretty good, and I know the staff will be friendly because they're not super rushed. My favourites are the herb gravy sauce with biscuits, the french toast, and the turkey sausage. They have specials that rotate pretty frequently and are often really nice and priced similarly to the regular items (unusual for brunch joints). Portions are massive, too. I think I would prefer sometimes to have slightly less food and pay a little less since I can't always take my leftovers with me (and really, omelettes don't reheat so well). I've never tried the sandwiches because I'm always too excited about the breakfasts. I always bring out of town guests to Penny Cluse or Magnolia Bistro, and feel like they're pretty on par in terms of food and service. I just like Magnolia a little bit more.
(3)
Jillian P.
I can't even begin to tell you how delicious the food is, how welcoming the cafe is, and how helpful and friendly the waitstaff is. Please don't think twice- GO HERE.
(5)
nicole c.
The best brunch spot in Burlington! My personal favorites are the Pennycluse (biscuits and gravy.. mmm!), any of their french toast specials and the chorizo egg tacos! Also, bucket of spuds is a meal in itself!
(5)
Sheila B.
what a great breakfast- totally worth the almost 40 minute wait. Start out of with the bucket of spuds- delicious homefries, nacho style. The egg and cheese sandie on sourdough also awesome. Washing it down with the pickler.. holy spicy blood mary and lots of coffee. The food was delicious. I really enjoyed this place and will recommend a place to go when in Burlington.
(5)
whitney s.
Great service really good food- I highly recommend getting the warm orzo salad, so good. Only reason it doesn't get 5 stars from me is because the coffee was mediocre. Watery and not strong. Bummer because at this point, in any major town/city, there should always be great coffee. So sayith I. Let it be so.
(4)
Liz D.
Came here for the maple syrup pancakes. One sweet afternoon in Burlington.
(4)
Cee C.
The wait to get into this place take forever. Food is ok, Magnolia's down the way is better, and the wait is much shorter. Penny Clause can't seem to turn their tables quick enough
(3)
Nancy A.
Had a wonderful brunch today. The three of us arrived around eleven and had a twenty minute wait to be seated. The tables turned quickly and the staff hustled. Two of us had lunch and one breakfast. They serve the whole menu all day. Food was very good. Each dish was familiar but creatively crafted with new spin. I had a breakfast club. My wife a vegetable Rubin. My daughter a traditional breakfast of eggs, bacon, homefries and corn muffins. Both sandwiches were fantastic. We had some baskets and gravy based on other reviews and was very good as well. Gravy was not sausage based and was light and flavorful. Well worthwhile in all regards.
(5)
Kevin P.
I've been here for breakfast and lunch and it's been packed both times. The inside is cozy with a mini bar area. The meal I can remember was the grilled egg sandwich, I had with bacon. It was a good size portion and I also had a piña colada with it which was fantastic. It's a little pricey but you definitely get your money's worth.
(4)
Jason L.
Yes, there will be a wait. Is it worth it? If you're into breakfast person, yes! Oh, and if you like maple syrup they serve it with their pancakes. I had the Penny Cluse, and it was incredible. Super filling, tasty spuds and awesome herb cream gravy.
(5)
Eugene B.
Darn good food. If you end up visiting on a Sunday just go ahead and show up a bit before 8am to skip the lines.
(5)
Heather P.
This is a must-stop for anyone visiting Burlington, Vermont (so I was told and now I do believe.) Space is tight so be mindful of when you go or you might have to wait a while. I sat at the bar and enjoyed plentiful cups of warm coffee and a delicious breakfast to send me on my way back home. There are still so many things I want to try - I think you'll be good with anything you pick!
(4)
Susan G.
I went here for brunch last week and I absolutely loved it. The food was great and the coffee was pretty good. The service was decent. It was very busy and the food was incredible.
(4)
Mae Mae M.
Worth the wait! Have amazing food and have really good survives :) it is really crowed on Sundays because that's when I always go. Overall, love this place.
(5)
Christopher C.
Great breakfast spot and worth going out of your way for! Be prepared to wait, but it's worth it.
(5)
Ryan S.
One of the best breakfast ever had. Best thing about the place is everything can be made custom. The three eggs scrambled with pesto was off the hook
(5)
Melissa E.
So good. Never had a bad meal here. Others are right, the coffee isn't that great I suppose... but everything else makes it way worth it. The bucket of spuds is the best if you're ready for some carb-loading, put an egg on top and call it a balanced breakfast ;) The omelets are also great but my personal favorite is probably the breakfast burrito. All the sides are amazing too. The breakfast is so good I've honestly never tried lunch but every lunch plate I've seen has looked just as good. There is usually a long wait but it's definitely worth it.
(5)
Lisa M.
This place is so popular and deservedly so. We arrived around the brunch/lunch hour and was seated immediately. Odd that we ended up sharing a table with 2 other people (a 6 top) but we were okay with it Service was super friendly and efficient. I had the mexican hot chocolate, sourdough french toast and a side of the housemade sausage--all of this exceeded my expectations. The hot chocolate was pleasantly spiced. The sourdough french toast was chewy enough that even after swimming in pool of REAL maple syrup, it still retained its bite. The housemade sausage I was glad my server recommended--it had a nice, slightly spicy flavor that was easy to love. Tom had OJ (fresh squeezed? Quite possibly for the price) and the basic breakfast--2 eggs over easy (perfectly done), breakfast potatoes (some of the best we've had),, sourdough toast (4 slices? damn! served up with Cabot butter, obviously) and a side of bacon. I dare you not to leave satisfied after that. Well worth a stop.
(4)
Shir K.
Great food and service. Recommend going on a weekday bc weekend gets really packed. If you go, you should get the biscuits and herb gravy. It was probably one of the best things I've tasted.
(5)
M L.
Easily in the top three best breakfast spots in the area, perhaps the best. Try the chili relleno as a side, you will not regret it.
(5)
Scott S.
Fantastic breakfast. Get there early though as everyone else in the city knows it.
(5)
CJ G.
Well I was at Penny Cluse yet again folks! I had told a friend about this place and she wanted to try it out. Some how in our lives of growing up here she had never been! In any case it was another successful run at Penny Cluse...Well minus one thing. They got rid of my favorite breakfast dish! I was going to cry when they confirmed that it was indeed gone. This time around I got the pleasure of going during the week! It was around 9:15am and we got sat within 10 minutes! Beats the hour wait they have during the weekends. (But still very much worth the wait!) Our waitress was great. She had great timing when it came to taking our orders, filling our drinks and just popping by to see how things where going. We even sat after breakfast talking for a little bit before we left and she didn't rush us at all. Food came out nice and hot. No complaints at all here. I just wish my cinnamon swirl french toast was still an option! It was a bit of a tear jerk for me. However, the apple french toast did the trick! Pricing is a great deal as well. For 2 of us it came around $28. We got 2 drinks, 2 meals and one side to share! So over all I can attest to Penny Cluse's consistency with their service and food. They come highly recommended by me with no questions asked. They still rank a perfect 5/5 for me as well. Even if my french toast is no more! They are just that damn good.
(5)
Jasper W.
One of my favorite cafe in Burlington! It's always crowded there in the morning! Although it's a little expensive I think, but it's worth to go there and enjoy a nice breakfast with family or friends! Yummy and healthy!
(4)
Jill R.
Ate at Penny Cluse for the first time on Easter Sunday morning. We got there at about 10:30 and only had to wait about 15 minutes! I had a 3 egg omelet with Jack cheese and bacon...it was delicious. The home fries were the best I have ever had. Loved the toasted baguette. The tangerine juice was amazing...so fresh! I will definitely go back next time I am back in Burlington.
(5)
Llyndara H.
Best food in Burlington
(4)
James W.
A popular weekend spot for college students and families alike, Penne Cluse is one of the best breakfast/lunch spot in town! With their menu of eclectic items like The Penne Cluse, a plate filled with biscuits and herbed cream gravy to Ref Flannel Hash featuring a variety root vegetables including beets, this local favorite has something for everyone. For starters we suggest a large fruit plate filled with seasonal/local favorites, a perfect way to start the meal. If you are dining for breakfast and are not quite sure what to order, the Belber Combo is a mix of pancakes or french toast, eggs, and a breakfast meat like spicy Chorizo Sausage. If you are more of a lunch person, the taco salad is amazing. Filled with either grilled chicken, talapia, or marinated tofu and piled high with homemade guacamole this is an all time favorite. If you have some time on your hands, a Mimosa or Cyprus made with fresh squeezed orange or grapefruit juice goes down smooth. If you are the type of person who likes a salad on top of your drink we highly recommend one of Penne's homemade Bloody Marys with all the fixens on top. This is a great place for anyone willing to wait for at least 15 minutes for a table.
(4)
Minotaur N.
back in the day this place set the bar for breakfast.
(4)
Hilary L.
Had a great breakfast there. Gingerbread pancakes were fantastic. Thanks yelpers for the tip on those.
(4)
Travis M.
Had the banana bread french toast and it completely rocked my world. Went there both days for breakfast that weekend, and I would go back in a heartbeat.
(5)
M M.
great food. really amazing and tasty BUT: waitress disappears. coffee refills nonexistent on a busy saturday. ask someone in passing if it's possible to get a refill assuming that if she can't do it she'll find my indifferent overworked waitress. she calls me a bitch audibly to another member of staff and storms out of the restaurant with a pack of cigarettes. rough day? maybe. overreaction? definitely. i can't bring myself to go back there. hostility thy name is Penny Cluse. mommy i'm scared.
(2)
M B H.
As a vegetarian, I was quite impressed and satisfied with my meal of "The Bellber Combo" - gingerbread pancakes, tofu scramble with (red) salsa ranchero sauce and home fries. The apple cider was delicious, though the coffee was not memorable. Also tried the black beans which were excellent, the raisin bread was good too. The four in our party had to wait for over 20 minutes, the service was quick, the server (and owner) personalities were not impressive. An excellent place for breakfast and hopefully for other meals too.
(4)
David B.
If you are visiting Burlington this is a must for breakfast or lunch. Great home cooked food, the best fruit cup anywhere and ginger pancakes to kill for.... I live here and this is a frequent breakfast place for me. It does get crowded on Sunday morning, so arrive early (or send a friend) to get your name on the list. It can be an hour wait if you get there after 9:00AM on Sunday morning.
(5)
Gaia K.
best breakfast around, and lots of vegan/veg options!
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Breakfast Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Minnie L.
A trip to Burlington isn't complete without a stop for breakfast at Penny Cluse. It's conveniently located just off of Church Street, and is clearly a popular spot for visitors and locals alike. Gingerbread french toast, fruit platters, tofu scrambles, spicy black beans, kombucha on tap, incredible coffee... I've never had a bad meal here. They have a highly eclectic staff who always prove to be competent as well as attentive. They made alterations to orders without fuss and are especially understanding of those with allergies or food restrictions. They do serve lunch as well, and while I haven't tried it I'm sure it's equally as wonderful.
(5)Antonia I.
Amazing! Was seeking healthy and hearty food and this place delivered. I had the taco salad with tofu which came with sufficient avocado, REAL mango (none of that fake boxed/jar/can stuff) cilantro, pico, corn and black beans. Tofu was seasoned perfectly and had tremendous flavor which paired well with the other accoutrements of the salad. We also the fruit smoothies one had the yogurt base and the other in our party had the soy base. Each smoothie had the perfect balance of fruits, not overwhelming with banana or OJ which happens frequently at less quality places. The staff was great and atmosphere friend. All in all a pleasant experience.
(4)Misty P.
The Penny Cluse is very good. They support local farmers and businesses. I love the menu item Penny Cluse also, probably my favorite dish there. I will let you know if I ever order anything different, lol. They do very well with seating for the actual space they have. There is lots of art, it's very colorful and "trendy". The staff is very attentive, friendly enough, very professional. Even if they are all women, I have yet to see a guy working there. It has the feel of the OP. Which is neither here nor there, just an observation. Penny Cluse is very expensive! But compared to other extremely expensive posh tut tut restaurants, this one is worth it, the food is excellent and it's not a small serving of food. My only complaint about Penny Cluse is that it is advertised as having a Sunday brunch and it does not have a brunch. There are only 2 restaurants that offer and serve Sunday brunch in Burlington: Trader Dukes for $15 per person and the Sheraton for $25 per person.
(4)Jonas F.
Just so good. The smothered biscuits were out of sight. If I lived in Burlington this would be my go to breakfast. Simple, tasty and unforgettable. Maybe the best smothered biscuits I've ever had. And it was only 7 dollars. I wish I would have taken a pic if it.
(4)Chapin L.
Incredible food, atmosphere. Go early and get a table before the rush!
(5)Leslie K.
Love Penny Cluse! Never had a bad meal, service is very good. Long lines on weekend but worth the wait. I am not patient so I go week days. You need to try the bucket of spuds!
(5)Sara S.
My favorite Burlington restaurant. Well worth the wait! Open for breakfast and lunch only and almost guaranteed to be a wait throughout its business hours. The food and atmosphere draw a constant crowd. I'm always impressed by the professionalism of the servers while still keeping it casual and the kitchen's ability to crank out the plates of deliciousness without any hiccups. While the wait for the table can be long, once you're in, your served and served well. They have standard breakfast and lunch items on their menu and put unique twists to others, like a cornbread French toast with rhubarb or interesting sauces to accompany traditional dishes. One of my favorites is the banana bread. It's griddled warm and served with maple walnut butter, delicious! The tofu randy is my very favorite. I always get an extra side of the rocket sauce to dip the crust in. So good! My husband loves their traditional breakfast with turkey sausage over the pork. BLT, Reubens, baked mac and cheese, all of it is outstanding. To top it off, they are very family friendly and have a ton of fun and educational toys for the kids to play with. The owner clearly understands the challenges parent face dining with children. Street parking is available with credit card or coin payments and there is a parking garage right next door. If your wait is long, there is plenty of places to visit on Church St to kill time.
(5)Jess P.
One of the great pleasures of dining alone is that there's already an assumption that you're a weirdo. So you can be particular about your seat, ask a ton of questions, stare and eavesdrop at will, and eat way too many calories in one sitting. Oh wait, I already do those things anyway. My Vermont farmer friend instructed me to get breakfast here. I got up extra early (no easy feat) to squeeze in a visit before my return flight. The restaurant is on the second floor of a house, casual and folksy, with local art hanging on the walls, and sunlight streaming in the windows. I opted for the namesake Penny Cluse, a massive breakfast plate. The potatoes are lightly seasoned with mustard seed and roasted onions (next time I would sub fruit salad for $1). The gravy is peppery and creamy, dotted with shredded carrots for sweetness, with a nice texture from a garnish of sliced scallions. There were two huge, buttery biscuits and my eggs were expertly cooked over medium. It's a lot of food. A LOT. I couldn't resist a side of bacon, three slices of thicker cut, perfectly crisp yet chewy, porky and not overly salted deliciousness. I'm a proud member of the clean plate club, but I just couldn't do it. The waiter was friendly and attentive; he called me "friend," which is less creepy than "sweetie." A great local spot.
(4)A K.
Definitely a must do breakfast place in Burlington. They can have a wait so be prepared for that. But the food is worth the wait. Everything we ate was great.
(4)Brittany S.
400+ reviews don't lie people. After 4+ visits to Burlington, VT, I finally made it to **the** brunch spot in Burlington. Be prepared to wait at any given time of day. Lucky for me, I was flying solo and had no problem nabbing a spot at the bar at 9:30 am on a Tuesday. It was the menu that won me over. Showstoppers: buckwheat pancakes with blueberries and Vermont maple syrup, gingerbread pancakes and herbed gravy over home fries to name a few. They offer a French Toast of the Day - today it was cornmeal maple (sounds delicious, right?). I couldn't stop looking at my stranger-neighbor's plate. Despite their long lines and popularity, they keep prices budget friendly. My meal accompanied by Jasime tea rang in at $12. *Thankfully, they'll let you order one solo pancake (they're large). Note: their side of fruit is a work of art. Think mango, banana, watermelon, etc. -artfully displayed. Good meals like this have you coming up with excuses to return in a jiffy.
(5)Rebecca W.
Yes. This place is awesome. I was only in Burlington for a couple days so wasn't able to go back a second time but boy did I want to. The breakfast is delicious. Get the potatoes, best I've had.
(5)Ruggy J.
The pesto scramble might be one of the best breakfast items I've eaten recently. I found myself moseying through Vermont and made a detour in Burlington. The original idea was to hit the flagship Ben & Jerry's, but that plan was scrapped after realizing ice cream for breakfast was a bad idea. Enter Penny Cluse Cafe located just a Cherry Garcia's pint toss away. They feature familiar and unique twists on American comfort food. They also have a few rotating specials that extend beyond the borders as well (there was an Asian inspired tofu scramble on the chalk board for instance). Being a traditionalist, eggs were my first choice, and a good choice at that. Local eggs doused in pesto and accompanied by roasted potatoes and a biscuit. It was exactly what I was looking for. Check out the menu here pennycluse.com/breakfast… to get a glimpse of what else they offer. Their bucket 'o spuds seems like a swell way to get a huge dose of carbs. The banana bread looks and smells like like it's worthy of a trip in-and-of-itself. Just the right amount of love baked into everything they do. Only knock was the service. It was sleepy and distracted. But maybe that's just the heartbeat of the city. Being a lazy Sunday, it wasn't of too much concern, though.
(4)Marie H.
First things first, this place is worth the wait. Put your name on the list and explore the cute shops or grab a coffee in the area while you wait. I have never had a bad meal there. But I recommend going there for breakfast and getting the gingerbread pancakes or if you're there in the fall get the apple sauce and sour cream cakes (sounds weird but it's soo delicious!). Real maple syrup and fresh squeezed orange juice complete the whole experience.
(5)Allison C.
Bucket-O-Spuds will CHANGE. YOUR. LIFE. Upon knowing that I'd be near Burlington for an aunt's wedding at the end of June, I started looking for breakfast spots WAY ahead of time. I've eaten breakfast and lunch at a few places along Church Street in the past, but I wasn't looking for a traditional place. I needed something fun. I'm not using hyperbole when I state that I've been thinking of eating here for the past month. When the day arrived, the 45 minute wait on a Saturday morning didn't even phase me. I was there! That's all that mattered. One, Ruslan, our server, was wonderful at his job, had a great sense of humor, and...well, he was really hot. There. I said it. It just enhanced the experience. Two, the layout of the restaurant is spacious, and I really enjoyed the smaller second level seating area where my parents and I happened to be seated. Three, the menu was next level... The Bucket-O-Spuds, well, I stated my feelings for that early on. Think nachos with medium-thick potato slices, cooked and slightly crispy, replacing tortilla chips, complete with melted cheese, fresh tomato salsa flecked with cilantro, sauteed onions and peppers, sour cream, and green onions. Best part? IT'S BREAKFAST. Actually, the best part is that they know how to assemble it correctly. One of my biggest pet peeves in life (for better or worse) in when nachos are poorly constructed. The fine folks in the kitchen know how to put down a layer of potatoes, put some cheese on it, then put more potatoes and cheese on top of that; by the time I got to the bottom, I still had potatoes covered in hot melted cheese. I washed that all down with a tall glass of amazing Watermelon Agua Fresca along with a fruit plate that I nibbled on, so, at least I hit most of my food groups. ;-) My dad got the Zydeco Breakfast, complete with eggs, black beans, and andouille sausage with corn muffins. My mom ordered the Basic Breakfast, and she got some biscuits with fresh strawberry jam that were beyond amazing. Between bites, or even during bites, I just found myself audibly saying, "Oh my god...oh...my...god..." When Ruslan came back to ask how my potatoes were, I just responded, "...DUDE." He understood. It was all that needed to be said. I sit here back in NYC, pondering how I convince the folks behind this restaurant to open a location in Manhattan. That or I may be giving a lot of money to JetBlue to take flights up here just for breakfast. (Because who really needs to pay back their student loans or pay the rent? Not I!)
(5)Dee M.
I had the Gingerbread pancakes with strawberries on top and it was delicious. My friend had the basic breakfast with fruit instead of bread and wow!!! The fruit plate was so fresh and there was such variety. I highly recommend this place.
(5)Sam W.
This place came highly recommended by our daughter that had been in the area about a year ago. Solely based on this we gave it a try. What a GREAT place. Even at 11 AM we had to wait a half hour for a table, but it was worth it. Lots to do in the vicinity while waiting. Service was outstanding, each meal we had exceeded our expectations, as did the diners at tables next to ours. Staff was extremely attentive and efficient. You can't go wrong with a meal here! EVERYTHING was excellent. Staff even offered to fill our water bottles with ice water when we mentioned we were going out for a long bike ride. How considerate is that!!!!
(5)Sarah M.
Ask a few seasoned Burlingtonians where you should go out to eat if you're visiting. They'll disagree and stumble a little bit on lunch and dinner places, but the consensus will be clear on breakfast/brunch: Penny Cluse. Here's the scoop on Penny Cluse: few of the menu items are particularly exotic or fancy. What Penny Cluse specializes in is taking breakfast staples-- eggs, pancakes, French toast, home fries-- and just knocking them out of the park. Case in point: the legendary gingerbread pancakes (perfect, fluffy, did I mention perfect?) or their incredible home fries, which are more potato than home fry and so damn good. The Bucket-O-Spuds is a plate of the home fries slathered in salsa, green onions, sour cream, and cheese. Hi? Keep an eye out for the specials. There's usually a seasonal French toast special-- the one that comes to mind is zucchini bread French toast-- that's worth your attention. And for the breakfast haters, there are plenty of salads and sandwiches to sate you. Don't let the line scare you. There is always a line, unless you come at 7 AM (and hardcore Penny Cluse fans have been known to do so). Put your name in and wander Church Street, or, if it's a Saturday, the Farmer's Market, until it's time to go back and claim your spot. Believe me, it's worth it.
(5)Jared C.
My favorite breakfast place in all of Vermont! The lines can be a wait (so get their early) but the food is amazing. Everything is so fresh and the wait staff is awesome. I prefer the upper seating section but the entire place is quaint and comfortable. Highly recommend!
(5)Jasmine X.
The bf was running a marathon in Burlington, so we stopped by this place to grab some quick brunch after the marathon before our drive home. Penny Cluse had a number of respectable Yelp reviews and overall rating which is how we decided on the place. The place is pretty much a super adorable cute cafe serving up some good breakfast/brunch/lunch food. Service could be a little more attentive, but perhaps they weren't used to having as big of a rush as they did when we went given that it was marathon Sunday. It took them forever to get our drinks to us and to even catch the attention of a waiter, but that's probably because we were sitting on this upper deck seating area. Food here was pretty delicious. I had the grilled chicken thigh with the warm orzo pasta salad. I loved the chicken and the orzo, wasn't as big of a fan of all the stuff that was in the salad--lots of olives and capers but if you're into that, you'll think it's amazing. I did still like the dish very much though. Bf got the chile relleno, which our waiter recommended as a popular choice amongst diners. Final price was pretty fair for lunch--a little over $35 and that's also after us ordering two drinks as well. tldr; cute cafe serving up some yummy home cooking
(4)Brian C.
Really good, if you can avoid the wait. If it's a weekend, plan on walking around church st for an hour after you put your name in. Then go enjoy a veggie Ruben or the eggs with polenta. They're awesome.
(4)Bob S.
Oh wow. We've missed this place because we've tended to be in Burlington at dinner time when they are closed, but this time we managed to arrive for lunch. We had to wait just a bit but it was definitely worth it. We had one of the specials: corned lamb, and a smoked salmon BLT. The corned lamb was very good; what seemed to be an unusual combination of ingredients (corned lamb, pickles, beets, potato salad) went together very well. The smoked salmon BLT was more straightforward but very well done, and served with very good fries. Dishes on the tables around us looked fantastic. The dessert menu was a little thin, so we went next door to Lucky Next Door (same owners) for something sweet. Already planning our next trip to Burlington.
(5)Melanie D.
We enjoyed a nice breakfast at Penny Cluse Cafe during our stay in Burlington. After waiting about 20 minutes, we were seated at the counter and received very good service with a smile. However, we were a bit underwhelmed by the food. My husband and I both had a combo that included french toast, eggs and home fries. It was a little pricey but when the food came out, we understood why. We absolutely should have split one combo between the two of us - HOLY food. If one person can eat that whole meal I think they should enter an eating contest. That said, the food was pretty good; although I was a bit put off by a few giant hunks of garlic I found in my potatoes. I would probably go back, but with new knowledge of what/how to order, and I don't think I'd wait much longer than the 20 minutes we waited when we went (when we left, I think the wait was up to 45 minutes).
(3)Donna N.
This was such a cute restaurant with a great service. There was a bit of a wait, but it was nice to.people watch while we waited for our table. Coffee comes standard with your food and it was pretty good. I ordered a regular breakfast of pancakes, sausage, and eggs which was delicious. My friend also enjoyed her french toast. I wish we had something like this in Houston as it was awesome. I wish I would have ordered the fresh fruit with my meal as it was so pretty and fresh.
(5)Emilie M.
Yes. Great place for late breakfast and lunch, super nice and attentive service, very good coffee. The servings are generous and their sandwiches are absolutely perfect. Very reasonable prices and friendly atmosphere. A no brainer if you're in the area !
(5)Kevin B.
Yum! My favorite the banana bread and corned beef hash. We ate every breakfast here on our 4 night stay in Burlington. Atmosphere and staff awesome. We love this place.
(5)Sally-Ann T.
This is our traditional pre and post summer camp breakfast spot. Everything is delicious and there are so many choices. Yesterday I had true smoked salmon on a buckwheat pancake with sour cream. Amazing fruit plate for 'dessert'. Kids went crazy for their pancakes, bacon etc. Highly recommend!
(5)Beth G.
I loved this spot! The food was exceptional, the service was so friendly and timely! I would absolutely go back! Recommend Tofu Scram pesto and the gingerbread pancakes!!!! So wonderful!
(5)Jack K.
I come here a lot since I've lived in Burlington, VT. The first time, I ordered something regular. It might have been a regular pancakes and eggs kind of breakfast. I don't even remember. However, when I came back? I ordered the special and I got the same thing in a subsequent visit! First, the wait can be long. But, just walk around the city and make sure you come back early (as sometimes, people never return for their table and you end up waiting less time). Coffee is usually good (only once it tasted burnt to me). Other times, it has been delicious and satisfying! On the specials menu was a beet salad with cumin, yellow beets, celery, red apples, pesto sauce, and olive oil. My server said it was his favorite thing on the specials menu. He wasn't lying because it was SO delicious. I also ordered the BBQ Rib Plate (twice now) and it is delicious fall off the bone meat soaked in the beans below. You have sides of corn bread and a good fresh pickles and picked veggie slaw on the side. Yum is the word. I always clean my plate short of licking it. So, there you go! The service is okay. I would say they could improve a little on attentiveness, but it's not bad service, so that's acceptable to me! I come back because of the specials and the home feel you have when you sit down and eat.
(5)Steve W.
Penny Cluse is great. Expect long waits on the weekend, so if you want to go here at a peak time arrive way before you're hungry. Go on a weekday in the morning if you have the choice. Bucket of Spuds is a must. I don't know if there's anything bad here though.
(5)Marjorie K.
Stopped here for breakfast! It was awesome! Service and food were both excellent. I had a bacon, egg and cheese on sour dough, it was probably the best bacon, egg and cheese I've ever had. Other members of my party hand pancakes and omelets, they were all very pleased. We walked here from the Hilton, and were glad that we made the stroll.
(5)Parker S.
I was excited about this place - good ratings with vegan options but sadly I don't think the good ratings correspond with the (one) vegan option...well one option with a choice of a variety of sauces but...meh. I ordered the tofu scramble (?) with the ranchero something (?) and was VERY disappointed to hear their potatoes / fries are not vegan because they cook them in animal fat, ugh. So I settled for just the scramble with a side of toast and fruit. And was very unsatisfied, especially for the price. Don't get me wrong - it was good but that's it, nothing amazing and I ate it BUT I would not come back, sadly.
(3)JAmerican G.
One of the best meals I had in Burlington! There was a 30 minute wait, which seems to be the norm for great restaurants here! I had the french toast & pancake combo, which also came with scrambled eggs & potatoes. I added red onions, mushrooms, & spinach to my eggs. Then, I ordered a side of their infamous gravy! I poured the gravy over my potatoes & ewwww weeeeee!!! My taste buds did a dance!! The French toast & pancakes were not the best ever, but it came with Vermont's notorious maple syrup & homemade strawberry jam, so that helped! The French toast needs to be dipped in more of the egg batter & I'm not sure what they used to make the pancakes, but I've tasted better at IHOP! That didn't ruin it for me though, so I still gave them high scores!
(4)Julia H.
Oh this was delicious. Went here for brunch on a Sunday. We were told it would be a wait of about 30 minutes at about 10:30, but it was actually about 7. We sat at the counter, which wasn't my favorite because there wasn't a foot rest, but worth it for the short wait! My friend was really excited about a lot of the options. She ordered the banana bread to start, then scrambled eggs (asked for veggies mixed in), homefries, whole wheat toast, avocado salsa, corn muffins, and a large glass of OJ. They didn't mess any of that up, which seems remarkable considering how particular she was! I ordered an omelette with bacon, tomato, spinach and jack. I got it with a substitution of fruit and grilled baguette as my bread. The omelette was particularly good because each mix-in was perfectly proportioned for perfect taste, the consistency was as fluffy as can be, and the cheese was amazing. I also loved that the bacon was cut into little cubes that were spread throughout the omelette, so I got these tasty salty chewy bites. I saved half of the omelette and the baguette for a lunch sandwich later that day and it was so good. My friend ate until she couldn't move and loved every bite. Would absolutely go back to try the french toast or the grilled breakfast sandwich!!
(5)Kelsey B.
There was a wait, but I understand why. And the herbed gravy was so good that that's why I would rate this place so highly. Had a Heady Topper with my brunch which I hadn't ever had and I understand is super hard to get and that was really good. The breakfast tacos were super good too. Entrees were so big I'd order the biscuits and herbed gravy starter in the future. And would want to have a Bloody Mary and see how those are here...
(5)Steve M.
No matter how extremely busy they are, and they usually are extremely busy from open to close, I'm always impressed with the food AND service. I've tried a lot of different items on the menu and everything has always been perfect. I literally mean perfect! You cannot improve upon any item that's put on your plate. They're using great ingredients, they're seasoning them to perfection, and executing their recipes consistently and to perfection. It doesn't get any better than this downtown! I wish they were open for supper and even later!
(5)Jessica C.
Every time I come to burlington, my visit can't be complete without going to Penny Cluse. I'm hooked on the speciality french toast that changes everyday but if it's maple cornbread that day, definitely get it! Everything else at Penny Cluse looks amazing and I haven't heard a bad review yet. I love the atmosphere and the staff are friendly. Make sure to either get there early or expect to wait, their wait time is usually 45 min- an hour on the weekend!
(4)Ray E.
I've been looking forward to visiting Penny Cluse all week. We got there just before the restaurant filled up, and had a great meal. The Penny Cluse meal, consisting of eggs, homefries, biscuits, and their famous herb cream gravy, was both of our target. A side of smoked salmon for my wife, turkey sausage for me, and some fruit to round things out, made for a very hearty breakfast. Another gem of a restaurant in Burlington. Can't wait to go back...possibly tomorrow.
(5)Amy P.
Oh Penny Cluse, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways. 1. Heady Topper cans 2. Bucket-o-Spuds 3. First class fruit salad (figs! mango!) 4. Plethora of vegetarian-friendly options 5. Location, location, location I could go on, but those are the first things that come to mind when I think of Penny Cluse. This place is no secret (we waited an hour and 20 minutes on a Monday morning), but eat here once and you will understand why. Breakfast is served all day (6:45am-3pm on weekdays, 8am-3pm wknds + holidays). The space is huge: 10 seats at the counter, plus tons of tables both upstairs and downstairs. Good for groups. Very friendly and accommodating staff. Killer menu with excellent specials. LOVE YOU PENNY CLUSE. Don't ever change.
(5)Tova B.
I had heard great things about this place. I heard the brunch was amazing and we couldn't leave town without stopping by. So before we hit the road, we hit up Penny Cluse, and I'm sad to say I was more than underwhelmed. We had a group of four and were told there would be a wait, but I'm prepared for that with brunch. What I wasn't prepared for was the hostess pretty much forgetting about us and skipping over us a couple of times. We finally got a table, a six top made by one two top and one four top pushed together... and then seating a couple next to us on the other half of the four top. Why they didn't separate the tables and put our party at the four top and the couple at the two top is beyond me. Our waitress seemed spaced out, nice but completely not with the program and kept forgetting things. It IS a veggie and vegan place, which does get major points in my book. I will say, the bucket of spuds was amazing. Definitely one of the best things on the menu. Unfortunately, that was the best thing I ate there, the rest of our food, nothing special, nothing to write home about, if anything, kind of bland. We had planned on hitting the road... but waiting for the check also took a while, even after we asked for it. I think next time we're up in the area, we'll be skipping this.
(3)Allison C.
Came here for my sister-in-law's birthday breakfast, came with an appetite, left barely being able to walk--and I mean that in the best way possible. Coffee was perfect, and birthday gal had a mimosa and her hubby had a yummy (spicy) bloody mary. Everything was great. Next, we shared griddled banana bread and over-the-top delicious bucket of spuds. Food came out right after and the uphill climb was on. I had maple cornbread french toast with rhubarb compote, and also at my table were huevos rancheros and turkey hash. Everything was delicious and reasonably-priced. My host and hostess tell me it gets VERY busy with a long wait, so come early. And come hungry.
(5)Eliza G.
Charming. That's definitely the word for the Penny Cluse! Easy access from downtown Burlington, busy as *heck* but still not overwhelming for some reason. Good breakfast, good friends, good time!
(4)Aron G.
This place has the best brunch in town! Don't miss out on this Burlington staple if you are a local or just visiting for the weekend. All of their food is excellent, the wait staff is always professional, and is always an overall pleasant experience. It's always busy for brunch on the weekends, so make sure to get here early!
(5)Michael T.
Penny Cluse has been my family's favorite restaurant for years. It's not that it's literally the best, most delicious restaurant in Vermont... it's just the perfect fit for us. We don't mind the 45 to 60 minute wait for seat that you will undoubtedly encounter on a weekend. They estimate well and you can spend the time getting a coffee either next door or at our favorite coffee shop Uncommon Grounds. The staff is consistently friendly and very attentive. The food is the right price and always delicious. It's cooked and served very quickly relative to the quality and complexity. I recommend you try the everything. Ok ok, if I had to pick something it would be the gingerbread pancakes, fruit plate and the biscuits and herb gravy. Definitely give the specials a shot. This place is also baby friendly. As a new parent in 2013, I really appreciated that. Patrons also tend to be friendly. Penny Cluse attracts a nice crowd. For those that care, the art work is always rotating so there's always something interesting to look at.
(5)Bob L.
This is the greatest breakfast i've ever had. I'm visiting Burlington next month and i'm already planning what i'm going to order.
(5)deanna c.
Been here couple of times and wasn't impressed by the food. Very limited dishes and just simply wasn't to my taste. However service was friendly and polite.
(2)Ryan C.
Simply put, this place is the best breakfast restaurant I've ever been to! We went twice on our 4 day trip and I ordered the same thing both times, the egg and chorizo breakfast tacos. I always try new things, but they were so good I had to order them again. My wife thought it was equally outstanding both times. There is usually a wait and sometimes it's a long wait, but it's worth it!
(5)S S.
It's clear Burlington is spoiled, with places like this. All I wanted was to fuel up for a bike ride on my vacation. What I got was tasty pancakes and ham with syrup, and an easy going ambiance of people enjoying what they're doing. Were it not for my desire to try as many different places in Burlington during my stay, I'd have eaten here every day. Do yourself a favor, and do so too!
(5)Kevin F.
Mu favorite brunch spot in burlington, which is saying a lot with the amazing variety of brunch places in burlington. Get there early (before 10) if you dont want an hour wait. The demand is the one downside to the cluse. All of the food is amazing but I highly recommend the pork plate. Keep an eye out for the specials. Also, the penny pickler is the best bloody mary that I have had to date. Cheers!
(5)Rob K.
After the brilliant execution of a fried egg and cheddar on crisp sourdough bread, plus a flawless fruit salad, I have no reason to believe that the Penny Cluse Cafe deserves anything less than five stars. Think upscale diner with more fresh and thoughtful menu items than your local greasy spoon. For example, a small fruit salad consisted of kiwi, mango, apple, plum, watermelon, strawberry, pineapple, and an unidentified citrus. I rest my case.
(5)Ali K.
I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS PLACE! If your looking for the perfect comfort food experience with friendly service then look no more and just head straight to Penny Cluse. My girlfriend took me to this venue for my birthday breakfast as she had a full day of activities planned for me. I am a simple man when it comes to breakfast make me a few eggs, some bacon, and a few pancakes and i am good. But Penny Cluse was pretty much superior to most breakfast places due to the GINGERBREAD PANCAKES!!! Let me tell you something they are just as good as advertised. I ended up getting the BELLBER COMBO which is a hearty serving of two eggs any style, pancakes or french toast, and one side of choice which i chose bacon. Definitely by getting this i was more than filled up for breakfast and ready for the days activities but the Gingerbread Pancakes were literally the best pancakes i have ever had in my life. Big on flavor they literally made my mouth water getting ready and anticipating the next bite as soon as i digested the last one. They were also very light and fluffy as well. The staff was super friendly and the customer service is spot on. The only thing that does suck is they have a no reservation policy and you do have to wait online for a while (i'd say the average wait is between 30-45 minutes) when this place is packed. Hopefully they change it to a reservation policy, but other than that it is well worth the wait.
(5)Jessi M.
My boyfriend and I were in town for just one day, and I made him get out of bed early to check out Penny Cluse. The Yelp reviews were right, this place was worth the trip. We each opted for a varation of the Bellber Combo - I got pancakes, eggs sunnyside up, and ham, while he went with french toast, scrambled eggs, and homefries. Everything was great. It was a little more money than I'd normally spend to go out to breakfast, but our meal at Penny Cluse was well worth it!
(5)Prudence B.
The ideal breakfast in a setting that is authentically Burlington! The menu choices draw upon the Vermont ideals "farm to table" and "fresh and local." I had the pumpkin-bread French toast with yogurt and cranberry relish--wow! (Next time I'll ask them to hold the powdered sugar because the pumpkin bread is sweet enough.) I love how a full bottle of real Vermont maple syrup is left on the table for diners to use. I've had the granola several times...very healthy & tasty. My son got the buttermilk silver dollar pancakes and scrambled eggs...and partook liberally of the maple syrup. Coffee is excellent...bottomless cups and freshly brewed. The waitstaff is great--around but not hovering. Prices reflect both quality of the food and the service...not the lowest, but you get what you pay for!
(5)Mo M.
A gem in the heart of burlington, you know this simple little place is amazing because the line is always out the door. Amazing service, good coffee, and delicious food. The biscuits with herb gravy small plate is almost a full meal on its own! I also highly recommend the gingerbread pancakes with bananas. Yum!
(5)Jennifer E.
Well worth the wait. I went to Penny Cluse while visiting friends in Burlington. I saw that there were a few other choices for breakfast and brunch in the area, but Penny seemed to be both highly rated and had unique twists on your typical breaky fare. We arrived around nine-thirty and were told a wait of around thirty to forty minutes. After an hour, we were finally seated in a cute upstairs dining area. Our stomachs grumbling, we were thankful that we had used our wait time to peruse the plentiful, if not extensive, menu. They offer both sweet and savory options, from sandwiches to pancakes and their awesome "bucket of spuds". My husband and I ordered their combo meal which comes with two eggs "your way", two pancakes (gingerbread for me!, buttermilk for my boring husband), and a side. My husband got an order of their home fries and I went for bacon. To split with each other, of course. The food was phenomenal. I would wait all over again just for a taste of those amazing gingerbread pancakes. Sweet, spicy, and perfectly drenched in the real Vermont syrup that is provided. Their eggs were perfectly cooked, bacon crispy and thick, and potatoes made with ingredients that provided maximum flavor. My friend's bucket of spuds was not quite a bucket but a heaping plateful of their homefries covered in Mexican-style toppings (salsa, etc). I noticed from the moment I stepped in Penny's that they had an interesting 'Bed and Breakfast from the North-East meets cafe/dude ranch from the West". They had Mexican polka playing on the radio, western themed decor intertwined with their more cozy tea room items on the wall, and items like chorizo and eggs and Colorado Chili on the menu. In some cases this idea might seem odd but in Penny Cluse's case, it just seemed to work. Maybe it was the food coma I was put in to, but I was supremely happy with my experience at Penny's. The service was pretty good, and I was impressed with the way they handled the extreme and ongoing mob of people that come in on the weekend. The wait was over an hour long around the time that we were seated and the people kept on coming. The food was well worth the long wait but i would recommend bringing a good book or a friend who can keep a good conversation going for a long time. The food is great, the service friendly and pretty efficient, and the place itself is cozy and cute. I'll definitely be back in the future.
(4)Ted E.
Wait wait wait... For rude service and overrated food. I have never understood what is all the rage about Penny Cluse. First of all, you should plan on waiting at least 45 minutes each time you go there. It is as if they feel like it is an honor for you to eat at the restaurant. On a recent visit, I got there just before close. They told me they would not serve us because it was too close to the end of the day. Huh? When I actually have given up a good chunk of my weekend day to eat there, the food is just not that remarkable. With so many good places for breakfast in Burlington, there is no need to go to Penny Cluse.
(1)Jenny H.
Outstanding!! We arrived at 8:20 on a Sat morning and waited 30 minutes for a table for 4... not too bad. The staff was friendly and the breakfast was AMAZING. I had the Polenta & Eggs... delicious! Husband got the Penny Cluse and he loved it. You can also order single pancakes or single pieces of French toast, perfect for the kids! YUM all around!
(5)Lindsay S.
seriously analyzed the brunch options in burlington before deciding on this adorable restaurant set in what looks like a house. really cute interior! We got in around 10:15 and the wait was already half an hour! Come early, put your name down and if there is time, walk around Church street while you wait. The vibe is very homey and the staff is friendly. I had the buttermilk pancakes (SO GOOD) which turkey sausage. The pancakes were very fluffy and came with vermont maple syrup. The sausage was also delicious and there were a few types of meat to choose from. My boyfriend got the gingerbread pancakes which I tried and did not love. They were thinner than the original pancakes so they lacked that volume and pillowy-ness that my pancakes had. Would stick with the originals..woudl've loved to try the french toast which also sounds amazing. Next time!
(4)Danielle F.
Another five-star meal in Burlington. The place is extremely popular, so be prepared to wait. The place not only talks the talks, but the food definitely walks the walk!!!! We waited an hour and a half for a table for 3 on Sunday having shown up around 11:00 to put our name in. We walked around town and returned were seated. Definitely check out the specials written on a chalkboard on the walls. We ended up getting three of the specials and sharing since they all sounded so good. We were not disappointed with our choices: 1. Swiss Chard Pie - had a really flaky crust, though had a little more cheese than I would have preferred. It was still really tasty and unlike anything I had eaten before. 2. Garllcky Kale Quesadillas - came with black beans and pickled cabbage. They were delicious, and the garlic flavor was truth in advertising. 3. Bluefish Hash - came with two eggs (we got over easy) and wheat toast. It was the perfect amount of oily bluefish and it sank into the thinly shredded potatoes for a very unique taste. If you like bluefish, it is a must order. To drink, I had the Penny Pickler (spicy) bloody mary. It definitely had some zip to it and was chock full of vegetables. Was almost like a gazpacho with all of the shredded veggies (celery, pickles, peppers) included in the drink. It does have a little booze in it. The service was attentive. I had a cup of coffee and it was getting refilled without having to request it, always a good thing. Unfortunately, all the food I have reviewed is from a specials board, but I hope that it convinces you to take note of the specials and strongly consider them.
(5)Dennis K.
4 of us for breakfast on Easter Sunday. Wait not terrible (other reviews aside). Food good, NOT great. I had buckwheat pancakes with crispy bacon ... pancakes ok; bacon outstanding. 2 people had the tofu omelet; both thought good. 4th person had the smoked salmon; again OK. So, bottom line, fairly expensive, fairly long wait, fairly good food, excellent attentive service. Next time we're back to visit our relatives & friends, we'll try additional places, but try here, you may like it more than we did.
(3)Sara F.
Great brunch! Very, very busy so try to get there early. The sourdough French toast with fresh fruit is great. Setting at the bar is a good option for when it's very busy, wait time will be substantially less than if you want a table.
(5)Maggie G.
We go to Penny constantly - best breakfast. period. :)
(5)Joshua L.
Penny Cluse came highly recommended to me both by a friend and Yelp, so when I was back in Burlington this summer, I made a point of checking it out. While I admit they had some pretty delicious food and the service was excellent, the main problem is that it's so popular, you can expect to wait. And wait we did. We came right in the middle of the Sunday brunch rush, so I admit I'm a little biased, but we did have a 45 minute wait for a table (we had 5, so the counter was not an option). Now, I can stomach a 20 or maybe 30 minute wait sometimes, but at 45 minutes, you better have the best food on the planet. So, do they? Eh... probably not. But it is very, very good. I got the Zydeco breakfast plate, which had eggs, black beans, andouille sausage, and corn muffins. The corn muffins were soft and perfectly moist. Everything was cooked pretty perfectly. I also tried out the Gingerbread Pancakes (a friend of mine ordered them) and a few other bites of other people's dishes. All of it was really very excellent. And our server was quite good. He was constantly popping back to get us more water and was very attentive and friendly. Also, he had a pretty awesome beard going on, so let's give him big ups for that. Overall I really enjoyed my experience at Penny Cluse and I would definitely return. Unfortunately, I'm not a patient man, and I'm not sure how I feel about 45 minute wait times when I am starving on a Sunday morning. But hey, if your only flaw is that you're so good that people line up down the street for your food, then you've got the right kind of problems.
(4)David B.
We stopped by here for a late breakfast, and had to wait about two seconds before being seated. The waiter came right over, gave us all water and asked us if we wanted coffee. In less than a minute, we all had coffees. I look over at a silver container and ask "is this cream or syrup?" "Oh, that's cream. Do you want syrup? I'll go grab you some." Now, I was only looking for cream, but it made me feel good to know that our waiter was more than willing to get me syrup for my coffee. If that's your thing, this is the place to come and syrup-up your coffee without being judged. I love a good Bloody Mary, and the Penny Pickler caught my eye. They have a regular Bloody Mary, which the waiter stated still had a kick to it, but the Pickler looked like something I just had to try. I asked the waiter what it was like, and he let me know that it was blended jalapenos and other good stuff. Ahhhh, nothing says good morning like a glass of vodka-infused salsa. Hesitantly, I asked how spicy it was, and the waiter replied that it was hot but "you can handle it." Nothing like an affirmation of my masculinity to earn yourself a tip. Oh, and it was delicious. I got the Zydeco somethingerother, which was black beans, corn bread, two eggs of my choice, and some kind of keilbasa-like sausage. It was all flavorful, and cooked to perfection. One of my friends got the breakfast burrito, which he stated was great and filling. He got wheat toast that was made with bread from a local baker. He described it as being "how all wheat toast should be." I can't remember what my other friend got for a main dish, so I can't say anything about that. But he got the biscuits and gravy, which we all sampled. Amazing. They were the best I've ever had. I'll upload a picture so you can see how impressive even the presentation is at Penny Cluse. Great service and great food. Make sure you check out Penny Cluse the next time you're in the area.
(5)H P.
There's a reason why they are busy! Delicious! Well worth the wait! Good service and scrumptious breakfast choices
(5)Ed L.
Again I hear about extremely popular, must eat at places here in downtown Burlington. This time it's at Penny Cause Cafe on Cherry Street. This place had a long wait and I could tell why my friends chose this place. It was the day after the Vermont City Marathon and we wanted to hang out in the morning before we parted ways. It was a terrific way to spend the rest of Memorial Day weekend, but all things must come to an end sometime. This place was packed and there was an initial wait of 40 minutes, but whittled down to 20 minutes. Once we got seated, the restaurant was buzzing with life and energy. I got the 3 egg omlette, which had basil and spinach in it. Along with wheat toast and some breakfast potatoes, I thought this was great. Swiss cheese imparted are pretty tasty and thought that this place is good for the service and food quality. The prices were about average and the service was definite good. The ambiance was good and I enjoyed the overal experience. B+
(4)Christine F.
1: Bucket-o-spuds: yummy home fries covered in cheese, salsa, sour cream and onions. They're Grrrreat! 2: Gingerbread pancakes, need I say more? 3: Huevos Rancheros, which are on par with any found in the southwest. 4: Smoothies, any flavor especially if it has pineapple 5: Any dish with Polenta, an underutilized ingredient especially in New England. A well-deserved star for each amazing dish - well worth the long wait on the weekends. I love Penny Cluse, it didn't disappoint in college and it is just as yummy now.
(5)Tom H.
Absolutely worth a go to anyone who likes breakfast. The heap of spuds is over the top, and just watching what comes out of the kitchen is an experience in itself. They usually "force" the coffee into your cup by holding the carafe upside down, which is slightly entertaining, but we're not in that much of a rush are we? The place is always busy with a loooong waiting list. I don't even bother unless I'm going to be in town early, say by 8am.
(4)Erin M.
This is hands down the best brunch place in Burlington. I always get the tofu scramble with peanut ginger sauce. It is the shit. Gluten free friendly too! The atmosphere is adorable and the staff is wonderful. The wait time is usually between 30mins to an hour long; but it well worth it! Location is perfect to walk around Church St while you wait! I can't say enough good things about this place!
(5)Rhonda B.
Best Breakfast in Town! Get the Penny Cluse!
(5)Jimmy M.
Fantastic breakfast. So much fun to have Vermont syrup on the table. Yummy pancakes and French toast. Friendly staff.
(4)Bailey Z.
Penny Cluse is one of a multitude of great brunch places to visit in Burlington. This place is consistently packed full of patrons on the weekends and even midday on weekdays. You might have to wait a while for a table (up to an hour), but the homestyle comfort food is well worth it. For starters, there is nothing more comforting than two hot buttermilk biscuits smothered in an herb cream gravy. The biscuits are light and fluffy and the savory gravy makes you forget how dense and bad it probably is for you. The taste takes me back to the old country, just like how they used to make it in the deep South (not that I've ever been, but I imagine that's what I would be saying because that's how good they are). The first time I came here, I tried the Bellber Combo. No, that is not a misspelling alluding to that hair-flipping pubescent Canadian pop star. You get to choose between French toast or pancakes along with any two eggs, and one side. I chose the gingerbread pancakes, poached eggs, and sausage. Penny Cluse is also one of the few places that I've come across that will poach eggs without the inclusion of a Benedict. The flavor of the gingerbread pancakes were spot on and it tasted like I was eating a fluffy piece of gingerbread cookie. The poached eggs were texturally consistent and perfectly cooked. I also loved the sausage, which wasn't your typical links, but one big patty that looked hand-formed. They also have a great lunch menu. I got one of their specials on my second visit, but I can't remember what it was now, which is my excuse for returning to try some more of their good eats.
(5)Sarah W.
After a few days of camping near Lake Champlain, we headed here for breakfast. It was so delicious- my polenta was flavorful. The portions were great, the service was excellent, and the coffee made me happy!
(5)Siobhan B.
Delicious - perfect spot for breakfast/brunch for the Burlington tourist! Only downside was the wait, but it was worth it.
(5)Randall G.
Just adding another rave review for the Penny Clause Cafe. Stayed in Burlington for a night last month and this was our first time eating at the Penny Clause. Good tip - don't head over there starving, you're bound to wait for a table but it's worth the wait. We put our names in and just walked about for a little bit until our table was ready. Plenty of coffee places close by if you need a pre-breakfast caffeine fix. I had the Penny Clause breakfast and the biscuits and gravy were amazing, I'm getting hungry now just thinking about them. A must have! I would definitely eat there again.
(5)L N.
Waited 45 minutes Saturday morning for a table. My SO had eggs with zucchini French toast. Both were great. I had three buttermilk pancakes as big as a lunch plate with bacon cooked crispy. I should have asked for the bacon limp as I prefer. Pancakes were good. They're served with vermont Maple syrup which isn't my favorite but obviously this is the environment that it should be served in. Overall I'd go back again.
(4)Chris C.
I've always loved this place for breakfast. Used to hit it up all the time when I went to UVM.
(5)Caitlin G.
We came here for brunch and were not disappointed -- it's totally worth the wait! My friend and I both had the Penny Pickler, which is a spiced riff on the Bloody Mary. They were incredibly fresh and oh-so-good, even if there wasn't much alcohol in them. Our waiter was fairly prompt with the coffee refills and quite pleasant, our food came out pretty quickly. For my brunch meal of choice I always go with the standard of eggs, homefries and toast, although this time I ordered the corn muffins because they sounded great and, again, I was not disappointed! The jam that came with them was tasty. I was impressed by how fluffy the scrambled eggs were. Someone knows what they're doing here and there's a reason this place gets so packed! I would most definitely return.
(4)Maree O.
Worth the wait and the weight. Best breakfast place in town, and arguably, in the state. Get a mimosa and the huevos rancheros!
(5)Stephen W.
One Day to spend in Burlington 1st thing in the morning, headed over to my fave The "Cluse" which is simply too cool for school, ( UVM in this case) Open 7 days, the w e b sez,... and The Web Never Lies ! but its a quiet tuesday morning and they have decided to re-plum/rewire the place, all chairs are up on the tables & its all locked down / I am bummed! kind of break into the kitchen [looking for an errant biscuit or I suppose?] only to find.... (Pls.see my Mirabelle review for more)
(5)Alexey A.
This was the best breakfast we had during our stay around the Burlington area. We loved the biscuits and gravy, special French toast! Couldn't recommend this place any more than this review. It was exceptional.
(5)Morgan L.
A-MAZING. We've tried other places to "broaden our horizons" but truth be told, we just can't beat Penny Cluse! The only bummer is that we don't live closer. Go early or expect a wait! Dreaming of those fluffy gingerbread pancakes with bananas and syrup and that bucket o' spuds... Yum yum!
(5)Nicole M.
Go here for breakfast. We expected to wait, but we were there midweek during holiday period and surprisingly didn't have to wait at all. I could've ordered half the stuff on the menu, nevermind the tempting specials menu, but we went with some basic breakfast/brunch items. French toast, eggs, coffee, the local arts and entertainment paper. All fantastic. Make this a spot to hit during your visit to Burlington.
(4)Brittany R.
Love this place! Whenever I visit my aunt in Burlington, we always have to stop in here at least once. The long wait is pretty much inevitable, but not without reason. The food is unique and delicious, and the servers are friendly and accommodating. It's a space with a cool vibe, and I always look forward to brunch there. Get the tofu scramble, it's my go-to :-)
(4)M M.
Hands down the best breakfast spot in Burlington. Great omelettes.. and great everything else. Only downside is the wait and they don't take reservations, but I promise it's worth the wait!
(5)Ally P.
This is another restaurant that Burlington residents have a love affair with...and i just can't hop on that band wagon. When I went to Penny Cluse I ordered their simple breakfast (eggs, sausage, toast etc.) which was decent. The eggs were teeny and they yolks were cooked through even though I ordered them sunny side up. My boyfriend ordered the biscuits and gravy...though he probably should have read the menu and seen that it was "herbal" gravy. Now, I certainly love a good twist on a classic dish, but this was one of the...well, for lack of a better word...yuckiest things I've ever seen. It was biscuits drowned in this green slop that tasted like pureed parsley. Overall I was just underwhelmed. The food wasn't bad, but it just wasn't good either. Also, it was pretty pricey. For the same plate of food (but cooked better) I could have spent $6 at Magnolia's.
(2)Harry T.
Best breakfast in Burlington!
(5)Evangeline L.
Tasty Coffee. Must add on pickled jalapenos to any order. Pretty much the best bacon ever. Order the fresh blood orange juice. Always delicious. Can be a long a$$ wait.
(4)Samantha C.
best smoked salmon and fresh fruit
(5)Dave M.
My favorite breakfast/lunch spot! Fresh ingredients, great staff! Breakfast burrito with many sides is always the right choice. There is ALWAYS a wait, but it is well worth it!
(5)Guilio Ñ.
Overrated and overpriced. The lack of AC in this sizzling weather was ominous. College kids waitressing here need to learn some people-skills. Stay away or better yet just head out to a greasy diner pronto! You'll get better value for money over there.
(1)Yuko A.
If you love breakfast and are looking for a delicious place to go in town definitely go to Penny Cluse. Things that are great 1. Pancakes are really yummy. Especially the blueberry ones. 2. Banana bread is great. Moist and buttery. It comes with a cream cheese frosting which is good although I wish it had less nuts in it. Things that weren't so great. 1. I ordered the french toast and it was okay. It was like they hadn't dipped it in the batter long enough so some parts of the bread were dry. 2. The strips of bacon are small. You would think they would offer thicker slices cause its Penny Cluse but not when I went which was a little bit unfortunate. 3. This is by far the worst thing about Penny Cluse. It's a fairly small restaurant so GO early. My boyfriend and I were there by 8:30 on a Saturday morning and we had to wait 15 minutes. Its definitely worth the wait but make sure to go early if you don't want to wait up to an hour.
(4)Bill T.
A Burlington MUST for breakfast! Try the fresh squeezed orange juice, biscuits, and homemade jams/jelly. I've had the Basic Breakfast, omelets, and the biscuits and gravy and you just can't go wrong. Penny Cluse is always busy, but definitely worth the wait. Stop by and put your name on the list then take a walk around Church Street while you wait.
(5)Irane M.
My friend recommended I check this place out. My matey and I were in the mood for pancakes and were going to hit up Denny's. Thank goodness we didn't. It was pouring outside and we get there only to be greeted by a line OUT the door and told it was at least a 45 minute wait (mind you, it was on a weekday late morning. The weekends are 10x worse). The greeter ensured they were worth the wait, so we just putzed around in the rain for 45 minutes. Fortunately, when we got back we were seated right away. The restaurant itself had a very old-school feel. Lots of wood and rustic, which I liked. Our server was prompt and friendly and brought us water and coffee. Unfortunately, my friend's coffee cup had lipstick on it. We just laughed it off, and quietly told our server who was clearly embarrased and apologetic. Moving on..... I ordered the buttermilk pancakes, and he ordered one of the days specials, which was Zucchini Bread French toast. We took samples of each other's food and OMG the French toast was TO. DIE. FOR. It tasted like warm carrot cake. Even though I got boring pancakes, they were so delicious. All and all, this place was GREAT. If you go, prepared to wait. Also, they close at like 3pm so it's definitely a breakfast/brunch/lunch place.
(5)Stacie S.
I went in to Penny Cluse for breakfast last week and sat at the bar. The service was fast and the food was phenomenal! The orange juice was fresh squeezed, and I could even go to say it was the best I've had. I ordered french toast with a side of home fries. Both were delicious, and the home fries were absolutely phenomenal. Fair warning though, it was A LOT of food. I was unable to finish my meal. I wanted to pack it up and take it home, but unfortunately breakfast food isn't that great the second time around.
(5)Chris J.
In a town with quite a few good breakfast options, this is the best. I have been three times and each time the food and service has been excellent. The fruit plate is amazing with a nice assortment of fresh and flavorful fruit. The smoked salmon plate was delicious. The Penny Cluse signature breakfast is nice, as is the breakfast burrito. The only problem is trying to decide between all of the choices and the potentially long wait.
(5)Shishir S.
Without doubt this place deserves 5 stars.. may I say, it should be on the list of must visit places in Burlington, it is that good! we just relished their breakfast menu while we were in Burlington... Awesome place, feels like home, fantastic service....cannot get better than this.... PARKING: There is a huge public parking right next to the cafe, that gives 2 free hours parking! street parking can be tough in the morning.
(5)Keith P.
Exceptional food, service and value. This is the "must go" Burlington centre brunch destination.
(5)Nicole A.
My friend and I went to Penny Cluse for lunch and we thought the food was phenomenal!! Everything we had was extremely fresh, delicious and healthy. I ordered the warm orzo salad with chicken and it was to die for. The chicken was so tender it melted in my mouth. It came with toasted sourdough bread with jam that was extraordinary. My friend ordered the garlic sausage plate that came with potato salad and pickles. It was terrific- the potato salad was light and had various ingredients which made for a tasty bite. We also split a side order of the baked Mac and cheese which was also delicious. Our waiter was very friendly and attentive. The portions were large and the food was very well priced. We had to wait 45 minutes, which seems common so you should definitely put in your name and take a quick walk around beautiful downtown Burlington. The food is definitely worth the wait.
(5)Trish D.
guys... loaded potatoes?! YES PLEASE. just go for it. delicious food. the waitress wasn't very pleasant so that's why 4 stars. I had the platter- so good. banana bread is SO good also. just go for it.
(4)Sheri C.
While doing research for our trip to Burlington and based on the reviews, this place looked like a must visit. Not sure if we came on an off day or because we ate lunch, but the food did not live up to the hype. The food was decent but not good enough to make me want to go back for lunch. That being said, maybe we would have had better luck with breakfast.
(3)Jay P.
Huge portions, unfortunately match their prices. The food was good, but not worth $60 for breakfast for two. We did have a Cypress (Think Mimosa with Grapefruit Juice) and a large OJ, as well as an appetizer. So we could have got out a bit cheaper. I had a combo plate of French Toast, two eggs, and bacon. The eggs were a bit under cooked but ok, the french Toast was great, and the bacon was thick cut, but a tad underdone for my taste. My partner got the Huevos Rancheros. She said it was good, but nothing special. What saved this meal was the appetizer. We got the mound o' Spuds. It was absolutely to die for. If the rest of the meal was as good I would have tried to give a 6 star review. Worth checking out for sure. The service was wonderful, and the atmosphere was great. I would have been happier with half the food at half the price. All in all I still prefer Magnolia and that is where I will be getting breakfast the next time I am in Burlington.
(3)Mark J.
Great food, very tasty. Big very healthy menu. Inexpensive. Chicken n biscuit best eats on this Burlington trip so far - beating out the awesome Shelborne farms Inn.
(5)Anna C.
Cute, popular brunch place that unfortunately has NYC brunch lines. :( Everything's delicious, but make sure to get the banana bread with maple-walnut cream cheese!!
(4)Ivy O.
They have such amazing and creative breakfast and lunch options! As a vegetarian, I love having so many things to choose from. The tofu scram is top-notch in any of their flavors (I especially love the yellow curry mixed with peanut ginger). The herb cream gravy is out of this world. The bucket of spuds is drool-worthy as well as the fresh fruit plate. So fresh and full of variety. The only thing that irks me is how small the coffee cups are, yet the staff is usually good about filling em up!
(5)Mairead H.
Excellent service, great breakfast, brunch & lunch options for both savory & sweet people. If I could waltz in without waiting at 10:00AM for brunch, and if they had espresso drinks, I'd give it five stars. But that is literally impossible on any given Saturday or Sunday during the calendar year.... Most breakfast options are pretty typical brunch-y type things, kind of on the plain side, but some are more creative. I like the herb cream gravy over biscuits with eggs... yum... In general, I've never had anything I didn't like here, but I've never had anything that totally knocked my socks off the way that brunch at Sneakers (in Winooski) does.
(4)Nick L.
Breakfast here can be difficult to wait for but trust me worth the wait! On the weekends this place is packed! With good reason! Huevos Rancheros was amazing and there home fries are the best! I have not had the bucket o spuds but have seen others get them and it looks really good. I highly recommend this place!
(5)Wei J.
Continues to impress over and over. When I first moved, to Burlington from NYC 4 years ago, I came to this place based a review from my friend's mom, who has spent 15 years in the area. Now I always try to bring my out-of-town guests here. Some of my guests request this place on arrival. Pancakes were phenomenal. The blueberry smoothie was excellent. But the Penny Cluse was truly their staple. The herb gravy really makes their breakfast perfect. Stick to the favorites though, I've had friends who pointed out that their specials can be disappointing.
(5)Stacey M.
One of the best breakfast spots anywhere!!! The varietyof choices on the menu is outstanding and the prices are more then reasonable. Spent the weekend in Burlington and had breakfast here both days - I'm not sure which day was better!! There were 4 in our party and we had the huevos rancheros, breakfast burrito, gingerbread pancakes and and omlette. All were delicious and perfectly made to order. We also tried the fresh tangerine juice which tasted like it was freshly squeezed!!! Its one of the bigger breakfast establishments in burlington and they definitely need the extra space!! The waitstaff was very friendly and eager to please and the decor was entertaining and very "burlington artsy". The first morning we went at 10 and had to wait a little longer then an hour - which was no big deal as we just walked around and did some shopping on church street while we waited! The 2nd morning (sunday)we smartened up and were there at 8AM sharp and were seated immediatly. We just made it b/c before we even got our coffee the tables around filled up as did the waiting area and the line started to form outside. My only regret is not going back and trying the lunch!!! This will defiinitly be added to our must do's every year for our trip to Burlington!!!!!
(5)Taylor B.
Outstanding! My cousin and I came here on a Sunday morning before heading back from Burlington. Get here early if you don't want to wait. When we arrived at 8:15 about half the tables were full and we were able to be seated right away. By 8:25 all the tables and most of the counter was full and people were waiting to be seated. Coffee was offered right away and refills were made available through out our service. Based on some of the reviews we started with the banana bread. It is one large slice of griddle toasted bread served with a maple walnut cream cheese and it is outstanding! Moist and dense but not heavy. It is not overly sweet and is delicious with or without the cream cheese. One slice is a nice appetizer for two. One of the specials was a zucchini bread french toast with a honey ricotta topping. I ordered that I was thrilled. It doesn't have the same texture as regular french toast but the flavor is great and the bread takes the egg coating well. The ricotta topping added a little sweetness but the orange zest in it gave it a nice brightness. The maple walnut cream cheese from the banana bread was so good that I added some to the french toast and it tasted just as good. I also order a homemade pork sausage link on the side. It was split grilled so it was crispy on both sides and the pork tasted fresh and meaty. It's one one of the few times I've had breakfast sausage that didn't just taste like salt. My cousin ordered the big breakfast platter which comes with two pancakes, a meat (bacon) and two eggs. The pancakes were very tasty and light. The bacon was well cooked but actually needed more saltiness. It was tasty and thick. The portions sizes were bigger than I expected and I found the prices to be very reasonable for the amount, quality, and creativity of the food. With tax and tip breakfast was $38 for two. That was with the addition of banana bread as an appetizer and a side of sausage. If you skip the add-ons and stick with coffee, two people can eat for less than $30. But I would recommend spending the extra money; especially for the banana bread. Go here and go early. But if you have to wait it is still worth it!
(5)Kari D.
There is no better breakfast spot in Burlington. Interesting choices, friendly service, delicious food. I've been here many times and never had a bad meal. They get quite busy on the weekends, so be prepared to wait.
(5)Molly C.
As someone who is allergic to eggs, finding a healthy breakfast while out can be a challenge. At Penny Cluse I have sooo many options! I love the tofu scram with peanut sauce, the taco salad, and the veggie rueben and so much more. The service is awesome - efficient, friendly, and knowledgeable. The only downside is that the coffee isn't my favorite (although it is plentiful) and there is often a long wait if you try to go on the weekend.
(4)Mark S.
The griddled egg and cheese sandwich is delicious! It's the perfect breakfast sandwich, with egg, cheddar and bacon (for extra) on toasty sourdough bread. There's usually a wait at Penny Cluse, and the noise level can get very loud, but this is a great place for breakfast.
(4)Derick W.
Had the special turkey hash and eggs. I love it when I can get sourdough toast and I did. Nothing can beat this place. The staff is so friendly. The only drawback is that I always leave way to full.
(5)Julie C.
I am a huge fan of biscuits and gravy. So whenever I travel, I keep my eyes peeled for any joints that serve this. Penny Cluse to the rescue! I am a fan of the herb gravy. Yum! While breakfast here is a bit on the pricy side, its worth it. The breakfast here is great. Apple bread french toast is like eating cake! Service is ok. Friendly but when busy, they tend to forget to refill your water or even when you ask for an extra napkin and it never comes. Even though there are 3 girls standing around. Overall, a great place to start your day!
(4)Kate F.
Awesome! The line can be long on weekends, but it's worth the wait. Everything is delicious.
(5)Marty J.
This might be one of my favorite breakfast places of all time. My cousin and I took a trip up here in May for a 4 days and ate here 3 of them. We ordered the bucket-o-spuds and the banana bread to start, which were absolutely spectacular. The spuds were perfectly savory with a little kick from the salsa and the banana bread was baked to perfection, warm, and excellent with the given spread. I ordered the pancakes with maple syrup 2 of the 3 days and they blew my favorite places at home's pancakes out of the water. My cousin got a variety of items and couldn't seem to go wrong each time he ordered. The coffee served was also fantastic. Overall, I would recommend this place to anyone traveling to Burlington and I look forward to returning.
(5)Jessica D.
Fantastic Bloody Mary. Everything we tried was delicious. Have tried to mimic the cucumber salad at home. So yummy.
(5)Donna T.
Penny Cluse Café was great, I was in Burlington for 5 days and had breakfast there 4 days. The Zydeco breakfast was delicious, the Penny Cluse was to die for according to my girlfriend Marilyn. Polenta and eggs, need I say more. Everything on the menu looked delicious. I cannot wait for my next trip to the area. The wait was a bit long to be seated but who cares it was totally worth it. The staff were super nice and the atmosphere was very relaxed and homey. Penny Cluse Café you are the best!
(5)M. S.
11 months later and I still believe this is my favorite brunch place in the world. I come here maybe once a year during my annual I miss and love Vermont too much to stay away for much longer trip. Every trip I fully anticipate my brunch and every time it's like being welcomed home after a long stay somewhere else less brilliant. .....UPDATE...... Long wait, but the minute you start to chow down, you'll forget every about it. It's that good and worth it.
(5)Katie C.
Delicious lunch. I had the BLT on sourdough with garlic mayonnaise and I ordered the warm orzo salad as my side. The sandwich was good, but the orzo was the real star of the show. Warm, soft, garlicky and just stellar. The bacon on my BLT was smoky and crunchy-chewy...very good. My wife had the orb weaver farmhouse cheese sandwich with turkey and a side of a bucket of spuds. Again, the sandwich was good but the potatoes were divine! Crispy, warm and covered in cheese and sour cream. Not exactly a dieter's friend, but delicious nonetheless.
(5)Kristen S.
Long wait to get in but worth lt. Our server was great. The food was delicious. Giant portions. Pace yourself.
(5)Natalie O.
By far, the best place for breakfast I have ever been to! Next time I'm in Burlington, I will definitely be coming back here!
(5)Linda M.
Went there at 10am yesterday and could not wait nearly two hours, so we came back today at 8:30 and sat down instantly. So happy we came back. This place has great food and really nice service. So many yummy options to try. Really, probably the best brunch I've had in New England. I wish I would have had a Bloody Mary to top it off.
(5)Christina H.
My favorite breakfast place in Burlington hands down. First thing I ever ate was the banana bread and it comes with a delicious walnut cream cheese. Another favorite, yet simple, is the egg sandwich. To drink I love to have a mimosa with grapefruit juice instead of orange. Can never go wrong here!
(5)Jem D.
I so so so miss this place. I dream of buckets o' spuds, with and without an egg on top. The waits were pretty long. But boy, were they worth it. One day I hope to return.
(5)Cameron W.
One of the best breakfasts I've had in a while. Everything was fresh and delicious. I had the gingerbread pancakes which were fantastic. My girlfriend got an omelette with avocado salsa and it was delicious too. Tangerine mimosa? Home run! The servers kept our waters and coffees filled and the service was excellent. We did have to wait a while for a table, but the wait was worth it. Will definitely visit again.
(5)Matt K.
Best breakfast in Burlington. Period.
(5)Chuck C.
Turkey Hash, Tofu Scram, Huevos...good god. No better place for brunch in Burlington, IMO. Just don't go in a group on a weekend and expect to be seated. Usually an hour wait at least. Trick is to go by yourself and you'll always get a seat at the bar.
(5)Annalise D.
Penny Cluse is absolutely delightful - a warm, welcoming atmosphere and breakfast that will knock your socks off! On a recent vacation in Burlington, my family tried Penny Cluse on our first morning in town, and we came back again and again and again. Yes, the food was so delicious and the servers were so friendly that we ate there four times! We took a tour around the menu, and everything was terrific. My favorite - the gingerbread pancakes.
(5)Denis S.
I came here for lunch and had to wait about 30 minutes before being seated. We decided to stop waiting for a table and sat at a bar. There menu didn't have anything that really caught my eye, but on their blackboard they had a special called the apple bread French toast with apple sauce. It was delicious! Hard to describe, but simply delicious. Tried the regular French toast with raisins and it was really tough... definitely not worth getting. The server was really nice but she forgot my orange juice. Sadness.
(4)Bobby S.
Best darn breakfast I have every time I go there! Best smoothie, best Huevos Rancheros in VT (and New England!) Great smiling faces from all servers, great crowd atmosphere with a good buzn but never too noisy and my coffee cup was refilled more times than i have ever experienced in my life. There is a reason people wait up to an hour every day to eat here. It is worth the wait.
(5)Laura D.
We pulled up a few minutes before 8am this morning and there was a line of people waiting for the doors to open. That was a good sign! While we were waiting for the rest of our group we had the banana bread, grilled, and served with walnut cream cheese. Amazing and satisfying. Tangerine juice? So delicious. I personally had the gingerbread pancakes for my meal. The flavor was subtle but you could definitely taste the gingerbread. Other highlights that the group had (and I sampled of course): cinnamon raisin french toast, and apple bread french toast. The apple bread was so decadent and unusual. The service was outstanding. Out waitress was sweet and gracious, and all of the staff was very attentive about water and coffee refills, which was nice. Penny Cluse is a real find. Great quality food that is really interesting and delicious.
(5)Pete V.
Wonderful place for breakfast. Fresh fruit plate was awesome -- great variety. Gingerbread pancakes were unique and tasty. The biscuits and gravy are particularly delicious! They do a lot of homemade pickling, too.
(5)Amy G.
Yelpers are way, way in love with Penny Cluse Cafe... and for good reason. It's clearly one of the best breakfasts (and lunches!) tucked away in this corner of Vermont. Hidden toward the end of Burlington's main drag in an old house, folks line up for decadent Vermont takes on breakfast classics, slightly off-kilter, eclectic American fare, and warm, homey ambiance. After a wait far shorter than the hostess quoted us (thanks!), my dining partner and I sidled up to the bar and downed a few cups of excellent coffee and local cream. I got an omelet with spinach and bacon, oozing delightfully sharp Vermont cheddar. The breakfast potatoes? Usually something I avoid... but these were salted, coated in paprika, and cooked until crisp. My dining mate ordered the biscuits and eggs with herbed gravy-- amazing. I found myself sneaking spoonfuls of the herbaceous, creamy sauce off of his plate to mix into my own perfectly runny yolks. Great selection of condiments (yeah, hot sauces!) and, as another Yelper attests, the loveliest fruit platter I've ever seen. No watery melon and rancid grapes in sight, man. Service was quick and attentive, parking wasn't too awful, and my coffee cup never was empty.
(5)Geno K.
I went back thinking there's no way this place could be as good as I remembered... yeah, it was. Had the same thing - the bucket o' spuds is the best thing ever. The gingerbread pancakes were pretty much dessert.
(5)liz b.
I work in the travel industry. I get around. (Don't...say...it.) One of my favorite things is finding good breakfast joints in my travels. Wow, how cliche does that sound? Also unoriginal, but incredibly earnest, is my newfound adoration for Penny Cluse Cafe. A friend who went to UVM recommended it, and holy crap is it the best breakfast I have had in ages! I am not Suzy Sunshine who never sees the cloud in front of the silver lining. I am as critical as the next girl about the places I eat. I have not one thing to say about this place that is not positive. Living in Boston lo these past 13 years, I was immediately disarmed by the easy friendliness of the people here, which includes, of course, the staff of Penny Cluse. We sat at the counter (after an amazingly short wait for a Sunday at 10am), where there was lots of cool kitsch to look at. We sipped coffee, (poured post haste), and devoured possibly the freshest fruit plate I have ever had in New England. I can't say enough about this fruit (mango, blueberry, kiwi, apple, grapefruit, date, strawberry and watermelon). Next I had the polenta and eggs, which was also first rate. It came with a whole mess of black beans, a bit of delicious salsa, scallions, and i added a side of sour cream. The combination of these flavors, colors and textures was exactly what I wanted for breakfast. My girlfriend, who is queen of the special order, had all of her requests met quickly and with a smile (not something that happens often in Boston, let me tell you). They serve top notch teas (Numi), and much of their menu comes from local farms. Not to sound too precious, but really, local food just tastes better. Also, this place is a favorite among Burlington residents, which is what sold me on it to begin with, even though it is a block or two away from tourist-laden Church Street. As long as I have working teeth and a pair of legs to get me there, I will be eating at Penny Cluse whenever I visit Burlington. A+
(5)reuben j.
Ok food, but harder to get in than heaven. I don't want to compete for food on the weekends- and yes, I am a local. Carry on, hipsters...
(2)Todd O.
Wow! I have been here three or four times now. My wife and I are rarely repeat customers at even very good restaurants, but Penny Cluse is a must whenever we're in the area. My wife loves the Tofu Scram. I haven't tried it myself, but I know that once my wife becomes a repeat customer for the same meal it must be crazy good. I try to vary my meals when I repeat visit, but I cannot get enough of the Penny Cluse. The biscuits, the sauce, the onions, the eggs, the hash browns...it all works. It tastes so fresh and delicious. I always get the Penny Pickler, a super hot bloody mary. Each time I think "this might be just a tad too hot for me" and each time, like an alcoholic alzheimer patient, I order this drink. It's very good...and very hot. Worth a try if you like your bloody marys spicy. We'll definitely be back.
(5)Rose C.
I had their baked Mac and Cheese and it absolutely blew my mind. It's a classic dish that they have mastered and made their own. When I go back to school I will be eating there often.
(5)Melissa M.
I've had every kind of tofu scramble they have here. Amazing. The fruit that they serve with it is not just like any regular fruit plate. It was crazy delicious berries, kiwi, FIGS! And it's always so ripe. Just thinking about it is making me hungry. It's a little expensive, or was for me as a graduate student, but the food is such high quality and the place is beautiful. Yum!
(5)Marie G.
Excellent breakfast. LOVED the Penny Pickler Bloody Mary. Exactly as a Bloody Mary should be- spicy, lots of pepper and horseradish, and a giant hunk of pickle on top. I tried the gingerbread pancakes, scrambled eggs, and homefries and they were all divine. Love the way they cook their homefries, with some turmeric for a lovely yellow color. Coffee was delish. Also tried some biscuits with herb cream gravy. It was yummy, but I would prefer it to have sausage in it. Overall excellent experience and our server was quite pleasant.
(5)John B.
Best side of fruit in human history. Designed to put other sides of fruit to puling shame. Have you ever had a good cantaloupe? No, you haven't. It is as if Penny Cluse has exclusive access to the world's best supply of cantaloupes. Hint: I am generally indifferent to the cantaloupe. More important, here is a breakfast that is cooked perfectly: a fried pollack, two eggs over medium, a griddled tomato, and a biscuit. I once had a biscuit at the Goody Goody Diner in St. Louis. And now I have had a biscuit at Penny Cluse in Burlington, VT. I will describe these experiences to my grandchildren.
(5)Stavros M.
I don't really get why people like this place so much. I've been probably 20 times, and have never been told that there is less than an hour wait for a table, which is the first reason it doesn't appeal to me. Out of the 20 times I've been, I've loved my meal probably zero times; it's always just meh. I will say that the staff are awesome, I always feel welcome and enjoy the space and the people, but the food is mediocre. I've tried and tried but I'd never rate any of my experiences with the food more than 2-3 stars.
(2)Melanie C.
Oh my gosh. Just what you want for a brunch place: bright and airy. totally casual cool staff. a million different choices that satisfy any craving. super delicious, large portions. I don't know what else to say. It rocks. I could eat there every morning.
(5)Stacey V.
We went late morning on a Saturday and surprisingly only had a half hour wait. We had the banana bread, a few specials, the Penny Cluse and spicy Bloody Mary's- all of it was awesome. The herb cream gravy on the biscuits was unique but amazing. We were visiting from out of state and picked this place randomly through Yelp. Excellent find and would definitely go again.
(5)Andrea F.
Gingerbread pancakes! Applesauce on top!! These guys know host make the perfect fall breakfast!!
(5)Daphne L.
Num Yum Yummy. That in a word (or 3 words) describes the breakfast my group had at Penny Cluse. I'm a big breakfast person and found THE breakfast spot. Sadly, it's about 1000 miles away from home. There was a short wait on a Friday morning, but we didn't mind because it's such a charming, cozy, friendly spot, and everyone was engaging and welcoming. I ordered the breakfast sandwich with delicious bacon and sharp Vermont cheddar cheese on grilled sourdough bread. I just drooled a little typing that..so so good. I also had the small fruit plate, that was a huge portion of delicious melon and apple slices. My friend sitting next to me had, upon my suggestion, the sourdough french toast, which happens to be one of my favorite things EVER, and a specialty of mine. If you've never had sourdough french toast with maple syrup, honey you haven't lived. We had a great breakfast with great service, and, there's no doubt that whenever I'm in Burlington I'll be stopping for eggs, etc. at Penny Cluse.
(5)J S.
Best breakfast place in Burlington. I considered removing one star for the wait but I am not sure how they could improve on that honestly. It is a popular place and no surprise it is always packed! Lunch and breakfast are both excellent. Hash when available is spectacular!
(5)Elda L.
Ordered the "across the pond" and a side of grilled polenta. Great service and the food is quite good, but they put too much onion in the food. The biscuits and gravy were delicious! My waitress looks like Sarah Silverman but a nicer version!
(4)Ros C.
While visiting My Son at UVM I came across this fantastic breakfast joint. My claim to fame is sausage gravy so when my son told me that their vegetarian herb gravy & biscuits were just as good I had to try them! I was blown away by the gravy, it was the first time in my life when I thought I could easily become a vegetarian. My sons omelette was perfect and the fruit side was incredibly fresh and had 6-7 unique fruit varieties.
(5)First L.
Food was great. Ingredients tasted fresh and homemade. The breakfast menu was different and eclectic.You could tell the owner and chefs are on top of the details and demand a certain quality in their food. I loved the fresh baked biscuits. Our waitress recommended the lamb bowl which is a concoction of 2 warm slabs of lamb meat over cold beets, boiled egg and a potato salad. I didn't think it sounded good, but went ahead and ordered it. It was strangely delicious! The waitress was super friendly, attentive, and knew the menu well. On top of the food, she made our experience there that much better. One of the few places that gets the combination of food and service right. It's no wonder the lines are out the door for this place. So get there early. I wish there was a place like this near my house.
(5)Lydia O.
Had the 'Penny Cluse' biscuits and gravy and wasn't impressed. I think it is vegetarian, and I am used to the rich, southern sausage gravy. I do like their homefries though. The turmeric and onions make them unique. Taco salad was solid. Simple, tasty, and filling (big salad!). Go early for breakfast otherwise there's a terribly long wait.
(3)Darcy G.
Perfect! We are in town visiting and this place was recommended to us by others who had visited Burlington. The wait was much shorter than quoted, the staff was all very friendly and down-to-earth, and the food was fantastic. We were actually in and out pretty quickly for a Saturday brunch. I ordered a special: Huevos Verde which were delicious and a fruit plate that was fresh. I had my first Concord Grape which I thought was a blueberry until I ate it; I never knew that grapes ever tasted like that! The coffee was great too which is disproportionately important to me. Fantastic. Also, someone has called this place pretentious...couldn't be further from the truth. The staff was awesome, funny...even taking pictures for people.
(5)Stephanie C.
What a great restaurant in a cute town! My boyfriend and I came here after viewing the rating on yelp and we went overboard lol. We got the bluefish hash, tofu in ginger, biscuits and gravy, bucket of spuds and french toast. The tofu and ginger was the best even though it looks like a bucket of goo. The bluefish is a staff favorite but a bit overcooked for me. Bucket of spuds was great and the biscuits and gravy was my bfs favorite dish. There's free parking next door.
(4)Ally B.
I love this place! Service is always good no matter how busy. It's hard to get into. Usually a long wait so I opt for other restaurants if in a rush!!
(5)Ben M.
Truly one of the great American breakfasts, brunches, or lunches. My little brother goes to uni in this town and I've only been here once, but the whole family is absolutely hooked on this place. The cafe is cozy, the food is amazing (and in good portions) with such delicious variety that it makes Penny Cluse an absolute must. Try the gingerbread pancakes. Stunning.
(5)Phil P.
this breakfast was amazing, although pricey. Chicken & Biscuits lived up to the hype. The homemade sausage and poached egg rocked. The gingerbread pancakes were pretty good but I wished they were whole grain. The bucket of spuds was THE BOMB!! Best version of home fries I've ever had!
(4)Madeline F.
Yum! Thank you, Yelpers, for pointing me to Penny Cluse! I came here for breakfast with my sister and my husband while we were passing through Burlington. We were all impressed with the very creative menu and had a hard time deciding what to have. My sister and I each had the Tofu Scramble with salsa and loved it. My husband had the Zydeco eggs and raved about them. We had to wait a couple minutes for a table, but considering it was a Saturday morning, expected the wait to be longer. The space itself is open and inviting, and the service was friendly and attentive. Five stars all the way!
(5)Traci K.
Delicious(ly long wait). We got there on a Sunday morning around 10:40AM and waited 75 minutes for a seat (they had tables and a good number of seats at the counter). Usually I would never wait this long to eat anywhere, but I was on vacation and had heard only great things. Regardless, while the experience was good, I don't know that I would wait that long again. The hostess was incredible. She was juggling pretty much the entire scene. Mobs of people (this is a good sign, yes?) and she made sure people got in when tables were available. The waitstaff were all adorable crunchy hipsters who clearly enjoyed the people they worked with. Even with the crowd, the waitstaff was right on. Coffee service was fast and everyone was relatively happy and smiling. And of course -- most importantly, the food. I had the Penny Cluse (2 eggs, homefries with 2 biscuits and herb gravy) with a side of bacon and some coffee. The coffee was great - though you really can't expect anything less in Vermont. The eggs were over-easy (my fave) and tasty. The biscuits = smothered in gravy. Biscuits themselves were excellent -- good texture and not dry. The gravy, while good, lacked salt. The homefries were tasty with crunchy little bits and perfectly cooked potatoey goodness. But the real star of the meal was the bacon. 1. Dear Bacon, I love you. You are my number 1 meat. 2. The Penny Cluse bacon IS NOT the super market brand, over-salted, droopy and super fatty tasting bacon. It is a nice thick cut with delicious crispy parts and also chewy (but not bad chewy) parts. My biggest surprise was the great bacon-y flavor without all the salt! Totally delicious. Price-wise the food was adequately priced. I did raise an eyebrow at the $2.75 for the side of bacon, but after tasting It was well worth it. Not the cheapest breakfast, but all the ingredients seemed fresh and freshly made. All in all a lovely experience. Cheers to you Penny!
(4)Namrata A.
Pros: - Delicious banana bread with cream cheese (so good) - Really good gingerbead pancakes with Vermont maple syrup - Tasty pineapple mango smoothie with cocnut and rum - Friendly atmosphere - Reasonable prices (unlike other Vermont spots) - Park for free on the weekends next door (big big plus) Cons - Long wait as can be - 40 minutes around Sunday 10am - Splotchy service, good at times, distracted the other
(4)Bring T.
Far and away my favorite breakfast spot. Worth the wait. Suggestion for shortening the wait: Just go with one other person and be open to sitting at the bar. The food tastes just as good up there.
(5)Bob F.
My wife raved over her Maple Cornbread French Toast, and since I'm not a breakfast guy, had only a side of biscuits with herbed gravy, which was excellent. Service was fast and very polite, and we're already planning to eat here again on our next visit!
(4)Jessica S.
I am so glad i chose to go to Penny Cluse!!! Everything from start to finish was perfect. First off i was greeted with such a warm smile from Ruslan who turned out to be my server. He was the perfect server he kept the coffee coming and we had a brief but nice conversation. I ordered the mini bucket o spuds delicious and the apple bread french toast special with applesause and sourcream. It was phenomenal! It wasnt too dense or mushy it didnt need a drop of the pure maple syrup they put on the table. Id be so happy to find a breakfast place half as good as penny cluse near home!
(5)Richard J.
Wow! What an amazing spot! I had a phenomenal cornbread french toast with rhubarb compote (which was a special). I also ordered the banana bread, which was moist and delicious, that was accompanied by a maple walnut cream cheese that I seriously could have just eaten straight. I also ordered a fresh fruit plate that came with an excellent variety of fruit. The prices were a bit high, but considering the quality of the food, I'm not complaining. The next time I'm in Burlington, I'm going straight to Penny Cluse for brunch.
(5)Paulina M.
I love pennycluse!! Makes sure to get there early because the wait can be incredibly long but it's well worth it. Make sure to try their fresh oj or lemonade.
(4)Mitchell R.
Really yummy!!! Everything was delicious. Good service. A must.
(5)Lizzie R.
Stopped here during a random pit stop in Burlington on a road trip and was pleasantly surprised with our breakfast experience. I tried the gingerbread pancakes, which were delicious! Home fries were awesome as well, and my eggs were cooked perfectly. My boyfriend ordered an omelet.. and when they accidentally made it with peppers instead of spinach, they gave him coffee for free. The staff was friendly, and even recommend some things to see while we were in town. Would definitely recommend!
(4)Cassandra D.
Choose the counter over a table and reduce your wait time. Use your wait time to look over the menu, since you'll likely have a difficult time deciding what to order. Gingerbread pancakes? Bucket o spuds? Tofu scram? Let me make it easy for you. If you prefer a sweet to savory breakfast, absolutely go for the Gingerbread pancakes. Make sure to beef them up with bananas. I find that blueberries can overpower the subtle flavors. If you're determined to undo that top button, don't be afraid to get a side of home fries. Salty seasoned home fries meet sweet maple syrup gingerbreaders for a great balance. Top 'em off with a bottomless cup of coffee or the classic cup of Vermont apple cider.
(4)Chris C.
I have always gone to Magnolias for breakfast/brunch when I'm in Burlington, but I decided to mix it up with Penny Cluse this time. So I heard the wait can be very long and they didn't disappoint there. 10:30AM on a Saturday morning and a one hour wait! Luckily they are cool with you just leaving and coming back when its somewhat near your estimated time. So I just wandered around Church St and the area. So after my hour of time killing I got a table and I was very ready for some food. The menu had a number of good selections as well as a handful of daily specials available. I had the gingerbread pancakes with a side of bacon while my friend had the Huevos Rancheros. Both meals were very good although I don't think the gingerbread pancakes were as out of this world as some of the other reviews make them sound. The orange juice was amazing though. Definitely homemade and done perfectly. The prices were decent and the service was not rushed, but it was bordering on it. All in all a very good place although I still feel Magnolia's food and service are better. Plus, the wait there is much shorter.
(4)Jessie D.
Any Saturday or Sunday in Burlington, no matter how cold, you will see a crowd of people gathered outside of Penny Cluse Cafe on Cherry Street. The wait is always at least a half-hour (unless you go very early, on weekends the cafe opens at 8am)- but, is always so worth it. This cozy breakfast spot has a diverse menu of delicious, incredibly fresh (and never greasy) dishes. Penny Cluse always offers breakfast and lunch specials utilizing seasonal ingredients, but I always find myself craving some of the staple menu items. The omelettes are amazing, and have so many different filling choices, it's actually a bit overwhelming. Way beyond the standard options, Penny Cluse offers many local cheeses, and meats (including andouille, chorizo, chicken apple sausage, and smoked bacon), and other interesting items like cranberry-almond relish, dulse seaweed, capers, and many, many more. My personal favorite dish is the Chorizo and Egg Tacos a lunch plate featuring two soft corn tortillas filled with house-made chorizo sausage scrambled with eggs and jack cheese, served with black beans, and avocado salsa. The chorizo is packed with spicy and savory flavor, the eggs are always soft and fluffy, and with just a little hot sauce, it makes one of my all time favorite brunch meals. The Mama Cruz's Huevos Rancheros, and the Tofu Scram (I like it with the salsa ranchero and corn muffins), are some of my other favorite savory items. These are served with the cafes awesome homefries, which are so good they could be a meal in themselves (the Bucket-o-Spuds appetizer features a mound of homefries with melted cheese, salsa, sour cream, and green onions, an egg on top is also an option). For those of you who prefer sweet breakfast foods, Penny Cluse offers many delicious options. The Gingerbread Pancakes (served with Vermont maple syrup, obviously) are one of their most popular dishes. I also really love their Banana Bread with Maple Walnut Cream Cheese to share with the table. With a bloody mary, mimosa, or several cups of steaming hot coffee, you're in for one of the best brunch meals in the area (Sneakers in Winooski takes a close second). The food is consistently great, and arrives to your table very quickly after ordering. So wait the half hour, go shop across the street at the Outdoor Gear Exchange (where you can easy spend 30 minutes), believe me, it will be worth it (no matter how bad your weekend hangover may be). For more reviews please visit my blog at: foodequalslovenyc.wordpr…
(5)Patrick K.
Penny Cluse serves the BEST breakfast in all of Burlington. The food is local, creative, and super tasty!
(4)C F.
The Penny Cluse could not have chosen a better breakfast meal to name after themselves! The gravy and biscuits are amazing!!! By writing this I am making myself want them actually. I am in love with this place. It is worth the wait on the weekends when they get quite busy. Staff is always friendly, even when very busy.
(5)Jeremy B.
Nothing quite captures the essence of a town like its prized local eateries. Penny Cluse is no exception to the rule. What a bunch of overpriced culinary hackery. What better place to bring your wealthy folks from Connecticut during parents week? They're paying, lololol! And thank goodness, because if you ever have to work and learn the value of the dollar, you'd probably cringe at what you're paying for at this overrated place. I mean, there's always a line out the door!! This town has really lost its mind. Okay, I used to think, well, the food is decent, but good lord, baby jeebus, we are paying that rent, aren't we! But no, the last time I went there, I was actually almost embarrassed that my girlfriend and I'd brought friends there for their first time. I had polenta and eggs. CORNMEAL. EGGS. BEANS. $10? The polenta had dried thyme or basil in it, which, of course, made it taste like dirt. When you are using strong simple flavors, go with fresh, fragrant herbs, or just leave it out and let the other bold ingredients shine, right? Yuck. Our friends, recent transplants from LA, were politely but clearly unimpressed with the $10+ housemade chorizo taco. Okay, Burlingtonians, I know you may have studied abroad that one semester on Mom n' Dad's dime, or maybe you did that spring break in Cancun when you got wicked drunk and got those corn-rows, or something, but really, your attempts at chorizo and other mex-inspired foods remind me of your many hippy brethren returning from Peru claiming to be Iowaska shamans. The fact that you are even selling what is essentially home-cooking or street food as some exotic $10 entree is an insult to the cultural traditions you are attempting to bastardize. So, I think I'll check out Sneakers, its been a while; hope that spoon hasn't lost too much of its grease! Or Magnolia's: not amazing, but I don't feel angry and ripped off as I do every time I walk out of Pennny Cluse. Aside from the last time, and that was because the gf paid. I do like her. *Btw, I do often find the service here to be exceptional. However, that isn't really why I go out to eat.
(1)Wendy K.
Don't get scared by the long lines, this place is definitely worth the wait.... Don't go if you are starving, you will be really pissed off by the time you sit down... Go in a group and go marginally hungry, you can make one of your friends stand in line and you can go shopping :-) You won't be disapointed!
(4)Sarah W.
Love this place. Service is always friendly and fast. Cozy atmosphere. Love the banana bread with the spread it yourself maple cream cheese! We've always walked to the location. However, there's a parking garage next door.
(4)Aaron N.
A great Burlington breakfast joint. Excellent service, excellent food. They do a great job with Mexican dishes. And they'll serve you stuff from the lunch menu for breakfast if you ask. Coffee is great. You'll need to wait for a table if you arrive after 8:30...but it's worth it.
(5)Allison K.
This place was great! The food was really good! We had the bucket of spuds, which was delicious, the banana bread (the maple cream cheese spread was fantastic), and the kale quesadillas. Everything was delicious and tasted fresh! The next time I'm in Burlington I'll definitely be hitting that place up.
(5)Matt J.
An excellent place for breakfast. Have been here a few times now and we have not been disappointed yet. The food has been very good each time, and they have some very good (and interesting) specials. The Egg Sandwich is one of my favs. I will say that you need to come early if you don't want to wait (on the weekends at least when i have been there). Because this place gets busy and you will end up waiting. One thing I did wish for was a small portion menu for the kids. I happy that they don't have the standard fall back (aka...crappy) kids menu. But to pay full price for something that the kids only eat half of is not great.
(4)nick k.
Excellent home fries, but the cheese sandwich with cranberry relish was just OK. Pickles were of the sweet variety, which is not my top choice. Would like to go back again and try ordering from the breakfast menu, as I saw other guests getting these types of food, and they all looked really good. Lots of vegetarian and vegan options.
(3)Dan M.
My wife and I were in search of breakfast in Burlington last Wednesday and decided to try out Penny Cluse after reading many good things. We were not disappointed. Penny Cluse is about as good as it gets for a diner-style breakfast. I'd call it a "diner for foodies." I had the Maple Cornbread French Toast (a special that day) with a side of biscuits and gravy and my wife went with the breakfast burrito. Everything was totally delicious; even the coffee was great. Service was fast and my coffee cup was never empty. We sat in the upstairs room and found it to be a bright, relaxing spot. Next time I'm in Burlington, this is where I'm coming for breakfast. No doubt.
(5)Graham C.
Don't need to add much more about this place that wasn't already said. Though, I will say that if Jesus came back to this earth as a carbohydrate, he would be the warm banana bread and walnut cream cheese. Goddamn that was good.
(5)Kimberlee M.
When I flew in to interview for the job I currently have I was taken here for breakfast. This is a great memory and one that I always come back to...that day I had the gingerbread pancakes. Wonderful, wonderful people and selections. I love all the savory choices now that I live here. Plan to wait a bit on the weekends, unless you go super early.
(5)Tia T.
Finally made it to Penny Cluse after many missed opportunities. I'd have to say this place lived up to the hype. We didn't even have to wait to be seated, albeit it was mid-afternoon on a Saturday. I had the Tofu Randy and it was delicious. Their rocket sauce is amazing! It came with a soup also, I think it was carrot ginger maybe, whatever it was I loved that too. My friend ordered the Taco salad and was rather disappointed as he was expecting one of those big fried bowl tortilla things, instead its served on top of a regular crispy tortilla. Looked good to me though. I don't recall what my other friend ordered but she loved it. The atmosphere is bright and friendly. It was a tad warm in there but I guess most places back east don't really require a/c. Cant wait to try the rest of the menu. almost makes me want to head back to VT for a visit... Almost.
(5)Lucy R.
My favorite breakfast/brunch/lunch place in Burlington. you have to wait in line and they don't take reservations, but it's worth it! I recommend their omelets and the fruit plate as well as the tangerine juice. The specials are always very tempting and inventive, but its hard to get anything but these favorites!
(4)Maurice C.
I love the gingerbread pancake!
(4)Pablo B.
The 'Cluse! Best brunch in Burlington. Be prepared to wait for at least an hour on weekends and sometimes on weekdays, very popular. Wait staff is friendly and helpful so it's pretty efficient even if there is a wait. Food is very tasty -- get the garlicky kale quesadilla when it's in season. Cornbread muffins delicious as well as the bucket o' spuds with lots of cheese and onions.
(5)Arthur M.
The tofu scramble with thai - peanut - ginger preparation was unbelievable! The service was fantastic as well.
(5)K B.
We almost missed the bucket of spuds when ordering. That would have been a real shame. Adding two fried eggs on top of the home fries with delicious cheese and salsa made this a meal in and of itself. The sourdough french toast and the gingerbread pancakes had us all leaving stuffed. Is it expensive...yes Is it worth it...no doubt Can't wait to come back!
(5)Lorilee L.
The gingerbread pancakes are PHENOMENAL! Its like swallowing the spirit of Christmas present and it makes your mouth tingle with childish joy. The Chicken Apple Sausage is huge! Perfect blend of sweetness and meatiness. And I love the texture when you bite through the skin. Ok, maybe that's a little gross to some of you. But I like that sensation. -1/2 star for all the flies that were harassing me throughout my meal. -1/2 star for the single bathroom that was occupied 24/7 by the hoards of people waiting to get in. If you're willing to wait for a table, deal with crowds or come at an off-hour...this place is DEFINITELY worth it. The food is fabulous!
(4)Joseph D.
We waited a LONG time to be seated for breakfast on a Sunday. The food was phenomenal so I really can't complain. Let the long lines be a testament to how good the food is. If you like orange juice, be sure to get some at Penny Cluse. It's fresh squeezed. The best orange juice I've ever had.
(5)Chelsea D.
I am a huge fan of Breakfast and I am on a never ending search for the best breakfast place. I think penny Cluse might be up there in the top places of mine to eat breakfast. It is by far one of my favorite places in Burlington. The atmosphere is great, with a mixture of college students and families. And the service is great as well. The food is fantastic and always fresh! Their fruits sides are always local and well portioned. And trying their coffee is an absolute must! My friends and i always feel that Penny Cluse sets us up for a great day. Be aware that on weekends waits can be as long as an hour!
(5)Doris W.
After reading reviews from fellow Yelpers, we decided to come here for brunch on our trip to Burlington. It was between this and Magnolia's but chose this because it was the address I threw into the GPS. We got there around 9:30am on a Sunday and we had to wait for 40 minutes for a table of 4. You guys weren't kidding about the wait. We took the time to explore Church St. while we waited. The wait ended up being an hour but the hostess was apologetic about the wait. We didn't mind since we were in no rush. For starters we had the bucket o'spuds which was AWESOME. I think I ate half of it myself. For the main entree I had sunny side eggs with polenta. Everything was delicious except that I wished there were more of the polenta. It was really good. The salsa had great flavor. I housed that plate as well. I got a medium order of the apple cider which was delicious. My friends enjoyed their meals. My friend especially enjoyed the buckwheat pancakes. I've never experienced this before, but the waitress offered to split our bill 4 ways, including splitting the spuds. This made it so much easier for us to pay, but surprised that she offered to do such a thing. Their menu sounded awesome and I wish I could have ordered everything. The prices were great and the service even better. I will definitely come back the next time I'm in Burlington.
(4)Jessica N.
I just got home from my annual Burlington visit and finally made it to Penny Cluse the last morning I was in town. This place is definitely popular. Granted, it was a Saturday morning, but we were there 30 minutes after they opened and still had to wait about 15 minutes for a table - no biggie. I had the Bellber combo plate that allows you to pick and choose from pancakes or french toast, eggs any style, and a side of either home fries, bacon, ham, or sausage. I went with the french toast, scrambled eggs, and home fries. My french toast was awesome! Thick, with just the right amount of crunch on the crust. YUM! I was also really surprised with how good the home fries were. They are a huge portion (served on a separate plate) and I wasn't able to finish them off, although I wanted to. My mother and I split a plate of fruit - more often than not, fresh fruit plates tend to be hit and miss. Some of the fruit isn't ripe enough so it I usually wind up picking out the better fruit. However, Penny's fruit plate rocked and it had such a great variety! A few blueberries, a cherry, a couple of slices of watermelon, banana, pineapple, mango...all the fruit was wonderful. The coffee was nice and hot and not too weak. Lunch menu looked great too. I'll definitely be coming back!
(4)Cameron C.
Absolutely excellent food and service! Best breakfast place in Burlington. I have been many time and have never had a bad meal. Some my favorites and recommendations are the fresh fruit place, bucket-o-spuds and breakfast burrito. Everything is made fresh and made from scratch and reasonably priced. A must eatery in BTV!
(5)Tia S.
Just adding my happy vote to the throng of fans. This place is absolutely delightful. Adorable interior, remarkable food. I am pretty sure the biscuits with herb cream gravy are made in Heaven and exported direct to Penny Cluse. Pick up a free postcard on your way out of the namesake dog, Penny herself. Double-check the hours before you go...Penny Cluse's brand of Awesome is available for a limited time every day!
(5)Meg B.
Since I review all of the places I love. This is one of them. I went to UVM so I had my experience of going to find the most amazing places to binge on after a Sat night. If you want to go for breakfast to Penny Cluse,m, I suggest you leave early to get there before the crowd rushes in. I love the atmosphere in Penny because of the decor, it is like you are in someone's enlarged kitchen down south. What is unique about Penny that no other place I have ever eaten at before is their gravy. Amazing! What I also greatly appreciate about Penny is that I always want to eat a pancake or french toast for breakfast, but I always feel blah after eating just carbs without any eggs. Most place for breakfast are either all pancakes or omelets/eggs. At Penny Cluse you can get the best of both worlds by having the Bellber Combo (pancakes/french toast & eggs any style). Also their biscuits are a must! Did I mention Gingerbread Pancakes?
(5)Cara D.
Yes! This place is a great little gem in Burlington. Yet, so many people know about it! I went with my sister at 7:45 am and it was basically full on a Thursday morning. Whoa! I ordered the gingerbread pancakes, eggs, and turkey sausage. The pancakes were so great! I have never had such a flavor like it- in pancakes! My sister, a non pancake eater, even thought they were out of this world. She ordered an omelet which looked amazing. She got polenta instead of bread, which was delicious! Such a treat! A great breakfast place, for the weekdays. I would be afraid to see what the line was like on a weekend.
(4)Mimi S.
Oh how I wish I could wake up every morning in Burlington and head out to Penny Cluse for my first meal of the day. But since they serve breakfast all day till they close at 3 pm, then breakfast fare it is for my second meal of the day! Every item in their menu sounds so good, we always have a difficult time choosing what we want during a visit. We travel to Burlington often but not often enough to be able to try everything in their menu. And I don't even want to begin thinking about their specials of the day. I will not reiterate what other reviewers have specifically described about the food here. Trust what they say; at least the ones who loved it. Their menu is available on their website; as are a few recipes of some of the more popular items they serve. Feel like flipping some gingerbread pancakes tomorrow, hmmm? The place is really cozy. Works of local artists are displayed routinely and they do add a nice eclectic touch to the ambiance. Even the bathroom is made a canvas for art. It's a great family place, like others have mentioned. They have a ramp to get in the place. For kids, they offer high chairs, straw cups, toys to play with while waiting and they have a changing table in the bathroom. Their servers are pretty good with giving recommendations. And I commend them, particularly one server we had that time when we ate here before a flight out. I informed her of our situation and she made sure our meals came out promptly and she facilitated everything so that we would make it out to the airport on time. Penny Cluse...I'd put you at the top of my breakfast /brunch place list!
(5)Nathan S.
Incredible breakfast, Great waitress!
(5)Marty J.
Great local flavor located on an active corner. I was expecting a Sunday brunch rush delay, but I was seated immediately with a couple at a large table. Super wait staff, good food. Beats IHOP!
(4)D S.
I ordered the huevos rancheros and a chile relleno on the side. Homemade salsa was fantastic with both items. Next time, I'll skip the eggs and order two chiles -- SO GOOD! My friend loved her amazing French toast. Restaurant is bright and lovely. Enjoy!
(5)Rob W.
Great breakfast at the Cluse... Had to wait a while on the weekend, but it was worth it. Never saw the bottom of my coffee cup and I left with a full belly and a smile on my face... Will be back.
(4)Theodore W.
What is all the hype about with this place?? I don't get it. We had an hour and a half wait on a Sunday morning. Apparently this was the norm, and didn't bother anybody else. We finally get in around noon (we are the last in a long line of people who wasted a morning in line for breakfast), and get ready to order. $8 for bacon and eggs (which is absurd), and that's by far the cheapest thing on the breakfast menu. Some crap about them being free-range, organically fed, bathed in humanely monitored 82.5ºF water or some such nonsense. Usually this plate goes for $4-5 anywhere else, so it's about a 75% premium here. Not a huge deal, but it gets worse. My friends order a "small" OJ, and they get something akin to a shot glass (exaggerating...but not by much) of juice, for the price of a half gallon of your most premium OJ in any grocery store. Oh but wait, this is fresh-squeezed, with the oranges raised in high-grade soil and lathered in special nutrients, picked by fair wage, previously-unemployed Americans. Christ. I ordered a "large" OJ, and got a medium-sized glass. I ordered a second one and ended up spending $7 on two glasses of OJ. WTF? The food finally came, and it was good. That's it, just good. No complaints per se, but certainly not worth the money or the time invested in patronizing this place. Breakfast ended up costing over $80 for the four of us. By comparison, four of us went to an old-school independent diner in Southern Connecticut (certainly not the cheapest place on Earth - it's not called the "gold coast" for nothing) for $33. And the wait was 15 minutes. This place also carries an aura of exactly what people dislike about Vermont. It's too crunchy, too expensive, and the air of condescension is thick. Very thick. Pass on this place.
(2)Allen P.
Had an excellent breakfast here while visiting from Philly. Large portions, great coffee, and plenty of vegetarian choices. Expect to wait for a table, but it's well worth it!
(4)zoe p.
I was surprised to see this place so busy at 7a - but it was quite good, so now I know why. Everything was good, tasted fresh and the only complaint I could come up with is that my eggs were a little under done. Service was pleasant. I was on a rare trip without my husband in Burlington and look forward to the next time we're there together so I can bring him here.
(4)Ger R.
Needs a little more zing' in the Mexican dishes. Good service. Good menu. Great black beans.
(3)Michelle C.
I wish I discovered this place BEFORE my sister's senior year at UVM :-(. We went on a March Sunday and of course there was a wait, but not worries, we went around the corner to BR and shopped the sale racks for a bit. I think our wait was about what we were quoted, so that works for me. The food: I got the huevos verdes, a special of the huevos rancheros with green salsa instead of red. It comes with tortillas, black beans, a little cole slaw I think? and eggs however you want. I got them poached (my fave) and they were poached to perfection. The whole dish was so good, and my only regret? I tasted my sister's bacon and holy crap that was delicious bacon. If you are of the meat eating type, get it, it is TASTY. Seriously, if you have doubts about the wait, put your name in and go shopping then come back, you won't be disappointed. The food lived up the wait and service was great as well. They do take out too, so you better believe I will be ordering out during graduation weekend!
(4)Andrew W.
My wife and I had a great breakfast there. Went mid-week -didn't have any trouble getting seated. Food was delicious. Staff was friendly and overall terrific. Will go again for sure. We're new to the Burlington area - asked someone on the street about a good place to have breakfast - they enthusiastically said Penny Cluse Cafe - and boy did we love it there. Had a nice neighborhood feel. And what a great menu - so many other meals there to look forward to.
(5)Dee K.
one of my fav breakfast spots around. i dearly miss this place and there is nothing like it in florida :( everything here is fresh and delish. the place is beautiful. the atmosphere is great. penny cluse is a true gem!
(5)Mike G.
Too many choices. Get the banana bread and the fresh squeezed OJ. Was one of the best breakfast places with plenty of omelettes and everything is homemade!
(5)Mac C.
Best breakfast ever. Tofu scram was delicious. Attentive staff. Scored a window table for people watching. Waitress and hostess were walking by each other, put down what they were carrying, high-10'd, then moved on. My kind of place. Awesome.
(5)Laurie O.
EAT HERE! One of the many things that I LOVE about Vermont is that I don't have to carry my own maple syrup. The real stuff is everywhere! At Penny Cluse Cafe I can pour it next to Gingerbread Pancakes! They serve very good coffee in the best EVER diner type coffee cups with saucers. Lots of variety on the menu and I trust absolutely anything that they make here. I tasted the biscuits and herb gravy and a couple of other items and everything was delicious! They were friendly and they remembered me the second time that I came in. I love that. Also this restaurant is extremely kid friendly. Penny Cluse Cafe in Burlington Vermont is a bit of a trek for me coming from Sacramento but I'm going to do something about that next year. Until then I will have to be happy with the published Gingerbread Pancake recipe (go to the website!) and my many pictures of my two breakfasts in 4 days while I was in Vermont. I have a picture of my breakfast as wallpaper on my cell phone right now. THAT is how much I love this place!
(5)Mindy S.
I know it seems weird...I seem to rate either 1 star or 5 star...but I think it is because if I really love something I want to share it with the world and when I really can't stand something I also want to share it with the world. I am a passionate person...what can I say! Anyway....I have not been to Penny Clause since the summer of 2008 but I have been there EVERY TIME I travel to Burlington, VT (almost an annual event for me since 2005 except the last 1 1/2 years now) and it has been consistant year in and year out....EXCELLENT. I usually plan to dine there and go in the early a.m. hours so I don't have the long wait time....though it is well-worth the wait. I love the freshness of the food and the clear LOVE the cooks in the kitchen have for their flavorful creations. Right now I am recalling the YUMMY biscuits and gravy!!!! Green with goodness (and onions & lots of fresh herbs) and other spices (but not salty or doused w/ pepper) and the C R E A M that makes this gravy sooooo memorable!!! Being from the south I have a deep appreciation for biscuits and I am pretty impressed with theirs (not fluffy...but not too heavy or hard). I enjoyed the eggs and homemade potatoes and local artisan bread for toast and the locally roasted coffee......NOT BAD....(there are actually some local beans that I enjoyed....scary because I am a faithful and grateful fan of Strongtree Organic coffee and it is usually very challenging for me to find other coffees that meet their high standards in my opinion)....I just wished I had more of it before I felt I needed to get up and give someone else my seat. The staff are really nice and laid back and given that I go back every year I like seeing the same faces (shows that they like working there). I miss you Penny Clause.....it won't be tooo long now : )
(5)Diana C.
Great atmosphere, friendly service, delicious food, best coffee in town. They have their own speeder and earl blend and it's awesome. And I got a mimosa with tangerine juice that was also awesome. The servers were so nice and seemed happy with their jobs, which is really nice to see. I got a yelp account just so I could share my five stars.
(5)Geoff P.
The food seemed to be your typical fare from a breakfast spot - eggs, omelets, pancakes, etc. There is nothing really to complain about the food. I do feel like it was a bit lighter/healthier/fresher/whatever than your average greasy spoon. The space is cozy and cute. The staff is friendly, fast and efficient. It seems like THE breakfast destination in Burlington so be prepared to wait. We were told an hour and a half, but it ended up being about 30-40 minutes. We did leave our name and then walked around. The food was good enough for the wait we had, but probably not much longer. 4 stars, but more like 3.5. It's good, but not terribly special. Sorry locals.
(4)M P.
BEST PLACE EV. everything is amazing included but not limited to the banana bread with maple walnut butter, breakfast burrito, Chile relleno, home fries, biscuits with gravy, and gingerbread pancakes!!!
(5)Kate D.
The atmosphere is a nice one - very relaxed and light. Even with a 30 minute wait it didn't feel overly crowded. The food's great too, especially the toss salad with the creamy feta dressing (without the onions).
(4)Candy M.
I've put off writing this review because I just have so many good things to say. I LOVE PENNY CLUSE. I go here at least 3 or 4 times a week, I cannot stop. The food is amazing and CONSISTENT, always good. The specials are a little redundant from time to time (that's what I get for eating there so much), but once in a while they will surprise me with something special, like lamb souvlaki or flounder sandwich. Here are my recommendations. Breakfast- Start off with the bucket of spuds, home fries covered in cheese with homemade salsa and sour cream and green onions. It's amazing for a group to share, and also, the best thing ever to eat after a serious night of drinking. I cant go to penny cluse without getting a bucket, even if I'm alone. Get a fruit plate, you will not regret it. the fruit is all fresh and beautifully presented, and has such a variety. I wish I was a pancake or french toast person, but I just tend to go a little more savory. If you do want to get something of that nature, get the zucchini bread french toast with honey ricotta (its on special right now but will probably be there for another month of so), you will not regret this choice. If you just want to try it get a side of it which is just one piece, which is also cheaper and really all you need. If the huevos rojo is on special, GET IT. Delicious eggs (I get them over medium) topped with a red turkey chili and served with black beans and tortillas. Penny Cluse's bacon is also alarmingly good, as is the chicken apple sausage. if you are in the mood for Lunch... GET THE HAM RANDY. the rocket sauce is out of control, and I mean, I'm obsessed with ham so it really works out well. I love all the Mexican inspired dishes like Chorizo and Egg tacos which I always add cilantro to, and their avocado salsa is off the hook. The Chile Relleno plate is also not to be messed with, so perfect. the ranchero salsa is bomb, perfectly spicy. You can get a side of relleno for $2.50 I believe which is just one chile, and perfect if you want to try it. I could go on all day about penny cluse, about how the servers are all great and so funny, and how one of the the owners calls me mini bucket girl, and he also makes the best bucket of spuds out of anyone who works the line and I aint scurred to let him know that. The atmosphere here is wonderful. I love the eclectic art work (always local and interesting), and I love the coffee. When a breakfast place starts at the basics, like great coffee, you know its the real deal. I would wait all day to get a seat at penny cluse, it is my second home.
(5)Roy L.
Crowded popular breakfast places almost universally disappoint, since they seem to mostly draw from college students and young professional trying to find a way to kill a morning by hanging out, regardless of how uninspired the food is. But Penny Cluse is the real deal: great food, made from excellent ingredients, great service, and a nice place to enjoy both. Set aside an hour to wait for a table most days though: drop by, get your name on the list, and then walk around town for a bit.
(4)Meg O.
Two New Yorkers and a Chicagoan stuck up on a mountain in the middle of Route 125 at English Camp had the desire to brunch. Naturally, this meant we drove up to Burlington. Since I don't know Burlington that well, I went onto Yelp and typed in "brunch Burlington, VT." What attracted me to Penny Cluse the most on Yelp, in addition to the overall stellar reviews, was Chad N's review, because, dude, brunch in Chicago is a full-contact sport. We take our brunch seriously, and eat it with much gusto. If there are any fellow Chicagoans reading this, I'd say that Penny Cluse is more of a cross between Over Easy and Flo, than Lula. Well, we can't all be Lula--sigh--but Penny here is good stuff. The wait was going to be 30-45 minutes, but our hostess pointed out that our threesome could sit at the counter immediately. Ravenous and in dire need of coffee, we chose the latter. The coffee here is fantastic, so smooth that I drank my first cup sans cream, which is super rare for me. The only coffee I drink black is my friend Luke's, who roasts his own beans and then brews it French press. There were many delicious options on the menu; my friends and I studied it for quite some time. I was wavering between pozole, the eggs and polenta, the egg and chorizo tacos, and the Zydeco eggs. After much deliberation, I chose the last option, with poached eggs. I also ordered a side of fruit. Dining companion #1 created a goat feta, mushroom, and tomato omelette, and dining companion #2 ordered the eggs and polenta, eggs scrambled. My Zydeco eggs was delicious! Corn bread muffins finer than Wish Bone's (another great Chicago brunch haunt), framed a plate of black beans with an Andouille sausage in the center. Oddly, my poached eggs arrived in separate cups, but they were nicely done, and mixed with the rest of the plate perfectly. And now I must wax poetic on the fruit plate. It had myriad kinds of fruit: cherries, mango, grapefruit, watermelon, cantaloupe, peaches, plums, pineapple, and even fresh figs(!!!) all artfully stacked on a salad plate. Everything was ripe, sweet, and juicy. And this wonder of wonders fruit plate only cost $3.50! I have seen many fruit plates of far inferior quality served for double that price in my brunching days. Even the New Yorkers were way impressed as they partook in its deliciousness. If I lived in Burlington, I would come again. Maybe next time order a bloody mary-which looked delicious, and get some of that herbed gravy that all the Vermonty Pythons rave about. I would like to see more ambitious specials, maybe a salmon scramble or a crab cake benedict, but perhaps they do offer these as specials from time to time. Who knows? Perhaps I'll return before my 6 weeks in VT are up!
(4)Quinn S.
One of the few Burlington restaurants that holds up to the hype year after year. They open early, they have good specials, they have fun, funky seating, and they are way better than Boogaloos, the restaurant in San Francisco that the owner designed the same menu for. It's worth the wait. Roast Duck Hash=heaven
(5)Jan M.
The Cluse may not need more reviews--if you live near Burlington and don't know about it, you're not paying attention, if you're visiting, just ask any local--but out of love and appreciation I'll add one more. I moved outside Vermont a few years ago, but every trip back I make sure includes at least one pilgrimage here. It's a breakfast and lunch place, but I need to confess, I stopped seeing the lunch menu a long time ago, no matter what time of day. And although I've sampled most of the breakfast offerings one time or another, and might be tempted by the specials, just two things keep me coming back--besides the great all-around mojo of the place including a top-notch and exceptionally loyal staff. One is the Bucket o' Spuds with an egg over-easy on top. This dish is remarkably simple but it is just about the most beautiful thing that I've ever seen happen to the potato. The bucket is figurative, its a gently heaping pile of potato chunks served on an oval plate, with some melted cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a healthy scoop of solid pico de gallo (they call it salsa, but whatever, its very good), some green onions, and of course the egg. The magic ingredient, what pulls it all together somehow is whatever they add to the potatoes. I've asked about the ingredients, it includes turmeric which gives a distinct golden yellow color, but have not come anywhere close to recreating. I'll just keep thinking that PC has special powers to pull it off so well, so consistently. The other is Mama Cruz's Huevos Rancheros or similar dishes--Zydeco Breakfast, Polenta and Eggs--that all come with black beans and Penny Cluse's singular ranchera sauce. The whole dish shines, but the sauce is the star. I tried many times to approximate this too on my own without much success. I got to talking about it with one of the waittresses once and she brought out the three different types of peppers that they use, a cascabel--small, round, dark plum color (never heard of it), a chipotle (smoked habanero), and a serrano. But after several minutes of pepper talk, she says "and of course you know about the beer right?". I didn't!. One of the original VT microbreweries is McNeill's down in Brattleboro (worth a detour) and they make a "Firehouse Amber" that is great in a glass and even better as the secret ingredient in Penny Cluse's ranchera sauce. Easily one of the best breakfast places on the planet, though it may take a while, or moving away, to appreciate it. Thanks and kudos to talented and committed owners Charles and Holly and their able staff for creating a Vermont institution.
(5)Tina C.
It's a good place to have lunch. I had tofu salad with ginger dressing, and it was great. Very comfy place, with lots of selections. it's crowded during lunch time, try to go around 11ish, if you don't like to wait in line.
(4)Jennifer L.
If I lived here I'm sure I'd be eating at Penny Cluse on a regular basis. It's cute inside, service was sweet, it's crowded, but the wait wasn't long and the food is fantastic. It's seriously like the Holy Grail of breakfast/brunch/lunch places. And reasonably priced!! I mauled a good portion of someone else's biscuits and gravy, and ate as much as I could muster of my own delish breakfast sandwich (2 eggs, Vermont cheddar and ham!). Add the fact that I can turn that freshly squeezed tangerine juice into a birthday mimosa and we have achieved perfection. I hope I can make it back for lunch because that onion soup sounded AWESOME. I don't think I'll be able to even go to Boogaloos in SF.
(5)Chad N.
Wow, what a great place. Recently moved from Chicago and were happy to find a great brunch place (our favorite meal out) Love the unique food menu, and great tasting items. Great staff (have some patience though) The place is a great atmosphere once you are seated. Would have been a 5 if not for the wait. I know that is sometimes an unfair complaint of a restaurant, but the organization of the seating gets annoying. For one the waiting space is smaller then my first dorm room and is in between the sitting customers and the bathroom, so you have people squeezing in the door, going to the bathroom and trying to climb to the front to put their name down with like 2 and a half chairs. I will say it is worth the wait. We are still trying different times to see if they are ever not busy, but only being open until 2 they are ALWAYS packed and at least 30 min wait. Not sure what they can do about it, except maybe move their hostess stand further into the place for room. Again it is worth the trouble getting a table . . . recommended !!!!
(4)Liz And Clay S.
Its really just an average breakfast place. Standard breakfast that is decent, but it is nothing to write home about. I am confused why people rate it so high? Your money would be better spent at Chefs Corner!
(2)Polina T.
Great food if you can get a table! A little pricey but the food is plentiful and good quality. I had breakfast... ham,eggs and homemade hash browns.
(4)Dominique D.
YUMMY! this was a great late lunch with my sister. It was even more special due to the fact we had just gotten tattoos! I had a few great cup of joe and a fish taco. It was fresh and delicious with a few different sides to choose from. SO good! I can't wait to go back and eat there again.
(5)mike p.
I miss this place more than any other place in Burlington. First, let's deal with the most common criticism: the wait. Yes, it can be long. BUT, it's made much worse if you decide to crowd the lobby. Leave your name with the host and go for a walk. Get a coffee or whatever. It's right off Church street, so don't be stupid and stand around and be like overheated sardines. Other than that, the food's great, and the staff is friendly. Never had a bad meal here. Oh, and the tangerine juice will blow your mind.
(5)Angie C.
I could not love Penny Cluse more. Everytime I go I am blown away by how perfect and delicious everything is. I've ordered a number of specials and enjoyed them, but my favorite is the two eggs with two biscuits and gravy, with a side of bacon. Cause their bacon is AWESOME.
(5)Kathryn D.
Arrived with the party of two at 9:30 AM on a Sunday morning and immediately got a table. The restaurant is really pretty and cheerful and has a really interesting menu. In general it's well worth the Price and the food is delicious! The biscuits and gravy are really good with their custom pesto gravy. Also had pumpkin bread French toast and a breakfast burrito which were awesome! Service was fast and they were constantly refilling our coffee. Loved it can't wait to head back to Burlington :)
(5)Shelly R.
The Penny Cluse breakfast was amazingly herbily delicious. Well worth the wait!
(5)Kristi P.
This place really is amazing. The downside is the insane wait no matter when you go. If your patient they have this herb gravy that is outa this world! They would get 5 stars if I could ever go there and be seated in under 45 minutes.
(4)Tony L.
Amazing, fresh, clean, relaxing! Ate here at the beginning of the year, and I have been dying to go back, but I'm just too far away unless I'm on vacation. Go here!
(5)Natalie M.
Dear Penny, I miss you. We had some good times didn't we? Remember all those mornings, I would stumble in still reeking of Box of Wine or Carlo Rossi or Hot Chocolate & Peppermint Schnapps (if there was a hockey game the night before, natch), and you would feed me, Penny. No questions asked. And for a nominal fee. Was there a wait? You bet. Did I expect it? Absolutely! One can not assume a breakfast as delightful as the ones you prepare to be ready on a moment's notice. I learned how to share. I was totally present that day in Nursery School. Did I still thoroughly enjoy everything you ever put in my face EVER? Yes. Yes, I did Penny. Since moving to back to Boston I have yet to find a breakfast place that even comes close to your succulence. I can't wait to come back and get pancakes and eggs and snausages and home fries and never-ending cup of coffee and the BIGGEST GLASS OF WATER IN CREATION...and OJ. Gotta have the OJ. One Love, Natalie
(5)Julia W.
Few things could get me out of bed before 11am but breakfast of Penny Cluse. I get homesick just thinking about it :( The gingerbread pancakes are out of this world!
(4)Zoe A.
The best - absolute favorite place to splurge on a breakfast in Burlington. There is almost always a wait, so if you want to eat here, come early, put your name down and take a stroll up Church Street while you wait for your table. IT'S WORTH IT FOLKS! They bake their own bread and freshly squeeze the juice in house. The potatoes are amazing. Everything is delicious. I can't think of a better way to spend a lazy autumn sunday in vermont.
(5)Patrick S.
simply the best breakfast ever !!!!
(5)Xoxo, B.
A friend of ours suggested this restaurant for breakfast while we were visiting Burlington. Our first thought after walking in was .. An hour wait for breakfast? Stfu. And $8 for a breakfast sandwich?? Stfu! But, we decided to stay. The food was delicious. Would I visit again? Maybe.. The prices I still think were outrageous for breakfast food and I would probably check out the Saturday Farmers Market nearby instead.
(3)Hilary V.
Penny Cluse is worth the long wait. There is usually a long line and the place is packed for breakfast/brunch, but the food is great. My favorite is "The Penny Cluse"--amazing biscuits with herb cream gravy. When in season, they have tangerine juice which is great. The servers are friendly and the service is decent. It's a bit loud when it's crowded, but that never deters me from going :)
(5)Michael S.
Awesome, awesome, awesome. I cant really say more than that, but i'll try :-) We got to Penny Cluse on a Friday, after trying Magnolia but being rudely turned away. It was a toss-up as to our breakfast spot, so we ended up here. Pure serendipity. We arrived around 7:20ish and the place was already half-full. Good sign. But, we were seated quickly and got coffee just as fast. (Good coffee, too...). Wow, what a menu! Can I have one of everything? But, since we were were dining with our two-year old, we order with him in mind. My wife couldnt decide between the Special French Toast - Zucchini Bread french toast with a honey ricotta, or the omelette with fresh local mozzarella, organic tomatoes, basil and such. When she asked for the waitress' recommendation, she told my wife she could get the omelette, and instead of toast, they could fix her one piece of the special french toast. Sold! How nice and accommodating they were. I got the Bellber combo - 2 eggs scrambled (Soooo good..and soooo fluffy!), 2 gingerbread pancakes and home fries. Awesome potatoes...yellow Yukon Golds with good seasoning and nice crust. Anyway, our two year old got the nicest looking fruit plate this side of Carmen Miranda, and shared some of mine. Oh, and so delicious, we went back Saturday before leaving town. Just as good....almost worth the three hour drive from Albany alone.
(5)Bruce R.
Put this one at the very top of your bucket list. Penny Cluse is open for lunch and dinner with long lines on weekends. It's worth the wait. Consider for a moment a perfect omelet brimming with jack cheese, green onion and chorizo sausage; a BL&T embellished with cheddar cheese and slices of avocado; toasted banana bread with maple walnut cream cheese and the fruit plate to die for; and, last but not least, the Old-Style turkey Sandwich (real roasted turkey, no doubt about it) with cheddar on griddled sourdough, sautéed spinach, red onion & roasted garlic mayonnaise.
(5)Elton W.
Great place for American breakfast in Burlington. I thoroughly enjoyed my thick bacon, fluffy pancakes, eggs over medium (that everyone normally screws up), and real maple syrup.
(4)Paul L.
We waited 30 minutes for a table but the wait was worth it. The food and service were outstanding..
(4)Niko X.
Penny Cluse lives up to its hype...without a doubt. It's definitely not the cheapest breakfast place in town, but I feel it's well worth it. The menu is quite unique to Burlington, with a decidedly southwestern take on breakfast. Deliciously unique sandwiches are also served...and the biscuits with herb creme gravy are absolutely not to be missed. There is a bit of a downer to Penny Cluse, which everyone knows is the line on the weekends...but chatting and anticipating is half the fun.
(5)S R.
I just love Penny Cluse! Great food and decent prices. I always get breakfast there even though they offer lunch items... I just love their tofu scramble with peanut sauce and the Penny Cluse with the biscuits and herb gravy... So good! Their mimosas make me happy too :) staff is also very nice and attentive and quick to check on you. I may have to go today, now that I'm thinking about it! You will not be disappointed. It's worth a wait... Just put in your name and go explore on Church Street for a bit until your table is ready.
(5)Ryan K.
There's plenty of reviews about this ultimate brunch locale, but I want to echo the positives here and say that this place has it right. It's just homey/comfy enough to make you want to linger and drink coffee all day. Just off of Church St, it's accessible and a worthwhile visit.
(4)Kevin S.
Definitely a few notches your standard breakfast place. Everything we had was great. Wife and I really enjoyed the bucket of spuds. Wish we had more places like this around us.
(5)L T.
Really kind of unimpressive. I guess the food is somewhat interesting and a little different than the normal greasy spoon breakfast joint, but the prices are just high enough for me not to care. Also, you have to wait and wait and wait in line and sometimes I leave still hungry. There's a die hard P.C. following out there, so I don't think my review will put a dent in their business, though.
(2)NP W.
Best Brunch in Burlington! My husband and I visited this place - thanks to all the helpful Yelpers out there. We went early - at 8am on a Sunday when it opened. We didn't wait at all. The coffee was awesome, the corn bread french toast was awesome - the biscuits and gravy - out of this world!!! Worth a six hour drive just for those! Staff wasn't exactly awake at 8am, but they warmed up. Check it out!
(5)Lisa M.
We had the Bucket o' Spuds, huevos with green chile special, and a custom gingerbread pancake/zucchini bread french toast plate that the waitress kindly suggested when I said I couldn't make up my mind between the two (I liked the pancake better - light and fluffy, with the perfect amount of spice). The coffee was strong and flavorful, and the service was excellent. They were very friendly and went out of their way to accomodate our toddler. We went on a Friday morning and didn't have to wait. We'll definitely return next time we visit Burlington!
(5)Yonaira C.
By far one of the yummiest breakfast places I have ever eaten. The chorizo breakfast tacos are delish! As is the zydeco breakfast, my personal favorite. I lick my plate clean every time. No trip is complete to Burlington without a visit to penny cluse! The wait is always long, usually 45 minutes even on a Monday but well worth it. Highly recommended.
(5)Domu A.
I love breakfast. Yes, and I love eggs, but even if I didn't, I'd find something tasty to eat here. Like the tofu scramble...wait...does that have eggs? I think not. Burlington's finest. It is. I wish they didn't butter your toast. Wait, do they butter your toast for you? Eh. Either way, good food, good memories. Go with a friend, and the wait won't seem so long.
(4)Nick L.
doesn't get much better than this. I take brunch seriously.. and this place ROCKS. Great ingredients, great cooking.. expansive/creative menu selections. Probably the best bacon I've ever had. Top 3 pancakes I've ever had. Solid dark roast coffee. Cannot be beaten for the price. The woman that seated us and worked up front at the counter was really nice and really cute. Our waiter if I remember correctly did a good job but seemed like he wanted to off himself. Anyhow, highly recommend
(5)ariel d.
i love breakfast. and then i love penny cluse. and then i love about 80% of the women that work there, mostly because i have crushes on all of them. i'd be hard pressed to find a place i love more in burlington. and i don't throw the word love around casually. i went here every friday morning for breakfast before work and if i was running late i would go saturday mornings. the common denominator on both those days is that i go before 930 which is about the time the waits start in pennys. if you wait 30 minutes, that's a short one. their coffee i drank black and it's not often i do that. i always got either the basic breakfast, zydeco, or the mama cruz's and from time to time got something exotic from their list of specials. i slightly regret not trying more on their menu but then again, i always got a great meal from my usuals. if you're coming with a group (which i did often), i always went ahead of the group and put my name on the wait list. then my group would mozie to penny's. it worked because i lived 10 minute walk away. A
(5)Isaac W.
sorry, i'm only giving it four stars even though i eat here all the time and enjoy the food and feel. the line is usually a little too long, and ever since they switched to local chicken thigh instead of chicken breast from wherever, i don't order my favorite dish. look, i don't care if it's local, i just want my favorite dish back. but anyhow, yeah, it's worth the wait. be patient.
(4)Michael T.
I waited an hour for this place, and it didn't disappoint. There wasn't much on the menu as far as meat goes, but I'm sure you could find something. I had the biscuits and gravy. Then again, it could be that the food tasted amazing only because I had been eating "Meadowmount School of Music food" for the preceding 4 weeks. But, I doubt that.
(5)Matthew M.
The best biscuits and gravy of my life I was humbled to enjoy here, after stepping off a brutal red-eye flight. The biscuits were a thousand cuts above Pillsbury, and the chicken gravy was thick but not overly greasy. I left feeling stuffed but not disgusting, and that is a key distinction when it comes to comfort food!
(5)Anna K.
Friendly staff, fun atmosphere, good food. My only comment is start using organic dairy, eggs, etc...
(4)Brian C.
This is a burlington breakfast staple. The food is always awesome, the wait is bearable, and the ambiance is unique. This is a good place to go with a small group or a couple. Everything is fresh and very good. Some of the stuff is a little small and the place can be kind of pricey, but you will not leave dissapointed. The special omelet is always good. The servers are very nice and accommodating Great place, highly recomended.
(4)Jon Z.
I checked yelp for a great place for breakfast, and you guys didn't let me down! Service: Fantastic. Our server was very friendly, kept my coffee cup full and did an all around great job in the busy environment. Atmosphere: Bustling. Like most breakfast places at 9:30 in the morning, this place was packed. It's a little tight in there, but nothing upsetting. It felt bright and happy. Not the best place to go for a conversation (It was a little loud with so many people), but I can't really think of many business in this market that are. Food: W-O-W. I'm the type of guy that likes to try every piece of culture I can get my hands on when I visit a new place... but I can tell you without a doubt, the next time I visit Burlington, I will be going to Penny Cluse. Forget the other guys... haven't tried them, and don't need to. The best breakfast I can remember is at this cafe, and I wouldn't miss another opportunity to eat there. I had the Oatmeal Bread French Toast with Tangerine Curd.... just out of this world. Not too sweet, very flavorful... great portion size. Such a unique take on French Toast that left me perfectly satisfied. The bacon just melted in my mouth; tasted very fresh. My wife had the "Across the Pond;" two eggs over baked beans, marinated mushrooms and sausage. She was a big fan. They even put a lot of pride in their juice... when my wife's orange juice came out, she took a sip and immediately said "Wow, you have to try this." I did, and it tasted like someone had just squeezed an orange at our table into her cup. So fresh. I could go on forever. You won't be disappointed. The menu has a great variety of unique takes on all the breakfast staples you'd expect at a place like this. Now I just need to go back for lunch. Verdict: I signed up to yelp just so I could review these guys. Couldn't be happier.
(5)Hailey B.
Try the peanut tofu scram or side salad or fresh-squeezed juice or homefries! Everything on this menu rocks.
(5)A J.
I could not have asked for a more perfect place to eat my last meal in Burlington. Choices, choices, choices. I had the smoked salmon sandwich on wheat with homefries. My toddler had the pork and beans, featuring smoked pulled pork (not hot dogs) but we couldn't pull her away from the eggs, which she never eats at home (go figure). You are sure to find something that you will like on this eclectic, yet approachable menu . Great service. Great breakfast. And you won't break the bank in the process. The 30 min wait on Saturday morning was well worth it. Thanks yelpers for your honest reviews! Keep 'em coming.
(5)kamel j.
dito to every 5 star review
(5)Bravo A.
Amazing food. I suggest their "bucket of spuds" and their biscuits with herb butter!
(5)Kelly G.
Breakfast , to me, was either greasy diner food or Pennycluse (until Magnolia opened, that is) but anyway. Go there before you are starving. There is always always a wait, sometimes an epic wait-- but the proximity to shopping means you can put your name in and wander about a bit before you eat. But if you're starving, go somewhere else because your stomach lining will disolve before you're seated. Once seated, however, the atmosphere is clean and bright, the s taff is courteous, and the food is really good. On my birthday a few years back (oh god, 5 years) I was brought a fruit plate with the fruit formed into a man with a candle in each hand. It was a really sweet gesture. The fresh squeezed orange juice really is fresh and not to be missed.
(4)Yuan X.
We went on a Wednesday morning so no wait, no lines. The bucket o spud was delicious with all the cheese, tomato salsa and sour cream. Although I think I'd give it more presentation points if it was served in an actual bucket or barrel or something instead of on a plate. Hubby ordered pancakes and sausages, pancakes were big and fluffy and the sausages were juicy. My 3 egg omelet with tomatoes, red onions and mushrooms was just ok, I found it to be a bit bland and pricey for a plain egg omelet, any toppings are extra. But the fruit plate it came with was impressive. All VERY fresh fruits ranging from pineapple slices to plums to strawberries. It was a small plate but usually when these breakfast places say "fresh seasonal fruits" it means chopped up fruits soaked in syrup or from a can. All in all it was a pretty good place to have breakfast.
(3)Mari S.
Yes, this is a nice breakfast place, it is packed and overrun on most weekends when I attempt to come. However, the food is always good, like always good, and I must say that I prefer their pancakes (gingerbread especially) to their french toast.
(5)Jillian B.
OK, so we all know that the wait is long, but here's an idea: wake up, roll out of bed, go to Penny's, give your name to the hostess, and head over to Church Street. Grab a coffee, do some window shopping, and before you know it - viola! Your table awaits...they're even good about giving you a table when you come late and they'd already called your name. Items you MUST order: -fresh squeezed tangarine juice -egg & cheese Sandwich, comes on sourdough (it's only $3.50) -the Cucumber salad
(5)Erin L.
GET THE POTATOES!!! Everything my husband & I had here was superb, but nothing could ever beat the "bucket-o-spuds"!!! The fresh squeezed grapefruit juice was delicious. It's a small place so be prepared to wait a little while, but it's well worth it. We'll be back next time we're in VT!
(5)CKYelp Y.
This place is great if you're into happiness and delicious food. Sure there's usually a wait, but I think that's a good thing. When we lived in Burlington, we couldn't wait for our out-of-town friends to visit us because that's always were they'd want to go for breakfast. Now, it's always where we want to go for breakfast when we visit. I recommend the gingerbread pancakes and anything involving the maple walnut butter.
(5)C M.
Very good restaurant for breakfast. Gets VERY busy on the weekends.
(4)J F.
I've eaten here a few times now, and my last trip solidified my love for it. We lucked out in terms of wait time - got there around noon on a Thursday and only had a ten minute wait. I knew I wanted the biscuits and herb cream gravy, but at $3.50 I figured it wouldn't be enough to fill me up, so I ordered a small fruit plate as well, also $3.50. I was totally wrong about the biscuits and gravy being too small to fill me up - it was perfect! The gravy was so delicious and savory, I've been craving it every since. I still can't get over the great price! Even thought it was enough to fill me up, I'm glad I ordered the fruit plate, because it was impressive. A slice of watermelon, a slice of cantaloupe, sliced plum, pear, pineapple, mango and a sweet yummy date. The service was attentive and friendly and the atmosphere was great. My only complaint is that the herb gravy isn't one of the recipes they share on their website!
(5)Chica B.
My favorite spot in Burlington for breakfast. But be prepared to wait for at least an hour if you go on the weekend and you're with a friend or two.
(5)Layla P.
I felt it was necessary for me to get the gingerbread pancakes since I read about them somewhere, and yes I was glad I did although I may always wonder what their french toast is like. The bf got an egg and cheese burrito with beans which was mediocre and did not have much flavor. The place is popular and has a cute atmosphere, worth a stop unless you hear of a better place in town.
(3)Justin C.
This is my favorite place to have breakfast in Burlington, VT. The menu is eclectic but not too crazy that it does not resemble a traditional breakfast. Things like gingerbread pancakes, polenta, and herbed gravy all make the traditional breakfast unique and exciting. Try the bucket-of-spuds. A heaping mound of potatoes topped with sour cream, salsa and an egg (if you choose). It's sure to be the only meal you eat for the entire day. Warning, if you go on a weekend get there early (they open at 8). Waits of 45 minutes plus are not uncommon.
(5)Ericka C.
I went here a few years ago. I liked it, but the line is always so long! It's sort of a coin toss whether it's worth the wait or not.
(4)Dana C.
Oh Pennycluse, how I miss thee. Boogaloo's and its teeny tiny portions just doesnt compare! I'll be back someday, and you can bet I'll be ordering the chicken and biscuits.
(5)Thomas M.
Had two of the large sausages with potato salad and beets. Wow what a combination. If you are a fan of European breakfasts, especially the Bravarian kind this is the dish. It brings back memories of Octoberfest hung over food for the brave. Very tasty dish. Service very good. Clean place and many locals. Will come back if wver in the area.
(4)Loubli B.
We aren't regulars, but we did stop by when in burlington (because of wonderful yelp reviews :) You could tell that many were daily customers, who the waitress greeted by name with a smile. We got the pesto tofu scramble, hot granola in milk, and biscuits... the potatoes were the best of the scramble and the granola was delicious- not too sweet, tasted sort of like wholesome arroz con leche. great veg options, but the waitress seemed a little impatient with us as we confronted the menu for the first time. Would be great if they were open for dinner, and it was a little pricey.
(4)Adam S.
This is THE place to be....if you want to watch the hostess give your table away to people who came in after you and whom you watched put their name on the list. Even better was watching her seat her friends in the window, without putting their name down AT ALL. And then there was the time I asked, while waiting, if we could grab the two open seats at the counter and was told "they'll clean it in a minute and then I'll call it out" only to have someone approach her (no joke) 10 seconds later and ask the same thing and she says "oh yeah, go right ahead and have a seat!" REALLY!? Food was okay, prices were on the right side of fair, but with the experience I had getting seating I will NEVER return. I've had better customer service at McDonald's.
(2)Meredith B.
Expect to wait for a table but once you're in, it's worth it! Great selection sure to please anyone you're with of all ages and tastes. They're usually great about food allergies/sensitivities. Whatever you do, get the fruit plate - it's the best "fruit on the side" I've ever had. No sad melon and grapes here - big slices of all kinds of fruits.
(5)Erika M.
The food was very, very good but crazy-overpriced for breakfast, and I'm not sure if it was worth the wait for the really slow and unfriendly service. Understandably the wait is a little longer for food because it's all made from scratch and to-order, but even more of a reason to have the staff be a bit friendlier and more attentive. The staff was dismissive and annoyed at the customers at best. The biscuits and gray were off the charts yummy. The polenta and eggs was scrumptious. The banana bread was great too, but almost $5 for a slice? Come on. We've been there once and were glad to have had the experience, but won't go back again. Even the best food isn't worth having to put-up with lousy service from servers who don't want to be bothered. It's a shame.
(3)Mike D.
Get here for breakfast if you can, all the food is amazing. Unbelievable taste. Never a bad time. Such a great place!
(5)Cynthia B.
Yes! This place is everything the yelpers say about it. So glad we got a chance to dine here on July 6th. We had cornbread french toast with rhubarb compote and gingerbread pancakes. Both really good. We were lucky, told 20 minute wait and it was less then 5.
(5)GG C.
This place is amazing! Best breakfast/lunch in Burlington, hands down, every time!
(5)Elissa L.
I'd always been curious about Penny Cluse and had only seen it from the outside for years. It looks a little like a deli style restaurant (in that you go up to a counter and order) but it's actually a sit-down restaurant. I went on my own but I still really enjoyed my meal! I had their chicken pot pie with biscuits and it was really creamy and tasty and hit the spot when I went in winter. I didn't have too much time to eat out and was pleased when my meal was brought to me very timely. I'd love to come back and see more!
(4)Alex V.
This is a great place to grab lunch or breakfast. We stopped in here for breakfast and it was excellent. I really enjoyed the huevos rancheros, but my wife's biscuits and gravy were probably the highlight of the trip. Great service, and a welcoming atmosphere.
(5)Sheera V.
So this is tricky, since the food is really fantastic, but service is crappy. Took like 15 minutes for our waitress to take our order, and even longer to get our food. I understand they do everything fresh and from scratch but I had to wait until the food came to have the waitress to check in on us so I can order more coffee. I would still recommend it, as the food is really delicious.
(4)Alice P.
I went here after reading rave reviews and got the gingerbread pancakes. I didn't feel that it lived up to its hype. First of all, the wait time is ridiculous. I waited 45 minutes for 2 seats at the bar. Then we had to wait another 15-20 minutes to actually get our food after we ordered. They're just so busy. The customer service wasn't great. Of course this was during brunch time on a weekend. Better luck on a weekday. Secondly, the food isn't anything special to me. The pancake was fluffy but it wasn't memorable nor did it make me want to return. I much prefer the colorful and somewhat exotic food at magnolias down the street which doesn't have a wait time and a calm atmosphere. Now for what I did enjoy about the place. I think the ambience was good. It's very casual and noisy. However, I do much prefer the quieter and secluded feel of magnolias. I like the prices because they don't break the bank and you can get a good meal under $10. I won't be returning though unless I can get in without a super ridiculous wait.
(3)Lauren C.
If you are not sure where to grab breakfast in Burlington, definitely stop in at Penny Cluse cafe, we got the mexican scrambled tacos for breakfast and each ordered a can of Heady Topper (best. ipa. ever, seriously.) Do it!
(5)Paul R.
Go early in the morning or prepare to wait. You cannot get a bad meal. Bring your empty stomach because you will be full when you leave. I had a breakfast burrito with a side of hash. I could have done just with the burrito. All of the ingredients are fresh , the decaf coffee was great, a wonderful Sunday morning treat with my son. Go for the food-go for the food- Get the idea? VERY reasonable prices.
(5)Alessandro F.
A classic american breakfast with an organic, mouth watering twist. Better than places I have had in bigger cities.
(5)Tia B.
Great breakfast! Everything was prepared and seasoned very well. Wouldn't bother going anywhere else for breakfast the next time I'm in Burlington!
(4)Alison L.
Stopped here after flying in to Burlington.. (en route to killington) as it's a few min drive from the airport. It was New Years day.... there was a short wait (but the wait doubled maybe 10 min after we arrived, so I guess rule of thumb, arrive early, and be prepared to wait). Had the apple French toast (special of the day)-- the sausage and turkey patties were amazing... honestly, all of the food was great. I wish I could've ordered 5 more items off the huge menu. If I ever go back to VT (or when), I definitely will stop here again
(5)Sam N.
First meal while traveling to Burlington from Austin, TX. My partner ordered the biscuits & gravy a Southern staple we are both experts on. Holy s*%!, how is it possible that this place knocked the pants off of any biscuits & gravy we've ordered back home. & trust me, we've probably eaten this dish hundreds of times in our lives. The gravy was fantastic, a green herby color with just exceptional flavor. The biscuits were buttery and golden, perfect for soaking up the delicious liquid paradise of gravy. I will dream of this for years probably. I ordered the breakfast club sandwich.. the bacon inside the omelet was cut up in thick cubes, which honestly I've never had, but thought to myself how genius? The eggs were cooked to perfection. Some may ask you can you f*&! up a scrambled egg, but it happens all the time & these eggs were just perfectly wet. I had the potato salad on the side & it paired nice, the capers were a good touch. Back to the gravy though, I could probably drink that stuff.. we'll be back before our vacation is over. I'm tempted to just order a side of gravy to take home & analyze how to recreate it. Thanks for existing!
(5)Jaclyn G.
If you come here on a weekend, be prepared to wait! We came one morning and left when they reported a 1hr wait and when we came the next day, we ended up waiting 45min for a table. It seemed like a long time, but people had said really good things. The food ended up being pretty good. I got a platter with french toast and eggs while my date had platter of eggs and sausage. The service was good, but since the place was so crowded, you got the feeling things were a bit hectic.
(4)Susie S.
Oh mah gahd. I want to move to Vermont based on this breakfast alone. A bright and cozy spot downtown, you won't be waiting in one of those obscene lines if you're an early riser! Coffee was yummy, and it always warms my heart when I get ice water without asking. The staff was friendly and kept refills coming frequently. As for the food, I had the chorizo and egg tacos. Two tacos in corn tortillas, with delicious beans, sour cream, and salsa on the side. The homemade avocado salsa gets its own sentence. It was to die for. I wish I could've bought a jar. Don't miss out on this delicious spot!
(5)Kyle W.
Wow. One of the best brunch places I've ever been to inside or outside VT! Large menu offers a variety of healthy options for vegetarians and meat eaters. Food is fresh and comes fast. Reasonable prices and a comfortable, homey decor. It gets packed at peak times but worth the wait. A Burlington staple.
(5)A L.
Not worth all the hype or a long wait, but the food was creative and well prepared, and the staff was wonderful.
(4)Tenzin G.
Pretty good food and a nice atmosphere. It was really busy with a nice well lit dining area. The food was rather expensive, no regular breakfast option so if you want eggs and meat you'll have to pay an extra 3.50 for meat. Foods not quite good enough for the price, but does seem like quality ingredients which is good.
(3)Georges T.
Great brunch place. Had the salmon club sandwich with a bloody marry. Everything was delicious. The service was extremely friendly and quick! Highly recommended!
(5)Rebecca M.
Generous servings, and very attentive wait staff. I have tried a few different dishes here, and always leave happy and full :)
(5)Becky U.
Great location and setting. The food and service were amazing!!! The tofu scramble with pesto-salsa ranchero are what breakfast dreams are made of.
(5)Sarah A.
I've heard nothing but great things about Penny Cluse, so I finally decided to take the plunge and go. I've been a few times over the course of the past month or so and I'd wholeheartedly recommend it! The first time, I went by myself and got Chicken and Biscuits, which were incredible. The service left a little to be desired (nobody checked up on me after I got my food and then they dropped my check without asking if I needed anything else), but the server may have just been having an off day. Both of the other times I went, the service was grand! I had the Huevos Verdes, which were great, and the Bucket of Spuds, which was to DIE for. The only I wasn't really impressed with was the gingerbread pancakes, which were a bit soggy. Otherwise, fantastic place!
(5)M D.
Great place for a delicious breakfast, good coffee and friendly service. It is always busy! Bring your appetite as portions are generous.
(5)Dee H.
This is a classy joint. I'm more of a Henry's Diner person, but what beats it is the classy decor, top notch waitstaff, and presentation of the food. Altogether, this place needs to be given a 100%. Note that I still wouldn't wait more than 20 minutes for a table (wouldn't do it for most places if I can throw together something wonderful myself in the same amount of time). The wait was not bad during a week day morning around 9.
(5)Joscelyn B.
Visited for breakfast our first morning in town. I ordered the biscuits and herb gravy along with an order of homefries. Gravy was cold and the biscuits were not very fresh, but the homefries were amazing. I also got orange juice that was decent. My boyfriend got the yogurt and granola with fruit. The fruit and granola was amazing but the yogurt was very sour. We think we would have enjoyed a lot more had we gotten different things. The coffee cups were always full and the wait staff was nice.
(4)Jessica W.
Favorite spot in Burlington when I was at UVM. Great food and wonderful memories. Long wait during peak hours, but worth the wait. Gravy and biscuit would be my first choice for new diners.
(5)Todd B.
I enjoyed this charming cafe in Burlington this morning, and it was an idealic setting for my trip. The breakfast menu was quite diverse with a lot of unique and interesting "takes" on traditional breakfast like gingerbread pancakes and herb sausage and gravy. There also are a lot of Mexican options. I was nicely served by a lot of hipsters, and they kept my coffee mug full. I chose the chorizo and egg tacos with really flavorful salsa. I really enjoyed them -- but I'll have to admit that I'm just kind of in the mood for old fashioned breakfast when I'm in Vermont. I would choose otherwise next time on those grounds, but my food was excellent and plentiful for sure. Loved the place.
(4)Stephanie C.
One of the best breakfasts I have ever had. The biscuits with gravy are amazing, as well as the pancakes. I usually do not eat pancakes, but they literally melted in our mouth! Our experience here was also awesome. The server was constantly refilling our water and coffee and she was very quick to wait on us and bring the bill.
(5)Laura B.
By far the best breakfast spot in Burlington! The bucket-o-spuds are delicious and the chorizo and egg tacos are a party in your mouth. Great service too!
(5)Mieko O.
Arriving just minutes after opening (8am) on Sundays is your best bet to get a seat without pressure.
(4)Ann T.
Penny Cluse was another one of my accidental discoveries. Located on Cherry and S. Winooski, this breakfast/brunch/lunch place is in the heart of the action and only a few feet away from the awesome Church Street. The first thing I should tell you: you will wait for a table - but it will be well worth it. On their menu, you will find a variety of items, none of which fit a particular 'theme' or style. You can go for healthy by ordering a fresh smoothie with the smoked salmon plate or Tofu scram, or totally pig out on the Huevos Rancheros or 'Across the Pond' plate (2 eggs any style with our fresh pork sausage, smoky baked beans, griddled tomatoes & marinated mushrooms). Their lunch menu is equally to die for, showcasing nom-noms like Roasted Pepper & Egg Tacos (Fire roasted red, green & poblano peppers scrambled with eggs in soft corn tortillas with jack cheese, black beans & avocado salsa). Whatever you pick, you can't go wrong. HOWEVER..... no meal is complete with a side of Mac & Cheese. I've had it for breakfast, it's just THAT good. If you want to keep it simple, they also offer salads and sandwiches. Based on my conversation with one of the wait staff, everything is sourced locally and made with love. How can you go wrong?
(5)Billy T.
One of the go to brunch spots in Burlington, Penny Cluse does a good job of delivering a relatively unique brunch experience. Most of the food here goes with the fresh, farm to table atmosphere of Burlington, while still offering comfort foods that make you feel all warm inside and want to go to sleep. I've been here a number of times and its one currently one of my preferred spots for brunch. Oddly enough, my favorite thing here isn't a brunch item. Its the chicken and biscuits. In my opinion, its the best deal to be had here. For 3.5 or 6 (small or large), you get a nice hearty serving of fluffy biscuit with chicken gravy. I like "stick to your ribs" kind of food and this definitely qualifies. The biscuit is soft and full of poof, while the gravy is surprisingly light and packed with earthly stew flavor. Of the brunch selections, i've had the zucchini bread as a side and the penny cluse. The penny cluse is a standard breakfast with eggs, homefries and biscuits. The headliner of the dish, in my opinion, is the herb gravy. A thicker and creamier version of the gravy on the chicken and biscuit, it generally amps up the flavors of the breakfast. The zucchini is very well done. Dense, but still moist. It allows the natural sweetness of the zucchini to really come. I will definitely be coming in the future to try more of the menu. I'm especially interested in the gingerbread pancakes and the cinnamon raisin french toast
(4)Wendy O.
My husband and I can't say enough about this restaurant. Every time we head to Burlington we stop at Penny Cluse for breakfast. And every time we have the same order. I have the peanut tofu scramble (amazing) and my husband has the Penny Cluse. Their drinks are delicious (loved my mango mimosa) and my husband loves their bloody mary's. We can't get enough of this spot!
(5)N G.
Four stars for food, two stars for service. Tasty meals, nice place, but the service is dismissive at best. Completely ignored by waiters for a good long while. Food came, no utensils, had to ask for them. Coffee served, no cream, had to ask. Butter? Ask. Jam? Ask... but before I had time to use said jam, it was spirited away to another table, and I had to ask again (I guess there was a two-minute time limit on the jam). Half way through my meal, server asks me if I need a box. I'm confused, because... still eating? Overall a very disjointed, uncomfortable, unfriendly experience. And just to clarify, I'm not a drunk, smelly, bearded hobo. I'm a middle-aged, decent-looking, well-dressed, educated person who always tips at least 20% and uses words to communicate. I dunno... maybe stop hiring UVM students who clearly don't want to be there?
(3)Meredith K.
Worth the wait! Delish breakfasts :)
(4)BJ B.
I had breakfast here and I must say it was excellent! The buttermilk pancakes were extremely tasty and the pure Vermont maple syrup complimented them well. The bacon was cooked just the way I like it, not too crunchy yet not too chewy. The only reason I am rating this a four star is that the coffee was not the best I've ever had. Other than that, this is place is certainly worth a shop for breakfast!
(4)Chris S.
Ask a local where they eat breakfast and everyone in Burlington seems to point towards Penny Cluse. They've picked a great spot. This place excels in providing excellent breakfast combined with great service in a relaxed and homey atmosphere. The most challenging part is deciding what to choose off the menu. Watching servers cart tasty dishes to other customers while you order makes it even more challenging. I'm not a pancake guy. They are normally too doughy for me. Meanwhile, I asked for a single gingerbread pancake with my meal and it was perfect and actually gleamed with gingerbread flavor. Excellent! The main course came in the form of roasted turkey hash. My parents are big on corned beef hash and this sounded healthier, so I tried it. It was made with sweet potatoes diced in with the regular potatoes and was flavorful and darn good. Even the toast that came with it seemed fresh and local, rather than having been in a freezer for months. For breakfast, this is the spot!
(5)Craig B.
When we stay in Burlington this is a must for breakfast. There taco egg plate is to die for. Great service and excellent with kids.
(5)Tom M.
Excellent food. Gingerbread pancakes and a coffee
(5)Mary L.
Located in downtown Burlington, Penny Cluse is very clean and inviting on a cold winter day. The wait was about 40 minutes though I noticed regulars were stopping in to put their name in and returning after some errands. We ended up sitting on the counter as my stomach couldn't handle another minute of foodless wait. We sat and the man working the counter quickly filled our cups with coffee (and was very efficient throughout doing so!). We had the biscuits and gravy to start, the boy ordered the chorizo and egg taco plate, and I ordered the huevos rancheros. The highlight for us was the biscuits and gravy -- they herb cream gravy was delicious though maybe slightly undersalted but nothing I couldn't fix myself. The two breakfast plates were yummy and, in my opinion, the salsa ranchero with the beans were to die for!
(5)Gerry L.
Very good homestyle breakfast. A little pricey, but it seems like all food is pricy here. Wife had an egg sandwich, she loved it. I had basic egg breakfast. Fresh made bread, very good. Eggs cooked well. Pantries, some of the best I've ever eaten. FYI - they are cooked with onions. Bacon was very smoky flavored, not how I like my bacon. But if you like that they were cooked well. My son had the pancakes, said they were good but not the best he's had. Only bad thing about the meal - not real orange juice. I love OJ with breakfast so a little let down for me.
(4)Phil D.
This place is awesome! Really amazing breakfast and lunch dishes (sandwiches, etc. served anytime). The hash browns and rotating specials are my favorite. Often times I find some mexican influences on the specials board..like pork pozole. YUM! Only downside is the super long line. There have been times when I want pennycluse but the line is just not worth it. When this happens, we will end up at Lucky next door (almost as good for sandwiches - and no wait usually) or another breakfast place around downtown. Hit this during the off hours and you will be amazed. Service is great, food is fantastic. 4 stars because of their wait times.
(4)Rose K.
Warm and inviting on a cold winter day, Penny Cluse cafe serves up classic breakfasts such as French toast, pancakes, eggs, and soups that will fill your belly and prepare you for walking back out into the snow. The wait was about half an hour, but the hostess was sweet and made the suggestion that we could have a cup of coffee or hot chocolate at the coffeehouse next door while we waited. Which was an excellent idea. Wooden birdhouses line the walls as decoration, and the large windows let the welcome sunlight in. The waitstaff was friendly and prompt, and was very helpful in identifying whether each dish could be made dairy-free or not. The apple french toast was delicious, as was the chorizo and egg taco plate. Everything was fresh and delicious, and we could serve ourselves heaping portions of Vermont Maple Syrup to go with the french toast (and whatever else we wanted to dip in syrup). Perfect Vermont winter brunch :)
(5)David G.
I am being blown away in Burlington by the wonderful food and the amazing warmth of the people here. Penny cluse café is just one example of how special this city is: Hint to yelpers....on the weekends go inside leave your name on the waitlist, ask them how long and come back...it is what we did. We came back in 45 minutes (we were told one hour) and within 15 minutes were seated. Yeah the other folks looked pissed...but we did get there an hour earlier. Sorry for the ADD moment. Food is absolutely amazing here: Eggs are so fresh...like off a small farm fresh. Their sausage tasted like something I have not had for years....the pork flavor and seasoning is indescribable....as if you were on a farm. Vermont maple syrup, Amazing coffee. Potatoes that have a rich earthy wholesomeness to them....It is like I had just started to eat again. I am from Cali...San Fran to be exact and we think that the world revolves around our food and palates.. Well Burlington you put me in my place. I love your city, people and food. And thank you to our wonderful server...small circular tat on your right hand, sorry dude I didn't get your name....You are an amazing person to have helped us with our dining.
(5)Pam C.
At 10 a.m. on a Thursday and had to wait to sit at the bar...only 10 minutes, but this is said to let you know how busy this place is. I had the chorizo and egg tacos, very good. Served with a huge portion of black beans. Great service at the bar. Wish I had come with someone, really wanted to try the gingerbread pancakes everyone talks about, but there was no way I could justify ordering two entrees :)
(3)Dustin D.
As others said this place is well worth the wait. We had brunch here and it was great! Excellent service and a delicious meal. We had a mimosa with fresh squeezed juice and a very unique Bloody Mary. The omelette plate was fantastic with fresh grilled baguette. Banana pancakes were amazing as were the biscuits and herbed cream. The maple syrup and strawberry jam were outstanding as well. We will definitely be back next time we are in Burlington.
(5)Claudia S.
Great breakfast spot in south Vermont. Pretty small cafes so there was a wait, but nothing too terrible. The pancakes were great, which are sometimes hard to come by. Homefries were also delicious! I had the bellber combo which is two pancakes or french toast served with 2 eggs and a side of either homefries, bacon, sausage or ham. I would come back here for breakfast again if I am in the area
(4)Mark F.
Great breakfast before our UVM campus tour. My daughter could only get halfway through their namesake offering. The sauce on the Penny Cluse was awesome. My Zydeco was very good. The andouille sausage was really we'll spiced. A real treat to have fresh squeezed grapefruit juice. Worth the wait.
(5)Dan B.
Fish Tacos were killer, love the Mexican style breakfast choices definitely the way to go. Freshest breakfast joint in town
(5)Gordon R.
The best brunch food in Burlington. Good selection and excellent presentation. The menu screams "feel good breakfast". You'll wait for it though. No matter what. You'll wait for it. The service could be better trained on execution and attentiveness - but it's brunch and reasonably priced. So I'm definitely a fan!
(4)Greg C.
Visited the Penny Cluse Cafe for breakfast with my sons. All the food was excellent and we had no waiting on a weekday during slow season (late Feb). The boys had thick fluffy pancakes and french toast and I had the egg tacos. Service was outstanding -- my coffee never got low or cold :) The menu offered traditional breakfast items, sandwiches, etc. along with some more interesting fare that you don't typically see. My egg tacos were served in warm corn tortillas, avocado salsa, and black beans.
(4)Ryan M.
Awesome got the penny Cluse dish and the smoked salmon, bring your appetite food portions are large. Would come back expect a wait but it's worth it.
(4)Evan W.
Awesome food. But after attemping to go there on 5 other occasions with a few friends over the past year, there has been a 1.5+ hour wait everytime. I would love to go there again but waiting that long for breakfast/brunch is rediculous. Reservations would help...
(3)Storm M.
Pennycluse is a Burlington must. Breakfast with a Mexican flare, Pennycluse has a little something for everyone. Although the line is sometimes a little long, it's well worth the wait. I believe the long line stands as a testament to the great service and outstanding cuisine.
(4)Nicole R.
Penny Cluse is a go to for breakfast or lunch. I have never had a bad meal or service there. The wait can be long for a table at times and you sometimes leave smelling like a diner - but it is all worth it!
(4)Jeff M.
I dropped in late in the day with my 8 year old daughter. We sat at the bar area and were greeted by a friendly waiter who gave us just the right amount of time to figure out what we would be ordering. My daughter got the blueberry pancakes and decieded to use their seemingly homemade strawberry jam instead of syrup, because it tasted so good to her! I got the Peanut-Ginger tofu scramble which tastes fantastic. While eating multiple waiters and waitresses engaged us in some light conversation which made us feel really welcome. I know from previous visits that you can sometimes wait awhile to get into Penny Cluse and I'd like to tell you it is well worth the wait!
(5)Nick J.
I'd like to try and order something other than the Penny Cluse sometime but I can't bring myself to order anything else because I love it too much. Biscuits & gravy are one of my favorites at a breakfast joint but they're hard to come by. The biscuits & gravy here are vegetarian and absolutely phenomenal. I have tried their gingerbread pancakes & they were also incredible. This is one of my favorite breakfast restaurants ever!
(5)Holly Z.
Hands down the best place for breakfast in Burlington!!
(5)Forrest M.
I'm an eggs benedict person. Penny Cluse does not have eggs benedict. The other things I've tried have been okay -- definitely not worth the wait on weekends.
(3)Rachel L.
Oh, my dearest Penny Cluse. My long-lost love... After living in Vermont for 9 years and then relocating to NYC, not a night goes by where I do not dream of your Sleepy Nate's Biscuits and Gravy. My once several-times-weekly indulgence is now but a memory. Arguably living in one of the food Meccas, I haven't yet found anything that comes close to satiating my taste buds like your dreamy biscuits along with a glass of tangerine juice. If I won the lottery, I would pay someone to overnight me these delicacies every day. Siiiiigh. I miss those biscuits. My heart is empty every day that passes and my unrequited love just grows.
(5)Konstantin L.
These guys are the Burlington hotspot, when we came Saturday morning around 1030am, we stepped in to a long waiting list and a 1 hour wait, so we left and ate at Panera bread, which was almost empty. We decided to wake up earlier Sunday and come by early - so we got there about 15 minutes before the doors opened and still had people in front of us, but got seated right away. The tables already had ice cold water setup and our waiter was around in a few minutes with coffee :). I had the "across the pond" with the sausage and a side of the toasted sourdough and an apple juice. The wife had a standard breakfast with home fries and fresh squeezed orange juice. Everything was delicious and as perfect as I've had. Service was very good, for such a busy place, and the whole experience made it clear to me why they are so well rated and why so many people wait in line to eat here. Very well done!
(5)Kate P.
Order their ginger pancakes. They are simply the BEST! They're also known for their fish tacos. Can't go wrong here.
(5)Teale E.
Hands down my favorite breakfast place ever. Everything I've ever tried on their menu is phenomenal. My favorite is the bucket of spuds with a side of avocado salsa, will seriously rock your world. Every time I'm in Burlington I make sure to eat here! Plus the inside is so cute and very Vermonty.
(5)Eileen T.
We have been living in Burlington for about 5yrs now, and the consistency of the food here is pretty great. I love the breakfast chorizo and egg tacos. The green salsa is amazing, and coffee is excellent. Service is always great, the place is usually packed but we found if you get there about 7:45am on a Sunday, you will be able to get in on first seating if your an earlybird ;-)
(5)Jane G.
This place is consistently delicious. Fresh ingredients and creative and delicious recipes. Fresh squeezed juices. Mexican flair to many selections. They offer hearty portions of everything. There is often a wait for breakfast, but it is definitely worth it. I've had breakfast twice, and loved it both times. Try the busquits and herb gravy! Fantastic! They have lunch options too.
(5)Porsche B.
One of the best breakfast places around! WARNING: if you're planning a visit on a weekend (or on a major day off), either get there early, or be prepared to wait a while. Good bottomless coffee, an interesting menu, hands down THE BEST turkey sausage I've ever had - and it's house-made! Oh, and the pancakes are fantastic, too. The decor simple but charming. My favorite area to sit is the "upstairs" (you go up maybe 5 steps). It has a bird theme, which I like to think is because that room is higher than the rest of the restaurant, but maybe that's me trying to make too many connections. Either way, the place is very tastefully decorated without seeming clumsy or confusing. The staff? Not overly cordial, which I appreciate, because personally I don't care to be barraged by in-your-face friendliness anytime of day, especially first thing in the morning. But that's not to say the staff is rude; in fact, they are far from it. They seem to have the perfect balance of cheerfulness and nonchalance. It's great. Oh, yeah. If you order something that comes with maple syrup, you get a legit small bottle of it, not just a one-ounce portion like many other places do. What!! Honestly, you really don't have to read all the reviews to learn how fantastic this place is. Just go - you'll enjoy it.
(5)Grace C.
Best lunch/brunch spot in the entire world! I've had almost everything on the menu and I can safely say every item is nothing short of exquisite. Some of my favorite items include the garlicky kale quesadillas, marinated tofu salad, zydeco breakfast, chicken thighs and orzo, the tofu randy, and so many more. The staff is kind and helpful and you can modify any item on the menu to your liking. You really can have it all at Penny Clues!
(5)John C.
There is always a long wait (1 hour+) at this place which would be warranted if there was better food and service. I ordered the rib special for $13. I wish I had known that a rib special means 3, count them 3, short ribs. The title should have been, "beans, muffins and 3 ribs" that would've been more accurate. Also, the waitress cleared our table and dropped off the check without asking if we would like anything else. We were going to order pie as the portion sizes left us still hungry but instead we cut our losses and left. Typical Burlington, mediocre food and service at high prices.
(3)Angie V.
While visiting from Wisconsin, a Vermonter friend recommended this place. The Penny Pickler is one of the most delicious bloody marys I've had. We enjoyed seeing so many healthy selections on the menu. My fish tacos were yummy and my husband really dug the ham randy.
(5)Peyton W.
I love breakfast at Penny Cluse! Even though it is pricey and the wait to sit can feel like eternity, I have left in an amazing mood after every visit. Even the coffee is outstanding. One day, I had a zucchini bread french toast, and another day a super fluffy and buttery waffle. The specials are something to keep an eye out for because they are always out of this world. My regards to the chef! Eat at Penny Cluse!
(4)Dana W.
Best. Breakfast. Ever. Went every morning of our last trip to Burlington and never ran out of delicious things to try. Lots of good breakfast dishes, many with a Mexican/Latin twist, but good lunch options too. This is one place I wouldn't miss when in Burlington.
(5)Colleen G.
Unique food and polite staff despite some very rude and impatient patrons.
(4)Erin W.
i had always heard that Penny Cluse was good but had a long wait for weekend breakfasts. I didn't realize how long. Our 45-60 minute wait easily was closer to 90 minutes. Apparently that's "not a bad wait time" there either. It's a cute and clean cafe. The menu is decent. The coffee is alright, about middle of the road--not too strong, not too weak. I did like the gingerbread pancakes and the portions were quite generous given the price. The "bucket o'spuds" was a fairly large portion but the potatoes were a bit mushy. I'm not a huge home fry lover, but if I'm going to eat them, they've got to be crispy a bit. Service was suprisingly quick for how busy they were...our waitress was pretty nice too. Very prompt coffee refills, which I appreciated a lot.
(4)Brian M.
Visited with my girlfriend. Really long wait (especially for a weekday mid morning) but totally worth it. I had the zydeco breakfast - which was very well seasoned. GF had something with an amazing polenta cake in it. Breakfast potatoes were excellent with fried onions. They have a standard Bloody Mary but I went with the penny pickler - which was tasty but a little spicier than I normally want (which says a lot). Having said that it's very tasty - perfect for those who like a thick BM. I joked that next time I was going to stop at McDonald's for a milkshake straw an the way.
(5)Bryan S.
Food is A+. Waitstaff are friendly and wear a real smile when working. The only thing holding this place from a solid 5 star is the small menu.
(4)Bridgette A.
Good food and great fresh squeezed juice. Although it's over run by college students and there is always an hour or more wait so I never come here anymore. Especially on a weekend morning. But if you do get the chance, it is a great breakfast spot with a lot of local grown food and great portion sizes.
(4)Jen M.
The food is really good here, unfortunately that isn't a secret and the wait times are very long. It is also incredibly loud there and doesn't have a very relaxing atmosphere, you pretty much eat and go, not a good place to relax and socialize, but the food is great.
(3)Anna E.
Penny Cluse makes me want to move to Burlington ASAP. Love. this. place. A friend and former Burlington resident brought me and a few others here for brunch on Saturday and it was both love at first sight + bite for all of us. Everything was phe(nom)enal! From the first to last sip of the full bodied coffee, to the bold, spicy, zesty Bloody Mary that a friend ordered (I stole a couple sips and had total beverage envy), to the food. Oh, the food! There were so many delicious looking items on the specials board and the regular menu. I wanted to order everything. True to form, my indecisive nature got the best of me so to satisfy my need for variety the waitress suggested I get a few different sides that struck my fancy. I ordered the side of polenta, the tofu scram with peanut ginger sauce, and a fresh fruit plate. This turned out to be an excellent decision. Food arrived after a short wait. I was immediately taken with the beauty of my friend's Yogurt & Granola with fruit on top. It was truly a magnificent sight of bright red sliced strawberries, pieces of banana, and apple slices on top of a layer of crunchy granola atop a bed of yogurt. She seemed to really enjoy it. Another friend ordered the Smoked Bluefish Hash off the specials menu. If you are a smoked fish fan and this item happens to be available, I implore you to order it. This was a swoon-worthy dish, so perfect and tasty that I stole several more bites before I tucked into my own dishes. I'm grateful for her generosity. Another beautiful sight worth mentioning was my fresh fruit platter that was unlike any I have seen in the past. The variety! The freshness! A slice of fresh watermelon, a slice of cantaloupe, a slice of grapefruit, a couple of strawberries, slices of mango, slices of pineapple, and slices of apples gracefully adorned the plate. Fruit plates do not get better than this, people. The king of all fruit plates, this one reigns supreme. The tofu scram was not the prettiest of sights, but my, was it scrumptious. On the recommendation of the waitress I ordered it with the peanut-ginger sauce (other sauce options are pesto and salsa ranchero) and it was packed with flavor and had a little kick to it. Loved this. This dish inspires me to make my own tofu scramble at home. I have a feeling, though, that my own version will not be as good. The side of grilled flint corn polenta atop salsa ranchero was also wonderful. On top of all this deliciousness, waiters and waitresses continued to walk around with carafes of coffee and water, on the ready for refills so no cup ever had to be empty. A few words on the decor and space: simple, charming, tasteful, sunny, airy, spacious. Check out the bathroom. I hope you appreciate the wall art as much as I did. A few more words: Get the jam and find a piece of corn muffin to spread it on. Put it in your mouth. You're welcome. Hands down, one of the best breakfasts/brunches I have ever had. Ever. My new favorite.
(5)Vanessa S.
What a wonderful lunch! Outstanding service and food, and the coffee was first rate. I can't believe I have lived in Vermont for 26 years and this was my first visit to Penny Cluse. I have been missing out. We had the Swiss Chard pastry pie - delicious! The coffee is the best I have tasted in a long time. I was glad I commented on it to our waiter. He let me know that they have a special blend, made by Speeder and Earl's, and you can buy the beans at the restaurant - and I did. I will be back!
(5)Nicole G.
What a beautiful day to have a Girl's day out! This is one of the best ways to spend a Saturday morning (IMO of course!): Park in the parking garage (free for 2 hours!) Walk over to Penny Cluse, get your reservation, set your cellphones alarm to go off with 10 minutes or so of your wait time, go to the Burlington Farmer's Market and once your alarm starts going off, head back to penny cluse for your amazing breakfast! I got a mexican hot chocolate, my brothers girlfriend got a Vermont apple cider and my mom got a Rookies Rootbeer. Don't come here expecting to get a coke or pepsi, if they have soda available it doesn't say so on the menu. For good reason, there are a lot of interesting drink choices! I was impressed and had a hard time picking one. Fresh squeezed lemonade? A fruit smoothie? A chocolate milk? I picked something I haven't had before and was pretty happy with my choice, even though it was the last drink to arrive at the table. As an appetizer we got a order of Buckets of Studs, mainly because I pointed in the direction of it with the help of yelper's reviews! (Thanks guys!) Oh boy, it was heavenly. Believe it or not, I was not in love with my first bite, but as I continued with stuffing my face, I fell in love, slowly but surely. The best way to fall in love! Everything about the dish was perfect, the onions added flavor and were cooked perfectly. The potatoes were soft, but still crispy on the edges. The cheese was remarkable, what type of cheese was that? The tomato salsa sort of topping, just put it over the top ... man, I'm just getting hungry thinking about it. I got the gingerbread pancakes. They were the best pancakes I have had. In my life. Period. Just so ridiculously good! My mom also kidnapped one of my pancakes, one half at a time, just too good to turn down the second half even tho she was already full! I don't know if I'd get the pancakes again, there is so many tempting items on the menu that I need to try! My mom got chicken and biscuits. She got a half size which was only 4 dollars! Good deal there! She really like it, she said that she would definitely get it again next time. My brothers girlfriend got a turkey sandwich. She raved about the spinach and she said that she would get this same sandwich again. There was just one thing I didn't like and neither did my mom, I got a side of sausage and I was hoping it was going to be more like a breakfast sausage, but it wasn't. Oh well, I'm sure there are people out there that like sausage of that variety! The service was top notch. We all were served ice water when we first sat down, through the meal a waitress would refill our glasses and was always pleasant and friendly with wonderful manners! To have such a booming business packed with customers, I was impressed that none of the waitresses seemed stressed or unhappy, just the opposite actually! For three people the bill rang up to less than 50 dollars including tip! I paid that much yesterday at another place for just two people for horrible food and horrible service. This hands down is the best restaurant I have ever been to on all fronts!
(5)Samantha H.
Penny Cluse is good, but I don't understand all of the hype. It always seems to be pretty busy, but with so many other great Breakfast/Brunch places in Burlington, I am unsure why. Never left with a need to go back, but I don't have any complaints about the food or service.
(3)Ruby D.
I am a big breakfast aficionado and Penny Cluse does not disappoint. The flavor profiles are spot on and the interior is bright and pleasant. I really appreciate the variety of local vegetables that are incorporated into their cuisine. You will encounter vegetables beyond your standard potatoes, onions and tomatoes (i.e. kale, broccolini, leeks, etc.). I feel unable to award five full stars, however, because the one thing frequently missing from their dishes is varieties of texture. They have a tendency to have all soft food and preparations paired together. Even if toast is involved, it often has some sort of saucy component dished on top that detracts from its crispness. As many other reviewers have noted, be prepared for a lengthly wait before scoring a table.
(4)Allison J.
Worth the breakfast wait!! Best French toast and home fries! Great bloody Mary's! Super cute atmosphere and adorable and friendly staff!!
(5)Lisa D.
The best breakfast Burlington has to offer. Great coffee, great service, seriously great omelets. The BEST fruit plate I have ever seen anywhere. I am obsessed with the garlicky kale quesadilla, which is a special but luckily for me seems to be on the specials board every time I go. The ONLY downside--there is always a wait. So come, put your name down, stroll around church street for a bit and enjoy some great food. I wish I could say I've tried their lunch menu but I always order breakfast because it's just that good.
(5)Laura K.
I had a pretty good meal here, but in my opinion, not worth the usual wait times. Given the fantastic reviews, both on Yelp and from friends, I was excited to try Penny Cluse. I had biscuits and gravy, which were good, but unremarkable.
(3)Bobsie H.
I did not understand this place. It was too groovy, my turkey has had no flavor, waitress seemed stoned or just out of it. Just a way tooooo groovy 60's place for us!
(1)Celestial L.
This place rocks! Their food is plentiful and delicious, fresh and creative. Worth the wait if there is one. Prices are spot on for what it is and how much you get. Give it a try!
(5)Tina K.
My husband and I stopped in for breakfast on a recent trip to Burlington. The only criticism I have is that we had to wait over 20 minutes to sit at the counter on a Thursday. However, I would happily wait longer to have this food again. This place was packed and after having the food, I understand why. I ordered eggs, home fries and wheat toast and my husband had the breakfast burrito. I haven't stopped talking about the home fries - they were AMAZING. Spicy, flavorful, and not overly cooked - they really were just perfect. I loved that all of the flavors just complimented the potatoes - not masked it. The toast was delicious and it is served with what I assume is homemade jam - very yummy. My husband also enjoyed his breakfast. I love that they actually serve quality food - not a bunch of processed crap. It is good food prepared relatively simply and it shows. I only wished we lived closer so that I can try more of the food on their menu!
(4)Mark C.
Penny Cluse is consistently excellent. The food is outstanding and the service is great. The Orzo salad is the best!
(5)Casey Ann S.
Hands down best breakfast in Burlington. The biscuits and gravy is an herby, meat free dish that melts in your mouth. The mini bucket of spuds is the perfect breakfast side. Great atmosphere in this bright, homey, space and the staff is friendly and attentive.
(5)Lisa R.
Be prepared to wait and well worth it!!! Friendly and courteous staff, and the food was also delicious. Be sure to order the biscuits and gravy. The portions of french toast were massive, I may ask for a half portion if I return.
(4)Susan R.
My favorite place for breakfast, it is hard to resist the gingerbread pancakes and I have never had a meal that wasn't really great. Wonderful, friendly service!
(5)Justin H.
Breakfast food is my favorite food of all time. This place was excellent. I ordered the huevos rancheros and the salsa was amazing. The fresh squeezed orange juice was literally the best orange juice I've ever had. The place is clean , bright, and very pleasant. My only complaint is there was only two eggs and what seemed like ten tortillas. Would definately come back.
(4)Kate C.
Yes, the wait can be insanely long. This is one of those places where it's worth the wait. The staff is friendly, welcoming and efficient. The Bloody Marys are absolutely spectacular. The coffee and water are topped off frequently. I always order the same thing: Basic Breakfast with scrambled eggs, make the potatoes a mini-bucket, biscuits. The biscuits work as dessert once slathered with the (I'm assuming homemade) delicious strawberry jam. Unfortunately I never veer from this standby but everyone I dine with typically loves the food as much as I do. You can get out of here for $15 per person and not need to eat for another 9 hours.
(5)Liz I.
I have a real love/meh relationship with Penny Cluse. I've been many times over the years, and while the food is really good, I feel like it's a little overpriced and not always worth the long wait you're likely to encounter on a weekend. However, for a midweek late breakfast, it's pretty good, and I know the staff will be friendly because they're not super rushed. My favourites are the herb gravy sauce with biscuits, the french toast, and the turkey sausage. They have specials that rotate pretty frequently and are often really nice and priced similarly to the regular items (unusual for brunch joints). Portions are massive, too. I think I would prefer sometimes to have slightly less food and pay a little less since I can't always take my leftovers with me (and really, omelettes don't reheat so well). I've never tried the sandwiches because I'm always too excited about the breakfasts. I always bring out of town guests to Penny Cluse or Magnolia Bistro, and feel like they're pretty on par in terms of food and service. I just like Magnolia a little bit more.
(3)Jillian P.
I can't even begin to tell you how delicious the food is, how welcoming the cafe is, and how helpful and friendly the waitstaff is. Please don't think twice- GO HERE.
(5)nicole c.
The best brunch spot in Burlington! My personal favorites are the Pennycluse (biscuits and gravy.. mmm!), any of their french toast specials and the chorizo egg tacos! Also, bucket of spuds is a meal in itself!
(5)Sheila B.
what a great breakfast- totally worth the almost 40 minute wait. Start out of with the bucket of spuds- delicious homefries, nacho style. The egg and cheese sandie on sourdough also awesome. Washing it down with the pickler.. holy spicy blood mary and lots of coffee. The food was delicious. I really enjoyed this place and will recommend a place to go when in Burlington.
(5)whitney s.
Great service really good food- I highly recommend getting the warm orzo salad, so good. Only reason it doesn't get 5 stars from me is because the coffee was mediocre. Watery and not strong. Bummer because at this point, in any major town/city, there should always be great coffee. So sayith I. Let it be so.
(4)Liz D.
Came here for the maple syrup pancakes. One sweet afternoon in Burlington.
(4)Cee C.
The wait to get into this place take forever. Food is ok, Magnolia's down the way is better, and the wait is much shorter. Penny Clause can't seem to turn their tables quick enough
(3)Nancy A.
Had a wonderful brunch today. The three of us arrived around eleven and had a twenty minute wait to be seated. The tables turned quickly and the staff hustled. Two of us had lunch and one breakfast. They serve the whole menu all day. Food was very good. Each dish was familiar but creatively crafted with new spin. I had a breakfast club. My wife a vegetable Rubin. My daughter a traditional breakfast of eggs, bacon, homefries and corn muffins. Both sandwiches were fantastic. We had some baskets and gravy based on other reviews and was very good as well. Gravy was not sausage based and was light and flavorful. Well worthwhile in all regards.
(5)Kevin P.
I've been here for breakfast and lunch and it's been packed both times. The inside is cozy with a mini bar area. The meal I can remember was the grilled egg sandwich, I had with bacon. It was a good size portion and I also had a piña colada with it which was fantastic. It's a little pricey but you definitely get your money's worth.
(4)Jason L.
Yes, there will be a wait. Is it worth it? If you're into breakfast person, yes! Oh, and if you like maple syrup they serve it with their pancakes. I had the Penny Cluse, and it was incredible. Super filling, tasty spuds and awesome herb cream gravy.
(5)Eugene B.
Darn good food. If you end up visiting on a Sunday just go ahead and show up a bit before 8am to skip the lines.
(5)Heather P.
This is a must-stop for anyone visiting Burlington, Vermont (so I was told and now I do believe.) Space is tight so be mindful of when you go or you might have to wait a while. I sat at the bar and enjoyed plentiful cups of warm coffee and a delicious breakfast to send me on my way back home. There are still so many things I want to try - I think you'll be good with anything you pick!
(4)Susan G.
I went here for brunch last week and I absolutely loved it. The food was great and the coffee was pretty good. The service was decent. It was very busy and the food was incredible.
(4)Mae Mae M.
Worth the wait! Have amazing food and have really good survives :) it is really crowed on Sundays because that's when I always go. Overall, love this place.
(5)Christopher C.
Great breakfast spot and worth going out of your way for! Be prepared to wait, but it's worth it.
(5)Ryan S.
One of the best breakfast ever had. Best thing about the place is everything can be made custom. The three eggs scrambled with pesto was off the hook
(5)Melissa E.
So good. Never had a bad meal here. Others are right, the coffee isn't that great I suppose... but everything else makes it way worth it. The bucket of spuds is the best if you're ready for some carb-loading, put an egg on top and call it a balanced breakfast ;) The omelets are also great but my personal favorite is probably the breakfast burrito. All the sides are amazing too. The breakfast is so good I've honestly never tried lunch but every lunch plate I've seen has looked just as good. There is usually a long wait but it's definitely worth it.
(5)Lisa M.
This place is so popular and deservedly so. We arrived around the brunch/lunch hour and was seated immediately. Odd that we ended up sharing a table with 2 other people (a 6 top) but we were okay with it Service was super friendly and efficient. I had the mexican hot chocolate, sourdough french toast and a side of the housemade sausage--all of this exceeded my expectations. The hot chocolate was pleasantly spiced. The sourdough french toast was chewy enough that even after swimming in pool of REAL maple syrup, it still retained its bite. The housemade sausage I was glad my server recommended--it had a nice, slightly spicy flavor that was easy to love. Tom had OJ (fresh squeezed? Quite possibly for the price) and the basic breakfast--2 eggs over easy (perfectly done), breakfast potatoes (some of the best we've had),, sourdough toast (4 slices? damn! served up with Cabot butter, obviously) and a side of bacon. I dare you not to leave satisfied after that. Well worth a stop.
(4)Shir K.
Great food and service. Recommend going on a weekday bc weekend gets really packed. If you go, you should get the biscuits and herb gravy. It was probably one of the best things I've tasted.
(5)M L.
Easily in the top three best breakfast spots in the area, perhaps the best. Try the chili relleno as a side, you will not regret it.
(5)Scott S.
Fantastic breakfast. Get there early though as everyone else in the city knows it.
(5)CJ G.
Well I was at Penny Cluse yet again folks! I had told a friend about this place and she wanted to try it out. Some how in our lives of growing up here she had never been! In any case it was another successful run at Penny Cluse...Well minus one thing. They got rid of my favorite breakfast dish! I was going to cry when they confirmed that it was indeed gone. This time around I got the pleasure of going during the week! It was around 9:15am and we got sat within 10 minutes! Beats the hour wait they have during the weekends. (But still very much worth the wait!) Our waitress was great. She had great timing when it came to taking our orders, filling our drinks and just popping by to see how things where going. We even sat after breakfast talking for a little bit before we left and she didn't rush us at all. Food came out nice and hot. No complaints at all here. I just wish my cinnamon swirl french toast was still an option! It was a bit of a tear jerk for me. However, the apple french toast did the trick! Pricing is a great deal as well. For 2 of us it came around $28. We got 2 drinks, 2 meals and one side to share! So over all I can attest to Penny Cluse's consistency with their service and food. They come highly recommended by me with no questions asked. They still rank a perfect 5/5 for me as well. Even if my french toast is no more! They are just that damn good.
(5)Jasper W.
One of my favorite cafe in Burlington! It's always crowded there in the morning! Although it's a little expensive I think, but it's worth to go there and enjoy a nice breakfast with family or friends! Yummy and healthy!
(4)Jill R.
Ate at Penny Cluse for the first time on Easter Sunday morning. We got there at about 10:30 and only had to wait about 15 minutes! I had a 3 egg omelet with Jack cheese and bacon...it was delicious. The home fries were the best I have ever had. Loved the toasted baguette. The tangerine juice was amazing...so fresh! I will definitely go back next time I am back in Burlington.
(5)Llyndara H.
Best food in Burlington
(4)James W.
A popular weekend spot for college students and families alike, Penne Cluse is one of the best breakfast/lunch spot in town! With their menu of eclectic items like The Penne Cluse, a plate filled with biscuits and herbed cream gravy to Ref Flannel Hash featuring a variety root vegetables including beets, this local favorite has something for everyone. For starters we suggest a large fruit plate filled with seasonal/local favorites, a perfect way to start the meal. If you are dining for breakfast and are not quite sure what to order, the Belber Combo is a mix of pancakes or french toast, eggs, and a breakfast meat like spicy Chorizo Sausage. If you are more of a lunch person, the taco salad is amazing. Filled with either grilled chicken, talapia, or marinated tofu and piled high with homemade guacamole this is an all time favorite. If you have some time on your hands, a Mimosa or Cyprus made with fresh squeezed orange or grapefruit juice goes down smooth. If you are the type of person who likes a salad on top of your drink we highly recommend one of Penne's homemade Bloody Marys with all the fixens on top. This is a great place for anyone willing to wait for at least 15 minutes for a table.
(4)Minotaur N.
back in the day this place set the bar for breakfast.
(4)Hilary L.
Had a great breakfast there. Gingerbread pancakes were fantastic. Thanks yelpers for the tip on those.
(4)Travis M.
Had the banana bread french toast and it completely rocked my world. Went there both days for breakfast that weekend, and I would go back in a heartbeat.
(5)M M.
great food. really amazing and tasty BUT: waitress disappears. coffee refills nonexistent on a busy saturday. ask someone in passing if it's possible to get a refill assuming that if she can't do it she'll find my indifferent overworked waitress. she calls me a bitch audibly to another member of staff and storms out of the restaurant with a pack of cigarettes. rough day? maybe. overreaction? definitely. i can't bring myself to go back there. hostility thy name is Penny Cluse. mommy i'm scared.
(2)M B H.
As a vegetarian, I was quite impressed and satisfied with my meal of "The Bellber Combo" - gingerbread pancakes, tofu scramble with (red) salsa ranchero sauce and home fries. The apple cider was delicious, though the coffee was not memorable. Also tried the black beans which were excellent, the raisin bread was good too. The four in our party had to wait for over 20 minutes, the service was quick, the server (and owner) personalities were not impressive. An excellent place for breakfast and hopefully for other meals too.
(4)David B.
If you are visiting Burlington this is a must for breakfast or lunch. Great home cooked food, the best fruit cup anywhere and ginger pancakes to kill for.... I live here and this is a frequent breakfast place for me. It does get crowded on Sunday morning, so arrive early (or send a friend) to get your name on the list. It can be an hour wait if you get there after 9:00AM on Sunday morning.
(5)Gaia K.
best breakfast around, and lots of vegan/veg options!
(5)