The Phelps Barn in Grafton, Vermont, is a culinary escape to a time less complicated, a place where the modern hustle fades into the background, replaced by the rustic charm of New England. As you roll into town, the sense that you've traveled through time is palpable, setting the stage for a truly quaint dining experience.
This isn't just any barn; it's a sanctuary for anyone with an appetite for the hearty, the homely, and the slightly adventurous. The menu is a delightful mix of the familiar and the intriguingâfrom classic burgers that remind you why you love them, to wild game that tempts the more daring palates. Itâs clear there's a skilled hand in the kitchen, balancing the fine line between traditional comforts and culinary curiosity.
The service matches the food: efficient yet unobtrusive, allowing you to soak in the ambiance without interruption. Food arrives promptly, an impressive feat that doesn't sacrifice quality for speed. And then there's the dessertâthe crĂšme brĂ»lĂ©e here is not to be missed. Itâs the kind of dessert you'll keep coming back for, a perfect blend of creamy and crackly.
After indulging at Phelps Barn, take a stroll through Grafton. It's the perfect post-meal activity, not just for aiding digestion but for appreciating the serene beauty of the area. This town, like its barn-turned-restaurant, embodies a slice of Americana thatâs both refreshing and profoundly satisfying. So, if your travels bring you near Grafton, don't miss out on this gem. It's a taste of the past served up just as...
   Read moreI visited Grafton for an extended weekend stay during the Labor Day holiday, and I was a little worried about what to expect when it came to food since it's such a small town. I knew there weren't a ton of options in town, but I was hoping I wouldn't have to drive 20 minutes away for dinner.
Thankfully, Phelps Barn Pub did more than suffice! This spot (connected to The Grafton Inn) was a great place to eat dinner and surpassed what I would have expected. It's literally a restaurant in a remodeled barn that hits all the right notes: great ambiance, attentive service, delicious food, and tasty cocktails & drinks.
Whether you're in town for a weekend getaway, a wedding, or vacationing with family Phelps Barn will hit the spot. Don't be fooled by the word "pub" in the name. Their menu might seem like standard bar fare, but the quality and taste of the food is incredible. On night one, I had the Tenderloin Burger cooked medium rare which was super tasty. And then on night two, I got the steak frites with shiitake mushrooms which was a hefty portion. I also found their Stonecutter Manhattan to be a brilliant cocktail for just $10.
All in all, this is a GREAT spot and I'm glad I was able to enjoy my...
   Read moreWhile in town visiting my parents, we made a reservation for dinner one night here at the pub. It's adjacent to the Grafton Inn if you're looking for it. Big barn converted to a pub. Wicked nice. Service was super friendly and helpful. I don't remember her name, but she has a maple leaf tattoo that my mom admired. The special "event" of the day was "burger & brew" and so I ordered that. Even though the rest of the menu looked wicked good, I stuck with what seemed special at the time. There's a separate menu that has a list of multiple burgers to choose from. I went with the gouda burger. Bacon, caramelized onions, burger, and gouda cheese. Yes, I could make a dad joke here about it being a wicked gouda burger, but I won't. It came with a side of chips too. Kettle. I could've chosen something else, but this is what I wanted. I washed it down with a tasty maple stout, because when visiting Vermont, you eat and drink anything with maple in it or you're not doing it right. Overall, we each had a very nice dinner and enjoyed the ambiance. I'd come back here again, as there appear to be special events each night with different...
   Read more