Little Rooster Café — Restaurant in Manchester

When traveling to Manchester, we found this little cafe on the GPS and, figuring it to be centrally located, used it as a jumping off point to get us where we wanted. Little did we know how AMAZING this place was going to be! (Spoiler alert and the short version of this review: Go to This Cafe and truly enjoy the food and service! )

I think we lucked out with timing because, upon arrival, there only were three other tables being served so plenty of seating was available (as we dined, the cafe quickly filled up with a mix of regulars and newcomers such that each table was occupied and a group was waiting when we left). The decor is a subtle nod to the cafe's namesake, with just a simple yet classic country vibe. The hostess politely directed us to our seats and drew our attention to the specials written on the board. Given just that handful of offerings, I knew I'd be hooked on the food.

The menu here is not exhaustive, nor should one expect it to be; this is no diner. What you get at Little Rooster is a manageable array of options, carefully thought out culinary delights, and each dish simply created to provide optimal taste while not burying patrons in either portion size or price. It was just the right amount of quality food at fair prices.

Our server was very pleasant (which is a great way to start your day!) and attentive to the needs of our party. Drinks we brought to the table shortly after ordering and refills happened without the need for a request. I had my heart set on the duck breast panini with fig jam, apple, and Brie, while another member of our party opted for the homemade pancakes. The ordered food came out promptly, but long enough after ordering to know they were freshly prepared. The panini was served with a side of carrot slaw and coleslaw, which complimented the dish; I cannot begin to describe the flavor profile of the panini, as it exceeded all expectations and was one of the BEST sandwiches I've eaten in recent memory. Likewise, the pancakes (I was able to steal a bite or two!) were fluffy, but not dense, and the Vermont Maple syrup was without flaws. We rounded out the meal with a slice of the hazelnut chocolate cake which was, again, the most WONDERFUL blend of tasty delight without being overly indulgent and filling. (Do not be deceived: it IS decadent, but a perfect dessert to split between two chocolate lovers!)

Little Rooster Cafe is a delightful find! Like its namesake, this cafe is BIG on awakening your taste buds with carefully planned and well-executed dishes, leaving you CROWING about it for the...

As the owner operator of another diner in southern Vermont, I offer my critique as a peer, and not as the competition.

I walked into the Rooster Cafe on a moderately busy, late Sunday winter morning. I was seated at the counter almost immediately, but then waited close to 10 minutes before being acknowledged by the staff - several of whom were directly in front of me - or being offered even a menu or a cup of coffee. The menu was finally presented, and then 15 minutes in, a cup of coffee. The staff was busy trying to navigate a new “point of sale” system, and complaining bitterly, and loudly about it. In my opinion, it was incredibly poor form to broadcast a business failing in front of a customer(s). Even more of a failing to make me wait that long for even a modicum of service. Bickering was clearly the priority.

A couple (locals) then sat down at the counter, were acknowledged by name and immediately received menus and a beverage.

20 minutes in, my order was taken. I ordered the poached eggs, homemade corned beef hash combo. My neighbors at the counter subsequently received their order, and by the time my order arrived, (30 minutes in) they were ready for their check. They were on their way out by the time my fork hit the plate.

My breakfast was acceptable, but at a $14.00 price point, seemed a little skimpy. The “light bechamel” was so light as to be almost nonexistent, and the homemade hash browns were pretty uneventful.

In short, lackluster, absent-minded service, and a product that was on the pricey side, and did not reflect the appeal as described on the menu.

I’m on a mission to be familiar with all of my fellow diner-style establishments that are in an easy striking distance. I understand that everyone has a bad day, (my business is no exception) and I will certainly visit the other breakfast spots in Manchester, VT, but The Rooster Cafe will get a hard pass for the...

I’m am writing this review to warn others of blatant discrimination,and violation of the American Disabilities Act (ADA) today 5/7/2023. At about 10 am I visited the little rooster cafe to enjoy some breakfast with my close friend, along with us I brought my service animal “Lupita” and Australian shepherd specifically trained to assist me with my disabilities. The offender was a woman named Jackie (or so I’m told) she came up to us right away and even though my service dog was sitting , and clearly labeled with a vest “service dog” she approached my dog without asking, my animal as trained backed away from her, she then proceeded to proclaim that she did not believe that she was a service animal, several times. While restaurants are within their right to have employee ask (a) is this a service animal? And (b) what specific task is she trained to do? This woman(Jackie) did not ask me those questions at all. She came over to us and without consent proceeded to perform her own “testing” to determine if she believed Lupita was indeed a service animal. I assured her that she is a service animal registered with the ADA, and the Department of Transportation (DOT) and I carry with me all the necessary documentation to prove this. She then continued rudely on, that she would “let us stay this time”, and scolded that if my service dog “makes a sound, barks or anything” we would be “outa there” “kicked out” . This treatment is completely inexcusable, and a violation of my rights. She never asked the questions she is legally allowed to ask, and this experience made for a completely awkward, and unpleasant breakfast with my friend. And of course my service dog was on top notch behavior. Laying by my side, alert and completely quiet the entire time as she is trained to do, on planes, trains and cars, and yes...