Bluebird Barbecue: Burlington’s Homage to Local Flavors and Slow-Cooked Perfection

Did you know that BBQ is considered a Vermont specialty? I know it’s more of a Texas thing, however, Barbecuing has become uber-popular in Vermont, and for good reason. Today you’re going tolearn all you need about Bluebird Barbeque Restaurant in Vermont!

A super great restaurant, Nestled in an over 100-year-old farmhouse on the edge of the Winooski River, Where you can refuel and recharge after a great day of exploring Burlington and beyond.

Mixing ingredients of the barbecue with Vermont maple syrup and other local goodness makes it so unique and tasty, that it has become a must-try while visiting.

Why Bluebird Restaurant for BBQ?

Whenever visiting a certain location, my goal is always to taste the most local, flavorful, and traditional meals. After doing a ton of research (yeah, I like to find the best food when traveling), Bluebird Barbecue Restaurant was without a doubt the best for Barbecues, family fun and so much more.

Location – The restaurant is located directly over the river, with great views and open-air dining.

Local Freshness – Whatever we asked the waitress about, she always made a point to explain that the majority of the ingredients were right from Vermont’s farms. Many of which were within a few miles of the restaurant. The only other place you can get this local is farmer’s markets. The biggest difference here is that instead of slaving over the stove preparing what you bought at the market, you have a creative master doing it all for you. And it’s delicious. My kind of place.

Barbecue – The fact that Bluebird has won tons of awards for its BBQ specialties was obviously a big reason for us to arrive here. But that’s not the only reason we chose Bluebird.

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Bluebird Barbecue – My Experience!

I have a confession to make: I always look at the menus before coming to make sure that my sons will be able to eat. Gratefully, my oldest is getting easier and easier to please, but my five-year-old is way too picky.

So when I saw they have a platter called the Family Reunion (up to 4 people), I was so there. First of all, I think every single restaurant in the world should have a sample platter of the majority of the dishes they offer. Some places have appetizer samplers, but none have samplers for dinner, until Bluebird Barbecue.

The Family Reunion states on its menu – Serves 4. You get a little bit of everything. And everything was right!

This amazing dish, which is huge and can feed way, way more than four people, has the best meats to try cooked all different ways. It also has all their sides, as well. The portions aren’t as large as they would be if you ordered them separately, but certainly big enough for everyone in your group to have a good taste of each.

Most of the meats are cooked for up to 15 hours in their slow cooker, which is located outside, thus making them so tender and juicy.

My kids devoured the food. And this to me is the perfect measuring stick. And my favorite, burnt ends. I have never had these before, but I think if I was given 100 more, I’d find a way to eat them all.

As full as we were, we made sure to leave room for a bit of dessert. Especially with our waitress giving us the rundown on more fresh ingredients.

Vermont is a state where maple and dairy rule the land. So of course, my kids need to have some of the homemade ice cream. And for me, the Berry Shortcake.

What To Order At Bluebird Barbecue

As a family, the best dish to order at Bluebird is definitely the Family Reunion platter. Besides, there are obviously, a ton of dishes you could try and should, try, including, pulled pork, brisket, turkey, chicken, ribs, and smoked wings. The meats are slow-smoked and tender and the sauces are flavorful and varied.

If you’re visiting Vermont solo or with a partner, I highly recommend trying out their award-winning pulled pork, which is usually smoked for more than 18 hours and served with their signature Vermont maple barbecue sauce.

To wash it all down, you can choose from a selection of Vermont beers, margaritas on tap, or a small and mighty cocktail line-up. The drinks are refreshing and complement the barbecue well.

Nearest Attractions –  What to Do Before and After Bluebird Barbecue

After filling up all the delicious BBQ at Bluebird, there are plenty of nearby attractions to explore. Some top recommendations include:

ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain: Check out this awesome science and nature museum! It’s got interactive exhibits, animals (70 species of fish, invertebrates, and reptiles), and even a cool 3D theater. Dive into the ecology, history, and culture of Lake Champlain and its watershed. Plus, it’s only about 2 miles from Bluebird Barbecue, so getting there is a breeze!

Church Street Marketplace: This is a four-block pedestrian mall in the heart of downtown Burlington, where you can find a variety of shops, restaurants, cafes, and street performers. The marketplace is about 1.7 miles from Bluebird Barbecue, and you can take a bus or a taxi to get there.

Waterfront Park: This is a public park that offers stunning views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains. The park is about 1.8 miles from Bluebird Barbecue, and you can walk or take a bike ride to get there.

📖 Recommended Reading: If you’re looking for more useful information, check out Vermont Fun Facts

Information for Visiting Bluebird Barbecue in Vermont

There are actually two restaurants part of the Bluebird Vermont Brand:

Bluebird Coffee Stop – this is more of a cafe-style place where they serve breakfast, coffee, and Vermont’s special creamies, which is soft ice cream. You have to try the maple-flavored ones.

Bluebird Barbecue – This is the main restaurant

Specials offered

• Every Sunday Night, Kids Under 12 Eat Free with the purchase of an adult platter.
• On Monday Nights, get their delicious slow-smoked meats and BBQ-inspired sandwiches served up with a side for just $10, all night long.
• Every Thursday at Bluebird Barbecue, dig into a Southern favorite. Buttermilk brined, deep-fried chicken.
• Fly in early and dig in! Perfect bites for the after-work crowd or make it an early date-night. $10 Double Burger, Barbecue for Two $29.95.

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The Bottom Line!

This restaurant serves classic American barbecue with a Vermont twist, using locally sourced ingredients and craft beers. It’s the perfect spot for a family dinner, a date night, or even just to grab some delicious takeout. With its laid-back atmosphere and mouth-watering dishes, Bluebird Barbecue is definitely worth checking out when you’re in Burlington or anywhere in Vermont.

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Last Updated on March 20, 2026