Welcome to The Downtown Grocery
At The Downtown Grocery, located in Ludlow, VT, a charming culinary experience awaits. This women-owned establishment offers a unique blend of New American cuisine with a farm-to-table focus, highlighting local and fresh ingredients. With just 13 seats, guests enjoy an intimate dining atmosphere where every dish is crafted with care. Diners rave about the house-made gnocchi and seared Gulf Mahi Mahi, expertly paired with curated wine selections. Abby, the enthusiastic hostess, and her husband Rogan, the talented chef, create a warm and personalized dining experience. Each visit promises memorable moments, exquisite flavors, and a genuine connection to the local community.
The Downtown Grocery: Reviews & Ratings
This was not just dinner but a fine dinning experience. From entering the charming old building to the menu on the black board it exceeded all expectations. The owners, Abby our hostess and waitress and Rogan our chef, are talented and enthusiastic. This 13 seat restaurant is serving the most fresh and local food available. From an extensive wine and drink menu to the daily food offerings, this is the place to spend hours enjoying friends or family while having a truly unique dinning event.
Rarely open and hard to get a reservation (I have been trying for 2 years!) - this place is a very small but lovely farm to table experience run by husband Rogan (chef) and wife Abby (server and front of the house). There were only 5 tables in service on the night we dined here. Small blackboard menu with 4 choices for appetizer and 4 for entree. A printed wine list doesn't exist but Abby will ask you what type of wine you like and then bring several over to your table for you to try. Wines will be obscure and nothing you've ever heard of but we did settle on a nice red from the Loire region. Abby is very enthusiastic about the locally raised ingredients and will go into detailed descriptions of each dish you are about to be served. We had the garlic shrimp appetizer and the Arugula salad with pancetta and shaved parmesan for starters - both VERY delicious. For entrees we had the roasted halibut and the flank steak with blue cheese - again, both were really great. All in all, an enjoyable and very worthwhile dining experience but again - this is an honest to god 2-person operation, so don't expect to be rushed along. Note - Saturday night dinner service was cancelled and we were asked to have our reservation moved to Sunday night because of something unexpected on the owner's end. There is no back up plan at the Downtown Grocery.
We visited The Downtown Grocery for a special dinner and it'll go down in my memory as one of my favorite restaurants anywhere. The food and wine was perfect, the atmosphere was homey yet elegant, and Abby and Rogan were lovely and personable and kind.
Look forward to dinner here every time we're up skiing ! Food is always amazing and the drinks are great
What a special experience! This isn't just fine dining, it's a full on lovely experience that is worth every Penny! The food was as high quality as it gets, the service was as personalized and attentive as it gets and you couldn't be more comfortable and satisfied with every delicious sip and bite. Our DG dinner blew our expectations out of the snow!! We cannot wait to get back for our next special occasion.
The food was delicious, atmosphere was cozy and we so enjoyed the personalized attention by the hostess/waitress too!
I had eaten here dozens of times pre covid--this was my first opportunity to revisit one of my favorite spots in Ludlow again. Plan ahead--it's not easy to get a table. The model has changed, no longer are there tons of people crammed in--they seem to take a handful of tables and do their best to superserve those lucky enough to get a reservation. It's an experience...savor it. Abby will work with you to identify the perfect wine and explain every detail. The menu is limited but with that you get ultra fresh and flavorful dishes. We had the shrimp & grits and Ribeye for our entrees and both were amazing. As a former restauranteur I applaud them for doing what works for their family. If you are lucky enough to get a table enjoy every moment--we did.
Had no clue this gem was here! Popped in on a Wednesday night for a drink and sat at the bar chatting to the wonderful bartender. I had their specialty Ruby Bulleit cocktail with bourbon, ginger liqueur, and blood orange juice - the blood oranges were so juicy and fresh! My partner enjoyed the Smokey Elder, which had mezcal, ginger beer, and some other fun ingredients. After scanning the ever changing menu on their chalkboard - we were inspired to order the maple creme brûlée with fresh black berries. It was delightful. Can't wait to come here for dinner sometime soon. Make sure you make a reservation!
Location
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41 S Depot St, Ludlow, VT 05149 Hotline: (802) 228-7566
Welcome to The Downtown Grocery, a culinary gem nestled in the charming town of Ludlow, Vermont. This intimate New American restaurant offers a unique farm-to-table dining experience that is as memorable as it is delicious. With only 13 seats, The Downtown Grocery prides itself on personalized service and an ever-evolving menu that showcases the freshest local ingredients.
The ambiance is a delightful mix of classy and casual, making it the perfect spot for any occasion—whether you’re planning a special dinner or simply want to enjoy a relaxed meal with friends. As a women-owned establishment, the restaurant fosters a welcoming atmosphere for all, featuring gender-neutral restrooms and dog-friendly policies that elevate your dining experience.
- Reservations Required: Due to its limited seating, booking ahead is a must to ensure you don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in their offerings.
- Seasonal Delicacies: The menu changes frequently, highlighting local products and giving guests a taste of Vermont’s bountiful harvest. Signature starters like the House Made Gnocchi with Duck Prosciutto and the decadent Local Cauliflower Soup with Maine Lobster showcase both creativity and culinary skill.
- Mouth-Watering Mains: Expect to be wowed by dishes such as the Seared Gulf Mahi Mahi and the House Made Black Pepper Linguini, which delivers layers of flavor in every bite.
- Personalized Wine Selection: As customer Luanne D. noted, Abby—your delightful server—will curate a tailored wine experience, introducing you to hidden gems that complement your meal perfectly.
- Warm Hospitality: Owners Abby and Rogan are the heart and soul of The Downtown Grocery. Their enthusiasm for the dishes and ingredients resonates through every interaction, ensuring that your visit feels both special and personable.
Customer reviews highlight The Downtown Grocery as a must-visit destination. From Betsy’s glowing recommendation of its ambiance and unique dishes to Sarah’s heartfelt connection to the restaurant’s family-like charm, it’s clear that each meal is more than just food—it’s an experience. Whether you’re savoring the Bangs Island Mussels or relishing the Plew Farm Breast Of Chicken, every bite is a testament to quality and passion.
For those in search of exceptional dining, The Downtown Grocery is waiting to offer you a taste of Vermont in an unforgettable setting. Don't forget to indulge on their happy hour specials or consider their catering options for your next event. Visit them at 41 S Depot St, Ludlow, VT 05149, or give them a call at (802) 228-7566. Trust us; this is one culinary journey you won’t want to miss.
