Maybe you’ve been there. You’re enjoying a day riding the mountain biking trails, when suddenly that audible stomach growl surfaces. Luckily, if the midday hunger pangs hit you in Rutland you have plenty of options to settle down with breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a slice of something to satisfy your sweet tooth. No matter what you’re in the mood for, our list of the best restaurants in Rutland, Vt. are sure to include an appetizing item to tempt your taste buds.

9 of the Best Restaurants in Rutland County, Vt. to Try

1. Gill’s Delicatessen — Rutland, Vt.

When a rumbling stomach brings your day to a grinding halt, follow the scent of freshly baked bread to Gill’s Delicatessen. The family-owned shop has been in the business of crafting crave-worthy grinders and pizzas for over 50 years. If a pie or hot Italian grinder doesn’t tickle your fancy, the delicatessen also offers an array of salads or sandwiches topped with quality meats and cheeses.

2. Hop’n Moose Brewing Co — Rutland, Vt.

Images of moose may seem synonymous with Vermont, but this particular moose marks the spot of Rutland’s very first brewery — Hop’n Moose Brewing Company, located directly across the street from the Paramount Theater. Inside, foodies find a family-friendly atmosphere alongside handcrafted ales and lagers, wood-fired pizzas, and locally-sourced pub grub including wings, sandwiches, and burgers.

3. Roots — Rutland, Vt.

Vermont is known for its bounty of locally-sourced produce, meat, and dairy products — and Roots the Restaurant is known for taking these state staples and crafting the finest dishes in Rutland County. The New American restaurant practices green initiatives and caters to diners with a menu of minimally-processed, locally-sourced food. Unique dishes range from a Vermont cider-braised pork belly appetizer to house-made fettuccine with emu (emu!) and pork sausage.

4. Table 24 — Rutland, Vt.

Table 24 Restaurant in downtown Rutland welcomes hungry patrons every day of the week. The restaurant features a wood-fired grill and rotisserie alongside a menu that can please families with young children just as easily as food-fanatics with a sophisticated palette. Order up a familiar favorite or try something out of your comfort zone — the lunch and dinner menu options range from the classic cheeseburger to duck fritters.

5. Southside Steakhouse — Rutland, Vt.

Seeking one of the best restaurants to sink your teeth into a juicy steak? Look no further than Rutland’s Southside Steakhouse. This Modern American Steakhouse serves nightly dinner with a menu chock-full of dry-aged steaks, burgers, fresh seafood, classic cocktails, and dessert. Be sure to check the current special and prepare your appetite appropriately — you’ll want to be prepared to dig into deals like a Monday night three-course dinner for $20.

6. Maple Sugar & Vermont Spice — Mendon, Vt.

Whether you prefer your breakfast first thing in the morning or as an afternoon treat, Maple Sugar & Vermont Spice (know to locals simply as “Sugar & Spice) will flip a pancake (or four) onto your plate every day from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Although you can still find your favorite lunchtime sandwich on the menu, the most raved about offerings include pumpkin pancakes or the signature pancakes baked with cinnamon and maple sugar.

7. Sweet Caroline’s Restaurant — West Rutland, Vt.

Favored for a casual, friendly atmosphere and full bar, Sweet Caroline’s Restaurant provides something for everyone (including that notoriously picky eater in the family). Open for lunch and dinner Wednesday through Sunday (plus breakfast on weekends), foodies can choose from a variety of classic lunchtime sandwiches or opt for the popular Sweet C’s Famous Slow Roasted Prime Rib for a dinner worth raving about.

8. Mary’s Cafe — West Rutland, Vt.

Hailed as a deliciously quaint hidden gem, pull up a seat at Mary’s Cafe for some of the best breakfast and lunch options in town. Breakfast-lovers can indulge in all-day offerings of pancakes and omelets, while lunch-goers have a selection of hot and cold sandwiches (or one of the popular weekday lunch specials) to curb midday appetites. Save some room for dessert — it’s hard to resist a slice of pie baked daily on the premises.

9. Wheel Inn Restaurant — Benson, VT

Experience “country dining at its finest” on a trip to The Wheel Inn Restaurant. The family-friendly restaurant has a laid back atmosphere and daily specials overflowing with comfort food qualities (like chicken and biscuits on Wednesdays), plus a mouthwatering display of homemade desserts.

Whether you’re craving a veggie grinder, a basket of pub fried chicken wings, or the perfect spot for a dinner date — the best restaurants in Rutland, Vt. ensure you’re never far from a mouthwatering meal.