Every time I visit my parents, I make sure to go out to breakfast at one of the most iconic Vermont breakfast spots near Killington, Vermont. Sugar and Spice is a one-stop-shop where you can eat delicious food and pick up some great Vermont styled gifts for the family. Not only do they make their maple products, but they also portray the authentic Vermonter charm.
The restaurant rests in a small town called Mendon at the base of Killington. The large parking lot provides a lot of space for parking, and on weekends cars are consistently leaving and arriving. Many locals of the Rutland, Mendon, and Killington area hang out here, meeting up with friends, family, or just stopping by to say hi to their friends with bus tables or waitresses there. Owned by a local family, the owners stand by the front door friendly, greeting everyone who enters.
On busy days (usually Saturday and Sunday), expect to wait a bit if you do not have a reservation. If you go earlier in the morning, there will be less of a wait time, but if you get there at peak time, 10 AM, you can wait up to 45 minutes for a table. I have always been patient because the food and environment are worth the wait.
During the winter months, the skiers from the mountain are spotted throughout the restaurant in ski gear talking about the slopes. The warm aroma you are met with when entering is a sweet relief from the cold. Your nose will fill up with the delicious scent of bacon and pancakes. The maple syrup boiler that rests in the middle of all three floors of this restaurant is in full force during these months, allowing the smell of fresh maple syrup to fill the entire space.
The staff is constructed of local teenagers who often have their first job here. The owners support the surrounding schools with 100% effort. They are seen attending sports activities, fundraisers, and helping those out who may need it. This genuine family cares about the community and often supports anyone who walks through their restaurant doors.
The exterior can be a bit misleading. From the outside, the building looks like a classic wood cabin that may seem extremely small. Once you step inside, many are often surprised by how roomy the building is. The entire basement floor is a gift shop where you can find the perfect Vermont style gift. You are also able to watch the sugaring that happens during the winter months. On the first floor, where you walk in, there is the exposed kitchen and the counter to the right. Wooden tables and chairs are spread throughout the floor with the appropriate space to feel cozy, but also private. If the hostess leads you upstairs, the rustic floor overlooks the floor down below, and the decretive accents around the building consist of antics and local artwork. The surrounding trees outside are decorated with sugaring buckets and add to the sugaring feel. Oftentimes, people will take photos with the classic stuffed bears outside the front door at the picnic table, posing in cute ways.
My go-to plate to eat here is the classic Sugar House Sampler. It comes with two pancakes, two slices of bacon, two sausages, and two eggs. I can never decide what I want to eat while I am here, so I like to get a bit of everything. Other plates to try are the French Toast, General Ripley, and the Breakfast Sandwich. I have never had a disappointing meal here yet, and I have been a regular ever since I was a little girl.
The restaurant's COVID-19 response has also been fantastic. In the summer, they set up outdoor dining in front of the restaurant along as behind. They had a specific system to respect the Vermont Governor's response to COVID. Not one time did I feel unsafe in any way, and the tent provided allowed the perfect amount of shade. Recently, I enjoyed socially distant indoor dining. Each table is much further than the standard 6ft away, and every server in the building wears their mask properly. Waitresses take orders standing further away from the table to make sure that no one feels crowded or exposed to COVID. They are partaking in contact tracing, and proper measures are being taken to make sure everyone is safe. They also offer take out orders in case eating out is not comfortable for you.
Overall, this is my favorite eatery in the area and has been for years. I know many tourists rave about Sugar and Spice, and so do the locals. The owners are some of the warmest people you will meet, and they make the restaurant feel just as welcoming. If you are looking for a classic Vermont experience and good food, this would be the place to check out!
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