Vermont may be landlocked, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy a great seafood dinner. And at Original Skiff Fish + Oysters Local favorite: Original Skiff Fish + Oysters in Burlington, Vermont, the menu and atmosphere transport you from the shores of Lake Champlain to a classic East Coast oyster bar.
Located inside Hotel Champlain Local favorite: Hotel Champlain on Battery Street, Original Skiff brings together fresh Atlantic seafood, classic cocktails, a lively raw bar and a healthy dose of coastal nostalgia. Think oysters on the half shell, buttery lobster rolls, frozen cocktails and nautical-inspired decor that feels more Florida Keys than Green Mountains.
It’s a refreshing addition to Burlington’s restaurant scene, particularly for those of us who love seafood but don’t necessarily want to drive to the Maine coast to enjoy it.
From Hen of the Wood to Original Skiff
Original Skiff comes from the creative mind of Eric Warnstedt, the acclaimed Vermont restaurateur behind Hen of the Wood and other recognizable Vermont dining concepts.
Warnstedt, who grew up in Florida, drew inspiration from the oyster bars, fish camps and waterfront taverns found along the Eastern Seaboard, from Bar Harbor, Maine, to the Florida Keys.
Opened in 2024 as part of the transformation of Burlington’s former Hilton into Hotel Champlain, Original Skiff represents a departure from Warnstedt’s more Vermont-focused restaurants. While the restaurant still incorporates ingredients from local farmers and producers, the emphasis here is decidedly coastal.
Warnstedt and his team developed the concept, branding and original menu, with the hotel’s management company overseeing ongoing restaurant operations.
The result is a seafood tavern with a distinctive personality, where the food, cocktails and design all contribute to the experience.
A Coastal Oyster Bar in Downtown Burlington
One of my favorite aspects of Original Skiff is the atmosphere. Walk through the doors and you’ll find a bright, nautical-inspired space with a long bar, playful coastal details and a dining room that feels simultaneously casual and polished.
The oyster bar is a focal point, making it particularly appealing for anyone who enjoys watching fresh shellfish being shucked while sipping a cocktail.
There’s an intentional sense of nostalgia throughout the space, with nods to traditional fish camps, old-school coastal taverns and waterfront restaurants.
During warmer months, the outdoor patio offers another option for enjoying a drink or meal near Burlington’s waterfront.
Whether you’re meeting friends for oysters, planning a date night or looking for a seafood restaurant while visiting Burlington, Original Skiff offers something different from the city’s more traditional farm-to-table dining experiences.
Fresh Oysters and Seafood Are the Main Attraction
As the name suggests, oysters are central to the Original Skiff experience.
The restaurant features a rotating raw bar selection that includes fresh oysters, littleneck clams, shrimp cocktail and crudo. Seafood is sourced through Wood Mountain Fish, a Boston-based fishmonger focused on high-quality Atlantic catches.
I appreciate a restaurant where you can order a few oysters to start without committing to a full seafood dinner. And at Original Skiff, the raw bar makes it easy to build a meal around several smaller plates.
For those who love oysters, the restaurant has advertised $2 oysters daily from 4 to 5 PM, making the early evening an especially appealing time to visit. It’s worth confirming the current special before heading over.
What to Order at Original Skiff Fish + Oysters
While oysters may be the headline attraction, the menu offers plenty of options for seafood lovers and those who prefer something else.
Lobster Rolls, Fish & Chips and Coastal Classics
The lobster roll is a natural choice, featuring lobster with brown butter aioli. It’s a familiar New England favorite with a slightly different preparation from the traditional lobster roll.
Other seafood classics include beer-battered fish and chips, fried oysters with horseradish aioli, steamed mussels in wine and butter, and New England clam chowder with potatoes, bacon and cream.
The fried fish sandwich, served with coleslaw and tartar sauce, is another option for a more casual meal.
Small Plates and Seafood Starters
If you’re visiting with a group, I’d recommend ordering several appetizers to share.
Menu offerings include cod fritters with malt vinegar aioli, crab dip with grilled bread and deviled eggs topped with crab and roe.
The hush puppies and Old Bay French fries also fit perfectly with the restaurant’s coastal-inspired menu. Sometimes a plate of fresh oysters, a few crispy appetizers and a cold drink is all I want from an evening out.
Beyond the Seafood Menu
Not everyone at the table needs to love seafood to enjoy Original Skiff.
The menu also includes the Skiff Burger, featuring a double patty, American cheese and special sauce, along with options such as cast-iron chicken, pork chops and steak.
That variety makes it easier to visit with friends or family who have different dining preferences.
Frozen Cocktails, Cold Beer and a Little Florida Influence
Original Skiff’s cocktail program deserves attention, too.
The drinks reflect the same coastal inspiration as the food, combining classic cocktails with playful frozen creations. Frozen gin and tonics have been among the restaurant’s signature offerings, alongside tropical-inspired drinks that wouldn’t feel out of place at a waterfront bar in Key West.
You’ll also find Vermont craft beer, wine and a house-branded Mexican-style lager.
I particularly like the idea of ordering a frozen cocktail with a platter of oysters on a warm summer afternoon. It’s a combination that makes Burlington’s waterfront feel a little closer to the Atlantic.
Save Room for Key Lime Pie
A coastal-inspired restaurant wouldn’t feel complete without a good key lime pie, and Original Skiff has one on its dessert menu.
The bright, tart citrus flavor is a fitting finish after a seafood-heavy meal, especially if you’ve indulged in fried fish, lobster or a few richer appetizers.
Other desserts have included the playful Snowball in Hell, featuring Swiss roll, ganache and ice cream, and a Bushwacker sundae.
It’s another example of the restaurant leaning into its seaside personality rather than following the expected Vermont dessert lineup.
A Different Side of Burlington’s Restaurant Scene
Burlington has an impressive collection of restaurants, many of which focus on seasonal Vermont ingredients, locally raised meats and farm-to-table cooking. I love that approach, but I also appreciate restaurants that bring different regional food traditions to the city.
Original Skiff does exactly that.
It combines the familiarity of a New England seafood restaurant with the atmosphere of a coastal tavern, offering everything from oysters and lobster rolls to frozen cocktails and classic comfort food.
The location also makes it convenient to incorporate into an afternoon or evening downtown. Take a walk along the Burlington waterfront, enjoy the views of Lake Champlain and head over to Original Skiff for oysters and dinner.
For visitors, it’s an opportunity to enjoy seafood without leaving Vermont. For locals, it’s another reason to revisit Burlington’s evolving dining scene.
And if you’re an oyster lover, I’d put Original Skiff on your list of Burlington restaurants to try.
Visiting Original Skiff in Burlington, Vermont
- Restaurant
- Original Skiff Fish + Oysters
- Location
- 60 Battery Street, Burlington, Vermont, inside Hotel Champlain
- Cuisine
- Seafood, oyster bar and coastal-inspired American fare
- Known For
- Fresh oysters, lobster rolls, seafood classics, frozen cocktails and nautical-inspired atmosphere
- Website
- originalskiffoyster.com
- Local’s Tip
- Time your visit around the restaurant’s advertised daily oyster special from 4 to 5 PM, and consider pairing your visit with a sunset walk along Burlington’s waterfront. Check current hours, menus and specials before visiting.
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