There are plenty of places to grab a burger in Vermont, but few have developed the following of Worthy Burger Local favorite: Worthy Kitchen in South Royalton. And while the name might suggest burgers are the only reason to visit, I’d argue the fried chicken, impressive craft beer selection and ridiculously good fries are equally deserving of your attention.
Tucked inside a renovated historic freight house in downtown South Royalton, Worthy Burger has been serving up locally sourced burgers and craft beer since 2012. It’s casual, lively and refreshingly unpretentious, with a focus on quality ingredients and food that tastes as good as it sounds.
If you’re someone who appreciates a great burger, a perfectly fried chicken sandwich or a thoughtfully curated beer list, this is a Vermont restaurant to put on your radar.
Wood-Fired Burgers That Live Up to the Name
Let’s start with the burgers, because Worthy Burger has built its reputation around doing them exceptionally well.
Unlike your typical burger joint, Worthy Burger cooks its burgers to order over a hardwood fire, giving the meat a distinctive smoky flavor and beautiful char. The restaurant uses 100% grass-fed beef, with an emphasis on sourcing from local farms and producers.
The signature Worthy Burger keeps things relatively simple: a six-ounce beef patty, Plymouth cheddar, secret sauce, Bibb lettuce and red onion on a Worthy bun. But if you’re looking for something more adventurous, there are plenty of options.
The Big Daddy M combines beef with Bayley Hazen Blue cheese, bacon, caramelized onions and garlic aioli, while the Mushroom Swiss Burger adds roasted mushrooms and Cabot Swiss. You can also build your own burger with your preferred combination of cheeses, sauces and toppings.
And for anyone who doesn’t eat beef, the menu includes a black bean burger, a turkey-and-duck confit burger and a fish sandwich.
There’s something particularly satisfying about a burger cooked over a real wood fire, especially when it’s paired with an excellent Vermont beer.
Don’t Overlook the Fried Chicken Sandwich
Despite the name, I’d argue that Worthy Burger is also a fried chicken destination.
The buttermilk fried chicken sandwich features a crispy fried chicken thigh topped with hot honey ranch, summer slaw, dill pickles, Bibb lettuce and red onion. It’s a combination of crunchy, creamy, tangy and sweet flavors that makes a strong case for ordering something other than beef.
I love a fried chicken sandwich with plenty of texture and a sauce that complements the chicken without overwhelming it. Worthy Burger’s version checks those boxes.
And if you’re visiting with someone else, my recommendation is simple: order a burger and the fried chicken sandwich, then split them. It’s the easiest way to appreciate both sides of the menu.
The Fries Deserve Their Own Mention
You can’t talk about Worthy Burger without talking about the fries.
They’re hand-cut daily and double-fried in Wagyu beef tallow, which gives them a distinctive richness and satisfying crispness.
The regular fries are excellent, but the Parmesan truffle upgrade is particularly tempting. Depending on the menu, you’ll also find Cajun-seasoned fries and loaded variations with cheddar, Buffalo sauce and ranch.
They’re the perfect accompaniment to the burgers and fried chicken, although I wouldn’t blame you for ordering an extra serving for the table.
Just keep in mind that the fries are cooked in beef fat, so they’re not vegetarian.
One of Vermont’s Best Craft Beer Destinations
The food might bring you through the door, but the beer selection is another reason Worthy Burger has become such a destination.
Vermont is home to some of the country’s most celebrated craft breweries, and Worthy Burger takes its beer program seriously. The rotating draft list features an impressive selection of Vermont beers alongside standout offerings from breweries beyond the state.
Depending on what’s pouring, you might find beers from Hill Farmstead, Lawson’s Finest Liquids, River Roost, Foam Brewers, von Trapp Brewing or Foley Brothers, among others.
The selection goes well beyond hazy IPAs, too. Expect a mix of pilsners, lagers, stouts, porters, sours and seasonal styles, along with craft cider.
One of the things I appreciate about a good beer bar is the opportunity to try something I might not otherwise encounter. Worthy Burger’s frequently changing tap list makes that part of the experience, whether you’re a dedicated craft beer enthusiast or simply enjoy a cold beer with dinner.
And if beer isn’t your thing, the restaurant also serves cocktails and nonalcoholic options.
A Historic Freight House With Plenty of Character
Part of Worthy Burger’s appeal is the setting.
Located at 56 Rainbow Street in downtown South Royalton, the restaurant occupies a renovated former freight house near the railroad tracks. The building’s industrial character fits the straightforward approach to food and drink.
Inside, you’ll find a lively, casual atmosphere with communal energy, a bar and an emphasis on good food rather than elaborate presentation. During warmer months, the outdoor beer garden is another appealing place to settle in with a burger and a drink.
It’s the sort of restaurant that works just as well for a casual date night as it does for a post-adventure meal with friends.
And while South Royalton might not be the first place that comes to mind when planning a Vermont food-focused road trip, Worthy Burger gives you a compelling reason to make the detour.
Worthy Burger vs. Worthy Kitchen: What’s the Difference?
If you’ve spent time around Woodstock, you might also be familiar with Worthy Kitchen, the sister restaurant located along Route 4.
Both restaurants share a commitment to local ingredients, craft beer and approachable comfort food, but they offer somewhat different experiences.
Worthy Burger is the original location, with a more focused menu built around wood-fired burgers, fried chicken sandwiches, fries and craft beer. Worthy Kitchen offers a broader farm-to-table menu, including additional appetizers, entrees and comfort-food favorites.
Both are excellent options, but if you’re specifically looking for the classic Worthy Burger experience, head to South Royalton.
Why Worthy Burger Is Worth a Stop
I appreciate restaurants that know what they do well and concentrate on doing it exceptionally.
Worthy Burger doesn’t need an enormous menu or an elaborate dining experience. It brings together three things that make for a particularly satisfying meal: a great burger, excellent fried chicken and a beer selection that celebrates Vermont’s craft brewing scene.
Add in the hand-cut fries, historic freight house and casual atmosphere, and it’s easy to understand why Worthy Burger has become such a recognizable name in Vermont’s food scene.
Whether you’re traveling through the Upper Valley, exploring South Royalton or simply looking for an excuse to take a backroad drive for a good meal, Worthy Burger is a destination I’d recommend.
And if you can’t decide between the burger and the fried chicken sandwich? Bring someone willing to share.
Visiting Worthy Burger in South Royalton, Vermont
- Restaurant
- Worthy Burger
- Address
- 56 Rainbow Street, South Royalton, Vermont
- Known For
- Wood-fired burgers, buttermilk fried chicken sandwiches, hand-cut beef-tallow fries and an extensive rotating craft beer selection
- Atmosphere
- Casual, lively and relaxed, with a seasonal outdoor beer garden
- Hours
- Thursday 4–8 PM; Friday and Saturday noon–9 PM; Sunday noon–8 PM. Closed Monday through Wednesday. Hours are subject to change.
- Local’s Tip
- Check the rotating beer list before visiting, and don’t skip the Parmesan truffle fries. If you’re visiting with a friend, split a wood-fired burger and a fried chicken sandwich so you can try both.
Talk with locals
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