41 S. Main Street

Tel: 802-472-7053

After watching good restaurants in Vermont's beautiful but remote Northeast Kingdom fail, a band of business leaders decided that a community effort was necessary. They launched a CSR, or community-supported restaurant, with neighbors investing $1,000 up front in return for discounts on food. Appropriately, Claire's serves simple food that highlights exceptional ingredients from Vermont's fertile agricultural community: slowly leavened breads, peppery radishes, and creamy raw-milk cheese. Local microbrews, artisanal sodas, and ice wines from Shelburne Vineyards keep the drinks as interesting as the cuisine.
Tip: Go in the winter, when everyone around is likely to be a part-owner (entrées, $9–$22).