Red Hen Baking

Amazing place, the Breakfast Croissant is fantastic with ham! The meats are a cut above the standard Faire at most other small biz cafes, and as someone who appreciate a nice flaky croissant, the sandwhich did not disappoint! Get there early for the croissant the fresher the better! Lots of amazing breads to choose from as well as coffees and local jams, syrups and honey. If you are looking to bring back taste of vermont on your way thru town this is worth the stop They also sell their own flours if you like to bake at home. Everything looks amazingly well crafted and that rustic cafe vibe was on point. Perfect way to unwind in between busy appointments.

Got recommended this place a while back from a former colleague who grew up in Burlington. One thing I’ve noticed about Vermont bakeries lately is that they all kind of look the same on paper. Almond and chocolate croissants, muffins, cookies. Basic French pastry lineup, but with a rustic, small-town charm and a maple twist somewhere in the mix. From what locals tell me, there’s not much love for the “new” wave of boutique-style bakeries popping up across the state. Red Hen feels like the kind of place they’d defend to the end. No minimalist interiors, just an old wooden barn-looking space that’s been doing its thing for years. By the time we got there around 10 a.m., a couple of sandwiches were already sold out, so we went with the Mushroom Toastie, Breakfast Sandwich, and an Almond Croissant. Both sandwiches came on their in-house Mad River multigrain sourdough, which had this great tight crunch. Not the kind that scrapes your mouth, but enough to feel dense/substantial. Also perfectly toasted on all sides, giving off that smoky char. The only underwhelming part was the filling. It needed more sauce or just… more of something. The breakfast sandwich (egg patty & cheese) was especially dry. The almond croissant had a nice crust but was also a bit too baked. But the Iced Maple Latte. That was the real reason to come. Probably the best I’ve had in Vermont. Most maple lattes I’ve had here are just sugar bombs or taste like someone waved a maple leaf over, but this one was perfectly balanced. Medium roast beans with a hint of smoke, maple sweetness that stayed steady from first sip to last. Not cloying, just right. Would definitely recommend stopping by if you’re looking for a good maple latte.

My first recommendation is to get better signage. My second recommendation is to train staff that aren't indignant to their customers. Also, watching a staff member cut their friends in line for quicker service. Was disappointing. I can appreciate having a sign posted to make sure customers recognize staff are people too. But staff need to do their part to make sure they know customers are people too. It also may help to let the customers know as they order the approximate wait time. I had no problem waiting 10-15 minutes, but when it became 20 to 30 I would have rather gone somewhere else.

The best step on our drive to Montreal. Roast beef and almond tart were incredible. Creemee is so smooth, doesn’t really taste like maple though. Service outstanding. Such kind staff

From the moment we walked in and welcomed by the smell of freshly baked bread, I knew all the other positive reviews were right, this place is the real deal. Their croissant sandwich was the best I’ve tried this year. It was beautifully layered with a crunchy outside and soft on the inside. However, the bakery can get quite busy and the small parking lot was full during our visit at lunch time.