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Burlington, VT

North America

United States

# Harpers Restaurant And Lounge – American dining in Burlington, VT, casual atmosphere, hotel dining, community-friendly, breakfast buffet, local favorites

Harpers Restaurant And Lounge, located in Burlington, VT, is a casual dining establishment situated within the Holiday Inn. Known for its traditional American cuisine, Harpers offers a variety of dishes that cater to both hotel guests and local patrons. The restaurant has garnered attention for its breakfast buffet, which features an omelet station and a carving station, making it a popular choice for families and travelers alike. Despite its offerings, reviews highlight a mixed dining experience, with some praising the food while others express concerns over service and management. Harpers aims to create a welcoming environment, but it faces challenges in maintaining consistent quality and customer satisfaction.

## History
### The story of Harpers Restaurant And Lounge
Harpers Restaurant And Lounge was established as part of the Holiday Inn in Burlington, VT, with the vision of providing a comfortable dining experience for hotel guests and local residents. The restaurant's concept revolves around offering traditional American fare in a relaxed setting, making it a convenient option for those staying at the hotel and visitors to the area.

### Milestones and growth
- Opening as part of the Holiday Inn in Burlington, VT
- Introduction of the breakfast buffet, featuring an omelet and carving station
- Expansion of the menu to include a variety of American dishes
- Recognition as a dining option for both hotel guests and local patrons

### Cultural and local influence
Harpers reflects the local culture of Burlington, which values community and hospitality. The restaurant aims to integrate local flavors into its menu, showcasing Vermont's agricultural bounty. However, it also faces the challenge of adapting to the expectations of both hotel guests and local diners, striving to maintain a balance between convenience and quality.

### Continuing the tradition
As Harpers continues to operate within the Holiday Inn, it seeks to uphold its commitment to providing a welcoming dining experience. The restaurant aims to evolve with the community's needs while remaining true to its roots in traditional American cuisine. This commitment is evident in its ongoing efforts to improve service and enhance the dining experience for all patrons.

## Community
### Community involvement
Harpers Restaurant And Lounge plays a role in the Burlington community by serving as a dining option for both locals and visitors. The restaurant often collaborates with local suppliers to source ingredients, fostering a connection with the surrounding agricultural community. Additionally, Harpers is a venue for various events, contributing to the local social scene.

### Community notion about the place
The community's perception of Harpers is mixed, with some residents appreciating its convenience and offerings, while others express concerns regarding service and management. Reviews indicate that while the restaurant has potential, it struggles with consistency in both food quality and customer service. This has led to a somewhat polarized view among locals, with some recommending it for its breakfast buffet and others cautioning against dining there due to past experiences.

### Events and gatherings
Harpers hosts various events and gatherings, particularly catering to hotel guests and local organizations. The restaurant's space is utilized for family gatherings, business meetings, and community events, providing a venue for social interaction. However, the management of these events has been noted as an area for improvement, as some patrons have reported issues with service during busy times.

## Offerings
### What Harpers Restaurant And Lounge offers
Harpers offers a diverse menu centered around traditional American cuisine, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. The restaurant is particularly known for its breakfast buffet, which features a range of items that appeal to families and travelers. While the menu includes a variety of dishes, the execution and consistency of food quality have been points of contention among diners.

### Dining and food experience
The dining experience at Harpers can vary significantly based on the time of day and the level of service. Breakfast is often highlighted as a strong point, especially with the buffet options that include made-to-order items. However, lunch and dinner experiences have received mixed reviews, with some diners praising specific dishes while others report issues with food quality and service delays. The atmosphere is casual, catering to both hotel guests and local diners.

### Events and packages
Harpers provides various packages for events, particularly for hotel guests looking to host gatherings. The restaurant can accommodate different types of events, from casual family meals to more formal gatherings. However, the execution of these events has faced criticism, particularly regarding staffing and management during busy periods.

### Facilities and features
- Breakfast buffet with omelet and carving stations
- Casual dining atmosphere
- Full-service bar
- Event hosting capabilities
- Accessibility for hotel guests and local patrons

## Pros and Cons
### Key insights from reviews
Reviews of Harpers Restaurant And Lounge reveal a range of experiences, highlighting both strengths and weaknesses. Patrons have noted the convenience of the location, especially for hotel guests, but have also pointed out significant issues with service and food quality.

### Compliments and strengths
Positive feedback often centers around the breakfast buffet, which many diners find to be a great value. The omelet station and variety of options are frequently praised, along with the attentiveness of some staff members. Additionally, the restaurant's casual atmosphere is appreciated by families and travelers looking for a relaxed dining experience.

### Contrasts and notable mentions
Contrastingly, several reviews highlight concerns about service delays and food quality, particularly during busy times. Some diners have reported long waits for service and food, as well as inconsistent food preparation. The management's response to these issues has also been criticized, with some patrons feeling that their concerns were not adequately addressed.

### Summary evaluation
Overall, Harpers Restaurant And Lounge offers a mixed dining experience. While it has strengths in its breakfast offerings and casual atmosphere, it faces challenges in service consistency and food quality. The restaurant's connection to the Holiday Inn provides it with a steady stream of customers, but it must address the concerns raised by diners to improve its reputation within the community.

## Location & Nearby Attractions
Harpers Restaurant And Lounge is located at 1068 Williston Rd, South Burlington, VT, within the Holiday Inn. This location is convenient for travelers visiting the Burlington area, as it is situated near various attractions, including the University of Vermont and local shopping centers. The restaurant's proximity to these sites makes it a practical choice for both locals and visitors looking for a casual dining option. The surrounding neighborhood offers a mix of residential and commercial spaces, contributing to the restaurant's appeal.

## FAQs
**What type of cuisine does Harpers serve** Traditional American cuisine with a focus on breakfast and casual dining.
**Is there a breakfast buffet available** Yes, Harpers offers a breakfast buffet that includes an omelet station and various options.
**Can I host an event at Harpers** Yes, Harpers can accommodate events and gatherings for hotel guests and locals.
**What are the hours of operation** Hours may vary, so it's best to check directly with the restaurant for current times.
**Is Harpers part of the Holiday Inn** Yes, Harpers is located within the Holiday Inn in South Burlington.

## Visit Harpers Restaurant And Lounge Today
Harpers Restaurant And Lounge invites you to experience its traditional American dining in Burlington, VT. With a focus on community and hospitality, the restaurant offers a range of menu options, including a popular breakfast buffet. While the dining experience may vary, Harpers aims to provide a welcoming atmosphere for all guests. Whether you're staying at the Holiday Inn or exploring the area, consider visiting Harpers for a meal that reflects the local culture and culinary traditions.

39e37873-0a53-4be1-8a4f-4793de20854f

An exercise in the bizarre... Yesterday, two elderly relatives of mine ran out of gas in the parking lot of this place. They wanted to be able to go inside to stay warm as it was about 20 degrees outside. As luck would have it, their phones found this restaurant merely 100 feet or so away at the Holiday Inn. First of all a "mean lady with long dyed black curly hair" (as my relative described her) came out and told them not to leave their car there. It was within a marked parking space and not impeding customers, which they explained to her, and she still yelled at them to move it. They explained they were out of gas and the woman's tone lightened. She seemed almost friendly at last! Then they asked the woman which entrance was best to get to Harper's. She told them they were not getting in at all and stormed back indoors. They attempted to open the door she entered but it was locked and apparently an employee entrance. They tried another door that appeared to be entering a main hallway (I'm paraphrasing because I've never been there) and that door was also locked. They stood outside in the cold waiting for someone else to perhaps come along. There was no clear signage about where to enter the Holiday Inn or Harper's. Eventually someone came along and realized my relatives were stuck out in the cold and gave them a ride to the local mall. I attempted to reach Harper's by phone to complain and I got a strange message, saying my call "can't be completed as dialed". Uh...I dialed with my finger, using the exact number listed online...how else do I need to dial the number in order to be connected? Hanging upside down or something? Extremely strange phone experience as well as lack of customer service!!

7859054c-407d-4928-9f9d-d7880078984f

We went here because we were provided a free breakfast with our stay. It's probably the ONLY reason I would go there again. There's just a general lack of interest and enthusiasm to the place (at least for breakfast time). It took a while to get seated and a while for anyone to come to our table so we could get water and coffee. Even though there were not many people in the restaurant, it took quite a while for our food to arrive. The food was fine but not stellar ... about as expected.

19dbba40-c40c-46ac-9565-f18e907992c0

I sat there for 20 minutes before a server even acknowledged me and there were only a couple of tables and several servers. The table of 5 next to me all ordered and got their drinks before anyone even said they would be right with me. Finally when she came around I asked her if the sirloin or ribeye was better and she said she had no idea. I opted for the sirloin which looked good when it came out but was so tough I could not even chew it. The knife struggled to cut through so that was a bad sign. The baked potato and veg were good though. No dessert menu but server named off what they had. Lemon pie was ok but I've had way better from Sara Lee. For hotel food I should have stuck with nachos I guess. But after a long day of moving my daughter in to UVM I was famished. Bar area was very loud and I could hear a lot of dirty jokes being told and there were children eating near by. You can charge the meal to your room which is nice. Prices were kind of high, especially for a steak I could not eat and the server had an "oh well" attitude rather than offer me something else.

bc9f4f22-91d9-4b2b-96c8-76c806c55645

Our waitress Jennifer was sooo accommodating! We came in 1 hour before they close, and she was making suggestions about the beverages, and the meals. She had a great disposition. Even though it was Late. The quesadilla was Full of fresh veggies and chicken too. The flatware was shiny and new and the restaurant was clean. Our food was quite tasty.

cf4bd720-6dbf-4bc2-9e18-5152526572fd

We looked at the menu on line and thought it had a nice variety. We decided by the menu on line to go to Harper's. When we arrived, the server brought us menus. When we looked at the menu, we asked the server if there is another menu because it didn't match ANYTHING we saw on line. She replied by saying she gets that complaint all the time, and they haven't updated the internet in a long time. On another item, the price for the food is not merited for the food quality. I would not recommend unless you have no other option.

703610ad-e18a-424a-a382-1479ecc5b175

While staying at the Holiday Inn South Burlington we ate breakfast at Harpers on Sunday and Monday morning over the 4th of July weekend. Both days were very busy, Sunday there were only 2 waitresses and Monday to our absolute frustration there was only one waitress. Our waitress on Monday did her very best with obviously no support from her management staff. We spoke to the reception desk and they explained that Harpers wasn't managed by the hotel, but the hotel is directly suffering from restaurants mismanagement. If I were the hotels GM I would have a serious conversation with Harpers manager. My one piece of advice to the management staff at Harpers is just quit, you are the worst. You left Marianna alone on a rather busy weekend. You owe her a massive apology and a thank you for busting her ass for all of the patrons that ate here today. Marianna, thank you for sticking through the craziness. You should seek employment else where, you will be treated better.

2ab19ff5-97ed-4b7d-96de-801604613a3c

The $16 brunch buffet is the best deal going. They have an omelette station and carving station, both of which were excellent. We also had bagels and lox. The omelette guy also offered fresh-made waffles (they offered up a pumpkin variety as well as regular. The pumpkin kind was delicious). Plus (and get this, you guys) they leave a carafe of coffee on the table. We just didn't see any cereal, etc for the little ones but the staff was so awesome and attentive that I cant imagine them not getting it for you. I would happily eat here even if I wasn't staying in the hotel.

da3df872-fd14-47cf-9453-026cccfa5df4

Had a gift certificate so decided to try it. Wasn't that busy but had to ask about seating yet sign said wait to be seated. Once had our seat, the one waitress did ask us about drinks but at that time we ordered as well. Food didn't take too long but food could have been better. Not highly favorite but may give them another chance in future.

a35c9f80-1d94-45f5-9d16-cfa076a33698

HIGHLY UNPROFESSIONAL AND UNETHICAL We made a reservation for 8 on June 15, 2019. When we arrived (15 minutes early) in the parking lot, my phone rang. It was the restaurant calling to inform me that my reservation was being canceled to accommodate a larger party.

01cf27c3-529d-4716-b976-efa6a675a10a

Disappointing. We didn't realize this was in the Holiday Inn. No atmosphere. Wings were soft. Burger was "ok". Service was very good though.

Discover Harpers Restaurant And Lounge in South Burlington, VT for delicious dining and vibrant atmosphere. Book your table now for an unforgettable experience.

Harpers Restaurant & Lounge in South Burlington, VT

South Burlington

Harpers Restaurant And Lounge

Vermont

Enjoy delicious meals and live entertainment at Harpers Restaurant And Lounge in Burlington, VT. Perfect for a night out or casual dining near local attractions. Book now!

Harpers Restaurant And Lounge in Burlington, VT - Cozy Dining & Live Music

Harpers Restaurant And Lounge offers a warm atmosphere with great food and live music in Burlington, VT. Discover our story and why locals love us. Visit today!

About Harpers Restaurant And Lounge, Burlington, VT - Cozy Dining & Live Music

Opening hours for Harpers Restaurant And Lounge, Burlington, VT. Find opening hours for Harpers Restaurant And Lounge, Burlington, VT on 1068 Williston Rd.

Harpers Restaurant And Lounge Menu Overview

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