This Is the Best Buffet in Vermont, Known for Its Pay-By-the-Pound Salad Bar

There aren't too many buffets in Vermont, but if you happen to be in the Burlington area and want a healthy variety of freshly-made dishes in a lovely cafe setting, there's only one place to go. Zabby & Elf's Stone Soup offers a one-of-a-kind experience, and it's where you can find the best buffet for salad in Vermont. It also offers plenty of vegan and vegetarian options.

Welcome to Zabby & Elf's Stone Soup, located on College Street, a block away from City Hall Park in the heart of Burlington, VT! This cafe promotes a sense of community while serving fresh, homemade food. Open since 1997, Zabby & Elf's Stone Soup partners with local farms, stating that they "source, prepare, and present our food as if we are feeding our family and friends every day." The focus on healthier options and dietary needs, such as vegan and vegetarian, along with the option to build your own meal with its cafeteria-style buffet, makes this a popular spot, especially among locals.

As you make your way through the buffet, you'll notice the variety of freshly-made options, many of which are veggie-focused. There's a rainbow of colorful, locally grown and produced ingredients that will give you an authentic taste of Vermont. Although there are many vegan and vegetarian options, there are some meat options for the omnivores.

Please note that this isn't an endless, all-you-can-eat buffet; instead, you pay by the pound, which is currently set to $16/lb. The menu also changes weekly, so if you visit here frequently, you're likely to have a different meal each time.

For those who prefer not to create their own meal from the self-serve buffet, the restaurant staff can prepare one for you based on your dietary needs. This is called Z&E's Choice, and this may be a fun way to try dishes you never would have chosen for yourself. Other options include ordering the soup of the day, a cold sandwich, such as a vegan club made with tofu, tempeh, vegan mayo, lettuce, tomato, and onion, or a hot sandwich like a Reuben, BLT, or a melt. There is also a variety of prepared foods available for pickup, including soups, stews, casseroles, and sides, if you're in a hurry and need something to grab and go. Whether you opt for the buffet or a prepared option, you'll love the fresh cuisine and community feel of Zabby & Elf's Stone Soup!

Zabby & Elf's is no ordinary buffet—it's a place for the community to gather, graze, and enjoy a healthy meal of local flavors in a setting that can only be found in Vermont. For days and hours of operation and to view a menu, visit the Zabby & Elf's Stone Soup website. You can also follow the restaurant on its Instagram page. While in Burlington, discover all that this unique city in Vermont has to offer.

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