Hear the name Derby Cow Palace and you might reckon that you'll enjoy a down-home hearty meal of meat and potatoes and you'd be right. Pull into the parking lot and you'll quickly realize this is an unusual restaurant emphasized by the towering antler arch that beckons you inside. Vegetarians beware, the massive arch is just the beginning, step through the door of this Vermont restaurant and you'll find a taxidermy decor unlike any other.
Located in Derby, this unusual restaurant is a carnivore's dream come true. McDonald's may have golden arches, but Derby Cow Palace has an impressive antler arch and some of the best burgers and steaks around.
In the warm and rustic dining room of this steakhouse, you'll find quite a collection of animal mounts. Deer, moose, and buffalo are just some of the taxidermy on display. The light fixtures are an interesting sculpture of antlers resonant of an old-fashioned hunting lodge.
Look up into the rafters and you'll spot bears, turkeys and other creatures of the wild. Hiding around the corner is a full sized polar bear that looms over even the tallest of restaurant guests.
Meat lovers will rejoice at the diverse selection on the menu. Choose BBQ ribs, buffalo burgers, sirloin tips, rime rib, or even elk sirloin to name a few mouthwatering meat choices.
Surprisingly the Derby Cow Palace has a great selection of seafood too including salmon, haddock, and scallops. Visit on Tuesdays for the all you can eat fried shrimp special and Wednesday's special boasts endless fried Haddock.
Even with all of the drool-worthy meats, vegetarians will find salads and pastas on the menu. Or jump into the salad bar and create your own masterpiece.
Just looking for a snack? Savor a poutine, fried pickles, or a baked pretzel with cheese sauce. While you might become enamored with the decor of this unusual restaurant, the food is what will really keep you coming back for more.
After your meal, head out to the field behind the restaurant and visit with the neighboring elk. Everyone in your lunch or dinner party will love seeing these regal animals.
Look for the sign and visit the Derby Cow Palace, Mondays 3 p.m. - 9 p.m., Tuesday - Saturday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m., and Sundays 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Find the Derby Cow Palace at 3111 US-5, Derby, VT 05829. For more information, visit their website or Facebook page.
Have you ever visited this rustic spot? What did you think? If you are working on your dining bucket list, plan a trip to this funky school bus restaurant or this gorgeous castle restaurant.
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