Lodge & Dine announces a 4-star rating for Copper Grouse after a day’s visit evaluating the guest experience. The restaurant stood out in its transparent sourcing of local ingredients, consistently warm and attentive service, and well-rounded food and beverage program.
Set in the heart of Manchester Village, Copper Grouse offers American tavern fare shaped by Vermont’s farm and producer network. The menu stays close to comfort-food staples and focuses on ingredient quality and clean execution instead of novelty. Dishes feel familiar in the best way—warm, filling, and easy to order—while still reflecting what’s local and seasonal. Overall, it’s approachable dining with a Vermont point of view.
Under the guidance of Chef Jeremy Taisey, who found his calling during a formative Easter Brunch, the kitchen operates as a tribute to the region’s bounty. Taisey’s passion for boutique rural hospitality shines through in a menu that balances international inspiration with foraged New England treasures.
The design of the space strikes a perfect chord between rustic charm and contemporary elegance. With rich wood textures, soft lighting, and the rhythmic hum of the exhibition kitchen, the atmosphere is electric yet grounded. It’s the kind of place where locals and visitors mingle seamlessly—families sharing a hearty meal, couples tucked into corners with whiskey flights, and friends laughing over craft beers.
Starters such as the butternut squash soup, accented with fermented garlic chips and thyme, deliver depth without heaviness, while the mushroom soup showcases locally sourced fungi with savory richness from crisp bacon bits. Smoked harissa carrots arrive layered with spiced Greek yogurt, fermented pomegranate, and pistachios, balancing sweetness, smoke, and acidity with precision. Among the greens, the heirloom beet salad stands out for its clean flavors, combining arugula, red beet coulis, candied walnuts, and grated feta.
The main dishes keep the same focus. The tortelloni, filled and paired with butternut squash purée, roasted mushrooms, and vegan demi, offers a satisfying plant-forward option with real complexity. The white wine–braised chicken is comforting and well-judged, while the wagyu burger delivers exactly what it promises: a solid, well-constructed classic elevated by Vermont cheddar and house sauce.
Drinks skew familiar—by-the-glass wine, a solid beer lineup, and a handful of house “Grouse Cocktails.” The South by Down East is an easy standout, combining Don Julio Blanco tequila, Cointreau, lemon juice, and cranberry sage simple syrup, all lifted by a delicate orange honey foam, it is bright, aromatic, and refreshing. On the richer end of the spectrum, The Copper Grouse leans into warmth and depth, blending Elijah Craig bourbon with Luxardo Maraschino, Vermont maple syrup, Carpano Antica sweet vermouth, and bitters.
Friendly, knowledgeable service ties the experience together, striking a balance between attentiveness and ease. Overall, the restaurant is well-suited for relaxed dinners, low-key celebrations, or a thoughtfully prepared meal after a day in the village—an establishment that earns its 4-star rating through consistency and respect for its ingredients.
Manchester, VT Series: New England Classic Reimagined, Inside the Comfort of Kimpton Taconic Hotel
Manchester, VT Series: Southwestern Classics Done Right at Gringo Jack’s
Manchester, VT Series: Lost Marble, A Benchmark for Craft Beer Dining in the Green Mountains