The large doors on the Waterman building’s fifth floor are finally open, filling the hallway with exquisite smells. The Waterman Manor dining experience awaits.
Maybe you’ve noticed it, and you caught a glimpse of a dining room with white tablecloths, chandeliers decorating the ceiling. A friendly face stands at the front, waiting to greet you after the restaurant’s doors were closed for years.
The room carries a sense of elegance and class, transporting you to somewhere far from gloomy academic buildings.
Open Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., the Waterman Manor features a variety of food choices, from soups and salads to sandwiches and unique main courses.
Its menu changes seasonally, influenced by Vermont’s local flavors and produce, making it a fun place to go if you want to try something new.
If you’re worried about paying for a sit-down restaurant experience, the manor accepts retail points and Cat$cratch. They also accept credit cards. Items on the menu are relatively affordable, with most entrees being $17.
Sophomore Lillian Nichols came with us to eat and observe.
“It’s good to have options,” she said. “It’s a little bit out of the way, but it’s also nice to get away from Central Campus [Dining Hall] to eat.”
The hostess walked us through the dining room, filled with natural light and a warm ambiance. There was a large brick balcony of guests enjoying their meals while taking in the sunny weather and view of the mountains.
Once seated, we were given traditional menus and a nicely dressed waiter served us iced water in glass cups.
We ordered the chicken milanese and the soup of the day, which was Thai chicken, with grilled cheese. They were both neatly and artistically plated, resembling entrees from a classic higher-end restaurant.
The taste did not fail either. Far from dining hall food, all dishes satisfied our cravings for a real sit-down meal.
“The food was really good. It came out fast, and it was definitely higher quality,” Nichols said regarding her caprese panini and fries.
As great as it is, Waterman Manor is definitely not a hotspot for students right now. We were surrounded by professors on the balcony, and the dining room was somewhat deserted.
However, the restaurant would be a great place for students to come eat lunch on campus if they’re looking for an affordable dining experience.
If the Manor included dinner hours, especially on weekends, it may get more foot traffic, since students may find it difficult to eat a longer meal in the middle of a busy class day.
Finally, it may be helpful to have more advertisements, as many students don’t even know it exists.
“I think social media posts like on Instagram, could definitely be beneficial for getting the word out,” Nichols said. “Maybe even like flyers around campus, because they often catch people’s attention.”
A middle ground between dining hall food and restaurants downtown, Waterman Manor should be on UVM students’ radar as a place to enjoy some company and good food.
