Overview
Winooski is a city of 7,997 (2020) in Northwest Vermont across the Winooski River from Burlington. It is both the most densely populated and smallest city by area in the state. Affectionately referred to by some as "Burlington's Brooklyn," "The 'Noosk," and the "Onion City," Winooski is an up-and-coming dining destination in the area and is developing an arty vibe.
1 things to do · 5 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Winooski
Winooski Nature Trail
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 78°F; winter lows dip to about 7°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Mar, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jul and Jun. (climate data from nearby Montpelier)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- BTV Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport, Burlington — 2 mi away. Directions
- PBG Plattsburgh International Airport, Plattsburgh — 18 mi away. Directions
- ALB Albany International Airport, Albany — 125 mi away (major hub). Directions
Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get around
On foot
Winooski is a very small city. Most people should have no problem walking anywhere they need to go. Winooski is built on a hill, but most attractions are located downtown which is at the bottom of the hill. There is a busy traffic circle at the center of town and pedestrians should be sure to use marked crosswalks when crossing.
By bike
Cycling is also a good option for getting around the city. Some of the larger streets have bike lanes and traffic generally moves at low speeds.
By public transportation
Winooski is served by the Riverside and Essex Junction routes of CCTA. Both provide access to downtown.
By car
For a city of its size, getting around by car can be surprisingly difficult. Parking can be hard to find at times and traffic moves particularly slowly at rush hour. As the city is small in area, you are probably better off parking your vehicle and exploring the city on foot.
See
- Winooski has some classic New England mills located along the river. They have all been converted into office space or housing, but the exteriors remain unchanged. The Winooski River marks the southern border of the city and there are a set of rapids and a waterfall located just south of downtown.
Do
Do Winooski Nature Trail (Winooski River Walk)
Eat
Budget
Eat Papa Frank's
Longtime residents love this place, but most likely for nostalgic reasons since it isn't particularly good compared with other Italian restaurants in the area. Still, the interior probably hasn't changed since it opened who knows how long ago and it's quite cheap. Consider it a cultural experience.
Eat Tiny Thai
Probably the most popular Thai restaurant in the area if not the entire state. It's almost always busy, but the service is fast so you won't have to wait too long for a table. They'll serve you Americanized Thai food if that's what you want, but there is also an authentic Thai menu full of spicy dishes.
Mid-range
Eat Misery Loves Company
Lunch time sandwich shop that turns into a gourmet dinner spot three nights a week. For lunch, think fried chicken or portobello mushroom sandwiches. Dinner is pretty much whatever they feel like cooking. This restaurant started out as a food truck and was a semi-finalist for a James Beard Award.
Eat Sneaker's Bistro
Always packed breakfast and lunch spot with all your favorites as well as some harder to find dishes like chicken & waffles.
Splurge
Drink
Drink Monkey House
Popular bar located downtown. Live music.
Nearby
Burlington
City / town · 98 listings · 2 mi away
South Burlington
City / town · 37 listings · 2 mi away
Colchester
City / town · 17 listings · 3 mi away
Essex
City / town · 36 listings · 4 mi away
Williston
City / town · 9 listings · 5 mi away
Shelburne
City / town · 8 listings · 8 mi away
Jericho
City / town · 25 listings · 9 mi away
Milton
City / town · 3 listings · 11 mi away
My experience
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