Melaza Bistro
A quaint Woodstock eatery serving Caribbean tapas and entrees made with local ingredients, offering a unique tropical escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Melaza Bistro
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A quaint Woodstock eatery serving Caribbean tapas and entrees made with local ingredients, offering a unique tropical escape.
Reserve Your Table
Book in advance, especially for weekends, to ensure you get a table.
Explore Authentic Flavors
Try Puerto Rican dishes or pumpkin bisque for a truly authentic taste.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Caribbean Fusion
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Diverse Caribbean Tapas
Experience a vibrant array of Caribbean tapas and entrees crafted with fresh, local ingredients.
Flavorful Entrees
Savor expertly prepared dishes like swordfish with lime coconut curry sauce and tender pork shank.
Unique Tropical Twist
Discover distinctive Latin fusion creations, from pulled pork plantain cups to Cuban sandwiches.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reserve Your Table
Book in advance, especially for weekends, to ensure you get a table.
Explore Authentic Flavors
Try Puerto Rican dishes or pumpkin bisque for a truly authentic taste.
Weekday Visit
Consider visiting on weekdays for a potentially less crowded and more relaxed experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reserve Your Table
Book in advance, especially for weekends, to ensure you get a table.
Explore Authentic Flavors
Try Puerto Rican dishes or pumpkin bisque for a truly authentic taste.
Weekday Visit
Consider visiting on weekdays for a potentially less crowded and more relaxed experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Melaza Bistro offers a delightful Caribbean-inspired dining experience with flavorful tapas and entrees, praised for its unique Latin fusion and use of local ingredients. While many diners rave about the delicious food, phenomenal drinks, and friendly service, some mention that portion sizes can be small for the price and that the ambiance might not suit everyone's romantic expectations.
"Love this restaurant! Every time we visit this town we try to stop in. This is Latin fusion at its best. The food is always so flavorful and good. Today we started with the corn and chorizo chowder and it was so good. The chorizo gave the chowder a smoky taste, it was delicious. For our entrees I had the Cuban sandwich and my girlfriend had the jerk chicken. Both meals were excellent. I love a good Cuban sandwich and this one hit all the right spots. The rotary pork was delicious. My girlfriend loved the jerk chicken it was really good. To end or meal we had the flan which was ridiculously good. Great job, we will come back for sure."
Andres Ayala
"Amazing atmosphere and food, and friendly staff. I was with a couple of friends and we all ordered different plates - vegetable paella, swordfish with ravioli, and pork shank - and they were all delicious. We also ordered the coconut cake for dessert (also delicious!). The restaurant was busy and we arrived a bit late, but our waitress was always very friendly and we never felt pressured to order/leave. I'd definitely recommend it if you're going to Woodstock"
P
"The best food we’ve had on our road trip so far!! From Maine to New Hampshire to Vermont - they nailed it on dinner. Great Spanish wine. Well equipped to handle dairy-free and gluten-free needs. You will not be disappointed!"
Brooke Bates
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, making a reservation is highly recommended, especially during peak hours and on weekends, to secure a table.
Popular dishes include empanadas, jerk chicken, pork shank, swordfish with lime coconut curry, and arroz con pollo.
Yes, the restaurant is noted for being well-equipped to handle gluten-free needs, with many entrees being naturally gluten-free.
The atmosphere is often described as quaint, cozy, and Latin-inspired, though some reviews suggest the ambiance might vary by seating location.
The menu includes items like vegetable paella and other dishes that can accommodate vegetarian preferences.
The drinks, particularly the mojitos and the rum selection, are frequently praised as phenomenal.
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Where to Eat in Woodstock, VT (and Surrounding Towns
Woodstock itself is a fairly big town — that is, by Vermont standards — with a picture-perfect village green, a covered bridge, forested hills in every direction and a downtown area filled with historic buildings. Right in the center of town is an upscale restaurant called Melaza Bistro (71 Central Street), a romantic little spot with a great patio out front and a menu with an eclectic mix of New England and tropical influences. Here you’ll find such items as empanadas, pulled chicken chili nachos, Cuban sandwiches, skirt steak, roast pork shank, arroz con pollo and veggie paella.
9 Best Restaurants in Woodstock, VT 2023
While most of Woodstock’s restaurants offer American dishes, there are a few gems that serve more diverse cuisines. Melaza Bistro is one of them, serving up delicious Caribbean food, from tapas to mains, all made with local ingredients. The cozy bistro’s main goal is to bring the unique, flavorful food of the tropics to America—and they don’t disappoint.
Date-night destinations that locals love
Skate date at Union Arena & dinner at Melaza Bistro: Itching to practice your triple lutz or just do laps hand-in-hand with you boyfriend, girlfriend, or BFF?. Then hit the ice at Union Arena’s indoor rink during public skate (check schedule here). Head into the village for a post-skate warmup over mouthwatering Caribbean flavors at Melaza Bistro.
Discover the Woodstock Restaurants Vermont – Top Picks for Foodies!
Located in the heart of downtown Woodstock, Melaza Bistro is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The restaurant has a relaxed yet refined ambiance, with cozy interiors and warm lighting. The menu features a creative fusion of Caribbean and Latin flavors, prepared using local ingredients sourced from nearby farms.
These 12 Restaurants in Woodstock Vermont NEED to Be on Your List
Melaza Bistro is one of the best restaurants in Woodstock for Caribbean tapas. Plus, everything on the menu is made from local ingredients, which only adds to the allure of this restaurant. This bistro has unique menu items like pulled pork chicken chili nachos and coconut shrimp to traditional plates like caesar salad.
The 7 Best Gluten-Free Dinner Spots in Woodstock
The Caribbean menu was a treat to this gluten sensitive diner, as every entree is naturally gluten free!. Each tapas, entree, or dessert we tried over two evenings was prepared with depth of flavor, fresh ingredients, and pleasing presentation. We found the atmosphere to be charming and the staff friendly and courteous.
Woodstock VT Restaurants for Healthy Family Travel
Melaza Bistro is a Caribbean restaurant that sources ingredients from local farms. This restaurant was highly recommended by our hotel host, and the Trip Advisor reviews agree that this is a great spot for dinner. It’s only open in the evenings, and the tapas menu offers a fun collection of dishes to sample.
Places To Eat in Woodstock VT
Melaza Bistro offers Caribbean Fusion tapas and entrees using fresh ingredients and creatively presented. Melaza’s “Rum Bar” was the first of its kind in Vermont and features over 25 different rums. Wine and craft beer are also available.
Where To Eat In Woodstock VT
Serving up Caribbean tapas and entrees made with local ingredients, Melaza Bistro is conveniently located in the village with indoor and outdoor dining.
ky marley pray MON VERT CAFE - 282 Photos & 369 Reviews - Yelp WebMelaza Bistro / Pub & bar, Seafood, Restaurant. #11 of 54 places to eat in Woodstock.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit