Welcome
to the
Blue Paddle Bistro


Established 2005

The Paddle is a special little bistro nestled in the
beautiful Lake Champlain Islands of Vermont.
Experience delicious, unpretentious food
and a unique getaway in South Hero!

Only 20 minutes from Burlington:
we're closer than you think!

eGift Cards

Spend more time with your loved ones and less time in the kitchen Thanksgiving Day!

Place your order!

Let us host your holiday party, office get-together, family dinner ... 

We will open our restaurant on a night (or day) we are closed just for you with NO EXTRA CHARGE!

Of course, we will also love to welcome you on a night we are open; we have two private dining rooms upstairs.

Choose:  Sunday, Monday or Tuesday

Pictured: 18 awesome ER doctors, PAs and residents from the University of Vermont Health Network - most of our new friends travelled, via ferry, from the Plattsburgh side!

Just give me a call; let's taylor your brunch, lunch or dinner just for you!

CHAT WITH MANDY!

Friday,  August 23, 2024

Star Sighting

Andrew Weissmann
Oh my goodness! Andrew Weissmann just stopped by The Paddle to see if we were serving breakfast. Chef Phoebe opened the door and recognized him right away. He loved Willoughby and checked out all the Paddle Pup photos for he is a dog lover. He told Phoebe that he sleeps in one of our dog tees already (must have been a gift) and Phoebe gave him another. Phoebe said he was so nice - they talked about the convention, the FBI and general politics. I’m so, so jealous ~ I'm a super news junkie and have always admired and respected Mr. Weissmann's calm, intelligent and warm demeanor. He's a Morning Joe regular ... 

Our hours change with the season ...

Fall Hours!

We do not take on-line reservations because we choose the best table to fit your particular needs;  the Paddle phone is answered daily at 6:00am for both reservations and take-out orders.
Serving dinner:
Sundays - Tuesdays  CLOSED
Wednesdays - Saturdays 5:00-8:00pm

CALL

We are
humbled ...

The 2024 Daysie "Best of Vermont" Nominations were just announced and ...

We are FINALISTS in 5 categories:


* Best Chef - Phoebe Bright (statewide)
* Best Restaurant OCC 
* Best Restaurant Service (statewide)
* Best Breakfast/Brunch OCC
* Best Burger OCC
OCC = Outside Chittenden County

The FINAL VOTING will start Monday, May 27th. Of course, we ll be reaching out to you one more time for you continued support.

We're so excited ... we're tickled pink! Hugs, as always,

Mandy Hotchkiss & Chef Phoebe Bright

PAST DAYSIE AWARDS

Check out our
dinner menu & specials ...

Lovingly prepared by award-winning
Chef/Co-Owner, Phoebe Bright

DINNER MENU

Bienvenue au Blue Paddle Bistro!

Créé en 2005

Le Paddle est un petit bistrot spécial niché dans le belles îles du lac Champlain du Vermont. Découvrez une cuisine délicieuse et sans prétention et une escapade unique à South Hero! À seulement 90 minutes de Montréal - nous sommes plus près que vous ne le pensez! 

La frontière est maintenant ouverte; à cet  été! 

- Mandy et la chef Phoebe
 

Order Take-Out!

Take a look at our menu, then give us a call!

Thanks, and chat soon ...

October's Balsam Candle Winner - Ben Norman!

We received dozens and dozens of comment cards over the past month. Thank you for your input. 
Ben ~ next time you visit, there will be a candle waiting for you! Congrats! Mandy
 
Our all-time #1 seller, our balsam candles are on sale at The Paddle.  It's especially a perfect gift for the holidays season - makes a great stocking stuffer, Secret Santa gift or "thank you" for the dinner invite.  Then again, give yourself a present!

NOTE:  Monthly winners can choose new scent, Fireplace featuring three of The Paddle Pups.  

Subscribe

Sign up to our newsletter and stay up to date

Subscribed!

Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.

eGift Cards 

Hard copy Gift Cards available, as well.  Pick-up fast the Paddle or call us and we'll mail.

Order an eGift card here!

Thank you for
18 years of support, friendship
& thousands of hugs!
 


March 14, 2024

Send us a greeting!

       
Celebrating
       19 Years 

                                    

toast bread with blueberry on black plate

We appreciate
folks sharing
their time with us!

March 14, 2024 marked our 19th anniversary – our longevity is because of all our wonderful Paddle friends who have shown us loyalty and kindness over the years.

Because of them - old and new friends alike - we are here going strong in South Hero.  

Continued hugs,

Chef Phoebe Bright & Mandy Hotchkiss
Proprietors 

Read more.

Address

316 US 2
South Hero, VT
US

Phone

802-372-4814

Our hours change with the season.
To make a reservation,  call us directly at 
        802-372-4814.  
New FALL Hours:

Beginning the week of 9/2nd, we will be open 4 nights a week: Wednesday- Saturday.
We answer the phone daily at 6:00am, 
       and return messages very quickly.

  • Monday - Tuesday

    Closed

  • Wednesday - Saturday

    05:00pm – 08:00pm

  • Sunday

    Closed

All-Time Favorite Snaps Gallery

Well, at least some chosen ones ... 

I've had the pleasure of taking literally tens of thousands of photos over the past 17 years.  From time to time, I will delve into my archives and post some of my faves.  Please let me know if you wish to have a photo taken when you visit - I always have some sort of a camera!
Hugs, Mandy

Frequently Asked Questions

I've got a question for Mandy!

Email me your question here.  Thank you.

Are you dog-friendly?

We love dogs at The Paddle!  Dogs are welcomed with open arms to dine with you at one of our outdoor tables during the warmer months. You bring the leash.  We have the water bowls and treats!

What do you specialize in?

Well, we're what you may call a "New American Restaurant."  That being said, Chefs Phoebe & Brandy make a little of everything.  What you can count on is consistent delicious, unpretentious food!

Do you cook with gluten-free pasta?

Sorry. No, we don't at this point. Stay tuned. 

Do you have a bar or may we bring our own wine?

Yes, we have a full bar;  therefore, Vermont state law dictates you can not bring your own alcohol of any kind.

What's your dress code?

Be comfortable & dress the way that makes you happy.  Of course, the standard "shoes and shirt" requirement is in effect.

Do you have entertainment?

Yes.  During the winter, we offer music on Thursday evenings from 5:30-7:30pm.  During the summer, live music every Thursday & Sunday.  Bring your pups, too!

How often do you serve a Sunday brunch?

In the off-season, every Sunday.  During the summer, we serve brunch on special holidays.

Can my kids play with one of the Paddle Pups?

You bet!  Winslie is always in the office!

UPDATE:  WyNott passed away on November 2, 2022 after a 14 day battle with ITP, a rare blood disorder. 

Subscribe

Sign up to our newsletter and stay up to date.

Subscribed!

Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.

Recognition by others!

We're proud, and humbled, by all the press and media we've received over the years.  Here's a sampling ...

WCVB, NBC

Award-winning anchorman, Anthony Edwards, from Boston highlighted us!

CLICK HERE for the story!Great piece about two
of our "neighbors, as well ... (July 26, 2021)

Gayot

2022 Best Restaurants with the Best Food in Vermont Area

CLICK HERE ...

Fox 44 TV

44's Finest

Voted "Take Out Superstar" (co-winner)

CLICK HERE for story!

Voted "Best Brunch"
CLICK HERE for story!

Voted "Best Eggs Benedict"
CLICK HERE for story!



Vermont Lottery

The Paddle Pups were featured on a Vermont lottery scratch ticket for over a year:  "It's a Dogs Life."  

Lufthansa Magazin

Talk about sky high!

Worth a Dam

CLICK HERE for the story!  It's funny, too. 
Phoebe, Tamara and I tried to save our local beavers on the causeway.

The New York Times

Wonderful, unexpected mention ...

Yankee Magazine

Multiple stories; made us blush. Still does ...

7 Nights

Chosen for the annual Dining Guide cover story.  

Burlington Free Press

Multiple stories over the years; great coverage for all our good deeds and just being The Paddle 

CLICK HERE for one story ...

WPTZ

Multiple stories

CLICK HERE for one story!

Seven Daysie Awards

"Daysie Awards" (won or runner-up) ...
Best Restaurant, Best Chef, Best Eggs Benedict, Best Breakfast/Brunch, Best Steak, Best Restaurant Service,

WCAX

Karl Lagerfeld in Vermont. The Paddle catered the photo shoot. We would would go on to cater a second shoot for him a year later at Shelburne Farms.

CLICK HERE ...

Vermont Magazine

Awesome read about us ...

Trip Advisor

Multiple years ... 

NECN

Remembering Hurricane Katrina
community fundraiser
CLICK HERE for story ...

Only in Your State

15 Restaurants In Vermont That Belong On Your Dining Bucket List

CLICK HERE ...

Money Inc

The 20 Best Restaurants in All of Vermont

CLICK HERE ...

UVM Medical Center

$100,000 Pledge

Vermont Woman
Magazine

Local chefs serve up exceptional cuisine.  CLICK HERE.

Vermont Digger 4/5/23

Blue Paddle Bistro owners see silver lining in winter kitchen flood ...
CLICK HERE ...

A lovely video ...

Music:  "I Love My Dog"
Cat Stevens


This 2012 lovely video montage was a gift from a customer of our restaurant, the Blue Paddle Bistro. It really captures the essence of our little bistro and the warmth and enthusiasm of all the folks who visit us. Of course, the underlying theme is the love Chef Phoebe and I share for my German Wirehaired Pointers, Wyeth and Watson. I hope you enjoy.  

- Mandy

Click on the button below for a short YouTube review of The Paddle;  please submit your YouTube Review of us and you'll receive a $25 Gift Card!

Love many,
trust a few,
but always paddle your own canoe.