Winooski

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.

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

• 1 Winooski Nature Trail (Winooski River Walk), 54 Winooski Falls Way. (updated Sep 2020)

Eat

Budget

• Papa Frank's, 13 West Center St., ☏ +1 802 655-2423. 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. 
• Tiny Thai, 24 Main St, ☏ +1 802 655-4888. 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. 
• Pho Dang, 215 Main St, ☏ +1 802 655-0707. 

Mid-range

• Our House, 36 Main St., ☏ +1 802-497-1884. Small restaurant serving "twisted comfort food." Think mac and cheese with pulled pork or meatloaf wrapped in prosciutto. On weekends, brunch is on offer as well. 
• Misery Loves Company, 46 Main St, ☏ +1 802-497-3989. Tu-Sa 11AM-3PM (Su 2PM) Th-Sa 5-10PM. 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. 
• Sneaker's Bistro, 28 Main St., ☏ +1 802 655-9081. Always packed breakfast and lunch spot with all your favorites as well as some harder to find dishes like chicken & waffles. 

Drink

• Monkey House. Popular bar located downtown. Live music. 

Go next

Routes through Winooski

Montreal ← Colchester ←	N  S	→ South Burlington → Montpelier
Rouses Point/St. Albans ← Colchester ←	N  S	→ Burlington → Montpelier/Rutland
END ←	W  E	→ Essex → St. Johnsbury