A local treasure to discover: The Four Chimneys Inn Restaurant and cocktail bar, open to the public
By Ahmad Yassir, Vermont Country Magazine.
You don’t just stay at the Four Chimneys Inn. Your visit starts with stepping onto its historic grounds, past the quiet charm of white pillars and garden paths, and enter a setting where timeless Vermont elegance meets thoughtful hospitality.
Set along Bennington’s picturesque West Road, the stately eleven-room inn has long been a destination for travelers seeking rest and refinement. Two years ago, after a seven-year hiatus, the restaurant and cocktail bar opened to the public, and locals are calling it one of the most elevated experiences in Southern Vermont.
Owned by Marc Baetens and Kate Goble, a couple who previously ran a bed-and-breakfast in Marc’s native Belgium, Four Chimneys reflects both European and Green Mountain warmth.
“Don’t get intimidated by its lore,” says one recent guest. “Get excited about its energy…Marc and the team are pouring passion into every detail, from the wine pairings to the seasonal plating.”
Culinary Sophistication, Plated to Perfection
Inside, time slows. The air smells of butter and fire, thyme and wood. Majestic chandeliers glow against original hardwood floors, and antique accents ground you in a space that feels both elegant and warmly alive. Then, the plates begin to arrive.
The current menu is a symphony of French foundations and Vermont innovation, changing every two months to reflect the seasons. Executive Chef Daniel Jackson and Sous Chef Cristina Brogan work like musicians in a duet, riffing on classical technique with personal flourishes and global influence, a touch of Thai here, a whisper of the islands there. The result? Cuisine that’s deeply rooted and unexpectedly thrilling.
“We draw from our own backgrounds,” Brogan said. “It’s French, with some fusion.”
Think: crispy roasted duck with hoisin ginger glaze and butternut mash. Bacon-wrapped chicken breast elevated by onion-balsamic jam and gruyère béchamel. A lobster and blue crab tower, stacked delicately with jalapeño olives and crispy capers. Each dish is presented with intention: visually stunning, deeply flavorful, and reflective of Vermont’s ever-changing bounty.
Diners swoon over dishes like the pan-seared foie gras served with sundried cherry jam, or the halibut over Mediterranean risotto, a guest favorite. Even vegetarian options, like the local mushroom bolognese with truffle oil, are crafted with elegance and depth.
As one recent OpenTable diner wrote, “It felt like a secret…as if I’d stumbled into a private European dining room tucked away in the hills of Vermont.” Another guest shared on TripAdvisor, “You can taste the love and care in every bite. It’s that rare combination of fine dining and genuine hospitality.”
Vegetarian and gluten-free options are thoughtfully incorporated into the menu, and Brogan’s flair for vegan dishes ensures everyone at the table has something extraordinary to enjoy.
The Space: A Feast for All the Senses
Dining at Four Chimneys is as much about atmosphere as it is about taste. Guests are greeted with original herringbone brick flooring and colonial-era woodwork in the main dining room. During colder months, the salon bar offers cozy fireside cocktails. In summer, the patio offers a breezy alternative for sipping a crisp white wine under the setting sun.
As one visitor wrote in a glowing review:
“From the plating to the service, it was like dining in a quiet corner of Europe. The salmon was so perfectly flaky I almost didn’t want to cut into it, and then I couldn’t stop. It’s the kind of place you come back to for birthdays, anniversaries, or just because you want something special.”
More Than Just for Guests
While the inn continues to be a popular getaway destination for travelers, the restaurant and bar are fully open to the public, no room booking required. And with dinner service from Wednesday to Saturday (5–9 p.m.) and the bar open from 4:00 p.m., it’s easy to plan a date night, a special celebration, or a slow early evening cocktail.
Reservations are recommended via OpenTable, but walk-ins are welcomed when space allows. And yes, they do host small private parties and special events, from rehearsal dinners to intimate elopements.
A Must-Try for the Southern Vermont Food Scene
In a region increasingly known for its culinary creativity, the Four Chimneys Inn and Restaurant has carved out its place not with flash or trendiness, but with careful attention, classic technique, and a welcome dose of soul.
“This is what we’ve been waiting for,” said a local diner. “Bennington deserves a place like this. It’s fine dining without pretense, Vermont sophistication, plated to perfection.”
The Four Chimneys Inn and Restaurant
21 West Road, Bennington, VT
Bar opens at 1:30 PM | Dinner: Wed–Sat, 5–9 PM
Reservations via OpenTable or call (802) 447-3500
