Instantly Local at Archie's Grill

Photos and Story by Chelsea Hopper

Do you know the happy feeling you get when you go to an establishment so often that you can consider yourself a local because the owner knows your name and your typical order? That is the feeling you get after the first time you go to dine at Archie’s Grill and meet owner Dick Hess.

Named after Hess’s father, Archie’s serves up some of the best burgers around by a staff that genuinely seems to be enjoying their job. I was surprised and delighted to find that they have three beers on tap and offer wine by the glass. “We have a two glass maximum for the beer and wine. This is a family restaurant and there is no need to have more than two glasses” said Hess as he stood by the Switchback, Sam Adams Octoberfest, and Magic Hat Hex taps.

As I sat by the big front window with sun pouring in and looked at the photos on the wall of local sports, I was treated to an array of burgers made by Hess and employee Michael Prendergast. Let me begin with saying, I have heard nothing but amazing reviews about the burgers at Archie’s so I was excited to try them. My cousin Max goes there regularly for two bacon cheeseburgers and when I mentioned this, Dick knew who he was and exactly what he ordered.

I began with the Portobello mushroom burger that was topped with roasted red peppers, goat cheese, and onions caramelized with maple syrup. The mushroom was cooked to perfection and the burger had a bit of sweetness to it that made it hard to put down. There are four choices of sides: house-made chips and salad, which are included, or fries and sweet potato fries, offered for an additional charge.

If you only picture tasteless frozen patties when you think of turkey burgers, head over to Archie’s for a change of heart. The Misty Knoll turkey burger was juicy, fresh and had just the right amount of chipotle sauce and roasted red peppers on top. The fishwich was served with crispy battered haddock topped with a house-made tartar sauce that stands out because of the capers in it.

The blue burger…wow. From the perfectly grilled burger topped with blue cheese to the beer infused onion rings and blue cheese dressing all between a bulky roll—it doesn’t get much better than that.

One year after opening Hess has plenty to be proud of, “the restaurant’s success has far exceeded my expectation, and much of that is thanks to my employees. They are very important to me.” Archie’s has specials which change every day, and in the summer he has a window from which to serve creemees.

Archie’s is a neighborhood grill offering great food at family friendly prices. Hess encourages diners to leave a piece of history there. If you have a framed photo of yourself or someone you know playing a sport for CVU, Rice, Waldorf, the elementary schools, or independent establishments, bring it in and he will put it on the wall. “I hope one day the walls will be covered, and then you can stop in twenty years from now and still see your photo on the wall,” said Hess.

So next time you are looking for a great meal stop into Archie’s Grill, introduce yourself to Dick and become an instant local.

4109 Shelburne Rd., Shelburne

(802) 985-4912

11:30 – 8 p.m. Sun. – Thurs.

11:30 – 9 p.m. Fri. and Sat.