Burlington, Vermont’s Old North End, a vibrant residential area known for its Victorian homes and student population, is also a treasure trove of delicious and affordable eats. For University of Vermont (UVM) students and locals alike, this neighborhood is brimming with hidden gem deli markets, offering quick and satisfying meals. Among these local favorites, Henry Street Deli Mart stands out as a particularly popular choice for those seeking a top-notch sandwich experience.
Located conveniently just a few blocks from the UVM campus, Henry Street Deli Mart has become a staple for students residing in the Old North End. Its reputation as the go-to sandwich spot in the area is well-earned, drawing in crowds seeking a tasty and budget-friendly meal.
Alt text: Exterior view of Henry Street Deli Mart in Burlington VT, a cozy corner store with signage visible.
Senior UVM student Hannah Warn, a frequent visitor to Henry Street Deli Mart, highlights its appeal for both breakfast and lunch. “I love the breakfast sandwiches,” Warn says. “The ones with hash browns are very good.” This endorsement points to the deli’s strength in crafting morning delights that fuel students through their busy schedules.
Warn and fellow Old North End resident, senior Celia Cook, are not just breakfast fans; their lunch preferences further solidify Henry Street Deli Mart’s sandwich supremacy. Both agree that the pesto chicken sandwich reigns supreme on the menu. This popular choice showcases the deli’s ability to create flavorful and satisfying lunch options that keep customers coming back for more.
While Henry Street Deli Mart enjoys considerable popularity, the Old North End offers other noteworthy deli experiences. Further into the neighborhood, Poppy Cafe and Market presents a different, yet equally appealing option. Known for its rotating seasonal menu, Poppy Cafe emphasizes unique and healthy sandwiches. This makes it an excellent alternative for those with dietary considerations, offering vegan choices and gluten-free bread substitutions across their sandwich selection, as detailed on their menu. Tucked away on Oak Street, Poppy Cafe provides a charming dining area and sandwiches that go beyond the standard deli fare, offering a more refined and health-conscious approach.
Alt text: Display case filled with various sandwiches at Poppy Cafe and Market in Burlington VT, emphasizing fresh ingredients and dietary options.
Another Old North End institution, The Shopping Bag, sits directly on North Street, the neighborhood’s main thoroughfare. From the outside, it might appear to be a typical convenience store. However, The Shopping Bag boasts an extensive menu, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast is available all day, and their “Donut Doctor,” as advertised on their website, is legendary for its hangover-curing properties. For lunch and dinner, The Shopping Bag features an impressive array of specialty burgers and sides. Notably, they cater to vegetarians with meat alternatives like the Beyond Burger and a black bean veggie burger, making it a more inclusive burger destination.
Junior Liliana Gallegos, a nearby resident of The Shopping Bag, visits frequently, appreciating the variety. While not the most popular item, Gallegos often opts for their chicken nuggets and french fries, demonstrating the broad appeal of The Shopping Bag’s diverse menu.
Alt text: Street view of The Shopping Bag in Burlington VT, a corner store located on North Street, with clear signage.
Despite the proximity of these Old North End delis, accessibility can be a challenge for students living on the main UVM campus. Sophomore Sophie Holmes, residing on Central Campus, expresses awareness of Henry Street Deli and The Shopping Bag through friends but has yet to visit. Tied to her campus dining plan, Holmes, like many on-campus students, feels somewhat restricted to dining hall options. “I’m inclined to eat on campus because of my dining plan,” she explains, “But maybe [I’d go] for fun.”
The affordability of these Old North End delis, including Henry Street Deli Mart, presents a significant advantage for all students, both on and off-campus. With many menu items priced under $10, venturing off-campus for a meal becomes a financially viable and appealing option.
For UVM students and anyone in Burlington looking for a delicious and budget-friendly meal, making a trip to the Old North End delis, and especially Henry Street Deli Mart, is well worth the effort. These local gems offer a taste of Burlington’s neighborhood charm and culinary scene, providing a satisfying alternative to campus dining and chain restaurants.
