Reviews for Pioneer Lakeshore Café in Colchester, VT

Finished a hair appointment right next door and decided to drive by Pioneer thinking "no way are they going to still be open at... 7:50 pm" I walked in and said I know you are closing soon, do you have anything quick and simple and she(the owner)saidabsolutely no worries, happy to get you whatever you would like...I asked her what she suggested and she said Fried ChickenSandwiches are kinda our thing. To that I would say Yes Ma'am they certainly are. So very yummy! I think terrific food tasteseven better when it is served by terrific people. You can bet your bottom dollar, I'm going back! Read more

I love stopping by Pioneer Lakeshore Cafe for breakfast and lunch as I pass through Mallets Bay. I like their waffles and... breakfast burrito. In particular I really like the hashbrown. The fried chicken sandwich and BBQ brisket melt are so melt inyour mouth good plus the truffle fries. They use fresh ingredients and are attentive to detail. You order at the counter andthey bring the food your table promptly. The staff are friendly and the owners are delight to chat with. Worth dining there asit is filling and a delight to support this local business. Read more

Chicken sandwiches built this brand and it shows. I?ve always said my chicken sandwiches are my favorite and that?s still true.... When I don?t feel like making one?. I?ll be going here. They use chicken thighs. That should be enough for you to go here.Chicken thighs are 1000X better than breast and this sandwich was dripping with flavor. A simple buttermilk and flour fry thatlocks in moisture while adding crunch. Pickles, lettuce, and Aleppo pepper honey rounded out the umami. The brioche brought thesoft sweetness and the mint herb Mayo sealed the deal. Currently, this is my favorite chicken sandwich in Burlington. Is it tomy perfection? No. What would I change? I would do jalapeño or habanero honey to kick up the spice. They don?t bc?. Let?s befair? it?s a business and there?s a lot of white people in Vermont. I love spice so it?s necessary for me. The mint Mayo madethis my favorite chicken sandwich. I would personally do a pickle brine and then 3 step dreg with Italian breadcrumbs for morecrunch and crisp but their method makes way more sense operationally and cost wise. I would still like to see more crunch fromthe chicken. This might be also achieved by keeping the buttermilk brine, maybe adding pickle juice to it, and subbing the flourwith flour and corn meal or even sprinkling rice flour with seasoned flour. These criticisms are the most minimal. They are allalso based on preference. This place is down the road from me and already had a place in my heart. I will be back. OFTEN! Read more

Great food for a order at the counter eatery. Hand cut fries and BBQ were better than anticipated. True lemonade not from a mix... was excellent. Very friendly owner who made sure we were all pleased with our choices. Easy and convenient near the Mallet's bayboat access. Read more

Today was my second visit to Pioneer, and I (and my family) were very, very happy both times! On my first visit I had the pork... belly BLT, which doesn?t appear on today?s menu, and my wife had the grilled cheese. Both were amazing (and my wife fanciesherself to be a grilled cheese expert)! Today, I got 3 orders of the fried fish sandwich with fries for me, my wife and ourdaughter. Wow! Does that describe it well enough? The fish portion is very generous, and it was perfectly cooked! Thebrioche bun was larger than I?m accustomed to getting at Burlington area restaurants, and it had a ?wicked good? tartar sauce,fresh lettuce, and crisp pickles?need I say more? Go get it! Tomorrow, that is! Lunch service ends at 3 p.m. I?ve beenunsuccessfully trying to add another review for several weeks and just learned that I can only ?update? my first review. I justwanted to let the world know how good Pioneer?s steak sandwiches are - they are the best I?ve had in the Burlington area! Thefrench fries are also among the top 3 on my list! Lastly, I?m excited to learn that they?ll be open until 8 pm starting on June1st! Read more

I love this place, and was totally sleeping on it!! Followed a popular barista here from Scout and Company when he moved on and... it has become a go to spot for us. They are very helpful if you have dietary guidelines or restrictions, and the food here isamazing and filling. Shout out to the hashbrown which is a full on potato brick made out of shredded potato. Every intrusivethought you've every had about forbidden brick snacks can be satisfied with this hash brown. Their parfait is rich and creamywithout being too heavy. Their gluten free bread makes you want for nothing, the beef in their burgers tender and flavorful. Thesalad is ACTUALLY good! If you have a hard time with leafy greens they have got you covered. Read more

Stopped in for Sunday brunch, this was our first time. Very friendly knowledgeable owners who make great food. The hash brown... was amazing! I love that they are supporting other local businesses but selling products in their display cases. We will be backto try lunch. Read more

Pioneer Lakeshore Cafe is fantastic in every way! I've been here 2-3x a week since they opened early June and leave very full... and happy every single time. It's the perfect spot for a delicious, fresh breakfast or lunch. You can tell that a lot of loveand care goes into every dish. Their breakfast always hits the spot, my favorites include the build-your-own breakfast sandwichand breakfast burrito. Always get a side of their homemade hash brown! Lunch menu is also a win, offering a variety ofreimagined classics. My go-tos are the Crispy Chicken Sandwich, BBQ Brisket Melt, Fishwich and Smashburger. Besides the food,the owners, Jean-Luc and Lindsay, are so kind! They greet every customer with a smile and take time to get to know you. Thisplace is a gem! Come try it out and see for yourself! Read more