Just three minutes from the slopes of Mount Snow, tucked in the heart of West Dover’s historic district, lies one of southern Vermont’s most beloved hidden gems: the 1846 Tavern & Restaurant at West Dover Inn. If you’re coming off the slopes, out for a special evening, or just looking for cozy comfort food in a quintessential New England setting, this tavern hits the mark.
A Slice of History with a Side of Comfort
Originally built in—you guessed it—1846, the West Dover Inn has stood the test of time. After sitting vacant for three years, it’s been fully restored, keeping its warm historic charm while adding modern touches where it counts. The adjoining 1846 Tavern feels like stepping into a rustic, candlelit cabin, with exposed beams, hardwood floors, and local artwork adorning the walls. It’s intimate, inviting, and very Vermont.
The Menu: Elevated Comfort Food
While the atmosphere leans historic, the food is fresh and modern. The menu rotates with the seasons, often featuring local ingredients from nearby farms and purveyors. Expect hearty entrees with a chef’s twist—think maple-glazed pork chops, cider-braised short ribs, and creative vegetarian options. Their house-made pastas and seasonal specials (like butternut squash ravioli in brown butter sage) keep things interesting for repeat visitors.
It’s not just dinner, either. Weekend brunches and special holiday menus are well worth planning around. And don’t miss their house cocktails, like the Vermont Maple Old Fashioned or seasonal sangrias.
What to Order at 1846 Tavern
Start with the baked brie appetizer—it’s served warm with local honey and toasted almonds, and it sets the tone for the rest of the meal. For mains, the cider-braised short ribs are the standout, falling-off-the-bone tender and rich without being heavy. The maple-glazed pork chop is another winner, especially when paired with the seasonal root vegetable side.
Vegetarians have solid options here too. The butternut squash ravioli in brown butter sage is a favorite during fall and winter months. For dessert, ask about the house-made crème brûlée or the warm apple crisp—both excellent ways to round out the meal. Entrées typically run $18–$32, with appetizers in the $10–$16 range.
Family-Friendly & Group Ready
One of the best parts? This spot strikes a rare balance between cozy date-night vibes and kid-friendly service. Families will appreciate the laid-back pace and welcoming staff, and larger groups can often be accommodated with a reservation. If you’re staying at Valley View Villa, you’re only about 1.5 miles away—close enough for a quick ride or even a scenic walk (though you may want a flashlight on the way back).
Practical Details
- 📍 108 VT Route 100, West Dover, VT (inside the West Dover Inn)
- 📞 Check website for current phone
- 🕐 Tues–Thurs 4–8pm, Fri–Sat 12–9pm, Sun–Mon 12–8pm
- 💲 Entrées $18–$32, appetizers $10–$16, cocktails $12–$15
- 🪑 Reservations recommended on weekends and during ski season
- 🅿️ Small lot on-site, additional street parking nearby
- 📏 About 1.5 miles / 3 minutes from Valley View Villa
When to Go & What to Know
The 1846 Tavern is open:
- Tues–Thurs: 4–8pm
- Fri–Sat: 12–9pm
- Sun–Mon: 12–8pm
Reservations are recommended on weekends and during ski season. Check their website at 1846innandtavern.com for seasonal specials, live music nights, and holiday hours.
Perfect for Après-Ski or a Romantic Dinner
After a long day skiing or hiking near Valley View Villa, there’s something magical about kicking back at a place like the 1846 Tavern. Sipping a Vermont craft beer by the fire or savoring a hearty entrée after a day on the trails—it’s the kind of experience that captures what people love about visiting this part of Vermont.
For guests of Valley View Villa, this is one of the easiest and most rewarding local dining options. Make it part of your itinerary—you won’t regret it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do they take reservations?
Yes, and you should make one—especially on Friday and Saturday evenings during ski season. Weekday dinners are easier to walk into, but calling ahead never hurts.
Is the 1846 Tavern kid-friendly?
Absolutely. The staff is welcoming to families, and the menu has enough variety for younger eaters. That said, the atmosphere is a bit more refined than your average pub, so it also works well for a quieter date night.
What’s the price range?
Mid-range for the area. Check their menu for current pricing.
Is there outdoor seating?
Limited patio seating is available during warmer months. The interior is where the real charm is—exposed beams, warm lighting, and that classic Vermont lodge feel.
How far is it from Mount Snow?
About 3 minutes by car from the main base area. It’s right on the main road through West Dover, so you’ll pass it on the way to or from the mountain.
Getting a Table on a Busy Weekend
West Dover is a small town with a short list of good dinner options, and that math changes fast on a Saturday night in ski season or during peak foliage. When Mount Snow is running full and the Route 100 corridor fills with leaf-peepers, the dining rooms in town book up well before you finish your last run. If a night at 1846 Tavern is part of your plan, treat the reservation like a lift ticket – lock it in early rather than deciding at 6 p.m.
A few things worth knowing before you call. Holiday weeks, school vacation weeks, and the Columbus Day stretch are the tightest windows of the year, so reach out as soon as your travel dates are set. Larger groups need the most lead time – a table for eight is a very different ask than a table for two, and a heads-up gives the kitchen and the front of house room to work with you.
If your first choice of time is gone, ask about an earlier seating or a spot at the bar. Both tend to open up when a prime 7 p.m. slot will not. And since plans shift with the weather in this part of Vermont, call and release the table if you decide to stay in and cook at Valley View Villa instead.
A Warm Landing Spot After a Day of Leaf Peeping
Fall days in southern Vermont start earlier and end colder than most visitors expect. Peak foliage along the Route 100 corridor typically runs from late September through mid-October, and a full day of it – a morning hike, an afternoon of slow driving and photo stops, a walk through the West Dover historic district – leaves most groups hungry and ready to sit down somewhere warm well before dark.
The 1846 Tavern works well as that last stop. It sits right in the middle of the historic district, so guests coming back down Route 100 pass it on the way to Valley View Villa rather than adding a separate trip. The building itself is part of the appeal in October: a restored 1846 structure reads differently when the light drops early and the temperature falls with it.
For groups renting the villa, the practical case is simple. Foliage weekends fill the calendar with activity, and cooking a full dinner after six hours outdoors is rarely what anyone wants. A short drive back to a table, a real meal, and then a fifteen-minute return to the house makes the evening easy – and leaves the hot tub and fire pit for after.
🗺️ More to Explore Near Mount Snow
- Top 10 Kid-Friendly Restaurants in West Dover & Wilmington, VT — Top dining picks near Mount Snow
- Cuzzins Bar & Grill: The Slope-Side Pub That Defines Après Ski at Mount Snow — Drinks and good vibes after skiing
- The Snow Barn: Mount Snow’s Legendary Apres-Ski Music Venue — Skiing and snowboarding at Mount Snow
- 1836 Country Store – Old-Fashioned General Store and Fudge in Wilmington, VT — Discover more near Mount Snow
- Maple Leaf Tavern: Rustic Tavern Dining & Craft Brews in Wilmington, VT — Another cozy Vermont tavern nearby
- Black Ember Grill: Wood-Fired BBQ and Craft Beer in West Dover, VT — More West Dover dining worth trying
- Top 10 Restaurants Near Mount Snow (West Dover & Wilmington Edition) — The full local dining roundup
