Planning perspective
What to consider before reaching out
A strong first conversation is about fit, not just availability. Share your date, approximate guest count, location, and the feeling you want the day to have. Ask what is included, what typically changes the final quote, and what decisions need to be made earliest.
For a catering partner, confirm how communication works, who will be present on the day, and how the team handles changes. Pricing was not included in the supplied research, so request a current, itemized proposal directly from the business.
Why this business stood out
The verified notes
- Chef-driven menu with a strong local reputation beyond weddings
- Can host private events in their own downtown Middlebury space
- Comfortable coordinating private dinners for groups of 25+
In their clients’ words
What people say on Google
Jake Willey
6 months ago
I love this little Middlebury Staple! I’ve eaten incredible restaurant quality foods at venues and functions (think tar tar and beautifully rendered duck breasts under a scenic Vermont backdrop or at a local food festival) cooked by Lou and his guys and Served by Jenny and her incredible wait and bar staff countless times, as The Crooked Ladle, the catering company. Many locals have, many times at many events! The real deal is sitting down in 51 Main in downtown Middlebury within the restaurant and eating through Lou’s menus. It seems like there are clearly some crowd favorite dishes that will stay on the menu forever, which is true of any restaurant but entree dishes and many appetizers wil...
Luca Conte
a year ago
First time visit and very impressed! This is a cozy, new, college-town restaurant that surprises both with its sophistication and quality. My wife had a delicious ricotta gnocchi dish while I had a classic Duck confit. Both came with crispy, fresh market vegetables (e.g. parsnips, sweet potato puree, pickled onions) with accompanying flavorful sauces which defy our ability to define. Nonetheless, all was delicious, and topped off with excellent wines as well as scrumptious desserts. We rate this the best restaurant in Middlebury!
Sarah Y
2 years ago
I’ve come here several times and ordered something different almost every time, and have never been disappointed! They have a great rotating variety of cocktails and I’m always excited to see what’s on the menu. Foods trend rich and are always tasty. (The only time I’ve disliked something was my own fault for ordering the brisket with horseradish coleslaw when I know I don’t like horseradish- but anyway, know thyself). Pictured are the falafel wrap, flank steak, and some cocktails which I have regrettably forgotten the details of besides that the green one had Midori and was just as good as it looks. Not pictured were a swordfish steak, a delicious flourless chocolate torte, and a nonalcohol...
Laura Atkins
10 months ago
We had a group of 25 visiting the area for a birthday celebration and wanted to surprise the group with a special dinner to end the weekend. Danielle and I spoke on the phone and emailed several times over the months leading up to our event in order to reserve the private event space downstairs and discuss menu and bar options. Danielle and the team at Crooked Ladle were wonderful. The evening surpassed all my expectations and it was so fun to surprise the group with such a beautiful and cozy setting. We had windows directly over Otter Creek as well as a private bar, bathroom, and lounge area with couches and dart board. The food was fantastic - the highlight was a life-changing mac & chees...
Erica L.
2 months ago
Pretty absurd they refuse to cook steak medium or medium well per customer request. Literally did not ask for any other change to the order. Waitress read off the steak special as “medium rare”. It was the most expensive thing on the menu. My sister said she’d like the special but cooked medium or medium well. The server had to go back and ask the chef if they’d be willing to do that. The answer was no. Fine. Ordered a side of fries and water and left.
Reviews from Google. Read all of them on Google.
Good to know
When they are open
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 4:30 – 8:30 PM
- Thursday: 4:30 – 8:30 PM
- Friday: 4:30 – 8:30 PM
- Saturday: 4:30 – 8:30 PM
- Sunday: 4:30 – 8:30 PM
Getting here
How far is this from home?
Pick the city you and most of your guests will be driving from and we will estimate the trip.
An estimate for planning, not live traffic. Leafy weekends in October always take longer.
For your guests
Lovely places to stay nearby
Hotel Vermont, Burlington
Walkable downtown base with lake views, easy for a room block.
Basin Harbor, Vergennes
Lakeside cottages and rooms for guests who want a full weekend.
Made INN Vermont, Burlington
Small boutique inn for close family and the wedding party.
Three stops worth the detour
Somewhere pretty for photographs, and somewhere warm for a good cup of coffee.
Shelburne Farms
Lake and pasture views that photograph beautifully at golden hour.
Oakledge Park, Burlington
Sunset over Lake Champlain with the Adirondacks behind it.
Speeder & Earl's Coffee, Burlington
A local roaster for the morning-after coffee run.
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Editorial note: this profile is based only on the vendor research supplied to New England Celebrations. It is not a paid endorsement, interview, or first-person testimonial. Pricing and availability are on request.