Big Tree, Tres Amigos/The Rusty Nail, The Bench, The Reservoir 

Big Tree Brewing has deep roots in central Vermont. Founded in 2012 by Mark Frier, it continues to be a local favorite. From humble beginnings as a nano-brewery, Big Tree has sprouted into three additional venues. The Reservoir in Waterbury, Tres Amigos/The Rusty Nail Stage, and The Bench — both in Stowe — offer a variety of craft beverages and fresh local food.

 From its inviting quasi-colonial facade to its fabulous nouveau-rustic digs for private events, The Reservoir restaurant is a craft beer destination for enthusiasts and casual diners alike. Its carefully curated draft list is a veritable who’s-who of Vermont craft beer. The 30+ hoppy, stout, and amber options bear the fruit of Big Tree — Dur Camp, Yacht Rock, Diamond Hands, and Mr. Waterbury. Local favorites like Shelburne’s Fiddlehead IPA, Second Fiddle double IPA, and Lost Nation Brewing’s single hop IPA are popular. Rounding out the suds menu are guest taps from farther away like Nitro Milk Stout a Left Hand Brewing Co. (Longmont, CO) staple, and nitro Old Rasputin from California-based North Coast Brewing Company. But a trip to The Reservoir is wasted without tasting the locally sourced comfort food like five-cheese macaroni and cheese, chicken wings, steak, and salmon. Don’t forget the poutine!

This summer look forward to the easy-drinking pilsner, Glampin’, a departure from the hazy IPA brews currently available from Big Tree, and Gravel Grinder. Mark is an avid supporter of Waterbury Area Trail Alliance and says, “I’m excited about [our] newest collaboration with WATA.” He has been a strong supporter of the group for years. Gravel Grinder is a new IPA that celebrates the mountain biking culture. A portion of the proceeds will support the trail systems in the Waterbury area. 

Mark and his business partner, Chad Fry, have several locations in central Vermont. In addition to The Reservoir in Waterbury, they also own Tres Amigos & The Rusty Nail Stage. Diners here enjoy Mexican-inspired cuisine and exquisitely crafted tequila and cocktails. On The Rusty Nail Stage, patrons will find the area’s most popular live music and a sampling of pub grub with which to refuel, while dancing the night away. The Bench, also in Stowe, is not what one would expect. If you’re looking for a sports bar, keep moving, this restaurant is home to an eclectic mix of Vermont comfort food married to a foodie palate. Of course, all three dining experiences include Big Tree Brewing’s finest.