August First is a welcoming cafe and dining destination in Burlington, Vermont, where European-style breads and pastries meet fresh salads, satisfying sandwiches, and a thoughtfully crafted menu designed for every part of the day.
Located at 149 S Champlain St, this inviting open space blends casual comfort with a trendy, cozy atmosphere, making it a place guests return to for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dessert, and everything in between.
Whether you are stopping in for a solo coffee, meeting friends over a relaxed meal, or planning catering for an event, August First brings together quality ingredients, warm service, and a menu that feels both familiar and special.
What makes August First stand out is the way it balances artisan appeal with everyday convenience. Guests come for the great coffee, great dessert, and excellent tea selection, and stay for the variety of options that include comfort food, healthy choices, organic dishes, prepared foods, quick bites, small plates, and vegan selections.
The cafe is also known for serving local specialties, giving customers a true taste of the community while enjoying food prepared with care. With outdoor seating, dine-in, takeaway, delivery, and on-site service available, it offers flexibility for busy schedules and relaxed visits alike.
Reservations are accepted, and table service adds to the polished yet approachable experience.
Accessibility and comfort are clearly part of the experience as well. August First is designed to be welcoming to all guests, with a wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance, seating, and toilet. It also includes gender-neutral toilets and a restroom, supporting a thoughtful and inclusive environment.
With a strong rating of 4.60 out of 5 from 882 reviews, the cafe has earned a reputation for quality and consistency that customers trust. Convenient payment options, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, make every visit smooth from start to finish.
For anyone seeking a dependable, high-quality cafe in Burlington with excellent food, inviting service, and genuine local character, August First delivers an experience that feels as good as it tastes.
Popular Items
Frequently ordered and highly recommended items at August First
Our Story
Welcome to a place where great food meets warm hospitality. We believe dining is more than just a meal - it's an experience to be savored and shared.
Our kitchen is dedicated to creating dishes that bring people together, using recipes that honor tradition while embracing innovation.
Photos
A glimpse of our restaurant experience
Food & Drinks
Smashed avocado, everything bagel seasoning, pickled red onion, on griddled 7 grain bread
with Cabot Cheddar on 7 Grain bread
Farm egg, Vermont cheddar, smoked bacon aioli, tomato-habanero jam, arugula, shaved red onion, on brioche bun
Farm egg, Vermont cheddar, arugula, maple curry mayo, cumin onion chutney, cilantro, on brioche
Fried Egg, Cabot cheddar, on sliced 7 Grain Bread
House made granola, oats, pecans, coconut, sesame seeds, local maple yogurt, seasonal fruit
Local mushrooms, whipped ricotta, arugula, black garlic, farm egg
with Cabot Cheddar on 7 Grain
Caramalized onions, arugula, slow cooked beef, black truffle mayo, Vermont Cheddar, brioche bun
Smashed avocado, everything bagel seasoning, pickled red onion, on griddled 7 grain bread
with Cabot Cheddar on 7 Grain bread
Farm egg, Vermont cheddar, smoked bacon aioli, tomato-habanero jam, arugula, shaved red onion, on brioche bun
Farm egg, Vermont cheddar, arugula, maple curry mayo, cumin onion chutney, cilantro, on brioche
Fried Egg, Cabot cheddar, on sliced 7 Grain Bread
House made granola, oats, pecans, coconut, sesame seeds, local maple yogurt, seasonal fruit
Local mushrooms, whipped ricotta, arugula, black garlic, farm egg
with Cabot Cheddar on 7 Grain
Caramalized onions, arugula, slow cooked beef, black truffle mayo, Vermont Cheddar, brioche bun
local kale, roasted root vegetables, farro, arugula, chickpeas, dried cranberries, carrot ginger dressing
Arugula, Roasted Vegetables, Pickled Rhubarb, Boucher Blue Cheese, Pepitas
wild rice, cucumber, kalamata olives, hummus, lebanese cabbage slaw, garlic white sauce, spicy peri peri hot sauce
40 hour beef, roasted broccoli and peppers, caramelized onion, cheddar, on sesame hoagie, finished with shaved parmigiano reggiano
Mortadella, smoked ham, banana peppers, mama lil's peppers, burrata, shaved red onion, arugula, on seeded hoagie
slow cooked chicken, slaw, garlic white sauce, spicy peri peri sauce on sesame hoagie
Tingly Sichuan Tofu, Broccoli Slaw, Sriracha Mayo served on a Sesame Hoagie
Smoked turkey, cheddar, apple chutney, red onion, cranberry mayonnaise, on country french bread
local kale, roasted root vegetables, farro, arugula, chickpeas, dried cranberries, carrot ginger dressing
Arugula, Roasted Vegetables, Pickled Rhubarb, Boucher Blue Cheese, Pepitas
wild rice, cucumber, kalamata olives, hummus, lebanese cabbage slaw, garlic white sauce, spicy peri peri hot sauce
40 hour beef, roasted broccoli and peppers, caramelized onion, cheddar, on sesame hoagie, finished with shaved parmigiano reggiano
Mortadella, smoked ham, banana peppers, mama lil's peppers, burrata, shaved red onion, arugula, on seeded hoagie
slow cooked chicken, slaw, garlic white sauce, spicy peri peri sauce on sesame hoagie
Tingly Sichuan Tofu, Broccoli Slaw, Sriracha Mayo served on a Sesame Hoagie
Smoked turkey, cheddar, apple chutney, red onion, cranberry mayonnaise, on country french bread
Hear from our valued guests
August First is the place for breakfast and lunch in Burlington. We stayed in the city for three days and came here three times — that probably says it all! The food is fantastic, the service is impressively quick, and the atmosphere is wonderfully relaxed — likely thanks in part to their “no laptops” policy, which keeps the vibe social and easygoing. Highly recommended! As a bonus, the friendly staff suggested we check out Poco, a restaurant just around the corner, where we ended up having a beautiful evening. Thanks again to the team at August First — we’ll be back next time we’re in town!
This place is awesome. Really a gift to the Burlington community. Food is delicious and consistent, staff is friendly and always working hard, and the atmosphere is great; I often find myself pulling out Shazam to catch whatever they’re playing over the speakers on their playlists. I am grateful to live nearby and try to get in at least once a week. Many thanks to those who own and operate this gem. My life is better for August First’s existence !
Well worth the wait. Had the steak and egg sandwich on a brioche bun. Also got the almond and chocolate croissant to-go and it was the best croissant i’ve ever had. Everything was sooo flavorful and simply delicious. Definitely a must-try if you’re in Burlington!
I was eager to come check this place out while in Burlington and I’m so glad I did! It was a Saturday morning and the line was out the door but it moved quick. The coffees were great, the breakfast sandwich was amazing and everything else on the menu looked awesome! Really like the environment inside. The maple granola was also delicious, but it could use more yogurt and fruit. We bought a 7 grains loaf to bring home and it’s been a hit. Delicious and recommend for breakfast or lunch- I also tried the farmer’s salad later in the day and was very satisfying.
This restaurant has a great, casual vibe, and the “laptop free zone“ policy is wonderful. We were there for breakfast, and It was a bit challenging for vegans, because there are no menu items identified as vegan (only vegetarian items are identified as such).However, the staff were able to help us identify items that could be made vegan by leaving off the egg and/or cheese.
August First is one of those Burlington staples that lives up to the hype. Even with a long line when we arrived, the service was efficient, friendly, and welcoming. By the time we ordered, we were able to find a table and settle in for a relaxed and enjoyable breakfast experience. We ordered the Day Maker and Eat the East breakfast sandwiches, both served on soft brioche buns and packed with unique flavors. The Day Maker’s tomato-habanero jam and smoked bacon fat aioli created an incredible sweet-and-savory combination, while the Eat the East offered a creative blend of maple curry aioli, cumin onion chutney, and fresh herbs that made every bite memorable. We also enjoyed two pastries that were fresh, delicious, and the perfect complement to our meal. The coffee was excellent, served fresh, hot, and exactly what we needed to start the day. Between the quality of the food, great coffee, welcoming atmosphere, and attentive service, it’s easy to see why August First is such a local favorite. Highly recommend!
My visit to August First was an absolute delight and easily one of the best brunch experiences I’ve had in Burlington. Housed in what looks like a beautifully restored old warehouse or firehouse, the café has an open, airy vibe with cozy, rustic charm. From the moment I walked in, the place felt welcoming and full of character. I ordered the steak & eggs sandwich, and it was phenomenal—rich, savory, and perfectly balanced. To go with it, I had a caramel iced latte that was just the right level of sweet and had a strong, smooth espresso base. The quality of the ingredients and the thoughtful preparation were obvious in every bite and sip. The space is clean, well-decorated, and bustling with energy, though it’s worth noting that this is a laptop-free zone—which I actually appreciated. It encouraged real conversation and a relaxed dining experience. Seating fills up quickly, and parking can be a bit tricky—metered street parking is usually the best bet. I’d also recommend trying the Maple Granola with yogurt if you’re in the mood for something lighter. Whether you're a local or just passing through, August First is the perfect spot for a cozy, flavorful brunch with a touch of Burlington charm. I’ll definitely be returning!
Stopped by August First to grab a quick hot beverage. On a Friday late morning, this place was packed! All tables and seats were filled and I had to wait 10-15 mins to find a seat. It clearly seems to be a local favorite. I ordered a large hot chocolate and it was pretty good! I think they have even better breakfast food options based on what other people were ordering. Heads up: they don’t seem to allow laptops / other work devices here (see photo of the “no laptops” sign). Overall, this space is beautiful, food appears to be very good, and the friendly service from the staff makes this place an easy choice for coffee and breakfast/brunch. I would definitely recommend this place.
I finally had a chance to check out this place! I was there mainly to try their famous cinnamon roll. I ordered two cinnamon rolls and two chocolate croissants. The cinnamon roll was delicious when it was warm, and I really wish they would add more frosting. The chocolate croissant was also great. If you’re planning to get the cinnamon roll, I suggest coming in early—they usually sell out before 10 a.m. The place is lovely, with friendly staff and plenty of indoor seating in a nice atmosphere. If you can, try to park early to make things easier.
August first, turned out to be such a great surprise one of the best chicken shawarma subs I’ve had in a long time. The rice bowl was incredibly flavorful, and the portion size was huge. The honey bee latte was really good too, though a bit sweet for my taste but I’m glad I tried it. Such chill vibes honestly a really cool place to hang out. I can totally see myself coming here often now that I live here. The maple spoon was absolutely heavenly we even picked some up on the way back to Montreal and again the next day. Overall, I loved the place, and if I’m ever in Burlington again, I’d definitely want to try more from their menu. August first is my mom's birthday too. Not to be dramatic but I loved the place.
Common questions about August First
August First is located at 149 S Champlain St, Burlington, VT 05401, VT 05401, United States.
You can reach August First by calling +1 802-540-0060.
August First has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 882 customer reviews.
August First features the following accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible car park, Wheelchair-accessible entrance, Wheelchair-accessible seating, Wheelchair-accessible toilet.
August First features the following from the business: Identifies as women-owned.
August First features the following service options: Outdoor seating, On-site services, Takeaway, Dine-in, Delivery.
August First features the following highlights: Great coffee, Great dessert, Great tea selection, Serves local specialty.
August First features the following popular for: Breakfast, Lunch, Solo dining.
August First features the following offerings: Coffee, Comfort food, Healthy options, Organic dishes, Prepared foods, Quick bite, Small plates, Vegan options, Vegetarian options.
August First features the following dining options: Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Catering, Dessert, Seating, Table service.
August First features the following amenities: Gender-neutral toilets, Restroom.
August First features the following atmosphere: Casual, Cozy, Trendy.
August First features the following crowd: Family friendly, Groups, LGBTQ+ friendly, Tourists, Transgender safe space, University students.
August First features the following planning: Accepts reservations.
August First features the following payments: Credit cards, Debit cards, NFC mobile payments.
August First features the following children: Good for kids, High chairs.
August First features the following parking: Free street parking, Paid street parking.
August First features the following pets: Dogs allowed outside.
Business Features
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