Review of Original Skiff Fish + Oysters - Burlington, VT 🦪🍸

Located inside the Champlain Hotel, Original Skiff Fish + Oysters offers a refreshing taste of the coast in the heart of Burlington, Vermont. For seafood enthusiasts, especially oyster lovers, this spot is a gem. Sourcing oysters from Wellfleet down the Cape 🌊, they deliver a briny, fresh experience despite the inland location. I’d give the oysters a solid 8/10 🥂 — highly recommended for anyone craving a touch of the ocean.

For main dishes, we sampled the Fish Fry with cornmeal crust, fries, slaw, and remoulade. The fish was perfectly cooked, though a tad heavy-handed on the salt 🧂. The coleslaw, on the sweeter side, may appeal to those who like a touch of sugar with their crunch 🥗. Overall, a satisfying plate, though I wish it were less salty — 7/10 🍟.

Next, the NE-Grown Ribeye with crispy onions and blue cheese was a flavorful and hearty option 🥩🧅. The onion rings were a highlight, adding a great crispy texture, and the blue cheese, though an interesting choice, leaned heavily into the salty side. Still, a solid 7/10.

The Atlantic Swordfish came with tomato, arugula, and black olive, complemented by a tasty squash on the side 🐟🍅. Again, the seasoning was a bit too much, but the squash was a standout. Another 7/10 dish.

For dessert, we couldn’t resist trying them all! The Key Lime Pie was a zesty delight 🥧, rating an 8/10, and the Rum Caramel Truffles with Sea Salt were a fun, flavorful treat 🍫, also an 8/10. Finally, the daily soft serve flavor 🍦 is a must-try, a whimsical ending to the meal.

Our cocktails were well-crafted and refreshing 🍹. The Three Sheets (Jamaican Rum, Orange Spice, Pineapple, Lemon, Grapefruit) was tropical and lively 🌴, while the Joy Ride (Tequila, Mezcal, Aperol, Lime, Grapefruit, Seltzer) had a smoky, citrusy punch 🍊.

The ambiance has a cozy, nautical vibe with warm wood accents, making you feel as though you’re on a boat 🚤 — perfect for a seafood restaurant! I’d give it an 8/10 for atmosphere. Though the prices are high 💸 (4/10 for affordability), the quality and freshness of seafood, especially considering Burlington’s distance from the ocean, make it a worthwhile splurge. If you’re staying at the hotel 🏨, stopping by for oysters and cocktails is a must: overall food rating 7/10.