BURLINGTON, Vt.—A new type of biker bar has rolled into Burlington. Featuring views of Lake Champlain, modern American cuisine, and cyclist-friendly amenities, the Hilton Burlington has announced the opening of the all-new Mounted Cat.
A modern reinvention of the classic lodge, The Mounted Cat is located on the lobby level of the Hilton Burlington with lake views from both the interior dining room and exterior patio. Featuring a design that combines a contemporary look with a rustic feel, The Mounted Cat utilizes many materials indigenous to Vermont.
The entrance of the restaurant features stylized gates with hand-blown glass and Vermont slate accents. Inside the restaurant, guests enjoy a warm color palette of rust, green, and gold. The flooring consists of wooden planks, reclaimed from a farmhouse. Furniture features burgundy tapestry and hand-tooled leather-accents. The metalwork includes custom-forged light fixtures provided by Vermont-based Hubbardton Forge. The bar top is solid stone, with bar millwork made of reclaimed wood and iron purse hooks on the bar front. Tablet docking stations are located on the bar top and communal tables. Stacked stone and reclaimed wood planking also adorn the columns throughout the lounge.
The exterior lakeside patio adjacent to The Mounted Cat offers a raised terrace with panoramic views of Lake Champlain. With seating for 42, “The Cat-io” showcases multiple fire features, including a fire pit by the entrance and fire trough in the center of the patio. A stack-stone chimney and a vine-covered exterior wall complete the modern New England motif.
As a member of Vermont Fresh Network, The Mounted Cat menu features local and regional products. Some items featured on the menu include the Vermont Family Farm pulled pork, Vermont cheese plate, Bailey Hazen Blue mac and cheese, fried almond breaded Maplebrook mozzarella, potato and cremont tartine, poutine with Maplebrook cheese curds and grilled onions, steak frites, and slow poached halibut accompanied by local Sauerkraut. Artisanal pizzas can be ordered “to-go” or for dine-in.
The bar menu will feature handcrafted cocktails inspired by Whistle Pig Distillery and a beer selection that highlights new brews from the Trapp Family Lodge and Magic Hat. On May 6, the restaurant debuted its new Mounted Cat Lager, a bohemian pilsner brewed exclusively for the hotel by Trapp Lager Brewery’s Brewmaster JP Williams.
“As the evolution of hoppy beer continues to develop, we wanted to offer a beverage that was unique to Burlington,” said Jeff Webb, general manager, Hilton Burlington. “Collaborating with Trapp Lager Brewery on this creation will achieve just that and enhance our beverage program, providing a new taste only available at Hilton Burlington.”
Located adjacent to the Burlington bike path, mounted cats of all stripes are invited to stop by The Mounted Cat to take advantage of the covered bike parking, a fixed bike maintenance station complete with loaner tools and public tire pressure station to inflate tires before riding. In addition to the shared air, The Mounted Cat offers complimentary water bottle fill-ups and has healthful breakfast shakes available for purchase for riders looking to fuel-up before their ride.
