If you don’t know what to order at Sonny’s Blue Benn Diner (314 North St./Rte. 7, 802/442-5140, 6 a.m.–5 p.m. Mon. and Tues.; 6 a.m.–8 p.m. Wed.–Fri.; 6 a.m.–4 p.m. Sat.; 7 a.m.–4 p.m. Sun., $3–11), just look up. Every inch of wall space in this prefab 1940s diner car is covered with specials. Especially to-die-for are the waffles and French toast, topped with every imaginable combination of syrups, fruits, and nuts.

Located in the center of Bennington in a historic hotel building, Izabella’s Eatery Eatery (351 West Main St., 802/447-4949, www.izabellaseatery.com, 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Tues.–Fri.; 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Sat.; seasonal hours may vary, $4–8) is a brightly painted “urban style café” that serves all-day breakfasts and overstuffed sandwiches with ingredients from local farms.

The convivial Madison Brewing Company (428 Main St., 802/442-7397, 11:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m. Sun–Thurs; 11:30 a.m.–10:30 p.m. Fri. and Sat., $8–15) serves hand-crafted beers with names like Old 76 Strong Ale and Suckerpond Blonde along with pub grub, steaks, and pasta.