West on Warren Gallery + Grill is co-owned by longtime “Middlebury-ian” Carrie Boyer and her business partner (and stepdaughter) Brittney Lehman, and the duo’s collective goal is to bring delicious food, inspiring art and a strengthened sense of community to the town of Middlebury.
The restaurant is located in a building that was erected in 1926 and originally housed a Standard Oil Company filling station, although the renovated interior now features a clean, urban design that showcases original artwork throughout.
Currently open for “summer hours,” West on Warren offers lunch Tuesday-Friday and dinner Tuesday-Saturday. The elevated menu rotates seasonally, and you’ll find familiar fare such as a classic chicken sandwich or a Caesar salad, but if you are a more adventurous eater, a variety of inventive dishes awaits.
For example, there is a wasabi cauliflower appetizer on the most recent menu, featuring the vegetable fried in a wasabi-seasoned coating and served with teriyaki dipping sauce. As far as dinner entrees go, one current standout is the “salmon en croute,” which includes a plump piece of fish wrapped in puff pastry and accented with lemongrass mint chimichurri. There is also an expertly char-grilled ribeye and even a soft-shell crab poke bowl.
The cocktail offerings are created with the same level of care as the food, and the house drink menu also changes with the seasons.
If the weather cooperates, you can dine outdoors on the spacious two-story patio, and there is also occasionally live music offered on the patio during warmer months (check the event calendar on the restaurant’s website for up-to-date information).
Whatever you opt for at West on Warren, you won’t be disappointed, and you’ll want to plan another visit to see what dishes arrive on next season’s menu.
“We aim to have something for every taste,” Boyer said. “Gluten-free? No problem! Vegetarian? We’ve got you covered! If you haven’t stopped in, please come and see us at West on Warren and find out why we’re the spot where good friends gather.”
West on Warren Gallery + Grill
200 W. Warren Street, Middlebury
574-358-0045
