Elevated Food. Easygoing Vermont Hospitality.
The Big Spruce brings together accomplished cooking, a welcoming atmosphere, and the simple pleasure of gathering with people you enjoy in the heart of Richmond, VT.
A Chef-driven Neighborhood Restaurant in Richmond, VT
The Big Spruce is a chef-driven neighborhood restaurant in Richmond, Vermont, serving an eclectic menu in a relaxed and welcoming setting. Led by award-winning Chef Christian Kruse, we offer thoughtfully prepared food & drinks without the formality – whether you are joining us for dinner, relaxing on the wraparound porch, gathering around the firepit, or stopping by the creemee window for a sweet treat.
Bring the family, meet up with friends for Après-ski, or settle in for a relaxed date night with indoor & outdoor dining options. And when the occasion calls for something a little more special, our Parlour Room offers an intimate, elevated setting for private dinners, celebrations, and gatherings of all kinds.
Good food is best enjoyed together. I hope you’ll join us at The Big Spruce soon.
– Chef Christian Kruse
What People Are Saying
Don't just take our word for it - see what people are saying about The Big Spruce.
The fries are SO GOOD! They let us sit with our dog at the picnic benches. I ordered an extra burger patty for her and they brought out one as big as her head. I really enjoyed the beet salad and potato leek soup too. My partner loved the burger. Super nice people and nice place.
Great food, great cocktails, and a nice outdoor seating (porch, picnic tables and firepit area).
Updated review as of 9/1/26. The Spruce burger is hands down the best burger in VT. An exceptional cheeseburger - order with an extra patty to take it over the top. Cooked to perfection accompanied by equally exceptional fries. If you love a good burger it is a must.
Great sandwich. Great fries. Great service. I would highly recommend to anyone.
Great spot for a tasty meal, unique menu that differs slightly from the usual vermont pub, and offers fantastic outdoor seating options.
I ordered the spruce burger online today and it was spectacular. Compliments to the chef who made it!
There's no sign, and you gotta pull hard on the door, but once you find your way in, they have fast friendly service and some of the best herded French fries I've ever encountered.
I just had the best burger of my life today. Compliments to whatever chef made my spruce burger!
We were driving up from Hartford to Montreal on 89N and wanted to stop for a bite. Drove a couple of miles off the highway to Richmond, stopped for gas, then asked around and stumbled across the Big Spruce, which features outdoor dining with umbrellas and also a large interior space with a bar. We were very kindly and enthusiastically greeted by Brittany R., who ably took care of us. The lunch consisted of the excellent Spruce double patty burger and a side Caesar which was very true to the traditional recipe. Followed by two kiddie cones which were creamy and delicious. The restaurant clearly has developed a reputation for their ice cream as many came inside to order. The owner stopped by to greet us. What a find!!
We ate here once in the before times and found it to be overpriced and not even the best tacos. Ever since this new chef bought it, everything has been amazing! We have been more than satisfied by the food and price. Also, they have the best fries and the creemees have improved markedly!
Nothing quite like having a comfy and friendly local spot! Since the change in ownership at the end of last summer, I’ve been continually impressed with Big Spruce: REAL creemees (big fan of the rotating special flavor + maple twist), strong-portioned meals for the price (the popcorn chicken and brussel sprouts could definitely feed two people, but I don’t like to share!) , and super chill atmosphere/very friendly staff. The post-bike ride convenience has been a huge plus on days when I’ve gone big and really send it on a ride, and the idea of cooking feels like another 1,000 feet of climbing! As a Richmond resident, I’m glad to see The Big Spruce exist and delivering a repeatable dining experience. Catch y’all at the creemee window after the next ride!
Looking to Host an Event?
We have event space for private dinners, celebrations, and gatherings of all kinds.