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Haven't been to Burlington yet, but if you want to stop on the way, Prohibition Pig in Waterbury and Three Penny Tap Room in Montpelier are both in a class of their own for both food and drink.
Keep your eyes out for any beers from Lawson's, Hill Farmstead, or Alchemist's Heady Topper. Everything they make is magic in a glass and tough to find anywhere but their home state.
I'm from that area, and yes, Prohibition pig is fairly good, though it and The Reservoir are aiming for the "touristy-Stowe" crowd, with higher prices and a "trendy" atmosphere. Arvads is a good place to go in Waterbury, and Mcgillicuddy's in Montpelier is awesome. If you are in the Barre/Montpelier area and want real good Vermont food that the locals would eat, then go to The Wayside diner, awesome prices, and lots of awesome food.