Cafe Escadrille

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

A Name With a Story

Café Escadrille takes its name and spirit from the Lafayette Escadrille, a squadron of American fighter pilots who flew for the French Air Service beginning in April 1916 — men who fought hard by day and appreciated fine food and drink by night. That same combination of vigor and pleasure has guided this Burlington, Massachusetts institution for over 45 years, making it one of the most enduring fine dining destinations in the region.

Classic and Contemporary American, Done Right

The menu centers on classic and contemporary American cooking, with fresh seafood and premium steaks as the backbone. Regulars speak with particular affection about the filet mignon and the ice cream puff dessert — two dishes that appear again and again in guest accounts. Beyond the main dining room, the kitchen also turns out a full sushi menu prepared fresh by skilled sushi chefs, an unexpected and well-regarded addition that reflects the restaurant's willingness to keep evolving without abandoning what works.

Spaces for Every Occasion

The restaurant is made up of several distinct areas, each with its own character. The main Cafe is lively and casual, opening in summer to an outdoor patio with shaded umbrella seating. The Famous Mahogany Bar — recently refreshed with a more open layout — draws after-work crowds with its expert mixologists, an extensive Scotch and whisky list, a rotating craft beer selection, and cocktails like the house-specialty Stoli Doli, a pineapple-infused vodka martini served simply chilled. The more intimate Gourmet Room offers booth seating with special lighting, while the Lafayette Room provides semi-private dining for groups of 12 to 24. Larger private events, weddings, and corporate functions are handled through a dedicated banquet facility with full menus and an in-house pastry chef.

The Wine List That Earned Recognition

Wine is taken seriously here. The cellar holds over 400 labels spanning California Cabernets, Burgundian Pinot Noirs, Italian Barolos, and much more, with a resident sommelier available to guide every table. That commitment earned Café Escadrille the Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence — a distinction that reflects genuine depth and curation, not just volume. The by-the-glass list alone runs from a Tierry Mothe Chablis to a 2016 Terre del Barolo Riserva, with Bordeaux vintages and Oregon Pinot Noirs in between.

A Restaurant That Runs Like a Family

Many staff members have been with Café Escadrille for over a decade, and the management team — notably including a high number of female managers — brings continuity and care to both daily service and special event planning. After 45 years, that consistency is perhaps the most telling measure of the place: guests keep coming back, and the kitchen keeps giving them reasons to.