The Local Flavor

Author: Jack Lysohir

Generations of Middlebury students have driven past Finius T. Flubberbusters, located on Rte. 4 in Hampton, New York, on their road trips to and from school. Most passersby have a brief chuckle at the absurd name before continuing on to the land of organic produce and billboard-free roadsides that is Vermont. But some of the more adventurous drivers venture into the restaurant and the lucky and the brave ones end up in the loving arms of Finius T. Flubberbuster himself.

Flubs, as the place is affectionately referred to, has become a bit of a local institution. A cartoon man in a cowboy hat - presumably Finius, not to be confused with John Knowles' Phineas - looms out from above the entryway with a six-shooter in his grip. Underneath the sign, large text welcomes customers with the words, "Where the fun never sets."

Flubs is a bar and party space more than anything else, but it's also a perfect spot for a quick burger and a cold brew. For $5.96 Flubs makes a terrific burger, and for a dollar more one can add fried onions and peppers as well as a choice of four cheeses to make for a real delight. Beers on tap range from sophisticated Samuel Adams' to the more collegiate likes of Natural Light.

Starters are also great and come highly recommended by the wait-staff. The chicken tenders with various dipping sauces, including a tasty ranch and BBQ, are fried to a crisp and served in ample portions. The wings were a little over-sauced, but were also quite appetizing. Although they do not reach the status of the thumbs and toes of Mr. Ups, Flubs' wings are a close second.

Famous for ribs, Flubs has a few different selections. Baby backs seem to be the most popular choice - and rightly so. Although Flubs does not flaunt organic products and ingredients the way that many establishments in neighboring Vermont might, the beef was delicious and the vegetables were fresh. If you're not interested in the grille or fryer, there is a sumptuous sandwich selection including favorites like BLT, Grilled Cheese with Bacon or a Turkey Club.

Flubs is also strong choice for a more serious dinner. The restaurant has a large selection of other dishes to please the palate. With entrees like Chicken Marsala and a wide selection of pastas, Finius T. Flubberbuster has quite an eclectic kitchen.

The service and ambience at Finius T. Flubberbusters is truly remarkable. Seating usually is not a problem and the wait-staff is extremely helpful. Food is prepared and served in a timely fashion. The atmosphere of Finius T's is an escape from the rural Northeast mill towns that surround - the horse busts, cowboy hats, and native American clothing hearkens us back to a wild, wild west that may never have existed up here, but would sure have been welcome.

The inside word at FTF's is that the restaurant is prepping for a major revamping of the menu. The website is under construction, which speaks to the changes soon to be introduced. So get down quick to the place where the fun never sets and you certainly will not regret it.