The Pasta Joint — Restaurant in Boone

Proper is a cute southern/hipster inspired restaurant with a clean interior and pleasant wait staff, which is why this place is pretty popular. The food, on the other hand, lacks personality and is in desperate need of a boost. I had the Fried Chicken with Mash Potatoes and Gravy and Mac n Cheese. The fried chicken could use a good brine and seasoning in the flour dredge such as cayenne pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. It also has been consistently over cooked every time I’ve been here. The Mac n Cheese was very bland and could use some very sharp white cheddar, heavy cream, and seasonings to make it perfect. The mashed potatoes were over creamed, bland, and kind of runny. The gravy could have used some salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. My friend ordered the Tomato Pie which she said was flavorful and cooked well. We also ordered their peach cobbler and chocolate chip bread pudding. On behalf of southern women everywhere that peach cobbler was offensive. It was extremely dry with only 5 peach slices on top, so it was basically baked bread with peaches on top. A proper cobbler should be full of fruit, juicy, sticky, with a lovely crust. The chocolate chip bread pudding was pretty decent but overall unremarkable, if a bit dry for bread pudding. The biscuits here are actually very good but that is the extent of it. Another point I would like to make is their lack of signage out front. It is almost impossible to locate this place as there is no visible sign visible from the street. Also, there is an extreme lack of parking, not that it’s their fault but come on. If this place is going to be this hard to find and get to then the food had better be rememberable,...

On a recent visit, I had the pleasure of trying their catfish, accompanied by classic Southern sides like mac & cheese, greens, and fried green tomatoes. Each dish was a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to authentic Southern cuisine.

The catfish was perfectly cooked—crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a subtle seasoning that complemented the fish without overpowering it. The mac & cheese was creamy and rich, with just the right amount of cheese to make it indulgent without being overly heavy. The greens were flavorful and well-seasoned, providing a nice balance to the meal. The fried green tomatoes were a standout, offering a tangy, crunchy contrast that was simply delightful.

What truly sets Proper Restaurant apart is its ambiance. The moment you step inside, you’re enveloped in a homey, welcoming environment that makes you feel like you’re dining in a friend’s kitchen. The decor is charming and understated, with a rustic flair that perfectly suits the Southern comfort food on the menu. The staff is friendly and attentive, adding to the overall feeling of warmth and hospitality.

Proper Restaurant is a must-visit in Boone, whether you’re a local or just passing through. The combination of excellent food, friendly service, and a cozy atmosphere makes it a standout dining destination. I can’t wait to return and try more of their delicious offerings

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Obviously the people who rave about this place haven't eaten at someone's grandma's Sunday dinner in quite a while.... or must just not cook themselves!! The atmosphere is cozy and tight. The parking can be a pain in the rear... they have 5ish dedicated parking spaces but reasonable( 1/2 block from) additional parking. The food is... well. Normal. I don't feel like it's worth raving about. It's decent cooked southern food. I feel like the seasoning is off ,but, if you lay it on strong one way some people are gonna hate it. So what do you do? You go middle of the road! I have eaten here more than a handful of times because others choose to. Hence the reason for leaving a review that I feel is adequately backed up. I have been here when it wasn't busy and have been when it was. Food to table times were fine during off hours and a little slow during peak, nothing major worth writing to ma about. The service has always been great... in fact they really get 3.5 stars because of the service and friendly, mostly knowledgeable, staff! I would typically round that up to 4 but my complaints are the tight, I heard everything she(the table next to us) had to say about aunt Sally, the parking can be a pain depending on season or time of day, portions are on the smaller end(I like lunch leftovers sad face) considering the prices, and the food is... well.... nothing special but...