Prohibition Pig - Restaurant — Restaurant in Waterbury

Here's the short version of my review: hands down the best start to finish meal I've had in a long time. Now for the long version, starting with the hostess. From the moment we walked in we were cheerfully greeted with both hostess and a server engaging with my toddler and treating him like he was family. They quickly set up a table for us with a high chair and we were seated quickly. The hostess proceeded to explain the menu, talk about what was new since we hadn't been in years, and gave recommendations based on her likes before leaving us to review the options. They offer an incredible variety for drinks. They are their own brewery so there are house special beers, at least one cider, and I believe I saw seltzer as well. On top of that they offer liquor flights for you to try something a bit different. I was recommended their American Lager and tried that at well as their Kettle Sour. The former was incredibly refreshing and crushable on a hot summer day. The later was perfectly balanced - sour yes but not overwhelming with distinct fruit flavors. Wished they had those in to go cans cause I'd love to bring them home. Delicious. The food was perfection. Yes the menu was a little smaller than some other restaurants in the area but what they do is exceptional. I had the ribs topped with house made BBQ sauce. The ribs were fall off the bone tender and juicy, the sauce again balanced with sweetness and spice that accented the meat beautifully. My wife had the burger which in her words was "perfect". Toasted bun (no soggy bread here!), meat cooked perfectly to order, pickles adding a complimentary level of acidity that was delightful. We also split the poutine and even though we wished there was more cheese the gravy and fries were both out of this world. We were going to leave without dessert but after the positive experience we decided to roll the dice on some ice cream. Ice cream I believe was made by Hen of the Woods but it was incredible. Creamy and flavorful making you wish you ordered way more and ending the meal on a high note. Finally, our server was absolutely incredible. She was attentive, engaged with our toddler much like the hostess, and had this delightful personality like we had been friends for years and were catching up over dinner. I wish I remembered her name or could find the receipt (I believe it started with an E?) so I could give a proper kudos. Seriously if you're in the Waterbury area and want a fantastic meal you've gotta...

Oh Pro pig, how I miss you already. And I was here today, but I haven't reviewed you, despite coming here for a few years when I'm on a pilgrimage to bring beer from Vermont home to New Hampshire.

Where do I even start... Walking In, you can smell the food. Immediate mouth water.

The seats are comfy, the staff is super nice, and the BBQ is quite litterally what I wish I could eat daily.

ENC - whole hog and vinegar based sauce. Normally I would get chopped pork / sausage. But today I was feeling brisket. MAN HAVE I BEEN SLEEPING ON IT. I brought in my girlfriend for an adventure in Vermont and BBQ was what we both wanted for lunch, I told her I knew the spot, and immediately punched it into the gps.

To start, burnt ends and grits. I don't think much needs to be said about this, here till it's gone was enough for me. They came out lightning fast, and were juicy, fell right apart, were sauced flawlessly and garnished well so we got vinegar, meat and creamy all at once. I want that for breakfast, every day. Forever.

Brisket sandwich. Normally I'm a chopped pork guy. When I think ENC that's where my brain goes too. But I had just tasted brisket and needed more.

Let me tell you when I said I couldn't open my mouth wide enough for the monster cuts of brisket. I honestly didn't think I was gonna be able to power through all that sandwich, and pro pig is not known for skimping on the portions. Blew my mind. Came with slaw, and pickles on the sandwich, I drowned it in the hot sauce. So so so so so good.

Duckfat fries. Crunchy, perfectly fried, perfectly salted, accompanied with a ketchup and an aioli? Tbh could of been just mayo, and I still would of crammed them into my face hole at light speed.

Partner in crime got the chopped pork, and she said on the car ride home, that I needed to make that asap. She's Canadian, and now she knows what's up.

pro pigs beer Fluffy little clouds and crispenbauer: I have zero complaints, they came out swinging, were refreshing and left me wanting more.

Honestly, my one regret is not living closer. The food is great, the atmosphere is comforting, the staff is friendly, the message is clear.

We make great food, we make great beer, and we respect our patrons.

Thank you Pro Pig. Your dedication to the craft, and bold flavors have kept me making the trip. But also if your ever looking to show someone how to make that sauce, I will officially start a religion in your name.

5 stars, worth the trip, go...

Got there right at noon on a Sunday and there was a line outside, no big deal, we grabbed seats at the bar instead of waiting for a table. Tried to order a ginger ale or sprite and were told they didn’t have any fountain sodas, which was fine, I get that it doesn’t fully fit the concept. However the bartender also told us the only soda available were those on the menu and then we saw other tables served cans of Coke and Diet Coke which were not offered to us.

We ordered nachos and wings to start. The nachos came out quickly and were good, but the wings took a while. When we pointed it out to the bartender she went to check on it, came back and said they’d be out in a few minutes. Either she forgot to ring them in or the kitchen lost the ticket, I get it, it happens. Either way she didn’t apologize after the wings were brought out to us 35 minutes after we sat down.

The two bartenders seemed way more concerned with stocking the bar with straws and glassware than actually paying attention to their guests experiences. I get that it’s tough to be flat sat when you open, but maybe open a bit earlier if you have a line forming consistently and you’re putting your staff in the weeds to start the day.

Next, a couple sits next to us and were given specials menus that we weren’t offered. It seems we were given a level of service quite a few steps down from those around us. We ordered entrees and after putting in our order the other bartender came over, took the sauce caddy from in front of us and gave it to a guest at the other end of the bar. When our entrees came out, our bartender didn’t bother to bring any back to us. The couple next to us got their entrees sometime after and she was quick to bring the sauces over for them without being asked.

I used to come here at least once a month back when I lived in VT and this place has been one of my favorite restaurants in the past decade. I used to rave to my friends who visited the Stowe area that they need to take the trip to eat here. After today I think I’m all set and probably will not recommend this place, it seems it’s a far cry from its former glory.

Food was okay overall, nothing special anymore. Im hoping the lapses in service can be chalked up to ineptitude instead of blatant avoidance but who knows, either way it...