Matthew L.
Yelp
Prohibition Pig is a BBQ restaurant and brewpub that opened in Waterbury, Vermont in March 2012. It was founded by Chad Rich. About 20 years earlier, he had his first taste of Belgian beer and fell in love with craft beer culture. By 2009, he had an idea to open a restaurant that would marry his love of craft beer and cocktails with good local food. When Tropical Storm Irene hit Waterbury in summer 2011, it caused massive flood damage to the original location of The Alchemist Brewery. When the brewery moved out, Prohibition Pig moved in. The new restaurant quickly became popular with locals thanks to its excellent craft beer selection and southern-inspired BBQ dishes. In 2014, Rich acquired a historic former schoolhouse around the corner on Elm Street and opened it as the Prohibition Pig Brewery in December. Nate Johnson was hired as the head brewer to craft Pro Pig's own original brews. In 2018, Pro Pig was sold to restaurateur business partners Eric Warnstedt and William McNeil who also own Doc Ponds in Stowe and Hen of the Wood in Waterbury and Burlington.
I recently visited Prohibition Pig while I was on a Vermont craft beer road trip. I've heard excellent things about them for several years. When I arrived in the late afternoon, the restaurant on South Main wasn't open yet but the brewery around the corner on Elm was. Pro Pig's delicious food is available at both locations. I could smell that delicious meat smoking from blocks away. I grabbed a seat at the bar and looked over the menu. I decided to order the "Brisket Smoked Meat Plate" (pickles, slaw, dinner roll) with a side of Cornbread (maple butter). The brisket was so falvorful and tender that it melted in my mouth like butter. I washed it all down with a draught pour of "Valentino" (Italian Pislner). Although I enjoyed Pro Pig's house beer, it was their delicious meat that really impressed me. Since I was heading back home to Connecticut not long after my visit, I ordered a "Brisket Sandwich" (slaw, BBQ Sauce) and another side of Cornbread to bring back for my wife. I also grabbed a four-pack to go. I really enjoyed my experience at Prohibition Pig and I hope to return in the future!