The Proper Pig

If you are looking for a spot with a unique character in Maine, look no further than The Proper Pig. This unusual pub-restaurant, located in the heart of Waterville, has become a true symbol of the downtown area's revival. The establishment stands out for its eclectic atmosphere, where modern coziness meets historical charm.

The centerpiece of the interior is a majestic Victorian mahogany bar, which was carefully salvaged from a closed establishment in South Portland. The entire concept of the restaurant was built around this architectural treasure. The space is filled with light, and the walls are adorned with whimsical black-and-white drawings of a pig in a monocle, giving the place an ironic and friendly tone.

In the USA, gastropubs often try to surprise their guests, but The Proper Pig does it in a special way by offering "cuisine without borders." Here, the culinary traditions of Mexico, China, and New England merge into a single menu created by chef Fred Ouellet. This place is perfect for both a family dinner and an evening gathering over a glass of excellent craft beer.

For those planning a visit to this cozy spot, we have prepared up-to-date contact information. You will easily find the restaurant in the very heart of the city.

The main activity at The Proper Pig is, undoubtedly, gastronomic exploration. The restaurant's menu is a true kaleidoscope of flavors. Be sure to try the signature "Piggly Wiggly" sandwich with smoked pork and crispy onion rings, or the exotic Taiwanese steamed gua bao buns with crispy brisket. The chef is constantly experimenting, so every visit can bring new culinary discoveries.

Beer enthusiasts should pay attention to the bar list: it features about a dozen varieties of craft beer produced in Maine. For example, the popular G-String Pale Ale is an excellent accompaniment to meat dishes. The process of choosing a drink at the historic mahogany bar turns into a pleasant ritual in itself.

Beyond the food, guests can enjoy the aesthetics of the space. Admiring the original drawings on the walls, relaxing in cozy booths, and watching the lively atmosphere of the open kitchen creates a sense of being part of modern Waterville life. It is a great place to simply unwind and feel the rhythm of the city in a stylish and laid-back setting.

Finding The Proper Pig is easy, as the establishment is located at 14 Common Street, right in the bustling city center. Waterville is conveniently connected to Maine's major road arteries, making it easily accessible for travelers by car.

If you are traveling by car, you will appreciate the restaurant's convenient location on the main street, where there is usually plenty of parking. For precise navigation, you can use the GPS coordinates: 44.549207, -69.6291759.

Public transportation in Maine's smaller towns is somewhat limited, so the most comfortable way to get there from other parts of the city or from nearby transport hubs is by taxi or rideshare services. The pub's central position makes it easy to include in a walking tour of historic Waterville.

The story of The Proper Pig is a tale of passion for architecture and gastronomy. The restaurant was the result of a creative partnership between Fred Ouellet and Bill Mitchell. It all started when Ouellet literally fell in love with a magnificent Victorian mahogany bar that was for sale after an establishment in South Portland closed down. This piece of interior was so impressive that the chef purchased it even before the concept for the future restaurant was finalized.

The project's realization became an important part of the downtown Waterville revitalization program. City authorities supported the entrepreneurs with a low-interest loan, which allowed them to transform an old building divided into cramped offices into a spacious and bright gastronomic space. During the renovation, walls were torn down, and the legendary bar had to be shortened by a few feet to fit perfectly into the new interior.

Fred Ouellet, already well-known in the city for his work at The Last Unicorn restaurant, brought his wealth of experience and love for culinary experimentation to The Proper Pig. Every detail here—from the restored furniture to the playful drawings of a pig in a monocle on the walls—reflects the creators' desire to combine historical heritage with modern comfort and a touch of irony.

To fully enjoy the atmosphere of The Proper Pig and take your time sampling the dishes from its eclectic menu, we recommend setting aside about 1.5–2 hours. This is plenty of time for a full lunch or dinner with friends.

If you plan to not only eat but also sample several varieties of local craft beer while lingering at the famous Victorian bar, your visit might last a bit longer. In any case, this spot invites you to relax and enjoy good company at a leisurely pace.

The Proper Pig restaurant welcomes guests throughout the work week, with the exception of its own scheduled days off. The hours of operation are as follows: Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM. The restaurant is closed on Mondays and Sundays.

Please keep in mind that hours may change during holidays, so it is recommended to check the official website or call for information before your visit.

A visit to The Proper Pig can be easily combined with a stroll through the city's cultural and historical sites. The pub's central location allows you to reach Waterville's main attractions in just a few minutes.