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Blackback Pub

4.6 (378 reviews)
ModeratePubs, Wine Bars, Thai
Closed Closed
Updated 2 months ago

Blackback Pub Photos

Business Info

BLACKBACK PUB ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Moderate noise
Outdoor seating
Good for groups

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Recommended Reviews - Blackback Pub

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Reviews With Photos

Meatloaf Sandwich
David R.

Blackback Pub was awesome! Came here with a group of 4 while skiing in VT. This place has a cozy rustic vibe and I loved all the fly fishing decor. Seating is tight and it definitely gets lively during dinner, but that made the pub feel more welcoming and homey. The menu here for both drinks and food is amazing. Definitely some unique and really tasty options. I ordered the Meatloaf Sandwich and it did not disappoint. We also shared the Pub Nachos and Korean Vegetable Pancake for appetizers, both were excellent. Our server was friendly and we were really happy stopping here to eat. We'll definitely come back the next time we're in the area.

Two small restrooms
Jen W.

Good food. Good beer selection. Small space. I mean really small. The bar takes up most of the space and a few tables. There is a small area by the sidewalk outside where you can take your drink to enjoy the day. No service out there from what I could see. We sat at the bar which had a few seats available. The bartender came right over, asked if we wanted menus and took our drink order. The menu is very nice. We all found something to enjoy. The scallion pancake we shared was a hit with everyone. My buns had a lot of flavors and textures. I very much enjoyed the ginger dressing on the greens. The menu has vegetarian options. The ambiance is very chill. Two gender neutral restrooms around the end of the bar (away from the table side) are clean enough. Not stinky or anything, just not like they are expecting company. You know? Parking is on street. Staff were all good.

Chicken Skepasti Sandwich
Kim C.

Do NOT let the "Pub" reference fool you! This menu is elevated to rival most fine dining restaurants! There is nothing Pub about this place except for the fantastic beer selection. Hands down one of the best sandwiches I've had - my pics do not even do them justice. No pic included but the Korean Vegetable Pancake compares to any NY traditional Korean restaurant I have eaten at! We ate at the bar and the service was excellent. Bartender was friendly, knew everything about the menu and greeted us like we were locals. Don't miss this place!

This is a hidden gem! Amazing food and deserts. They also have an incredible beer selection of some of Vermonts finest. You won't be disappointed.

mushroom buns
Carol S.

so good ! love the atmosphere it's like stepping back in time ! greeted right away and they greet everyone as they walk in! very attentive ! food was delish! such a nice fusion menu!

Garden Salad (added chickpea patty's - not shown).  Very fresh & delicious.
Tara K.

First time eating here and everything was amazing. The atmosphere is very welcoming. The staff is all so nice and works hard to deliver amazing service. Huge selection of drinks. The garden salad was so fresh. Added chickpea pattys which were very good. The peanut noodle dish was amazing sans egg to make it vegan. My mom got the mac & cheese and raved about it. Highly recommend going here and enjoying the atmosphere and awesome food.

Regular Mac & Cheese with bacon
Jae D.

So I went in just wanting something cooked and quick to eat . I was in town to move my son in to college , so I decided on the Mac and cheese with bacon OMG!!!!! This was some of the best Mac and cheese I have ever had in my life. I couldn't finish it all but even warmed up it was amazing . Decided to go back the next day and got the grilled cheese with chips on the side with jam . Wasn't as good as the Mac and cheese but it was good . Overall the bartender was friendly and seems like a neighborhood spot , with good food . Will definitely go back if I'm town ... now I'm thinking about the Mac and cheese

Grilled cheese

My family of 4 heading north for a ski weekend. Grabbed dinner here. Everyone enjoyed their meals Beautiful upstairs room decorated for holidays. Staff very friendly

Spicy pork, broccolini on a potato croquette.
Yum+Yummer M.

Tasty food in a quaint little pub. Interesting menu choices. We had the pork belly appetizer which was quite tasty. We also had the spicy pork with a potato croquette and broccolini. I forget the name of the dish but it was a slow roasted pork with a bit of spice to it. All the food was pretty good and the service was friendly and attentive. Worth checking out.

Ariabatta
Jordan C.

This place is great!! Its classic pub ambiance meets Asian fusion flare! Basically a chef making a restaurant that includes all his favorite dishes and styles to cook food. Couldn't recommend more!!! The broccolini (not pictured) should be on everyone's order. The staff is friendly and the service was so homey and easy. Love a place that feels like home. The chef delivered our food. He happened to be the owner and we talked with him for hours about life, food, and the Vermont area. Couldn't recommend this place more!! PS - ask for the homemade honeycomb

Pub Nachos & Sticky Maple Gochujang shrimp
Matt J.

This restaurant offers everything once you walk in the door. The atmosphere is welcoming and greeted immediately! My party started off with the Pub Nachos and Sticky Maple Gochujang Shrimp. Wow the pub nachos are a must get!!! The shrimp were also incredible. This followed by BBQ Pork Sandwich which was tasty especially with their ZUCCHINI pickles sliced to perfection. Cesar salad wrap is a must get if your about that life. Chermoula Chicken Sandwich was great I unfortunately did not get this but was raved about with my party. Side note wash it all down with a Mango Cider. Oooo I almost forgot our waiter was incredible and provided us great service during our visit from STL.

Interior
Matthew L.

Blackback Pub is a craft beer bar and restaurant that opened in Waterbury, Vermont in 2009. It was founded by restaurateur Rick Binet. The little pub originally opened under the name 'Blackback Pub and Flyshop' in a one-room space that was previously a barbershop. The bar had one set of taps, a limited menu, and fishing decor and paraphernalia. In 2014, Binet was approached by couple Dave Juenker and Lynn Mason to purchase it. The couple both had backgrounds in the hospitality industry. Binet decided to move to Portland (ME) to become the owner of The King's Head (another craft beer bar) and he sold Blackback to Juenker and Mason. Over the years the couple would expand the beer and food menu, purchase the building that houses the pub and expand it so it occupies the entire ground floor and basement floor. In late 2023, the couple sold the pub to general manager Ehren Hill and chef Cory Swafford. Even though they retired from running the pub, Juenker and Mason still retain ownership of the building. I recently visited Blackback Pub while I was on a Vermont craft beer road trip. I was actually spending the night at the historic Old Stagecoach Inn and Blackback Pub (and many other popular craft beer establishments) is just a 3-minute walk from the inn. I've heard nothing but excellent things about the pub for years. After enjoying a pint and a small food plate at The Reservoir (another excellent craft beer bar right across the street), I headed to Blackback to see what they had to offer. The pub had such a chill vibe. I pulled up a seat at the bar and looked over the draught beer list. With about 30 offerings on tap, I was so impressed! There were beers from Burlington Beer, Prison City, The Alchemist, Foam Brewers, Frost Beer Works, Zero Gravity, and a whole lot from Hill Farmstead. I decided to order the latter's "Edward" (Pale Ale). Brewed with a variety of hops, dry-hopped, and then unfiltered, it was an exceptionally delicious beer. After looking over the food menu, I ordered the "Roasted Brussel Sprouts" (Brussels, maple za'atar dressing, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, chopped dates, cilantro). It was an excellent small plate to accompany my beer. I had an excellent experience at Blackback Pub and I give them my seal of approval!

Thanh T.

Our first meal in Vermont and it did not disappoint! We had a late lunch and there was plenty of seating. The nachos here were amazing! Do not skip it! We added some jerk chicken on top and it worked really well. The meatloaf sandwich was also great, I had never heard of putting a meatloaf on a sandwich before but it's an amazing idea! Amazing place for food and will for sure be back on our next visit!

Mussels and toasted focaccia.

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6 years ago

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3 years ago

Just stellar. Great food, great beer. Everything a Vermont pub should be. Try the meatloaf sandwich.

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David J.

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4 years ago

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5 years ago

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3 years ago

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3 years ago

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2 years ago

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Ehren H.

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3 years ago

Awesome local pub with great food! Very hometown vibe and worth the wait. The mussels and shishito peppers were delicious!

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David J.

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7 years ago

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3 years ago

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David J.

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3 years ago

Always tasty and well thought out dishes. Great beer selection and a fun and social staff.

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David J.

John Thank you for your support and review. We really appreciate it.

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3 years ago

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4 years ago

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7 years ago

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3 years ago

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3 years ago

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3 years ago

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3 years ago

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3 years ago

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3 years ago

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David J.

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3 years ago

Great food and service. Enjoyed the drink selection. Inviting environment. Waterbury has a lot to offer!

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David J.

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4 years ago

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2 years ago

Food was really good. The nacho appetizer was very different and just really good. Small place but seemed welcoming.

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6 years ago

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David J.

Jason We appreciate your time and review. Thank you.

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8 years ago

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3 years ago

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2 years ago

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2 years ago

Amazing food, not your typical bar food! And amazing service definitely stop by if you are in the area

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Ehren H.

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3 years ago

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Prohibition Pig - Duck fat fries

Prohibition Pig

4.1(1.2k reviews)
0.0 mi
$$

It's a good restaurant and one of the best spirit programs I have seen. Getting a flight is one of…read morethe best things you get can here and the food is pretty good. It's worth it when you can get a seat and eat there. Let me give you the reasons why I knocked it down to 4 stars: 1. Getting a table for dinner here can be difficult especially during the weekend. Yes, even when it's below freezing point. They are that popular and not being able to make a reservation doesn't help. 2. The only dish I found out off many occasions and many items is the sausages. It's a bit more grainy in texture that as off putting for me. Because it's grainy, I can imagine that this was made by hand instead of mass produced.

The food was great - easily some of the best BBQ in the area. Despite it being a busy Saturday, we…read morewere seated quickly and our food arrived timely as well. We ordered the ribs and brisket plates and split both dishes, which turned out to be a great choice. Each plate was delicious and flavorful in its own way. The brisket was cooked perfectly- tender and flaky, while the ribs were even more flavorful thanks to the BBQ sauce and fell right off the bone. At $26 and $29 per dish, we were hoping for slightly larger portions of coleslaw or sides. The interior was a bit dark, though it fit the overall vibe very well. The bar area was lively, even without a TV, which was nice to see. Overall, the atmosphere was great, and I'll likely be back when i'm in the area.

Photos
Prohibition Pig
Prohibition Pig - Brisket sandwich.

Brisket sandwich.

Prohibition Pig - Special of the day: cassoulet with smoked pork sausage and duck in a white bean stew

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Special of the day: cassoulet with smoked pork sausage and duck in a white bean stew

Prohibition Pig

Prohibition Pig

3.9(80 reviews)
0.0 mi
$$

Stopped in during a stay at a nearby campground because their outside seating was dog friendly…read more Ended up having a couple beers, ordering a pretzel and lunch, and getting a 4-pack to go.

Prohibition Pig is a BBQ restaurant and brewpub that opened in Waterbury, Vermont in March 2012. It…read morewas 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!

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Prohibition Pig - Interior of the brewery

Interior of the brewery

Prohibition Pig - Pickles

Pickles

Prohibition Pig - Inside

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Inside

Doc Ponds - Local pickled veggies and corn chowder

Doc Ponds

4.5(858 reviews)
9.7 mi
$$

Immediately upon entering we were greeted by the hostess who took our names and said the wait was…read moreabout 20 minutes. We ordered beers at the bar and were seated within 10 minutes. It was the busiest place in town for a Sunday night. The burger was cooked exactly as requested. It didn't come with fries so I ordered the barbecue chips and dip. A huge order we took home to snack on the next day. Service was fantastic and quick!

Unexpectedly great food, but some of the rudest service I've experienced in a long time…read more I stopped in recently and the kitchen absolutely delivered: everything was hot, well-seasoned, and honestly far better than I expected for a casual spot. Unfortunately, that's where the positives end. From the moment we sat down, the attitude from behind the bar set the tone in the worst way. The older woman tending bar was openly dismissive, rolled her eyes at simple questions about the menu, and made us feel like we were inconveniencing her every time we ordered a drink or asked for something basic like water or silverware. No greeting, no smile, and zero effort to be even minimally polite. At one point she dropped drinks in front of us without a word and walked away before we could even ask for what was missing. It's a shame, because the kitchen clearly cares, but the experience at the bar completely overshadowed how good the food was. If ownership ever addresses the front-of-house attitude, this could be a fantastic place, but until then, be prepared for excellent plates paired with some truly miserable service.

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Doc Ponds
Doc Ponds
Doc Ponds - Outside

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Outside

Blackback Pub - pubs - Updated May 2026

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