FTS Al Fresco: The Thirsty Pig

Thirsty Pig DeckMaine has many great things going for it, but among the tops on that list is summertime. They call it ‘Vacationland’ for a reason, after all… Summer in Maine means lots of things: beaches; lobsters; lots of recreation on the mountains, lakes, and rivers; and Sea Dogs baseball, among other things. But here at FTS, one of the things we look forward to doing in summer is getting those steins filled OUTSIDE!

In our FTS Al Fresco series, we’ll take a look, throughout the summer, at some of the best spots to wet your whistle in Maine.

We’ve hit the bricks to a few different parts of the state to bring you our FTS Al Fresco series, but now it’s time to head back to Portland for a stop at The Thirsty Pig. Along with Novare Res, The Thirsty Pig is one of a few places with a legit outdoor deck in Portland’s Old Port. Squeezed in between old brick buildings nearly straight across from the entrance to the Portland Regency Hotel, the Pig’s deck is a great, relaxed atmosphere for people watching – you can get the sense of surprise when tourists walking down Market Street look up to see the deck full of people, burrowed into a small space that’s not too large, but just right.

Also just right? The Pig’s commitment to fresh, local brews and housemade sausage. Two handfuls of taps pour out some of the best beer Maine has to offer, from Bunker to Maine Beer Co. and more. Because, what goes better with sausage than beer?

Nothing. The answer is nothing.

But if something were to go nearly as good with The Thirsty Pig’s sausages, it would be their sides and toppings – bacon baked beans or slaw on the side of a link that’s topped with Maine-made Morse’s Sauerkraut or pickled onion… Or srirach aioli… Or raw onion and spicy mustard… You can’t go wrong, really. And for the veggie crowd, there’s the Vegan Sausage or Veggie Hot Dog, so fear not – there’s something for everyone at The Pig! And if you’re like your author – indecisive – you could even get the six-link sample (sharing recommended).  And all this goodness tastes even better once you hit the deck on a beautiful day – a great experience in a setting that’s perfectly urban-Maine, if you follow me.

Should this FTS Al Fresco review be insufficient, you might find yourself heading to certain review websites; on these sites, there seems to be some confusion, as to how you get your food and drink.  But it seems pretty straightforward to me:

photo 1

Follow the directions to delicious links & drinks!

The FTS Al Fresco rundown:

37 Exchange Street in Portland’s Old Port (though the deck faces the Market Street side of the building)

Hours? Mon-Thu 11AM-10PM; Fri-Sat 11AM-1AM; Sun 12N-8PM – HAPPY HOUR ALERT: Mon-Fri 4-7PM for $2.50 Shipyard drafts!

Yes, they take plastic.

Parking: Hit the streets for metered parking, or if you like a garage option, try out Pearl Street, Fore Street, or Temple Street – but bring cash.

Beer & wine to Fill Your Stein.

Vibe is casual – sausage and beer might tempt you to wear your lederhosen, but…just don’t.

The Thirsty Pig’s Social Media: Facebook & Twitter

See you outside!

mgrondin@fillthesteins.com
@matteegee

 

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