40 Paper — Camden, ME

Great Cocktails and Unforgettable Mussels

We dragged our bestie and her new beau out for dinner and decided on 40 Paper. Nestled in the historic Knox Woolen Mill, provides a lively, sophisticated setting for Italian-inspired dining in downtown Camden. The atmosphere itself is a major draw, offering a warm and inviting vibe that makes it a perfect spot for friends or a date night (although it was so dark we needed flashlights to read the menu, and the photos were tough to take!) However, while the service and appetizer courses were exceptional, the main dishes fell short of expectations, especially given the price point.

The highest praise of the evening belongs to our bartender, Haley, who was truly a master of her craft and incredibly attentive. Her drink suggestions were spot on. The Old Fashioned she prepared was easily one of the best we've had—perfectly balanced and expertly executed. She also recommended a wonderful Pinot Noir, ensuring we were happy with our beverages throughout the meal. As soon as we mentioned how hungry we were, she ran and grabbed us complimentary bread and olive oil (one of my favorite things that not many places do anymore! Free bread for all!) The daily Happy Hour from 4pm-6pm offers 40% off all drinks & $10 small plates, making the bar area a great option.

For appetizers, the experience was stellar. The meatballs were delicious and smothered in marinara with creamy ricotta on the side, but the true star of the entire meal was undoubtedly the mussels. They were served in a creamy, spicy sauce that was so flavorful we found ourselves savoring every drop. The perfectly toasted bread provided was ideal for dipping and soaking up that amazing sauce.

Unfortunately, the momentum shifted when the main courses arrived. Both the Chicken Marsala and the Bolognese fell short of expectations. The $36 Chicken Marsala was noticeably dry, suggesting it had spent a bit too long in the oven, and we could barely get through a couple of bites. While the accompanying polenta and carrots were good, they couldn't salvage the main protein. Similarly, the Bolognese was underwhelming, lacking the depth and richness we hoped for. We would skip both of these entrées on a future visit.

Ultimately, 40 Paper is a fantastic destination for cocktails, wine, and appetizers. The ambiance and the highly skilled bartending (specifically Haley's expertise) are the definitive highlights. Given the high prices of the main dishes, the quality of the entrées didn't quite match the required value. I would be happy to return for drinks and those incredible mussels, and a brilliant Old Fashioned!

Monday-Saturday 4:00pm - 7:30pm (Closed Sundays, major holidays)