Wilson's Pub

Wilson's Pub Restaurant Review:

If you owned a pub in a historic village, you'd want it to be a friendly spot, where people who wander in are instantly glad they did. State Senator Kevin Witkos and his wife, Esther, have achieved that dream in tiny Collinsville: the former axe-factory town that's now a creative community and a destination for cyclists, kayakers and yoga practitioners. Named for the late Bill Wilson, who owned the restaurant's predecessor --- long-enduring dive bar The Fireplace --- this gathering place impresses newcomers for one main reason: the food exceeds their expectations. Good prices are part of the story, too. During happy hour, you can fill up on a trio of Black Angus hot dog sliders --- one with chili, one with bacon and cheese, one nestled in kraut --- for just 5 bucks. Pair them with an intriguing craft brew. Our menu favorites include chipotle barbecue wings, shrimp Caesar salad and steak slow-roasted in Guinness topped with onions, cheddar and tangy horseradish cream sauce on a pretzel roll, served with homemade potato chips. But we'd have to pedal more miles on the Farmington River Trail to work up an appetite for the BLT Bomber: a classic BLT served between two grilled cheese sandwiches. The kitchen is surprisingly versatile, also turning out flavorful pasta dishes and entrées like grilled salmon with a honey-butter glaze. Skip dessert (selections vary) and make friends at the bar over a Moscow Mule instead. With games on TV and good company, Wilson's is Collinsville's best place to unwind.