One of the finest meals we had on our trip. We went with our hosts to a local favorite of theirs…read more It was fairly close by and a stand alone restaurant that had been enlarged from just a pub years ago when it was established. Our hosts were regulars and the staff was familiar to them. The descriptions of all the highlights of the specials as well as the main menu items made them all sound delicious and I will attest, they certainly were. Their warm house baked breads with soft butter started us well. I took the prix fixe special of the night and I could not have been happier. The scallops were numerous, the specialty gazpacho so filling, I only ate half, the tagliatelle was perfect. The grilled artichokes are a fave for me. I gave the ice cream from my cinnamon roll a la mode to my husband so it worked out well for both of us. All of us loved our food and the experience. But we were so talkative, I never got pics of their meals or any of our drinks. My husband loved his beer, my cousin her wine, her husband his drink. I would certainly eat there again when in the area.

Service 10 Food 10…read moreDrink 10 Went tonight after a round of golf nearby and was not disappointed. Food and drink were excellent and the bartenders were super friendly and attentive. Will definitely recommend to others and will be back!

Such a great happy hour!! Nice outdoor seating area and outdoor bar during the summer time that we…read moresat at for happy hour. The bartender was so friendly and we had a lovely time! Food was all fantastic. Will definitely be back.

Food: 3/5 Service: 3/5…read moreAmbiance: 3.5/5 Value ($65 Easter brunch): 2.8/5 An altogether mediocre/disappointing experience at Butchers & Bakers for Easter brunch 2026. I came with my elderly parents who are of limited mobility and we were disappointed to find that patrons must descend a short flight of stairs to get to the restaurant level from street level. The host was not that friendly - after I gave him my reservation information, he showed us to our table, but did not inform us / reassure us that there would be a server coming shortly to take our drink order. We were sitting there confused for a few minutes when we didn't see any wait staff coming around to any of the tables. Finally I flagged down someone who said yes, someone would be coming by. Our server was nice. I asked her if my Dad could order a la carte off the menu because he didn't feel like getting the buffet. She said no, today was all buffet-only, sorry. That's fine, I said. But then when I walked a lap to see what was on offer, I was surprised that many items were almost finished or completely out. This includes the shrimp on ice. There were only a handful left. This was at 3:55pm. The buffet's last seating was at 5:15pm for a two hour period, so they should have refilled the shrimp but did not. The carving station was weak too. The "prime rib" was not juicy and they only offer a few small slices of steak at a time. The Easter ham was not at the carving station. The scrambled eggs were rubbery, while the eggs Benedict and salmon were also overcooked. Pasta and meatballs were watery. The desserts were not good; only a few danishes and cookies and only one cake. For $65, this was not the experience we expected. We suspected it wouldn't be as good as Avon Old Farms Hotel's Easter buffet at Seasons restaurant (which we went to a few years back), but we hoped it'd be better than what we got. We asked for a split bill, but when she brought over the copies to sign, the itemized receipt was missing. I typically like to see the itemized receipt in order to double-check the items/pricing. In the end, Butchers and Bakers seems more like a place to drink (many good beers on offer and the cocktail menu looked okay) than to eat. Not sure how much longer they'll be around if things don't improve. Which is sad because it's a decent-sized space.

Had the honor to work the opening day of the Fifa World Cup that was at the Back Nine Tavern. I…read moregave out samples of the Modelo Mexican beer along with swag for the fifa World Cup. The staff here is very friendly and helpful. I didn't get to try the food but the sandwich's look amazing and large portions. The customers that came were previously playing golf or just came in for happy hour during my hours I was there. It was a very hot day and the golfers came in after their game for a quick cold one.

Walking into Nice Back Tavern, there isn't a host stand, so you kind of have to catch the attention…read moreof a server...but once you do, they're super welcoming. We were offered a choice of sitting inside or outside, and since it was a beautiful day, we chose the patio with a great view of the golf course. Definitely a win! I started with a lemonade mojito, and wow! it was refreshing and strong. One drink in and I was already feeling it (in the best way). We shared the fried mozzarella medallions, which were crispy, cheesy, and honestly better than the usual mozzarella sticks. Their house-made marinara sauce was the perfect dip. It was rich and flavorful. I was in the mood for a grinder, so I went with the Philly cheesesteak. It was packed, delicious, and super satisfying. I've heard their pizza is a must-try, so I'm already planning my next visit to give that a shot. Service was great and our waitress was friendly, attentive, and made sure we were well taken care of throughout. Overall, a great vibe, tasty food, and strong drinks. Can't wait to come back!

You might call me a regular. Regular golfer & diner where I come here with my wife. The food is…read moregood pub food. The wings are very good. The last time there I got a 1/2 burger - oh my it was good. When I go there with my wife, we tend to split a full salad & Philly steak sandwich. The sandwich is great and the bread is very good. Then there's the staff. A big shout out to Lynn & the manager Jasmine. They're great. Sometimes they get a big rush. Deal with it. Help them. I do. Lastly is the location. This place is a gem. The building is an historic brownstone which I believe was built in the 1920's and refurbished back when they redid the course. The deck is great. On a nice warm evening this is one of my go to dinner spots. Seating is normally not an issue. Just call before you go. Sometimes they have outings and seating/serve may be limited.

I came here for a happy hour on Friday evening after reading their winter menu. The weather was…read moregreat and the bar and patio were filled. We were able to get a seat outside and enjoy the sunshine. The drink specials were great and well priced. There was also a lot of food options. The sliders were amazing and the happy hour steak dinner was fantastic! Perfectly cooked with good sides. Our servers were so busy yet the service didn't seem slow at all. I'd highly recommend a visit in!

Amazing service and great selection of food. It's a hidden gem on the highway. Prices are still…read morerestaurant prices, but honestly very reasonable for what you are getting. Would recommend if you are driving nearby

Five stars for service and accommodating our restrictions. When diners have a different way of…read moreeating it definitely gives the restaurant challenges so if they can adjust and be flexible with their menu it's a win-win. We ordered pasta - Rigatoni Rustica (with different noodles), veggie pizza no sauce, and steamed vegetables - all good for our tastes especially for the hungry. The pizza crust is fantastic, while slightly thick, the crust was crisp and balanced well with the moist upper layer. Tiramisu was very good and their bread that was soft inside that they baked fresh every single day was good too. Nice and clean ambiance - wood tables and chairs, like a modern traditional style. They have a nice loft for big parties that we would have liked to stay at.

Good Friends, Great Food, and Historic Charm!…read more The Village at Buckingham Ladies Lunch Bunch met on July 3 for our favorite monthly first-Friday tradition! We gathered at the wonderful Lisa's Crown & Hammer in Collinsville, a charming riverfront village just a few miles from our neighborhood. What a treat to meet our delightful new neighbor from Cavendish- Kendra Z! This popular restaurant and pub operates out of the historic 1850s railroad freight station of the Collins Axe Company. It sits beautifully amidst repurposed brick factory buildings that now house quaint antique shops, art galleries, and boutiques. Inside, you step back in time with a cozy, industrial-chic setting complete with exposed brick walls, timber wood beams, and a fireplace patio for the cooler months. It is the perfect place to begin or end a walk along the scenic Farmington River, utilizing the Rails-to-Trails path. ‍‍ The food from their scratch kitchen never disappoints! They focus on elevated, comfort pub grub using plenty of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. A huge shoutout to our wonderful waitress (pictured!) who gave us truly excellent service! Our Top Crown & Hammer Recommendations: * The Towering Truffle Burger or Lisa's Amazing Crown Sliders * The Vermonter - Packed with turkey, cheddar, apple slices, and bacon * Perfectly cooked Fish Tacos or a classic Reuben Sandwich * Mediterranean Salmon Salad with lemon dressing (a personal favorite!) * Crispy Cauliflower, Fried Green Tomatoes, and Truffle Parm Fries * A refreshing glass of Citizen Cider to wash it all down! Our lunch bunch is already counting down the days until we return in October to try Lisa's new fall menu in the cozy fireplace room! If you love a quintessential New England village that is walkable, historic, and brimming with charm, you have to check out this spot!

Stopped in for a bite Saturday night. Couple of chicken sandwiches. Nothing too crazy. 45…read moreminutes from time we ordered to when our food arrived. Not the end of the world. However, my wife's grilled chicken sandwich was unpalatable. Bun was hard as a rock. Chicken was dry and inedible. My crunchy chicken sandwich was fine. Emily our server was apologetic for the wait time on the food and was great. Not her fault. Don't think we will be back.

When I heard that the owners of Tunxis Grill and Pizzeria had bought the old Union Street Tavern, I…read morewas excited. I have really enjoyed the TGaP over the years, and consistently rated them 5-star worthy. So when Station 1633 (catchy name, near the train station and Windsor's settlement date) opened, I knew I had to try it. So, on a recent visit w a friend, I did. Very busy for a weeknight. We were seated and given menus. Then...nothing for over 10 minutes. Our server apologized profusely, and took our drink and food orders. Our server also said that another server would assist, and we would be tag-teamed. Food came out in a reasonable amount of time. My Station Burger was, w/o a doubt, the worst burger I've ever had at a tavern-type eatery (and I've had burgers all over the country). It's a patty on a flimsy bun that fell apart after a few bites (see pic). For the first time in memory, I had to use a knife and fork to eat a cheeseburger. No charbroiled taste, and who puts mustard on a burger? I guess I was expecting it on the side. My fault for not reading more closely. The fries? Seemed to be from a bag of frozen fries. All this for $18! Seriously, in my opinion, the burgers at BK are better. There are numerous places in the Hartford - Springfield area that serve hand-formed burgers on substantial buns w hand-cut fries, FOR LESS. Even the TGaP uses brioche buns. As far as being tag-teamed...didn't happen. We were obviously done, and waited about 15 minutes until we flagged down our server, who again apologized profusely for the wait time. Several other things. The menus are not similar. Some of the popular items at TGaP (pizza, eggplant fries, Reuben rolls, Philly rolls, to name a few) are not on Station 1633's menu. Why not?!? Even though the two eateries are less than 5 miles apart, they seem to draw from different areas, for the most part. Just as I'm sure I'm a "one and done" at Sta 1633, I'm also pretty sure that the owners will make a boatload of $$, especially on drinks. I'll stick to TGaP, or other pubs in the area. I very seldom rate something a "1", or "2". I'm making an exception in this case. Poor service, disappointing quality, inflated price. Thankfully, good company, and the excessive wait times allowed us to catch up. Grudgingly, 1 and 1/2 stars rounds to 2 in Yelp

Met friends for dinner here tonight. We started with wings, they were great! Highlight of the…read morenight! Fish tacos were good, not as much of a portion as the waitress suggested. Butter chicken was great, and our friend's regular go to dish. Caesar salad was typical. The big disappointment was my meal. I ordered off the specials menu, the clam strip platter, and it was more like fries with a sprinkle of clam strips on them. The coleslaw was also a tiny portion. (See photo). I am not sure if I got the last remaining bits but this plate was not worth the $24 or so. The building is an old fire station which goes with the motif. I think most people think "Station" refers to the train station right behind the restaurant, but the building is a former fire station!

My expectations aren't super high, but I think the "ska club," "night at the Roxbury" music playing…read more that didn't fit the vibe might have something to do w/ it. There were 6 other people at the bar, a couple in the corner & a table if 6 behind me. The manager came out to talk to the couple in the corner about their experience, which is not a great sign, but we'll see. He saw that I was writing a review & never went back in the kitchen after that, unless it was for a brief moment. He involved himself in pouring drinks & barely left my side. He made small talk & I learned that he had been open for 4 years. It was difficult for me to eat, take pictures of the food or write the review with his constant engaging presence. He was pleasant & made sure to pick up the bartenders slack. For instance, a coaster under the drinks, offering me a glass, or putting down a placemats under the food or supplying silverware, none of which she did. I ordered a Modelo, but when she grabbed it out of the cooler, i saw that it was Especial not Negra, so i asked do you have the dark? She said no & w/ out hesitation opened it, not giving me a chance to ask for something different. Not a big deal, but she seemed indifferent & with no affect. None of this is a deal breaker, just an observation. The food, that was a deal breaker. I ordered the (smoked BBQ sandwich) & opted for the brisket. It came with a side & I chose onion rings. They were pre-salted, almost too much, but they were good. No complaints there. The sandwich however was impossible to eat. The meat was very tough & stringy. It was impossible to tear, bite or cut. The roll was soft, untoasted & soggy, causing it to fall apart making a mess. I gave up, turning to fork & knife to cut what resembled a tangled bunch of hair in both in taste & texture. There was something on the meat, but it was more of a marinade than BBQ as we know it. The same goes for the cheese. I did not see any caramelized onions, but there were two jalapeños. The owner asked how the meal was & I said eh. He said only ok? so I elaborated. He said he would relay the information to the kitchen & I thanked him. After that he never came back into the dining area until after I had left. I do feel bad writing this review because he was so overly involved in my experience & he was a nice gentleman that I would like to succeed, but I do not think I would want to return there after my experience with that sandwich, especially for the price. The meal alone was bad enough. Maybe a change in staff would help, unless they were related. I felt bad writing this review because the owner made it a point to be overly engaging with me once he saw that i was writing a review, but the better way to handle things is to make sure that you guest's experience is top notch. I felt like he tried to keep me engaged, so i wouldnt be rough on him, but it is supposed to be about the customers experience, not my empathy for the friendly owner. I wish him the best of luck.

It wasn't wine that I had too much of It was a double shot…read moreof my baby's love" (The Swinging Medallions) We had a Double Shot of fun at Smoke last night when we enjoyed a Dumpling Making/Prosecco Tasting Experience followed by a terrific dinner. Shout out to Smoke's owner Rich who dreamed up the Dumpling/Prosecco Experience for a dozen regulars and social media followers. As soon as we walked in, we were greeted by Rich and a small split of Maschio Prosecco. After all the participants arrived, Rich's wife Claire and Claire's mom (the star of the show) walked us through the process of making homemade dumplings. Claire and her mom made the simple dough using just two ingredients -water and all-purpose flour. We watched our instructors mix the dough, stretch and roll into a thin rope, snap it off into small chunks, squish it into a disk, use a mini-rolling pin to flatten it out into a small circle, fill it from a pre-made bowl of Ground Beef and Cabbage, then fold and pinch it into shape. Then our dozen attendees tried their hand at replicating all of those steps. Our mother and daughter team's dumplings looked as though they came off a 3D printer- just perfect and uniform. Mine looked like rejected factory seconds. The mother didn't speak English, but I had a blast watching and copying her little tricks on folding in the corners and squeezing the wrappers together. Once the dumplings were folded and squeezed together, they went into a pot of water, and we all enjoyed them before dinner. Dinner was a real pleasure. I loved the vibe at Smoke. If you want to cool it hip and chic I won't argue. I loved all the paintings on the wall. There is a large painting of a ghostly looking, red-lipped female blowing out a puff of smoke. I told Rich what a cool painting it was, and he modestly said he had painted it. So not only is Rich a fun and engaging personality, and a talented painter, but the food at his restaurant is great. Our friend ordered a $15 Spicy Smoked Philly Cheesesteak with American Cheese, Peppers, Onions on a Grinder Roll with fries. I sampled a small slice, and it was terrific, and yeah -it was spicy. My wife ordered a $11 Shrimp and Roasted Corn Bisque served with pita chips, She loved it. I ordered a $10 Smoked Beef Brisket Chili served with tortilla chips. It was a big portion, full of flavorful chunks of beef, and packed just enough heat to make it perfect to my taste. Smoke offers a Sunday Brunch from 11-3 and a Happy Hour Mon-Sat 4pm-7pm. Their pricing is excellent, the vibe is super fun, the food is delicious, and the service from Rich and his staff is excellent. What a fun evening!