Willys Pub & Grub — Restaurant in Meriden

I’ve been here several times as I live within walking distance and I have enjoyed the food. However, one visit I had on a Friday night 6 months ago left my friend and I very unhappy. She had been in town from the West coast and being from here she wanted a lobster roll before leaving the next day. We arrived at 8:45 and this place closes at 9, even on the weekends. But we were fine with getting everything to go. Unfortunately we were turned away because the woman behind the counter said “they had already turned everything off”…whatever that meant. As if everything couldn’t be turned back on?The place wasn’t empty, there were several other people dining there still when we walked in. I understand we got there “late” but I saw no reason why they couldn’t make our order to go with 15 minutes to spare before closing. Their priorities were very clear that serving a customer was less important than going home. If you say you’re open until 9, then be open until 9. Period. My friend was very disappointed and I was quite upset. I had no plan to return but I had family who came to visit 3 months later who wanted to try the place and they were pleased with the food as well. But I haven’t been back since and I’m not sure I will be. In the end I think we were being guided to something better as we tried a restaurant that I have been wanting to try for awhile in Wallingford and we had a great dining experience there so all was not lost. So if you are looking for some decent seafood it’s worth visiting but beware if you get there too late as they will think nothing of...

As a visitor from England, my wife and I stopped by One Eyed Willy’s Seafood Shack in Meriden, CT on a friend’s recommendation – and we’re so glad we did! From the moment we arrived, the owner and bar staff were incredibly welcoming and friendly. The service was excellent and made us feel right at home, even from across the pond. The place has a fun, quirky pirate theme that adds a great vibe – complete with a pirate statue and plenty of nautical décor that gives it loads of character.

Now, let’s talk about the food – wow! We started with an order of wings, and I can honestly say they were the best wings I’ve ever had. Perfectly crispy with just the right amount of sauce, they’re now the gold standard I’ll judge all wings by. We also shared a pizza, which was top-notch – delicious crust and generous toppings, easily ranking among the best we’ve had. Our friend, who recommended the place, ordered the clams – and they looked fantastic. He really enjoyed them, and you could tell they were fresh and full of flavor.

One of the highlights for me was the drink called the “Beach Bum” – a refreshing and smooth combo of Kona Big Wave and Mango Cart beers. It was the perfect pairing for our meal and felt like summer in a glass. 🍺☀️

The whole experience was relaxed, fun, and full of personality. We had such a great time, and without a doubt, we’ll be back again on our next visit to the USA. Huge thanks to the team at One Eyed Willy’s – you made our trip even...

AMAZINGLY DELICIOUS!!! My family and I were visiting some friends in Connecticut last week. We ate at One Eyed Willy’s on October 6,2024. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted and welcomed. The staff is very friendly & the food is just delicious! My husband had the biscuits and gravy, my kids had the catfish with grits & homemade Mac & cheese with fries, and I had a lobster bisque with a lobster roll. The portions are a good size. We had leftovers but in all honesty, we’re used to big portions and didn’t expect the portions to be that much lol. It was awesome! We ate just about every single crumb off every plate. My husband & one of my kids had a bit of leftover food only because they were both so full & I got full with poking at their plates after I finished mine because it was that good. It’s obvious that the food is made with love. We even got to taste a sample of a new menu item that will be offered in the near future. That too was delicious and we left with happy bellies. This place is kid friendly & we cannot wait to return for another visit just to eat their food. They even serve adult beverages. These Texans HIGHLY RECOMMEND this place...