A Night Out: Wilko, 943 E. University Blvd.

Although the boulevard is currently under construction, Dishae and I found ourselves roaming the barren streets in search of a spot to drink and converse. Besides an occasional visit to Fuku or the weekly Chipotle pit-stop, we try and avoid the parking fees and disappointing vibe the shops on University have delivered as of late; Wilko was the bright spot at the end of a re-constructed road of a tunnel. From the rustic accents to the brilliantly crafted menu, the gastropub serves up a quaintly fabulous dining experience at an average price.

We started things off with a couple of drinks; Dishae ordered "The Freeman," a Gin-Martini drink, and I went with a smoked whiskey sour called "The Glass Eye." First off, I absolutely despise whiskey. The bartender misinterpreted my original order of tequila sour however, I rolled with the punch.

The Glass Eye (left) & The Freeman (right)

Second, the Glass Eye was a potent yet enjoyable contradiction of the whiskey sour; a splash of Vermouth and Absinthe shook with a double serving of Bushmill's, chilled over a carved eye of ice and lemon twists to tie it all together. I can't speak for Dishae's Freeman but I know they wanted to make us keep drinking (We made the switch to brews after dinner). The food, although organic and locally grown, is simply an acute view on the traditional American pub food we're accustomed to. No condiments like ranch or BBQ here, just garlic aioli and Tabasco for spice. Our burgers were surprisingly lean and fresh; not the "Oh shit, I need to go the restroom" kind of meal.

Orange Avenue Wit (Coronado Brewing Co.) & Hemp Ale (Nectar Ale Co.)
And the lovely Dishae Sanchez.

My favorite part of Wilko wasn't the trendy drink purveying or organically riddled menu, it's the draft beer selection. Although I'm not a fan of IPA's, Dishae enjoys them frequently, and rubs the fact I'm a pussy in my face each time. I enjoy a more light, spice-infused, earthy brew. To my surprise, Wilko had one of my favorites from back in San Diego; Coronado Brewing Co's Orange Avenue Wit. A spirited beer crafted with a bold taste of orange and local spices, wonderfully mirroring the island's spirit. The dark one on the right, Nectar Ale Co's Hemp Ale, was too gnarly for me. If a stout, full-bodied ale is what you're looking for, give any of the impressive IPA's at Wilko a try.

2 entrees and 4 drinks w/tip = $60.00 ... Seriously, find a reason to go. As if a visit to the turtle pond wasn't enough persuasion for you.