Restaurant Review

Along the strip of Main Street in Kent, CT, is the perfect place to relax, put your feet up, and get ready to dive into your studies or favorite book. Wilson’s by High Watch is a bakery and cafe that attracts readers, studiers, pastry eaters, caffeine drinkers, and everything in between. The community tables, two-seater couch, and comfy chairs in front of the fireplace make for a very homey environment that encourages plenty of community.

My friends and I walked in to find a community table available in front of the slightly open kitchen. We sat ourselves, took out our laptops, and immediately reviewed the menu. The high wood ceilings, wood floors, neutral color palette, thick white trim around the windows, relaxing music, bar-height tables, wagon wheel chandeliers, and colonial-styled candles on the wall caught my eye all at once.

I dove right in and ordered the green salad. I know, a salad. But I’m a veggie girl. What can I say? I enjoyed every bite of the mixed mesclun greens, shaved radish, cucumbers, tomatoes, and apple cider vinaigrette. I’m not typically a vinaigrette fan because they’re too sweet, but this was the perfect balance. My food hit the table super quickly and I found a place to plug in my laptop. My chair was comfy with plenty of room to hang my jacket and massive book bag.

For meat lovers, I recommend the pulled pork sandwich with blueberry BBQ sauce and pickled napa cabbage slaw on a brioche. Also, plenty of classics here like the turkey club and BLT. Sandwiches come with chips and a pickle with the option to add a brussel sprout salad on the side for $2. Interesting Brussels sprout salad—the greens are fried! This vegetable experience is a crunchy one.

Onto the best part. The baked goods! The open glass displays are saying, “Come, look at me!!” Listen up gluten-free friends because bakers had you in mind when they made this selection: macaroons (pistachio, chocolate, vanilla, brown butter chai), a chocolate brownie, a sour cherry pistachio financier, and a double chocolate cookie. No complaints here.

Regular baked goods include the blueberry crumb muffin, corn muffin, oat bar, cinnamon roll, regular croissant, chocolate croissant, and mini toffee cake. I didn’t forget about the caffeine lovers. Caffeinated beverages include cappuccinos, lattes, macchiatos, americanos, the chai latte, and classic coffee. They have Mexican coke, bottled juices, and fresh brewed iced tea, too.

I came across a Kent local; she works at The Kent School which is walking distance from Wilson’s. She likes this place for the “couches, and the almond croissant cookie. They don’t have it today, but that’s usually my go-to.” She explained that this is a popular attraction for Kent School employees. “A lot of teachers will come by to do some work once the day is over. There’s plenty of space to charge your laptops.” She jokingly observed, “They just need a teacher discount.”

There’s also incredible service here. I spoke with an employee that’s been working here for a year and a half now. He explained that Wilson’s by High Watch is run by High Watch Recovery Center. “I came out of High Watch Recovery. I’m an alumnus. [Wilson’s is a] great place to get back into the workplace without typical restaurant distractions.” Wilson’s hit the three-year mark this past August. “High Watch is the first 12-step recovery center in the world. I like working here because you get to know a lot of people. It’s a really positive place to work.”

Coming to Wilson’s means incredible baked goods, friendly staff, a community environment, a variety of warm beverages perfect for the winter, and a really straightforward menu with something for everyone. Best part? Wilson’s by High Watch truly stands for the betterment of people and a true catalyst for a successful future for everyone.

Wilson’s by High Watch Bakery & Cafe is located at 8 N. Main Street in Kent, CT, and they are open Thursday through Tuesday from 7am to 4pm! To learn more, please visit their website here or give them a call at (959) 300-0080. You can also support them on Facebook and Instagram!