Introduction

To subscribe, click here.

Want to purchase todayÔÇÖs print edition? HereÔÇÖs a map of single-copy locations.

Sign up for our daily newsletter hereBellying up with …

Teresa Wilson: More than a Bartender

On Fridays, weÔÇÖll spotlight the men and women serving up cold ones and conversation in our neck of the woods. Let us know about your favorite bartender by emailing [email protected]

Teresa Wilson is a bartender at Central Tavern in Thomasboro, but sheÔÇÖs known for so much more.

She also takes occasional shifts at T&T Tavern in Rantoul and the Wild Hare in Fisher, she has bartended at PiaÔÇÖs, Hideaway and Ice House in Champaign, she used to work at the UI and now she runs her own tax business, TLW.

She also does volunteer work, like with the Wishes on Wheels motorcycle run and the Regulators Motorcycle AssociationÔÇÖs Run for a Reason. ÔÇ£IÔÇÖm crazy, IÔÇÖm nuts, IÔÇÖm insane,ÔÇØ Wilson joked, but added, ÔÇ£ItÔÇÖs worth the pride you get.ÔÇØ

As for Central Tavern, she started her job there after moving to Thomasboro to be with her husband. She enjoys working there as an opportunity to socialize with regulars, some of whom she called her ÔÇ£adoptive moms.ÔÇØ

ÔÇ£EverybodyÔÇÖs very, very friendly. ThereÔÇÖs not the racism and people passing judgment on other people,ÔÇØ she said.

The Evolving Bar Scene

She said that while the bar wasnÔÇÖt immune to trouble, she has never seen anything get out of hand.

That could be because itÔÇÖs more expensive to go out than it used to be, so bars arenÔÇÖt as busy.

ÔÇ£The bar scene back in my 20s, 30s, 40s was so different than the bar scene now,ÔÇØ Wilson added. ÔÇ£When I was working in Champaign bars, you worked your tail off. It was constantly busy, and you ran for nine hours straight.ÔÇØ

ThatÔÇÖs one of the reasons she likes working at Central Tavern ÔÇö after a softball injury, a more peaceful workday is welcome.

Central Tavern: A Hometown Haven

The menu is straightforward, with basic mixed drinks and beer, no ÔÇ£fancy dancy umbrella drinks,ÔÇØ as Wilson called them. Her go-to beverage is a Michelob Ultra, but she also recommends a ÔÇ£Cinnamon Toast CrunchÔÇØ shot made of Fireball and Rumchata.

She says Central Tavern is the place to go for its hometown feel. Customers stop in off U.S. 45 on their way to various small towns in the area, earning the bar its slogan, ÔÇ£ItÔÇÖs always on the way home.ÔÇØ

Conclusion

ÔÇ£ItÔÇÖs small town, lowkey, fun, very hospitable and a good time,ÔÇØ Wilson said.